Ellsworth - Come celebrate "Cordie Day" at Birdsacre on Saturday, July 31st. This Annual Event focuses on the life and passion of Cordelia J. Stanwood, pioneer ornithologist and photographer born on August 1, 1865. This year, the trustees of Birdsacre have prepared a new and unusual tribute to Cordie's love for birds. Learn more about the wonderful birds that grace our environment with song and color and try your hand at imitating their musical sounds. Lynn Havsall, naturalist and faithful member of the Downeast Audubon Society, will be sharing her extensive knowledge of the birds and their distinctive calls. She will also moderate our first ever bird call challenge. We encourage all interested birders to come prepared to demonstrate their knowledge of any North American Bird of their choice. All calls must be produced naturally without the aid of bird calling devices such as whistles. Attempts will be rewarded according to accuracy, entertainment factor and humor. Contestants can sign up at the event.

The tentative schedule of the many activities of the day include:

10 am -2 pm
Registration for door prize drawings
Tours of the Museum, Standwood Homestead
Live Music with Ruth Grierson and friends
Exhibit of the Photo Contest Entries (Deadline July 20th)
Exhibit of the drawings from the July 2010 Art Class of Rebekah Raye
Nature Journaling with Rebekah Raye and book signing
Bird Presentations
Scavenger Hunt for children
Arts and Crafts
Downeast Audubon Display
Nature Center/Gift Shop open to the public
10:30 "Whoooo Said That?" Introduction to Bird Calls with Lynn Havsall
11:00 - 12:00 Bird Call Challenge with Lynn Havsall
12:30 - 2:00 Stump the Bird Brain-Test Lynn's knowledge of birds for a prize
10:00, 1:00 Meet the Hawks and Owls with Grayson Richmond
12:30, 1:30 Birdwalks with Michael Good
12:00 - 1:00 Free Cookout
1:45 Recognition of the Photo Contest Winner
        Drawing for a "Birdsacre" print (Susan Knowles Jordan, artist)

Bring your friends and family! Admission is always FREE at Birdsacre. Explore the trails and gardens and visit the birds. 289 High Street, Ellsworth just beyond the Ellsworth Car Wash on Route 3. Stay in the right lane and follow the signs onto the 220 acre property. Overflow parking is available on the back parking lot for China Hill. Look for updates on Facebook and www.birdsacre.com. We are always looking for volunteers to help at the Nature Center and various projects on the property. Call 667-8460 to volunteer or get more information.