“A trip last week to the Lyle Littlefield Ornamental Garden at the University of Maine in Orono yielded a flock of Bohemian Waxwings feeding on the cherry trees. A sure sign of spring!” – Photo by NRCM member David Small of Old Town, Maine. To see past My Maine This Week photos, or to submit a photo Read More
birds
State Plan Changes after Delay in Reporting Mercury in Lobster
Portland Press Herald news story by Scott Dolan, staff writer State Toxicologist Andrew Smith received an urgent message in 2011: A team of independent scientists had discovered dangerously high levels of mercury in black ducks in a marsh near the mouth of the Penobscot River. But what Smith didn’t know was that the same scientists Read More
Lemmings Fuel Biggest Snowy Owl Migration in 50 Years
By Darryl Fears, The Washington Post Bangor Daily News news story For the lowly Arctic lemming, life is cruel. On the wide-open tundra, they are nature’s carryout meal, the Lay’s potato chip of an unforgiving habitat — no predator can eat just one. In a flash before death, often the last things a lemming sees Read More
Creature Feature: Snowy Owl
For many people, their introduction to the Snowy Owl came from the cultural phenomenon of the Harry Potter series.
“Snowy Owl Fever” – Catch It!
If you’ve ever wanted to see a Snowy Owl, this is your year. Snowy Owls have been moving into Maine for the winter in higher numbers than we’ve seen in decades. In fact, since late last fall, more than 70 of these magnificent owls have been reported throughout our state. From the southern reaches of Read More
My Maine This Week: David Small
“I took a rather cold hike in the Alton area where I captured several photos of Ruffed Grouse that were budding in an area of alders…that and trying to stay warm. This photo shows the grouse all puffed up against the 15 degree day, plus wind!” – Photo by NRCM member David Small of Old Read More
Creature Feature: Wood Duck
One of North America’s most beautiful waterfowl species is the Wood Duck. They are so colorful, and their shape so distinctive, that they are difficult to confuse with any other duck species. Males are especially colorful—a combination of iridescent greens, blues, tan, and chestnut. Their bold white chin strap and facial stripes adds to their distinctive beauty.
Climate Change Threatens New England Birds
The decline in bird populations also poses a threat to Maine’s tourism and recreation industry. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Climate change is posing a threat to Maine’s tourism and recreation industry by changing the lives of scores of species of New England birds, according to wildlife biologists. Bird experts Read More
Scientists: Climate Change Pushing Chickadee, Maine’s Official Bird, Toward Canada
by Bill Trotter, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story Does the black vulture stand a chance of becoming the official bird of Maine? Through the process of elimination, it just might, say scientists who released a report about climate change affecting migratory birds Monday. The black-capped chickadee, which has been the official bird of Read More
