CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > Hog & Monhegan Is. Ornithology

Hog & Monhegan Is. Ornithology

September 8-12, 2005

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Coastal Ornithology, Landscapes, and Habitats

September 08-12, 2005
Hog and Monhegan Islands, Maine
Stephen W. Kress

This late-summer getaway combines the wonderful landscapes of two of coastal Maine's most famous islands�Hog and Monhegan�with delightful accommodations, good company, and terrific opportunities for observing birds, their habitats, and the fall migrations. Led by long-time CAU favorite Stephen W. Kress, ornithologist and research associate at Cornell's Lab of Ornithology and director of Project Puffin, one of the best-known conservation success stories in the Northeast, we'll devote four days to exploration, discovery, and lively discussion of all that we encounter.

We'll begin on Hog Island, a 333-acre wildlife sanctuary in Muscongus Bay, just off the Maine coast near Boothbay Harbor. Covered by a mature, spruce-fir forest, this Audubon-protected island is the site of the Audubon Camp in Maine (where we'll be staying), which was made famous by birding greats Roger Tory Peterson and Allan Cruickshank. Housing at the camp is in private rooms with adjacent bathrooms in turn-of-the-century lodging; gourmet meals are served by renowned chef Janii Laberge in the Bridge, a restored nineteenth-century farmhouse.

After a thorough exploration of Hog Island (including nearby islets in Muscongus Bay), we'll head eight miles south (by ferry) to Monhegan Island. From our very pleasant digs at Monhegan's historic Island Inn, we'll hike along trails and ocean cliffs in search of the migrating raptors and land birds that use the island as a perfect stopover. At every site along the way, Steve will help us better observe habitats and their inhabitants and better understand the biology and ecology of Maine's seabirds, the structure and patterns of the fall migrations, and the ecology and climate of the stopping points so important to them.

The program fee (per-person, double-occupancy) of $1,375 includes all lodging and meals, transportation between the mainland and both islands, all site visits, taxes, gratuities, escort services, and the full educational program. The supplement for single occupancy is $200. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Bremen, Maine (our gathering point for the transfer to Hog Island), located about seventy miles north of Portland.

This is not a strenuous program, but you must be able to walk a mile or more, remain on your feet for extended periods, navigate occasionally wet, hilly, rocky terrain, and climb steps. We expect the weather to be mild, but be prepared for a shower or a chilly breeze.