SCRIPT

Nature provides subtle signs that you are moving from one habitat to another. You might feel the warmth of the sun as you emerge from a shady forest into an open meadow. Or feel a sudden breeze, which you were sheltered from before by trees or vegetation.

That’s a pretty good sign that you are in edge habitat.

Edge habitat is the area where two habitat types meet. It can be a natural transition between two habitat types such as a meadow and an upland forest, or it can be a human-made border where, for example, a utility corridor ends and a shrubland begins.

The animals that are attracted to edge habitat are often opportunists or generalists, such as crows, Blue Jays,
[Blue Jay sounds]
deer, and raccoons.

Northern Raccoons can exploit a wide range of habitats and food sources. Transition zones provide that diversity as well as convenient travel routes for them.
Raccoons make a wide range of sounds. – they hiss, bark, growl, sniff, and whine.

[Raccoon sniffing sounds]

Birds that like edge habitat include catbirds and goldfinches.

Listen for the Gray Catbird. The song mimics other birds, and their call can sound like a cat’s meow. They frequent thickets, searching for berries and insects to eat.

[Catbird sounds]

Catbirds migrate, so you’ll only hear them from spring to fall here in Maine.

American Goldfinches, on the other hand, remain in southern Maine year-round, where they forage in forest edges. They make intricate songs and calls.

[American Goldfinch sounds]

Birds and small mammals are vulnerable to ambush predators. You can support wildlife that depends on edge habitat by keeping pet cats indoors!

With your support, Maine Audubon will continue its advocacy and conservation research on behalf of habitat connectivity.

Enjoy your visit!

AUDIO CREDITS

Grey Catbird sound recorded by Scott Olmstead, Lisbon, New Hampshire

Goldfinch sound recorded by Will Sweet, Drakes Island, York County, Maine