This past week I had the pleasure of being with a wonderful group of people, including outstanding photographers, artists, birders and naturalists, at Audubon's Hog Island Camp near Bremen, Maine.

A highlight of the week was going to Eastern Egg Rock at the mouth of Muscongus Bay where Audubon's Project Puffin (begun by Dr. Stephen Kress in the early 70's) has restored a substantial breeding colony of Atlantic Puffins.

Here is a photo that I was particularly pleased with:

Atlantic Puffin in FlightOne of the colony of Atlantic Puffins that have been restored on Eastern Egg Rock as part of the Puffin Project

The photography sessions were led by the great professional nature photographer Melissa Groo, whose artistic photo of a displaying egret appeared on the cover of the May/June 2015 issue of Audubon magazine. 

Jean Mackay and National Geographic illustrator Jonathan Alderfer led a talented group of sketching artists that included Paula Winchester and children's author Lucinda Hathaway. Artists like Jean, Jonathan, Paula and Lucinda are able to capture nature in ways that photographs cannot. Naturalist Nina Stoyan-Rozenzweig was also a leader and contributed greatly with her knowledge and experience.

There were many outstanding bird and nature photographers participating, including Nancy Garrison, Bob and Nancy Stocker and others from all over the United States and Europe. 

Audubon's Hog Island programs are an experience that anyone interested in nature should become involved with. Visit the Friends of Hog Island site to become involved. Hog Island is a unique immersive experience where there are opportunities from land based birding to study of sea birds and other sea life. Exploring the tidal zone in detail is unforgettable. But for me the most important element of the Hog Island experience is being with other like-minded people - in nature - for several days.