UPDATE: February 12, 2025 With the recent increase in coverage of the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, we are updating this post to share current information as it pertains to wild birds and precautions you should take. Avian influenza is very rare in our “feeder birds” (chickadees, jays, doves, woodpeckers, etc) so there is no need […]
News & Notes
Maine Audubon Supports Bills to Designate a State Amphibian and Reptile
Legislation to Designate the Spring Peeper as our State Amphibian and Wood Turtle as State Reptile have Hearings in Augusta On February 3, Maine Audubon Policy Advocate Ania Wright will testify in support of a pair of bills aiming to shine a spotlight on some of Maine’s lesser-known wildlife. The Maine State Legislature’s Committee on […]
This February, learn about Maine native plants in this four-part online course
Back by popular demand, the 2025 “Bringing Nature Home” short course will return this February as a four-part online series. This is a great opportunity if you’re new to the world of native plants and are looking to learn more about backyard ecology and the simple actions you can take to create wildlife friendly habitat. […]
Backyard Bird of the Month for February: American Crow
One of the most ubiquitous birds around, the American Crow is a bird often seen from your yard but not often thought of as a “backyard bird” since they rarely come to feeders. Crows are very opportunistic, being both omnivores and scavengers, so they are just as likely to steal a big chunk of suet […]
Snowy Owls in Winter 2024/25
As we begin the new year, though it has felt like a pretty below-average year for snow accumulation so far here in southern Maine, it has turned out to be an above-average year for Snowies. Yes, Snowy Owls are coming south! This is always a fun and exciting time for birders and owl aficionados as […]
Want to Help Wildlife? There’s a Community Science Project for Everyone
Community Science is your chance to join friends, neighbors, students, and teachers in collecting valuable scientific data on wildlife in Maine. Your sightings will help us better understand, protect, and conserve Maine native wildlife and habitat. From projects led by Maine Audubon to others spearheaded by the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, there’s […]
Announcing the Maine Flower Fly Survey
Since the Maine Bird Atlas wrapped up, many of us having been looking for more citizen science projects to get involved in and I’m happy to help announce that the Maine Flower Fly Survey (MFFS) is launching this year! Herb Wilson, Ron Butler, and Beth Swartz are coordinating a new project sponsored by the Maine […]
State Sand Dune Restoration Fund Now Taking Applications!
Coastal sand dunes are one of the rarest habitats in Maine, making up just about 2% of the state’s coastline. Built over time by the actions of wind and waves, dunes and associated beaches and salt marshes provide invaluable ecosystem services and economic benefits. The importance of coastal dunes is increasing as climate change causes […]
Notes from the North: Embrace winter with us!
As winter settles over Maine, it’s tempting to hunker down indoors. But we invite you to bundle up and join us in embracing and exploring the winter landscapes that make this season so special. At Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden, we’ve designed a variety of outdoor programs to help you and your family connect […]