During these challenging times, we know that getting out in nature is an important way to relax, exercise, renew your energy, and that contributing to a project also helps bring a sense of purpose. At the Maine Bird Atlas, we want to make sure you have the resources to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, the Maine Bird Atlas is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and community members. We believe that feeling connected and involved in the community and empowered to be out in nature and making a difference (while still following social distancing practices) is important for getting through these difficult times.

By Regional Wildlife Biologist Chuck Hulsey

When you see a wooden box on a post over shallow water, with a hole in the front, you probably know that it is a nest box for wood ducks. But did you know Maine has other duck species that need tree cavities in order to nest and rear young? Though developed for wood ducks, they are commonly used by Hooded mergansers and American goldeneyes. “Wood duck boxes” may be the most recognizable wildlife management technique of all.

By Fisheries Biologist Liz Thorndike

Every fall, MDIFW fisheries biologists make their way to the banks of the Kennebago River, specifically to a place called Steep Bank Pool. The pool is known by many as a great place to fish or simply eat lunch and watch fish rise. So, why do biologists go? It’s an annual sampling event to collect landlocked salmon as they stage in the river’s natural pool, preparing to swim further upstream and spawn.

How about we forget about what’s going on in the crazy world for just a moment and think about the month of June 2019, which is when Heron Observation Network Volunteers conducted most of their colony visits last year.

Back by popular demand: Weekly Challenges! Each week through the breeding season well be posting three challenges for you. The purpose of these is to help direct your atlas efforts and provide motivation through direct targets. And did we mention theres swag!? Anyone who completes one of the challenges will be entered to win any item of their choice (any product, style, color, size, etc) from the Maine Bird Atlas online store.

By Education and Outreach Supervisor Laura Craver-Rogers