Two birds perched on top of a birdhouse in the rain.
Hog Island Explore Camps

Field Ornithology

June 14-19, 2026
Eastern Bluebirds. Photo: Jean Hall

Calling all bird nerds! Come immerse yourself in a week of all things avian: bird biology, evolution, nesting behavior, songs, migration, conservation, and identification. You will learn in the field from some of the most respected bird experts in the country. Throughout the week, you will visit both mainland and coastal habitats, including offshore islands, spruce woods, lush grasslands, marshes, and sphagnum bogs in search of coastal Maine鈥檚 diverse community of nesting birds.

You'll learn in the woods and on the water鈥攅xperiencing the dawn chorus with experts in bird song recording at your side; helping a bird bander ring colorful warblers; discussing avian coloniality in the midst of thousands of raucous terns. Workshops and evening sessions will provide a solid foundation on the principles of ornithological science. You'll come home with amazing memories, new friends, and a much greater understanding of bird biology and ecology. 

Please note that this session runs concurrently with Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens. You will overlap with the teen campers during meals and evening programs, which makes for a wonderful opportunity for sharing the joys of birding across different ages! 

Sold Out
Did you miss your chance to join Field Ornithology on Hog Island?

Pricing: $1,725 

Maine residents are eligible for a $150 in-state discount for this session! After you register, contact hogisland@audubon.org to confirm your residency and the discount will be applied to your account.  

The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) and a shared bathroom. A limited number of upgraded accommodations are available for an additional cost. Two upgrade options are a single room for solo travelers or a room with a private bath for two people traveling together.鈥疶here are no single rooms with private bathrooms available. Please see the鈥lodging page鈥痜or more information.   

Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the 糖心传媒 dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session. Please see the transportation page鈥痜or more information. 

There are several scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see the鈥scholarships page鈥痜or more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local 糖心传媒 chapter or bird club for additional opportunities.

There are no prerequisites for this program! Birders of all skill levels are welcome as are less experienced/enthusiastic partners, friends, or family. 

Director:  Scott Weidensaul

Instructors: Catherine Hamilton, Anthony Hill, Corey Husic, Sara Morris

Assistant Instructor: TBA

狈翱罢贰:鈥糖心传媒 reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If 糖心传媒 cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.

Testimonials from Field Ornithology

鈥淚 loved this experience. I learned so much and the people were all friendly and nice.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淸The instructors were] seriously amazing. We felt so welcomed and it was easy to learn from all of them.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淎mazing staff. All friendly, understanding, and down to Earth, especially with a novice birder!鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淚nstructors and staff were friendly and always willing to discuss all topics covered. This program is one I will treasure for a lifetime.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淸Staff was] incredibly approachable and knowledgeable all around. I appreciated the varieties of personalities and expertise anda ll the enthusiasm and love for birds.鈥 - 2025 Campers

鈥淚 have never felt so safe, comfortable or accepted like this before. Hog Island and all who I have met here have changed me for the better. Thank you for the magic, it will be spread around the world.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淓veryone had such a genuine passion for what they do and for sharing it with others. This comes through in every program and every interaction. They are patient, kind, so knowledgeable and seem genuinely overjoyed to watch others find their joy and learn something new.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淭his is a unique and magical place. The first day I kind of felt like I鈥檇 died and gone to heaven. How wonderful to not be the only person in a group that likes birds and nature. I finally found others like me! I so love that there are camps to go to for adults who enjoy learning. This week has been a gift to me!鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淭his program really reinvigorated my passion for field work and birding. After a few years of illness, i had been feeling disconnected from birding and they made me feel included and supported.鈥 - 2025 Camper

鈥淚 learned way more than I ever expected and had such an amazing experience at camp! I would come back again in a heartbeat and hope that I鈥檒l be able to in the future.鈥- 2025 Camper