Category Archives: Past Programs

We will cover plant use, collection protocol and identification. Each participant has the opportunity to create a search image best suited for her/him. The group will  then go for a walk gathering various plants. Registration and cancellation requested by June 8; call 944-9259. Meet in the Parker Reed shelter. Suggested donations are $5 for adults, school-aged children are free.

Hirundo’s first Full Moon Paddle of the season was prevented by rain!  We hope for a clear sky on our next full moon paddle on June 21 at 7 PM.

Share a quiet evening on Pushaw Stream with Wildlife ecologist Bucky Owen, resident beavers, muskrats and otters. Meet at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Gate 3 in the parking lot (35 Hudson Rd., Alton). Reservations and cancellations requested by May 22, call 207-944-9259. Bring a flashlight, water and a snack.

- Natural Bird Feeders in your yard

                                                Sunday, May 19, 1 PM 

The program explores the use of native tree & shrub species, and flowering plants as sustainable food source for birds. In choosing specific plants, you will enrich the area with food and shelter for birds and butterflies. Your return is hours of bird observation opportunities, varied bird songs and, in some instances, food for yourself. Only, if you are fast enough come harvest time.

Reservations and cancellations requested by May 18; call 207-944-9259.
Program is free and open to all ages. Suggested donations are $5 for adults, school-aged children are free.

How birds keep our world safe from plagues of insects: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/fact_sheets/default.cfm?fxsht=2

Courtesy of University of Maine
A ceramic mug, crafted by University of Maine students, is one of the many mugs that will be sold to benefit educational programs at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Alton at various events during spring 2013.

Conceived, created and sold by the Art Education Students from UMaine.

Treat yourself, buy a beautiful, handcrafted piece of earthenware and support local                                        environmental education.

If you did not get your mug already, this is your LAST chance!

WHERE:     Maine Day at University of Maine Student Union                                                                  WHEN:       WEDNESDAY, 1 MAY 12 – 4PM

Wednesday April 24, 6:30 pm, Parker Reed Shelter, Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Old Town/Alton

How do you easily identify a bird you have been watching? You are curious about the fascinating hobby of birding but are unsure where to begin? You just like to know the difference in the terms “bird watcher” and “birder”?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, this informative evening provided answers for your questions. The programs attendees ranged from ‘bird watchers” and ‘birders to be”, the difference being the former looking at birds and the latter searching out birds to look at.

Paul Markson, local bird guide and Hirundo volunteer, shared his  unique perspective of 30+ years of bird watching. The topics included identification local bird habitats, how to go about identifying birds, choosing a field guide and binocular, birding dos and don’ts, and other related items.

Programs at Hirundo meet at the Parker Reed shelter in the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, located on Rt. 43 in Alton. Take Gate 1 and follow the dirt road for approx. 1/2 mile to the Pine Tree parking lot. The shelter is further on the left. Reservations and cancellations requested, call 207-944-9259.

Program is free and open to all ages. Suggested donation $5 dollars for adults, school-aged children are free. Reservations and cancellations are requested by 4.22.2013, call 207-944-9259.

Did you know?
The oldest eagle recorded in the U.S., was a 32-year-old Bald Eagle from Maine.

OWL WALKS – Wednesday March 13 – 6:30PM 

     Paul Markson, local bird guide, gave an informative talk on owls and introduced the participants to the calls of owls found in Hirundo: Barred Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Great Horned Owl. The group then stepped into the darkness of the night and was greatly rewarded. A Barred Owl (see photo on left) called from the distance, moved closer and then drifted away.  A vocal display holding everyone captive. A successful night out.

barred_owl/sounds

Step outside and see who else shares the trails with you, it is always a surprise. This time our group was met by a reporter from a local television channel who filmed how the snow shoes are strapped on waved goodbye as we walked down the trail.
Along the trail we found an abundance of spring tails, commonly called snow fleas, numerous deer tracks and coyote tracks. We talked about the intricacy and importance of ecological niches. At every step we saw beautiful patterns in the snow designed by the falling snow of trees.

We explored the lower 40 of Hirundo’s seven-mile trail network along the Indian Pipe Trail.

Meet at Gate 1, right next to Rt.43 (Hudson Road).

Sunday February 24, 1- 2:30PM -

Steve Sader, Professor of Forest Resources at University of Maine, introduced the group to the challenge on how to identify deciduous trees and shrubs in winter. Equipped with hand lenses and magnifying glasses the group set out, amidst gently falling slow. Sounds seemed muffled except the rushing water of Pushaw Stream. Besides trees we saw much beaver activity, particularly on Black ashes. See for yourself ….

Guided Winter Walk – Sunday February 17, 1-2:30M

Paul Markson, birder and Hirundo volunteer, will take you on a hike on Hirundo’s wild side! Snow or not. Bring snowshoes if needed. Meet at the Parker Reed shelter, located beyond Gate 1 and next to Lac D’or.

Reservations requested by Saturday, February 16 call 944-9259. We have snowshoes for use. Suggested donations are $5 for adults, school-aged children are free.

We had to cancel the program because of blistering wind. Hirundo offers Guided Winter Walks on Sunday afternoons from 1-2:30 pm, with or without snowshoe!        Come and join us!

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS -

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR ALTERNATE DATE!

Winter Photography – Sunday February 10, 9:30AM

Come experience and capture the beauty of a winter day under the guidance of Mary Hartt. Meet at the Parker Reed shelter and dress for the weather.

Reservations requested by Saturday, February 9 call 944-9259. Suggested donations are $5 for adults, school-aged children are free.

Mary is a native to Bangor and longtime resident of Dixmont, Maine. She first became seriously interested in photography in 1995 and has worked with many well-known photographers throughout the years. Joe McDonald, John Shaw, and Len Rue are just a few. She has won many State and New England awards for her nature and wildlife photography. Mary has captured many beautiful scenes around the world, but some of her most outstanding photos have been taken right here in Maine, capturing Maine’s true culture and its wildlife.

Mary Hartt Photography