SNOW! It’s great for snowballs and sledding. It also presents a whole other way for exploring the outdoors and learning about Maine wildlife in the winter. While it may feel challenging to observe wildlife in winter, leafless trees and snow provide ample opportunities for spotting birds, evidence …
News & Notes
Andy’s note: Suddenly it’s February
Suddenly it's February. Tomorrow we'll be hearing about Punxsutawney Phil and his prediction about the timing of spring's arrival. I don't know about you, but I haven't had my fix of winter activities yet. Even our northernmost county, my native Aroostook, has less than a foot of snow on the ground …
Backyard bird of the month for February: Golden-crowned Kinglet
If you’ve got a quarter nearby, hold it in your hand for a moment. That quarter, at approximately 6 grams, is the same weight as Maine’s smallest winter resident bird, the Golden-crowned Kinglet. These tiny, lively birds can survive temperatures as low as -40℉, in part by roosting in small groups, …
What the trails can teach us in winter
Maine Audubon sanctuaries are the heart of the organization, which makes the trail networks found within them the veins. Trails connect people with nature and allow them to experience all that an area has to offer in a respectful way. In order to minimize impact on the land and keep access open, …
A Loony Winter
To say we've had crazy weather this winter in Maine would be an understatement. Many lakes remained unfrozen as we headed into the winter, then finally iced over, only to unthaw in a warm spell, and freeze again with the next cold snap. These conditions have made it tricky for all of us planning on …
Reflections on Fall Preschool Outreach
It was a fun-filled fall for Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm based education team as we traveled as far north as Brunswick and as far south as Saco to deliver nature-based and developmentally appropriate programs for early learners ages 2-5. Between the months of September and December, we delivered …
Capture the winter landscape at Fields Pond
One of the best parts about living in Maine is being able to experience all four seasons. With your help, we want to showcase what makes this particular time of year special! For our first ever Winter Photo Contest, we are seeking submissions that capture compelling images of Maine’s winter …
Andy’s note: Let’s make 2024 even more impactful than 2023!
In the few quiet moments that are the islands in a steady stream of fun and bustle during the holiday season, I find myself reflecting upon our 2023 accomplishments at Maine Audubon and how they position us for an even more impactful 2024. Our new tagline "your wildlife community" says it all. We …
Backyard Bird of the Month for January: Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is a unique finch with a unique name, at least in North America; the name originates from Eurasia where there are many siskin species. Though probably onomatopoeic to some degree (they make many metallic noises in their chattering songs that are close to “sisk”), the name came to …