SCHOODIC POINT SEA WATCH

Saturday, October 14, drop in anytime between sunrise and 9 a.m.

Leaders: Bob Duchesne & Schoodic Institute staff

Tens of thousands of seabirds migrate past Schoodic Point each autumn.  Common eiders and double-crested cormorants are joined by passing groups of black, surf, and white-winged scoters, with some flocks numbering in the hundreds.  Northern gannets often pass close to shore. Each morning starting at sunrise, biologists from Schoodic Institute show up to count them – and members of the public are invited to join in the process. Most of these species are too difficult to survey in their remote breeding habitats, so this daily seasonal count allows scientists to assess the health and population trends of many seabirds.  Bob and the biologist on duty will point out the different species as they pass by, so participants can develop  their flying seabird identification skills. Come and go as you please, anytime between sunrise and 9 a.m. Bring binoculars and, if you have one, a spotting scope; otherwise, Bob will share his.  PLEASE NOTE:  in the event of heavy rain, this program will be cancelled without notice.

Directions: From Coastal Route US-1, take State Route 186 to Moore Road, aka the Schoodic Loop Road.  Follow the Loop Road all the way to its end at Schoodic Point, bearing right where the road forks.  If you have never visited the Schoodic portion of Acadia National Park before, allow time for at least one more driving tour around the loop, and possibly some hiking or bicycle touring after the Sea Watch program ends.  There are plenty of great birding, photography, sightseeing, picnicking, and wildlife-watching  adventures awaiting you here, with much smaller crowds than you will find on MDI.