Our native serviceberry shrubs (Amelanchier species) are in full bloom on Maine's roadsides right now. Look for these shrubs and small trees as you drive around the countryside (who doesn’t love a little “drive-by botany”?).
This lovely little native shrub is of special value to bumble bees because it flowers early when queens are gathering valuable nectar in preparation for nest-building and egg-laying.
I’m delighted to report that we might finally have bluebirds nesting in our home habitat. We’ve lived here in Poland Spring for over a decade, and have never put up a nest box…
Hungry bears will cover a lot of ground in search of foods, and are particularly attracted to bird feeders in spring and early summer. Although it may be exciting or entertaining to see bears close to our homes, it is an unnatural and dangerous situation for both bears and humans.
These endearingly odd birds are known by many colorful colloquial names such as: timberdoodles, Labrador twisters, bogsuckers, and mudsnipes! Their breeding and foraging behaviors are just as quirky.
Right about now red fox vixens are giving birth to a litter of four to five kits (even up to 10 in rare cases). The number of kits born is influenced by the number of foxes that occupy the particular area, and their food supply.
With Phenology Notes, I follow our flora and fauna throughout the seasons and share my weekly observations to cultivate a collective awe and appreciation for the wild world.
