Maine Field Ornithology Course: Fall Migration

This September, join avian ecologist (and wildlife photographer) Loren Merrill in southern Maine for a 3-day field ornithology class to learn about, and experience first-hand, the wonders of fall migration. This course will combine classroom sessions at a beachside venue and field trips to some of the best birding hotspots in the state to expand your bird knowledge, and hopefully your life list too.

Instructor Bio

Loren Merrill is an avian ecologist, wildlife photographer, and science writer with a doctorate in avian ecology and animal behavior. Loren has been birding for 35 years and has conducted avian research on four continents. Loren’s ties to Maine run deep: he grew up birding in the Midcoast area, and his first field job was for the Audubon Society’s Project Puffin in 1995. Loren is a dedicated instructor and received several teaching and mentoring awards while in academia. He taught ornithology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and field ornithology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He currently splits time between Millbrook, New York and Maine.

Workshop Description

The central theme for this course will be fall migration ecology, with an emphasis on the birds passing through Maine. The advent of small satellite GPS trackers has yielded incredible insights into avian migrations, and we’ll learn about some of these new discoveries. We’ll also cover the physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes that birds undergo in preparation for, and during, migration. Finally, we will devote time each day to identifying fall migrants—everything from confusing fall warblers to confusing shorebirds. Our time in the classroom will be book-ended each day with time spent outside; we’ll take field trips in the early morning and late afternoon to coastal and terrestrial destinations to see as many different species as we can, and to observe different taxonomic groups as they prepare for, or continue, their migratory journeys. If you like birds and want to learn more about them, this course is for you! This workshop will take place in theBiddeford/ Saco/ Scarborough area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

This course is more geared towards those who consider themselves beginner or intermediate birders, but all birders should enjoy the course. A good pair of binoculars is of paramount importance, but good does not have to mean expensive. Vortex and Nikon (among others) make some excellent affordable binoculars if you are in the market for an upgrade.

What about transportation?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and we encourage carpooling.

What about lodging?

Maine is a popular place, and many hotels and B&B’s fill up fast. We ask that you stay close to our predetermined meet-up locations (somewhere in the Biddeford/ Saco/ Scarborough area).

What should I wear?

The most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy shoes, ideally waterproof or water resistant. We may walk across uneven, hard, wet surfaces, so hiking shoes with good tread are very helpful. We also like to layer, which usually means a base layer of synthetic, fast-wicking material, a warm fleece or soft shell, and a down jacket for cool mornings. In addition, I like to lie down in the sand when shooting shorebirds at the beach, so I recommend water-resistant/proof pants and top, and/or a light-weight, portable water-proof ground pad. Other suggested items are found below:

• Insect and tick repellant
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof outerwear
• Wool socks
• Gloves
• Two hats (one for warmth, the other for sun protection)
• Rubber boots (not absolutely necessary, but there may be mud or wading in some locations)

Should I be concerned about ticks?

Yes. All outdoor activities in New England carry the risk of picking up these nasty hitchhikers. Please use bug repellent that you can apply to your skin, or even better, permethrin, which you apply to clothes you plan on wearing in the field. Also, give yourself an extensive review when you get home at night to check for ticks.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Please keep an open mind when it comes to your expectations about what “good conditions" are. September weather in Maine can be unpredictable; it can be sunny, humid and in the 90s, or it can be overcast, rainy, and in the 50s. We’ll be keeping an eye on the weather so we can be prepared for whatever it throws at us. The birds are active in all conditions, and we will be too.

What does my tuition cover?

The price of the workshop includes all fieldwork, group instruction, and individual tutoring. It does not include travel insurance, meals, transportation, or lodging.

Should I bring a laptop?

If you want to take notes during classroom time, you are free to bring a computer.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

•  The only real requirement is binoculars
   Camera optional
   Spotting scope optional

Cancellations

The payment is 50% refundable in the event you have to cancel, as long as the cancellation is made 21 days before the trip. After that time, your payment is non-refundable. Alternately, 100% of your payment will be refunded if a replacement can be found prior to the trip.