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Katahdin's Splendor:
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Forever Wild - Baxter State Park surrounds Mt.
Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak. Nearby, the West Branch of the
Penobscot River tumbles out of the North Maine Woods. At 200,000
acres, it is more than four times the size of Acadia National
Park. The
scenery on this adventure is equal to the variety and
rarity of birds to be found here. While cruising the park’s
perimeter road, we’ll pursue Spruce and Ruffed Grouse,
Philadelphia Vireos, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees and
Black-backed Woodpeckers. Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers
forage next to the road. Expect Alder, Least, Olive-sided, and
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. See and hear Lincoln's and Fox
Sparrows singing on their territories. Up to 20 warbler
species are possible. Moose are common. For a summary of previous tours, click here.  The tour officially begins at
Big Moose Inn with a
Sunday evening meal. Mornings start with an early
breakfast. Then it's out the door to chase moose and warblers.
We will travel by van to visit the best sites, stopping at
midday to enjoy a box lunch provided by Big Moose Inn. The
afternoon features more of the same, with an emphasis on
becoming familiar with the many bird songs that join the chorus
in the heart of the breeding season. The guide adheres to the ABA code of birding ethics. Tape playing is not allowed in Baxter State Park. In other locations, the guide may resort to tapes with the consent of the group. We will be in the height of nesting season when most birds are still quite vocal, so the vast majority of species will be found without audio. Participants should bring binoculars and this is a scenic tour for photography. Spotting scopes are useful and the guide will provide one for group use, as well as a variety of bird guides and extra binoculars. This trip will not require strenuous hiking. Hikes will be slow and on level ground. There may be some spots that are muddy, uneven, and slippery. Adequate footwear is advised, but large boots are unnecessary. Mosquitoes and black flies will be present. Insect repellent is suggested. June tends to be warm, sunny, and dry, but conditions in the northern Maine woods are changeable. Bring appropriate clothing. Dawn temperatures may start in the 40s and reach the 80s by afternoon. Prolonged exposure to the sun is unlikely, but sunscreen and hats are advisable. The tour is offered through the Big Moose Inn. Participants may book the tour directly through the inn. Tour package is $350 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Tour is limited to 12 participants per tour to insure proper attention. Package price includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, two box lunches, two dinners, and guided transportation by 15-passenger van with the founder of the Maine Birding Trail. For information about the Big Moose Inn and to make reservations for the tour, contact 207-723-8391 or 1-877-MOOSE-INN (1-877-666-7346) or e-mail info@bigmoosecabins.com. For information about the itinerary, conditions, and likely sightings, contact the guide, Bob Duchesne, at 207-827-3782, or e-mail duchesne@midmaine.com. |
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