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  • Joined: April 25, 2022
  • Articles: 211

5/24/26: Rare Birds – Are More Visiting Maine?

Anhinga

In this episode, Celeste reads an essay by Rob Speirs exploring whether the apparent increase of rare birds in Maine reflects real change or simply more observers equipped with better tools. From early phone trees to modern platforms like Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird and Merlin apps, he traces how advances in communication and technology, combined with a growing and increasingly skilled birding community, have transformed the detection and documentation of avian rarities.

Black Guillemot Surveys

Black Guillemot

A member of the Alcid family along with Murres, Auks, and Puffins, Black Guillemots nest in rocky burrows in coastal Maine. About this project Although anecdotal evidence suggests that Black Guillemot numbers have been declining on the coast of Maine,…

5/17/26: A Hike Down the Hemlock Trail, part 5

Common Raven

In this episode, Glen concludes his conversation with Rich MacDonald of the Natural History Center during a winter walk in Acadia National Park, reflecting on forest structure, succession, and the complexity of ecological systems. The discussion broadens to observations of ravens and Bald Eagles.

Camera Tracking on Coastal Islands

Common Tern

Seabird biologists are increasingly concerned that growing mink and otter populations may be negatively affecting where seabirds can successfully nest along Maine’s coast. To better understand this, MNHO is starting a camera tracking project to document where and how frequently…

5/10/26: A Hike Down the Hemlock Trail, part 4

Great Meadow Acadia National Park

In this episode, Glen continues his conversation with Rich MacDonald of the Natural History Center during a winter walk in Acadia National Park, exploring the ethical tensions when observing wildlife in distress. From rescuing stranded amphibian eggs to aiding an injured Peregrine Falcon, Rich reflects on the balance between natural processes and human intervention.

Midcoast Kestrel Project

American Kestrel

In his 1949 book, Maine Birds, biologist Ralph S. Palmer described the American Kestrel— then called the “Northern Sparrow Hawk”—as “common throughout” the state and “the second hawk in [terms] of numbers.” While kestrels can still be spotted on power…

Cliff Swallow Colony Monitoring

Recent information suggests that Cliff Swallows are decreasing in Maine. Consequently, Cliff Swallows are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Maine Wildlife Action Plan. Although likely due to a culmination of many issues, the loss of nest…