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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2024
Feathers Over Freeport Signals Spring?s Return to Bradbury Mountain and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Parks April 27-28
Pownal, ME -?Birders and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to discover the marvels of spring migration and woodland habitats at Bradbury Mountain State Park and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry?s Bureau of Parks and Lands annual Feathers Over Freeport is a weekend packed with migration and nature-focused educational activities, guided walks, and interactive workshops for all ages and skill levels. The Feathers Over Freeport event is free with your park entrance fee (Maine residents 65 and older and children under 5: free; Children 5 - 11: $1; Adult Maine residents: $4; Adult non-residents: $6; Senior non-residents: $2).
Bradbury Mountain State Park Highlights (Saturday, April 27, 2024):
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Bird Walks:?From 8 am to 10 am, enthusiasts can participate in guided bird walk led by renowned birder and naturalist Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply. Meet at the Group Picnic Shelter to seek out spring migrants and woodland residents. At 10 AM, a bird walk designed for young nature enthusiasts, with a parent or guardian, gets underway; it?s a fun and interactive walk through the woods to listen and look for birds.
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Educational Displays:?Learn about Maine's wildlife and conservation efforts from 9 am to 3 pm at the Day Use Area. Grab bird posters courtesy of the Maine Wildlife Park and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and discover what other Maine State Parks offer.
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Hawk Watch: Experience the thrill of observing migrating raptors from the summit of Bradbury Mountain. A raptor biologist will discuss how they identify and count all raptor and vulture species. Sponsored by Freeport Wild Bird Supply, the Hawk Watch runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm through May 15, 2024.
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Exploration and Interactive Workshops:?Engage in hands-on activities such as building birdhouses, creating backyard bird feeders, and participating in birding games from 10 am to 3 pm at the Group Day Use Area and the Playground. Join the vernal pool tour, which starts at 1 pm and is led by wetland scientists Lauren Leclerc and Dave Brenneman. Additionally, join a bird drawing workshop by wildlife artist Michael Boardman at 2 pm and learn about the owls of Maine at 3 pm by Chewonki at the Picnic Shelter.?
?Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park Highlights (Sunday, April 28, 2024):
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Bird Walks: Explore the woodlands and spot birds arriving for spring during guided bird walks from 8 am to 10 am, led by Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply. Meet at the Group Picnic Shelter to embark on this exciting adventure. At 10 AM, a bird walk designed for young nature enthusiasts, with a parent or guardian, gets underway; it?s a fun and interactive walk through the woods to listen and look for birds.
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Educational Displays: Sample the hobby of birding with informative displays available from 9 am to 3 pm near the Group Picnic Shelter. Visitors can grab bird posters and learn about other state parks because of the Maine Coastal Program.
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Osprey Watch: Witness nesting ospreys through spotting scopes and engage with park staff to learn more about these fascinating birds. Meet at the Osprey Sign across from Googins Island via the White Pines Trail or Casco Bay Trail from 10 am to 3 pm.
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Birding Fun, Plant Walks, Nature Workshops, and More: Join in birding fun and games starting at 10 am, a plant walk beginning at 11 am, nature journaling with Lindsay Strout at 1 pm, exploring the art of observation and recording data through words and sketches, drawing workshop by wildlife artist Michael Boardman at 2 pm, and a birds of prey workshop led by Center for Wildlife at 3 pm, at the Picnic Shelter.?
Both parks offer many activities to foster an appreciation for nature and wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned birder or new to the hobby, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the beauty and biodiversity of Maine's natural landscapes.
For more information, please visit www.maine.gov/feathersoverfreeport.?
About Bradbury Mountain State Park
Bradbury Mountain State Park, located at 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069, offers scenic views, hiking trails, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
About Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, situated at 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport, ME 04032, boasts picturesque landscapes, coastal trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation, providing visitors with a serene escape into nature.
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Media contact: Jim Britt
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