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
migratory birds
New Mind-blowing Tool Unveils the Secrets of Bird Migrations
During migration, birds mysteriously come and go—the sudden appearance of ducks in the bay or at your local pond. Maybe you’ve noticed a warbler or sparrow flitting about in the backyard shrubbery that you hadn’t seen the day before—or maybe even for weeks or months? Maybe you wondered where it was headed next? Perhaps you 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
Rock Wren, Rock Star
It’s not every day you get to meet a rock star. They tend to perform on their own terms and make public appearances when and where they darn well please. Often, they live far from the crowds who admire them; when seen, they may or may not accommodate your request for a selfie. This past Read More
Listening to Migratory Birds for a Deeper Connection to the Natural World
Animal migrations are a natural marvel. Seeing the departure and return of birds, like sandpipers, puffins, and a number of songbirds and waterfowl, to and from Maine every year is a joyful way to mark the seasons. But have you ever considered making the journey yourself to take in the sights and sounds of a Read More
An Act of Hope for Migratory Birds
North of us, darkening clouds stretched far into the sky. We could feel low rumbles of thunder vibrating through the warm, humid air, sending the ground into trembles. Having just stepped out from the grocery store, we hurried across the parking lot to reach the car before the impending torrential rains. We glanced up again Read More
“Naked & Afraid”? How about Feathered and Fearless!
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
Eroding a Bedrock Law: the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
In 1918, the U.S. signed into law a piece of legislation that has shown incredible resilience over the past century. In the midst of the horrific tragedies of World War I and the Spanish Flu, a bright light shown through that resulted in the signing of the world’s first large-scale treaty among nations to protect Read More
Celebrating the Year of the Bird
This year, 2018, marks the 100-year anniversary of the signing of our own Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It’s because of this treaty that many bird species—including some for which Maine is well known—are still with us. In fact, without the MBTA, species such as the Common Eider and Wood Duck likely would have disappeared from Read More
