Reflections
A few weeks ago, I was on Cape Cod for my niece’s wedding and Jeff and I had a morning free before we had to be at the ceremony. I suggested we visit Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, which was only about 20 mins away. We left the hotel before 7 and happily avoided the typical traffic one encounters on a Saturday in August on the Cape.
It Takes a Village
On the heels of another record-breaking year for piping plovers in Maine, this endangered beach-nesting shorebird had more pairs (125) and fledged chicks (213) on Maine’s beaches since intensive monitoring began in 1981. MDIFW is mandated to preserve, protect, and enhance the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state. This can be difficult to attain for a species vulnerable to climate change, sea level rise, predation, and recreating humans and dogs.
BEE on the Lookout for Rusty Patched Bumble Bees!
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is looking for rusty patched bumble bees and you can help!
Big Atlas Weekend – June 25-27
This exciting new event, Big Atlas Weekend, is a fun way for birders from across the state to document breeding birds and come together as a birding community. For many birds in the Northeast, breeding peaks in late June. It’s a great time to confirm breeding and fill gaps in the Maine Bird Atlas data.
Maine River Trips
Paddling along Maine’s many water ways is a favorite pastime for anglers and anyone who enjoys the serenity of being on the water, turning around bends only to share the river with wildlife and the splash of a rising fish. Here are a few trip ideas throughout the state, with varying lengths and difficulty levels. Before you go, always do you research and plan ahead. You may need to consult a gazetteer and other resources before making the trip. And always tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return.
New Turkey Hunters Tell Their Spring Success Stories
The weather is hot and it feels like spring is far behind us. But the spring turkey hunt just wrapped up five days ago on June 5th. With an overall lift in outdoor recreation in Maine, we’re seeing more and more new hunters on the landscape. For many, this is just another opportunity to get outside and connect to nature, a key element to good mental health. New turkey hunters are seeing the benefits of spending time outside with friends and family, even if they don’t harvest a bird. A successful hunt doesn’t always end at a tagging station—but sometimes it does!
Mowing for Monarchs
Butterflies are a fan favorite when it comes to fluttering invertebrates, and in addition to their beauty, they bring a number of benefits to our lives. Butterflies play an important ecological role as prey to a number of larger species such as dragonflies and birds and are vital pollinators for wildflowers.
How to Dress Warm in the Winter
The key to a fun day of walking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or wildlife watching in the winter is staying warm and being prepared. Here are a few tips from Maine Game Wardens, biologists, and staff to make sure you (and your children) stay warm and dry this winter.
Winter Wildlife Watching
Here in Maine we have a wonderful tradition of embracing our state’s winter weather with all sorts of outdoor activities. One of the most basic ways to get outdoors is to go for a walk and explore a natural area. Nothing makes a walk through the woods more memorable than getting to see some wild animals. So here are some tips for better wildlife watching.
Join Judy Outside: Opening Day
Over the past year, Covid 19 has changed almost every aspect of my life; from where and how I work, getting groceries, working out and most of all how often I get outside. I am an outdoor person, and I have always used the outdoors to help me manage stress and anxiety.
Keep In Touch!
Enter your email or mobile number to receive the latest news from MDIFW.