As the season spins us closer to the holidays, we find ourselves creating lists and checking off items once they’re done. Purchase such-and-such (preferably locally made) gifts for our loved ones (check). Finalize who’s coming to the holiday dinner (check) and what we’ll have on the menu (check). Count birds for this year’s Christmas Bird Read More
Protecting Wildlife
Maine is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and, for some species, Maine makes up a vast majority of their range or provides essential habitat that can’t be found elsewhere. NRCM works to protect Maine’s wildlife by advocating for policies that ensure they have healthy habitat and abundant resources to thrive.
Critter Chatter — Reminiscing, Part III
As part of our continued stroll down Memory Lane, I found several articles written by Carleen Cote about students who have raised money for Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center. Here is one from August 4, 2001: “On June 12, fourth graders from Windsor Elementary School, with teachers Julie Clark and Sheila Ready, visited the Center Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part II
As a follow-up to last month’s stroll down Memory Lane, here is another article Carleen Cote wrote in 2004: “Over our 40 years, we have cared for every species of Maine mammal except for the Pine Martin [sic]. We have cared for every species of water mammal. Caring for the mammals every year is one Read More
Quietly Working to Save the World
Saving the world would seem like something to announce from the rooftops. Doesn’t always work that way. Nestled in the green valley between two mountain chains in southern Colombia lies the city of Cali, an incredibly busy place this week. Cali is hosting a meeting of many of the world’s nations that are collectively making Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part I
When I stopped by Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab this week, as there were no critters awaiting transfer to other rehabbers, Don and I talked again about how smoothly things have gone since his hospitalization in May and subsequent transition to semi-retirement. Over just a few days — thanks to Inland Fisheries & Wildlife staff, volunteers, Read More
Why We Need Strong Endangered Species Act Protections for Maine Wildlife
Maine’s natural beauty is defined by its forests, coastlines, rivers, and wildlife, all of which play an important role in the state’s ecological health and economy. However, many species that call Maine home are facing significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, is one of Read More
Critter Chatter – Happy Endings x 2
I don’t remember that I’ve ever written back-to-back articles about the same species, but sometimes things just naturally fall into place. Both of these recent rescues have a happy ending, so how could I resist? As a follow-up to August’s column about the raccoon that underwent surgeries for a broken leg, fractured jaw, and dislocated Read More
Critter Chatter — Cautiously Optimistic
As is often the case, I wasn’t sure what this month’s article would be about and had asked Don to give it some thought so we could talk about it last week. And, as is often the case, it didn’t take very long for that question to be answered! When I stopped by Duck Pond Read More
Critter Chatter – A New Chapter
As noted in last month’s article, rehabber Don Cote at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center was hospitalized for a week in late May. I’m relieved and happy to report that his recovery at home is going well and as we expected, it didn’t take long before he started taking calls about orphaned and injured critters. Read More
