We treasure Memorial Day as a day of remembrance of the past, holding dear those who have died while serving to protect our nation. We also think of and honor others who served in the military but were spared. It’s also a time of memorializing loved ones in general. After a number of days of 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 — A Dove from Above?
As most of our readers now know, Don Cote passed away in December following a short illness. I noted at the end of his obituary that I would write a final “Critter Chatter” column to honor Don and Carleen Cote’s six decades of caring for the literally thousands of animals that came to their home Read More
Critter Chatter — More Reminiscing, Part VII
In looking through old articles and photo albums from Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, I discovered a story about a baby moose that arrived at the Cotes’ in 1993. What follows is part of Carleen’s column from August 1997, recounting that experience: “On May 15, 1993, we received a call from the State Police at Read More
Mainers Speak Out Against Chaotic Federal Funding and Firing Decisions
News release March 19, 2025 (Brewer, ME) ━ One by one, a diverse group of Mainers including a fired federal worker, business and fishing groups, a veteran, and a SNAP participant spoke about the real-world harm that has been inflicted by the chaotic decision-making of the Trump Administration. Ocean Crawford, a mother of three from Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part V
I continue to share more of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. I found several about the generous efforts of local students to help support the rehab center. From August 2005: “For two years, China Primary School students have selected the Wildlife Read More
2025 Environmental Priorities in Maine
The start of the legislative session in Maine is always an exciting time. A time of promise and possibilities. This year, we’re focused on advancing progress for Maine’s environment and communities by acting on climate, expanding access to the outdoors for all, and safeguarding a healthy environment. Nearly 2,200 bills have been filed, and we’ve Read More
“Duck”-ing Maine’s Winter
Being birders, the two of us tend to incentivize chores and errands by working in a little birding when and where it makes sense. In winter, one of our favorite places to – can we say it? – “duck” in on is Gardiner Waterfront Park. Since we live in Gardiner, it’s conveniently located to any Read More
Critter Chatter — Reminiscing, Part IV
As noted in recent columns, I’ll be sharing some of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. What follows is a story entitled, “Labor of Love” from August 3, 2002: “This week’s ‘Critter Chatter’ is not about the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center Read More
An 80,000-Person Celebration of Birds: You’re Invited!
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
