For years, I’ve been hearing about the enchanting mating ritual of the American woodcock, and for years, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Brad Allen has extended a standing invitation to visit his home and watch in person. Allen has such fun watching the mating dance that he has set up a few lawn chairs in a clearing behind his house, and says that every year, woodcock return to that “singing ground” and perform. This year, I took Allen up on his offer … almost. Instead of heading to his house, we took a ride out the Stud Mill Road, where it didn’t take long to find the singing woodcock. It was a story that was long overdue.
— John Holyoke
Dances with woodcock: Mating ritual predictable, enchanting
Brad Allen knows quite a bit about a lot of different birds. But thanks to the predictability of one of his favorite species — the American woodcock — the longtime wildlife biologist sometimes stuns unsuspecting spectators with what amounts to an outdoor parlor trick …
Gear bag: A bike helmet to help you be seen
Each week the BDN Maine Outdoors team takes a look at different gear you might need for your next outdoor adventure. For this week’s Gear Bag, we looked at the Giant Horizon bike helmet.
Blog log
George’s Outdoor News: Ugly and personal bear debate at Legislature today
“Two bills to ban bear hounding and trapping drew a small crowd to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee hearing room today — and some of the testimony was terribly ugly.” — George Smith
Act Out with Aislinn: 1-minute hike: Morse Mountain and Seawall Beach
Join BDN reporter Aislinn Sarnacki as she hikes to the top of Morse Mountain and onward to Seawall Beach, one of the sandiest beaches in Maine, finding a variety of wildlife along the way.
Happy Hiking: Good days always follow tough days
“Yesterday we did a 20-miler. My feet hurt the whole way … Limping my way across the James River bridge near Glascow, Virginia, I arrived before the rest of the crew. I sat in the shade and rested …” — Emily Leonard, Maine Appalachian Trail thru-hiker
On the horizon
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out the annual “Wings, Waves and Woods” birding festival in Deer Isle and Stonington, May 15-17. Local birders will lead forest and beach bird walks, as well as two boat rides to see a variety of seabirds, including puffins. Even if you don’t consider yourself a birder, this festival is a great way to get outside, see wildlife and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Island artists and craftspeople will be offering nature-related work, and there’s a whole schedule of programs available online. And if you’re busy this weekend, maybe you’re free next weekend? The Downeast Spring Birding Festival, located in the Cobscook Bay area, is scheduled for May 22-25, and it also includes a full docket of bird walks, demonstrations, lectures and sightseeing boat trips.
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