The first comprehensive overview of Maine’s incredibly rich birdlife in more than seven decades, Birds of Maine is a detailed account of all 464 species recorded in the Pine Tree State. It is also a thoroughly researched, accessible portrait of a region undergoing rapid changes, with southern birds pushing north, northern birds expanding south, and once-absent natives like Atlantic Puffins brought back by innovative conservation techniques pioneered in Maine.
Written by the late Peter Vickery in cooperation with a team of leading ornithologists, this guide offers a detailed look at the state’s dynamic avifauna—from the Wild Turkey to the Arctic Tern—with information on migration patterns and timing, current status and changes in bird abundance and distribution, and how Maine’s geography and shifting climate mold its birdlife. It delves into the conservation status for Maine’s birds, as well as the state’s unusually textured ornithological history, involving such famous names as John James Audubon and Theodore Roosevelt, and home-grown experts like Cordelia Stanwood and Ralph Palmer. Sidebars explore diverse topics, including the Old Sow whirlpool that draws multitudes of seabirds and the famed Monhegan Island, a mecca for migrant birds.
Gorgeously illustrated with watercolors by Lars Jonsson and scores of line drawings by Barry Van Dusen, Birds of Maine is a remarkable guide that birders will rely on for decades to come.
Copublished with the Nuttall Ornithological Club
"Looking through the book, as casual birder or serious ornithologist, is a deep pleasure, a celebration of the winged creatures in the world around us, from swifts to stilts to storks, falcons, owls, and doves, to grebes and loons and pelicans."—Nina MacLaughlin, The Boston Globe
"[A] tour de force. . . . This book needs to be on the shelf of all Maine birders."—Herb Wilson, Portland Press Herald
"The book is an exhaustive resource for researchers and birders . . . [and is] also a pleasure to page through for anyone who delights in woods, waters, and wildlife."—Will Grunewald, Down East
"[A] magisterial testament: to a man with a vision, to the confraternity of Maine ornithologists, to the amazing avian diversity of this state."—Thomas Urquhart, Central Maine
"These chapters easily could be read and enjoyed by anyone with a serious interest in ornithology, regardless of location. . . . This rich presentation of the past, present, and future of Maine birdlife is a fitting memorial to Peter Vickery who devoted so much of his life to this project."—Jim Williams, Star Tribune
"This remarkable book could literally change the way state bird publications are prepared."—Birding Wire
"'Monumental’, says Kenn Kaufman, and who am I to disagree. . . . Every birder in Maine will want to savour this book and any other reader will want, like me, to visit Maine."—Bo Beolens, Fat Birder
"[A] remarkable guide that birders will rely on for decades to come."—Northeastern Naturalist
"This book contains a wealth of information on migration patterns and timing, status and changes in bird abundance, distribution and conservation status. . . . A great book."—Keith Betton, British Birds
"Monumental: that’s the word. In these pages, the extraordinary birdlife of Maine is detailed and celebrated by an equally extraordinary team of writers, editors, and artists. The result might be the greatest state bird book of all time; it is undeniably a volume to be read, studied, and treasured."—Kenn Kaufman, author of Kingbird Highway
"The long and rich history of bird study in Maine is brilliantly summarized in this book. The intricate details of each species' occurrence are presented with clarity and context. To top it all off, the drawings and paintings by Barry Van Dusen and Lars Jonsson make the book a pleasure to browse. Highly recommended."—David Sibley, author and illustrator of The Sibley Guide to Birds
"Birds of Maine sets a new gold standard for a state-based bird volume. A tribute to Maine’s long love affair with ornithology, it is sure to engage future generations to protect Maine birds and their habitats. Beautiful and nothing short of inspiring."—Stephen W. Kress, founder of Project Puffin
"Brilliant! The book Maine birders and naturalists have been waiting and hoping for. A treasure trove of data on the current and historical status and distribution of Maine’s 460+ recorded species. Superb watercolors by Lars Jonsson and drawings by Barry Van Dusen enliven the pages, creating a rich tapestry of art and information."—Jonathan Alderfer, coauthor and coillustrator of National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
"From the gorgeous artwork to the stunning maps, fascinating essays, and authoritative chapters and species accounts, this remarkable book sets a new standard for state-level bird books. Birds of Maine showcases both the rich past and the present state of birds—and bird conservation—in a style and format that raises the bar for state bird books."—David Yarnold, president of the National Audubon Society
"Eloquent, elegant, and powerful. The art, photography, and maps are exquisite—the book is simply beautiful. Birds of Maine is a treasure for birders, biologists, naturalists, and conservationists."—Judy Camuso, commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
