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Sounds and smells can give us clues about the habitat around us—as well as the changing seasons.

Can you hear whispers of leaves falling off deciduous trees? Acorns hitting the ground as they fall from red oaks? Or hear the drilling of a woodpecker?

Can you smell the fresh white pine if you rub the needles in your hand or crush them underfoot? Or the musky smell of rotting leaves?

These are all clues that we are in a forest and that fall is giving way to winter.

[Pileated Woodpecker drilling sounds]

That sound is a Pileated Woodpecker.

A large bird that’s about the size of a crow, the Pileated Woodpecker has a thick bill which it uses to drill rectangular holes in dead trees, searching for ants to eat!

They drum to mark territory or attract mates, and in the fall they drill to create cavities for roosting, preparing for winter.

It has four toes, two that point forward and two that point back—called zygodactyl—making it easier for them to cling to and climb trees.

Nearly ninety percent of Maine is forested and almost 100 species of birds breed in Maine forests. Countless more pass through during migration, making Maine forests an important haven for migrating wildlife.

Older forests—which contain lots of living and dead trees of varying sizes and ages—provide places for birds and other wildlife to find food, shelter, and nest sites.

Many songbirds depend on mature forest habitat, making Maine critically important for breeding forest birds.

Here’s one more sound to enjoy.

[Wild Turkey sounds]

Wild Turkeys were once wiped out in Maine due to habitat loss and hunting. Now they are back and breeding in every county in the state, thanks to reintroduction and protection.

Their many different sounds, from clucks to purrs to gobbles to wing flaps and feather ruffling, all have different meanings!

With your support, Maine Audubon will continue to protect Maine forests through programs that engage landowners as stewards of this critical habitat.

Enjoy your visit!