Wildlife is an important part of Maine’s identity, but many species are of high conservation concern. We’re highlighting a few at-risk species in this special coloring section provided by talented Maine artist Toki Oshima. We invite you to get creative, and send us your finished “artwork” care of Allison Wells, 3 Wade Street, Augusta, ME Read More
birds
Bird/Doggy-ing the Neighborhood
Dogs change things. Since recently adopting one into our family (joining the ranks of many Natural Resources Council of Maine colleagues), we now have a dog snuggled at our feet if we’re working at the desk, cuddled on or near our laps if we’re watching the NBA playoffs (go, Hawks!), and curled up on our Read More
My Maine This Week: David Small
NRCM member David Small of Old Town, Maine, shares many of his incredible wildlife and nature photos with us. This week, we want to share some of his stunning Osprey photos, taken around the state. To see more amazing photos by David, view his slideshow of Maine photos. Have you been able to capture photos Read More
A Surprise Nest Guest
We’ve all had those unexpected house guests, folks who arrive (sometimes for an indefinite amount of time) with little to no heads up and leave you scrambling a little to make adjustments. Birds likewise can become host to unexpected guests to their home. In fact, this spring an Osprey pair in Georgetown found themselves temporarily Read More
Five Endangered Species from Maine You Should Know About
Each species has an important ecological role to play in the web of life. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to change, and collectively, the planet’s array of plants and animals provide valuable services, helping clean our air and water, cycle nutrients, prevent erosion, provide food and fiber, offer recreational opportunities and places of solace, and Read More
My Maine This Week: Kristen Lindquist
NRCM member Kristen Lindquist of Camden, Maine, has written several Creature Features for us, most recently about the Piping Plover and this happy sign of spring: the Eastern Bluebird. As it happens, Kristen’s neighbor had several bluebirds visit this spring, and Kristen was able to capture these beautiful images of them to share with us. Read More
Creature Feature: Piping Plover
Piping Plover Scientific name: Charadrius melodus Cool fact: A Piping Plover parent will attempt to lure a potential predator away from its nest by feigning a broken wing. A small, pale-brown bird that nests on sandy beaches, the Piping Plover, along with its sand-colored eggs and chicks, can be difficult to see. Thus camouflaged, they Read More
Rare Dove Wings It into Maine
The cops had been notified. A notice had been posted on the city’s Facebook page. Neighbors had been informed. In other words, we followed the typical protocol when a VIP arrives in town. This one was extra special. It had wings. The guest that arrived for a short but exciting visit to our small city Read More
Creature Feature: Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebird Scientific name: Sialia sialis Cool fact: Bluebird houses aren’t just for nesting! Several bluebirds will roost together in a bird box for warmth in the winter. Does any songbird elicit a smile more readily than a bluebird? “The bluebird of happiness” has long been a trope in our popular culture, and the belief Read More