MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • December 11, 2022
The first bird atlas in Maine was called the “Atlas of Breeding Birds in Maine,” which was done from 1978 through 1983. Now, The Maine Bird Atlas, a project by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has replicated the breeding portion – and being able to compare what has changed since that first atlas will be very important – and has added a “wintering” component. Many species of birds that call Maine home during the winter, and they are often spending more time here than they do on their breeding grounds. So for the first time, we’re creating a complete and statewide snapshot of which birds rely on Maine in the winter. The fortunate thing for anyone who wants to help is that winter atlasing is so much easier than in the summer. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox