Birding Tour with Derek Lovitch, Harpswell Center

The birding tour starts at the diverse Otter Brook Preserve which offers everything from wetland habitat to mature conifers and deciduous stands. Many of the spring songbirds have departed for warmer climates but a few migrating warblers may be lingering if the weather is moderate. It is likely participants will encounter American goldfinch and Northern cardinals looking for seeds, along with song sparrows and possibly a purple finch or chipping sparrow. The Wilson’s Cove and Widgeon Cove trails offer a chance to spot birds in the forest, along the old pipeline right-of-way, and in quiet inshore waters. Stay alert for Carolina wrens, white-breasted nuthatches, black-capped chickadees, and brown creepers. No doubt you will see or hear American crows and probably a raven or two. At the shore end of each trail the group will look for buffleheads, common goldeneyes, horned grebes, or common loons.

The group will visit three of Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s trails over the course of the morning, starting at Otter Brook Preserve, carpooling to Wilson’s Cove Trail and Widgeon Cove Trail, and finishing back at Otter Brook by 12 p.m. This program welcomes birders of all experience levels.

Space is very limited and advance registration is required. The fee for this event is $10. Scholarships are available, please reach out to Phil at programs@hhltmaine.org for more information. Please bring good walking shoes, binoculars, water, and snacks.

Derek and his wife, Jeannette own and operate Freeport Wild Bird Supply, a retail store that caters to birders of all levels. The store serves as a vehicle for Derek to share his enthusiasm for birding, birds, and bird conservation. The store is also the home base for a growing tour guiding operation. He is the author of two books: How To Be a Better Birder and Birdwatching in Maine: A Site Guide. He was also the “Tools of the Trade” Department Editor for Birding magazine for six years. His writing has appeared in Birding magazine, Birder’s Guide, Birder’s World, Bird Observer, Bird Watcher’s Digest, NJ Audubon, North American Birds, and others. Derek also enjoys hiking, exploring new natural areas, developing his native plant garden, good food, and beer.