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Description

Maine’s three degrees of latitude have a climate gradient similar to the twenty degrees of latitude from southern Europe through Scandinavia. Given this steep gradient, the impacts of climate change may proceed more rapidly across Maine’s diverse ecosystems, impacting management of all of our natural resources. The Acadian Forest is a unique forest community that occurs along this gradient and comprises a mix of more southerly and boreal species. The birds and other non-commercial species that inhabit this region are facing considerable changes. We highlight three studies conducted in northern Maine that have tested hypotheses related to shifting ranges, phenology, or migratory arrival to this region. In one study observations from the 1940’s and 1950’s were compared to current observations and temperature data. Leafout and flowering of many species of trees and herbaceous plants was earlier in response to April temperatures, although bird arrival was not significantly earlier. In a second a study that analyzed citizen scientist data from 1969-2013, the majority of short-distance migratory birds was significantly earlier, while most long-distance migrants did not arrive earlier. A third study used DNA metabarcoding to test whether arthropod species consumed underlies the northward range shift of a suite of resident or migratory birds; preliminary analyses are presented. Overall, there is evidence from both birds and plants that changes in weather patterns over multiple decades have resulted in adaptive responses, with the exception of some migratory birds. These findings add to a growing body of literature from Maine with similar conclusions, implicating agricultural, marine, freshwater, and other natural systems, as well as associated social and economic well-being.

Publication Date

10-28-2024

Harbingers of Earlier Spring in Aroostook County

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