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.

1 thought on “ Recent Highlights, 2/24– 3/1/2024”

  1. Alan Seamans

    Hi Derek,

    I don’t know if it’s of interest to you but on Tuesday afternoon, I was delighted to spot a NORTHERN HARRIER gliding lazily over a snow-free field in the Danville Junction section in Auburn, at the corner of Moose Brook Road and Old Danville Road. It was flying southeastward in the direction of the Morin Brick plant. The buoyant flight, white rump patch, and remarkably owl-like facial disc were unmistakable. It didn’t hurt that the warm sun was at a perfect angle! I was shocked to see one at this time of year, but apparently they are increasingly spotted in winter in parts of the state, especially south coastal Maine. Beautiful bird (but then again, aren’t they ALL?!)

    Best,

    Alan Seamans

    Lisbon, ME

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