Dragonflies

Female Twelve-spot Skimmer Dragon Fly

Dragonflies and Damselflies General Description Dragonflies and damselflies are scientifically classified under the order Odonata. These medium to large insects have body lengths ranging from just over half an inch to just under five inches. They are often seen flying rapidly over streams and lakes, or through gardens at dusk, often following regular flight paths…

Dead River

The Dead River is one of the longest and most storied waterways in Maine. Its North Branch flows south from the Lower Pond in Chain of Ponds, Through Alder Stream Township and Jim Pond Township. The South Branch flows north from Saddleback Lake in Rangely through Dallas Plantation, Lang Township and Coplin Plantation.    …

Degree Days

The following heating and cooling degree day normals by month for forty-nine locations in Maine, one aspect of the climate, are calculated by recording the difference between the mean temperature for a month and 65 degrees as the base temperature. (See detailed definition below.) HDD = heating degree days; CDD = cooling degree days; AP…

Mourning Doves

These pigeon-like birds visit home bird feeders, feasting mostly on seeds that drop to the ground. They remain year-round within about 40 miles of the coast. In summer they may be found in all but northern Piscataquis, Somerset and Aroostook (western portion) counties.   The doves are ground feeders in the wild and measure 12…

Dogfish Landings

Dogfish Landings 1964-2015

After two closures since 1964, a productive skate fishery still eludes commercial fishermen in Maine. The trendline in the Price per Pound chart is not very informative due to the erratic nature of the landings.   YEAR POUNDS VALUE PRICE/LB 1964 225,173 $1,216 $0.01 1965 377,574 $2,332 $0.01 1966 572,394 $3,510 $0.01 1967 180,984 $1,060…

Dresden Bog

The waterway broadens from the bog to the open water (2010)

The Erle R. Kelley Wildlife Management Area encompasses most of Dresden Bog, within the town of Dresden, and much of the adjoining land, some of which is in Alna. The Bog, one of Maine’s many nature preserves, is accessible from the south side of Bog Road in Dresden, where a nondescript, very narrow stream leads…

Dyer Brook

Southern Aroostook Community School (2014) @

Dyer Brook, incorporated in 1891, so named for the stream that flows through it and into the Mattawamkeag River, is in the heart of potato country. See photos. This sparsely populated rural town has no paved roads, other than U.S. Route 2. An extensive bog occupies the middle of the township.

Durham

Durham Community School on the Royalsborough Road (2013)

The 1835 Union Church was a community meeting house, then in 1922, the Town Office, and recently home of the Durham Historical Society. The early 20th century religious movement known as the Sandfordites, after their leader Frank W. Sandford, built their 1897 temple “Shiloh” here. Runaround Pond offers a pleasant canoe trip through water lilies and bird life. See video and photos.

Drew Plantation

Location Map for Drew

Its eastern portion is dominated by the Mattawamkeag River System Wildlife Management Area. Recreational opportunities include boating, canoeing, and wildlife viewing for eagles, osprey, deer, moose and water birds. The 6,800 plus acre parcel includes Mud Pond. In 1921 Drew was incorporated as a town, but in the depths of the Great Depression it reverted to a plantation.

Dow, Neal

Neal Dow (Maine State Museum)

(1804-1897) was born in Portland on March 20, 1804. He was educated by his Quaker parents in the principles of temperance, industry, and thrift and attended the Friends Academy in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Instead of college, he entered his father’s tanning business and became a partner. He was successful in business and was called “one…

Dixmont

Peaked Mountain from U.S. 202 in Dixmont (2003)

in Penobscot County, incorporated 1807, was named for Dr. Elijah Dix, who bought the town (and Dixfield). His granddaughter was the social reformer, Dorothea Lynde Dix. Maine Routes 9 and U.S. Route 202 pass through Dixmont and Dixmont Center villages, with long views of the surrounding area, and locally known “Dixmont Hill,” actually Peaked Mountain, with its communications antennas. See photos.

Dixfield

Webb River entering the Androscoggin in Dixfield Village (2013)

Dr. Elijah Dix bought the town (and Dixmont); his granddaughter was social reformer Dorothy Dix. See video and photos. Inventor Leonard Norcross was a resident in the early 19th century. The town town in Oxford County incorporated in 1803.

Dickey-Lincoln

Dickey Site on the St. John River

Electric power generated from Maine’s rivers provided an early source of energy for large pulp and paper companies and other sectors of the economy. Later oil fueled electric generation emerged, followed in the mid-20th century by nuclear power. Later still in that century, biomass (primarily wood) generators were added to the mix. The early 21st…

Dexter

Downtown Dexter (2002)

A woolen mill, erected in 1835, started an industry that lasted for over 150 years. See photos. Recent manufacturing firm closings contributed to the decline in population in the 1990-2000 decade. Settled 1800, incorporated 1816 in Penobscot County, it is the birthplace in 1888 of legislator, congressman, governor, and U.S. Senator Ralph Owen Brewster.