As we’ve had to spend more time at home due to COVID-19, we have taken to doing more of most things we already do around the house—yard birding, yard work, reading, housework (OK, maybe not more housework!), jigsaw puzzles…and a bit more TV. Since we tend to gravitate toward natural history-based shows, perhaps it was Read More
birding
6 Apps to Help You Explore Maine, Wherever You Are
Last year we introduced you to eBird, iNaturalist, Discover Katahdin, and six other nature-based apps. Read about them at www.nrcm.org/blog/apps-explore-maine. We hope you enjoy this year’s picks! Penobscot Mountain by Pete Didisheim 1. Acadia National Park by Chimani Maine-based Chimani designed this premier app for one of our state’s crown jewels: Acadia National Park. This Read More
Sharing the Mystery of “Suddenly Appearing Birds”
Have you looked out at your bird feeder lately and seen birds you hadn’t seen the previous day—perhaps not since the previous year? With most of us staying home these days and exploring nature around our yards, many people are seeing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings that suddenly appear at their bird feeders Read More
Our Backyard Discovery Diary: Mockers, Rattles, Ruby-crowns, and Twitters
During Earth Week, staff at the Natural Resources Council of Maine sent “digital care packages” to our members and supporters, as a way to help folks stay connected to nature. Jeff’s organization, National Audubon, has also upped their online engagement opportunities, as have a number of other groups. But many of us—perhaps you?—are creating our Read More
Quarantining with Birds & Nature
With our son’s school closed and our offices at the Natural Resources Council of Maine and National Audubon doing the responsible thing of instituting work-at-home policies out of concern about the coronavirus, we have found ourselves thinking about the implications of staying here at our house. We’ve all heard the stories of people being quarantined Read More
Mindfulness Birding Big Year 2019 Wrap-up
You may recall that in early 2019, we announced our pursuit of a Maine Mindfulness Big Year. Since our blog is (mostly) monthly, and we enjoy writing about a wide variety of bird-related topics—including special birding events with members of the Natural Resources Council of Maine—we only occasionally posted updates here. So you likely have Read More
Insider Secrets of Some of Maine’s Favorite Birds
Birds nonchalantly drop clues into the mysteries of their lives as they go about their business of flitting in the treetops, skulking in the underbrush, diving for fish and other water critters to eat, gorging at our bird feeders, migrating, breeding, feeding young, and so forth. The revelations they provide can give us reason to Read More
Creature Feature: Canada Warbler
Canada Warbler Scientific name: Cardellina canadensis Cool fact: A flurry of feathers rustling in ferny, shrubby thickets is all that is often seen of the bird, as Canada Warblers are secretive. The Canada Warbler is one of the latest arriving of the 26 warbler species that split their lives between Maine and the tropics of Read More
From Hawk Hunting to Hawk Watching: A Day Celebrating Hawks at “Mt. A” with NRCM Members
This fall, we spent an enjoyable afternoon on top of Mt. Agamenticus in York, leading a hawk-watching adventure for members of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). If you’ve visited “Mt. A,” as this place is often affectionately known, you know it’s a fascinating place. The mountaintop hosts a town-owned-and-operated nature center that was Read More