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 14^th. 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 27^th at Bradbury Mountains State Park and Sunday, April 28^th 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 13^th 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 27^th.