The Maine Endangered Species Act, or MESA, has been instrumental in protecting imperiled species in Maine since 1975. The Act is implemented by the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW), and currently provides special protection to 26 endangered and 25 threatened birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.� Species may be added to or […]
Birds
Backyard Bird of the Month for October: House Sparrow
House Sparrows are a common sight in many backyards. Their constant presence and invasive designation makes them easy to overlook, but they can be an entertaining study, especially going into the fall as they change their appearance. Most of our native species need to molt (or replace) their feathers twice a year: once in the […]
Keep hummingbirds happy with native plants
Late summer is a wonderful time for observing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds foraging in the garden, and an even better time for planning fall plantings to benefit your visiting hummingbirds next summer. There are many native plants that hummingbirds utilize for food, and providing a variety of these plants that bloom throughout the season is a great […]
Commonly Misidentified Species: Vireos
It�s not always easy to identify Maine�s most beloved birds. Maine Audubon biologists and naturalists commonly field identification questions along the lines of �is it this, or is it that?� Many species look similar from a distance, but there are some great telltale signs, both visual markers and behaviors, that can help identify species. This […]
Commonly Misidentified Species: Diving Birds
COMMONLY MISIDENTIFIED SPECIES:�It�s not always easy to identify Maine�s most beloved birds. Maine Audubon biologists and naturalists commonly field identification questions along the lines of �is it this, or that?�. Many species look similar from a distance, but there are some great telltale signs, both visual markers and behaviors, that can help identify species. This […]
Backyard Bird of the Month for September: Hermit Thrush
As fall migration ramps up, birders should expect to see summer residents packing up and getting ready to move to their wintering ranges. The Hermit Thrush is one such migrant, a visually unassuming bird that has a recognizable and flute-like song often heard throughout northeastern woods. They are not typical visitors to feeders but as […]
Commonly Misidentified Species: Plovers
COMMONLY MISIDENTIFIED SPECIES: It�s not always easy to identify Maine�s most beloved birds. Maine Audubon biologists and naturalists commonly field identification questions along the lines of �is it this, or is it that?�. Many species look similar from a distance, but there are some great telltale signs, both visual markers and behaviors, that can help […]
RARE BIRD ALERT: EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER
UPDATE: 28 Aug 2022�� Unfortunately there were no sightings of the Eurasian Marsh-Harrier today, despite many observers looking in the area. Late August is the time when marsh-harriers are beginning their fall migration, so this bird may be on its way south, so birders in areas like the Scarborough Marsh or Parker River NWR (Massachusetts) […]
Four Lessons I Learned from Working with Piping Plovers this Summer
Hello! I�m Emma Sloan, a biologist with Maine Audubon�s Plover Crew. We have spent this summer protecting the endangered Piping Plover along 22 beaches in southern Maine. As a new graduate and new resident of Maine, I have learned so much through this work. So, before the season ends, I wanted to share the lessons […]