Katahdin's Splendor Tour

	Katahdin's Splendor: June 9-11 and 23-25, 2010.
	Forever Wild - Baxter State Park’s 200,000 acres surround Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak. Nearby, the West Branch of the Penobscot River tumbles out of the North Maine Woods. The scenery on these two-day adventures 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 right 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 travelogue of the 2009 tour, click here. For a travelogue of the 2008 tour, click here. For a travelogue of the 2007 tour, click here. Each tour begins at Big Moose Inn with an evening meal, followed by a workshop on "birding by ear." 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 early summer.
	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 relatively short 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.
	Tour package is $350 per person including tax and gratuity (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.