The County 2018 | Aroostook County Tourism | 页面 30

THE COUNTY | 2018 VISITORS FROM ALL OVER HEAD TO THE COUNTY to spot the always elusive moose, listen to the melancholy cry of loons on our lakes, or view bald eagles soar across endless skies. Catch a glimpse of a black bear, whitetail deer, fox, and coyote. Birders will revel in identifying more than 165 varieties of songbirds, woodpeckers, falcons, and waterfowl that dot our woodlands, meadows, and ponds. With its unspoiled character, our region’s pristine natural habitat has remained undisturbed over time, allowing native creatures to flourish. Birders will find the diversity of habitats is perfect for nontropical migratory birds. And the region’s ample clear-cuts and farmland, with a well-watered landscape and an abundance of food, attract a high density of breeding birds. Home to more than a dozen species, warblers are the region’s premier attraction. Moose-spotting? The best times to spot moose are at dusk and dawn from mid- May through July and again in the fall during their breeding season. They’re often found on logging roads, boggy areas, recreational trails, or grazing along the side of the road. You can take a moose-watching tour, or hire a Registered Maine Guide to call in a bull moose! At the right time, lucky visitors might get a gl impse of as many as 20 moose in one outing. At the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, six miles of trails through various habitats will allow you to continue your birding journey. You’ll also see frogs and toads, vernal pools, dragonflies and damselflies, moose, black bear, mink, marten, and fisher. The quiet 22,000-acre Deboullie Public Reserve is another wonderful opportunity to sight wildlife, particularly along the water. Even a drive along Route 11 (along the edge of The North Maine Woods) can offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Just bring some binoculars and an open mind. You will be surprised at what you see. WILDLIFE, BIRDING, AND HIKING TRAIL Arthur E. Howell Wildlife Refuge & Reserve, North Amity Spruceacresrefuge.org Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public Reserve Land, Perham Bit.ly/SalmonBrook Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Limestone | FriendsofAroostookNWR.org Scopan Public Reserve, Townships 10/11, Range 4 Bit.ly/ScopanPR Deboullie Public Reserved Lands Township 15, Range 9 Maine.gov/deboullie Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Penobscot | NPS.gov/kaww Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail, Houlton to Phair Junction Bit.ly/SoBangorAroostook Split Cedar Trail Network, Van Buren | Bit.ly/SplitCedarTrails For more information about birding and wildlife trails in the region visit MaineBirdingTrail.com, MaineAudobon.org, or call Judy at 888-216-2463. 28 Aroostook State Park Presque Isle | Maine.gov/aroostook