Birdwatching hikes, kayaking trip slated
May promises to be a busy month for the Aroostook Birders, with five events planned for local birdwatchers from hiking to kayaking.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, from 7-8 a.m., the group will enjoy birdwatching at Collins Pond, sponsored by the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department. Bill Sheehan will lead the group. Those attending should meet at the covered picnic table shelter on lower Roberts Street promptly at 7, and be prepared to do some light walking and warbler exploration around the perimeter of the pond.
The Perham Bog/Salmon Brook Lake birding hike will take place Saturday, May 14, from 7-11 a.m. The group will meet at the Perham Town Office for a three-mile round-trip excursion along the railroad trail and boardwalk in this interesting ecological reserve. Birders should bring proper clothing, snacks and water for this “rain or shine” event. For more information, visit the Aroostook Birders website.
Caribou Parks and Rec will sponsor the next three events.
All are welcome to come out on Wednesday, May 18, for a Caribou Bog hike from 7-8 a.m., to enjoy birdwatching at the bog on the Aroostook Valley Rail Trail with Bill Sheehan. Participants will meet at the Aroostook Valley Rail Trail Crossing parking lot on the Washburn Road, directly before the Carson Road, at 7 a.m. promptly. This will be a short walk on level ground from the parking lot to the birding area.
A “birdaking” outing at Portage Lake and the Floating Islands is on the agenda for Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Preregistration is required. There is space for a maximum of 11, and a minimum of six kayakers is needed.
Participants will be birding from kayaks provided by Parks and Rec, which will be included with the fee. The kayaks are Old Town Loon 138’s and are incredibly stable. Transportation, personal flotation devices and paddles will be included. The trip will depart from the Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center at 9 a.m. and return by 3.
Lastly, birdwatching will be offered Tuesday, May 24, at the Caribou Utilities District wastewater treatment ponds on the Grimes Road with Bill Sheehan from 6:30-8:15 a.m.
Due to limited access into this area, participants will meet at the Caribou Wellness Center at 6:30 a.m. and depart from there by 6:45 in the Rec Department 15-passenger van.
For information on these or any Aroostook Birders events, visit aroostookbirders.com.
