Presque Isle, Maine - On Saturday, June 8, Aroostook State Park will host a day that's "all about the birds." For the fifth straight year, the Aroostook State Park Birding Festival will offer walks, displays, demonstrations, and educational programs from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. - all part of what organizers describe as "bird immersion" for those wanting to learn more about birds.
"It's for anyone who enjoys nature and being outdoors and wants to expand their knowledge of birding," said Park Manager Scott Thompson. "There will be opportunities for beginners to learn some birding basics, and also for experienced birders who want to add to their life lists. Plus it's a great family event."
Governor Paul R. LePage and his Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb expressed support for the event and Maine's unique State Parks. "Events like this one contribute to the growing interest in the Maine outdoors. There are many new resources and opportunities for families to explore Maine this season. These include the addition of Geocaching and later a Coastal Resource Guide," said Governor LePage. Commissioner Whitcomb was equally enthusiastic: "Our park employees and volunteers are passionate about the parks they serve and are committed to ensuring that our visitors go home with lifelong memories," said Whitcomb.
This year's festival will feature activities such as guided bird walks, bird netting and banding demonstrations, hands-on use of spotting scopes and optics, as well as a talk on Maine's wild turkeys and a live-bird presentation, "Owls of Maine."
Early risers can catch the first guided bird walk of the day at 6 a.m., followed by 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. walks with members of Aroostook Birders bird watching club along the shoreline and through wooded trails in the park. Typically, around 40 different birds have been recorded throughout the day at past festivals. According to Thompson, as many as 100 different species of birds such as woodpeckers, songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl inhabit or pass through Aroostook State Park in a given year. A pair of Bald Eagles has taken up residence again at the park.
Beginning at 8 a.m., Dr. Jason Johnston, Wildlife Ecology Professor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle will have mist nets set up and offer ongoing demonstrations on how researchers capture and band songbirds. At 9:30 a.m., the topic is "About Wild Turkeys," a talk by Regional Wildlife Biologist Rich Hoppe of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife describing the biology of these amazing birds and their presence here in northern Maine. At 11 a.m., educators from Maine's Chewonki Foundation will bring "Owls of Maine" to the festival - an opportunity for kids and others to handle real wings, skulls, feathers and feet, and to have a close-up view of a number of different live owls. This special presentation is sponsored by Aroostook Birders in memory of friend and fellow club member Kathy Braeuninger (Hunter).
A nominal fee is charged for entrance to the park; $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 5-11, all others free. Those who attend are eligible to win various door prizes. Participants are advised to dress appropriately and bring personal birding equipment such as binoculars, books, as well as sun screen and insect repellent. Several binoculars will be available for use through a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.
The Aroostook Birding Festival is a rain or shine event. Contact the park office at 768-8341 for further information or notice of cancellation if the weather is severe.
No comments:
Post a Comment