BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 16, 2024
Every winter is different. Somehow, it took me most of my life to figure that out. I spent three days in the North Maine Woods last week, and I’m here to report that this winter is vastly different from last winter. The number of pine siskins was outrageous. They outnumbered an insane abundance of white-winged crossbills. It all depends on where they find the best food and weather. This year, Maine’s got what they want. I found more purple finches in the North Maine Woods than any of the last three years. On the other hand, common redpolls were scarce. The mix of finches in the Maine woods varies every year. But this is a good winter overall. Last winter was dull. The previous winter was incredible. ~ Bob Duchesne