Experience the magic of the Isles of Shoals in early fall. Spending nights on Appledore Island will give us the opportunity to explore the diversity of the islands. Over 200 species of songbirds, seabirds, and waterfowl occur on Appledore as migrants – making it a perfect spot to observe fall movements. The Isles of Shoals Birding Trip with New Hampshire Audubon’s Dr. Pam Hunt and Becky Suomala and Shoals Marine Laboratory staff is a unique birding experience in a beautiful setting.
The Appledore Island Migration Banding Station will be in operation and we will have the chance to observe songbird migrants up close. Neighboring White and Seavey Islands are home to a thriving Common, Roseate, and Arctic tern colony after restoration efforts were initiated by NH Audubon in 1997. Most of the terns will have started their southern journey, but there’s a chance we’ll see some on a boat tour of the islands, along with both harbor and gray seals.
In addition to all the spectacular birding that the islands have to offer, we will take time to explore other aspects of Appledore, Shoals Marine Laboratory, and Celia Thaxter’s garden. Activities may include exploring the intertidal, an island history walk, or learning about SML’s innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment.
More Activities This Trip Offers
Here are some (weather-dependent) activities that may be included:
- Island Birding Walks: Meander daily around the island looking for a variety of different birds with your program leaders.
- White and Seavey Island Tern Restoration Presentation: Learn about the tern population that is actively managed by Shoals Marine Lab.
- Seal & Seabird Cruise: Aboard the R/V Heiser, we will observe the harbor and gray seal haul outs at neighboring Duck Island. Cormorants, gulls, eider ducks, and more abound.
- Songbird Migration Presentation: Learn about the migration patterns of songbirds across the United States, the threats these birds face, and how you can help them.
- Bird Banding Station: Learn about the songbirds that use Appledore Island along their annual migration. Observe the workings of an active bird banding station.
- Garden Tour: Visit Celia Thaxter’s Garden with a narrative about the human history of Appledore, with a focus on the 19th Century Hotel Era.
- Swimming & Snorkeling: An opportunity to swim or snorkel in the sheltered Great Tide Pool.
- Sustainability Tour: A walking tour that highlights the technological innovations on the island (water conservation, solar, and wind power) that contribute to the sustainable infrastructure of the Shoals Marine Lab.
- Sunset Social Hour: Enjoy a libation on the porch with time to socialize with participants and instructors.
- Daily Bird List: Record your sightings for the day with the help of your program leaders.
- Lobster Bake Dinner: Enjoy fresh lobster caught that day from the waters around Appledore Island and prepared by our fantastic kitchen crew.