Aroostook County is like birding another country. In fact, if not for a favorable resolution of the bloodless Aroostook War of 1839, much of it would be Canada. Aroostook is so distinctive that Mainers refer to it as “The County” without fear of confusion with the other 15 counties. Winters are long; breeding seasons are short. Where hardwood once grew on well-drained soils, agricultural fields now prevail. Much of Maine’s agricultural heritage has receded into regenerated forest, but not here. Throughout most of Maine, birders relish the pockets of spruce/fir they can find. In Aroostook County, these are common, and it is the mature hardwood stands that are uncommon.

In 2005, Northern Shovelers were joined by Maine’s first-record breeding Ruddy Ducks and Redheads at Lake Josephine in Easton, demonstrating that typical Canadian breeders show little regard for the U.S. border in Aroostook. Pine Grosbeaks are possible at anytime. Horned Larks are breeders in the agricultural fields of the Saint John Valley, joined later by American Pipits, Snow Buntings, and Lapland Longspurs. Rough-legged Hawks drift across the border at will, and both species of crossbills are unsurprising breeders. Wintering Bohemian Waxwings and Northern Shrikes arrive first in Aroostook County and are among the last to leave in spring.
If Aroostook County can claim a special competence, it is waterfowl. Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir are renowned for both abundance and variety. Furthermore, an astonishing number of geese stop over at many of the smaller ponds and marshes for a leisurely stay through late summer and autumn. With such abundance, rarities such as Barnacle Goose are always possible. The bigger lakes experience the seasonal migrations of arctic breeders such as eiders, scoters, grebes, and scaups.

   Culturally, Aroostook County is a fascinating place. French is the first language for many families through the St. John River Valley. A Swedish population also ended up here, settling in towns such as Stockholm and New Sweden. The county’s isolation has helped preserve many cultural and economic traditions. Residents remain close to the land, sustained by forestry and agriculture. Education is important, too. The University of Maine maintains campuses in both Presque Isle and Fort Kent. While traveling up Route 1, watch for the Maine Solar System Model: a 40-mile long, scale model of the solar system. Pluto is at the Houlton Information Center. The sun is located at the Northern Maine Museum of Science at the Presque Isle campus of the University of Maine. The remaining planets are strung out along Route 1 in exact proportion to their real sizes and orbits.