Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawk, near the East Branch of the Penobscot River in the Maine woods Lunksoos area and near a logging yard in Crystal
Red-winged Blackbird
is a bird that inhabits marshes, swamps, meadows and pastures throughout the United States and throughout the state of Maine. The male is easily identified by its bright red “shoulder patches.” The female and the young are streaked with brown, not at all appearing to be black birds. The male often catches the eye as…
River Otter
River otters are water-adapted mammals, with long, streamlined bodies, short legs, webbed toes, and long, tapered tails. Their short, thick fur is a rich brown above, and lighter, with a silvery sheen, below. Adult males average four feet in length, with the tail, weighing 20 to 28 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller. Seldom seen, they…
Robins
The American Robin is the “sign of spring” for Mainers, when we first notice Robin Redbreast after a long absence. But in southern areas of the state these birds often resist the urge to join their northern cousins who head south for the winter. Poke around in swampy areas that have berries still on the…
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is the smallest bird in Maine. Amazngly, this tiny, energy-burning bird migrates thousands of miles each year between Maine and the southern United States, Mexico and Central America. In southern Maine it appears in early summer for a brief period, then apparently moves north only to reappear in late summer, presumably on its long…
Ruffed Grouse
Physical Characteristics Ruffed grouse (or “Partridge”) are the most widely distributed game birds in North America. They rank among the smaller of the 10 species of grouse native to North America with weights ranging from 17 to 25 oz. The subspecies that inhabits Maine is the St. Lawrence or Canada ruffed grouse. Plumage of the…
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes are very large, tall birds with a long neck reaching four feet tall. They have long legs and broad wings. The cranes are mostly found in the Midwest but since the year 2000 they have been seen in south central Maine, including North Yarmouth, Belgrade and Kennebunk, and in Fryeburg in western Maine.…
Semipalmated Sandpiper
This bird is one of several sandpipers in Maine. The Semipalmated Sandpiper, described as perhaps one of the most numerous shorebirds in North America, is not a permanent resident, but is does migrate through the state. Those featured here passed through Harpswell in early October of 2014 at N43° 48′ 50.18″ W69° 56′ 40.90″.
Sparrows
Several species of sparrows abound in Maine’s collection of birds. They include the Chipping, Song, and White-throated sparrows. All are between 5 and 7 inches long. In an unusual twist, the female and male sparrows noted here have the same color schemes. Chipping Sparrow The distinctive mark is the rust-colored crown atop their heads. The…
Species, Endangered and Threatened
Since European settlement, at least 14 species of wildlife are known to have been completely eliminated from the Maine environment. To prevent further losses, the Maine Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1975. In 1986, Maine’s first list of 23 Endangered and Threatened species was adopted. After the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife…
Spectacle Pond Piscataquis County
Access to the pond is on unimproved roads beginning in Blanchard Village off the Abbot Road trending southwest for about four miles until turning right at Thanksgiving Pond Road. In about a mile, park road vehicles. Follow a rough road/trail for about a half mile with off-road vehicles or by hiking. This Spectacle Pond…
Spencer Bay Township
This township in Piscataquis County abuts a long shore of Moosehead Lake by way of Spencer Bay. The Spencer Bay Road trends northwest from Kokadjo to Spencer Pond in East Middlesex Canal Grant Township. Roach River also flows northwest about five miles from First Roach Pond to Spencer Bay. Campgrounds are frequent along the northeast…
Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow remains in Maine, along the coast, near freshwater ponds, and in agricultural fields, during the summer. Thereafter, as with many other birds, it migrates to to southern coastal states, Mexico and Central America. This one apparently decided to take up residence in one of the bird boxes provided in an open field…
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a bird found in the southern half of Maine year-round. Nationally, its range is essentially east of the Mississippi River. Slate gray with a white belly and a rusty area below the wings, the male, female and young Titmouse share the same color and appearance. It nests in holes in trees,…
Turkeys
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.…
Turtles
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…
Wildlife
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
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…
Woodchucks
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…
Woodpeckers
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…