WATER BIRDS ON THE MOVE

Description

A great variety of birds, during autumn, head south to escape dwindling food resources and the onslaught of winter. The majority of migrants pass over Mount Desert Island at night, unseen. But it’s possible to witness the passage of day-flying water birds — cormorants, common eiders and other sea ducks, loons, northern gannets, gulls, and more — by looking for them from shoreline vantage points. Join Seth Benz, director of bird ecology for an introductory workshop and field experience at the Wendell Gilley Museum on Friday Oct. 13, from 9am to noon. The session starts at the Museum for a water bird migration primer, then carpool to the Seawall Picnic Area in Acadia National Park to see water birds on the move. Dress for the weather and bring your curiosity, and your questions! Binoculars will be available for participants to borrow. The cost of this special event is $25 per person; museum members receive a discount. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar.