The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge will once again be “all about the birds” as it hosts the Northern Maine Bird Festival on Saturday, June 6. This year’s free-admission, “rain or shine” event, features guided bird walks, netting/banding demonstrations, educational displays, activities for kids, plus a special live-birds “Owls of Maine” presentation by Birds Acre for all ages of bird enthusiasts. The festival is cosponsored by Aroostook Birders and the Friends of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.
Guided bird walks, led by Aroostook Birders bird watching club, will be held from 6:30-10 a.m. with the first “early-bird” walk setting out promptly at 6:30 a.m. This hour and a half auto tour includes a visit to wetland, woodland and grassland habitats to look for some of the special breeding birds of the refuge including warblers, flycatchers, and the uncommon Lincoln’s Sparrow and Upland Sandpiper. It will be followed by another walk at 8:30 a.m. to a beaver pond with focus on species that use this habitat. Walks start and end at the Refuge Visitors’ Center kiosk. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to take part.
Beginning at 7:30 a.m., UMPI Wildlife Ecology Professor Dr. Jason Johnston will have mist nets set up and offer ongoing demonstrations on the capture and banding of songbirds. Also, throughout the morning, the Friends of the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge will have stations set up for children to build a bird house, construct a feeder, or learn about birds through other fun hands-on activities.
At 11 a.m., educators from Birds Acre Refuge will bring a special presentation, “Owls of Maine” to the festival — an opportunity for kids and others to handle real wings, skulls, feathers and feet, and have a close-up view of two different live owls.
Festival-goers should dress for the weather and bring personal equipment such as binoculars, books, sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks. The Northern Maine Bird Festival is a rain or shine event. Contact the Refuge at 540-3079 for severe weather updates, directions or more information.
