Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution explains not only how creatures became good at securing food sources and surviving in the wilderness, but also how they produce the next generation. A good example of this, explains Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright, is the male Wood Frog, whose strong thumbs ensure he has a […]
News
Action Alert: Sign on in Defense of Migratory Birds
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is under attack. We need to share our outrage with our Congressional delegation and implore them to take action. The MBTA is a century-old law utilized by Republican and Democratic administrations to protect birds as they navigate the globe. The law has been consistently interpreted to hold individuals or […]
Action Alert: Support clean water for Maine wildlife
The session is nearly over, which means that very soon the full legislature will vote on bond bills — including two very important bonds that will support wastewater and road infrastructure improvements vital to keeping Maine lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters clean. Please contact your legislators and encourage them to support LD 178 and […]
The 2018 Plover Crew Hits the Beaches
Despite the driving rain and 35 degree temperatures today, the 2018 Plover crew ventured out to the beaches. This year, Heidi Franklin (above, left) is joining Sam Albright, Zac Fait (center, right), and me as Maine Audubon’s Coastal Birds Project biologist team. Already, plovers have been seen on beaches from Ogunquit to Popham. They are […]
Hermit Thrushes are Here!
I didn’t want to go at first. I just couldn’t ignore those imploring eyes any longer. So, I donned my warm coat, hat and gloves, grabbed the dog leash, and together we headed out into the April Sunday morning sleet. The trail through the woods was covered with hard-packed snow and tiny slippery iceballs. I […]
Marching for Science in Portland [Photos & Video]
Maine Audubon wildlife biologist Laura Minich Zitske, who leads our Coastal Birds Project, was a featured speaker at Portland’s March for Science yesterday. Despite the chilly April temperatures, a dedicated corps turned out to support science and its wider inclusion in public policy decision-making. Laura’s remarks, below, focused on the role individuals can play — […]
Spring Migration Is Underway!
It’s happening! As the days get longer and temperatures rise, we are happy to see migrant birds returning to or passing through Maine. In this blog post I’ll present a quick run-through, grouped by alliterate families in taxonomic order, of some of the birds we are seeing lately. Swans through Swifts April sees the largest […]
Amphibian Xing! Watch out for Frogs and Salamanders on the Road
I got the text at 9:07 last night. I had just finished practicing piano and heard the rain splattering on the roof. I was thinking about making some tea and settling down with a good book before slipping off to bed. The message read: A few moving tonight – we need your help! So, instead […]
Nature Moments: Galls, Cankers, and Witch’s Brooms
In his latest Nature Moments video, Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright asks: Have you ever noticed tumor-like growths on plants? Fungi, insects, mites and bacteria are like “body snatchers,” penetrating plant cells and manipulating them to produce galls, cankers and witch’s brooms for the parasites’ benefit. Fortunately, most are benign. Nature Moments�are […]