NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 ******************************************************* Mission Statement:

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1 PHIPPSBURG IS WILD! PHIPPSBURG CONSERVATION COMMISSION NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 ******************************************************* Mission Statement: The mission of the Town of Phippsburg s Conservation Commission is to preserve, protect and best utilize the town s natural resources and rural character. Our focus is the quality of air and water, open spaces for community recreation, animal and plant habitat/diversity, shoreline protection and green sources of energy. This mission involves education, advocacy, and collaborative action that reflect our townspeople's views. Who we are: Ellen Winchester, Chair Ronnie Kamphausen, Secretary Bob Reyes Dana McLean Dot Kelly Brian J. Murray Robin R. Robinson Contact ellen.e.winchester@gmail.com

2 To find out more about the role of our conservation commission, visit the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions web site here. Conservation Commission - report to town of Phippsburg for the year 2011 For current projects and the minutes of The Phippsburg Conservation Commission meetings, click HERE. See our terrific bulletin board with great photos and information at the Phippsburg Town Hall! Do you have a photograph of Phippsburg nature that you would like to share? Contact Ellen Winchester, Ronnie Kamphausen or Robin R Robinson. The Phippsburg Conservation Commission welcomes your input and ideas. If you have suggestions or photographs that you would like to see in this newsletter, please contact the editor, Robin R Robinson at or rrrobinson2010@hotmail.com Gaultheria procumbens, Wintergreen berries 2

3 It s Still Hunting Season! Be wise like an owl - you and your pets should wear blaze! October 27 through December 8 is deer season. Keep yourself and your pets safe in the woods and on the beaches. Phippsburg has a rich history of game hunting. This includes birds and mammals. Our diverse habitats promote abundant wildlife. Unlike other communities, we have sea duck hunting in addition to Wild turkeys, deer and other game. For a full table of game varieties, seasons and bag limits, see this link at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries And Wildlife For guidelines on being safe in the woods, click on this link: Hunting Safety Advice on What To Wear Phippsburg Blaze Babes! 3

4 Northern Saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus, October 2012, Phippsburg, Maine, Photo courtesy of Ken Wright, Biodiversity Research Institute. Thanks, Ken! 4

5 The adorable Northern Saw-whet owl lives right here in Phippsburg! Maine has eleven species of owls (Snowy, Great Horned, Great Gray, Long Eared owl, Short Eared owl, Northern Saw-whet, Barred owl, Northern Hawk owl, Eastern Screech owl, Burrowing owl, and Boreal owl). Of those eleven, eight have been reported here in Sagadahoc County (all but Burrowing, Boreal and Eastern Screech owls). In Phippsburg, you are most likely to see Barred owls because they are diurnal; they hunt both day and night. Look for them on utility lines or perched in trees on the edges of fields where they are looking for food. Most owls are nocturnal, hunting at night, so you aren t as likely to see them. Barred Owls in Phippsburg, Popham Beach and a pair, male and female on Small Point Northern Saw-whet owls are nocturnal flying and hunting only at night. Though common and not endangered, they are hard to spot. You are more likely to hear them than to see them. They are quite vocal and make a repeating, whistling toot-toot-toot-toot. Some call them the Whetsaw owl, 5

6 rather than Saw-whet. Either way, the name comes from the sound of their call which some think sounds like a knife being sharpened on a whetstone. Northern Saw-whets are vocal all year round, but April through June; they are calling for mates so you are more apt to hear them then. At roughly the size of a North American robin, they are one of the smallest owls in North America. Saw-whets prefer habitat that is a mix of conifers and deciduous trees. They nest in tree cavities, usually holes left by woodpeckers. Northern Flicker holes are the most preferred. During the day, they like to perch in deciduous trees and sit as low as five feet from the ground. When a predator appears, they freeze in place rather than fly away. So, people think they are tame because they don t take off if stumbled upon by a human being. Saw-whet owls are birds of prey, or raptors, like Bald eagles and Osprey. They hunt living things for food. Deer mice are the principle diet of the Sawwhet. They also eat shrews, moles, squirrels and bats. Occasionally, other small birds are eaten by the Saw-whet owl, too. They, in turn, are eaten by other, bigger owls and hawks. Their eggs are often eaten by animals that can get to their tree cavities, like martens and raccoons. The Northern Saw-whet is partially migratory. Some of them stay here all year, but others, usually juveniles, move somewhat south for the winter. Capturing them for study takes place in October when this modified migration is taking place. The southern end of our peninsula on Small Point has an abundance of Northern Saw-whet owls migrating through in fall. The little birds stop here to rest on their way south as they pass over the ocean along the coast. 6

7 Small Point as seen from under the wing of a plane viewed from northeast to southwest. In the dark of night, this is what a tiny Saw-whet owl sees when it is looking for a place to land and rest! Fifty five of them were captured within five days in nets for study this year in Phippsburg! For the month of October, The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) captures Northern Saw-whet owls in Phippsburg for study. This year was the third year of mist net capturing which goes on for about ten days, depending on the weather. Mist nets (which look rather like volley ball nets) are set up on Small Point to capture Northern Saw-whet owls at night. Before dawn, the researchers check the nets for birds that have flown into them during the night. The birds are weighed, gender identified and age determined, etc. Then, they are banded then set free. The data collected are used to study population trends in the birds and migratory habits, among other things. Saw-whet owls banded in Quebec have been recaptured in Phippsburg! Biodiversity Research Institute is a private research organization that gathers data for study by scientists. Businesses and state and federal 7

8 governments contract with BRI to gather information. The information can then be used to determine environmental and conservation impacts. Phippsburg hosts several BRI study stations such as the mist nets for owl studies and an eagle nest web cam. That Saw-whet owls use islands and the tips of peninsulas along the coast of Maine as migration stopover sites was an undocumented phenomenon until BRI gathered that important data in Phippsburg! Northern Hawk Owls have been seen here, though rarely. This boreal bird lives in the far north. It is a diurnal owl like the Barred, but hunts like a hawk, thus, its name. Northern Hawk owls eat Saw-whet owls. A Great Horned owl, West Point, Phippsburg, Maine, November Though photographed at night, the owl is clearly identifiable by its ear tufts, or horns, and large size. Bigger than an Osprey, but smaller than an eagle, it was about the size of a bread box. Great Horned owls eat Sawwhet owls. 8

9 Thanks to Patrick Keenan, Outreach Coordinator for BRI for much of the information on BRI s banding and survey projects. For more information on BRI's tracking of Northern Saw-whet owls on coastal Maine, visit this link. To Read BRI s Owl Migration Study, click on this link for the PDF. BRI OWL MIGRATION STUDY Hermit Crab photographed on Hermit Island *ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ON THE LOCAL LEVEL* Phippsburg Elementary School (PES) is hoping to add an educational Touch Tank to their classrooms. The Touch Tank teaching program will help teachers educate their students about biodiversity, marine science, local economics, and many other subjects. A Touch Tank is an aquarium. It is lower and wider than a regular aquarium, which allows students to reach in and handle the 9

10 inhabitants. The salt water tank is stocked with north Atlantic marine life from intertidal pools, such as sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, sea cucumbers, lobsters. Students are able to observe first hand by viewing and handling the marine life. They also learn to maintain the tank and feed the inhabitants. This hands- on program inspires children to learn about the environment and the delicate ecosystems that support life on our planet. Students are motivated to become scientists and promote environmental sustainability. To reach the goal of a Touch Tank at the school, $9,000 must be raised. A grant proposal has been submitted, but there is much more to raise than the grant will provide. The PES staff is applying for additional grant money and asking the public to show support through a targeted fundraising appeal. If you would like to donate, please make a check payable to Phippsburg Elementary School. If you d like more information about the educational Touch Tank project, contact Jennifer Bevans at (207) or jbevans@rsu1.org One of the reasons for a conservation commission is to track and record species. This is one way that scientists know what flora and fauna live where. We need YOU to contribute and tell us what you see. This is YOUR citizen science data. This column will be devoted to reports of nature sightings in Phippsburg. The column will include wildflowers (including mushrooms), trees, birds, insects amphibians, marine and land mammals. Please let us know what you see, where and when you see it! The creature doesn t have to be rare. We would love to include your photograph of the subject, too. We will give you credit for your image. General locations will be noted, but not specific addresses to preserve reporters' privacy and conservation of the species. To notify the Conservation Commission of an interesting nature sighting, contact Robin R Robinson at rrrobinson2010@hotmail.com or

11 BIRDS: Northern Goshawk- Fiddler s Reach Road - reporter states that the Goshawk has been in residence for several years and remains current. The reporter states that previously seen grouse have been seen less often since the appearance of the Goshawk. Goshawks aren't rare, but are uncommon. Goshawks occupy large territories, so not many are seen in any given area. Hermit Island and Sprague River marsh are good places to see them, too. White-Winged Crossbills- Hidden Ledges Road (Small Point) - May 23, 2012 flock of # 16. Not rare, but uncommonly seen this far south. Normally, a bird of the northern forest. When seen here, usually in the winter, not the summer. This is a "Canadian Zone" bird. Reported on Hermit Island October 24! This could be a big finch winter. Red Crossbills- Saint John Road (Small Point) May 20, 2012 a small flock. Not rare, but uncommonly seen this far south - normally a bird of the northern forest, like the White-winged Crossbills Pine Siskins- Record breaking numbers (hundreds) of these finch type birds were reported though out Phippsburg in October,

12 EVENING GROSSBEAKS- October 17, 2012 Totman Cove West Point, eight birds at feeders. These birds have not been recorded in Sagadahoc County since 1975! Pine Grosbeaks- November Totman Cove- West Point, two birds at feeder. Pine Grosbeaks are birds of the northern, or boreal forest which are rarely seen this far south. This year, they have irrupted all over coastal Maine. 12

13 White Faced Ibis- Sam Day Hill Rd east end - June. Glossy Ibis are commonly seen in Phippsburg, but to date, only one White Faced Ibis has ever been recorded here. They normally do not come this far north or east. AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES: SPOTTED TURTLE- Route 209 near Pride Rock Road and Sprague Pond Preserve (Ashdale)- June 10, turtle was crossing the road. Status: endangered Spotted Turtle, June 10, 2011 MAMMALS: COYOTES numerous reports have been made of coyotes on various roads around Small Point and along Route 209. Sightings have been made mostly around dawn. GRAY FOX- have been seen on Fiddler s Reach Road, Heron Cove Road (Winnegance), Periwinkle Lane (West Point), Newberry Point Road (West Point) - a breeding pair with kits! Though not rare, Gray foxes were previously only a southern United States mammal that has inched its range northward. 13

14 Gray fox, West Point February 24, 2011 MOOSE- moose have been reported on Periwinkle Lane (West Point), Sam Day Hill Road - east end, Popham Road near Sprague River marsh WHITE-TAILED DEER- A twelve point buck was reported in the last two weeks of September on the Parker Head Road, south end. BIRDING IN THE BURG Maine has 414 species of birds identified as of October, Of those 414 species, 317 have been identified in Phippsburg. How many birds have you seen in Phippsburg? Can you name them? The Phippsburg peninsula juts southward into the Atlantic ocean about fifteen miles from Bath at the most easterly part of Casco Bay. This makes Phippsburg an ideal stop over place for migrating birds that need to land and rest after crossing stretches of ocean. Migration is over, but late migrants could still be passing through or lingering. Keep your eyes open for a rare bird or one that is out of season. For a list of birds seen in Sagadahoc County, who reported them, when and where with maps, visit Cornell s ornithology data base at list of birds reported in Sagadahoc County, Maine Think about becoming a reporter to ebird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology s data base. It s free! Post your bird sightings to ebird and have your data count! 14

15 The birds that you see and report are important to this citizen science initiative. Increasing, falling and stable populations of birds are monitored through your input. CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY Information about birding in Maine, Sagadahoc County and Phippsburg with checklists. Phippsburg is a recycling community! Phippsburg has a single stream recycling program. There is no need for multiple recycling containers and sorting confusion, making it easy to recycle. For a list of recyclable items click here: single stream recyclables list Additionally, Maine has a bottle and can redemption program. Please don t add your bottles and cans to the trash stream. The Phippsburg Fire Department will also take them. You can leave your bottles and cans in the designated containers by the fire department building between the recycling hoppers (by the town hall) or at the transfer station. The donation is always appreciated! Do you know your carbon footprint? Our carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted as an end result of production and disposal of the things we use and eat. These emissions change our environment. What we buy, eat and throw away create our carbon footprint. One third of everything we throw away is packaging materials that we put into our landfills. Our choices can ensure a stable environment. Keep the Burg beautiful for future generations to enjoy! How many tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases do your choices create? calculate your carbon footprint here 15

16 It s Not Always What You See - Turn Off The Lights! As a coastal community, Phippsburg has abundant and splendid natural resources. Our town hosts rare birds, endangered turtles, rare and beautiful insects and stunning, panoramic vistas of sky and sea. But one of our largest natural resources at greatest risk is one we don t see - the dark, night sky. Compared to most places, Phippsburg has little light pollution. Light pollution is intrusion of illumination into the night sky from street lamps, car head lights, municipal and residential lighting and other sources. The more light that shoots into the sky from earth, the harder it is to see stars, meteor showers, comets and the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. When we leave yard lights and house lights on at night or when we aren t home, we are eroding the blackness of the night sky. We are creating Light Pollution in addition to wasting energy resources. So, be a star not a polluter! Turn off your lights when you're not using them. To see Maine's light pollution from space, click here. Interactive map The International Dark-Sky Association is a non-profit organization working to reduce light pollution. Keep our forests green and standing! FOR CURRENT FOREST FIRE THREAT LEVELS IN MAINE CLICK HERE Visit the MAINE FOREST SERVICE HOME PAGE here Burn it where you buy it! Insects that can devastate Maine forests are being brought into Maine in campfire wood. Please do not transport untreated wood into Maine! If you are camping here, buy your firewood here and burn it here, or leave it behind. 16

17 Keep these bugs out of The Burg! Browntail moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Wooly Adelgid and other invasive insect species Information about invasive insect species in Maine can be found on the Maine Forest Service web site Join The Maine Bug Watch! Sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture Friends of Casco Bay Phippsburg has more than 60 miles of tidal coastline! Coastal habitats support unique ecologies for marine life, birds and mammals that feed, breed and raise young there. Please protect our coastline. Everything you throw into the water - liquid or solid, puts the coastal habitat and its occupants at risk. When you take your boat out of ocean or fresh waters, clean the bottom before you put the craft back in. Don t transport species on the bottom of your boat and in your prop. For a comprehensive list of conservation related links, click HERE. For links to current, Maine environmental news, click HERE For info on invasive plant species in Phippsburg, see this link: Invasive Species in Phippsburg by Jo Schuman For more on other invasive plant species in Maine, look here: The University of Maine has a great site with a video on How to Get Rid of Invasive Plant Species. Click on this link for the video. 17

18 Happy Holidays to all! We wish each and every one of you a safe and jolly holiday season. Yours in peace and good health, The Phippsburg Conservation Commission. Thank you for reading our newsletter and taking an interest in conserving the natural beauty that is Phippsburg. 18