Have you experienced the soul-stirring call of a loon echoing across the lake? Seen the flash of a ruby-throated hummingbird darting between blossoms? Been mesmerized by the drumming of a woodpecker deep in the woods. These are some of the sights and sounds that we look forward to in Rangeley. Chris and I haven’t always been captivated by birds but Maine has ignited our fascination and awe of these incredible creatures, and Rangeley offers us an unparalleled opportunity to witness their beauty and diversity.

Lakeside Specialists: Where Water and Wings Converge

Our days in Rangeley often begin with a steaming cup of coffee on the deck, our binoculars at the ready. The waters of the Rangeley Lakes Region are filled with incredible avian life, each species playing a unique role in this intricate ecosystem.

Common Loon: The quintessential symbol of Maine's wilderness, their hauntingly beautiful calls are the soundtrack of our summer evenings. Watching these expert divers plunge beneath the surface in search of fish is a mesmerizing sight.

Bald Eagles: The thrill of spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead never diminishes. We've been fortunate enough to witness these majestic raptors nesting in the area and perching above our heads with fresh fish in their talons, a testament to the health of this ecosystem.

Osprey: We love watching these aerial acrobats as they hover above the water, then plunge with a splash to snatch their fish prey. Their bulky nests, perched atop tall trees or platforms, are always a fun find.

Belted Kingfisher: These little birds, with their oversized heads and rattling calls, are a fun sight along the shoreline. Their lightning-fast dives into the water for small fish never cease to amaze us.

Herons & Ducks: From the stately Great Blue Heron to the playful antics of Hooded Mergansers, the variety of waterfowl in Rangeley is a birdwatcher's dream.

Forest Dwellers: Deep in the woods - where songs ring out

Warblers: These small, colorful songbirds are a treat for any birder! Yellow-rumped Warblers are among the most common, but be sure to look for Black-throated Greens, Blackburnians, and others during migration. Their diet centers around insects.

Woodpeckers: The forest rings with their drumming! Look for Pileated Woodpeckers (the largest in the area), Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and the striking Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. They find grubs, beetles, and other insects within trees.

Ruffed Grouse: Also known as a partridge, they startle easily. Listen for their drumming display in spring. They primarily eat buds, leaves, and berries.

Owls: Mostly, you'll hear their haunting calls echoing through the night. Barred Owls, with their “Who-cooks-for-you” call, are the most common. These nocturnal predators eat small mammals.

Fields & Edges – Where the Woods Meet the Open – Birdwatching Hotspot!

Where the woods open up into fields – that's where you'll find a whole new crew of feathered friends.

Sparrows: Look for Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, and White-throated Sparrows. These often perch while singing, aiding identification. Their diet includes insects and seeds.

Wild Turkeys: Talk about a comeback! These big, bold birds weren't always so common – folks worked hard to bring them back, and now they're thriving. They strut in open areas near forest cover, foraging for seeds, nuts, and insects.

Red-winged Blackbirds: Their calls are a classic sound of marshes. Males are striking, with bright red shoulder patches. They primarily eat insects and seeds.

American Robins: A familiar sight on lawns and fields, their diet is surprisingly diverse – insects, worms, and berries, depending on the season.

Birdwatching Tips for Rangeley: get the most out of your rangeley birding

Habitats are Key: Target specific birds by focusing on their preferred habitats, such as lakeshores and deep forests.

Binoculars, Field Guide, Birding phone apps: Essential gear for identifying birds – choose a guide specific to the Northeast.
Listen as You Look: Bird songs and calls are often the first clue to their presence. There are helpful bird song identification apps!
Visit Diverse Spots: From the expansive Rangeley Lake to small boggy areas, diverse habitats yield different birds.

Birding Resources

Want to dig deeper into Rangeley's birdlife? Check out these amazing resources:

Maine Audubon: Offers resources and guided bird walks throughout the state.
Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust: Protects vital habitat in the Rangeley Lakes Region.
Maine Department of Fish & Wildlife: Shares a plethora of information on all types of wildlife in Maine, including our feathered friends.

Don't Miss the Rangeley Birding Festival!

Want to take your birding to the next level? The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust hosts the annual Rangeley Birding Festival, June 7-9. This exciting event features guided birding walks, expert talks, and more! Find details and registration at RangeleyBirdingFestival.com. Get a taste of the excitement! Check out the video from last year's Rangeley Birding Festival.

come Discover Rangeley's Feathered Wonders

So, grab your binoculars (and maybe a field guide or two) and come discover Rangeley's feathered wonders alongside us! We can't wait to hear about your favorite birding spots and the stories of the birds you meet along the way. And stay tuned; we'll soon be giving you a front-row seat to the action at our cabin's bird feeder. Trust us, you won't want to miss it! It's all part of the joy of connecting with nature here in Rangeley, and we hope you'll join us on this winged adventure.