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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
primitive road, we’ll pursue Spruce and Ruffed Grouse,
Philadelphia Vireos, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees. Evening
Grosbeaks and both species of crossbill are on the target list.
Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers forage next to the road, and
we'll try for Cape May, Mourning, and Tennessee Warblers. We'll search especially for American Three-toed and
Black-backed Woodpeckers. 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 last year's tours, click here. For a summary of previous tours, click here.  The
3-day tour officially begins in Bangor on June 16th. We'll be
staying at
Big Moose Inn
for two nights, which will be the first stop so that people who
wish to extend their adventure may be picked up there as we head
into the woods. Mornings at the inn 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. 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 guidebooks 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. Bring an appetite. We don't starve. Fee is $420 per person. $200 deposit required upon booking; $220 balance due at the end of the tour by check or cash. Tour guide is Bob Duchesne, founder of the Maine Birding Trail and author of the trail guidebook. For more information or to reserve, call Bob at 207-827-3782 or e-mail duchesne@midmaine.com. Tour is limited to 10 participants to insure proper attention. Package price includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners, and guided transportation by 15-passenger van with the founder of the Maine Birding Trail. Rooms feature shared baths; upgrades to a room with private bath are available for a limited time. Fortunately, due to the schedule of the tour and the time spent in the field, shared baths are seldom a concern for most people. Tour departs from Bangor, but participants who wish to extend their stays in the area may choose to meet the group at Big Moose Inn, which will be the first stop at the beginning of the tour. |
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