BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Western Maine Audubon - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Western Maine Audubon X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Western Maine Audubon REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20260111T192851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T170031Z UID:1174-1773937800-1773941400@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: “Common” Crazy Maine Birds! - DESCRIPTION:Tim presents a collection of fascinating facts about “common” Maine birds\, highlighting their unique behaviors\, adaptations\, and abilities. From the incredible migration of our tiny Blackpoll Warblers to the facial recognition skills of the American Crow\, each bird is showcased with intriguing\, sometimes amusing details. The talk also touches on the impact of human activities on birds\, such as the importance of turning off lights at night for migratory birds. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/common-maine-birds-crazy-facts-carrabassett/ LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley Public Library\, 3209 Carrabassett Drive\, Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, 04947\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/crazy-maine-birds.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T140000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20260227T155136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T155136Z UID:1276-1772800200-1772805600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: The science of when science doesn’t matter—and what we can do about it - DESCRIPTION:Scientists think of science as being the source of truth. But statistical significance is not the same as social significance. Society has to assign value to something before science can be put to use. Sometimes\, the science we produce is simply irrelevant to what society values. In some cases\, more science can make problems even worse. A growing body of social psychology literature in the last decade helps explain why we all react to science differently. In this talk\, John Hagan describes why society reacts so differently to the same set of facts\, and what we can do to overcome this problem. \nJohn has a varied and\, although this will embarrass him\, illustrious career. He was President of Manomet Conservation Sciences\, which pursues conservation science across the Americas. He is the founder\, President\, and CEO of Our Climate Common. John has been a leader in using LIDAR (remote sensing) for finding old forests in Maine and for how to think about and manage those important ecosystems. He has partnered with many for-profit sectors on sustainability\, including large timberland owners\, farmers\, institutional investors\, retailers\, fishermen\, and many others. He received the Austin Wilkins Award from Maine Governor John Baldacci for his work on the stewardship and conservation of Maine’s forests\, the Integrity in Conservation award from the New England Society of American Foresters\, and the Natural Resources Council award for Commitment to Maine’s Environment. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/the-science-of-when-science-doesnt-matter-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260302T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20260213T212625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T212625Z UID:1271-1772474400-1772483400@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Board Meeting - March 2026 - DESCRIPTION:Our board meetings are open to our membership. Contact us for details and the location. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/board-meeting-march-2026/ LOCATION:Farmington\, Maine\, Farmington\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Meetings ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T193000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20251211T164138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1166-1770314400-1770319800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Snowy Owls with Scott Weidensaul: A Project SNOWStorm Update - DESCRIPTION:Join Maine Audubon’s second annual All Chapter Speaker event on Thursday Feb. 5 at 6pm. We’re hosting acclaimed author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul for a discussion about Snowy Owls and his work with Project SNOWStorm. Project SNOWstorm uses innovative science to understand Snowy Owls\, and to engage people in their conservation through outreach and education. Join us for a lively\, virtual discussion about these incredible birds\, and preorder Scott’s new book\, The Return of the Oystercatcher. \nThe program will be recorded and sent to all registrants. \nRegister for this free event. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/scott-weidensaul-project-snowstorm/ LOCATION:Virtual/Webinar CATEGORIES:Talks,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/snowy-owl-crow-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251214 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251214 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250917T185541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T204039Z UID:1146-1765670400-1765756799@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Farmington, Maine [MEFA 56885] - DESCRIPTION:The 126th Christmas Bird Count! We’ve reactivated the Farmington Circle as part of the nation’s longest-running community science bird project. Find out more about the Christmas Bird Count. \n \nSector Maps\n\nNew Vineyard\nIndustry\nDowntown\nNew Sharon\nWest Farmington\nEast Wilton\nTemple\nFairbanks\nStrong URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/christmas-bird-count-cbc-farmington-maine-mefa-56885/ LOCATION:ME ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250826T134808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1134-1762369200-1762374600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Maine Audubon's Coastal Birds Project - DESCRIPTION:Hear about Maine Audubon’s Coastal Birds Project from one of their crew members! UMF senior Spencer Brennick will talk about his experiences helping people\, animals\, and birds share beachfront. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/maine-audubons-coastal-birds-project/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250822T153920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162532Z UID:1111-1762369200-1762374600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Annual Meeting - DESCRIPTION:The Annual Meeting of Western Maine Audubon. We will meet in conjunction with a talk (to be announced) for the election of officers and board members and conduct any other necessary business. This year we may be proposing some tweaks to our bylaws. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/annual-meeting/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T190000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250821T205927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1109-1759341600-1759345200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Sermon on the Mountain Bird - DESCRIPTION:The Bicknell’s Thrush is one of the rarest songbirds in North America. During the breeding season\, they are found exclusively on mountains\, where they nest in dense tangles of forest. Here in Maine\, they can be found in the White Mountains and on Mount Katahdin. They’re a sought after species for birders because of their rarity and a topic of study for biologists due to their risk for extinction. \nThere’s much we still don’t know about this secretive species. But\, with time\, effort\, and modern technology\, we’re learning more and more about their behavior\, population trends\, and what we can do to protect them and their habitat. James Longo is a PhD student researching this species’ conservation. He will share what we know about Bicknell’s Thrush\, what we’re learning\, and what you can do to help. \n \nJames Longo is a PhD student at the University of Maine. He works in Dr. Amber Roth’s lab\, where he researches Bicknell’s Thrush conservation. He is also a board member for Downeast Audubon\, Founder/Coordinator of the Hancock County Young Birders Club\, and guide for the Acadia Birding Festival. He grew up in upstate New York and received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/sermon-on-the-mountain-bird/ LOCATION:Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp\, 65 Water St\, Skowhegan\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sermon-on-the-mountain-bird.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250730T131403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162532Z UID:1099-1758740400-1758747600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Board Meeting - DESCRIPTION:Our board meetings are open to our membership. Contact us for details and the location. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/board-meeting-2/ LOCATION:Farmington\, Maine\, Farmington\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250914T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250914T103000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250823T112811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:1127-1757836800-1757845800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Bird Walk at Flint Woods in Farmington - DESCRIPTION:Fall migration peaks in mid September! While the birds are not singing as loudly and often are not as colorful\, there are many more of them! With the new batch of baby birds out of the nest and on their own\, fall migration can be just as exciting with a higher quantity of birds than Spring. We’ll explore the various habitats in Flint woods and hope to catch up with flocks of migrating warblers and other birds. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/fall-migration-bird-walk-flint-woods/ LOCATION:Flint Woods\, Farmington\, 218 Titcomb Hill Rd\, Farmington\, ME\, 04947\, United States CATEGORIES:Bird Walks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bird-walk-flint-woods.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T190000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250731T181437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1102-1756922400-1756926000@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: "Common" Maine Birds... Crazy Facts - DESCRIPTION:Tim presents a collection of fascinating facts about “common” Maine birds\, highlighting their unique behaviors\, adaptations\, and abilities. From the incredible migration of our local Blackpoll Warblers to the facial recognition skills of the American Crow\, each bird is showcased with intriguing\, sometimes amusing details. The talk also touches on the impact of human activities on birds\, such as the importance of turning off lights at night for migratory birds. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/common-maine-birds-crazy-facts/ LOCATION:Rangeley Public Library\, 7 Lake Street\, Rangeley\, ME\, 04970-1150\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-09-03-common-maine-birds-crazy-facts.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250824T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250824T160000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250324T142139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:1078-1756036800-1756051200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: 2025 Monarch Festival - DESCRIPTION: URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/2025-monarch-festival/ LOCATION:Valentine Farm\, 162 North Road\, Bethel\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Bird Walks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-08-24-monarch-festival.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250611T135913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162532Z UID:1094-1752778800-1752786000@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Board Meeting - DESCRIPTION:Our board meetings are open to our membership. Contact us for details and the location. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/board-meeting/ LOCATION:Farmington\, Maine\, Farmington\, ME\, United States CATEGORIES:Meetings END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T100000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250609T150839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T124559Z UID:1091-1751180400-1751191200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Bird Banding Demonstration - DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered how scientists track bird movements\, study migration patterns\, and monitor bird populations? \nCome witness the fascinating process of bird banding — up close! \nBird banding is a vital research tool that helps ornithologists collect essential data about bird behavior\, lifespan\, and habitat use. This event offers a rare opportunity to see how birds are safely captured\, banded\, and released — all under the guidance of trained professionals. \n✅ All necessary permits and permissions have been obtained\, and the demonstration will be conducted ethically and responsibly with the birds’ well-being as our top priority. \nThis event is free and open to the public. If weather conditions prevent bird banding but aren’t severe\, we’ll enjoy a guided bird walk instead. \n \n*Note\, the Foothills Land Conservancy Trails is currently not accessible from the east on Route 156 (Weld Road). The bridge at the very east end of Pond Road is being rebuilt and the road is closed. Travel west on Route 2 past downtown Wilton and turn right onto Pond Road. Travel about 1.6 miles on Pond Road to the parking lot. You can also refer to this map. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/bird-banding-demonstration/ LOCATION:Foothills Land Conservancy Trail\, 332 Pond Rd\, Wilton\, ME\, 04294\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250605 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250608 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241223T142941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:1055-1749081600-1749427199@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Rangeley Birding Festival - DESCRIPTION:From Boreal Chickadees in our vast forests to Loons on our magnificent lakes to the rare Bicknell’s Thrush in the high peaks above\, the Rangeley Region is rich with birds. Add in both migrating and breeding warblers\, and you have a unique opportunity to see and learn about birds that are difficult to find in other parts of Maine\, all in one weekend! URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/rangeley-birding-festival/ LOCATION:Rangeley\, Maine CATEGORIES:Bird Walks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250517T100000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241220T175155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:1052-1747468800-1747476000@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Bird Walk in Wilton - DESCRIPTION:We will be there with guides\, bagels\, and coffee. Bring your binoculars if you have them and waterproof footwear is always a good idea. We will walk slowly for a couple of hours on easy\, but possibly wet terrain. Gather at 8 am before heading out on the trails. \n*Note\, the Foothills Land Conservancy Trails is currently not accessible from the east on Route 156 (Weld Road). The bridge at the very east end of Pond Road is being rebuilt and the road is closed. Travel west on Route 2 past downtown Wilton and turn right onto Pond Road. Travel about 1.6 miles on Pond Road to the parking lot. You can also refer to this map. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/bird-walk-in-wilton/ LOCATION:Foothills Land Conservancy Trail\, 332 Pond Rd\, Wilton\, ME\, 04294\, United States CATEGORIES:Bird Walks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSCN3937-w.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T100000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241220T174710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:1051-1746864000-1746871200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Annual Spring Warbler Walk - DESCRIPTION:We hope you’ll join us Saturday for a bird walk on The Whistle Stop Trail\, off Oakes Street in Farmington. The weather may not beperfect\, but the birds will still be there—and so will we\, with coffee and bagels! We’ll gather at 8 am before heading out on the trail. \nI was on the trail yesterday afternoon and spotted about 35 species\, including eight warbler species! \nThe Whistle Stop Trail is flat and gravel-covered. We will be out for a couple of hours and may walk a couple miles depending on the group’s interest. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/annual-spring-warbler-walk/ LOCATION:Whistle Stop Trail\, Farmington CATEGORIES:Bird Walks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241216T183850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1037-1744225200-1744230600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine - DESCRIPTION:As climate change continues to wreak havoc on Maine’s lands and wildlife\, we must look towards the development of local\, clean renewables. Offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine holds incredible promise\, but must be done with utmost care and consideration. Join Maine Audubon’s Nick Lund to learn about offshore wind\, and hear what the organization is doing to ensure that this technology could be deployed with the fewest environmental impacts. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/offshore-wind-in-maine/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Coastal_Virginia_Offshore_Wind_11-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T180000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20250116T120445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1066-1741885200-1741888800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: “Burder” on the North America Express (Carrabassett) - DESCRIPTION:Investigating causes of forest bird declines with Maine commercial forests as a case study\nForest birds have declined steeply in North America over the last 50 years\, and there are multiple suspects for the causes of those declines. One key suspect in this investigation for many species is habitat change from development or commercial forestry. However\, habitat change can play out in a variety of ways depending on a species’ specific habitat needs\, and some disturbances can be beneficial. We will explore how shifts in forest management since the 1990s have changed the landscape of bird populations and bird habitat across the commercial forests of Northern Maine\, and brainstorm strategies to maintain and improve this relationship over the coming century. \nFen Levy is an ecologist at Tufts University who works at the intersection of human histories of land\, forest management\, and bird conservation. Since 2020\, they have been studying the effects of changing timberland ownership and management on bird habitat in the Maine North Woods\, and exploring Maine bird population trends in the context of North American bird declines. They are also working with forest managers to guide ecologically sensitive harvest decisions\, and the Appalachian Mountain Club\, Maine Audubon\, foresters\, and members of the Wabanaki Alliance to build a lasting footprint of science and land history communication in the North Woods. In the long term\, they hope to continue working on research and science communication in support of bird and land conservation in Northern New England. They are also a songwriter and drag artist\, both of which are inevitably heavily bird-inspired. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/30-year-bird-study-carrabassett/ LOCATION:Carrabassett Valley Public Library\, 3209 Carrabassett Drive\, Carrabassett Valley\, ME\, 04947\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241216T183705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162346Z UID:1036-1741806000-1741811400@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: “Burder” on the North America Express (Farmington) - DESCRIPTION:Investigating causes of forest bird declines with Maine commercial forests as a case study\nForest birds have declined steeply in North America over the last 50 years\, and there are multiple suspects for the causes of those declines. One key suspect in this investigation for many species is habitat change from development or commercial forestry. However\, habitat change can play out in a variety of ways depending on a species’ specific habitat needs\, and some disturbances can be beneficial. We will explore how shifts in forest management since the 1990s have changed the landscape of bird populations and bird habitat across the commercial forests of Northern Maine\, and brainstorm strategies to maintain and improve this relationship over the coming century. \nFen Levy is an ecologist at Tufts University who works at the intersection of human histories of land\, forest management\, and bird conservation. Since 2020\, they have been studying the effects of changing timberland ownership and management on bird habitat in the Maine North Woods\, and exploring Maine bird population trends in the context of North American bird declines. They are also working with forest managers to guide ecologically sensitive harvest decisions\, and the Appalachian Mountain Club\, Maine Audubon\, foresters\, and members of the Wabanaki Alliance to build a lasting footprint of science and land history communication in the North Woods. In the long term\, they hope to continue working on research and science communication in support of bird and land conservation in Northern New England. They are also a songwriter and drag artist\, both of which are inevitably heavily bird-inspired. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/30-year-bird-study/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20241216T182935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:1033-1739210400-1739217600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: The Hidden History of American Shorebirds with Kenn Kaufman - DESCRIPTION:Note: This event is online-only\, please register to receive details about how to join prior to the event. \nThe shorebirds – sandpipers\, plovers\, and their kin – are beautiful\, but telling the many species apart can be a confusing challenge for birders. However\, the level of confusion was much greater in the early 1800s\, when naturalists were struggling to classify all these birds for the first time. Some species were described to science over and over\, under different names\, while some other species were overlooked completely for decades. And for many years\, everyone underestimated the amazing migrations of these long-distance travelers. In this program\, based on a chapter from his most recent book\, Kenn Kaufman will describe the misadventures of early shorebird-watchers\, and how those events are reflected in our experience of birding today. \nKenn Kaufman is the author of more than a dozen books\, including Kingbird Highway\, his memoir about traveling the country searching for birds as a teenager in the early 1970s. His other titles include The Birds that Audubon Missed\, A Season on the Wind\, Flights Against the Sunset\, and the Kaufman Field Guide series\, covering birds\, mammals\, insects\, butterflies\, and other subjects. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/the-hidden-history-of-american-warblers-with-kenn-kaufman/ LOCATION:Virtual/Webinar CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://western.maineaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241113T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241113T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240908T202346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:1005-1731524400-1731529800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Mountain Lakes as sentinels of change in the northeast - DESCRIPTION:Zoom: Available for people not able to attend in person. Link: Click Here \nSpeakers: Dr. Rachel Hovel and Dr. Julia Daly \nHigh-elevation lakes in the northern Appalachian Mountains are unique in a number of regards: they exist in a\nmore forested landscape than alpine lakes in other mountain ranges\, and they experience fewer direct anthropo\ngenic impacts and colder climatic zones compared to lower-elevation lakes in the northeast. Due to their remote\nnature\, these lakes can help illuminate regional signals in changing climate and atmospheric deposition\, and their\nelevation and size can contribute diversity in lake characteristics across the landscape. In this talk\, we will share\nbackground on a research program on nine lakes in the western Maine mountains\, present long-term trends in\nwater chemistry\, and explore interactions between water chemistry\, temperature\, and biological response. As these\nlakes recover from the impacts of atmospheric deposition of pollutants (“acid rain”)\, new climate conditions are\nshaping seasonality and productivity. Our talk will also discuss the recreational attributes of these lakes\, and share\nopportunities for community science involvement.\nPhoto Credit – Hovel and Daly\n Dr. Rachel Hovel is an aquatic ecologist who studies fishes and invertebrates across a\nrange of freshwater habitats. Major themes of her research include species interactions\,\nthe timing of ecological events\, and biodiversity of species and life histories. In\nparticular\, she is interested in how changes to freshwater environments–especially\nclimate change–influence aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Rachel’s research\ncurrently takes place in the Canadian Arctic and the lakes of Maine.\n Dr. Julia Daly is a geologist at UMF with a focus on geomorphology and climate\nchange. She is broadly interested in the connections between changing climate and the\nsignature of this change in both modern watersheds and the geologic record. An inter\nest in the mountains of western Maine led her to begin collecting data in the mountain\nponds around 2010. In addition to the mountain ponds project\, she works with UMF\nstudents to document changes associated with dam removal in Temple Stream.\n For more information visit www.mainemountainponds.wordpress.com URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/mountain-lakes-as-sentinels-of-change-in-the-northeast/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241009T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241009T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240908T202022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:1003-1728500400-1728505800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Vagrant Birds Seen in Maine - DESCRIPTION:Variegated Flycatcher\nZoom: Available for people not able to attend in person. Link: Click Here \nSpeaker – Herb Wilson \nFinding a bird out of its normal range is always an exciting event. Birds’ ability\nto fly sometimes produces jaw-dropping occurrences well beyond the normal\nrange of a species. I will explore some of the research that has been done to\nexplain vagrancy in birds. Some explanations rely on intentional movements\nto explore outside the normal ange and others involve the effects of storms and\nfaulty navigation. We will consider some of the more amazing vagrants that\nhave occurred in Maine. \nHerb Wilson is a Professor Emeritus of Biology at Colby College where he taught\nOrnithology\, Evolution and Diversity\, Marine Ecology and Marine Invertebrate\nZoology. His primary ornithological interests are the impacts of global climate change\non bird migration and the foraging behavior of winter birds in Main URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/vagrant-birds-seen-in-maine/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240908T201441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:1001-1726081200-1726086600@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Maine Audubon's Legislative Summary - DESCRIPTION:ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83338511126 \nSpeaker: Nick Lund \nMaine Audubon’s Nick Lund will cover\nthe organization’s legislative victories\nfor the 131st Maine Legislature\, includ\ning issues like endangered species\, native\nplants\, bird-safe architecture\, aquatic\ninvasive species\, Common Loons\, and\nmany more. Learn about the ways in\nwhich Maine Audubon members across\nthe state\, including those in the\nFarmington area\, helped bring about\npositive change for Maine wildlife.\n Nick Lund is the Advocacy and Outreach Manager for Maine Audubon. A graduate of\nMaine Law\, Nick worked on landscape-scale energy policy issues for the National Parks\nConservation Association in D.C. until moving home to Maine in 2018. He is also a nature\nwriter\, and the author of several books\, including the American Birding Association Field\nGuide to the Birds of Maine (2022)\, and forthcoming books on evolution and avian\nconservation URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/maine-audubons-legislative-summary/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T090000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240208T234431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162143Z UID:953-1716019200-1716022800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Spring Warbler Walk: "Birds and Bagels" - DESCRIPTION:The walk will be at the Whistle Stop Trail in Farmington\, on Saturday\, May 18th\, at 8:00 AM\, rain or shine. Nick Leadley to lead the walk again this year. Coffee and Bagels/Donuts at 8:00 prior to the walk.\nAll welcome – birders young and old\, as well as novice or first time birders. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/spring-warbler-walk-birds-and-bagels/ LOCATION:Whistle Stop Trail\, Farmington CATEGORIES:Bird Walks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240508T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240508T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240128T231054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:948-1715194800-1715200200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Memories of a Wildlife Biologist - Ron Joseph - DESCRIPTION:May 8th – Memories of a Wildlife Biologist\nSpeaker: Ronald Joseph\nZoom: Available for people not able to attend in person. Link: Click Here\nRon’s talk will mainly focus on wildlife and his role in protecting and conserving species as described in detail in his recent book: Bald Eagles\, Bear Cubs\, and Hermit Bill: Memories of a Wildlife Biologist\, published by ISLANDPORT PRESS\, 2023.\nHe will focus in particular on the most current threat facing Maine’s fish and wildlife: a warming Pine Tree State that will result in winners and losers. \nRon Joseph was born in Waterville in 1952 and grew up in neighboring Oakland. He developed a love for the outdoors and wildlife on his grandparents’ dairy farm in Mercer\, where he spent many weekends\, summers\, and vacations working and exploring. He especially loved birds\, a passion nurtured by his mother\, and spent hours perched on stacks of hay bales watching swallows dart in and out of the barn to feed their nestlings. That fascination led him to study ornithology at the University of New Hampshire where he earned a degree in wildlife conservation. He later earned a master’s degree in zoology from Brigham Young University.\nIn 1978\, he began a career as a state and federal wildlife biologist\, often with a focus on the restoration of endangered species. In 1990\, Ron began working as a private lands wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\, helping landowners restore hayfields and wetlands for migratory birds. He played a pivotal role in restoring Maine’s bald eagle\, peregrine falcon\, and Canada lynx populations. He is now retired\, but continues to speak\, volunteer\, and lead birding trips. In this Q&A we spoke to Ron about his love for birds\, his accomplishments as a conservationist\, and his thoughts on the current state of wildlife preservation in Maine.\n\nRon with baby Lynx. Photo Credit – Paul Cyr URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/memories-of-a-wildlife-biologist-ron-joseph/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240410T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240410T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240128T225710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:946-1712775600-1712781000@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Maine's Turtles by Matthew Chatfield - DESCRIPTION:April 10 – Everything you didn’t realize you needed to know about turtles in Maine\nSpeaker: Matthew Chatfield\nZoom: Available for people not able to attend in person. Click Here \n\nWood Turtle\n\nMatt with Spotted Turtle\n\nSpotted Turtle \nTurtles are somehow so familiar to us—having found a place in many cultures’ creation stories\, being featured in countless children’s books\, and making Hollywood appearances—yet researchers are only now appreciating their unique biology and ecological roles. They have existed for 230 million years and have proven extraordinarily resilient\, even surviving the mass extinction event that killed off the non-avian dinosaurs. Despite our affection for them and their resilience\, turtles are facing unprecedented challenges in the modern world and rank among the most endangered vertebrate groups on Earth. Maine is fortunate to be home to many of these beautiful\, enduring\, and vulnerable creatures. This talk will explore the turtles of Maine—their biology\, how to observe them\, and what we can all do to ensure their continued existence on our fragile planet. \nMatthew Chatfield is an Assistant Professor of Evolution and Eco-Health at the University of Maine where he studies the evolution\, ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. He received a BA in Biology from the University of Chicago and a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan. He subsequently spent five years at Tulane University and six years at Unity College. Dr. Chatfield also serves as the Principal Investigator of the Maine Wood Turtle Project. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/maines-turtles-by-matthew-chatfield/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240313T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240313T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20240128T132536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:940-1710356400-1710361800@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Maine Big Night - Amphibian Migration Monitoring and Rescue - DESCRIPTION:March 13th – Maine Big Night: Amphibian Migration Monitoring.\nSpeaker: Greg LeClair\nClick here to Zoom: Password-192292 Available for people not able to attend in person.\nGreg with rescued salamanders \nApril showers bring more than just May flowers to Maine – they bring the massive annual migration of amphibians\, colloquially known as “big nights”. As many of these amphibians plod and hop through the landscape\, they face unfortunately steep odds of reaching their breeding locations. While natural barriers (rivers\, mountains\, etc.) and predators are risks that Wood Frogs and Spotted Salamanders have calculated into their migratory plans\, many have not had the time to adjust to the newest\, and perhaps most deadly\, risk during these migrations – roads. \nThis persistent and likely increasing threat is what inspired the creation of Maine Big Night: Amphibian Migration Monitoring (MBN). MBN is a community science project that harnesses the energy of community members throughout the state to accomplish two major tasks; record data on amphibian crossings and assist the creatures across the road to directly reduce mortality as a temporary means of protection. \nSince the inception of the project in 2018\, MBN has recorded 21\,586 amphibians and surveyed 349 sites from Kittery to St. Agatha\, which was recorded on the backs of 388 unique certified volunteers (plus many more joining them – perhaps thousands of Mainers have now participated in MBN!). Combined\, volunteers have contributed just over 224 days of road monitoring\, allowing 15\,939 amphibians to be shepherded safely to and from their breeding locations. \nCome and learn more about salamanders and how you can help them. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/maine-big-night-amphibian-migration-monitoring-and-rescue/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231108T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231108T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20230629T140736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:930-1699470000-1699475400@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Wildlife Tracking in Maine - DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Charles Hulsey (Chuck) \nChuck will share wildlife tracking and species ID tips and techniques that he has used over the years while doing winter wildlife tracking surveys for lynx\, bobcat\, pine marten\, and fisher. These techniques allow for accurate identification of the owner’s tracks\, even if of poor quality\, which is commonly the case. I took the attached picture will doing Canada lynx surveys in western Maine. The tracks were filled in but could be identified from a hundred feet away as lynx due to their size\, and just importantly\, the track pattern. I will cover these things during my talk. \nCharles Hulsey: a 1978 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono with BS Wildlife Mgt. and BS Forest Management degrees. He worked for the Maine Forest Service from 1978-1988\, most of that time as a district forester providing management advice to small woodland owners. He has worked for the MDIFW since 1988\, nearly all of that time as the Regional Wildlife Biologist in Region D\, western Maine. He is presently working on three statewide projects: Writing wildlife habitat management guidelines for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands with fellow wildlife biologist Sarah Spencer; providing deer wintering area management assistance statewide; and providing additional assistance capacity to the Department’s relatively new private lands program URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/wildlife-tracking-in-maine/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231011T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231011T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T134123 CREATED:20230629T140459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T162347Z UID:929-1697050800-1697056200@western.maineaudubon.org SUMMARY: Rising Seas and Warming Waters: climate stresses to Gulf of Maine marine species - DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Dr Hannah Baranes\, and Andrew Allyn \nThe Gulf of Maine has one of the most biologically productive marine ecosystems in the world. It is also warming faster than 96% of the world’s oceans and experiencing rates of sea level rise higher than the global average. These changes place numerous stresses on Gulf of Maine marine species\, particularly colonial nesting seabirds that use Maine’s coastal islands for nesting habitat and rely on marine resources to feed themselves and their young. Hannah and Andrew invite you to their presentation to learn more about expected climate-driven changes in the Gulf of Maine and their potential impacts on marine species. \nDr. Hannah Baranes: Hannah joined GMRI in 2022 as a post-doctoral researcher in the Climate Center. Her work at GMRI uses statistical techniques to estimate flood hazard in areas where there are multiple drivers of flooding\, such as sea level rise\, tides\, storm surge and river flow. Before coming to GMRI\, Hannah completed her M.S. and Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Massachusetts Amherst\, where she focused on understanding the dynamic processes that shape the structure and function of coastal environments. Outside of work\, Hannah plays on Maine’s professional ultimate team\, Portland Rising\, and is an avid backcountry snowboarder. \nAndrew Allyn: Andrew is a quantitative research associate at GMRI and a PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Since joining GMRI in 2017\, Andrew’s work has focused on building species distribution models to understand where marine species are now and where they might go in the future under different climate change scenarios. Before coming to GMRI\, Andrew completed his M.S. in Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst while studying seabirds in Alaska and in the Gulf of Maine. When he isn’t at work\, Andrew enjoys exploring Maine’s great outdoors and making a mess in the wood shop. URL:https://western.maineaudubon.org/event/rising-seas-and-warming-waters-climate-stresses-to-gulf-of-maine-marine-species/ LOCATION:Thomas Auditorium\, Preble Hall\, UMF\, 173 High Street\, Farmington\, Maine\, 04938 CATEGORIES:Talks ORGANIZER;CN="Western Maine Audubon":MAILTO:wma@westernmaineaudubon.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR