University of Maine

The University of Maine campus is dotted with special and unusual plantings, from ornamental gardens to ivy-covered walls. In winter, it is one of the most likely spots in the entire state to find Bohemian waxwings. In irruptive years, pine grosbeaks flock to the Littlefield Ornamental Garden and its crab-apple grove. House finches are regular at campus feeders. Common nighthawks are often present at dusk and probably nest on campus.

University (Demerritt) Forest is similar to the Bangor City Forest. It is a summer residence for many breeding warblers, at least four thrushes, and five woodpeckers. It is mixed deciduous and conifer with large stands of mature woods. It is an experimental forest with large monocultural tracts of thinned trees that offer uniquely clear birding views. The trails are frequented by bikers, hikers, dog-walkers, and cross-country skiers, but the shared use seldom detracts from the birding. In the winter, it can be a good place for crossbills.

Directions: Take exit 193 off I-95 and proceed one mile north along Stillwater Avenue toward Old Town. At the McDonald’s Restaurant, a right turn leads to the campus. A left onto College Avenue Extension leads to the University Forest, 1.1 miles ahead. Look for the gated gravel road on the right, with a parking lot opposite the gate on the left.