LEWISTON — The Stanton Bird Club of Lewiston/Auburn has announced the summer 2011 schedule of guided bird walks. This season will mark the fifth year for the bird walk series. Last year, more than 40 people participated in one or more walks, and identified approximately 100 species of birds.

Walks are held in a variety of interesting and diverse local habitats, plus some private areas not normally open to the public. Anyone interested in walking, seeing new places, fresh air and nature is welcomed.

All walks are free and open to everyone. Walks are led by Stan and Joan DeOrsey, who will identify and comment on birds seen and heard; and by Susan Hayward, Stanton naturalist, who will share her knowledge of botany.

The first walk on June 1 will be in Lisbon to walk the Papermill and Ricker Farm trails, along the Sabattus River in a wooded setting as well as open fields. There are paths to facilitate walking. The wooded and open farmland habitats support a large variety of bird species. This walk will also note local botany and the many spring wild flowers.

The full 2011 summer schedule is as follows:

June 1: Papermill and Ricker Farm trails, Lisbon, for migrants.

June 15: The McCorrison’s Farm, Greene, with a focus on botany and late spring migrants.

June 29: Viles Arboretum, Augusta, for summer residents. Bring lunch.

July 13: Riverside/Mt. David/Bates College for residents.

July 27: Alexander-Harkins Preserve, Auburn, for summer residents.

Aug. 10: St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lewiston, for post-breeding residents.

Aug. 24: Poland Spring Preservation Park, Poland, for summer residents. Bring lunch.

Except on June 15, walks leave at 8 a.m. from the Promenade Mall parking lot, near Staples, 855 Lisbon St., Lewiston, to be at the walk site at 8:20 a.m. The June 15 walk leaves from Marden’s parking lot, 750 Main St., Lewiston, at 8 a.m. Walks end by 11 a.m., but participants may leave early. The June 29 and Aug. 24 walks will end by 1 p.m. If raining at 7 a.m. and predicted to continue through 10 a.m., the walk is cancelled. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Walks are approximately two miles on an even and basically dry surface.

For any questions, call Stan or Joan DeOrsey at 933-2266 or e-mail jsmd@att.net.

For more Stanton Bird Club information, call 782-5238 or visit the website at www.stantonbirdclub.org.