This Nashville Warbler (above) was one of two still on Peak’s Island as of the 1st, and this Orange-crowned Warbler (below) was one of four or five still on the island. Orange-crowned Warblers are pretty hardy, but if the Nashvilles are still hanging on, they would be questioning their life decision this morning! Speaking of, best wishes, wherever you are, to the Virginia’s Warbler that has not been seen since the 11/29.
Well, winter set in rather quickly this week, didn’t it? And no doubt much to the chagrin of the many vagrants, “pioneers,” and “half-hardies” that we have been enjoying recently. Despite the widespread below-zero temperatures by week’s end, I still saw four species of warblers this week. But I won’t expect that next week. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days.
- 1 continuing MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER, Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, 11/29 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
- 2 continuing NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 3 Orange-crowned Warblers (at least 2 continuing), and 1 continuing COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, but no sign of the Virginia’s, Peak’s Island, Portland, 12/1 (with Jeannette. Photos above).
- 1 1st cycle Iceland Gull, Maine State Pier, Portland, 12/1 (with Jeannette).
- 1 Hermit Thrush, Commercial Street, Portland (near cruise ship terminal), 12/1 (with Jeannette).
- 1 ad. Red-shouldered Hawk, Ann St, Lisbon Falls, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson).
- 2 WILSON’S SNIPE and 4 Lesser Scaup, Lake Auburn, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson).
- 1 Fish Crow, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson). 2-4 Fish Crows have been reliable here since April, including in the past few weeks.
- 1 Northern Flicker, our feeders in Durham, 12/4.
- Scattered Evening Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills continue in the area this week as well.
One of the pair had returned here after taking a run at a Bald Eagle.
Maine Birding Field Notes 
That Nashville Warbler looks remarkably like a bird I saw at my window feeder in Freeport just a few days ago (12/4, I think). I knew it was some kind of warbler, but I didn’t recognize what kind – I usually only see yellow rumped warblers, and only rarely. I did get a good look at him, but when I tried to ID him with both Merlin and the All About Birds website, I couldn’t find a match. Sadly I didn’t have my phone handy, so I couldn’t take a photo.
He looked rather confused, and I only saw him the one time – he hasn’t been back that I’ve seen. Is it possible that I did in fact see a Nashville Warbler?
it would be quite rare, yes, but they seem to be “everywhere” right now. Orange-crowned Warblers (some plumages can look a lot like Nashville; linger later, and are more likely to visit feeders) are around in above average small numbers, but Nashville is unusually not-as-rare-as-it should-be this fall for some unknown reason. So yes: maybe! It is the Nashville Hot Fall after all!