Like Barn Swallows that many people may be more familiar with, Cliff Swallows have taken to nesting on or under human-made structures. While Barn Swallows typically nest inside structures (like barns) Cliff Swallows typically nest on the outside of a building under the eaves.

If you have Cliff Swallows nesting on your property, we'd love to know about it!

The post Monitoring Cliff Swallow Populations appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

From Boreal Chickadees in our vast forests to Loons on our magnificent lakes to the rare Bicknell’s Thrush in the high peaks above, the Rangeley Region is rich with birds. Add in both migrating and breeding warblers, and you have a unique opportunity to see and learn about birds that are difficult to find in other parts of Maine, all in one weekend.

Registration is scheduled to open tomorrow, April 1. The festival is returning to à la carte pricing, and you can view our planned trips today.

While most of the country's birding festivals focus on migration, the Rangeley Birding Festival takes place on the breeding grounds of some of our most sought-after species.

We hope to see you there!

https://rangeleybirdingfestival.com

The post Rangeley Birding Festival Announcement appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

Ice-out may yet to have come but in open sections near inlets and outlets I've seen loads of Hooded Mergansers along with a few Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Common Goldeneye. This American Kestrel was reported by Spence B. may not be too happy with the snowy forecast.

What to look for next?

Species like Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flickr, Winter Wren (misnamed, from our perspective) and other ducks like Wood Duck and Ring-necked Duck should appear any day. (Several of those are likely already here.)

And it is time to say goodbye to a few species as well. It was a poor winter for Pine Grosbeak, Redpoll, and Bohemian Waxwings so if you didn't catch one yet you may need to cross your fingers for fall. American Tree Sparrows will soon vacate Western Maine on their way to the tundra. And Dark-eyed Juncos are a bit of an interesting one... for many people in southern and central Maine Juncos are a "snow bird" and seen more often during winter. However in the northern points of Western Maine and at higher elevations they are found more commonly during the summer!

Don't wait until May to start birding spring migration, get out there today!

The post Spring Migration is ON! appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

The post Maine Public on Maine's shifting songbird species appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

Dig into the State of the Birds 2025 report.

The post State of the Birds 2025 - Little Good News appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

The post The Pileated Press, Spring 2025 appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

The post The Great Backyard Bird Count, this weekend appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

I have enjoyed my years as president of WMA. I have particularly appreciated the opportunity to bring educational and interesting talks to people in this  area.  I sincerely believe that knowledge of the natural world around us leads to the desire to protect it. I hope the talks have stimulated this  and will continue to do so in the future. We are privileged to live in a very special place. Enjoy and cherish it.

The post Change in Leadership appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.

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The post First talk of Fall, 2024 is 9/11 not 9/21 appeared first on Western Maine Audubon.