Aroostook bird watchers form club

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
    Individuals interested in observing their feathered friends now have like-minded people to gather with, thanks to a newly-formed club, Aroostook Birders.
    “Just in time for spring bird migration, a newly-formed club will give birders a way to connect with others who share a passion for watching wild birds. Aroostook Birders invites all with an interest to attend its first official meeting on Thursday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Aroostook State Park front entrance lodge,” said Sue Pinette, publicity chair for the organization.
    Pinette said through meetings, field trips and special events, organizers hope to involve area birders — beginners as well as experienced — in this fledgling organization.
    According to Club President Bill Sheehan, “We’d like this to be a way for people of all ages and ability levels to get together and share the enjoyment of observing and learning about birds. We plan to hold regular bird walks and field trips to many of the best birding spots in the surrounding area, plus offer educational programs and special birding-focused events like the Christmas Bird Count and the Aroostook State Park-sponsored Aroostook Birding Festival.”
    The club’s first field trip will be a Saturday morning excursion on April 23 to visit waterfowl sites along the Aroostook River in Fort Fairfield. Focus of the April 14 meeting will be a program on waterfowl identification to help prepare members for birds seen on the trip.
    For more information, contact Pinette at 764-1801.