Wildlife Reports by Regional Wildlife Biologists 
October 9, 2007
Region A - Southwestern Maine
Brownfield Bog has always been one my favorite places in southern Maine. With its expansive marsh system and breath- taking views of the Presidential range, it is one of the most peaceful places I know of. It’s also a hotbed of activity for wildlife, and has long been known as a great birding spot. Brownfield bog is one of the Department’s wildlife management areas, and as the new assistant regional wildlife biologist, I’ve had several opportunities to survey this area in more detail. On Monday October 1, Norman Forbes and I spent the afternoon checking waterfowl coming off the bog on opening day for the regular waterfowl-hunting season. Typically, opening day is the busiest day of the season, both in numbers of hunters and ducks, and therefore the best day for us to be in the field. This year, opening day was a bit quieter than normal, but still gave us a good deal of information. As you would expect, the most common duck taken was wood duck, followed by mallard, and black duck. A few ring-necked ducks, and green-winged teal were taken as well. We also had two adult female northern pintail ducks taken; this species is a little less common in Maine, but they do show up every spring and fall.
Northern Pintails don’t breed in Maine; the ones we see now are migrating through to their wintering destinations in the southern United States and the northern portion of South America. In North America they breed throughout Alaska and Canada, south to the Great Plains and in the Great Lakes (there are also populations in northern Eurasia). The vast majority of pintails migrate through the central flyway, which is why we see less of them here.
With their long slender necks, long narrow wings, and long tails, these ducks are an exquisite sight. The males are boldly patterned with a chestnut brown head and throat; a white breast that stretches into a thin stripe that runs up their neck and into the chestnut coloration of the throat. One of the most noticeable features of this duck are the very long, black central tail feathers, which extend beyond the rump and are almost half the length of their body, hence their name. As with most waterfowl, the plumage of the female is not quite a flashy as that of the male; she is overall a mottled brown, or buffy color, but she is beautiful as well, just in a more subtle way.
Northern Pintails are amongst the earliest nesting ducks, and often begin nesting shortly after ice-out. Similar to mallards, they nest in a variety of habitats and usually place their nest in a brushy or grassy area, especially agricultural areas. Each winter new pair bonds are formed, but once on the breeding grounds, the males will often engage in “pursuit flights” in an attempt to mate with as many females as possible. Generally the female lays 3-12 eggs, in a small scrape, and she alone will incubate the eggs for about 25 days. The young are precocial, or pre-feathered and will leave the nest within hours of hatching. It will take them almost two months until to learn to fly. A dabbling duck, pintails pick food up off the surface, or tip upside down in the water to feed. For many reasons, including their relatively small clutch size (among dabbling ducks) and the spread of agricultural fields in the prairie potholes, their populations are declining throughout their range.
Just as interesting as the ducks, were the conversations we had with the hunters and their impressions of opening day. Most of the parties we interviewed were surprised at the relatively few number of people hunting the marsh, and others were disappointed with the number of ducks they encountered. None of the hunters we saw had more than one or two ducks after a full day of hunting. Several people commented on the warm weather and wondered if that were impacting the day. But as one hunter commented, “Just because we didn’t see more ducks, doesn’t mean they weren’t there.” Overall, people were just happy to have spent a day on the water; some with family, other with friends, many with dogs, and most folks were looking forward to few more days.
While waiting for the few remaining hunters to leave, we watched the sun set over the bog, and saw flocks of ducks flying in from every angle to roost for the evening. We stood there silently, watching and listening, as the light grew dim and the silhouettes of the birds got harder and harder to see, and the mountains slowly disappeared from sight, I was reminded once again, what an incredible place Brownfield is.
-Judy Camuso, Regional Wildlife Biologist
As I watch the multi-colored leaves flutter and fall at my feet, I am gently reminded that mother nature has yet again changed her mind and delivered Fall right to our front door. Summer has come and gone and I find myself poised yet again to provide my seasonal update for the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area (Swan Island). However, before lunging in, I must linger just a little and recount my annual Fall bird hunting trip “up north” to God’s Country.
All reports indicated that birds were abundant and I was not to be disappointed. Once fueled up in Fort Kent and through the “Little Black Check Point”, the North Maine Woods opened up and cordially welcomed my wife and I…accompanied by Lido the wonder dog. Actually, Lido is an Australian Labradoodle who has developed a distinct fondness for “road chickens”. Over the course of two days, the three of us canvassed the St. John River Valley getting to know new territory, admiring the scenery and changing leaves, and stalking what seemed to be an endless supply of grouse. The birds seemed flighty this year so the usual “road hunting” gave way to the “cat and mouse” tactic of creeping through the thick roadside regeneration and bagging the bird before it vanished back into the North Maine Woods. This tactic suited Lido just fine and we finished the trip with our limit. Ahh, the gourmet taste of partridge and pancakes await us.
Many miles and a world away, Swan Island lay sleeping…having just completed another fine season of its own. Among its achievements for 2007 were hosting Richmond Days and the Junior Maine Guides Testing Camp. These annual events are as time tested as the changing seasons. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) operates Swan Island as a conservation education center and although Richmond Days fireworks shot from the Swan Island pier does not exactly qualify as conservation education, the booming spectacle does exemplify just how diverse Swan Island has become in its mission. Too often taken for granted, Swan Island is a precious State and community resource that has evolved to become a National Historic Landmark, wildlife management area, recreational campground and public use facility. All this, wrapped up into a 1,700 acre island nestled in the Kennebec River just south of Augusta between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. Purchased as a wildlife management area some 60 years ago, Swan Island is now so much more. We all, collectively, are fortunate to have her in our midst.
While IF&W staff were busy hosting yet another terrific public use season, the Friends Of Swan Island, Inc. (FOSI) were busy fund raising and accomplishing a variety of projects including construction of a new roof on one of Swan Island’s six historic homes. FOSI stands as a model of how private partners can assist in state affairs and achieve great things. Please visit the FOSI website to learn more about this non-profit enterprise and the extraordinary things that they are doing. They and Swan Island will welcome your interest and enthusiasm. http://www.fosigroup.com
In the mean time, the leaves continue to fall, Swan Island begins her seasonal hibernation and I have just been called to dinner…partridge and pancake style.
-Charles D. Dyke, Biology Specialist
No matter which political party you may support, it seems most people endorse some form of property tax reform. The specifics of the “who’s” and “how’s” is where the rub comes. The time is now for those that cherish the outdoors to advocate for landowner incentives at the state and local levels that would preserve and maintain open space for both the public and wildlife. It is a fact the state can’t own enough land to satisfy all the public demands for open space in Maine, much less have a weighted distribution of public areas that reflect the location and demands of population centers. The concept of planning for open space to provide for the needs of wildlife as well as the public is one that is promoted through the Department’s ”Beginning With Habitat” initiative: to plan for anticipated development while making allowances for critical habitat features and adequate space.
Blocks of land that are sufficiently large and have some strategic components of land forms or habitat types are shrinking fast in Maine, and the wave of dividing and selling land seems to increase annually. Various forms of State-owned lands help, to a limited extent, to address the public demand for space and traditional recreation. One of the goals in managing the Department’s Wildlife Management Areas is for public demonstration areas to show how forest and wildlife management can be complimentary land uses. Another goal is to provide for public access and traditional uses to the extent that wildlife management objectives are not compromised.
Regardless of whether you are a wildlife observer, photographer, hiker, or hunter … unless you own enough land to provide adequate space and habitat, it is likely that you rely on the availability of and access to someone else’s land to pursue your passion. Many of us in Maine have probably taken that availability for granted because it seems like it’s always been there. Given current and escalating trends, it is in all of our interest to become active in supporting efforts that will help maintain both critical habitat elements, as well as the space that wildlife and we ourselves need. In other words, how to keep Maine the way Maine has always been.
-James Hall, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist
Last week, I had my gear all ready and as I started walking into the woods to archery hunt I noticed that the string on my bow was broken in half, right at the nocking point. I was very disappointed to say the least. Like most hunters I have been waiting all year to get out deer hunting. After I calmed down, I realized that during October, most years, I focus on archery hunting and rarely spend time pursuing other animals during their respective open seasons. So while I waited to have my string repaired, I took advantage of the nice weather and spent a couple afternoons hunting partridge and waterfowl.
Over the past few years we have had wet, cold springs in Region D, which has resulting in poor production of young-of-the-year birds. This is mainly because these young birds are very susceptible to hypothermia during their nesting season. Luckily, this year our springs were favorable and most of our game birds should be plentiful. Reports from around the region indicate that grouse numbers are fair, turkeys are very plentiful, and waterfowl have started to move through the area.
This week is moose season for Region D. Our daytime temperatures seem to be slightly above normal, so make sure that you take the necessary precautions when handling your harvested moose. Moose have adapted to survive extremely cold temperatures and have a thick two-layered fur to keep them warm. Even after you have field-dressed your animal, this hide keeps the body temperature elevated. So remember, when you bring your moose to the registration station make sure you buy several blocks of ice, enough to fill the body cavity. This will dissipate the heat from the inside. The hide and hair will serve to retain the cold.
- Bob Cordes, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
At about this time last year, I was tasked with figuring out how many deer from WMD 14 would have to be examined to determine the "yearling frequency."
We examine the teeth up close to determine age. Somehow I knew the importance of that statistic from something I had read: that yearling frequency = removal rate. Some biologist studying population dynamics had made this determination. By looking at the removal rate, the population can be estimated. I took that assignment home, because statistical inference is a topic I'm not too conversant in. I was going to have to study this issue in a quiet atmosphere. Eventually I cracked open an old text on statistics for inspiration. After considering a variety of approaches, it became apparent that this was not going to be easy.
So it's back to the drawing board. The determination of yearling frequency for WMD 14 will require much more effort and anaylsis; so stay tuned.
- Bill Noble, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist
October! It’s a fantastic time of year to enjoy the outdoors whether you hunt, fish, trap, view wildlife or just look at the beautiful scenery. If you’re a hunter, there are almost limitless ways to participate in some type of hunting activity. Upland bird hunters should find above average numbers of Ruffed grouse. Reports from the northern portions of our region, which is primarily industrial forestland, indicate birds are showing up in solid numbers. My hunting activities in bird coverts in the southern portions of the region have also yielded many more flushes than the last couple of years. On Saturday, hunting an old reverting field, I had over 20 flushes on grouse! I was slightly concerned over the number of woodcock flushes that I was having until I went goose hunting in a cornfield early one morning. While setting-up decoys there were numerous woodcock flushing, flying around and even singing their “peenting” mating call. The very dry conditions that we have been having may be forcing woodcock into slightly wetter areas than the traditional upland coverts that they normally occupy. My recommendation is that until we receive some beneficial rains try hunting wetter areas at lower elevations near water (alder thickets) during your next trip because the birds appear to be quite abundant.
Waterfowl hunting is another intriguing option in October. In the early part of the season, there are good opportunities to harvest wood ducks and teal both blue and green- winged before these early migrants head south. There are also plenty of resident Black ducks and Mallards available for this early part of the season. As the season progresses and migrants arrive, Ring-necked ducks, Black ducks, and Common goldeneyes become more prevalent. As I had mentioned earlier, a couple of us hunted a cornfield for Canada geese early one morning and the action was quite fast. We had several flocks come to our decoys and observed hundreds of other birds looking for places to feed. We took our limit of two birds each before 7:00 am!
Hunters will have an opportunity to harvest a Wild turkey this fall. Only a small portion of Region F lies within the fall turkey hunting zones (northeast portion of District 17), but the warm, dry conditions this spring have produced a bumper crop of poults throughout the Region. In District 17, the archery season for turkeys runs from Oct. 6th through Oct. 20th and the shotgun season runs from Oct. 13th through Oct. 19th.
In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, the second week of Moose season starts on Oct. 8th for hunters lucky enough to have been drawn for a permit. Cooler temperatures forecast for the week should keep the moose more active and aid in maintaining meat quality once the animal has been harvested. The archery season for deer is ongoing as well, an abundant apple crop this year should give hunters plenty of places to try their luck. As you can see there are numerous opportunities to get out and try some sort of hunting activity, you’ve just got to make the effort, take some time and do it – it’s definitely worth it!
-Allen Starr, Regional Wildlife Biologist
The first week of October was a great opening week for the ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting season. The weather cooperated with relatively cool mornings and warm sunny days, plus an abundance of grouse and woodcock. Fall leaf foliage in northern Maine is near its peak and offers a welcome diversion between grouse and woodcock sightings.
During the first week of upland bird hunting I talked to quite a few hunters, game wardens, and North Maine Woods gate attendants. Most reports were very positive with the majority of hunters finding an abundance of grouse and many shooting their bag limits of 4 grouse per hunter. The biggest complaint, generally, was not the lack of grouse, but being unable to get good shots at these elusive birds through the thick leaf cover.
Reports of high grouse numbers have come-in throughout most of the Arooostook County. Both the farmland and the “big woods” behind North Maine Woods have reported grouse in abundance. NMW gate attendants have also reported a very busy week with many hunters heading into the vast road system behind NMW gates. Reports of good hunting may cause some congestion between road hunters in the North Maine Woods. Hunters seeking more isolation will have to travel to the far western part of the County, west of the Musquacook Lakes or possibly beyond the Allagash River. There’s also the option of parking the vehicle and going for a long walk on one of the many abandoned roads. The key is to find an old road that has suitable grouse habitat of young poplar and other hardwoods, preferred grouse foods, and plenty of grouse sunning and dusting sites. After many years of walking these abandoned roads hunting grouse, I’ve learned not all roads are the same. Some roads can be great while other roads may lack suitable habitat for grouse. Also, a great road for finding grouse is usually a well-kept secret.
More Canada geese are being reported as flocks from further north start to migrate down through the County. I saw my first snow geese last Saturday in a field just north of Ashland. Large flocks of Canada geese are now being seen in some of the staging or loafing ponds in the farmland communities. These waterfowl numbers should really swell in the next few weeks making for some great field hunting for geese. For hunting geese generally the large open fields in the farmland is the place to go. Make sure, however, to first get hunting permission. Some potato fields have yet to be harvested and any damage to crop fields by careless hunters may result in posted property and loss of these fields for future hunting.
For those waterfowl hunters wanting to try a different goose hunting experience, consider hunting the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The AWW is open to hunting starting October 1 and many of the large lakes in the AWW have large flocks of Canada geese. Possibly, one of the best is Churchill Lake. During the summer additional water is released into Chase Rapids for canoeists often resulting in Churchill Lake being drawn down by early Fall. This draw down exposes large areas of shallow water vegetation around the lakeshore that is heavily used by geese and other waterfowl. Last week, crossing over John’s Bridge between Churchill Lake and Big Eagle Lake, we observed 3 flocks of geese just from the bridge. Legal access for hunting Churchill Lake is allowed at the Churchill Dam canoe launch site.
-Arlen Lovewell, Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist
