Читать книгу Hike the Parks: Acadia National Park - Jeff Romano - Страница 21

An annual event that began in the late 1990s, the Acadia Birding Festival welcomes avian enthusiasts to Mount Desert Island during the peak of spring migration. The multiday event takes place in late May or early June. This is one of the quieter times of the year to visit Acadia and the best season to enjoy the region’s diversity of bird species. Registration is limited, so reserve your spot well in advance. Expert guides lead tours in the park, to nearby lands, and across surrounding waters.

Red squirrels forage near many Acadia trails.

Mammals. Since most mammals avoid human beings, they can be difficult to spot. Red squirrels are probably the most visible furry creatures. Among the park’s larger mammals, whitetailed deer are the least reclusive—look for them feeding in open areas. If you spend enough time in Acadia, with a little luck you may also cross paths with porcupines, foxes, mink, otters, fishers, martens, bobcats, beavers, raccoons, bats, coyotes, snowshoe hares, and even an occasional black bear or moose. In addition, marine mammals such as harbor seals and porpoises can be spotted from many of the coastal trails.

Birds. Acadia is considered one of the best birdwatching destinations in the country (see “Acadia Birding Festival” sidebar). More than 330 avian species have been recorded in the park. In the spring, Acadia welcomes the arrival of dozens of colorful songbirds—some nest in the park, but many continue north. Raptors, including nesting peregrine falcons, wintering snowy owls, majestic bald eagles, and migrating hawks in the fall, are a big draw for birders. The park’s marine habitat lures sea ducks, great blue herons, sandpipers, belted kingfishers, and loons. While exploring Acadia’s forested trails, listen for woodpeckers, thrushes, vireos, kinglets, and warblers. Atop rocky summits spot juncos and white-throated sparrows and the soaring wings of turkey vultures. Every season is different, but Acadia offers birdwatching opportunities twelve months a year.

Black-throated green warblers nest throughout the park.

Amphibians and Reptiles. Despite the park’s harsh winter weather, eleven species of amphibians and seven species of reptiles call Acadia home. You will encounter American toads more than other amphibians, but five species of frogs and five species of salamanders live in the park as well. As winter temperatures fade, listen for spring peepers on warm evenings and wood frogs in vernal pools. Acadia’s reptiles are mostly secretive. However, you will often spot docile garter snakes seeking the sun’s warm rays in open areas; painted turtles do the same on pond logs and rocks. None of the five resident snake species are poisonous. Similarly, despite their appearance, snapping turtles pose no danger to humans—just give them ample space when they are seeking sandy places to lay eggs in early summer.