From an article by George Matula Wildlife Biologist, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Physical Characteristics The Wild Turkey is North America’s largest upland game bird. Average adult hens weigh between 8 – 12 lb. and adult toms (males) between 10 – 20 lb., but a large tom can weigh in excess of 25 lb.…
Maine is home to a wide variety of wildlife including eight species of turtles, according to the Maine Herpetological Society. Several are considered common (widespread and not in danger): Eastern Painted, Midland Painted, Northern Snapping, and Musk turtles. Some are considered of special concern: Spotted and Wood turtles. The endangered turtles are…
The island town is home to two nature preserves, both managed by the Nature Conservancy. See photos. Granite quarrying was an important industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, both on the main island and on nearby Hurricane Island, which is in the town of Vinalhaven. Now a community of summer residents and Maine residents, it is accessible by the State Ferry Service, which provides transportation, for passengers and vehicles, to and from Rockland.
Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area. The area is a 1,055-acre impounded wetland located in the town of Troy in Waldo County. The area was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1966 to protect the waterfowl and other wildlife associated with this area in central Maine. Carlton Pond WPA has historically provided good…
Settled by Acadians, the town lies just south of Fort Kent on the Fish River, whose Eagle Lake outlet is in the southern portion of the township. See photos. Wallagrass Station village is located at the southern end of the town, where Station Road leads to the shore of Eagle Lake.
Commissary Point. With over two miles of undeveloped, scenic views, highly productive shorefront and wildlife habitat along Cobscook Bay, the Point includes 200 acres plus a 50-acre easement. It lies in Trescott Township across Whiting Bay from Tide Mill Farm and has similar high-quality shoreline values, including over two miles of undeveloped, highly productive shorefront…
As Socrates is said to have urged, on seeking knowledge: “first let us define our terms.” For early Maine mill owners “falls” were the drop in a stream or river that could be harnessed for power. Rapids also involve drops in a waterway, often with rocks as obstacles to navigation with canoes, kayaks and rafts. The…
in Maine is famously varied and changeable, and at times, severe. The coast, moderated by the ocean, often has local weather far different from that in the western mountains or the expanses of Aroostook County. Adding to the complexity, global warming may be affecting our climate, as may be indicated by an increasing number of…
Blizzards, floods and hurricanes are occasional weather events, but often sudden and severe in Maine. This is a chronicle of some of the most significant events. Blizzards November 26, 1898 was the first day of the two-day Portland Gale, a hurricane and blizzard that raged for over thirty-six hours sinking about one hundred vessels including…
Maine has an abundance of wildlife in its inland areas. The State’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages many species. Throughout the state, nature preserves provide opportunities to protect and to view wild animals. Here are some links to articles about wildlife in Maine. Birds Ducks Geese Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Mammals Black Bear…
Willets and yellowlegs are birds similar in appearance, as are the greater and lesser yellow legs. Greater Yellowlegs As you have already guessed, “yellow legs” are a distinguishing feature of this long-billed shorebird. It differs from the lesser yellowlegs by it size (14 inches compared to 10 1/2 inches) and by its longer bill (about…
Wind turbines and wind “farms” of many turbines are sprouting all over Maine. Ridges and mountains are the most likely spots. As a result, they are visible for many miles and may intrude on enjoyment of hikers or residents near the devices. Electricity generated by the turbines displace that generated by other sources, including those…
While winters in Maine have been becoming warmer with the rest of New England, snowfalls still paint the landscape. See also Katahdin Winter Winter Baxter State Park Coastal Maine
These cute large rodents (thus a mammal) are entertaining to look at, but potentially dangerous and disruptive. A member of the squirrel family, it is also known as the “ground hog” or whistle pig. According to Scientific American, Groundhogs are also variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers. The name whistle-pig comes from the…
Maine Resident Woodpeckers Four species of woodpeckers are among the birds that inhabit Maine. The essence of being a woodpecker is the use of its sharp, pointed bill for digging into trees for nesting and extracting insects. Three share the title “woodpecker”: the Downy, Hairy, and Pileated. These three are year-round residents throughout the state…
Kennebunk Plains, McGuire Road, Kennebunk. This 1,000-acre sandplain community provides vital habitat for the endangered grasshopper sparrow and four other animals and plants of special concern in Maine. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, acquired with a grant from the Land For Maine’s Future Board. Butler/Marshall Preserve, Kennebunk. The Kennebunk River bisects the two preserves which…