Meeting to be held at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Come early to socialize Come earlier to sit in on the board meeting The great blue heron is often touted as one of the most widespread and adaptable birds in North America.  Here in Maine they are certainly widespread, but recent data has suggested a decline in their breeding population especially along the coast.  Concerns over a population decline prompted the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to conduct a comprehensive survey of breeding colonies in 2009, and to begin a statewide adopt-a-colony program called the Heron Observation Network.  … Continue reading →

Meeting to be held at Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Birds Do the Darndest Things One of the great pleasures of birding is observing the intimate snippets of birds’ lives.  Usually the birds we see are either perched, flying, or feeding.  But every so often, we glimpse less obvious behaviors, which hold us spellbound—a meadowlark fleeing a falcon, an oriole constructing a complex nest, or a jay surreptitiously stashing away seeds. Observing bird behavior carefully often leads us to ponder some puzzling questions: Why do Yellow Warblers naively devote themselves to feeding cowbird fledglings twice their size?  How do Black-capped Chickadees remember … Continue reading →

May 10-11, 2013 marks our 13th annual Birding Challenge fund-raiser. We began very humbly in 2001 by raising a grand total of $262 and peaked in 2007 with a total of $5,038 in donations from individuals and businesses. Throughout many generous donors have supported us with contributions. Also the Birding Challenge has benefited from the dedication of YCAS members who have reached out to invite the community for its support. Our purpose in raising funds is to reinvest them in environmental education, conservation, and research projects in York County. The National Audubon’s Seabird Restoration Project on Stratton Island has been … Continue reading →

The field trip to Thornhurst Farm has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.   Targets: Geese and more Thornhurst Farm on Route 115 in North Yarmouth is just over the Yarmouth line and known as an annual stopover for hundreds of migrating geese.  Here’s a story on it from the Press Herald:  http://www.pressherald.com/archive/rare-geese-draw-crowds-to-maine_2009-11-03.html

Offered in cooperation with York Land Trust. Leader: Lyman Page We will be looking for returning migrants and breeding birds. Directions: Take the York exit from Turnpike, Go to Rte 1 at the Stonewall Kitchen’s Light. From this light travel ~ 1 mile south on US Rt.1 to the Route 91. Turn right onto Route 91 and travel ~ 3 miles west to reach the Highland Farm Preserve Parking Lot. Contact: Lyman Page 967-2391

Longtime summer resident Ken Janes retired here a year ago and has now combined his lifelong interest in birding and photography with daily walks in our membership area. Ken has a knack of capturing some stunning images of butterflies, dragonflies, mammals and many birds including a rarity that brought birders from far and wide to Kennebunk. Held at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. directions Please Note: All are welcome to attend the YCAS board meeting, which will begin at 5pm before the member program.

Originally scheduled for March 19; postponed due to weather. YCAS member, traveler, and birder Marie Jordan will help us vicariously experience Cuba and its birdlife. While her emphasis is on birds, we will also learn about the beautiful locations these unique birds are found, and get fascinating glimpses of the old city, American relic cars and the Cuban countryside. Held at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. directions Please Note: All are welcome to attend the YCAS board meeting, which will begin at 5pm before the member program.

Leader: Bob and Anne Watson Target: Upland Sandpiper, sparrows. As described by Bob Duchesne in The Maine Birding Trail, “This remnant is home to breeding grassland species found almost nowhere else in the state, including Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrows, Upland Sandpiper, Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks and Brown Thrashers.” Meet: Parking area along Route 99 Contact: Bob and Anne 251-1135

Leader: Joe Scott Target: Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Meet: Store at intersection of Routes 113 and 160 Contact: Doug Hitchcox 671-0185