Maine July 13 - July 17, 2024 - $1000 deposit/person

Tour Price/person*: $1995

Deposit: $1000
Single supplement: $414
Final Payment Due: 15 March 2024, or at registration if after.

Group size: 6 to 10 guests

*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of 6 to 10 registrants. Maximum groups size is 10 registrants, plus guide(s) and driver(s). If there are fewer than 6 registrants, this tour may be cancelled or re-negotiated. Note that if you want a roommate we can try to find you one, but we cannot guarantee all guests a roommate. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement.

The tour price (fee) includes services from upon arrival on Day 1 into Bangor, until drop-off in Bangor on Day 5, including:

·      All accommodations from Day 1 through until Day 5.

·      All transport from pick-up on Day 1 through to drop-off on Day 5.

·      All guiding services, access permits, fees and tolls.

Excluded from your tour fee are:

·      Any flights. We can advise you on best times for flights, but we do not book flights or arrange air travel.

·      Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, charges to your hotel room, or other items of a personal nature.

·      Visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, etc.

·      Single rooms. Note that the tour fee is calculated off double occupancy of each room. Single rooms are available if guest pays the single supplement (noted above).

Pace, Rigor, Climate & Pests

Moderate pace. Little if any hiking, but some lengthy bouts (2 hours+) on foot and fairly long days, perhaps some of which may feature a mid-day break. One or two boat trips will be undertaken. We will be out early and late for good light & best wildlife activity. Some longish drives.

·       One comfortable lodge (Schoodic Institute) throughout and food options range from decent to quite good or better.

·       Typically weather is pleasant, 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. At times hotter or colder weather is possible, and high wind and rain are possible.

·       Mosquitos or other biting insects could complicate our time. Best to bring good insect repellant. They are not routinely bad but can be heavy in times/places.

Each morning we rise early, pre-dawn to be in position to take advantage of wildlife on the move at a great time of day. Sunset is before 6am and sunset is just before 10pm.

All birding is done along trails, roadsides, or at parks or refuges, and walking is at a slow pace so as not to startle wildlife and see as much as possible. One or two days we venture out to sea on boat trips, though these should not be challenging for those who are reasonably fit.

Weather is variable. It can be rainy or chilly enough to warrant a fleece, sweatshirt, or even a thermal layer, but more often we experience pleasant temperatures and light wind, making field time comfortable. Mosquitoes can be challenging however in areas, and to a lesser extent ticks can be a nuisance too.  We strongly urge guests to consult a doctor about vaccinations and medications prior to travel.

We travel by mini-van, with your tour leader driving, and up to 5 guests per vehicle riding as passengers.

Photography is welcome on this tour, but note that this is not a “photography tour”, per se. We will always try and allow some time for obtaining images of desirable subjects, but time is a factor in achieving each of the day’s goals, and it will be up to the tour leader when we move on from birds and other photography subjects.

Packing & What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one mid-size suitcase/duffel, and another smaller bag for daily use on outings. Group travel dictates we consider our fellow traveler’s comfort, and this includes not over-packing. There is limited space in vehicles for gear.

Light layers that can be added if it gets cool or removed if it heats up are best. Bring a thermal layer or two, sunscreen, and a hat and sunglasses are good to have. Good trail shoes, hiking shoes or hiking boots should suffice for most outings, while a pair of slip-ons, flip flops, or comfortable walking shoes for around the hotels/lodges are good to have as well. As mentioned, a daypack (small backpack or the like) for your belongings for daily field outings is useful, and some folks find that having a walking stick for balance is nice or having a foldable stool/chair is nice for times when we sit and wait in an area for a bird(s) to show.

Your leaders will have spotting scopes for group use. If you plan to bring your own, and/or intend to bring a tripod keep in mind there is limited space in the vehicles. Generally we recommend sharing the leader’s scopes, unless you plan to digi-scope or typically use your own scope for field outings. In case of the latter, while we may have some space in the vehicles, it is best you are prepared to keep your scope/tripod on your person (in your seat) as we travel.

Participants will want to bring binoculars and a camera (optional) as this tour is very scenic. Spotting scopes will be provided by your guides. None of the tours require strenuous hiking. Birding will be slow moving and on level ground. There may be some spots that are muddy, uneven, and slippery, but large boots are unnecessary. Boat tours are sometimes windy and damp. Appropriate clothing is advised. Participation is limited to 10 plus two guides. Travel will be via two mini-vans.