For HBC members only. This year's Hampshire Bird Club trip to Monhegan Island starts the day after Memorial Day. We depart Port Clyde on the Monhegan Boat Line on Tuesday, May 26, and head to Monhegan Island for three full days of birding on this charming island, located ten miles off the coast of Maine. We return to Port Clyde on Friday, May 29. 

Monhegan is an island with very few cars, so walking is the primary mode of transportation. Most of the terrain around the village area is quite easy. Trails into the interior or around the island can be a bit more challenging at times, but most birding will be around the village. Monhegan is roughly a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, but it has around seventeen miles of trails, some leading to one hundred and sixty-foot cliffs that offer stunning views. Despite the beautiful scenery, we’re there for the birds. You never know what might show up. We hope for around 100 species of birds during our visit. Last year's trip recorded 110 species, including Harlequin Ducks, Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Lark Sparrow, and 20 species of warblers.

The trip is limited to 12 observers. Final cost of trip and lodging is TBD; rough cost is estimated at $525 for double occupancy and $640 for a single. This includes 3 nights at the Trailing Yew, breakfast, Leader fees, and ferry transportation to and from the island. Additional costs include lunches, dinners and parking at Port Clyde, and a motel if you decide to go up the day before. 

Participants must register online through the HBC website – you will be contacted with further details as the trip is finalized. Questions? Email Scott at ssurner@aol.com. More information upon request. (E/M)

Note: overnight trips are limited to current HBC members only.

Field Trip designations:
(E) – Easy conditions, fairly accessible for most, usually flat terrain on improved trails or roads. 
(M) – Moderately difficult, more challenging trail conditions, short steep sections, longer hikes. 
(S) – Strenuous conditions, muddy or rocky trails, steep sections, difficult footing in part.