If someone asked what the next new bird species to Maine would be, I wouldn't have guessed Surfbird. Probably not even with 100 guesses. But it happened. On March 20, a group from the Tin Mountain Bird Society spotted an unusual bird amongst some Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers. That …
Maine's Naturalist
The Mysteries of Crow Roosts
Have you noticed swarms of crows passing over your house, or maybe overhead while driving home in the evening? Throughout the winter, you are likely seeing American Crows as they head off to spend the evening in a communal roost. Crows are very intelligent and social. While crows spend most …
Welcome (but not so charismatic) Signs of Spring
It's hard to be optimistic about the arrival of spring in just 17 days when there is another 3-5 inches of snow in the forecast for this evening. However, we have seen some ‘warmer' days over the past week that presented some welcome (though not-so-charismatic) signs of spring: Snow …
It’s Winter in Maine! Why do I see Robins and Bluebirds?
My phone has been off the hook lately and most calls go like this: “There are robins (or bluebirds) in my yard! Did they forget to migrate? How will they survive? What can I do to save them?!?” Quick Answer: Don't worry, they are fine. American Robins are not a sign of spring in Maine and have no …
Love Birds
With Valentine's Day just a few days away, it seems fitting to discuss love this week. Here are a few fun facts about some of Maine's lovebirds: "Birds Mate for Life" Let's start by debunking a big misconception: “Birds mate for life.” The simple answer is no, they do not. Polygamy, in the …
National Audubon’s New Website
As we've gone through the first classes of our Birding Basics series this year, I've enjoyed looking for and sharing resources that I think will be helpful for new or beginner birders. One of these resources was just released - a new website from National Audubon and here are some of the things you …
Winter Wildlife Tracks
Even when it seems like there is not much wildlife to see in the winter, there are often signs left behind of many of the animals that are active during the cold months. These signs, typically tracks, are usually more obvious in fresh snow so there should be some good opportunities this week to look …
Red-bellied Woodpeckers on the Rise in Maine
I love getting calls from people when they have rare birds in their yard. There is nothing more exciting than spotting something unusual or seeing something for the first time. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is one species we have received a lot of calls about this winter - but they are not as rare as …
Field Trip Report: Gyrfalcon Chase!
Our 2015 field trips are off to a great start! Last Saturday we held our second annual January is for FOYS (First of the Year's Birds) Trip that tallied 51 species. And this morning we met to bird Back Cove in Portland. Unfortunately, the early morning temps were around 14 degrees F and expected …