This Week’s Highlights, 5/4– 5/10/2024

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This Ovenbird on our property paused for a moment as it enjoyed a snack it pulled from the leaf litter.

The migratory floodgates really opened this week, as expected, with the diversity of Neotropical migrants increasing dramatically. Days like the 7th and 8th are truly special, but any day birding – especially in May! – yields its own rewards. My observations of note over the past seven days also included:

  • 10 species of warblers (FOY) led by ~40 Yellow-rumped Warblers and 25+ Black-and-white Warblers, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 15 species of warblers (FOY) led by 100+ Yellow-rumped Warblers and 13 Black-and-white Warblers, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 5/7.
  • 1 continuing TRICOLORED HERON (FOY), Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 5/7.
  • 15 species of warblers led by 50+ Yellow-rumped Warblers and 15-20 Black-throated Green Warblers, our property in Durham, 5/8.
  • 15 species of warblers led by 35+ Yellow-rumped Warblers and 20+ Black-and-white Warblers, our property in Durham, 5/10.

As is typical of early May, new arrivals were the headliners of most days of birding. Additional personal first-of-years this week also included:

  • 1 Yellow Warbler, Hidden Pond Preserve, Freeport (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • ~40 Chimney Swifts, over downtown Portland at dusk, 5/4 (with Jeannette).
  • 4+ Common Terns, Curtis Farm Preserve, Harpswell, 5/5 (with Harpswell Heritage Land Trust birdwalk group).
  • 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, our property in Durham, 5/6.
  • 1 Cape May Warbler, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 5 Common Yellowthroats, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 Solitary Sandpiper, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, our property in Durham, 5/6.
  • 1 YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (a little early), Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 3 Least Flycatchers, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 5/7.
  • 3 Magnolia Warblers, Florida Lake Park, 5/7.
  • 2 American Redstarts, Florida Lake Park, 5/7.
  • 1 Scarlet Tanager, Florida Lake Park, 5/7.
  • 1 Veery, Florida Lake Park, 5/7.
  • 1 Blackburnian Warbler, Florida Lake Park, 5/7.
  • Since I had not been in Scarborough Marsh in a few weeks, a number of personal first-of-years on 5/7 for me that have been present for a while now included Lesser Yellowlegs, Glossy Ibis, Willet, and Least Sandpiper, while more recent arrivals included 1 Least Tern (Pelreco Marsh) and 1 Spotted Sandpiper (Pelreco Marsh).
  • 1 Warbling Vireo, our property in Durham, 5/8.
  • 1 Wilson’s Warbler, our property in Durham, 5/8.
  • 2 Bobolinks, Wharton Point, Brunswick, 5/9 (with Dan Nickerson).
  • 3 Prairie Warblers, Bowdoin Sand Plain, Brunswick Landing, 5/9 (with Dan Nickerson).
  • 1 Canada Warbler, our property in Durham, 5/10.
  • 1 Lincoln’s Sparrow, our property in Durham, 5/10.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Nothing like the splash of color from a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the feeding station to brighten a gray day in the backyard.

This Week’s Highlights, 4/27– 5/3/2024

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Yellow-rumped Warblers have been inundating our feeding station in Durham this week, feasting on nut blocks, insect suet, mealworms, jelly, and just about everything else.

Feeder-watching continues to be great, with lots of Pine Siskins, new arrivals, migrant White-throated Sparrows, and, at our home in Durham, up to a dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers daily – especially during the cool and often wet days we had this week. Meanwhile, Red Crossbills continue to be widespread in the area. There were no huge flights of migrants this week, but new arrivals were trickling in.

My other observations of note over the past seven days also included:

  • 1 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/1.
  • 6 total LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES, via “The Louie Loop” (Site AN4 in Birdwatching in Maine: The Complete Site Guide), Androscoggin County, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb).

One of the six individuals, a singing and mate-guarding male, paused just long enough for a snapshot in Mechanic Falls on the 3rd.

As is typical of the season, new arrivals were the headliners of most days of birding. Additional personal first-of-years this week also included:

  • 1 Bank Swallow, Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch, 4/29.
  • 1 pair Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, our property in Durham, 4/30.
  • 4 Black-and-white Warblers, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/30
  • 1 Great-crested Flycatcher, our property in Durham, 4/30.
  • 1 Northern Waterthrush, our property in Durham, 5/1.
  • 1 Common Yellowthroat, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/1.
  • 1 Wood Thrush, our property in Durham, 5/2.
  • 1 Gray Catbird (first of spring), our property in Durham, 5/2.
  • 1 Ovenbird, our property in Durham, 5/3.
  • 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, Shaker Bog, Poland, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb).
  • 1 Nashville Warbler, Shaker Bog, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb)
  • 1 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, Little Andy River Boat Launch, Mechanic Falls, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb)
  • 2 Eastern Kingbird, Little Andy River Boat Launch, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb)
  • 1 White-crowned Sparrow, Bucknam Bridge Road, Mechanic Falls, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb).
  • 1 Brown Thrasher, Pottle Hill Road, Mechanic Falls, 5/3 (with Noah Gibb).

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Recent Highlights, 4/20– 4/26/2024

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 Although it had moved further away by the time I arrived, I managed a few phone-scoped photos of the Loggerhead Shrike that graced Chandler Brook Preserve and nearby yards in North Yarmouth on 4/21.

It was a great week of birding, with an impressive fallout on Saturday morning, a local mega rarity, and more new spring arrivals. My highlight of the week was catching an incredible early-season fallout at Florida Lake Park in Freeport on 4/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group). I eventually settled on a guestimate of 400 Palm Warblers and 125 Yellow-rumped Warblers. The full report can be found here.  75+ Palm Warblers and 50+ Yellow-rumped Warblers were present on the 24th, but on both dates the only other warbler – as expected for the date – were Pine (3 each day).

My other observations of note over the past seven days included:

  • 1 Fish Crow, over our property in Durham, 4/20 (Yard Bird #150!)
  • 1 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, Chandler Brook Preserve, North Yarmouth, 4/21. Found earlier in the afternoon and seen by several of us in the evening. I don’t chase very often, but when I do, I prefer it to be only 15 minutes out of the way on my way home from the store!  It was only my second in Maine.
  • 6 Red Crossbills (1 male, 2 female, 3-4 juvenile. Type 12 as per Matt Young), here at the store, 4/24.

Additional personal first-of-years this week also included:

  • *1+ CLIFF SWALLOW, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Florida Lake Park, 4/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Blue-headed Vireo, Morgan Meadow WMA, Raymond, 4/21.
  • *1 NORTHERN PARULA, Morgan Meadow WMA, 4/21.
  • 2 SANDHILL CRANES, Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch, 4/21.
  • 1 Rusty Blackbird, Florida Lake Park, 4/24.
  • 1 adult LITTLE BLUE HERON, Cousin’s River Marsh, Freeport/Yarmouth, 4/24 (as viewed from Freeport Café’s parking lot).
  • 1 Eastern Towhee, feeders here at the store, 4/24.
  • 1 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, Papermill Trail, Lisbon, 4/26.
  • 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, Papermill Trail, 4/26.

*Numerous very early arrivals of regular migrants are likely also tied to the overshoot event that brought southern vagrants to locations up and down the state’s coast.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Feathers Over Freeport This Weekend!

Saturday, April 27th at Bradbury Mountains State Park and Sunday, April 28th at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. All events FREE with park entry!

From birdwalks and a hawkwatch workshop to kids’ arts and crafts and a food truck, join us for two activity filled days in the 13th year of Feathers Over Freeport!  A full schedule of events can be found here.

Note our regularly scheduled Saturday Morning Birdwalk meets at Bradbury on the 27th.

 Recent Highlights, 4/11– 4/19/2024

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The deceiving very Little Egret-like Little Egret x Snowy Egret hybrid is back for another season on the Portland-Falmouth waterfront. Jeannette and I saw it for the first time this year at Tidewater Farm Preserve in Falmouth on the 14th. Details below.

My birding was limited during this period, unfortunately, especially considering a significant “overshooting” event from the most recent storm. Southern vagrants and some exceptionally early arrivals were detected. Unfortunately, we were out of town for the days in which most of the rarities were detected early this week. I did try to make up for it by finding something later in the week, but I struck out.

Overall feeder activity decreased as the snow receded, but we noticed an uptick in Purple Finches and Pine Siskins in our yard in Durham, along with the arrival of Pine Warblers at our feeders in Durham and here at the store. My other observations of note over the past nine days included:

  • 10 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Farm Gate Road, Falmouth, 4/14 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 LITTLE EGRET X SNOWY EGRET HYBRID, Tidewater Farm Preserve, Falmouth, 4/14 (with Jeannette). Back for another year, this very Little Egret-like individual is a tricky and misleading ID at any distance. Luckily, it was close to the point today, providing great studies. In the photo above, you can see the very long, LIEG-like plumes. Also apparent today in comparison to a nearby SNEG was the slightly longer and thinner bill and the somewhat thinner and more elegant neck, and it did appear to be a touch larger overall. However, up close, you can see the handful of wispy, SNEG-plumes on the back of the head and neck, and in most lights, the lores gave a distinctly yellowish appearance, especially near the eye.

Additional personal first-of-years this week were limited to:

  • 1 Chipping Sparrow, feeders here at the store, 4/13.
  • 1 Field Sparrow, our property in Durham, 4/14.
  • 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Florida Lake, Freeport, 4/17.
  • 1 Broad-winged Hawk, Florida Lake, 4/17.
  • 1 Northern Mockingbird, our property in Durham, 4/18 (Yard Bird #149!).

TOURS AND EVENTS:

  1. Birds on Tap! Kick-off event at the Portland Beer Hub!

Thursday, April 25, 2024; 5:00 – 7:00pm – Portland Beer Hub – 320 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101- FREE!

Join Birding Guide and owner of Freeport Wild Bird Supply Derek Lovitch, and Brew’s Cruise owner Zach Poole, for an exclusive gathering at the Portland Beer Hub to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Birds on Tap! and kick off our new tour lineup.

During this casual meetup, guests will mingle with other bird and beer enthusiasts, discuss the exciting lineup of upcoming Birds on Tap tours, and can enjoy flights of bird-themed local beers (for purchase). 

It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of birdwatching and craft beers. For a bit of fun, be prepared for some impromptu bird trivia and birding games.

2. Feathers Over Freeport!

Saturday, April 27th at Bradbury Mountains State Park and Sunday, April 28th at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. All events free with park entry!

From birdwalks and a hawkwatch workshop to kids’ arts and crafts and a food truck, join us for two activity filled days in the 13th year of Feathers Over Freeport!  A full schedule of events can be found here.

Note our regularly scheduled Saturday Morning Birdwalk meets at Bradbury on the 27th.

 Recent Highlights, 4/1– 4/10/2024

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 Luckily for this Great Egret – showing off it’s high-breeding condition lime green lores – last week’s snow didn’t last long in Scarborough Marsh.

The massive “winter” storm of 4/3 through 4/5 produced heavy snow cover and drove a lot of birds to feeders, including those that are not usual feeder visitors. Numerous reports of American Robins eating offerings of dried mealworms, suet, and even some seed were received. At our home in Durham, I spent the snow day experimenting with getting Eastern Phoebes to eat dried mealworms, finally finding success by floating them in the slush at the edge of our pond.

Meanwhile, feeder-watching during the day on the 4th yielded 44 Dark-eyed Juncos (up from 22), and more Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. By the next day, we had a new recent high of 4 Purple Finches and 6 Pine Siskins. Here at the store our 10 White-throated Sparrows continued, growing to 14 by week’s end.  Two great nights of migration 4/8-9 and especially 4/9-10 saw many of these sparrows depart.

Away from feeders, my other observations of note over the past ten days included:

  • Red Crossbills continue to be widespread, with a highlight of 3 (including a fresh juvenile) feeding on the ground within 20-30 feet of the Saturday Morning Birdwalk group at Winslow Park on 4/6.
  • 1 Wilson’s Snipe (FOY), our property in Durham, 4/1 (Yard Bird #148!).
  • 14 Gadwall, Pelreco marsh, Scarbrough Marsh, 4/7.
  • 35 Brant, Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 4/7.

Additional personal first-of-years this week, fueled especially by the massive flight overnight on 4/9-10,  also included:

  • 2 Ospreys, Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch, 4/1.
  • 2 Double-crested Cormorants, Mailley Park, Bowdoinham, 4/2 (with Jeannette).
  • 12 Great Egrets, Scarborough Marsh, 4/7.
  • 5 Snowy Egrets, Scarborough Marsh, 4/7.
  • 4 Greater Yellowlegs, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 4/7.
  • 1 pair AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, Pine Point, Scarborough, 4/7.
  • 1 pair Piping Plovers, Pine Point Beach, 4/7.
  • 1 Winter Wren (FOS), our property in Durham, 4/9.
  • 1 Hermit Thrush (FOS), Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/10.
  • 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Florida Lake Park, 4/10.
  • 1 Pine Warbler, Florida Lake Park, 4/10.
  • 16 Palm Warblers, Florida Lake Park, 4/10.
  • 2 Barn Swallows, Florida Lake Park, 4/10.
  • 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers (FOS), Florida Lake Park, 4/10.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

1.Woodcocks Gone Wild – Now Saturday, 4/13

Due to the high winds and precip forecast for the evening of the 6th, we postponed our tour to the weather date of 4/13. There are no current openings, but a short waitlist if you would like to be added in case of cancellations. . Please call the store, 207-865-6000 to register.

2. Community Pizza Night at Maine Beer Company to support Feathers Over Freeport!

April 17: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Maine Beer Company – Freeport
Join us for a Community Pizza Night to benefit Feathers over Freeport. Proceeds from a raffle along with 20% of all food sales from 4-8:00 p.m. will be donated to support the annual birdwatching and nature discovery weekend hosted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Park and event staff will host an activity & information table and be on hand to answer questions about birding, the Hawk Watch, and Feathers Over Freeport. Location: Maine Beer Company, in the Tasting Room, 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04342.

3. Birds on Tap! Kick-off event at the Portland Beer Hub!

Thursday, April 25, 2024; 5:00 – 7:00pm. Free!

​Join Birding Guide and owner of Freeport Wild Bird Supply Derek Lovitch, and Brew’s Cruise owner Zach Poole, for an exclusive gathering at the Portland Beer Hub to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Birds on Tap! and kick off our new tour lineup.

During this casual meetup, guests will mingle with other bird and beer enthusiasts, discuss the exciting lineup of upcoming Birds on Tap tours, and can enjoy flights of bird-themed local beers (for purchase). 

It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of birdwatching and craft beers. For a bit of fun, be prepared for some impromptu bird trivia and birding games.

​

 Recent Highlights, 3/25– 3/31/2024

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Presumably having wintered somewhat locally and recently set out in search of new food resources, this Gray Catbird was feasting on what was left of our Highbush Cranberry and Staghorn Sumac here at the store on 3/27.

After the snowfall, and especially ice, over the weekend of the 23rd-24th, a resurgence in feeder activity was widespread. Fox Sparrows seemed to be everywhere (I saw more driving around on the morning of the 26th than I sometimes see in an entire spring!), American Robins were being reported at feeders, and Dark-eyed Juncos and Song Sparrows were in every feeder and patch of bare ground. I think we can expect more of that this week, based on the current forecast!

At our feeders in Durham, some select high counts included 52 Dark-eyed Juncos on 3/25 and two Fox Sparrows 3/26 – present, 3 Purple Finches and 4 Pine Siskins on 3/31, etc. Meanwhile, at least a dozen White-throated Sparrows continue, well over our usual for the season.

Away from our yard, my observations of note over the past seven days included the following:

  • Red Crossbills continue to be widespread in small numbers.
  • 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Miller Park, Lisbon, 3/26.
  • 2 RUDDY DUCKS, 21 Lesser Scaup, 6 Greater Scaup, etc, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 3/26.
  • 30 Northern Pintail, 2 American Wigeon, 6 Green-winged Teal, etc, Mouth of the Abagadasset River, Bowdoinham, 3/26.
  • 1 GRAY CATBIRD, yard here at the store, 3/27. Photo above.
  • 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, here at the store, 3/30 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 2 Red Crossbills, 1 Fish Crow, etc, South Freeport Village, 3/30 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Tree Swallow (FOY), Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch, 3/31.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

  • April 6th’s “Woodcocks Gone Wild” is currently sold out (weather date, 4/13). This year, we are requesting pre-registration for the first time, with evening-of walk-ups only if we have extra space; sorry for the inconvenience. Give us a call at the store or email us to be added to the waitlist.
  • Community Pizza Night at Maine Beer Company to support Feathers Over Freeport
  • April 17: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    Join us for a Community Pizza Night to benefit Feathers over Freeport. Proceeds from a raffle along with 20% of all food sales from 4-8:00 p.m. will be donated to support the annual birdwatching and nature discovery weekend hosted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Park and event staff will host an activity & information table and be on hand to answer questions about birding, the Hawk Watch, and Feathers Over Freeport. Location: Maine Beer Company, in the Tasting Room, 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04342.

We got underway for the 18th season on Friday, March 15th. Zane Baker, back for his record-shattering 6th season, kicked things off with two triple-digit counts in the first three days of the season.

Daily counts will be posted to Hawkcount.org and the BirdHawk listserve, while weekly summaries will be posted to the News Page of our website.

 Recent Highlights, 3/11– 3/20/2024

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The arrival of some early morning rain coupled with a decent overnight flight produced a “min-fallout” of Song Sparrows on our Durham property on the 17th. The first big movement of sparrows this spring was noticeable throughout the area this week.

Newly returning migrants and personal “first of years” led the list of my observations of note over the past 10 days, despite rather limited birding, including:

  • 28 Northern Pintails, 1 Green-winged Teal (FOY), 4 Ring-necked Ducks (FOS), etc, Mouth of the Abagadasset River, Bowdoinham, 3/11 (with Jeannette).
  • 36 RUDDY DUCKS, 10 Lesser and 3 Greater Scaup, etc, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 3/14.
  • 3 Red Crossbills (Type 12 fide Matt Young at Cornell), Lake Shore Drive, Auburn, 3/14.

Other personal “First-of-years” this week also included:

  • 1 Eastern Meadowlark, Upper Street, Turner, 3/14.
  • 1 pair Wood Ducks, our property in Durham, 3/15.
  • 7 male Brown-headed Cowbirds, feeders here at the store, 3/15.
  • 1 Eastern Phoebe, our property in Durham, 3/17.
  • 1 adult SNOW GOOSE (FOY), Thornhurst Farm, North Yarmouth, 3/17.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

  • No Saturday Morning Birdwalk on 3/23.

BRADBURY MOUNTAIN SPRING HAWKWATCH

We got underway for the 18th season on Friday, March 15th. Zane Baker, back for his record-shattering 6th season, kicked things off with two triple-digit counts in the first three days of the season.

Daily counts will be posted to Hawkcount.org and the BirdHawk listserve, while weekly summaries will be posted to the News Page of our website.

Recent Highlights, 3/2– 3/10/2024

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We birded Rhode Island for a couple of days this week, and found this Pink-footed Goose, about the 7th or 8th ever recorded in the state as we drove through Middletown!

Despite 4 days of birding out of state during this period, I had a handful of observations of note here in Maine over the last nine days, including the vanguard of spring migrants. They included:

  • The first significant influx of Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackles arrived this week, and waterfowl are definitely on the move. Scattered Red Crossbills continue, including around our Durham property and around the store area this week.
  • 4 drake and 2 hen BARROW’S GOLDENEYES continue, Winslow Park, Freeport, 3/2 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Fox Sparrow (FOY), our yard in Durham, 3/8.
  • 1 pair GADWALL (FOY), 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Red Crossbill, etc, Broad Cove Preserve, Cumberland, 3/9 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 3 American Woodcocks (FOY), our property in Durham, 3/9.
  • Total of 12 Killdeer (FOY) from several locations around the “Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields, 3/10.
  • 1 pair Northern Pintail, Thornhurst Farm, North Yarmouth, 3/10.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Only a four spaces remaining for April 6th’s “Woodcocks Gone Wild.”  This year, we are requesting pre-registration for the first time, with evening-of walk-ups only if we have extra space; sorry for the inconvenience. You can register here.

BRADBURY MOUNTAIN SPRING HAWKWATCH

We get underway for the 18th season on Friday, March 15th. We’ll be welcoming Zane Baker back for his record-shattering 6th season! All the pertinent information, and link to daily counts, can be found here.

 Recent Highlights, 2/24– 3/1/2024

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I decided to pay another visit to the Spotted Towhee at Fort Foster on the 25th, 99 days after I first found it there on November 19th!  I had some good quality time with my buddy, but it could have showed itself better for me.

I enjoyed a few good birds on several outings this week, making for a nice list of highlights for the season. Here are my observations of note over the last seven days:

  • 1 immature male Lesser Scaup, Freeport Town Wharf, 2/24 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 continuing SPOTTED TOWHEE, 1 Winter Wren, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Merlin, etc, Fort Foster, Kittery, 2/25. Photo above.
  • 1 immature male KING EIDER, The Nubble, Cape Neddick, 2/25/2024.
  • 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, Reid State Park, Georgetown, 2/26 (with Jeannette). Are these early, late, or just overwintering? Park has been closed for almost two months, so winter observations from here are lacking.
  • 2 Common Grackles (FOY), East Point, Biddeford Pool, 3/1.
  • 1 SNOW GOOSE, Saco Riverwalk, 3/1. Presumably same bird that has been reported from nearby Laurel Hill Cemetery.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Book Release part for the 2nd Edition of Birdwatching in Maine: The Complete Site Guide on Thursday (2/29) at Maine Beer Company!  It was great to see everyone there.

By the way, the book is now available here at the store and your favorite local bookstores everywhere.

BRADBURY MOUNTAIN SPRING HAWKWATCH:

We get underway for the 18th season on Friday, March 15th. We’ll be welcoming Zane Baker back for his record-shattering 6th season! Hopefully all of the Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles will not have moved through by then.

Recent Highlights, 2/15 – 2/23/2024

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Barrow’s Goldeneyes will be departing soon, so I needed to get my fill while I still can. This pair (left) was with 17 Common Goldeneyes and a drake Hooded Merganser at Anniversary Park in Auburn on the 20th.

A very busy couple of weeks precluded much birding away from our yard recently. Luckily, the feeder-watching was excellent, as were my few dedicated outings over the past ten days.

  • 1 Red Crossbill, over our yard in Durham, 2/15.
  • 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, over Richmond Island from Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 2/19 (with Paul Doiron, Kristen Lindquist, and Jeannette).
  • 1 pair BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 2/19 (with Jeannette). Photo above.
  • 1 continuing hen COMMON EIDER SPP BOREALIS and 6 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES (4 drakes, 2 hens), Winslow Park, Freeport, 2/21. Barrow’s usually peak here at the end of February.

FEEDER BIRDS UPDATE:

There was a widespread dearth of feeder birds in most yards throughout the region this past fall. While a few people are still mentioning a lack of feeder birds this winter, many others are telling us they are seeing a lot of birds now. At our home in Durham, this winter our feeders have been very busy. But just how busy is it, and how does that compare to last winter? I did some feeder watching and counted a bunch of birds to find out.

Are There Actually Fewer Birds at Feeders in the Winter of 2023-24?

After the 16th, activity remained strong, with another surge of Dark-eyed Juncos bringing the total to a high count of 72 on the 17th, along with an increase to 13 American Tree Sparrows. A new peark of 70++ American Goldfinches was reached on 2/21. And our first Red-winged Blackbird of the year appeared in the snow on the 23rd.

Meanwhile, here at the store, the 24 White-throated Sparrows at the feeders 2/16 was a new all-time high count for the winter season for us here.  

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Please join me on Thursday, February 29th at Maine Beer Company to celebrate the release of the completely revised 2nd Edition of Birdwatching in Maine: The Complete Site Guide! 

By the way, the book is now available here at the store.

And, in case you missed it, I was on 207 last night talking about the new edition.