Spring is a time for change, and no creatures know this better than our migratory birds.  Triggered by the changing lengths of day, this array of avian natives begins the journey back to the northern latitudes.  Timing is crucial, and the competition for nesting habitat is demanding.  We'll take an ecological look at many of our returning birds at a time when they are just arriving home.  Spring is one of the best times to view these birds in their vibrant breeding plumage, unobstructed by dense foliage.  Migration, nesting, feeding, and identification will be some of the topics we will discuss.

Registration to open soon.

Chris Lewey, author of The Science of Watching and the Art of Seeing and the Power of Nature Absorption, is the Executive Director and Founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Southern Maine and a  Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University. Chris has led tours and programs for RAVEN, as well as such organizations as the Maine Audubon Society, Smithsonian Study Tours, Road Scholar, Tauck World Discovery, and the National Wildlife Federation.  He has taught ornithology for the National Audubon Society at their Hog Island ecology camp on the coast of Maine, where he was the Director of their Joy of Birding and Breaking into Birding programs for many years. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, he has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology. RAVEN offers historical and ecological insights into the diverse environs of northern New England, Canada, the western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and beyond. Chris has personally led many trips from Alaska to Eastern Canada, South America to the Antarctic peninsula, Arctic Greenland, Europe, and East Africa. He is a well-known lecturer to travel companies, as well as to local schools, libraries, and nature centers. RAVEN leads birding outings and nature walks regularly, as well as day trips and group tours. Chris has appeared on several radio and television programs, including Animal Planet's "The Most Extreme" series, Maine Public Television's “Quest" nature series, Maine Public Radio’s “Maine Calling,” and ABC's Good Morning America. As a nature photographer and licensed master bird-bander, he continues to enthusiastically share his perspectives and interesting interpretations of the natural world. He and his family live in downtown Fryeburg, Maine.  His wife, Carolyn is the principal at a local elementary school in Lovell, their two boys have graduated from Fryeburg Academy with one now at Bates and the other starting at UNH this coming fall. Their eleven-year-old daughter will be going into the sixth grade at Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryburg and their three Labrador retrievers stay mostly close to home.