Peregrine falcons, which nest annually in Acadia National Park, will be spotlighted at the Gilley by prize-winning journalist Jim Wright who will share his new book, “The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature,” at the Wendell Gilley Museum in a special event with Friends of Acadia on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Free but registration requested. Books will be available for purchase at the Gilley that evening.

The 240-page book is a deep dive into the world of peregrine falcons, from their storied past and near-extinction to their amazing comeback—and how to watch them online during nesting season.

Wright has written about peregrines for more than two decades and monitors nesting peregrines and other raptors

Spencer Tinkham, the award-winning visiting artist at the Wendell Gilley Museum, will teach a three-hour field sketching workshop at Birdsacre in Ellsworth focused on observing and painting birds from life. Participants will have the rare opportunity to work closely in front of live birds including owls, waterfowl, vultures and hawks. Observing these birds at close range will offer a deeper understanding of bird anatomy, proportion, color, movement, and the unique characteristics that distinguish one species from another. Supplies provided but participants are welcome to bring their own.

This full-day workshop takes place on Saturday, Oct. 3, and runs from approximately 5:30am to 6:30pm. It is led by local professional photographer, J.K. Putnam, and is designed to maximize learning opportunities and provide guidance on creating the kind of images you want to create. From sunrise to sunset, you will alternate between traveling around Acadia taking photos, and classroom time where we discuss a range of topics that lead to successful, self-expressive image-making. There will also be individual instruction based on your goals and your questions.

It is all about making meaningful images. In the field, we’ll learn how to pivot and adapt our photographic approach. In the classroom, we’ll dive into what it takes to express ourselves through our photos, going beyond technique to find personal connection and creative intention.

Join artist Siri Beckman, whose work is now in the Gilley’s Special Gallery, in conversation with poet and arts writer Carl Little in this special event at the Museum on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 4pm. Free and open to all but registration is required. Reception at 2pm and program begins at 2:30pm.