Programs

Spring Migration & Monhegan Island

May 25 – May 30, 2025

Sunrise over Monhegan
Sunrise over Monhegan! Photo: John Skolits (Spring Migration & Monhegan participant)

Join us for a special spring experience in Mid-coast Maine. Birding highlights will be nesting species on territory and late spring migrants heading to breeding grounds.  

The week includes an overnight trip by boat to Monhegan Island, a world-renowned migratory hotspot, beautiful island village, and vibrant artists’ colony. We’ll walk several short trails on the island, enjoying the spectacular scenery while searching for songbirds. Another highlight of the week is an excursion to Eastern Egg Rock, famous for its nesting Atlantic Puffins and three species of terns. Walks on Hog Island and at nearby mainland sites take us to a variety of habitats and, hopefully, a great assortment of birds, which will be in their most brilliant breeding plumage. We’ll visit spruce forests, meadows, rocky coastlines, and perhaps other habitats. Back at camp and on our walks, we’ll discuss details of migration, conservation challenges facing birds, and the fast-growing practice of mindful birding. 

Director: Mark Garland
Instructors: TBA 

Atlantic Puffin
Atlantic Puffin Photo: Jean Hall

Pricing: $1990

The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This also includes your hotel room, ferry transportation, and most meals on Monhegan (participants will be responsible for purchasing one lunch on the second day of the Monhegan Island trip). Participants will also be responsible for gratuity for cleaning and breakfast at their Monhegan hotels. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) a shared bathroom. A limited number of upgraded accommodations are available for an additional cost. Two upgrade options are a single room for solo travelers or a room with a private bath for two people traveling together. There are no single rooms with private bathrooms available. Please see our lodging page for more information.  

Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session. Please see our transportation page for more information.  

There are several different scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see our scholarships page for more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional opportunities. 

Requirements: There are no prerequisites for this program! Birders of all skill levels are welcome as are less experienced/enthusiastic partners, friends, or family. Participants must be able to walk over uneven terrain for 2 miles. Monhegan Island has unimproved trails with hills and rocky outcroppings that require the ability to walk uphill and on a single-track trail.  

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (coming soon)

NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.

May 2024, Cliffs on Monhegan Island
May 2024, Cliffs on Monhegan Island. Photo: Johnny Owens

Learn More & Act Now