The County 2018 | Aroostook County Tourism | Page 30

THE COUNTY | 2018
VISITORS FROM ALL OVER HEAD TO THE COUNTY
to spot the always elusive moose, listen to the melancholy cry of loons
on our lakes, or view bald eagles soar across endless skies.
Catch a glimpse of a black bear, whitetail deer, fox, and coyote. Birders will
revel in identifying more than 165 varieties of songbirds, woodpeckers, falcons,
and waterfowl that dot our woodlands, meadows, and ponds. With its unspoiled
character, our region’s pristine natural habitat has remained undisturbed over
time, allowing native creatures to flourish. Birders will find the diversity of
habitats is perfect for nontropical migratory birds. And the region’s ample
clear-cuts and farmland, with a well-watered landscape and an abundance of
food, attract a high density of breeding birds. Home to more than a dozen
species, warblers are the region’s premier attraction.
Moose-spotting? The best times to spot moose are at dusk and dawn from mid-
May through July and again in the fall during their breeding season. They’re
often found on logging roads, boggy areas, recreational trails, or grazing along
the side of the road. You can take a moose-watching tour, or hire a Registered
Maine Guide to call in a bull moose! At the right time, lucky visitors might
get a gl impse of as many as 20 moose in one outing.
At the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, six miles of trails through various
habitats will allow you to continue your birding journey. You’ll also see frogs
and toads, vernal pools, dragonflies and damselflies, moose, black bear, mink,
marten, and fisher. The quiet 22,000-acre Deboullie Public Reserve is another
wonderful opportunity to sight wildlife, particularly along the water. Even a
drive along Route 11 (along the edge of The North Maine Woods) can offer
excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Just bring some binoculars and an
open mind. You will be surprised at what you see.
WILDLIFE, BIRDING, AND HIKING TRAIL
Arthur E. Howell Wildlife
Refuge & Reserve, North Amity
Spruceacresrefuge.org Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public
Reserve Land, Perham
Bit.ly/SalmonBrook
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Limestone | FriendsofAroostookNWR.org Scopan Public Reserve,
Townships 10/11, Range 4
Bit.ly/ScopanPR
Deboullie Public Reserved Lands
Township 15, Range 9
Maine.gov/deboullie
Katahdin Woods & Waters
National Monument
Penobscot | NPS.gov/kaww
Southern Bangor and Aroostook
Trail, Houlton to Phair Junction
Bit.ly/SoBangorAroostook
Split Cedar Trail Network,
Van Buren | Bit.ly/SplitCedarTrails
For more information about birding and wildlife trails in the region visit
MaineBirdingTrail.com, MaineAudobon.org, or call Judy at 888-216-2463.
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Aroostook State Park
Presque Isle | Maine.gov/aroostook