The American Goldfinch

New Arrivals at Petit Manan Point

9/15/2012 - The north winds that we have been anticipating indeed arrived, and with them a moderate influx of migrating birds to our area. The American Goldfinch is a common backyard bird, and if you’ve kept feeders you’ve likely had some good views of these beautiful birds. This male is currently molting… SEE MORE
Great-crested Flycatcher

At Petit Manan Point, Seabirds Have Become Songbirds

8/31/2012 - Here at the Petit Manan Point National Wildlife Refuge bird banding station we are very excited to have just begun our third season of migratory landbird monitoring. Since 2010 the station has banded over 5,000 individual birds of seventy-five different species, most of which are making their annual fall journey… SEE MORE

Woods Hole Center Offers Glimpse Into Ocean Science

8/30/2012 - A trip to Woods Hole affords you a visit to the incredible discoveries of the world-famous research institution called the Woods Hole Oceanographic (WHOI). In the midst of the many scientific research buildings in Woods Hole sits the Ocean Science Exhibit Center and Gift Shop. The exhibit center informs visitors… SEE MORE
The western side of Swans Island is a great place to scamper around the rocks and explore.

Enjoying Sweet Breezes on Swans Island

8/30/2012 - When I first travelled to Swans Island a few years back, I had the great fortune of discovering a truly stunning sand beach on the western side of the island. The beach and its surrounding shores, sitting under the splendid September sun at the end of a long and winding… SEE MORE
This view of a bowhead whale (at center top, with the smooth rostrum) is the first sighting of such a whale so far south.

Rare Sighting of Bowhead Whale Off Cape Cod

8/29/2012 - Researchers at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies have observed a bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) off Cape Cod. This is the first time in recorded history that a bowhead has been seen so far south in the North Atlantic. The bowhead was spotted in the waters east of Orleans by… SEE MORE

Exploring Maine’s Oyster Trail in Portland

8/25/2012 - After a hectic summer of coast-hopping, I finally found myself in Portland, where I’ve been wanting to check out the new Eventide Oyster Co. So I caught up with some good friends at the small, bright space on Middle Street next to Hugo’s Restaurant, of the same owners. Speaking of… SEE MORE