Our herring runs on the coast of Maine consist of two species the blueback herring and the alewife. Both species return to spawn in any ponds that are connected to the ocean. The first and I think most dramatic run is the alewives. We normally go to see them return to Damariscotta Mills on Mother’s Day. This year though the fish did not make it that day; only our second miss since the boys were born.
We stopped earlier this week and were treated to large numbers of fish in the stream. If you have a minute this weekend I highly recommend stopping by the Mills to take a look. The local folks have done an excellent job of restoring the fishway. Including a walkway that allows you to see the fish resting in pools and swimming up short drops. All pretty amazing stuff. The birds are there; gulls, cormorants out further, ospreys and occasionally eagles all taking advantage of the abundant food supply.
They have a very good website that gives a ton of information and I see that there are events this weekend as well. Take a look here. The Eastern Maine Railroad (I offer packages with them as well) is running a special train that will stop and allow passengers to see the alewife migration this weekend. A great chance to see an amazing natural event!
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