We�ve probably all heard someone say �You can�t see the forest for the trees!� to let someone know they are too caught up in the weeds to see the bigger picture.� I�m happy to say that I�m seeing the forest through the trees AND the birds now after coordinating Maine Audubon�s Song Meter Project over […]
News & Notes
Last-minute Gifts for the Naturalist in Your Life
If you�re anything like me, you probably still have some gifts to buy for the nature-lovers in your life. Never fear; we�ve got lots of great gifts in stock in the Nature Store at Gilsland Farm. Here are some of my favorites! Bird feeders Feeding wild birds is one of the best ways to observe […]
Maine Audubon’s 2022 Loon Count Brings in New Lakes, Counters!
Final results from Maine Audubon’s Annual Loon Count for 2022 estimate that adult loon numbers dipped slightly this year but chick numbers are up! Long-term trends continue to show a strong adult population that has grown steadily over the years, and a stable population of chicks over time. The annual loon count takes place on […]
Native Plants for Winter Finches
By planting or encouraging native woody plants in your yard, you can attract these winter visitors.� The arrival of �winter finches� is one of the most anticipated events in winter birding. Several species, including Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, and Common Redpolls, move southward in winter in search of food. These movements are known as �irruptions�, […]
Shining Some Light on Three Exciting Solar Projects in Maine
With climate change posing the number one threat to birds and other wildlife in Maine, and the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels as urgent as ever, Maine Audubon has cheered on the growth of local solar energy in recent years. We also recognize the potential impacts to wildlife and habitat from solar […]
Raising Awareness About Neonics In Maine
Maine Audubon is working with experts and activists to find avenues to pesticide policy reform. Neonicotinoids, or neonics for short, are some of the most widely used and promoted pesticides on the planet. They kill insects, all of them, and are sprayed from planes, coated on seeds, and otherwise broadcast throughout virtually every cultivated (i.e., […]
December is the perfect time for growing Maine native plants from seed
�Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.�� �Henry David Thoreau� Does it seem a little cold and early for sowing seeds? While that may […]
Bringing birds into the classroom
Last week, as a member of Maine Audubon�s education team, I was able to do one of my favorite things: partner with students and teachers in the classroom.�� Two seventh-grade science teachers at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland, Hazel Cashman and Margaret Paisley, were doing a unit on owls. We met to discuss how […]
Spread the Love of Native Plants
As we report and gear up for late fall and early winter, we often remind folks that fall is the best time to start your own native plants from seed (read about the importance of fall and winter seed dormancy and dispersal here). Maine native plants are beneficial and beautiful, and growing your own from […]