Wildlife & Ecology

Blood in the Tracks

The mother Fisher delivers a litter with one to six (average two – three) youngsters called “Kits”, born blind, helpless, and are partially covered with fine hair.

When is the best time to see an otter? Nature Bum, Kirk Gentalen gets this question a lot and has thought long and hard about when and where you’re most likely to find an otter. Read on to learn more!

The Curious Case of the Red Crossbill

Did you know it was the summer of the Red Crossbills? Well neither did most people, but MCHT Nature Bum Kirk Gentalen was well aware and eager to spread the word.

5 Blissful Days & a Big “Take Back!”

If you read Kirk’s Nature Bummin’ column “Favorite Tree – The Trail, The Blood, and The Fisher” you know his favorite tree is a Big-tooth Aspen. Well… at least it was. Since then, Kirk has learned quite a lot and it’s changed things for him… as far as favorite trees go.

I Miss Dendroica…

After Nature Bum Kirk Gentalen’s favorite genus of warbler becomes absorbed by another genus, he begins to ponder the idea of change and how “we” (the royal “we”) adapt to it.

A Calendar of My Own

If you live in Maine (or New England for that matter) you’ve probably experienced the turbulent transition from winter to spring. MCHT steward Kirk Gentalen has a solution and it involves using a calendar of his own creation.

Friendly Neighborhood Thissells

“Neighborhood.” When you think about your neighborhood, you might be thinking about the people that live down the street or across the road. For Nature Bum, Kirk Gentalen, the word “neighborhood” extends beyond people. But, every once in a while, Kirk finds himself enjoying time with his human-neighbors. And even considers them friends!

You Had Me at Snow Fleas…

A story about love… Kirk’s love for tracking and snow fleas specifically.

Ice Is My Happy Place

Most ice skaters don’t quite understand why Kirk Gentalen spends so much time on the ice and so little in ice skates. But to Kirk, the magic of a frozen marsh goes beyond ice skating. The magic lies in the stories a frozen world can tell and the wildlife that lives in it!