History of Birdsacre
Fostering an appreciation of nature through experiential learning, inspired by Cordelia J. Stanwood’s contributions to ornithology.
Side entrance to Coredlia Stanwood’s home.
Mistress of the Stanwood Homestead
Birdsacre was the home of Cordelia J. Stanwood, pioneering naturalist, ornithologist, photographer, and writer. She inspired and embodied Birdsacre’s mission through her deep appreciation of nature, conservation, and education.
Born in 1865, Cordie was raised a Victorian lady in the Homestead at the entrance to Birdsacre. She set out on a path as an elementary school teacher, arts instructor, and school administrator, living and working in New England. Suffering a nervous breakdown at the age of 39, Cordie returned to Ellsworth and her family to recuperate. By 1905 bluebirds and chickadees drew her into the woodlands beyond her door, helping her find serenity and healing – and fulfillment in a second career.
Over the next half century Cordie pursued her passion as a field researcher from her Homestead of Birdsacre. She compiled detailed, highly scientific observations, graced with the occasional Thoreauvian flourish. She taught herself photography, and how to develop the glass plate photographs she captured with her 1895 Kodak Eastman, No.5 camera.
“When a man seeks treasure he seems to take it for granted that he must delve in far away fields. Not so in bird study. Plan a long walk, betake yourself to fresh areas, and you may return to find the “gem: you sought within a stone’s throw of your door.”
- Cordelia Stanwood
Northern Flicker nestling almost ready to leave nest. Photo by Cordelia Stanwood, in Smithsonian Institution, Bulletin 174, Life Histories of North American Woodpeckers, Order Piciformes by A. C. Bent, 1939.
Cordelia’s photograph of an Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) nest and young, published in Maine Ornithological Society, 1909, volume 11, number 4.
Cordie’s research approach was original; at a time when most birders focused on a specific species, she followed the whole forest. Between 1905 and 1908 she visited over a hundred different nests, frequently photographing the occupants and their activities. Over her career Cordie’s work encompassed her nature journals, over 600 photographic plates, and contributions to a multitude of scientific and popular journals.
Cordelia achieved success in science during a time when few women were able to take part in scientific research or were acknowledged for their contributions. Her innovative approach and detailed field observations caused leading ornithologists to take notice and encourage her. John Burroughs and Frank Chapman, leading scientists of the day, accepted her word above others, and occasionally above their own. In addition to sharing bird life histories in scientific journals and correspondence, Cordie also engaged with the general public through articles in the Audubon Society’s Bird Lore, Blue Bird, Nature and Culture, and House Beautiful, among others.
Learn more about Cordie’s life and legacy with a visit to her home, the Stanwood Homestead. Her wide-brimmed hat still hangs on the wall where she left it, surrounded by her furnishings. After visiting, step outside and explore nature as she would, rambling the trails and discovering where she spent uncountable hours observing, photographing, and experiencing the natural world.
Cordelia Stanwood’s homestead.
Birdsacre Through the Years
The character of Birdsacre in the 21st century is rare and precious, dedicated to remaining intimate, simple, and sincere, where one may find sanctuary in the gentle, timeless rhythms of the out of doors.
-G. Richmond, 2007
In 1958, the year Cordelia passed away, the Ellsworth birding club and business community joined forces to envision Birdsacre preserved as a memorial to Cordie’s life’s work. In August 1960, Stanwood Homestead Museum and Birdsacre Sanctuary opened to the public. Restored inside and out, the Homestead was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973, securing the property against further urban expansion. A horrific act of arson in 2014 severely damaged the house and its contents. Tireless volunteers donated countless hours to salvage Cordie’s furnishings and collection of photographic plates and scientific journals. By 2017, the Homestead was again welcoming the public.
Over the five decades following the opening of the Sanctuary, efforts focused on acquiring original Stanwood property that formed the basis of Cordie’s research area, augmenting the 40 acres that remained at her death. At present, the property encompasses over 200 acres. In 1985, the Maine State Legislature included Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary - now called Birdsacre - on the list of Maine Wildlife Sanctuaries. Today, Birdsacre’s trail system traverses rich, vibrant habitat, and ultimately will connect with Frenchman’s Bay Jordan Homestead Preserve, forming a green corridor that stretches from Ellsworth’s High Street atop Beckwith Hill down to the Union River.
“The outer world does not exist to one who steeps himself in thoughts of self. Give undivided attention to that outer world and one’s own affairs sink into insignificance.”
- Cordelia Stanwood
Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of animals and ecology.
From the beginning, Birdsacre served as a place for rehabilitating wildlife, with the goal of releasing healthy wildlife back into nature where it belongs. The 1960’s and 70’s saw Birdsacre Federally and State licensed for this work with birds and mammals. Later, the focus narrowed to birds, some of which were unable to be released. These animals have found a second life at Birdsacre as educational avian ambassadors, helping to fulfill Birdsacre’s mission of building the public’s appreciation – and stewardship - of nature through experiential learning.
Today, Birdsacre’s primary purpose is to educate and enlighten visitors to create a deeper appreciation and sensitivity to nature, while caring for the home and woodlands of Cordelia Stanwood, for the enjoyment of this and future generations.
Birdsacre would not be here without the support of the community and visitors. We are grateful for all contributions, they go far to support property maintenance, Avian Ambassador care, and educational programs.