A new book on birding with a strong Maine flavor has arrived in bookstores. The book is “How to Be a Better Birder,” and the author is our own Derek Lovitch. Lovitch is a professional bird guide and, with his wife, Jeannette, runs Freeport Wild Bird Supply. Many of the photographs in the book were taken in Maine, and many of the examples Derek uses to illustrate particular points were based on Maine observations.

Swan Island offers one of the most beautiful early-season paddling/hiking outings in southern Maine. Easy access onto the Kennebec River from the downtown Richmond boat launch provides a half-mile paddle across to the boat landing on the northwestern end of the island. From there, a vast network of woods roads and trails lead through forest and meadows to the southern end of the island. Deer, coyote and fox are often seen early and late in the day, as well as wild turkeys and a wide variety of songbirds and ducks.

The news last week that the Maine Center for Disease Control predicts 2012 will be the worst year for Lyme disease in Maine did not shock the people of Long Island.

In the past 14 years, Maine’s spring birding season has grown from having one festival to five. And birders from Maine and beyond say there is plenty of room for growth.

April activities in Maine vary with each outdoor adventurer, but five options attract myriad participants — fishing, picking fiddleheads, digging dandelion, hiking and bicycling.

The Maine Mountain Guide, published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, has served as the comprehensive hiker’s reference to the trails of the state since 1961. A new edition of the book, due out this month, promises to carry on the long tradition as a trusted pathfinder for hikers seeking outdoor pleasure and healthful exercise in the woods and mountains of Maine.

After months of fits and starts (Snowstorms! Droughts! Freezing temps! Record-breaking highs!), we’ve reached the end of ski season. Skis and boards are getting stored, replaced with golf clubs, boats and hiking boots.

Maine bicyclists, this writer included, often dream of living in a state or country that allows year-round bicycling without cold and snow from December though March.