Schoodic Institute - Bird Ecology

05/13/2026

Join Maine birding expert Seth Benz and discover the incredible birds, culture, and landscapes of Oaxaca, Mexico, with Sabrewing Tours in January 2027. From colorful endemic species to unforgettable mountain forests and vibrant local traditions, this is the kind of birding adventure you’ll be talking about for years. Keep your eyes open for the stunning Red Warbler and dozens of species found only in this particular area.

TO REGISTER: https://sabrewingtours.com/tour/mexico-oaxaca-adventure/

Perfect for birders, photographers, and nature lovers looking for an authentic Mexico birding experience.

Join our Mexico Oaxacan Birding Tour to explore mangrove forests and highland trails. Spot specialties like Rose-bellied Bunting, Oaxaca Sparrow, and more.

05/13/2026

Do you know, Schoodic Institute' Seth Benz is host-guiding birding, nature and culture trips to various countries in the Americas in partnership with Sabrewing Nature Tours?
A portion of the proceeds of each trip flows back to Schoodic from Sabrewing, and these funds help to support migration monitoring in Acadia National Park, namely the institute's Cadillac Mountain Hawk Watch and Schoodic Point Sea Watch.
The funds specifically help to train and provide experience for advancing seniors and recent college graduates seeking positions in ornithological research and education. These tours also provide vital conservation and economic support in the countries we visit. Destinations thus far have been Guatemala, Ecuador, and Colombia. Next on the schedule is Oaxaca, Mexico in January, 2027. https://sabrewingtours.com/tour/mexico-oaxaca-adventure/
Another way to support the institute's migration monitoring work is to join us on a local tour this summer: https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/puffins-loons-and-blueberry-barrens-with-schoodic-institute/
A third way to support bird migration monitoring is by making a direct donation here: https://schoodicinstitute.org/support-schoodic-institute/

Thank you!

Your Generosity Creates Impact. Global environmental change is having local impacts today that affect our livelihoods, our health, and our heritage. Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is helping national parks, communities, and society adapt to change by conducting critical research, promoti...

04/10/2026

https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/puffins-loons-and-blueberry-barrens-with-schoodic-institute/

Schoodic Institute’s Seth Benz teams up with the Mindful Birding Network’s founder Holly Merker for a special tour designed to enhance your enjoyment of all birds, especially those that nest in Acadia National Park or its nearby surroundings.

03/21/2026

We're going to Oaxaca, and you can join us!

Join our Mexico Oaxacan Birding Tour to explore mangrove forests and highland trails. Spot specialties like Rose-bellied Bunting, Oaxaca Sparrow, and more.

04/01/2025

Ecuador awaits. September 2025. Several spaces remain.

Join us as we explore the beautiful Northern Andes in Ecuador. This wonderful trip will produce an incredible long bird list!

10/20/2024

Preparation call. Saturday, Nov. 9 10 am - Noon.

10/18/2024

Cadillac Mountain Hawk Watch Update

10/16/2024

SeaWatch at Schoodic Point. Up to date through 16 Oct., 2024. This week Northern Gannets are on the move. "Others" include a variety of species. This week's "others" include: Parasitic (1) and Pomarine jaeger (1), Red-breasted mergansers (233), and First of the season, Greater Scaup (8). Number of species (of all birds) observed thus far = 102. Perhaps the most unusual was a Short-eared Owl earlier this week!

10/14/2024

Pausing while foraging. Ruby-crowned kinglet on the rail trail, Belfast, Maine.

10/14/2024

Attempting to hide in plain sight.