Last Call for Western Maine

*Deadline for reservations is June 13.  I currently have one last space available (for a male) on the Claybrook Mountain Lodge trip.  Due to a series of late cancellations, I have TEN spaces available on my Rangeley Lakes trip.  These trips are open to anyone with an interest in birds - club members (ANY club), Massbirders, experts and beginners alike.  Due to their biodiversity nature, these trips can be (and have been) enjoyed by non-birding spouses and significant others.

CLAYBROOK MOUNTAIN LODGE
Saturday, June 26 to Wednesday, June 30
Claybrook Mountain Lodge is set in the Highland Plantation in Somerset County, Maine. Claybrook is unique because it's located at the northern edge of the eastern deciduous forest and the southern edge of the boreal forest. Add to this habitat mix the extensive grasslands and marshlands a few miles to the south, and its easy to understand why birders consider this one of Maine's best inland birding hot spots. This trip will concentrate on Maine's boreal specialties including Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Lincoln's Sparrow and Bicknell's Thrush. Participants can expect to do some canoeing and moderate hiking. Time will also be taken to enjoy the flora and fauna along the way. The Lodge is rustic, comfortable and inviting. sleeping 14. With the Modified American Plan, all of our meals will be provided. Between them, our hosts Greg and Pat Drummond bring over 25 years experience as a Registered Master Maine Guide, a chef, an intimate knowledge of the local wildlife and outstanding old-fashioned, hearty New England home cooking.  Please contact me for additional information and reservations (required by June 13).

RANGELEY LAKES REGION
Wednesday, June 30 to Sunday, July 4.
Rangeley, Maine and the Rangeley Lakes Region lie some 250 miles north of Boston, exactly half way between the Equator and the North Pole. For over 12 years, the Brookline Bird Club Weekend Trip to the Rangeley Lakes Region has been introducing birders to the rich diversity of the lakes and mountains of Western Maine. Of the 156 species of birds recorded so far, the main focus of the trip is the area’s boreal specialties - Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Lincoln's Sparrow and Bicknell’s Thrush. Twenty three species of warbler breed in the region, as well as Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch and both Red and White-winged Crossbill. Being a biodiversity trip at heart, we also take time to stop and observe the flora and fauna along the way - mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, trees, ferns, wildflowers and more. Long standing traditions include Boy Scout Road, the Kennebago River Run and the Boreal Barbecue, complete with tall birding tales and s’mores around the campfire. Participants can expect to do some canoeing and moderate hiking, including an optional trek up Saddleback Mountain for Bicknell's Thrush.  Please contact me for additional information and reservations (required by June 13).

Eddie