Field Trip: SATURDAY, MAY 18 OR SUNDAY, MAY 19, 5:00 A.M. – ?

Field Trip: Big Day by Bike, Brunswick
Landing
If you have a bicycle–a regular
bike, ebike, or even an etrike (for us
seniors!)–and you enjoy birding,
this is the trip for you. Our goal
is to exceed 100 bird species by
day’s end. To make an informed
decision concerning your potential
participation, please review the
following:
1. Since good weather conditions
are desired for a successful Big Day,
on the Wednesday before the Big Day
weekend, the trip leader will choose
either Saturday or Sunday for this
trip. To know which day has been
chosen for the Big Day, please check
the Merrymeeting website (https://
merrymeeting.maineaudubon.org)
or contact the trip leader.
2. The Big Day by Bike trip will
take place entirely within the confines
of Brunswick Landing (former Naval
Air Station) and will include paved
roads and gravel/dirt paths (not
mountain bike trails). Therefore,
gravel or “fat” tires (not road tires) are
desired for your bike.
3. A bike helmet will be required to
be worn while riding. No exceptions!
4. Expect to ride 25+ miles on
mostly flat terrain. However, the pace
will be slow at times, as we will be
stopping frequently to observe and/
or hear birds.
5. Bring water/lunch/snacks,
outerwear based on the weather,
sunscreen, and tick/mosquito
repellent.
6. Since we will be viewing the
airfield, as well as Harpswell Cove,
it may be helpful to bring along a
small birding scope that can be safely
stowed on your bike.
7. Since 3 or 4 species of owls are
desired for the Big Day list, the trip
leader (and anyone who desires to
ride along) is planning to ride out
at 3:00 a.m. (bike headlight and/or
flashlight required) to listen for owls.
If you are planning to come along to
listen for owls, please confirm with
the trip leader.
8. Anyone can leave or join the Big
Day group at any time during the day.
However, please notify the leader
when you leave, or join, the group.
9. Meet at 5:00 a.m. at the
Brunswick Landing Perimeter Trail,
Pine Street entrance. FMI Gordon
Smith 449-8206 (text or call).