Chris Corio - Maine Outdoors, Birds and Birding

Crows may not be sign of spring

As I was about to walk into work one morning last week, several crows began cawing loudly as they flew toward a stand of white pine trees across from the entrance. The person behind me commented, … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 2/27/10 | 496 views

Birding helps ease midwinter blues

I’ve always found this time of year to be the hardest to get through. Although we are on the other side of the winter solstice and days are slowly getting longer, they are still not long enough. … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 1/23/10 | 336 views

Red-tailed hawk graces N.J. walk

I’ve often written about my trips back home to New Jersey and what delightful bird sightings I have while there. This last trip proved no different. As always, I had returned to my favorite … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 12/19/09 | 822 views

Red-throated loon different in every respect

Each cold season I look forward to seeing our winter visitors, always hoping for something new—or at least something I haven’t seen in a while. This year I was not disappointed. I was … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 12/12/09 | 411 views

Majestic turkey vultures always on the hunt

The large, dark bird flew just above the tree line near the road, circling around and back to one particular area. I noticed its wings were held upward in a shallow angle — what’s referred to as a “dihedral” — and it seemed to teeter in the air. more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 11/28/09 | 801 views

Snow buntings help lighten cold season's gloom

An unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon recently found me out and about, enjoying the feel of the sun on my skin and the almost balmy breeze against my face. more

11/24/09 | 412 views

Eiders, bluebirds, hawks fulfill day

A recent visit to Spurwink Farm in Cape Elizabeth produced a few delightful surprises. I had gone there to try out a horse, and ended up doing a bit of birding as well. more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 11/21/09 | 427 views

Sandhill crane features prehistoric, regal look

As I approached the dirt road I held my breath in anticipation. During the last few weeks, a sandhill crane has been seen at Maxwell Farm in Cape Elizabeth — I hoped it would still be there. A … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 10/31/09 | 931 views

Birds often killed in glass collisions

I was horrified at what I had just witnessed. Just as I had pulled into the driveway, a bird flew into the open skylight window, bounced off, tumbled down the roof and landed a few feet away from me. more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 10/17/09 | 1017 views

Migration of birds in full swing

Cooler weather, shortened days and brilliant fall colors aren’t the only things heralding the changing of seasons. The presence of migratory birds tells its own story. Migration has been ongoing … more

By Chris Corio
Special to the NEWS | 10/10/09 | 744 views