The Wrack

It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a team to save a raccoon.

What do you do when wild animals move into your attic?

Uncommon goose makes a brief visit to the Little River marsh and becomes the latest addition to the Wells Reserve bird list.

For seven years strong, the Reserve has partnered with Center for Wildlife and York County Audubon to offer Winter Wildlife Day during Maine's school vacation week. Last week, on a balmy February morning with 50 degree temperatures, nearly 200 people attended this family-friendly free event. Some even stayed into the afternoon to sled down the farmhouse hill on the fast disappearing snowpack, and observe a snow sculpture artist in action.

The enjoyment of simple things can be the most rewarding.

We have 19 native goldenrod species in Maine, but they're not to blame for itchy eyes and runny noses. The real culprit is ragweed, which blooms at the same time and is pollinated by wind.

Pollinator heaven: The purples and pinks of bee balm and liatris.

Elderberry is a pioneer species that is found in disturbed and open areas. It displays opposite branching, deeply cut green leaves, and creamy, flat-topped blossoms. Its berries are important food for birds.

Dovekies, or little auks, are sea-going plankton consumers who tend to stay to our north. You're most likely to spot one from a boat or, with persistence, through a telescope at a good "sea-watching" site. I've never been so lucky; dovekie's on my wish list.

A weekly recap and forecast to help you plan your visit for the week of January 22, 2016.