Greg LeClair looks for birds through his scope Saturday in Clinton during the Christmas Bird Count. Hannah Kaufman/Morning Sentinel
WATERVILLE — Volunteers traversed a 7.5-mile radius of towns, neighborhoods and fields Saturday, making note of every bird they saw or heard as part of an annual Christmas Bird Count.
Organized by the National Audubon Society, a bird conservation nonprofit facilitated by Maine Audubon and other local chapters, the volunteer-led counts take place in over 35 locations across Maine, running from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5.
Waterville’s count gathered about 20 volunteers Saturday to cover a region spanning Clinton, Fairfield, Vassalboro, Sidney, Belgrade, Winslow and Benton. Some of the volunteers work in wildlife and conservation fields and are regarded as local bird experts, while others are just getting into the hobby.
Advertisement
The count helps state wildlife entities track bird populations, monitor fluctuations and understand long-term trends. At the end of the day, all of the data is reported to the count’s coordinator, which then gets sent to National Audubon to be consolidated into a state report.
That data informs many of the state’s conservation decisions, said Doug Hitchcox, staff naturalist at Maine Audubon.
“Whether it’s the programs we do, the things we talk about — we use so much Christmas Bird Count data,” Hitchcox said. “The wonderful thing about it is it’s the longest-running community science project, so that long-term data set really does a good job of showing you the trends, and that is just so beneficial to us and arguably anyone doing the larger scale conservation work.”
Christmas Bird Count participants can be identified as either feeders or fielders, said Greg LeClair, coordinator for Waterville’s count. Feeders stay at home and monitor the birds that appear at their feeders, while fielders venture out to count the birds.
“Fielders drive around, walk around and go looking for birds that way,” LeClair said. “Some of them are even out before sunrise and after sunset, looking for owls. We have a lot of different corners covered. We get people out in wetlands and forests and open fields and in the city, and we just try and tally every bird we can find.”
Advertisement
On Saturday, the conditions for birding were almost perfect. It was cold but not too cold, with low wind, reasonably clear skies and snow concentrated around food sources, causing birds to feed near roads and at bird feeders. By 10 a.m., LeClair had gotten eyes — and binoculars — on multiple turkeys and hawks, four cardinals, three juncos, a merlin and two savannah sparrows, which are uncommon in the winter due to their preference for grasslands.
A savannah sparrow sits in a tree Saturday, an uncommon sight during the winter in Maine. Photo courtesy of Greg LeClair
Already, groups of volunteers were exchanging excited texts about their findings in each territory. For many, that excitement builds on years of data from past Christmas Bird Counts.
LeClair said that Waterville’s count has helped to identify new bird population trends.
“What’s been really cool with Waterville is we’ve been able to see new species kind of trickle in with both habitat and climate change,” LeClair said. “So if you look back in our data, you can see when the first northern cardinals started showing up, and more recently, it’s been things like red-bellied woodpeckers and Carolina wrens that are pretty new to the count, but they’re reliably showing up every year now, which is pretty cool to see.”
Advertisement
Spotting rare birds during the count is an exciting bonus. If something rare does show up, LeClair said that taking photos is heavily encouraged, as well as the use of Merlin, a bird sound identification app.
This is Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. The first count happened on Christmas Day in 1900, proposed by ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, and it’s been an Audubon holiday tradition every year since.
Greg LeClair looks through binoculars from his parked car Saturday during the Christmas Bird Count. Hannah Kaufman/Morning Sentinel
With the state of Maine poised to update its Wildlife Action Plan in 2025, up-to-date bird data is important. Hitchcox said Christmas Bird Count data can be compared with data from the Maine Bird Atlas, a recently completed five-year catalog of birds from citizen scientists across the state.
“We have the best data on Maine birds that we’ve ever had, and then also being able to look at the long-term data through Christmas Bird Counts, through breeding bird surveys, that gives us a very complete picture.”
Advertisement
It’s impossible for volunteers to count every bird in a 15-mile diameter. But even incomplete data gives biologists an understanding of population and climate trends.
Over the last few decades, new species have been expanding northward and are breeding in Maine, spending harsh winters where they formerly only stayed for summers. This year’s data may also give an early picture of how avian influenza is impacting different bird populations.
While counting birds is the primary focus, Hitchcox said the Christmas Bird Count also brings people together.
“I really like it because it brings a lot of the experts — the people who have been doing it for 30 or 40 years — and often pairs them up with people who are brand new to it,” Hitchcox said. “And it’s one of the best multigenerational opportunities as well. It’s an amazing opportunity to kind of see what a cool, diverse hobby this is, and we’re doing it in this long-running tradition of collecting data, which I think is one of the best ways we can be giving back to birds.”
There will be more opportunities to get involved in birdwatching across Maine next year. The Great Backyard Bird Count is in February, and Global Big Day, an event where birdwatchers around the world record as many species as possible, is planned for May 10. In the meantime, anyone can download the Merlin app as a first step in identifying birds.
Advertisement
Waterville’s Christmas Bird Count will culminate with a tally rally at 5 p.m., sharing pizza and findings. But until then, as LeClair continues to circle the region, he said there’s one bird in particular he’s hoping to spot.
“Really, I think the one that makes it for me every year is the snow bunting,” LeClair said. “It’s a cute little white bird that forages in fields, and they look like little toasted marshmallows, and that’s my quintessential Christmas Bird Count bird.”
Maine Township residents vote in support of purchasing building for the relocation of the township food pantry.
A proposal for Maine Township to purchase a building at 9850 Milwaukee Ave. in Glenview to move its popular and growing food pantry received strong approval at the township’s Annual Meeting held last week at the Town Hall on Ballard Road. More than 100 residents attended the meeting where they approved buying the property for $1,429,000. The 3,000 sq. ft. building, which is located within the township, had been the home of a local restaurant. It is currently vacant. In March, Supervisor Kim Jones explained that the food pantry needs more space for food and to accommodate clients who need food. “We’ve totally outgrown it,” said Jones at the time. “We’ve been looking for more than a year.” Following last week’s meeting, Jones said about the vote, “That magical moment really encapsulated the strong support system that’s been built from neighbors helping neighbors throughout our community. The food pantry has grown in leaps and bounds throughout the last five years thanks to the dedicated work of its staff, volunteers and the public.” Des Plaines City Clerk Dominik Bronakowski served as ceremonial moderator for the event. Jones also recognized a number of employees and officials who currently serve the township. They included Assessor Susan Moylan-Krey and MaineStay Youth and Family Services Director Richard Lyon for their 20 years of service to Maine. Assistant Director of MaineStreamers, Therese Tully was recognized for her 25 years of service. The meeting also recognized former Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Pantry Director Debbie Walusiak who was presented the Sgt. Karen Lader Good Citizen Award for her more than 20 years of service to the Des Plaines community. “Debbie is an exceptional community leader and volunteer,” said township Clerk Pete Gialamas whose office runs the annual award program. “Her work with the Des Plaines community, particularly her leadership navigating the Self-Help Closet and Pantry’s 2020 move to a larger location in the midst of the COVID pandemic really shows the depth and resolve of that leadership and dedication to service.” In 2011, the clerk’s office instituted the award in honor of Lader, a resident of Des Plaines and a 15-year veteran of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. She was deeply involved with the township’s Neighborhood Watch program and active in Maine’s National Night Out Against Crime event held each August. She also worked on Special Olympics and animal rescue.
If you like this story, you can get a whole lot more practically every day of the week by subscribing to journal-topics.com. Click here to choose your preference of either print or online, or call 847-299-5511.
Now the fun begins, as many birds and quite a few birders return to Maine for the summer. It’s time to get organized.
Birding is generally a quiet, solitary pastime — a stroll in the park, a walk in the woods, a paddle in the marsh.
Penobscot Valley Audubon’s Neighborhood Bird Walks kick off May 6. There are 13 walks scheduled at birding hot spots in Greater Bangor throughout the month. These walks have been immensely popular since they began nine years ago.
Advertisement
The benefits are many. It’s a chance to walk with experienced local guides, finding birds you might otherwise overlook. You can start to associate specific species with their preferred habitats. It’s a great opportunity to learn and practice identification skills and gather tips from others. Many participants enjoy the social camaraderie of guided bird walks.
A Baltimore oriole perches in Maine. Spring birding events take advantage of the surge in returning species. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne
I will lead two of these morning walks and probably tag along on several others. I chuckle at how easy it is to find birds in May. I’ve done these same walks so many times over the years, I usually know where different species will be before I even arrive. It’s almost like cheating.
Penobscot Valley Audubon members have already received the walk schedule in the most recent newsletter. Nonmembers can find the schedule on the chapter website at pvc.maineudubon.org. The walks are free and open to all.
Morning bird walks are fun. But for a full weekend adventure, try a birding festival. There are four great festivals to choose from.
The Wings, Waves & Woods Festival occupies the third weekend of May. Most events occur in Stonington and Deer Isle. Highlights include a Sunday visit to the Atlantic puffin colony on Seal Island, preceded by a Saturday cruise around the islands outside Stonington Harbor. I’ll be one of the guides on both.
Advertisement
I must say I am particularly excited about the archipelago cruise. Last year was the first year we did it, and I was not prepared for how many winter seabirds were still loitering around the islands. The numbers and variety were astounding. This festival is ideal for seeing the overlap of Maine’s overwintering birds and newly arrived spring migrants, all on the same weekend.
A rose-breasted grosbeak perches in Maine. Migratory songbirds return in May, drawing birders to walks and festivals. Credit: Courtesy of Bob Duchesne
The Downeast Spring Birding Festival spans Memorial Day weekend. I’m awed, or maybe odd, to say I’ve been guiding for this festival ever since it began in 2003. Indeed, I led the very first walk of the first festival. That was amazing enough to convince me to keep doing it for the next 23 years.
Cobscook Institute coordinates the festival from its campus in Trescott. Events cover birding hotspots in Washington County, Campobello Island in New Brunswick and nearby offshore islands. Two different boats will visit two different puffin colonies over the weekend.
I might get an argument from the organizers of other festivals, but I personally think this one is the birdiest for two reasons. Memorial Day weekend is about the time the last returning migrants pass through Washington County, adding to the number of songbirds that have already established breeding territories for the summer. The Cobscook Bay area also has some of the most diverse habitat in the state, creating opportunities to see a wide variety of species in a relatively compact area.
The Acadia Birding Festival is the granddaddy of them all. Now in its 27th year, it’s the biggest of Maine’s festivals and attracts nationally recognized guides and speakers. It offers the advantage of birding in and around Acadia National Park.
The official dates for the festival are May 28-31, but three pre-festival trips are offered: one to Monhegan Island, one to Saddleback Mountain near Rangeley seeking the elusive Bicknell’s thrush and one to visit the puffins on Petit Manan, with a second post-festival trip to Petit Manan also available.
Advertisement
And now for something completely different: The Rangeley Birding Festival. The mountainous forests of western Maine host a different selection of bird species compared to the three coastal festivals. This is the realm of Canada jays, boreal chickadees, black-backed woodpeckers and that elusive Bicknell’s thrush.
By June 5-7, when this festival occurs, spring migration is over. Birds have settled into their nesting territories, where they can be predictably found. Very few organized events introduce birders to the boreal forest, so this festival has its own unique appeal.
Despite being the majority party in the largest state in the country, California Democrats can barely manage to find a field of respectable gubernatorial candidates.
They easily brush away the Republicans year after year, consigning them to the sidelines in Sacramento, but may well be on the verge of bumbling away the governorship.
Take a look at — until last week — their top candidates: Eric Swalwell, who just dropped out of the race and resigned from Congress in disgrace after sexual assault allegations; Katie Porter, a former congresswoman who’s been accused of being abrasive toward her staff; and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate change activist whose once ran for president for five minutes.
Maine Democrats are in a similar position. In the 2nd District, they have Matt Dunlap, the state auditor who failed the auditing exam; Joe Baldacci, whose biggest claim to fame is his last name; and Jordan Wood, a congressional staffer who’s never run for office before.
Advertisement
In the U.S. Senate race, they have a governor, Janet Mills, who’s older than the incumbent and hardly beloved; and Graham Platner, who’s never run for anything before and had to have his Nazi tattoo covered up. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial field for the Democrats features two children of well-known politicians, longtime legislators and a bureaucrat who’s never held elected office.
In both states, the majority party struggles to find reasonable, young, experienced up- and-coming candidates without baggage, yet they have no trouble maintaining power. Part of that is due to the total ineptitude of the opposition. In both California and Maine, the GOP has proven terminally incapable of fielding serious candidates for high or statewide office. In Maine, only two Republicans have been elected statewide in the past 20 years: Susan Collins and Paul LePage.
Throughout her tenure as governor, Janet Mills has largely governed on a party-line basis, and Republicans in Augusta have been left as observers. Republicans haven’t even been effective as an opposition in Augusta: they haven’t put many of her bills (or her budgets) to a people’s veto, and they haven’t done everything they could to foil the majority party.
They’ve also rarely done much to negotiate and improve legislation, nor have there been many instances when Democrats have bucked their party to kill a bill. That environment isn’t one that naturally produces a lot of rising stars in either party. Mostly, it’s left to leadership — and they elected to run for governor, rather than the U.S. House or U.S. Senate.
Another reason for the lack of new voices or greater competition on the Democratic side is apathy. While the Democratic Party has a statewide machine that allows them to consistently remain in the majority, it’s built to retain control, not to encourage new voices. That means they don’t go out seeking new talent — especially in a state where they already have almost full control, and where those in the top offices tend to stay put.
Advertisement
This explains why they heavily recruited Gov. Janet Mills to run for the U.S. Senate: she seemed like a safe choice. The flip side of that machine, however, is that many young, ambitious Democrats who might have considered running were either actively dissuaded from doing so or simply saw the writing on the wall and decided to pass.
In the Senate race, the D.C. and Maine Democratic machines worked together to dissuade challengers. Platner simply ended up being the last man left standing. The same thing happened in the gubernatorial race, albeit with less direct discouragement.
Aspiring candidates saw the current field and most of them decided to take a pass. That left Angus S. King III as the closest candidate to an outsider in this race, and it’s hard to say that with a straight face.
A robust party machinery may help with winning elections to both the Legislature and major offices, but it doesn’t help build a future. We saw that with the sudden retirement of Jared Golden leaving Democrats with few viable options: they weren’t there because Democrats didn’t need to win in the 2nd District to maintain their legislative majorities.
The Republicans have this problem as well, with former Gov. Paul LePage being unchallenged in the congressional primary and Democratic incumbent Rep. Chellie Pingree facing only token opposition in the 1st District. The question for both parties is whether they innovate, as many of their supporters clearly hope, or continue to do the bare minimum. If they opt for the latter, we may be in for some interesting times in the years to come.
