Winter Birding in New England—Part 2

Journey with us from the north shore of Massachusetts (Part 1) to the “Crown of Maine,” Aroostook County.  Be sure to bring your snowshoes, cross-country skis, and long-johns for the snow is mighty deep and the wind is biting this time of year.  However, the birding is spectacular!

Our local expert in Aroostook County or “The County” as it is fondly known in Maine is Ernie Easter.  His photos are often selected as “Photo of the Day” at Pixoto.com.

Ernie and his wife, Nancy Hudak, report that Lake Josephine in Easton, Maine is one of their favorite birding spots.  On any given day they might spot Mallards, Red Headed Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Canadian Geese, Common Loons, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Black Ducks, Double Crested Cormorants, Lesser Yellow Leg Sandpipers, Herring Gulls, Black Back Gulls, American Wigeons, Ring-necked Ducks, Green Winged Teals, and Common Goldeneyes.  Ernie also shares that there are reports of 51 different species seen on one outing. Wow!

Lake Josephine, a man-made lake, was created to hold the waste water from the former Vahlsing Sugar Beet plant. Evidently there is also good fishing in the area.

More images from Ernie.

Ernie recommends the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website as a great resource for identifying birds. Check it out at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Here are a few other resources for birders who are intrigued by the possibilities in northern Maine:

• http://www.visitaroostook.com/things_to_do/nature/birding/
• https://sites.google.com/site/aroostookbirders/
• http://northernmainebirds.blogspot.com/

 

What species have you spotted this winter?  Leave us a comment!  In the next post we will swing west and see what Vermont has to offer in the way a great birding spots!