The Kennebec Explorer 2018 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 21

WILDLIFE WATCHING: Bring Your Camera
Be Prepared: It goes without saying
that you should have your camera
ready. If you are in your car, stay in the
car. Give them all the room they need.
If you have never seen one of these
large members of the deer family up
close, you cannot imagine how big an
animal it is. Mature bulls can weigh
over 1,000 pounds and are about 7 feet
tall at the shoulders. So if you see that
flashing moose sign on the highway,
stay alert! And remember, a moose
is a wild animal that deserves
our respect.
Take a moose safari.
To improve your chances of spotting
the elusive moose, contact an outfitter
that specializes in moose-watching
tours, also known as moose safaris.
You’ll have the opportunity to safely
and comfortably view these magnifi-
cent creatures, and the other wildlife
that might be encountered along
the way, as you learn about moose
habits and habitat. Alternatively,
you can contact a Maine Registered
Guide who specializes in moose
hunting to serve as a guide for your
own private adventure.
Spotting other animals
With hundreds of thousands of acres of
forested land, the Kennebec Valley is
home to dozens of species of mammals
ranging from white-tailed deer to several
of those seen less often, including Black
Bear, Canada Lynx, Moose, Bobcat,
Fox, and most if not all of the smaller
fur-bearers. While disputed, it’s been
said there have even been sightings
of cougar.
Birding in the Kennebec Valley
The Kennebec Valley is a haven for
birds and for birders as well. With 275
identified species populating many
locations here, our waterways, bogs,
farmland, and forested mountains
make for excellent birding.
Augusta’s Viles Arboretum is a treasure,
with 165 documented species. Other
popular in-town locations up and
down the river include the waterfront
in Gardiner, the Kennebec River Rail
Trail, and the Hallowell waterfront.
Around Waterville, check out Fort
Halifax Park in Winslow and the
campus of Colby College.
Just north of Fairfield, the Shawmut
Dam is a birding hot spot, as is the entire
area of Belgrade, from the hills in the
north to the bog and stream at Messa-
lonskee Lake’s southern end. Further
north, be sure to visit the Appalachian
Trail’s intersection with the south
end of Flagstaff Lake.
VISITOR RESOURCES:
Maine Birding Trail – MaineBirdingTrail.com
Maine Audubon – MaineAudubon.org
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries
and Wildlife –Maine.gov/ifw
Registered Maine Guides – MaineGuides.org
For more about wildlife watching
visit KennebecValley.org
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