There was a lot of hype leading up to Lee. First is was a hurricane, then a tropical storm. Thankfully, harm of all sorts registered as a minimum. The same is true for vagrant bird sightings, as we’ve written about previously here at our Natural Resources Council of Maine blog. But there was a storm-related Read More
birds
How a Loon Learns to be a Loon
During the last waning days of summer, we sat on a deck overlooking a beautiful lake where Common Loons thrive. We heard them calling through the night and watched as they meandered in the ripping waters just past the dock. And we observed the loon parents as they helped their young one to become a Read More
The Black Terns of Messalonskee Marsh
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is partnering with Maine photographer Nathaniel Child on a blog and photography series to bring awareness to some of Maine’s threatened and endangered species and their habitat. Passing the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) would help state and wildlife Read More
Mysterious Migration of Blue Jays
Interesting, that at a time of year when warblers, vireos, orioles, and other songbirds are streaming into and through the state for their spring migration back from warmer climes, the Maine Birds listserv is abuzz about…Blue Jays. We once overheard someone in another state declare the Blue Jay to be the most beautiful of all Read More
That’s One Determined Osprey
Ospreys, clever birds that they are, sometimes make mistakes. They misjudge or mistime a plunge for a fish. They may show up in a place they aren’t typically found. And sometimes they make bad choices as to where to build a nest. This happened recently with an Osprey that tried to set up housekeeping on Read More
My Maine This Week: Wildlife by Jayne Winters
Last week we shared a wildlife photo and asked what you have seen for wildlife this spring. This week, we want to share some photos from NRCM member and frequent My Maine This Week photographer Jayne Winters of South China, Maine. Jayne saw all of these animals in her own backyard. How lucky! Jayne also Read More
Critter Chatter — Words of Wisdom
Even though most of us still have some patches of snow in our yards, it won’t be long before it melts and we have more constant warmer temperatures of spring. For wildlife rehabbers, spring brings an increase in phone calls from well-intentioned folks who are worried about young animals that appear to have been abandoned Read More
My Maine This Week: White-throated Sparrow by David Small
NRCM member and frequent My Maine This Week photograph contributor David Small of Old Town, Maine, shares his beautiful photos of a White-throated Sparrow that he saw recently in Old Town. He also wrote, when sharing these photos: “From Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, ‘If there is meaning in the past and in the Read More
Clarry Hill: Exemplary Birding, Extraordinary Opportunity
Some places are special for all sorts of reasons. Take Clarry Hill in Union. Its high elevation provides spectacular views of the Camden Hills, glimpses of Muscongus Bay, and acres upon acres of lowbush blueberries that are highly valuable to local jobs and Maine’s economy. These lands are also important for countless species of birds. Read More
