Bird Ecology Research at Schoodic Institute
Schoodic Institute’s Bird Ecology Program monitors the flow of millions of birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway each spring and fall. The diverse and protected landscapes of Acadia National Park and the surrounding Downeast coastal region allow us to make sense of ongoing environmental change through the study of bird life cycles, migration, habitat use, and breeding behavior, information that contributes to global conservation and restoration efforts. Premier vantage points like Schoodic Point and Cadillac Mountain are part of a continental network to understand environmental change and how we can minimize threats to bird survival. Join us!
Citizen scientists assist with three long-term monitoring efforts:
- Sea Watch records tens of thousands of loons, grebes, cormorants, gannets, ducks, geese, gulls, terns and other water birds that pass Schoodic Point each autumn.
- Hawk Watch, over its 25-year history, has documented 13 species of birds of prey flying over Cadillac Mountain, with an average annual total of 2,950 birds.
- Songbird Watch monitors thousands of songbirds, including warblers, vireos, and flycatchers at Frazer Point in spring.
Bird Tours, Workshops, & Field Trips
Schoodic Institute’s Bird Ecology Program offers a range of birding tours, field trips, workshops, and other events.
Recent report / publication:
Dec. 2022 – “Acadia National Park Winter Birds: 51 Years of Change Along the Coast of Maine” (Kyle A. Lima, Seth Benz , Peter R. Nelson , William Townsend , and Nicholas A. Fisichelli)
https://schoodicinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Schoodic-birds.pdf
Interested in more information?
Seth Benz, Bird Ecology Program Director, sbenz@schoodicinstitute.org
Bird Chatter: Informal Discussions, Observations, and Gossip at the Wendell Gilley Museum
Wendell Gilley Museum 4 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor, MaineFlock to the Wendell Gilley Museum for a fun and informative few hours with Seth Benz, Schoodic Institute's bird ecology […]
Bird Chatter: Informal Discussions, Observations, and Gossip at the Wendell Gilley Museum
Wendell Gilley Museum 4 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor, MaineFlock to the Wendell Gilley Museum for a fun and informative few hours with Seth Benz, Schoodic Institute's bird ecology […]
Finding Acadia’s Early Birds: A Special Maine Birding Excursion
Schoodic Institute 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, MESchoodic Institute’s bird ecology director Seth Benz will lead this special tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds, especially […]
2023 Spring Birds of Acadia, with Puffin Cruise (FULL)
Schoodic Institute 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, MEWe are currently at capacity for this event. Thank you for your interest. To be placed on a waitlist, please […]
Maine’s Bold Coast: Schoodic to Head Harbor Passage
Schoodic Institute 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, MEMaine's Downeast region is ideal for exploring the quieter reaches of Acadia National Park, spruce-bordered rocky headlands, nearby blueberry barrens, […]