As the wild turkeys headed toward the log where I rested, I froze in place, hoping to avoid spooking these wary birds with wonderful eyesight. Out in the open with no cover to shield any movement, I gave up the idea of snapping photos as the birds came closer. Feeding actively on seeds and insects… Read more

Our eyes are often drawn to the flashiest creatures around us, and this is particularly true with birds. This explains the ongoing popularity of the Northern cardinal, the indigo bunting and the Baltimore oriole. But birds with more subtle coloring have their own beauty and may have distinct personalities that make them worthy of your… Read more

If I had to nominate the 10 birds on my most popular list, the red-winged blackbird would certainly be near the top. Over the years I have come to appreciate these showy and gregarious birds not only for their beauty but also for their generally friendly personalities. Often I have been in the field planting… Read more

Photo by Wirepec, iStock In early March many readers would like to be ensconced in warm climates well to the south of Maine. You toughed it out during January and February and you need a break. Suppose you were stuck under the ice and relief was still weeks away! For aquatic creatures like the northern… Read more

If you have installed bird feeders for the winter, you are enjoying a range of visitors by now. Most days are filled with song sparrows, black-capped chickadees, downy and hairy woodpeckers and the fast-moving nuthatches. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have some Eastern bluebirds or delicate goldfinches in the neighborhood. We seem to attract… Read more

Temperatures are falling and snow is piling up around town. That is great if you are a skier or snowmobiler, but it also spells good news for our dinner table. This is the time of year when one of Maine’s seafood delicacies becomes available to satisfy our cravings. This fishery is also an important contributor… Read more

(Photo by Bob Hilscher iStock) The holidays are upon us, and everywhere you see red – flashing lights, bright ribbons, ugly sweaters, you name it. While there are many shades of red, the one we’re interested in is “cardinal red,” so popular it has an official designation in the Pantone Matching System for paints as… Read more

We have all used the term “for the birds” at one time or another, perhaps to describe an idea we find preposterous or an aging uncle who has lost a few marbles along his way. The online Free Dictionary defines the term as relating to something that has no value or is boring. While some… Read more

Thanks to Maine’s coastal location, and the wide variety of habitats on offer, we are blessed with hundreds of different birds. Over 460 species have been documented in Maine, with around 330 species seen regularly. Some are residents and others are passing through on their annual migration. Although a small community, Harpswell is a popular… Read more