For the Birds . . .

Bird tree

Audubon  makes me think about birding, but I’m not patient enough to be much of a birder.  Then I discovered Maine Audubon committed to connecting people with nature.  That gets my attention.

Maine Audubon offers  eight centers and sanctuaries. It was my good fortune to visit the Gilsland Farm Center located on the Presumpscot River in Falmouth Maine.  This 65- acre sanctuary was originally home to the Wabanakis and their ancestors.  More recently David Moulton, a dedicated conservationist, owned the property as a summer retreat.  His daughter gifted the property to Maine Audubon, and in 1976 Maine Audubon located its headquarters building on the site as a prototype of energy-efficient office space heated by solar and wood heat. After the organization purchased the property’s farmhouse, it built the award-winning visitor center using state-of-the-art “green” design and construction techniques. http://maineaudubon.org/find-us/gilsland-farm/

View of Presumpscot

I enjoyed  June LaCombe’s outdoor sculpture exhibit, “A Celebration of Art and Nature” on the grounds through September 30. http://www.junelacombesculpture.com/category/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/

Deer

Bunny

A map is available so that you do not miss anything.  I made a second trip to the farm to explore the trail system, which offers shade and sun with lovely footing. 

There is a groundhog in residence on the lawn of the Visitor Center, and she is not at all shy about showing herself as well as her offspring. And yes, the birds enjoy the space as well.

I recommend an outing during any season. An upcoming special treat is the Peony Bloom and Ice Cream Social, June 18, 6 – 8 pm – something to like for everyone.