BELFAST — Celebrate Cathy Morgan Bird Week with the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition, May 11 - May 18. Those interested in birding are invited to celebrate this special time of year with BBWC, when migratory birds return to the region and “year-round” avian species can also be observed. 

Bird Week includes a series of nature walks and a program with Maine Audubon at the Belfast Free Library. 

All walks begin at 7 a.m., except May 18. Bring binoculars if possible, dress for the weather and bring protection from sun, bugs and rain. FMI: Cloe 338-1147. Phone calls only.

Saturday, May 11, International Migratory Bird Day. Meet at the Sears Island gate.

Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a bird walk at BBWC board members Cloe Chunn and David Thanhauser’s farm, 210 Oak Hill Road in Swanville.

Monday, May 13. Meet at the trail to the Bessey Tract of Meadow Brook Preserve on Swan Lake Ave. (Rt. 141) in Swanville, across the road from the Swanville Transfer Station. 

Tuesday, May 14. ADA Walk and Roll Birding on the Rail Trail. Meet at the Train Station on City Point Road in Belfast.  

Thursday, May 16. Ducktrap River Preserve, CMLT, Lincolnville with Kristin Lindquist and Gary Gulezian

Thursday, May 16. “Welcoming our Returning Migrant Birds: Who they are, where they came from,” an evening program with Nick Lund, of Maine Audubon, 6:30 p.m., in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library.

Friday, May 17. Sears Island with Erik Klausmeyer

Saturday, May 18. Paddle and bird the Goose River in Swanville. Meet at 9 a.m. at the put-in below Swan Lake Dam (and behind Swan Lake Grocery). Participants should bring a boat, paddle, PFD, water, lunch, in addition to the recommended gear, and be prepared to portage over a few beaver dams.

Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hike a 9-mile section of the Hills to Sea Trail in Unity. This stretch follows the scenic Sandy Stream and Fly Brook, in the peak of spring wildflower bloom and bird migration. Meet at 9 a.m., at the Freedom General Store on Rt. 137 in Freedom. In addition to the recommended gear, participants should also bring lunch and water.

To learn more about the Belfast Bay Watershed please visit belfastbaywatershed.org