February 11, 2011 at 12:29 pm
[caption id="attachment_508" align="alignleft" width="239" caption="Great blue heron. Photo by Ron Logan."][/caption]
The great blue heron is often touted as one of the most widespread and adaptable birds in North America. Here in Maine they are certainly widespread, but recent data has suggested a decline in their breeding population especially along the coast. Concerns over a population decline prompted the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to conduct a comprehensive survey of breeding colonies in 2009, and to begin a statewide adopt-a-colony program called the Heron Observation Network. Join me at one of the following locations to learn more about Maine's largest colonial wading bird…
[caption id="attachment_509" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Great blue heron colony with approximately 30 active nests. Photo by Leigh Macmillen Hayes."][/caption]
Brewer Garden & Bird ClubWednesday, February 16th, 1 p.m.Brewer Auditorium, Wilson Street, BrewerRefreshments will be served and the public is welcome. Mid-Coast Audubon SocietyThursday, February 17th , 6:30 p.m.Camden Library, 55 Main Street, CamdenOpen to the public.
[caption id="attachment_528" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Great blue heron "condo"."][/caption]
Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association
Wednesday, March 9th, 6:30 p.m.624 Sheepscot Road, NewcastleOpen to the public; $5 suggested donation. St. George Conservation Commission’s Winter SeriesThursday, March 17th, 7 p.m.St. George Town Office, 3 School Street, Tenant’s HarborRefreshments will be served and the public is welcome. Bangor Nature ClubWednesday, April 13th, 1 p.m.St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 31 Holyoke Street, BrewerRefreshments will be served and the public is welcome. Harrison Village LibraryMonday, May 9th, 5:30 p.m.Harrison Village Library, 4 Front Street, HarrisonOpen to the public.