Friends of the Moosehorn Photo Contest Winners!

The Friends annual meeting was held on September 7th with the highlight being the Annual Photo Contest winners’ announcement. The independent judges, Joyce Scott and Wes Hedlan really had a difficult time choosing from the thirty eight photos entered. They finally decided on the following photos;

Adolescent - Christopher Grant - Alert Chipmunk
Christopher won a $50 Best Buy card from the Friends Group.

Moosehorn and First Place - Sharon Wallace - Majestic Moose
Sharon won 16x50 Nikon Binoculars from the Friends Group.
Sharon also won an HP tablet computer donated by VIP Auto.

Second Place - Carolyn Sternberg - Spruce Grouse
Carolyn won a Sunpac carbon fiber tripod from the Friends Group.

Third Place - Lance Morrison - Sky Gazer
Lance won a Walking Stick monopod and $50 cash from The First Bank of Calais, ME

1st Honorable - Alicia Sprowl - Blue Heron
Alicia won a hiking belt pack and a pair of compact binoculars donated by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

2nd Honorable - Dovon Cote - Mother Waxwing
Devon won a hiking belt pack and a Leatherman tool donated by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

3rd Honorable - Lance Morrison - Outlook Post
Lance Morrison won a $25 savings certificate from Bangor Savings Bank.

See All Pictures

Moosehorn’s 14th Annual Fishing Derby

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge’s 14th annual children’s fishing derby was held on June 18, 2011. The annual fishing derby is a cooperative event put on by Moosehorn NWR, the Friends of Moosehorn, and Cobscook Bay State Park. The derby is held at the Headquarters Pond at the state park, which is located entirely on refuge land. The event went very well, especially considering the nasty weather that had been forecast for the day. Turnout for the event was lower than normal, which was due to the forecast for chilly rain showers throughout the day. Those hardy children and their families who did show up all had a good time, and smiles were all around.

Friends of the Moosehorn Photo Contest 2011

In Cooperation with the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, the "Friends of the Moosehorn" announce the 2011 "Take Your Best Shot!" Photo Contest.

Check out this PDF for all the details

Bangor Savings Bank Receives Recognition Awards

Fred Hartman, vice president of the Friends of the Moosehorn presented awards to the Bangor Savings Bank for their outstanding contributions to Wildlife Conservation and to the people that enjoy the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Carol Colson, Director of Community Relations and Communications, of the Bangor branch, Blaine Jones, Machias branch Manager and Bonnie Smith, Calais branch Manager were all present to accept the awards. The contributions from the Bangor Savings Banks have allowed the Wildlife Refuge and the Friends group provide education and family functions enjoyed by so many of the local communities and visitors and help to preserve wildlife and wildlife habitat for our future generations.

2011 Winter Fun Day at the Moosehorn

Even though January 23rd was a bitterly cold day, that didn’t stop more than 60 participants from enjoying the activities at the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge. The Moosehorn Refuge staff worked hard grooming and marking the best trails and even making a safe place for the children to slide all for the Fun Day activities. Gratitude is extended to the Adventure Recreation and Tourism class at WCCC for sponsoring the downhill skiing lessons, cross country skiing lessons and snowshoeing lessons. They brought all of the equipment for these lessons and patiently spent hours helping every one interested in learning these activities. When people got too cold to stay outside they were welcome to come into the Moosehorn’s YCC building and enjoy hot chili and gumbo prepared by the WCCC Culinary Arts students with ingredients provided by H & R BLOCK in Calais. Hot and cold beverages, chips and baked goodies were provided by the Friends of the Moosehorn and several of the Friends members spent time helping the event run smoothly.

Thanks to all who helped with this event and to all who participated. Please enjoy browsing the pictures below and mark your calendar for this event next year.

Friend of the Moosehorn Photo Contest

This Years Winners

Moosehorn Moments

     The fall leaf peeping auto tour at the Moosehorn is in full swing. Fall foliage hasn't yet reached its peak but don't let that deter you from taking the 4.5 mile long drive located across from the headquarters road. There is still enough breathtaking foliage to get beautiful reflections off the ponds for all you camera buffs and nature lovers. The coloring should become more intense between now and October 25, the last day of the tour, if mother nature cooperates. She always has the last say. Don't miss out on a spectacular drive and remember to use caution when driving the trails, watching out for wildlife and hikers.
August and September have been very good for wildlife viewing with October looking just as promising. Many white tailed deer with fawns and black bear were spotted throughout August along with a sprinkling of moose and coyote. Plenty of amphibians and reptiles were reported including a few green snake sightings. A lucky few had the privilege of seeing the river otters that reside on the Moosehorn.

     September seemed to be a more prolific month for spotting black bear while the deer sightings seemed to have dropped off. Replacing the deer were the rise in moose sightings with a bull, cow and calf all seen together on the Charlotte road! Please remember to use caution when traveling the Charlotte road as the wildlife do not understand the human need for speed. The elusive otters were also seen as were a bobcat, red fox and a mink. The occasional coyote also made an appearance.

     September was bountiful for the birders as well, as the fall migration gets under way. Whip-poor-wills, wild turkeys, woodcock and Wilson's snipes and a Carolina wren were reported. Two Canada jays and a green-winged teal were also noted. Along with the fall migration, the birds of prey are on the wing with northern harriers being observed at Upper Barn Meadow and Upper Magurrewock. A few broad-winged hawks and a barred owl were also September sightings.
October is upon us and shaping up to be a good month. Get out there while mother nature is still cooperating nicely and enjoy the beautiful trails the Moosehorn has to offer. There's no better way to spend a day and who knows what you will observe if you take the time? Please feel free to share your Moosehorn magic moments with us.

Alethea Leddy

Please take a look at our Photo Gallery