Whaleboat Hawk Watch, Harpswell

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Field Trip Description

Fall is a great time to watch the miracle of bird migration. And no place along the coast is better for watching migrating hawks than Whaleboat Island. And if the weather is kind and supplies the day with a northerly wind, hundreds of Merlins, Kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks and several other species may be spotted as they pass over the meadows and spruce woods. Spotting and identifying will be made easy with the help of Paul Donahue, an accomplished birder who spends his summer studying local raptors.

Directions & Where to Meet

PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE ISLAND. Whaleboat Island is located in South Harpswell (see Map 6, D-2/E-2 in the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer) roughly a mile from the Dolphin Marina boat launch (launch and parking fee required). We will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the small cove (near the grassy meadow) on the east side of the island.

What to Bring & What to Expect

Participants should bring good walking shoes (not sandals), extra layers of clothing (examples: wind breaker, rain jacket, fleece), water, food, sun screen, insect repellent, and a hat. In addition, you are encouraged to bring a camera, binoculars, and field guides. There are no trails on the island, so we'll stick to the shore. We'll be walking over uneven shoreline ledges that are sometimes steep and high. Good sense of balance required.

More Information

If you have additional questions, please call Peg Adams, Stewardship Assistant, Monday through Friday at 207-729-7366, ext. 117. For last minute cancellation information call 1-207-798-5590, ext 201.

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