Winter Waterbirds Workshop

Ogunquit 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Instructor Bio

Derek Lovitch has made a career out of his lifelong passion for birds. After graduating with a degree in environmental policy from Rutgers University, he worked in avian research and education projects in nine states, from New Jersey to Hawaii, Florida to Michigan. He also spent three summers as a tour guide on Alaska’s Pribilof Islands, serving as tour director in 2003 and conducting the first comprehensive Fall Avian Survey in the islands’ history.

Derek and his wife, Jeannette, live in Durham, where they own and operate Freeport Wild Bird Supply, a retail store that caters to birders of all levels. The store serves as a vehicle for Derek to continue sharing his enthusiasm for birding, birds, and bird conservation.

Workshop Description

Winter is a wonderful time for birding in Maine — at least when you are dressed appropriately! Colorful seaducks that breed in the high Arctic grace our shorelines: all three scoter species; dapper Long-tailed Ducks; and everyone’s favorite, striking Harlequin Ducks. Purple Sandpipers and Great Cormorants replace our summertime shoreline denizens. And, if the winds are right, very sought-after alcids including Dovekies and Thick-billed Murres join our regular Black Guillemots and Razorbills. Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Gannets, and “white-winged” gulls add to the mix.

In this workshop, we’ll hit a few of the prime viewing locations along Maine’s southern coast. But we won’t just be working on the checklist today; instead, we’ll be focused on learning how to search for these birds the how, when, and why and also how to identify them. We’ll learn about microhabitats, weather considerations, and seasonal timing to aid our search today and in the future. By visiting several seasonally-productive sites, we’ll compare similar species while also taking time to savor the splashes of color offered by winter seaducks in an otherwise gray and white landscape.

We’ll meet at 9 a.m. (please arrive 15 minutes early so we can depart on time) at the Perkin’s Cove parking lot in Ogunquit (end of Perkin’s Cove Road, off of Shore Road). We’ll begin with a walk here, so get your layers ready! We’ll then carpool to the rest of the day’s birding destinations, based on tides, weather, and especially the birds themselves! We’ll return to Perkin’s Cove around 4 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about transportation?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and carpooling, while always highly-encouraged, is mandatory for some areas with limited parking.

What should I wear?

• Sturdy, waterproof footwear
• Base layer of synthetic, fast-wicking material
• Warm fleece or soft shell
• Down jacket for cool mornings
• Insect and tick repellant
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof outerwear should always be handy, as trips are rain or shine

Should I be concerned about ticks and other biting insects?

Mosquitos are possible — though not likely — from April through November, so we recommend coming prepared with long-sleeve, light-weight clothing and your insect repellent of choice. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only plant-based repellent certified by the CDC and is highly effective as an alternative to DEET, if you so prefer.

We will stick to trails as we walk, which minimizes our chance of contact with ticks. However, all outdoor activities during nearly any time of year in New England carry the risk of picking up these nasty hitchhikers. Wearing light-colored clothing, tucking in your socks, and using repellents or insecticide are also recommended. Also, give yourself an extensive review when you get home at night to check for ticks.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

The trip will only be canceled if road conditions are unsafe or expected to become unsafe before the conclusion of the tour. Walks will proceed unless lightning or ice make things risky, or if it’s raining so hard as to be deemed “unbirdable.”

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

• Binoculars
• Spotting scope(optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Waterproof footwear or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy

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.

This workshop needs a minimum of three participants. In the event the minimum is not met, we may cancel or offer to move you to a different workshop.

Photo Credit

Many thanks to Dennis Harris for the wonderful photos taken during the 2022 workshop!