The days get longer, the warm weather begins, and the Peonies are in bloom. Well, some of them anyway. That didn’t stop over 500 people from coming down to Maine Audubon to enjoy our biggest Peony Day yet, featuring ice cream from Toots, live music from Flying Home and quite a bit of face painting.
As the marketing and development intern, it was my job to man the scavenger hunt table, offer encouraging clues to bewildered parents, and award Maine Audubon stickers to those adventurous enough to gather all the clues and solve the scavenger hunt riddle.
I had some tough competition from the animal bones table, but nearly 100 kids and their families participated. However, some participated more than others.
“I’d like to do it again,” a boy in an oversized baseball cap said.
“It’s your eleventh time,” I said.
“Twelfth time actually,” he said. I handed him another sheet.
Another boy who looked like he tripped into his hair approached the scavenger hunt table with a shirt full of Audubon butterfly stickers.
“Can I have another sticker,” he said.
“Then you have to do the treasure hunt again,” I said.
He paused, then took a clipboard and disappeared into the rose bushes.
Outside the office this morning, our staff photographer captured an intriguing slow-moving friend: a female snapping turtle. She was even nice enough to give our campers a treat as she strolled by the orchard tent where camp was in session.
After laying her eggs somewhere on the grounds (we’ll find out where when the babies hatch!), this snapping turtle made her way back to the pond to cool off. Or maybe she’s rushing to get a front row view for Maine Audubon’s Peony Bloom & Ice Cream Social, this Wednesday, June 14th from 5-7 PM.
Each Fall, Maine Audubon leads a pelagic boat trip out of Bar Harbor, venturing out beyond our usual range to see exceptional and exciting wildlife.
Connecting people to nature is at the core of our mission. If you aren’t already a member, join Maine Audubon today and start exploring with us: www.maineaudubon.org/join
From our staff naturalist, who captured this fateful interaction between a Chickadee and a Green Frog on this morning’s bird walk:
“Our first stop on every bird walk is the pond, hoping to find herons or shorebirds along the edges. Scanning the lily pads, we spotted a small bird, easily recognized as a Black-capped Chickadee with its large dark-topped head and big white cheeks.
“We assumed the bird was foraging on invertebrates among the pond's vegetation, but noticed something was wrong when it remained there for several minutes. I zoomed our scope in to take a photo with my phone (called digiscoping) and noticed a Green Frog slowly approaching.
“I switched to record a video. Green Frogs rely on movement to detect their prey, and you can see the frog strikes immediately after the chickadee dips its body slightly.”
It’s official! Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
Today President Obama announced the designation of over 87,000 acres of Maine’s north woods as a national monument. This is wonderful news for Maine, and especially for our state’s wildlife and habitat!
Read more about the many benefits of this historic designation.
Threats to wildlife and to the wild and scenic nature of Maine are abundant. The good news is that Maine Audubon is working to address these threats and to ensure a healthy future for our wildlife.
We could use your help. Please become a member today.
Here are 6 reasons to join Maine Audubon:
1. Our Awesome New Shopping Bag
Through the end of the month, when you join Maine Audubon you'll receive this reusable shopping bag in appreciation of your support. And the bag is amazing! It features artwork by Maine artist, Jada Fitch. It stuffs into a built-in pouch and holds a bunch of groceries.
2. Loons
Hopefully, you've gotten a chance this summer to hear the call of a loon. We are protecting Maine's Common Loons on our lakes and waters by promoting lead-free products and lead-tackle recycling assistance for anglers. By joining Maine Audubon, you will help save loons from dying of lead poisoning.
3. Kids
Hundreds of Maine kids have been spending the summer learning about conservation at our summer nature camps. By instilling a love of nature in youngsters, we ensure their commitment to the environment as adults. Your membership will help fund scholarships that ensure quality environmental education for all families.
4. Turtles
Have you ever seen a turtle crossing a road? Blanding's turtles are very vulnerable to road mortality. Maine Audubon is working with town managers, road commissioners, and public works employees to create "smart" stream crossings and culverts on roads across the state. Your membership will help this endangered species survive and thrive.
5. Discounts
As a member you will receive many benefits, including discounts on our programs, trips, day camps, and at our unique Nature Stores. You'll also receive Habitat, our quarterly newsletter that highlights the latest wildlife conservation news in the state, and free admission to our signature events.
6. Songbirds
Maine Audubon works every day to see the forest for the birds. We are working with foresters and landowners all across Maine to manage forests with birds in mind. By joining Maine Audubon, you will help ensure healthy forest conservation for our songbirds and other wildlife.
Most importantly, when you join Maine Audubon you will know you are making a difference for Maine wildlife. You will know you are supporting our trailblazing work. You will be a part of a growing community of people who care about Maine's wildlife and are working together to protect the Maine we love.
Thanks to our Corporate Partner the Law Office of Joe Bornstein for getting the message out on the iconic Time & Temp building this week! Read more: http://timeandtempblog.joebornstein.com/posts/joe-says-audu-bon
