Vacant great blue heron nest.

Assessing Heron Nesting Activity in Fall: No Herons? No Problem!

We visited the island where our GPS-tagged great blue heron, Mariner, nested this past summer. Even without any herons still using the nests, we used other clues to determine which nests were active.

Maine wildlife that would benefit from RAWA

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA)

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is an opportunity to protect and enhance fish and wildlife in Maine and the United States for future generations.

piping plover family portrait on beach

Maine has Another Productive Plover Year

Only a short 40 years ago, the piping plover population had a grim outlook with a mere seven pairs recorded in the entire state of Maine. These beach habitat specialists are nearly always found in open sandy areas near water. Consequently, these are the same areas that have been heavily developed and used by beachgoers over the years, leading to the sharp decline of the state’s population.

MDIFW Biologists conducting wood turtle surveys

Wading for Wood Turtles

MDIFW Biologists conduct wood turtle surveys to verify and track occurrences of the Species of Concern, improve knowledge of habitat use and home range, and effectively map them for conservation planning.

workshop participants in the field

Deceive a Beaver, Save a Beaver

To learn more about the biology and ecology of beavers, and ways to live with them, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), The U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) -Wildlife Services, and the town of Dixmont partnered and held a training, open to those who might have direct or direct involvement with beaver conflicts, to demonstrate the best ways to live with beaver.

common nighthawk

The Art and Science of Aerial Insectivores

Eating bugs for breakfast is an important job! Aerial insectivores navigate complex habitats with athleticism, artistry, and grace. How do they do it?

red bats

Summer Living with Bats

Maine is home to 8 species of bats. If you are finding bats on your property, odds are they have been there longer than you realize!

bunting

Big Atlas Weekend 2022 - June 24-26

This exciting annual event is a fun way for birders from across the state to document breeding birds and come together as a birding community.

red fox with kits

Happy Father's Day!

This Father’s Day we’re shining the light on some wildly awesome dads out there!

bear cub

Boasting Maine’s Black Bears

Many don’t realize it, but at some point or another, you’ve likely been in the presence of a bear in the Maine woods. Here are some facts about our state’s bears!