Monhegan Island, Maine
September 18-22, 2016

Get ready to leave the noise and bustle of everyday life behind as we venture to this picturesque and serene island off the coast of Maine! Its remote location 12 miles offshore and diverse habitats help to make Monhegan one of the top migrant “traps” on the East Coast. Our time will be filled observing some of the incredible array of birds that reside on or visit this island, such as flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers (over 20 species possible), sparrows, finches, and blackbirds. We will scan the ocean waves for waterfowl, alcids, shearwaters, jaegers, and other seabirds, while raptors pass by in their search for prey on the island. The list of possibilities reads like a checklist, and we will search for species such as Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Black Guillemot, King Eider, Northern Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Black-legged Kittiwake, Parasitic Jaeger, Red-necked Phalarope, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Philadelphia Vireo, Connecticut Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Clay-colored Sparrow, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, and many more!!  Regularly sighted vagrants include Western Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Dickcissel, Lark Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, and more. Monhegan has also hosted a stunning list of rarities, topped by the likes of Magnificent Frigatebird, Bridled Tern, Swallow-tailed Kite, Say’s Phoebe, White-winged Dove, Northern Wheatear, Lazuli Bunting, and Lark Bunting! We will be leaving our vehicles on the mainland and soaking it all in while covering some of the many trails on this small and peaceful island (only 1.7 miles long and .5 miles wide). Wonderful birding, breathtaking scenery, and an enchanting atmosphere - Monhegan has it all!

Day One: Meet in Port Clyde at 10:00 a.m. to catch the ferry to Monhegan Island at 10:30 a.m. On our 50 minute ride over, we will search for a variety of seabirds, waterfowl, and even seals. Upon arrival, we will check in and shortly thereafter bird some areas nearby the historic fishing town, before stopping for dinner (included). 

Days Two, Three, & Four: Gather at 6:30 a.m. for days of magnificent island birding. We will explore the surprisingly diverse habitats, from sheltered coves to rocky headlands, virgin spruce and fir forest to an extensive meadow. An incredible range of species will be enjoyed. We will stop for lunch and a break at mid-day, and then bird until 5:00 p.m. We will stop a bit earlier on Day Three to allow an opportunity to visit some of the shops and galleries. Dinner and the evening are on your own to take in what Monhegan has to offer, except for Day Four, when we will gather at the end of the day for a relaxing dinner (included) and a review of the day’s sightings.

Day Five: Our final morning will be spent observing the latest avian visitors to the island. We will bird until 11:30, then prepare for our 12:30 p.m. ferry to Port Clyde. The ride back will give us a chance to add to our seabird and waterfowl list, as well as review our many sightings. The tour will conclude upon arrival at Port Clyde.

Tour Details
This tour includes four nights of seaside accommodations at a charming guesthouse. Each room has a water view with a private deck, as well as a private bath. All rooms are furnished with one queen-size bed  and some also have a sofa bed. The accommodations are also non-smoking. Dinner at two of the fine local restaurants are provided (Sunday and Wednesday), as well as a continental breakfast each morning. The cost of the ferry crossing is also included. For those flying into Portland, there are several options to travel to Port Clyde. For those driving to Port Clyde, safe parking is available at the dock for a small fee.

Professional guide services are included for the duration of the tour. Brett M. Ewald, a naturalist and biologist with over 15 years experience, will be the tour leader on this exciting excursion. Brett has been involved in numerous research and educational projects, specializing in bird migration and distribution patterns. He recently co-authored a publication on waterbird movements on Lake Ontario. He looks forward to sharing the wonders of Monhegan Island with you!

Besides the spectacular birding, coastal Maine has a natural beauty beyond compare. Monhegan itself has a quaint fishing village and artist’s retreat, with several shops and galleries; it is a favorite tourist day-trip destination in the summer. Maine is also famous for its historical lighthouses, one of which is located right on the island. This tour will truly be a memorable coastal experience! 

Tour Pricing 
Prices listed are per person, based on your level of occupancy.

• Double: $999.00
  
• Single: $1299.00
  

Terms and Conditions
Please fill out completely and sign the Extended Tours Registration Form and mail to Lakeshore Nature Tours, along with a $475.00 per person deposit. Make your check or money order payable to Lakeshore Nature Tours. Any balance due is required June 30, 2016. Confirmation and an informational packet, with finalized tour itinerary and details, will be sent upon guarantee of tour departure, based on adequate participation. A full refund of tour payments will be executed from Lakeshore Nature Tours for any cancellation resulting from inadequate participation. If the tour is full, a waiting list will be taken, and filled according to the date of registration. A $125 service fee will apply to a participant cancellation before June 30, 2016. Cancellations after June 30, 2016 will forfeit the entire $475.00 deposit. Transportation to and from the ferry at Port Clyde is the responsibility of the participant(s).