Many people think that Maine isn’t the most ideal place for bird-watching. The extreme seasons send many birds migrating south every winter, and those that remain are reclusive or unexciting.
This could not be further from the truth.
In fact, Maine hosts some of the most diverse birds in the country! While many birds leave when the cold arrives, just as many Arctic birds take their place. For many of them, Maine is the only place they winter in the United States.
The key to bird-watching is not merely being in the right place, it is knowing the tricks to make the most of your experience. Here’s your basic guide to bird-watching in Maine throughout the seasons.
Know Your Birds
There are over 10,000 bird species in the world, but here is what you should look for. The best aspects to recognize are location, beak shape, and color:
Location is often obvious. Many birds are soaring high in the skies, others are typically located in or near the water, and almost all other birds will be found in backyards and the woods. For this lattermost section of birds, identification can be a bit more challenging. The first step for getting a basic understanding of the species is looking at the shape of the bird and its beak. You may need binoculars if the bird is at a distance, but for the most part, you can tell from afar. Coloration is also key. When two birds look very similar—this can be the case for many sparrows and finches—look for unique patterns, especially on the underside of the bird. Also note that many birds have different plumage in summer and winter, and that most juvenile birds look drastically different from adults.
Take Advantage of Resources
Good birding books and apps will make the biggest difference in your bird-watching experience.
Field guides with all of the local species can be found at any bookstore, and they are vital to your success. Bird guides come in a variety of helpful formats, find the one that works best for you! While guides are a great way to familiarize yourself with the behavior and appearance of birds, there is a better tool to find and identify birds quickly.
Merlin is undoubtedly the best app for bird identification. Fill out a few of the bird’s most basic characteristics and Merlin will create a list of likely birds, along with their calls and migratory ranges. Merlin also offers audio identification, which can be useful if the bird is out of view, as most birds usually are!
Know Local Hotspots
Often, the place to see the most bird variations can be at a feeder. By featuring a variety of foods, you can attract all sorts of birds, while limiting competition at the same time.
Having a platform feeder with mealworms, peanuts, and classic, varied bird seed can be your best bet for getting the most birds, just make sure your feeders are squirrel-resistant. Consider placing a squirrel feeder a good distance away to keep the squirrels satisfied too! For waterfowl, Royal River Park is a great place to see classic and exciting waterfowl. It’s Little John Island, however, that offers the best chances of seeing exciting species, especially in the winter.
Sophie Scammell // Clipper Chronicle
Hope Anthony // Clipper Chronicle