Hog Island is a 330 acre island nestled in Muscongus Bay, Maine where the Medomak River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This island is home to the Hog Island Audubon Camp; a facility that has been hosting conservation-minded education programs for 90 years. Since 1936, Hog Island has served as a residential camp where families and scientists alike have shared in their sense of wonder, curiosity, and belonging. This September, I was lucky enough to become a Hog Island camper myself as a part of the Let’s Go Birding Together (LGBT) program, a week-long camp session dedicated to fostering a community of fellow queer birders.

Dory and the Snow Goose III

We arrived on the island for the second week of September, which happened to be right around fall migration for many birds heading south for the winter. Every day at camp was a new adventure that took us to birding hot-spots around the mid-coast. Guillemots gathered in the harbor, hawks soared over Harbor Island, eiders bobbed by Eastern Egg Rock, shorebirds shuffled in the sand, and waxwings buzzed wherever the berries were. We were spoiled with sunny days, cool nights, and over 70 bird species seen throughout the week. The thoughtful programming and incredibly knowledgeable staff made this experience unforgettable.

Lobster Boat in Muscongus Bay

Since its inception, Hog Island Audubon Camp has “instilled a love for nature and a commitment to conservation in its campers” and this week I got to experience that first hand. Throughout the week, we dove deep into the unique coastal features of the island through nature journaling, tide-pooling, and poetry. Spending hours examining the vast specimen library in the Queen Mary Lab to solve the “Mystery of the Day”. As the week went on, we became attuned to the island clock and, through the laughter and stories, you could hear the bird song, squirrel chatter and the bell that called us for meals and programs. Over boat rides, binoculars and solving avian mysteries, bonds became stronger between campers and the island.

Bald Eagle in Medomak

The connections we made throughout this program with each other and the island will last a lifetime. Intentional programming like this has proven to be incredibly important to the LGBTQ+ community. These spaces allow us to experience moments of joy and curiosity together without fear of judgment and Let’s Go Birding Together created a safe and supportive community for fellow queer birders. The week was full of support, fun, and learning about the many ways nature itself is queer. Learning in a space where you are not only accepted, but empowered to be who you are in connection with nature, is a powerful way to build relationships.

Boardwalk at Hidden Valley Nature Center

I have found a similar community with a local Maine group called Queerly ME, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a statewide network for LGBTQ+ people to build strong support systems through the outdoors. This mission is close to my heart, and I was extremely honored to be given a full scholarship to Hog Island Audubon Camp’s Let’s go Birding Together session by Queerly ME. I will cherish this experience and take it with me throughout my career and I will always remember that everyone belongs outdoors!