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 4^th 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 6^th, 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.

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