GORHAM

Webcams show falcons and eagles in their nests

BioDiversity Research Institute (BRI) webcams have captured a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle laying their first eggs of the season.

Visitors to the website, www.briloon.org, can watch the nesting activities of the falcon and eagle pairs in a 24-hour live feed offered to the public free of charge in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Department of Transportation the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NextEra Energy Resources.

Cameras, remotely deployed nearly 100 feet off the ground and equipped with low-light color vision, provide two perspectives of the falcon nest — called a scrape because the falcon does not actually build a nest, but rather digs a depression in the gravel found on a high ledge, usually a cliff.

Although the peregrine falcon has successfully responded to national efforts to mitigate threats to its existence, it remains on Maine’s endangered species list.

There are only 24 known pairs of peregrine falcons in the state, according to the IFW.

Eaglecam1, installed in February 2006 in Hancock County, captured the successful nesting of a pair of eagles in the spring of that year. Two young eagles, or nestlings, survived. In 2007, the pair again nested, but a three-day Nor’easter resulted in the loss of the chicks.

Since that storm, the resident pair of eagles had not laid any eggs until this spring.

CORAOPOLIS, Pa.

Hunting guide helps mark grouse society anniversary

In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Ruffed Grouse Society has published a commemorative guide to grouse and woodcock hunting.

The special edition features over 100 pages of written and photo essays. Shotguns, bird dogs and grouse and woodcock hunting heritage are all included.

The golden anniversary issue, “The Definitive Guide to Grouse Hunting,” is currently available for purchase on the website, www.ruffedgrousesociety.org, or by calling 1-888-564-6747.

The cost of the publication is $14.95.

When you use the code PRSHIP, you won’t have to pay shipping (a $4.95 value). The offer is valid until June 1.

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain the sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

— From staff reports

 

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