BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Schoodic Institute - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Schoodic Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Schoodic Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20280312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20281105T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240827 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240901 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20231102T114839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240813T134150Z UID:10226-1724716800-1725148799@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:2024 Maine’s Bold Coast: Schoodic to Head Harbor Passage DESCRIPTION:Thank you for your interest! We are currently at capacity for this event.\nFor more information on our 2024 bird tours\, please click here. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for this tour\, please contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org. \nMaine’s Downeast region is ideal for exploring the quieter reaches of Acadia National Park\, spruce-bordered rocky headlands\, nearby blueberry barrens\, and diverse hotspots on the preserved lands of coastal Washington County. Join Schoodic Institute’s bird ecology director Seth Benz on this exciting bird tour and experience the excellent birding Downeast Maine has to offer! \nThis program begins at 2:00pm in Bangor\, ME (or you may opt to drive to Schoodic Institute for a 3pm check-in and 4pm tour start). We will meet at Rockefeller Hall on the Schoodic Institute campus (9 Atterbury Circle\, Winter Harbor\, ME 04693) for introductions and a tour of the institute campus. We’ll spend two nights at Schoodic Institute in Acadia National Park and two nights at Eastland Motel in Lubec; Maine’s easternmost town. From each lodge\, day trips will investigate nearby intertidal areas flooded with migrating shorebirds and wood edges peppered with restless flocks of southbound warblers. We’ll also venture offshore for pelagic birds and whales into Head Harbor Passage\, a deep-water channel between Canada and the United States. \nWe are offering van transportation from Bangor (Odlin Road Park & Ride parking area is very near the Bangor Airport). We will pick you up at the airport OR participants may provide their own ground transportation to and from Schoodic Institute. All participants must be prepared to wear a facial mask that covers nose and mouth during all van travel. Changes to the status of COVID-19 precautions are monitored closely by Schoodic Institute and are subject to the guidance of the Maine CDC (and U.S. CDC). We will adjust accordingly. \nParticipants should bring binoculars. A camera (optional) can be fun as all tours are fairly scenic. Spotting scopes are useful but optional and your guide will provide one for group use\, as well as guidebooks. None of the tours require strenuous hiking. Birding will be slow moving and on level ground. There may be some spots that are muddy\, uneven\, and slippery\, but large boots are unnecessary. The boat tour can be cold and damp. Bring appropriate clothing. Price per participant is $1\,650.00 – please register below. \nSample Itinerary: \nDay 1: The tour begins in Bangor\, Maine at 2pm (transportation pick-up available)\, OR on the Schoodic Institute campus at 3pm as the group convenes at 4pm for this 5-day\, 4-night tour. Check-in and orientation is at Rockefeller Hall. We have an introductory reception beginning at 4pm. Dinner is at 6pm in Schooner Commons. Following dinner\, we will have an evening presentation to get acquainted with the history and ecology of the region. \nDay 2: We’ll start with an optional bird walk before breakfast. Breakfast is from 7am – 8am. We’ll then spend the day afield to survey birding hotspots in Acadia National Park and vicinity. We’ll return for an hour of leisure prior to a Lobster Dinner in the dining hall of Schoodic Institute. After dinner discussion will focus on events of the day and research and education work of the institute. \nDay 3: Following breakfast\, we’ll transition from the Schoodic Peninsula by birding our way to Lubec\, arriving by late afternoon. Along the way\, we’ll visit Roque Bluffs State Park and another birding hotspot or two. Dinner will be at a local eatery in Lubec. After dinner we’ll do a checklist review and preparation for the next day’s adventure. \nDay 4: The focus today is a boat trip out of Eastport into Head Harbor Passage which lies between the U.S. and Canada – with a tide so strong that the world’s second largest whirlpool\, “The Old Sow\,” swirls in the middle. So much sea life congregates in this channel that minke whales are usually sighted from land. The channel fills with Bonaparte’s Gulls\, Black-legged Kittiwakes\, Common Eiders\, Black Guillemots\, and Razorbills\, feeding off mackerel and herring offshore. \nDay 5: The last day’s itinerary is the leader’s choice\, giving us a good portion of the day to make up for any bad weather or missed opportunities along the route from Lubec back toward Schoodic/Bangor. The tour ends at 2pm in Bangor. \nA species list from a previous Winged Migration tour is available upon request.  \n  URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/2024-maines-bold-coast-schoodic-to-head-harbor-passage/ LOCATION:Schoodic Institute\, 9 Atterbury Circle\, Winter Harbor\, ME\, 04693\, United States CATEGORIES:Birding Tours,Puffins of Petit Manan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MAINES-Bold-Coast-web-banner-final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20240709T161821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T161821Z UID:11773-1726045200-1726070400@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:Demonstration Day: Bird Carving with Wendell Gilley Museum DESCRIPTION:See how it’s done! Watch birds emerge from a block of basswood when Juliana Ramirez – staff artist at the Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor – is a special guest at Schoodic Institute on September 11. She’ll be there from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm each of those days doing hands-on bird carving demonstrations outside of the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall on Schoodic Institute’s campus. \nVisit with Juliana\, and pick up a carving knife yourself – there is no charge to give it a try! Then visit the display of bird carvings from the Wendell Gilley Museum inside the Welcome Center. \nJuliana is a seabird field biologist\, working for the last several years with the Seabird Institute/Project Puffin. She is also a working artist who specializes in green (non-toxic) printmaking and bird carving. She teaches both of these topics at the Gilley\, along with beehouse making and wood burning. URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/demonstration-day-bird-carving-with-wendell-gilley-museum-6/ LOCATION:Rockefeller Hall\, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National park\, 9 Atterbury Circle\, Winter Harbor\, ME\, 04693\, United States CATEGORIES:Art Workshops,Birding Tours,Community,Family ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bird-Carving-2024.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250520 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250524 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20241219T015616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T172450Z UID:12523-1747699200-1748044799@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:2025 Spring Birds of Acadia with Puffin Cruise DESCRIPTION:Thank you for your interest! This event is reached max capacity.\nFor more information on our 2025 bird tours\, please click here. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for this tour\, please contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org. \nSchoodic Institute’s Seth Benz is joined by Holly Merker\, author of Ornitherapy\, to lead this leisurely tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds\, especially those that frequent or pass through Acadia National Park and its immediate surroundings. \nWe’ll move at a leisurely pace while learning about bird song and sight identification\, bird habitats and behavior\, and we’ll pay extra attention to enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. The entire tour will be based out of Schoodic Institute\, a research and learning center\, ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point\, a migration checkpoint that tallies tens of thousands of passing birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by birdsong – Hermit Thrush\, Winter Wren\, and Magnolia Warbler. Blue-headed vireos and Northern Parula warblers often serenade you as you walk to Schooner Commons\, the Institute’s dining hall. Maine has a way of spoiling birders – and this spring tour is designed to do just that. \nRegistration is required. The program cost is $1\,285 per participant. Space is limited so register quickly! \nDay 1: Check-in is at 3pm. “Spring Birds” begins on the Schoodic Institute campus at 4:30pm with introductions and orientation. The late afternoon will feature the start of field birding. A reception will precede dinner. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. An evening presentation on puffin restoration efforts will follow dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s special boat trip to an active seabird colony. \nDay 2: An optional morning bird walk on campus – think warblers – before breakfast! Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 8:00am in Schooner Commons. We’ll then pack for a day afield and travel 40 minutes or so to the boat launch in Steuben for a 2-hour cruise to Petit Manan Island. This is our best chance to see Atlantic puffin\, razorbill\, common murre\, and several tern species as we circumnavigate the island\, one of just 5 islands in Maine inhabited by Atlantic puffin\, thanks to restoration efforts. Seals and other wildlife are also possible. After lunch\, which will be a field lunch at a bird-rich picnic spot\, we’ll then inspect some nearby Blueberry barrens habitat to look for an assortment of birds\, including upland sandpiper\, vesper sparrow\, and American kestrel. Of course\, there will be other birds to see along the way. An evening discussion on the day’s experience\, identification tips and review\, and how to get the most out of eBird use will follow dinner (6:00pm – 7:00pm). \nDay 3: Optional campus bird walk before breakfast. We’ll then spend the day investigating hotspots on the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park as well as the nearby villages of Prospect Harbor and Corea with good prospects for finding spruce grouse. Lunch will be in the field (carefully packed in a cooler along with water). We’ll return to campus by 5:00pm for leisure time before the 6:00pm dinner. Dinner this last night together is your choice of lobster or a delicious alternative. Afterward\, we’ll sum up the day and complete a checklist review. \nDay 4: Optional before-breakfast bird walk. After breakfast\, we’ll have the option of a culminating stroll to Schoodic Point. Checkout is at 10:00am. \nPrice of $1\,285.00 is based upon double occupancy. Lodging upgrade options possible while available. To register\, contact Michelle Pinkham at (207)288-1356 or fill out the form below. \nPrice includes lodging and meals\, van travel\, boat fare\, and guiding fees. Not included in price: airfare\, trip insurance\, alcohol beverages not offered by host\, gas stop snacks\, and gratuities. An Acadia National Park pass may be necessary if you will be traveling in the park in your own vehicle while not on this tour. These will be available to purchase at check-in or while on campus for $35. \nTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS \n\nYou can drive directly to Schoodic Institute\nPick up in Bangor\, Maine at either the airport (at 2 pm) or\nPick up at Odlin Road Park & Ride (at 2 pm) near the airport (this is a safe\, patrolled parking lot). URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/2025-spring-birds-of-acadia-with-puffin-cruise/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Spring-Birds-2024.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250715 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250719 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20250311T165416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T172359Z UID:12843-1752537600-1752883199@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:Acadia’s Puffins\, Peregrines\, and Loons with Schoodic Institute DESCRIPTION:Thank you for your interest! This event is reached max capacity.\nFor more information on our 2025 bird tours\, please click here. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for this tour\, please contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org. \nSchoodic Institute’s Seth Benz will lead this leisurely tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds\, especially those that nest in Acadia National Park or its immediate surroundings. \nWe’ll move at a leisurely pace while learning about sight identification\, bird habitats and behavior\, and we’ll pay extra attention to enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. The entire tour will be based out of Schoodic Institute\, ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point\, a migration checkpoint that tallies tens of thousands of passing birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by birdsong – Hermit Thrush\, Winter Wren\, and Magnolia Warbler. Blue-headed vireos and Northern Parula warblers often serenade you as you walk to Schooner Commons\, the Institute’s dining hall. Maine has a way of spoiling birders – and this mid-July tour is designed to do just that. \nRegistration is required. The program cost is $1\,295 per participant. Space is limited so register quickly! \nDay 1: Check-in is at 3pm. “Acadia’s Puffins\, Peregrines\, and Loons begins on the Schoodic Institute campus at 4:30pm with introductions and orientation. This late afternoon will feature the start of field birding. A reception will precede dinner. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. An evening presentation on puffin restoration efforts will follow dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s special boat trip to an active seabird colony. \nDay 2: An optional morning bird walk on campus – think warblers – before breakfast! Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 8:00am in Schooner Commons. We’ll then pack for a day afield and travel 40 minutes or so to the boat launch in Steuben for a 2-hour cruise to Petit Manan Island. This is our best chance to see Atlantic puffin\, razorbill\, common murre\, and several tern species as we circumnavigate the island\, one of just 5 islands in Maine inhabited by Atlantic puffin\, thanks to restoration efforts. Seals and other wildlife are also possible. After lunch\, which will be a field lunch at a bird-rich picnic spot\, we’ll then inspect some nearby Blueberry barrens habitat to look for an assortment of birds\, including upland sandpiper\, vesper sparrow\, and American kestrel. Of course\, there will be other birds to see along the way. An evening discussion on the day’s experience\, identification tips and review\, and how to get the most out of eBird use will follow dinner (6:00pm – 7:00pm). \nDay 3: Optional campus bird walk before breakfast. We’ll visit a loon sanctuary with the possibility of seeing a recently hatched loon chick or two. We’ll also visit a Peregrine Falcon eyrie site.  Lunch will be in the field (carefully packed in a cooler along with water). The Cadillac Mountain Summit is included.  We’ll return to campus by 5:00pm for leisure time before the 6:00pm dinner. Dinner this last night features your choice of lobster or a delicious alternative. Afterward\, we’ll sum up the day and complete a checklist review. \nDay 4: Optional before-breakfast bird walk. After breakfast\, we’ll have the option of a culminating stroll to Schoodic Point. Checkout is at 10:00am. \nPrice of $1\,295.00 is based upon double occupancy. Lodging upgrade options possible while available. To register\, contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 or fill out the form below. \nPrice includes lodging and meals\, van travel\, boat fare\, and guiding fees. Not included in price: airfare\, trip insurance\, alcohol beverages not offered by host\, gas stop snacks\, and gratuities. An Acadia National Park pass may be necessary if you will be traveling in the park in your own vehicle while not on this tour. These will be available to purchase at check-in or while on campus for $35. \nTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS \n\nYou can drive directly to Schoodic Institute\nGet picked up in Bangor\, Maine at either the airport (at 2 pm)\, or\nPick up at Odlin Road Park & Ride (at 2 pm) near the airport (this is a safe\, patrolled parking lot).\nWe’ll return you to Bangor by 12pm noon on Day 4. If you are making a plane reservation\, please plan your departure after 2pm. URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/acadias-puffins-peregrines-and-loons-with-schoodic-institute/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours,Community,MeetAtSchoodic,Puffins of Petit Manan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/206-Acadias-Peregrines-Puffins-and-Loons-New-Tour-Final.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250906 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250920 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20250313T142336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T143530Z UID:12856-1757116800-1758326399@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:Northern Ecuador Bird Tour with Sabrewing Nature Tours DESCRIPTION:Ecuador has long been considered one of the best birding destinations in the world\, and once you’re there\, you’ll understand why! On this exciting tour\, we’ll visit a wide variety of habitats as we travel from elevations of 14\,000 feet at Papallacta Pass down to 1\,000 feet at Silanche Reserve. \nOur tour will start in the famous Mindo area at Septimo Paraiso. From here\, we will explore the many birding hotspots of the region including Silanche Reserve\, Refugio Paz de las Aves where Angel Paz will feed his famous antpittas\, Tandayapa Pass\, and more! Highlights during this part of the tour could include Andean Cock-of-the-Rock\, Giant\, Moustached\, and Yellow-bellied Antpittas\, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan\, Toucan Barbet\, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis\, Rufous-winged\, Blue-whiskered\, Scarlet-browed\, Gray-and-gold\, and Tawny-crested Tanagers\, Oilbird\, and many more. \nOnce we are finished in the Mindo area\, we will move to the Eastern slope of the Andes on the other side of Quito. Here we will visit three lodges\, Guango\, Cabañas San Isidro\, and Wildsumaco. These lodges are located at a variety of elevations which will mean each time we change lodges we will see a host of new species. Highlights on this part of the trip could include Sword-billed Hummingbird\, Torrent Duck\, White-capped Dipper\, San Isidro Owl\, Golden-collared Toucanet\, Golden-collared Honeycreeper\, White-capped\, Saffron-crowned\, Golden-naped\, Beryl-spangled\, Blue-and-black\, Magpie\, White-lined\, Silver-beaked\, Blue-browed\, Orange-eared\, Spotted\, Yellow-bellied and Golden-eared Tanagers\, and much more. \nAll of these wonderful lodges provide great accommodations and amazing food. Previously on this itinerary\, we have seen over 500 species including 60+ hummingbirds! \nFor more information and to register\, please click here. URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/northern-ecuador-bird-tour-with-sabrewing-nature-tours/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/207-Sabrewing-Ecuador.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T120000 DTSTAMP:20260405T161321 CREATED:20251121T162821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T180836Z UID:13790-1768636800-1768651200@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:2026 Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure DESCRIPTION:Discover winter birds on the Schoodic Peninsula!\n\n\n\n\nEmbrace the magic of winter on the Schoodic Peninsula with a free\, self-guided birding adventure open to all ages and experience-levels on Saturday\, January 17th from 8am to 12pm. \nThis event is a great way to explore Acadia’s winter wildlife at your own pace. Meet us at Schoodic Institute’s Gatehouse for warm drinks\, snacks\, and fun activities before walking the loop road to the point. \n\n\n\nMeet Gillian\, Abby\, and Julia—our 2025 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellows\nBorrow binoculars and explore bird ID guides\nPlay games to learn more about birding\n\nThen\, set out to discover the region’s winter birds at your own pace! Located at the entrance to Schoodic Institute’s campus in Winter Harbor\, ME\, swing by the gatehouse first to meet the team\, enjoy refreshments and games\, then explore the area. \n\n\nAll ages and experience levels are welcome—beginners encouraged! \n\n\nPlease note: heated and accessible bathrooms will be located at the gatehouse. Parking on the Schoodic Institute campus can be found near Rockefeller Hall and at the North Lot (there will be directional signs to help point you in the right direction). If you have mobility issues\, there will be parking spots available near the gatehouse. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Please reach out to Gillian Audier at gaudier@schoodicinstitute.com. URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/2026-schoodic-winter-birding-adventure/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours,Citizen Science,Community,MeetAtSchoodic ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schoodic-Winter-Birding-Adventure.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260519 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260523 DTSTAMP:20260405T161322 CREATED:20260106T002122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T171316Z UID:13897-1779148800-1779494399@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:2026 Spring Birds of Acadia with Private Puffin Cruise DESCRIPTION:Only One Spot Remaining! \nSchoodic Institute’s Seth Benz is joined by Holly Merker\, founder of the Mindful Birding Network\, to lead this leisurely tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds. \nBe among the first to see and hear colorful wood warblers returning to Maine’s Acadia National Park\, and enjoy a private\, chartered boat trip to Petit Manan Island to see an active Atlantic Puffin colony. \nWe’ll move at a comfortable pace with an emphasis on enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. The tour is based out of Schoodic Institute\, a research and learning center\, ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point\, a migration passage that tallies tens of thousands of birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by the birdsong.  Listen for Swainson’s Thrush\, Blue-headed Vireo and Northern Parula to serenade your walk to the Institute’s dining hall. Maine has a way of spoiling birders – and Schoodic Institute’s Spring Birds of Acadia tour is designed to do just that! \nRegistration is required. The program cost is $1\,385 per participant. Space is limited so register quickly! \nDay 1: Check-in is at 3 pm. “Spring Birds” begins on the Schoodic Institute campus at 4:30 pm with introductions and orientation. The late afternoon will feature the start of field birding and a reception before dinner. Dinner is from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. An evening presentation on puffin restoration efforts provides preparation for tomorrow’s special boat trip to an active seabird colony. \nDay 2: Begins with an optional morning bird walk on campus before breakfast – think warblers! Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 8:00am in Schooner Commons. We’ll then head off campus for a day afield.  First\, traveling 40 minutes or so to the boat launch in Steuben for a 2-hour cruise to Petit Manan Island. This is our best chance to see Atlantic Puffin\, Razorbill\, Common Murre\, and several tern species as we idle at the island\, one of just 5 islands in Maine inhabited by Atlantic Puffin\, thanks to historic restoration efforts. Seals and other wildlife are also possible. We’ll enjoy a field lunch at a picturesque community garden and bird-rich picnic spot\, then travel to nearby blueberry barrens to look for an assortment of birds\, including Upland Sandpiper\, Vesper Sparrow\, and Northern Harrier. We may stop for other birds we spot along the way. The after-dinner evening discussion will revolve around this day’s experience\, and we’ll look at how to use eBird\, Merlin\, and how to develop one’s birdwatching toolkit. \nDay 3: Optional campus bird walk before breakfast. Afterward\, we’ll spend the day investigating hotspots on the Schoodic side of Acadia National Park as well as other Downeast locations. We’ll return to campus by 5:00 pm for leisure time before our 6:00 pm dinner. Dinner this last night is your choice of lobster or a delicious alternative. Following dinner\, we’ll review the day and complete a checklist review.  \nDay 4: Starts with another optional before-breakfast bird walk. After breakfast\, we’ll exercise the option of a culminating stroll to Schoodic Point or a short hike to a lookout along the Sundew Trail. Checkout is at 10:00 am. \nPrice of $1\,385.00 is based upon double occupancy. Lodging upgrade options possible while available. To register\, contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 or fill out the form below. \nPrice includes lodging and meals\, van travel\, boat fare\, and guiding fees. Not included in price: airfare\, trip insurance\, alcohol beverages not offered by host\, gas stop snacks\, and gratuities. An Acadia National Park pass may be necessary if you will be traveling in the park in your own vehicle while not on this tour. The park pass will be available to purchase at check-in or while on campus (approximate fee is $35). \nTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS \n\nYou can drive directly to Schoodic Institute\nPick up in Bangor\, Maine at either the airport (at 2 pm) or\nPick up at Odlin Road Park & Ride (at 2 pm)\, free\, patrolled parking lot about 1 mile from the airport.\n\n\n\n \n \n 2026 Spring Birds of Acadia\n \n \n RegistrationSpring Birds of Acadia with Puffin Cruise(Required)May 19-22\, with guides Seth Benz and Holly Merker. Lodging\, meals\, van travel\, boat and guiding fees included for $1\,385.00 per person. How many participants are you registering?\n \n \n 1\n \n \n \n 2\n Participant InformationName(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Phone(Required)Email(Required)\n \n RoommateLodging assignments are based on guests sleeping in a private bedroom in a shared apartment. There will be no more than one roommate of the same gender assigned to your lodging. If you know someone else attending you may list them\, otherwise one will be assigned. Private accommodations may be available for an additional charge. Please call Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 to check availability and pricing.Dietary Preference(Required)Please choose one. You will be given the opportunity to relay any allergies and/or preferences on the following question.\n \n \n Meat\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Lobster Dinner(Required)\n \n \n Lobster\n \n \n \n Chicken\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Allergies/Dietary RestrictionsPlease inform us of any allergies or restrictions you may have regarding your diet.Medications(Required)Please list any medications you are presently taking. You may write n/a if none are takenMedical(Required)Do you have any medical conditions that we should know about? (i.e.\, heart condition\, allergies\, asthma\, back injuries\, recent surgery\, diabetes\, pregnancy) You may write N/A if there are none.Emergency Contact(Required)Please list the first and last name of someone not on this tour with you.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)Emergency ContactEmail(Required)Emergency Contact\n \n Second Participant InformationPlease complete the following information for the second participant.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Address\n \n Check here if address is different than the first participant.\n Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Phone(Required)Email(Required)\n \n Dietary Preference(Required)Please choose one. You will be given the opportunity to relay any allergies and/or preferences on the following question.\n \n \n Meat\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Lobster Dinner(Required)\n \n \n Lobster\n \n \n \n Chicken\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Allergies/Dietary RestrictionsPlease inform us of any allergies or restrictions you may have regarding your diet.Medications(Required)Please list any medications you are presently taking. You may write N/A if none are takenMedical(Required)Do you have any medical conditions that we should know about? (i.e.\, heart condition\, allergies\, asthma\, back injuries\, recent surgery\, diabetes\, pregnancy) You may write N/A if there are none.Emergency Contacts\n \n Check here if your emergency contact person is the same person listed for first participant.\n Emergency Contact(Required)Please list the first and last name of someone not on this tour with you.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)Emergency ContactEmail(Required)Emergency Contact\n \n Total\n \n Billing InformationCoupon Credit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Billing Address\n \n Check here if your billing address is different than listed above.\n Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Additional InformationNewsletter(Required)Would you like to sign up to receive monthly updates about what is going on at Schoodic Institute?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\, thank you\n \n \n \n I am already signed up!\n How did you find out about this event?(Required)\n \n \n Monthly eNews\n \n \n \n Website\n \n \n \n Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn\n \n \n \n Friends / family\n \n \n \n Email\n \n \n \n Partner Organization\n \n \n \n Other\n Would you like to make a donation to Schoodic Institute?\n \n Yes\n Donation amount\n \n Consent(Required) I agree to the terms and conditions listed below.To reserve your space on this tour\, payment in full is required. There will be a minimum $100 cancellation fee.\nSchoodic Institute understands how disappointing it can be for our guests who need to cancel their trip. Please read the cancellation policy outlined below. By completing your payment\, confirming your reservation and signing below\, you agree to the terms and conditions stated regarding cancellation due to any reason.\nIf a participant cancels for any reason we will use the following refund policy:\n• A $100 cancellation fee will be held for cancellation that is received at least 31 days before the start of a registered tour. \n• 50% of your total payment will be refunded if cancelled 30 days before the start of your registered tour\, unless we are able to fill your space\, and the tour is full.\n• 20% of your total payment will be refunded if cancelled within 14 days before start of registered tour\, unless we are able to fill your space\, and the tour is full.\n• if cancellation is within 72 hours there is no refund.\nA written request for cancellation is required by email - addressed to mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org\nWe advise you to buy travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances and to avoid any costs associated with cancellation.\n If Schoodic Institute cancels a session\, it will issue full refunds of payments to the paid participants.\n\nI recognize that there is an element of risk in any adventure\, sport\, or activity associated with the outdoors. I am fully cognizant of the risks and dangers inherent in birding\, which can include uneven and slippery footing on trails\, allergic reactions to plants and stinging insects\, and distance from medical facilities in remote locations. I have been informed of known special hazards in such activity. I certify that I am fully capable of participating in the activity.\n\nTherefore\, I assume full responsibility for personal injury to myself and/or loss or damage to my personal property and expenses thereof as a result of my negligence or the negligence in said activity except to the extent such damage or injury may be due to the negligence of the tour operator. I further understand that the tour operator reserves the right to refuse any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activity.\n\nI understand and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon the parties during the entire period of participation of the said activity.Consent Signature(Required)By typing your full name below\, you are completing an electronic signature and accepting that you have read and agree with the above terms and conditions.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Total URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/2026-spring-birds-of-acadia-with-private-puffin-cruise/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours,MeetAtSchoodic,Puffins of Petit Manan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Spring-Birds-2024.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260522 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260526 DTSTAMP:20260405T161322 CREATED:20260329T201142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T201142Z UID:14231-1779408000-1779753599@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:23rd Annual Downeast Spring Birding Festival DESCRIPTION:The annual Down East Spring Birding Festival provides a unique birding experience during spring migration and the breeding season with four days of guided hikes\, boat tours\, and presentations\, all led by local guides with local knowledge. The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has named the Downeast Spring Birding Festival one of the best in the country\, and the festival was listed by Yankee Magazine as an Editor’s Choice event. \nThe festival is planned by 20+ community members from 10 partnering organizations\, promising an event reflective of the naturalists who treasure this region. \nLearn more and register here. URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/23rd-annual-downeast-spring-birding-festival/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Downeast-Spring-Birding-Festival-Web-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260711 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260715 DTSTAMP:20260405T161322 CREATED:20260106T000443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T154010Z UID:13895-1783728000-1784073599@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:Puffins\, Loons\, and Blueberry Barrens with Schoodic Institute DESCRIPTION:Schoodic Institute’s Seth Benz teams up with the Mindful Birding Network’s founder Holly Merker for a special tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds\, especially those that nest in Acadia National Park or its nearby surroundings. \nWe’ll travel and walk at a leisurely pace while learning about sight identification\, bird habitats and behavior\, and we’ll pay extra attention to enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. Schoodic Institute is ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point\, a migration through-point that tallies tens of thousands of passing birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by birdsong – Hermit Thrush\, Winter Wren\, and Magnolia Warbler. Blue-headed vireos and Northern Parula warblers often serenade you as you walk to Schooner Commons\, the Institute’s dining hall. Featured field trips include a boat cruise to see Atlantic Puffin\, a visit to the east coast’s largest blueberry barrens where Upland Sandpiper\, Vesper Sparrow\, and Northern Harrier nest\, and a visit to the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary with chances of seeing a Common Loon chick or two. \nRegistration is required. The program cost is $1\,395 per participant. Space is limited so register quickly! \nDay 1: Check-in is at 3pm. “Acadia’s Puffins\, Peregrines\, and Loon”s begins on the Schoodic Institute campus at 4:30pm with introductions and orientation. This late afternoon will feature the start of field birding. A reception will precede dinner. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. An evening presentation on puffin restoration will prepare us for tomorrow’s special boat trip to an active seabird colony. \nDay 2: An optional morning bird walk on campus – think warblers – before breakfast! Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 8:00am in Schooner Commons. We’ll then pack for a day afield and travel 40 minutes or so to the boat launch in Steuben for a 2-hour cruise to Petit Manan Island. This is our best chance to see Atlantic Puffin\, Razorbill\, Common Murre\, and several tern species as we circumnavigate the island\, one of just 5 islands in Maine inhabited by Atlantic Puffin thanks to restoration efforts. Seals and other wildlife are also possible. After lunch at a bird-rich picnic spot\, we’ll visit nearby blueberry barrens to look for an assortment of birds\, including Upland Sandpiper\, Vesper Sparrow\, and American Kestrel. Of course\, there will be other birds to see along the way.  An evening discussion with Holly Merker follows dinner.  Learn about the Mindful Birding Network and how to get the most out of eBird and other birdwatching apps). \nDay 3: Optional bird walk before breakfast. We’ll visit a wildlife sanctuary with the possibility of seeing a recently hatched loon chick or two. We’ll also visit the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Dinner this last night features your choice of lobster or a delicious alternative. Afterward\, we’ll sum up the day and complete a checklist review. \nDay 4: Optional before-breakfast bird walk. After breakfast\, we’ll have the option of a culminating visit to Schoodic Point or a short hike along Sundew Trail. Checkout is at 10:00am. \nCost of $1\,395.00 is based upon double occupancy. Lodging upgrade options possible while available. To register\, contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 or fill out the form below. \nPrice includes lodging and meals\, van travel\, boat fare\, and guiding fees. Not included in price: airfare\, trip insurance\, alcohol beverages not offered by host\, gas stop snacks\, and gratuities. An Acadia National Park pass may be necessary if you will be traveling in the park in your own vehicle while not on this tour. These will be available to purchase at check-in or while on campus (for an approximate fee of $35). \n TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS \n\nYou can drive directly to Schoodic Institute\nGet picked up in Bangor\, Maine at either the airport (at 2 pm)\, or\nPick up at Odlin Road Park & Ride (at 2 pm) near the airport (this is a safe\, patrolled parking lot).\nWe’ll return you to Bangor by Noon on Day 4. If you are making a plane reservation\, please plan your departure after 2 pm.\n\n\n \n \n 2026 Puffins\, Loons\, and Blueberry Barrens with Schoodic Institute\n \n RegistrationPuffins\, Loons\, and Blueberry Barrens with Schoodic Institute(Required)July 11-14\, with Schoodic Institute's Seth Benz and the Mindful Birding Network’s founder Holly Merker. Lodging\, meals\, van travel\, boat and guiding fees included for $1\,395 per person. How many participants are you registering?\n \n \n 1\n \n \n \n 2\n Participant InformationName(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Phone(Required)Email(Required)\n \n RoommateLodging assignments are based on guests sleeping in a private bedroom in a shared apartment. There will be no more than one roommate of the same gender assigned to your lodging. If you know someone else attending you may list them\, otherwise one will be assigned. Private accommodations may be available for an additional charge. Please call Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 to check availability and pricing.Dietary Preference(Required)Please choose one. You will be given the opportunity to relay any allergies and/or preferences on the following question.\n \n \n Meat\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Lobster Dinner(Required)\n \n \n Lobster\n \n \n \n Chicken\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Allergies/Dietary RestrictionsPlease inform us of any allergies or restrictions you may have regarding your diet.Medications(Required)Please list any medications you are presently taking. You may write n/a if none are takenMedical(Required)Do you have any medical conditions that we should know about? (i.e.\, heart condition\, allergies\, asthma\, back injuries\, recent surgery\, diabetes\, pregnancy) You may write n/a if there are none.Emergency Contact(Required)Please list the first and last name of someone not on this tour with you.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)Emergency ContactEmail(Required)Emergency Contact\n \n Second Participant InformationPlease complete the following information for the second participant.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Address\n \n Check here if address is different than the first participant.\n Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Phone(Required)Email(Required)\n \n Dietary Preference(Required)Please choose one. You will be given the opportunity to relay any allergies and/or preferences on the following question.\n \n \n Meat\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Lobster Dinner(Required)\n \n \n Lobster\n \n \n \n Chicken\n \n \n \n Vegetarian\n Allergies/Dietary RestrictionsPlease inform us of any allergies or restrictions you may have regarding your diet.Medications(Required)Please list any medications you are presently taking. You may write n/a if none are takenMedical(Required)Do you have any medical conditions that we should know about? (i.e.\, heart condition\, allergies\, asthma\, back injuries\, recent surgery\, diabetes\, pregnancy) You may write n/a if there are none.Emergency Contacts\n \n Check here if your emergency contact person is the same person listed for first participant.\n Emergency Contact(Required)Please list the first and last name of someone not on this tour with you.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)Emergency ContactEmail(Required)Emergency Contact\n \n Total\n \n Billing InformationCredit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Billing Address\n \n Check here if your billing address is different than listed above.\n Address \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Additional InformationNewsletter(Required)Would you like to sign up to receive monthly updates about what is going on at Schoodic Institute?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\, thank you\n \n \n \n I am already signed up!\n How did you find out about this event?(Required)\n \n \n Monthly eNews\n \n \n \n Website\n \n \n \n Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn\n \n \n \n Friends / family\n \n \n \n Email\n \n \n \n Partner Organization\n \n \n \n Other\n Would you like to make a donation to Schoodic Institute?\n \n Yes\n Donation amount\n \n Consent(Required) I agree to the terms and conditions listed below.To reserve your space on this tour\, payment in full is required. There will be a minimum $100 cancellation fee.\nSchoodic Institute understands how disappointing it can be for our guests who need to cancel their trip. Please read the cancellation policy outlined below. By completing your payment\, confirming your reservation and signing below\, you agree to the terms and conditions stated regarding cancellation due to any reason.\nIf a participant cancels for any reason we will use the following refund policy:\n• A $100 cancellation fee will be held for cancellation that is received at least 31 days before the start of a registered tour. \n• 50% of your total payment will be refunded if cancelled 30 days before the start of your registered tour\, unless we are able to fill your space\, and the tour is full.\n• 20% of your total payment will be refunded if cancelled within 14 days before start of registered tour\, unless we are able to fill your space\, and the tour is full.\n• if cancellation is within 72 hours there is no refund.\nA written request for cancellation is required by email - addressed to mpinkham@schoodicinstitute.org\nWe advise you to buy travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances and to avoid any costs associated with cancellation.\n If Schoodic Institute cancels a session\, it will issue full refunds of payments to the paid participants.\n\nI recognize that there is an element of risk in any adventure\, sport\, or activity associated with the outdoors. I am fully cognizant of the risks and dangers inherent in birding\, which can include uneven and slippery footing on trails\, allergic reactions to plants and stinging insects\, and distance from medical facilities in remote locations. I have been informed of known special hazards in such activity. I certify that I am fully capable of participating in the activity.\n\nTherefore\, I assume full responsibility for personal injury to myself and/or loss or damage to my personal property and expenses thereof as a result of my negligence or the negligence in said activity except to the extent such damage or injury may be due to the negligence of the tour operator. I further understand that the tour operator reserves the right to refuse any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activity.\n\nI understand and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon the parties during the entire period of participation of the said activity.Consent Signature(Required)By typing your full name below\, you are completing an electronic signature and accepting that you have read and agree with the above terms and conditions.\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Total URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/puffins-loons-and-blueberry-barrens-with-schoodic-institute/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Bird Walks,Birding Tours,MeetAtSchoodic ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/72-Puffins-Loons-Tours.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270109 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270120 DTSTAMP:20260405T161322 CREATED:20260112T230844Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T160833Z UID:13941-1799452800-1800403199@schoodicinstitute.org SUMMARY:Mexico: Oaxacan Adventure with Schoodic Institute and Sabrewing DESCRIPTION:Join Sabrewing Nature Tours and Schoodic Institute on January 9-19\, 2027 for an exciting birding adventure in Mexico!  \n\n\nOur Mexico Oaxaca Adventure begins in Huatulco\, where the lush Pacific lowlands and mangrove forests offer a vibrant introduction to southern Mexico’s birdlife. We’ll explore tropical dry forest trails in Huatulco National Park\, scan coastal lagoons near Juchitán for shorebirds and waterbirds\, and venture inland to Ojo de Agua for a shot at specialties like Rose-bellied Bunting and Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird. A short pelagic trip off the coast promises seabirds like shearwaters\, storm-petrels\, and boobies before we head into the mountains for an entirely different birding experience. \nAs we ascend into the Sierra Madre del Sur\, we trade coastal heat for cool pine-oak forests and cloud forest vistas. Our time in Pluma de Oro and San José del Pacífico is rich with Mexican endemics\, Red Warbler\, Dwarf Jay\, Gray-barred Wren\, and Golden Vireo among them. Staying in peaceful mountain lodges with hummingbird-filled gardens\, we enjoy slow mornings\, scenic trails\, and the sounds of highland forests teeming with avian activity. These days offer a rewarding mix of serious birding and tranquil immersion in nature. \nWe finish in Oaxaca City\, where birding and cultural exploration go hand-in-hand. From the archaeological splendor of Monte Albán and Yagul to highland trails at La Cumbre Ixtepeji and Aranjuez\, we target species like Aztec Thrush\, Ocellated Thrasher\, and Oaxaca Sparrow while also savoring the city’s famed cuisine and mezcal traditions. This tour captures the essence of Oaxaca\, from steamy lowlands to pine-clad peaks and back to the vibrant cultural heart of the region\, delivering a birding journey as diverse and colorful as the birds themselves. \n\n\nRegister today! URL:https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/mexico-oaxacan-adventure/ LOCATION:ME CATEGORIES:Birding Tours END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR