Spring Birding Weekends 2026

May 8 - May 10 and May 15 - May 17

Register for May 8 -10

Register for May 15 – 17

Star Island is the best migrant and vagrant trap in New Hampshire. In addition to the more expected migrants, we might see King Eider, American Oystercatcher, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, or Dickcissel, all of which are fairly regular. The bird list for the island now stands at 282 species, most of which have been recorded on these trips, including Lazuli Bunting (twice), Chuck-wills-widow, Western Wood-Pewee, and Cassin’s Sparrow.

Both spring and fall weekends are during peak time for migrants. If the birding is quiet, it is a great place to watch for seabirds, with alcids, fulmars, shearwaters, and gannets possible. Butterfly migration can be impressive in fall. Weather permitting, we will listen to nocturnal migration at night.

The $360 rate includes parking and transport to and from the island and all meals and accommodation on island.

Program Fee

$100/person

Room & Board

$260 per person

Program Leader

Eric Masterson

Boat Schedule

Weekend 1

Departure from Portsmouth TBA

Departure from Star Island TBA

Weekend 2

Departure from Portsmouth TBA

Departure from Star Island TBA

Questions?

Contact Eric Masterson