Get Up Close with Bird Anatomy

Have you ever wanted to see the serrated bill of a merganser, feel the powerful foot of a falcon, or discover what an owl looks like beneath all those feathers? This hands-on program invites you to explore the Maine Master Naturalist Program's incredible collection of bird specimens, learning about bird anatomy, feathers, skeletons, bills, and feet - plus some basic identification skills.

Master Naturalists Cheryl Ring, Sue Kistenmacher, and Andrea Lani will introduce the specimens before guiding participants through interactive stations where you can examine whole birds, bones, and feathers in stunning detail. 

This program is open to all ages, but advance registration is required for each attendee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Maine’s bird populations are constantly shifting, with some species thriving while others decline. State of the Birds: Decades of Change explores these patterns over the past few decades, highlighting which birds are disappearing, which are on the rise, and what these changes might mean for the future.

This presentation is led by Nick Lund, Maine Audubon's Advocacy and Outreach Manager. A passionate birder and writer, Nick is the author of The ABA Field Guide to the Birds of Maine; Dinosaurs to Chickens: How Evolution Works; and The Ultimate Biography of Earth. His articles have appeared in Slate.com, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and more.

Following the presentation, join us for a guided bird walk to put your knowledge into practice. We’ll explore the surrounding landscape, searching for some of the species discussed and observing firsthand the changes in Maine’s bird populations. Whether you're an experienced birder or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the birds of Maine.