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Birding Campobello Island

Program Number: 21046RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/24/2013 - 5/29/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Campobello Island, New Brunswick
Price starting at: $1,125.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Birding; National Parks
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Despite its small size, Campobello Island off the Maine coast is one of the top birding areas in the Northeast. During the spring, experience the Down East Spring Birding Festival, which draws birders and birding experts from across North America to observe the spring migration of over 200 bird species including Boreal Chickadees, Spruce Grouse and Atlantic Puffins. In late summer, the island again comes alive as tens of thousands of migrating shorebirds and seabirds make the return journey in preparation for fall and winter. Join fellow birders and expert instructors during one of these special times of year to check a few species of your life list.




Highlights

• Choose the spring program and attend the Down East Spring Birding Festival to observe the largest Atlantic Puffin colony on the Maine coastline.
• Choose the summer program and explore Head Harbor Passage onboard vessels that sail and motor among flocks of seabirds, whales, porpoises and seals.
• On either program, encounter a wide variety of birds with expert instructors familiar with local species and habitats.



Activity Particulars

Walking 1-2 miles on uneven, rocky terrain.



Campobello Island is in New Brunswick, Canada, not far from coastal Maine. Passports required.




Date Specific Information

5-24-2013

This date coincides with the 10th Down East Spring Birding Festival in Maine, rated one of the best festivals in 2011 and 2012 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



8-25-2013

This date requires (dis)embarking from a boat for two open-water transfers. Coincides with fall migration; spot rafts of alcids and sea ducks, as well as rare shore birds like Baird’s Sandpiper and Marbled Godwit with resident guides.



Coordinated by Cobscook Community Learning Center.




Campobello Island

Located on the border between the United States and Canada, this historic island was the beloved summer home of Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt. The international park named after the family features an inspiring array of peaceful, natural areas.
Accommodations
Cottages used by friends of President Franklin Roosevelt, returned to period glory. First- and second-floor rooms, no elevator.
Meals and Lodgings
   Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
  Campobello Island 5 nights
 Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: A conference center consisting of several large 'cottages' set in 2800 acres of natural park. The original F.D. Roosevelt summer home and Visitor Centre are the centerpiece. You'll stay right in the Park for easy access to birding. The surrounding Park areas contain forest, bog, salt water coves, tidal marshs,open fields with many species of birds. There are viewing platforms overlooking the sea and board walks through the bogs.
  Contact info: Route 774
Campobello Island, NB Canada Canada
phone: 506-752-2922
web: www.fdr.net
  Room amenities: Bathrooms are generally ensuite.
  Facility amenities: The cottages you will stay in were those of the rich friends of the Franklin Roosevelts. They have been restored to their glory with period wallpaper, plush carpeting, and every room with an ensuite bath. Kitchens with all facilities (friges for medicines, etc.), living rooms with TV, porches, and laundry facilities for your use at each cottage.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Although it is not possible to stay at the Conference Center, you will be sent an accommodations page that will allow you to choose a place to stay in nearby towns.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Although it is not possible to stay at the Conference Center, you will be sent an accommodations page that will allow you to choose a place to stay in nearby towns.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
6:00 pm at Prince Cottage at Roosevelt Cottage International Park and Conference Center You will be staying at Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
11:00 AM (EDT) at Roosevelt Cottage International Park You will be staying at Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport is required to cross Canadian border and to return to the United States. If you were not born in the U.S., please check with U.S. customs to see if any additional requirements are necessary.
  Parking availability:
Ample free parking at your cottage in Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Campobello Island
  Nearest city or town:  Lubec, Maine
  Nearest highway: Route 189 and US Route 1
  Nearest airport:  Bangor, Maine
  From End of Program
  Location: Campobello Island
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

To/from Bangor & Campobello Island

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
CCLC Shuttle
phone: 207-853-4877
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$125
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 100 miles
   

CCLC will be running a shuttle van from Bangor to Campobello Island on Friday, with a return trip to Bangor on Wednesday. The shuttle will be timed to make sure that you do not miss any part of the program. It will leave Bangor no later than 2:00 pm. on Friday, and will leave Campobello by 11:00 am. on Wednesday. You will need to contact the program coordinator to arrange for pick up times and locations in Bangor.. Program Coordinator: 207-853-4877.
 

Campobello Island

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
West's Transportation
phone: 800-596-2823

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25 each way + pick up fee of $20 at Whiting Corner
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

3 hours 
 

Distance:

 

110 miles
   

Service runs to/from Bangor once daily, leaving Bangor airport at 3:15 pm and arriving in Whiting at 6:00 pm. Program coordinator needs to be notified for transport to Campobello Island (207-853-4877)(Fee for pickup and return to Whiting Corner $20 each way). Return to Bangor is scheduled daily at 10:30 am, arriving in Bangor at 1:15 pm. Requires careful coordination with flight arrivals and departures. For more details, visit www.westbusservice.com
 
Driving Directions
  Bangor, Maine From Interstate 95 in Bangor take Exit 182A and follow the signs to Bar Harbor and US Route 1, which will put you onto Interstate 395 for three miles. Get off on Exit 4 and follow directional signs to Route 9 and Calais. Turn right off the exit ramp and follow signs for Route 9. Travel approximately 70 miles and turn right onto Route 192 to Machias. In Machias, turn left onto US Route 1. Travel approximately 17 miles into Whiting, where you will make a right onto Rt. 189. Follow 189 to Lubec where you will cross the FDR Memorial Bridge into Canada. You will pass through customs on the Campobello Island side. Proceed on Highway #774 about 1.5 miles. Roosevelt Cottage International Park Conference Center will be on the left. Drive past the Visitor's Center and make a right into the drive for Prince Cottage. There will be a sign that says "Staff Only", but there will also be a Road Scholar/Elderhostel sign.
  Calais, Maine Travel south on US Route 1. Travel through the towns of Perry, Pembroke, into Whiting. In Whiting, turn left on Rt. 189. Follow it into Lubec where you will cross the FDR Memorial Bridge into Canada. You will pass through Canadian customs on the Campobello Island side. Proceed on Highway #774 about 1.5 miles. Roosevelt Cottage International Park Conference Center will be on the left. Drive past the Visitor's Center and make a right into the drive for Prince Cottage. There will be a sign that says "Staff Only", but there will also be a Road Scholar/Elderhostel sign.
  From South Via US Route 1 Travel north on US Route 1. Travel through the towns of Ellsworth, Machias, into Whiting Village where you will make a right onto Route 189. Follow 189 into Lubec. Cross over the Intenational Bridge onto Campobello Island. You will see the entrance to the Park on your left after about 1.5 miles. Drive past the Visitor Centre and take the next right, down the hill to Prince Cottage where you may park and come into the Cottage for your directions to your cottage.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Dinner and Program Orientation
(Friday, May 24)

Note: Gather at Prince Cottage for dinner and orientation, meeting your Road Scholar guide and program coordinator
   
 Afternoon: Arrive at Prince Cottage to pick up registration packet and housing assignment. Settle in, enjoy the comforts of these magnificent cottages. Drive about the island and get a feel for the community and do a little self-guided birding. Another option you might want to consider before joining the program at Campobello Island is the opening walks with the Birding Festival happening at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Baring, Maine this afternoon. Materials will be included in your prep materials to pre-register for these walks. A full description of the Festival activities will be listed on the website at www.downeastbirdfest.org.
 Dinner: Gather at Prince Cottage for Dinner and orientation.
 Evening: Resident guide Bob Duchesne, renowned state birding guide, will lead a discussion about festival expectations.
   
Accommodations: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Birding on Campobello Island and Puffin expedition to Machias Seal Island on the vessel Barbara Frost with Captain Andy Patterson
(Saturday, May 25)

Note: Birds and beautiful vistas of Campobello Island--Atlantic Puffin, Razorbills, Common Murres, and the occasional Black Guillemot
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at Prince Cottage
 Morning: After breakfast, Group A will enjoy a walk through the Eagle Hill Bog and Friar's Head with RCIP naturalist Daphne Savage. The easy-moderate Friar's hike includes habitats from mowed lawns to coniferous and mixed woods. The easy-moderate one-mile bog walk is surrounded by thickets and mixed woods. Group B will depart for Cutler We will be departing for Machias Seal Island, which has the largest Atlantic puffin colony along the Maine coastline. Your trip from Cutler Harbor, aboard the Barbara Frost with Captain Andy Patterson, to the island will take about 60 minutes. You will have about two hours either on the island or in the waters surrounding the island (depending on the landing conditions). If you're interested in terns and alcids, this is your trip. Avian occupants include 3,000 Atlantic puffins, as well as razorbills, Arctic and common terns, common murres, black guillemots and common eiders. Other seabirds, such as northern gannets, black-legged kittiwakes, gulls, shearwaters, and storm petrels, are frequently sighted on the water. Bald eagles and seals are spotted often. This trip involves two open water transfers, one in Cutler Harbor to load onto the Barbara Frost, and another at Machias Seal Island if we are able to go ashore. You will be assisted by the boat's Captain on both maneuvers. The trip is exilerating and the birds are a real treat.
 Lunch: Both groups will meet up for a picnic lunch at West Quoddy Head State Park, the easternmost point of land in the continental U.S.
 Afternoon: After lunch, we will explore West Quoddy Head State Park. A variety of habitats exist at the park. The Green Point path passes through low dense balsam fir and red spruce forest. The Peat Bog Trail includes a boardwalk over a 7-acre boreal peat bog that is surrounded by black spruce. Many neo-typical migrant bird species may be seen along the coastal and inland trails.
 Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront Lubec restaurant
 Evening: Return to Prince Cottage and enjoy Bob Duchesne's "Birding by Ear" program, followed by aeview day's bird sightings.
   
Accommodations: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Birding expedition all over Campobello Island and the Cobscook Bay Region in Maine
(Sunday, May 26)

Note: Enjoy the exclusive guiding expertise of resident guide Barry Southard and noted guides Bob and Sandi Duschene
   
 Breakfast: Nutritious breakfast at Prince Cottage
 Morning: Today will be al all-day excursion with renowned birding expert and author Bob Duschene and our own resident guide Barry Southard. This is a popular festival event with very limitied enrollment. We will bird in five or six special habitats on Campobello Island and in the Cobscook Bay area to have the opportunity to see an inordinate variety of birds. Stops will be in spruce-fir forests, brush and pole stage timber, ocean and tidal flats, and fresh and tidal marshes - habitats for a great variety of birds from hummingbirds to gannets. This excursion will be at a leisurely pace to allow you to focus on new and/or favorite birds. Over the course of the day, it will be possible to see most of the birds expected to be in this area. Bring along your waterproof boots.
 Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch along the trail.
 Afternoon: Following lunch, we will continue the day's exploration with Bob.. Enjoy the expertise of your guide who is well versed in the Down East birding community.
 Dinner: We'll join festival participants for a hearty, homemade dinner at the Cobscook Community Learning Center. This dinner has become aa Festival tradition where guides and participants come togehter and share stories and findings to date. Live entertainment will follow dinner. Preceding dinner, we will enjoy a slide show of participants photographs. If you have some you want to share or take any during the festival, please feel free to join in with your submissions. Instructions for submitting photographs will be included in your prep package.
 Evening: We'll join resident guide Bob Duchesne and MNWR's Bill Kolodnicki for an evening hike at Commissary Point or the Edmunds MNWR, hoping to see late-displaying woodcock. We'll explore a diverse selection of forest and field habitats, including areas managed specifically by Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to benefit woodcock, and which also provide homes to more than fifty other species that use the same areas. This property is also home to bears, coyotes, deer, porcupines, ruffed grouse, hares and many other species.
 Evening: For those who don't wish to take part in the evening hike, transportation back to RCIP will be provided after the dinner activities.
   
Accommodations: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Travel to the historic seaside village of Eastport, Maine for a ride on a lobster boat, leaving off the picturesque Easport breakwater. We'll slip through many of the Canadian Maritime Islands in Head Harbor Passage.
(Monday, May 27)

Note: Seabirds, lighthouses, seals, porpoises, herring weirs and salmon pens.
   
 Breakfast: Get up with the sun and enjoy a healthy breakfast at Prince Cottage
 Morning: After breakfast, we'll depart for a closer look at birding Pike Lands just outside Lubec. The Pike Lands are owned by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy and has considerable habitat diversity. We may see prairie warbler, hummingbirds, and Tennessee warblers. There is some good woodland habitat as well...-ruffed grouse, yellow-rumped warbler, black-capped chickadee, and golden Crowned kinglet are just some of the birds that can be seen in the woodland. The intertidal area usually has a variety of waterfowl.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the seaside village of Eastport, choosing from Maine's best lobster roll at Ouoddy Lobster to Rosie's hot dogs on the breakwater, or maybe some authentic mexican or greek food.
 Afternoon: After lunch, we'll board the Lady H, a traditional lobster boat berthed at the picturesque Eastport breakwater. We'll slip around the many Canadian Maritime islands in Head Harbor Passage, getting an upclose and personal viewing of the spectacular scenery and plentiful wildlife. Bring your binoculars and camera. You may see shearwaters, storm-petrels, cormorants, ospreys, hawks, bald eagles, gulls, terns, and alcids. In 2012, we even spotted a purple sandpiper. Seals, porpoises, herring weirs, salmon pens, and lighthouses will be part of the two-hour tour as well. After the boat trip, we'll spend an hour or so exploring Water Street in Eastport's historic downtown.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner at an Eastport waterfront restaurant.
 Evening: We'll spend some time evaluating where we've been and what we've seen, and what we still want to cover.
   
Accommodations: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Birding on Campobello Island and Puffin expedition to Machias Seal Island on the vessel Barbara Frost with Captain Andy Patterson
(Tuesday, May 28)

Note: Birds and beautiful vistas of Campobello Island--Atlantic Puffin, Razorbills, Common Murres, and the occasional Black Guillemot
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet at Prince cottage. Take in the beautiful light over the bay in the early morning.
 Morning: After breakfast, Group B will enjoy a walk through the Eagle Hill Bog and Friar's Head with RCIP naturalist Daphne Savage. The easy-moderate Friar's hike includes habitats from mowed lawns to coniferous and mixed woods. The easy-moderate one-mile bog walk is surrounded by thickets and mixed woods. Group A will depart for Cutler We will be departing for Machias Seal Island, which has the largest Atlantic puffin colony along the Maine coastline. Your trip from Cutler Harbor, aboard the Barbara Frost with Captain Andy Patterson, to the island will take about 60 minutes. You will have about two hours either on the island or in the waters surrounding the island (depending on the landing conditions). If you're interested in terns and alcids, this is your trip. Avian occupants include 3,000 Atlantic puffins, as well as razorbills, Arctic and common terns, common murres, black guillemots and common eiders. Other seabirds, such as northern gannets, black-legged kittiwakes, gulls, shearwaters, and story petrels, are frequently sighted on the water. Bald eagles and seals are spotted frequently. This trip involves two open water transfers, one in Cutler Harbor to load onto the Barbara Frost, and another at Machias Seal Island if we are able to go ashore. You will be assisted by the boat's Captain on both maneuvers. The trip is exilerating and the birds are a real treat.
 Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch packed by the staff at Prince Cottage as you head out for a free afternoon.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon birding on your own. You'll find a lot to explore right on Campobello Island. Walk the beaches, enjoy the RCIP grounds and visit the Roosevelt summer cottage and Visitor's Center if you are not able to make time before you leave tomorrow. There are two "Eleanor Roosevelt" teas daily at Hubbard. We'll help you reserve space if you decide to take part in one of those events.
 Dinner: Enjoy an authentic Maine lobster dinner at Prince Cottage at RCIP.
 Evening: Graduation Festivities
   
Accommodations: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Buffet Breakfast at Prince Cottage and visit the Roosevelt Cottage and Visitor's Center.
(Wednesday, May 29)

Note: Don't leave the island without allowing time to visit RCIP grounds
   
 Breakfast: Scrumptious breakfast buffet at Prince Cottage. Eat your fill and linger over that last cup of coffee while bidding farewell to your new birding acquaintances.
 Morning: Enjoy catching all of the Roosevelt Cottage and Visitor Center before you leave the Island. You will marvel at the gardens of RCIP and enjoy the expert staff at both the Cottage and the Center. Have a safe trip home!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Campobello Island Cobscook Community Learning Center
If you would like to receive general information on the Down East area, send your name and full mailing address to info@cobscookbay.com or write to: COBSCOOK BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO BOX 42, WHITING, MAINE 04691 Visit FD Roosevelt summer cottage and Visitor Center on Campobello. In Lubec visit West Quoddy Head Light and Museum and Monica's Chocolates. Many opportunites for hiking the bold coast. For additional information, visit www.cobscookbay.com/
  Down East Spring Birding Festival
A good source of information on the Spring Birding Festival, variety of birds, variety of habitats and more. For additional information, visit www.downeastbirdfest.org/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Maine Birding Trail


Author: Bob Duchesne


Maine's Favorite Birds


Author: Jeffrey Wells & Allison Childs Wells


Birds of Maine Field Guide


Author: Stan Tekielo




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