MAINE'S coastal islands are vital nesting habitat for colonial seabirds and waterfowl from early spring through the summer. They prefer to nest on the ground on small, isolated, treeless islands. Disturbing the parents can sometimes lead them to abandon their nests or young or expose them to predators. State and Federally owned islands are closed to visitors between April 1 and mid to late August, but avoid all nesting areas during that period. Stay at least 100 yards away from nesting shores. If birds are flushed from their nests or they dive you in alarm, you are much too close. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING Bald eagles have been making a strong comeback in Maine since they were thinned nearly to extinction by the ravages of DDT. However these magnificent birds are easily disturbed by human presence. COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING Ospreys have adapted to man more easily. They often make their nests right on navigational buoys or in trees along the shoreline, using the same nests year after year, one generation after the next. One nest on Shipstern Island is over 100 years old. Still, human disturbance can cause nesting ospreys undue stress. Please keep well away from eagle or osprey nests. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU HAVE VIOLATED The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful to disturb migratory birds or their nests. The presence of nesting birds may be posted on some state-owned islands, but look for signs from the birds themselves—warning calls and screeches, aggressive flying and dive-bombing, or diversionary tactics such as feigned injury. If you inadvertently find yourself among nesting birds, retrace your steps or your route quietly and carefully. INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW.