PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Birders will have an opportunity to mingle, observe and discuss the many species of birds calling Aroostook State Park home during the fourth annual Birding Festival on Saturday, June 23.
Known as “Maine’s First State Park” having been established in 1935, the venue is the perfect location to witness a variety of nature’s feathered creatures. This year, the popular birding festival is celebrating International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), which is dedicated to connecting people to bird conservation.
Once again this year, Park Manager Scott Thompson will be on hand to greet park visitors, serving as tour guide as bird watchers explore the many spots birds are known to frequent.
“Our Birding Festival is for anyone who enjoys nature and being outdoors and wants to expand their knowledge of birding,” said Thompson. “There will be opportunities for experienced birders to add to their life lists and fun activities for new birders, plus it’s a great family event.”
IMBD, now in its 20th year, is sponsored by the nonprofit group, Environment for the Americas. The organization provides information and materials about birds, bird conservation and bird education from Canada to South America. IMBD highlights and celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Whether you’re a beginning bird watcher or an experienced birder, organizers note the event offers “something for everyone.” As in years past, this year’s festival offers a variety of workshops and activities such as: hourly guided bird walks, live bird displays, bird netting and banding, and presentations by wildlife biologists.
“Early birds” can catch the first scheduled walk of the day at 6 a.m., followed by regular walks along the shoreline and through wooded trails winding up into the park. More than 40 different birds were recorded at last year’s festival; organizers hope to have similar luck this year.
“It’s not unusual to find as many as 100 different species of birds in the park, including woodpeckers, songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl,” noted Thompson. “One year, we even saw a female hummingbird sitting on her nest.”
Volunteers from the Arthur Howell Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Amity will be on hand after 9:30 a.m. with live birds of prey. At 10 a.m., Wildlife Biologist Charlie Todd of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will offer a presentation on the U.S.’s national bird, bald eagles.
Maury Mills, biologist at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Calais, will speak at 11 a.m. about the life and habits of American woodcock in Maine. Members of the Aroostook Birders bird-watching club will also be on hand to assist with walks and demonstrations.
Festival participants are eligible to win various door prizes. Park visitors are advised to dress appropriately and bring personal birding equipment, such as binoculars and books, as well as sun screen and insect repellent. Several binoculars will be available for use through a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Billed as Maine’s northern-most birding event, the festival is open to all who want to learn more about birds. Festivities get under way early, beginning at 6 a.m., and continue through 1 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children 5-11, with all others free. Coffee, hot chocolate and water will be available, with lunch available for a small donation. The event is scheduled to take place, rain or shine.
For more information, call the park office at 768-8341 or for notice of cancellation if the weather is severe, or visit www.maine.gov/aroostook.
