Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Description
Rachel Carson NWR is located at 321 Port Road, Wells, ME. For the official source of information about the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, head to: http://rachelcarson.fws.gov/. For more on the FWS, go to: http://www.fws.gov Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. It will contain approximately 14,600 acres when land acquisition is complete. The proximity of the refuge to the coast and its location between the eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest creates a composition of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comYesterday two of our technicians had a visitor while surveying vernal pools. This little white-tailed deer fawn's mother was likely near by (although we didn't see her). Fawns are typically left alone until they are strong enough to keep up with their mothers. Mother deer will stay away from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their young, but return at dawn and dusk to feed them. Older fawns, like this one, may even wander short distances. video by B. Benvenuti/USFWS
Photos from Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge's post
Painted Trillium love acidic soil and can be found in mixed deciduous forests on the east coast from Nova Scotia south to Georgia. The root of Pink Lady's Slippers was used in the 19th century to cure muscle spasms, nervousness and tooth pain. Both are out and about on the Carson Trail! 📷 by R. Smith/ Maine Conservation Corps
This week we're doing our final vernal pool surveys and the wood frogs are growing up! The ones in this video are about 12 days old. Wood frogs go from eggs to fully formed frogs in about 7 weeks.
Timeline Photos
Listen for this songbird the next time you visit us. Common in Maine's pine forests, the Black-throated Green Warbler can be recognized by its distinctive call "zoo-zee, zoo zoo-zee". https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler/sounds Photo courtesy of Brad Woodward/Rachel Carson NWR/Timber Point
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We're flying into the week with the Ruddy Turnstone. These calico colored shorebirds make quick pit-stops along the Maine coast before heading to their breeding grounds in the arctic tundra. Photo courtesy of B. Benvenuti/USFWS
Memorial Day is always a fun time to be on the beach, but we're not the only ones who think so. With the first piping plover nests predicted to hatch and least terns setting up camp, be sure to #SharetheShore with our feathered friends this holiday weekend!
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Spring migration is well, in full swing. Last week over 100 different bird species were seen at Rachel Carson NWR, at Timber Point. Timber Point is well known for its surprises, like this Red Crossbill. Photo courtesy of Brad Woodward
We've been monitoring a few Eastern Bluebird nests on the Refuge and it seems that most of the eggs are hatching this week. Welcome to the world little ones! Photos by Ken Dibiccari and USFWS
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Did you know that it is National Safe Boating Week? Safe boating means you always wear a lifejacket. http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets/styles/ Safe boating also means you follow speed restrictions. In Maine, this means when you are 200 feet of a shoreline, you may only operate at headway speed. Slow it down, and protect wildlife and the shoreline. Graphic courtesy of Peppermint Narwhal Creative. Peppermint Narwhal Creative, #safeboating, #manatees
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Ready for takeoff! Belted Kingfisher 📷 by R. Smith/Maine Conservation Corps
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Welcome back to Maine. We hope you enjoyed your winter in South America. Least Tern photo courtesy of Ken Dibiccari
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Happy Endangered Species Day 2017, as you head out to enjoy the beach remember to make way for nesting piping plovers. #savetogether, #pipingplover
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