Bird watching remains a great summer pastime

By Dina Mendros

When visiting Maine’s Lakes Region, one of the simplest activities and something anyone can do is bird watching. Whether bird watching is your passion, or you are simply observing your surroundings, birds abound in the area and it’s hard not to be impressed by the variety even the casual observer can spot locally.

The Lakes Region of Maine is home to more than 400 species
of birds including the Maine State Bird, the Black-capped
chickadee. COURTESY PHOTO

According to Windham resident and bird enthusiast Michael Tucker, “For the Lakes Region, we are fortunate to have a variety of habitats to explore and find birds in. … Fields and meadows, ponds and lakes, and the many hiking trails we have can offer a chance to see or hear hundreds of different species.

“Sebago Lake State Park,” he said, “is a great option for all types of birds as are the Libby Hill Forest Trails in Gray, Morgan Meadows Wildlife Management Area in Raymond, Intervale Preserve in New Gloucester, Steep Falls Village Preserve in Standish, and Donnabeth Lippman Park in Windham,” and the list goes on.

Cumberland County, where the Lakes Region is located, is home to more than 400 species of birds.

“The most commonly noticed include the ubiquitous American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, and of course our state bird, the Black-capped Chickadee,” Tucker said. In addition, “a Golden Eagle may be spotted soaring overhead and an American Pipit – on the Maine Endangered species list – could be discovered during its migration.”

Yellow warblers, northern water thrushes, and flashy red-winged blackbirds can be found on local waterways such as the Tenny River, which connects Crescent Lake and Panther Pond in Raymond.

Blue heron, patiently stalking fish in the tall reeds along the shore, may be approachable by canoe or kayak.

Maine Audubon field naturalist Stacia Brezinski recommends “staying in one place for a good 20 minutes or more to give birds time to return to their baseline behavior following your initial disturbance.” Although some birds are more accustomed to people and less cautious.

Binoculars are helpful. In many cases it’s best to lay eyes on a bird before getting a closer look with binoculars, Brezinski says. However, “if you're looking for animals like ducks or loon nests along the shore, (never ever approach a loon nest; always look through binoculars), I recommend the opposite; scan the shoreline with the binoculars.”

When it comes to loons, which can frequently be found on the Lakes Region waterways and beaches, Brezinski cautions “not to go too fast or too close to shore when boating, as wakes can flood nests and destroy the eggs.” If a loon is stressed and makes sounds like a yodel or a laugh or acts dramatically, that’s a sign that you’re too close.

For those who don’t have the time or inclination to hit the trails or the water, Tucker says, “even birding by car with the windows down and the engine turned off can be a surprisingly productive option.” <