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- Bluebirds at a feeder.
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- Winter Mockingbird
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- Tree Sparrow
The final week of 2012 ended with two snowstorms then cold temps that today will likely remain at or below zero in the northern areas and well below freezing along the moderate coastline. Click here for today’s snow depth report for Maine and the North East. There is only a few inches on the ground in Kittery given the moderate temperatures of the tidal Piscataqua River. Ten miles inland snowbanks quickly appear with reports coming in of 10 inches in South Berwick, 5 inches in Lisbon Falls, 15 inches on Frenchboro and 22 inches in Greenville.
A flock of Bluebirds and a Mockingbird were seen at two different feeders in Kittery, Map 1 Of DeLorme MA&G. It is not unusual for either of these birds to winter around the Piscataqua River, but they are not usually seen at feeders. Other areas of Maine are reporting more frequent visits from more common birds such as the Tree Sparrow.
According to Bernie Reim, today the earth passes through perihilion, when it is closest to the sun each year. We sure aren’t feeling the heat here in the Northern Hemisphere! Read Bernie’s January Astronomy forecast printed in the Portland Press Herald here.
The 4th quarter moon allows for early evening star gazing this week, be sure to bundle up warm. Owls may begin to hoot as they enter the mating season in January. If you hear any, send in your observation and tell us the species and the town.
Ice Fishing Season opened yesterday, January 1st. however ice conditions in some areas are still marginal. Ice-related fatalities have recently been reported so do stay safe when you are enjoying Maine’s Nature.
