(Above photo: This striking photo was taken by Elizabeth Payne, an annual loon counter; used by permission) And just like that we have 40 years of loon count data for the state of Maine! On July 15, 1503 volunteer loon counters headed out to 374 lakes to gather important data, allowing Maine …
News & Notes
Changes to Common Bird Names
Earlier this month, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) announced a plan to change the eponymic bird names, those named after people, in the US and Canada. The announcement comes after years of work by the AOS, holding listening session, meeting with stakeholders, and ultimately deciding that …
Let’s go birding this winter — virtually
This winter, join us virtually to improve your birding from the comfort of home, with Virtual Birding, a free online program taking place every other Monday evening, December through February. Through the magic of live-streamed bird feeder cameras, I will guide viewings of birds in Maine and …
A Gift from Madeline!
Last weekend seven-year-old Madeline visited the Nature Store at Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth. In her tiny mittened hand she held a $120 check she wanted to donate to Maine Audubon. Madeline had made chocolate peanut butter truffles with her dad and then sold them at her …
Andy’s Note: Reflections and resilience
The mass shooting in Lewiston last Wednesday is still very much on my mind. We’re all absolutely heartbroken that so many lives were tragically and suddenly taken in a community that has long been known for its perseverance and openness. This is truly a time for grieving and reflection. In times of …
Summer Summary: Record breeding plover pairs but lower fledgling numbers
Another summer, another record-breaking year: For the sixth consecutive season, in 2023 we saw a record high number of breeding pairs of Piping Plovers on Maine beaches. Maine was home to 157 breeding pairs this nesting season, with some pairs nesting in places never before occupied or that had been …
Singing in the Rain with the Maine Loon Restoration Project
One of Maine Audubon’s most visible projects is the Annual Loon Count, where more than 1500 volunteers go out, on the third Saturday in July, to count loons and give us a snapshot of the loon population. But we’ve also got a major project aimed at increasing loon nesting success and survival, called …
Voter resources for Election Day, November 7
Maine Audubon wants every eligible voter to have the opportunity to cast their ballot this November. Planning ahead can help ensure your participation in this essential aspect of our democracy. ⭐ Election Day 2023 is Tuesday, November 7 ⭐ Below are tools you can use to prepare for the upcoming …
UPDATED Draft Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area Excludes Right Whale and Lobstering Areas
UPDATE Nov. 22, 2023: Maine Audubon joined Mass Audubon and the American Bird Conservancy in submitting comments on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) for the Gulf of Maine. The authors asked for a number of changes to the draft WEA in order to protect birds and …