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 …
Maine's Naturalist
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 …
Gifts for the Naturalist on your Holiday Shopping List!
It's December and that means one thing: the annual Christmas Bird Count! Well, maybe to birders that's what it means, but for everyone else, it is a time for celebrating the holidays. Here are some gift ideas for the budding naturalist and nature lover in your life: Sibley Birds, Second …
Our Naturalist Answers Your Questions
One of the goals of this blog is to answer your questions. Below are a few that I received over the past month. I hope these are informative for everyone and spark new inquiries! The Naturalist Answers Your Questions: Question: Kathryn sent in a question I often receive “I have robins and …
Is that a moth? In November?!
November always seems like a strange time to see insects. It seems even more bizarre when we experience nights that are at or near freezing temperatures and moths are still active. There are only a few moths that can do this, some "good" and some "bad," but it is an interesting adaptation. Their …