Watch birds long enough and you begin to notice how connected, how dependent birds are on the trees, insects, plants, soil, and water around them. It is these interconnected habitats that make our Western Maine forest so critical for the survival of a wide range of birds, animals, and plants. Understanding which birds live in a particular habitat is a helpful skill.

Those skills did not prepare Dianne Dougherty for what she observed along the Androscoggin River in Gorham, NH recently – a Roseate Spoonbill. This is a bird that lives along the coasts of Florida and other Southern states, and it’s the first time it has been reported in New Hampshire. (Photo by  Andy Morffew)

Who knows how this spoonbill got here, but the odds are not in favor of this youngster thriving and reproducing unless it makes its way back to its Southern habitat. Spoonbills are, however, a good reminder that humans can make a difference in protecting birds and the habitat they need.

During the 1800s, spoonbill populations were decimated for the fashion trade. Their habitat was destroyed for agricultural and residential land, and well into the 1900s, they struggled. Even today, habitat destruction and pesticides are a threat. Even so, conservation practices have resulted in stabilizing their population. As long as these conservation practices protect the unique habitat spoonbills rely on, they will continue to survive.

What does all of this mean to us here in Western Maine? We enjoy an abundance that is easy to take for granted. But like the spoonbills in the 1800s, there are birds and other creatures in our area that are struggling due to the impact of people. It is now up to us to understand and protect the needs of birds, insects, animals, and plants in our region. That shouldn’t be hard because it is much of the same things we need as well. Understanding how to protect the web of habitats that make up our forests and rivers is the first step in helping reverse these trends.

If you are interested in learning more about things you can do to protect important habitats here in Maine, join the Mahoosuc Land Trust, August 15 at its Monarch Festival at Valentine Farm from 1-4 p.m. The garden is in full bloom and buzzing with pollinators. Help find and tag Monarch Butterflies as a part of a science project on migration. Jody Giddings from Sunday River Wildlife will speak about her experience rescuing wild animals. I will be leading bird walks. And those are only a few of the planned activities. Please join us – just don’t expect to see a Roseate Spoonbill.

James Reddoch, of Albany Township and Boston, leads birding events for the Mahoosuc Land Trust. Visit Mahoosuc Land Trust at 162 North Road, Bethel, ME. To contact James, send your emails to info@mahoosuc.org.

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