As you have been reading, spring migration has begun, and will soon really get going in earnest. For some birders (unlike crazy ones like me who bird day in and day out all year long) it means it is time to dust off the binoculars and head outside. Whether you have been using them all winter, or just pulling them out of the closet now, our optics are due for a spring cleaning. To help birders prepare for spring migration, we are conducting a “Optics Tune-Up” weekend here at the store.

From opening on Friday to closing on Sunday, bring in your binoculars and spotting scope for a free external cleaning. We’ll tune-up and repair tripods as well. Plus, I’ll be conducting a workshop on “Binocular Basics” each day (Friday through Sunday) at 11:00 am. I’ll cover the basics of binocular design, selecting the right binocular for you, using binoculars in the field, and routine care of the optics. All of these events are free, and there is no registration required.

Now that we have our optics up to speed, we can think about the birds that will soon be arriving. Many of our favorite summer residents, such as most of our warblers, along with orioles, tanagers, and many more are what we call “Neotropical Migrants.” These birds winter in the “Neotropics” (Central and Northern South America) and fly north to breed in North America. Many of this species breed in the extensive Boreal Forest of Canada. Unfortunately, not even this remote habitat is safe and secure.

On Tuesday night (3/28), Merrymeeting Audubon welcomes Jeff Wells, Senior Scientist from the Boreal Songbird Initiative to the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick at 7:00pm. Jeff will speak about the Boreal Forest of North America, one of the largest unspoiled forests left on earth accounting for 25% of the remaining intact forests left on the planet. Nearly 50% of the bird species found in North America regularly use or breed in the Boreal. Learn more about the birds of the Boreal Forest and the conservation issues in protecting habitat for these species. This, like all of Merrymeeting’s programs, is free. And by the way, it's worth visiting the BSI website if only for their great, free screensaver!

On Saturday, April 8, I will be presenting a course on Backyard Bid Feeding at the 13th Annual Maine Garden Day in Auburn. Participants will learn how to use a variety of feeders and foods to increase the diversity and quantity of birds in the backyard. I will also be discussing real, effective, way at outwitting squirrels, and improve backyard habitat for all wildlife. Advanced registration is required for this, and all other Maine Garden Day activities.

I hope to see you at all of these upcoming events!