Category Archives: Birding in Maine

BELATED: A Rufous Hummingbird in Bath (posted 12/29/25)

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Confirmed by in-hand measurements and very detailed photographs, this adult female Rufous Hummingbird graced a Bath yard from October 31st to December 26th, 2025.

On Halloween, Sue and Bill Barker had quite a treat in their Bath yard: a hummingbird!

Each year, we put out a call on our email and print newsletter to keep your hummingbird feeders up as long as freezing temperatures permit, and to call us if you see a hummingbird after October 1st (and especially after October 7th). Among other outstanding records, this resulted in New England’s first Broad-tailed Hummingbird in 2022.

Maine’s 1st Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Freeport (Nov-Dec 2022).

This year, we have received five hummingbird reports since October 7th, with the previous four including photos and/or video that were good enough to identify as Ruby-throated. Or, at least, rule out everything but that and the state’s first Black-chinned Hummingbird (we’re waiting!). Given the date of the 10/31 report, the statistics suggest that it’s more likely to be something else, so I asked for some photos.

Sue took some photos through her window and screen, and they suggested a warmth in overall color to the bird that would be on the extreme end of Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Sue invited me over for a look, and after waiting for about 45 minutes in the early afternoon on November 2nd, the bird appeared and soon flashed the reddish-brown in the tail indicative of a hummingbird in the genus Selasphorous.

My photos are not very good (mediocre camera in shadow and low afternoon winter light), but they clearly show a Selasphorous hummingbird.

After discussing the situation with the homeowners, it was clear that, unfortunately, this was not a location that could be made public. It sucks, but there was no way to share this widely. Small, dead-end road, partially shared driveway, proximity to the house and the neighbor’s house, and all of the other circumstances that can lead to well, things going wrong when masses appear. We’ve had this happen often enough to guard against it, and privacy and homeowners’ rights always come first in our book (it’s partly why we are trusted with these special birds!). I did wander around and see if there was enough parking nearby to place a hummingbird feeder in a much less intrusive location (like we did with the aforementioned Broad-tailed) but that wasn’t practical or feasible in this case. I am sorry.

But needing to know more, and learn the bird’s identification, the decision was made to allow a very small number of visitors to contact the homeowner and arrange a time to view the bird and obtain additional photographs. I reached out to Scott Weidensaul, and arrangements began to be made to have it captured, banded, measured (and released).

Of course, I dispatched Bill Thompson immediately! And as usual, he “crushed” it!

Highly suggestive – and perhaps all but conclusive, short of in-hand measurements – of an adult female Rufous Hummingbird based on the observations and photographs by several of us, and especially with a close analysis of the tail feathers in particular (critical for these non-adult male Selasphorous), Scott attempted to band it. Unfortunately, the first effort was not successful.

The bird continued to visit, more frequently and reliably as the days got shorter and colder. On 11/11, Jeannette and I visited the yard and were treated to three visits in a mere 30 minutes. While Jeannette worked on getting additional photos, I observed the bird’s behavior and feeding pattern in case we needed to get creative with the next banding attempt. I saw where she came from, fed in the backyard, then perched in a sunny bush with a good view of the front feeder, before feeding longer at that front yard feeder. And then repeat the pattern, as hummingbirds are wont to do.

Then, on 11/14, Scott Weidensaul successfully trapped and studied the hummingbird in the hand, taking measurements and confirming our identification of adult female Rufous Hummingbird. This would be the 15th or 16th accepted record of Rufous Hummingbird in Maine according to the Maine Bird Records Committee. However, “unreviewed” reports likely include identifiable individuals, and I stand by my identification of this bird in our Pownal yard in 2021 as a Rufous Hummingbird, despite the lack of measurements in the hand (she departed before banding could be arranged).

A Rufous Hummingbird in our Yard!

And here’s the official banding report from Scott:

Band number: J73404 (the J code stands for 5100-, which won’t fit on the band).
Species: Rufous hummingbird
Age: After hatching year (adult, at least two years old)
Sex: F
Wing: 44.15mm
Tail: 26mm
Culmen (bill): 19.92mm

Bill grooving: 0 (typical for an adult)
Gorget feathers: 20+
Weight: 3.5 grams
Fat (0-5 scale): 3
Width of R5: 3.69mm
R2: moderate nippling

Scott then said, “All of her measurements are in line for a female rufous vs. and Allen’s. Her wing, tail and culmen measurements are all good for RUHU but beyond the upper limit for ALHU, which would lack the slight notch or nipple on R2. All in all she seemed to be in great shape and was quiet and cooperative in the hand.”

__________________________

Rufous vs Allen’s Hummingbirds, in non-adult male plumages are one of the most challenging identifications in all of North American birds, and so all the stops were pulled out here to confirm it’s identification. This blog will be submitted to the Maine Bird Records Committee for its review as well to add to “the record.”

When Jeannette and I first opened the store way back in 2004 (!), we were surprised to find out how persistent the myth of “take down your hummingbird feeders by Labor Day or they won’t migrate” was. It’s simply untrue. Instead, we encouraged people to keep them up much, much later, as it’s the latest migrants that need the help of supplemental food the most, especially after the first hard frost that knocks out most if not all of local flowers, such as the late blooming native, Orange-spotted Jewelweed. We also knew that there had to be more records of rare hummingbirds occurring in Maine, so we encouraged people to keep their feeders out, their eyes open, and to give us a call.

Meanwhile, a frequent question we receive is “what happens to these really late hummingbirds?”

It’s a great question! And with banding, we are beginning to find out! For example, a lot of these birds are departing the northeast on favorable winds after strong cold snaps but in good condition (fat score in particular). That suggests birds are doing the right thing and leaving when they need to.

With an increasing number of banded Rufous Hummingbirds – and other species – overwintering in the southeastern US, and returning in subsequent years, we know that not all of these vagrants are evolutionary dead ends. In fact, perhaps just the opposite – the survivors who are adapting to a changing world and a changing climate.

I found this pretty good overview via a quick search that touches upon the most commonly asked questions about vagrant hummingbirds, with Scott once again playing the leading role as he has with our recent Maine hummers! I encourage you to check it out.

Thanks to our loyal customers and observers, this is the 3rd Rufous Hummingbird that has come to light through us, along with one other Rufous/Allen’s, and of course, the famous Broad-tailed. And countless truant Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been aided (and we have confirmed at dozens of late Ruby-throats, averaging about 5 direct reports of late hummingbirds after October 7th each year since 2014) along the way.

Sue and Bill’s Rufous hummingbird turned out to be just as tough as so many vagrant hummingbirds in the Northeast prove to be. Sue reports, “Our little friend made it through all that snow and the low temps, but I think by last Friday she had had it and took off.  She was real active in the morning, (we saw her frequently), and  was doing a lot of feeding.  Then she was gone.”

Thanks to Sue’s diligent care, and the deployment of a heated hummingbird feeder – the same one that sustained the Broad-tailed as it was donated to the cause by its host! – the Rufous was afforded every opportunity to fuel up, continue to molt and build strength, and depart when she was ready.

This perfectly fits the pattern and behavior of “lingering” vagrant hummingbirds. Scott added “That sounds like absolutely classic departure behavior…My hope is that one of my many colleagues down on the Gulf Coast will recapture her this winter, read that band number and let us connect the dots. No guarantees, obviously, but it happens more often than you’d think… And Derek and I will be waiting to perhaps hear from you again next fall that she’s back, because *that* happens even more often than later, distant encounters.”

While I personally had planned to get back over there for some updated photos to see if her molt has progressed at all, I didn’t make the time before she finally departed. I am OK with that! I join Sue, Bill, and Scott in wishing her on her way!

This Week’s Highlights 12/13– 12/19/2025.

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These tarrying drake Green-winged Teal were snoozing in the Mallard flock along the Auburn Riverwalk on the 16th (above) and at Mill Creek Cove in South Portland on the 18th (below).  I don’t like to disturb birds, so I have lots of sleeping duck photos! I enjoy the calmness of it, and one can really take in the intricacies of the rest of the plumage that way.

A frigid start to the week yielded to a warming trend by week’s end. Will we see a “stirring of the pot” with the warm-up and upcoming storm system? My observations of note from the past seven days included concentrating waterfowl and a brutal, but productive day on the Southern York County CBC. Here are the highlights:

  • 1 drake BARROW’S GOLDENEYE (first of season locally), Broad Cove Preserve, Cumberland, 12/13 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • Southern York County CBC, 12/15: Moody Sector with Jeannette:

2,168 individuals of 54 species, led by 440 Mallards, 272 Canada Geese, and 258 European Starlings. Landbirds – especially resident “yard birds” – and oceanfront waterbirds were insanely low, even given challenges of a bitter cold day with strong winds. Almost all landbirds besides starlings, Rock Pigeon, House Sparrow, and Song Sparrow were very low for us. Exceptions include a very high count of 23 Yellow-rumped Warblers (Ogunquit Beach dunes) and a total of 28 Horned Larks. Nonetheless, our roster of notable birds was above recent average, with highlights including:

_2_ ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS (been a long time for us in this territory! Only 2nd time there was been more than on on this CBC!) one dark morph (probable immature) and 1 light morph immature, both seen soaring and hunting late in the afternoon from the north end of the Footbridge parking lot. Dark-morph spotted around 2:30pm, and seen again at about 3:30pm when the light morph appeared. We lost the dark morph, but the light bird eventually glided overhead and disappeared over the treeline, heading south.

1 KILLDEER, Ogunquit River Marsh from Bourne Ave

2 hen and 1 drake NORTHERN PINTAIL, Ogunquit Rivermouth

2+ Red Crossbills, flying over Bourne Ave.

1 Savannah Sparrow, Furbish Ave.

13 Sanderlings, Ogunquit Beach.

  • 2+ Fish Crows, Anniversary Park, Auburn, and 2-3 along Auburn Riverwalk, 12/16 (see last week’s Highlights for a FICR discussion).
  • 1 drake GREEN-WINGED TEAL, Auburn Riverwalk, 12/16. Photo above.
  • 16 Snow Buntings, North River Road (in parking lot next to boat launch), Auburn, 12/16.
  • 1 Swamp Sparrow, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 12/17
  • 1 Evening Grosbeak, here at the store, 12/17.
  • 2 drake GADWALLS, 1 continuing pair Green-winged Teal, and 1 1st-cycle Iceland Gull, Mill Creek Cove, South Portland, 12/18 (photos above and below).

This hen Green-winged Teal, her plumage no less detailed and intricate than the male’s, was also dozing at Mill Creek Cove on the 18th. She woke up and took a swim though!

This Week’s Highlights, 12/6 – 12/12/2025.

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One of likely at least 7 Fish Crows that I encountered along the Auburn Riverwalk posed nicely for me on a chilly morning on the 11th. How many Fish Crows are now in the neighborhood, and how many might overwinter?
I guess I’ll try and find out!

Because it wasn’t wintery enough already in Southern Maine, I drove north for my annual early-December Greater Bangor birding visit, which is always a good way to gauge the coming winter’s food resources and irruption status, for better and for worse! Here are all of my observations of note over the past seven days:

  • 1 American Woodcock, Winslow Park, Freeport, 12/6 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • Three days, mostly in Penobscot County, didn’t produce nearly as many irruptives as I had hoped. In fact, all finches other than American Goldfinch were scarce. I encountered a few flocks of American Robins, but few other frugivores so far, despite widespread ample crabapple and other fruit crops. Visiting the same spots as I do every year, plus a few additional locations gave me some idea of food recent and current species compositions. Recent bitter cold rapidly froze up many seasonal hotspots were locked in, but my total of 42 species was nowhere near my lowest tally over the years from this route! My highlights included the following:
  • 1 drake Ring-necked Duck, Fisherman’s Park, Brewer, 12/7.
  • 2 continuing Fish Crows and 3-4 first-cycle Iceland Gulls, Bangor Waterfront Park, 12/7.
  • 1 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL (FOS), 1 AMERICAN GOSHAWK, and 11 PINE GROSBEAKS (FOY), Stud Mill Road, 12/8.
  • 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Littlefield Gardens, University of Maine – Orono, 12/8.
  • 1 hen Barrow’s Goldeneyes (FOS), Shawmut Dam from River Road, Benton, 12/9.
  • 1+ Lapland Longspur, ~20 Snow Buntings, and 75-100 Horned Larks, Wyman Road, Benton, 12/9.
  • 6-7+ FISH CROWS in Auburn, 12/11. A small colony of Fish Crows have been frequenting Auburn (and sometimes across the river in Lewiston) for several years now. Two may have overwintered here last year, although I stopped seeing them mid-winter around Anniversary Park and the Auburn/Lewiston riverfront where I tend to bird at that time of year. This winter, at least 2 have been reliable at Anniversary Park, with one eating ash seeds across the Little Androscoggin, and another calling to it from the nearby neighborhood. Then, at least 2 more began calling from further up the Little Andy. All four were audible when I left, and then I walked the Auburn Riverwalk.  There, two more were feeding contently in the Bradford/Callory Pears at the Hilton Garden Inn. Walking back south, I encountered another contently-feeding bird eating ash seeds near the pedestrian bridge. Crows can fly faster than I walk, but there was not a perceptible movement or flow of either the Fish or the abundant American Crows at the time. It’s possible there were only 4, but my guess is there were 7 individuals encountered today. I’ll be keeping my ears open all winter to see if they stick around! Of course, with many thousands of American Crows coalescing to roost here it can be a needle in a haystack to find them and see if they are setting up a resident population (most of Maine’s Fish Crows are migratory, but it seems that outlier colonies – like here and Bangor – seem less likely to migrate. A couple of few individuals of the larger Brunswick colony also seem to stick around now. Will it be long before Fish Crows are a widespread, year-round resident of the state? Photo of one of them above.
  • 2 Red Crossbills in Bradbury Mountain State Park, 12/12, were my only Reds anywhere in the state this week.

This Week’s Highlights 11/29 – 12/5/2025.

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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.
The Peregrine Falcon pair of Lewiston-Auburn is back to frequenting their favorite winter perches, such as this rooftop tower near the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge.
One of the pair had returned here after taking a run at a Bald Eagle.

Virginia’s Warbler on Peak’s Island, 11/2025.

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It’s been an extraordinary rarity season in Maine this fall. Perhaps it’s been the weather patterns, widespread drought, increasing use of neonicotinoid pesticides, or perhaps – according to a recent paper – geomagnetic storms!

But whatever it is, it’s made for an active month for vagrants here in Maine. Monhegan was epic at the end of September, October was pretty good on the mainland, and November has been exceptional. And, we still haven’t fully entered the rare-birds-at-feeders season, although there have already been quite a few noteworthy feeder visitors.

2025 Monhegan Fall Migration Weekend Tour Report

Personally, I’ve had a great fall, especially on Monhegan, and as you have read in my This Week’s Highlights blog (if you’re the one or two people who actually read it!), I’ve had quite a few notable finds, some fun chases, and overall great birding recently. But I hadn’t turned up a “mega” to add to the tally. On Monday, 11/24, I continued my search by taking a day to bird Peak’s Island, one of my favorite late fall birding destinations.

Arriving on the 7:45 ferry from Portland, I began my usual circuit, working around town to Picnic Point. The wrack line here always looks prime for a vagrant!

A short while later, at about 8:30am, I paused at one of my usual thickets on Seashore Ave, diagonally opposite the 5th Regiment Museum. There are always birds here, augmented by a dense tangle, some tall trees, and a few small feeders behind it.

On Monday, it was very active as usual, with numerous Northern Cardinals, a lot of House Finches, and other typical residents. Movement caught my eye in a stand of still mostly-still-leafed willow trees towards the back right of the thicket, approximately 25 yards from the roadside.

Three warbler-like birds were chasing each other. One appeared to be an aggressor, and I was hearing repeated short, high-pitched call notes that were either, or very similar to, Nashville Warbler. It’s been an extraordinary fall for “late” Nashville Warblers (although they are likely drift vagrants, mirror vagrants, or even reverse migrants rather than just behind schedule), so this was not too surprising. But three non-Yellow-rumped Warblers in one tree? That’s notable on November 24th!

The first bird I saw well was a bright, adult male-type Nashville Warbler (NAWA). The birds, still chasing each other and not sitting still, were not easy to see, but the second bird I got my binoculars on was rather confusing. I observed it for as long as I could, but the distance was just a bit too far.

A very drab Orange-crowned Warbler (OCWA) first came to mind, especially with the yellow undertail coverts, but the bird was really, really gray. A flat, cool, not at all yellowish or greenish gray. It was flicking its tail like a NAWA, but even more emphatically. It turned around, and I saw its breast, and there was a small amount of yellow there. Wait, what!? The patch was smaller and more isolated than a drab female Northern Parula, but there were no wingbars are at all, and it was too long-tailed.

I noted an eye-ring, but the distance made it hard to tell how bold it was, whether or not it was complete, or even if it was really white like a NAWA. I went for my camera, hoping to zoom in to see detail, but the birds were far too active and in too dense of a twiggy tree, so coupled with the distance, this was a complete fail.

Two birds departed to the right, but the bird of interest remained for another minute or three, calling very similarly to a Nashville Warbler, but quite emphatic. I then lost it, too.

By now, I was putting the pieces together and was under the suspicion that this was a Virginia’s Warbler, but I was not convinced. With all three birds departing as of 8:48, I opened up my Sibley app to refresh my memory (it’s been quite some time since I have seen a VIWA!) and listen to the call. The call recording on the app included two pitches of calls, the second of which was spot-on for what I was hearing from this very drab, gray, not-quite-Nashville warbler.

Hmm…but why didn’t I notice the yellow rump? Or was I just focusing on the rest of the bird? All of the views were so painfully brief, and I never saw the complete bird at one time.

About 10-15 minutes later, the trio returned: the adult male-type NAWA, a second, drab immature-female-type NAWA, and the likely VIWA. In a brief view, I noticed the all gray head, reminiscent of a female American Redstart, and confirmed the presence of yellow in the center of the breast.

The birds departed again, to the right, across Ryefield Street, but I only glimpsed one bird and it was likely the VIWA. I walked around the block, noticed a few feeders on New Island Avenue, but I did not find any warblers. Since they had returned to the original stand of willows three times now, I stood in place now, about a full hour after my original observation and I started sending out texts and scribbling notes.

I noticed that the recycling container at the house adjacent to the thicket had been taken in. Damn; I missed the homeowner! I needed to get closer to the thicket if the bird returns, but I am absolutely unwilling to trespass or enter yards without being invited/given permission. Many of you have understood this from my tours to Monhegan, but I stand by this elsewhere. But did it cost me today?

Happily, a short while later, the homeowner was in his yard and after a brief chat, allowed me to hang out in his backyard. It was now 10:28. He even brought me a comfy chair! I was so appreciative, now that I was camped out next to the willows, no warblers reappeared. I took another loop around the block, then returned to my chair. A single Evening Grosbeak dropped into the thicket, and I glimpsed what was almost certainly a Lark Sparrow within a House Sparrow flock, but I did not pursue it to confirm.

By 11:15, I was cold and needed to get a real walk in, so I departed, birding my usual circuit out to and through Battery Steele (found a Common Yellowthroat there) and otherwise enjoyed a rather birdy day on the island. A Hermit Thrush, a couple of Swamp Sparrows, a growing cadre of Red-necked Grebes offshore, and tons of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the woods. Song Sparrows were also unusually abundant.

I walked into town for lunch to go (the wraps at Unruly Girls’ Peaks Cafe are fantastic as always, but the hot chai was even more clutch!). I was back to the thicket at 1:36. The sun that broke through while I was far away had mostly been enveloped by clouds once, and the wind was picking up. Neither was particularly helpful. I departed at 2:25 to catch the 2:45 departure (I had planned on leaving before lunch!)

I was frustrated. I knew what I saw, but was bothered by what I did not see, and how unsatisfying and conclusive my views were. I felt confident that it was indeed a VIWA, but I don’t like birding by default or identification by the sum of all parts!

I thought about going back the next day but couldn’t. I must say, the oral surgery may have been less painful than having this bird get away!

I looked at guides, viewed photos online, and concluded there was little doubt that I had seen a VIWA. But the mind can play tricks on you, and memory can be affected by the post-observation studies, so it was bothering me. Jeannette asked if I was going to “count it?”

I didn’t know. So, on Wednesday morning, I decided to be a little late for work and go back to Peak’s Island. I couldn’t help it; I had to! Jeannette agreed.

Walking to the ferry terminal, I stumbled upon a Nashville Warbler on Commercial Street, near the cruise ship terminal, which I took as a good sign. 7:45 ferry, 8:05 arrival on the island, and I was to the thicket by 8:30, after a thorough check on Picnic Point on the way (the foggy conditions had me hoping to refind the bird on the wrack line like so many late-season insectivores find sustenance).

I stared at the thicket, but overall bird activity was much slower than two days prior. At 8:55, I began walking down Seashore, towards Maple Street. I soon heard warblers! I first heard a Yellow-rumped Warbler from quite some distance, but then heard NAWA, or NAWA-like, calls.

In the side yard of 66 Seashore, I found not three, but 5 warblers: 2 NAWA, a YRWA, and a drab Orange-crowned. Very drab. Hmm…could I have blown this mystery warbler? Was this all I had seen? No, no way! And then warbler #5 popped out: Virginia’s Warbler!!!!!

Between this yard, and the first yard on Maple Street a minute later, I had several perfect views at varying distances, and all field marks were observed. With a good look, there sure wasn’t any mistaking this bird!

Thin, slim warbler with a thin bill; bold but thin white eyering; cool gray upperparts with no wingbars, and here, you can just make out part of the yellow rump.
Most of my views – and all of them on Monday – were like this: small parts of a small bird between twigs! Here, however, you can see the plain gray overall color, complete, thin eye-ring, and a hint of the yellowish undertail.

I followed the flock back towards the original thicket and willow trees, but I lost their tail. I decided to be responsible and head back for the 10:00 ferry and get to work. I also had left my Tylenol in the car. Besides, my job here was done! This is the 4th or 5th record for Maine, and the first away from Monhegan.

Addendum: Several friends arrived on the next ferry, and after a short while found the bird in the same area, often returning to the original thicket from Monday. I was so focused on identification of the VIWA that I probably didn’t take a full inventory of all of the warblers that were around. They had at least 4 OCWA now, 2-3 NAWA, 2 YRWA, and crushing views of the VIWA. The bird was seen by many through the afternoon. And thanks again to the homeowners who accepted my presence in their yard and invited others in later that day!

I also can’t help but wonder if there will be a “Patagonia Picnic Table Effect” as birders descend upon and follow this possibly-growing flock of unseasonable warblers. Could I be heading back to Peak’s soon? I’ll at least be able to grab another Mediterranean wrap this time.

12/1 UPDATE: The VIWA has not been seen since the afternoon of 12/29. Birders searched for it on 12/30 and had 1+ NAWA and 4 OCWA in the area. Today, Jeannette and I spent the morning looking for it to no avail. In the Seashore Avenue area, we had 2 NAWA and 2-3 OCWA. As we widened our search, Jeannette and I had a continuing COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in the same spot as last Monday and another OCWA, both near Battery Steele.

This Week’s Highlights 11/13 – 11/20/2025.

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Six, somewhat-late American Pipits at Carrying Place Cove in Lubec were among the highlights of three days of dedicated rarity-searching in Washington County for our “weekend” this week. I was hoping for a wagtail though…or a Meadow Pipit.

I had a very busy week of birding, led by three days of searching for rarities in Washington County. Locally, my observations of note over the past eight days were as follows:

  • Scattered Red Crossbills continue in southern Maine, and Pine Siskins are increasing now.
  • 1 Orange-crowned Warbler and 1 “Western” Palm Warbler, Eastern Promenade, Portland, 11/13.
  • 1 Indigo Bunting, West Commercial Street, Portland, 11/13.
  • 1 Orange-crowned Warbler (my 10th of the season!), South Portland Greenbelt Pathway, 11/13.
  • 1 Rusty Blackbird, our property in Durham, 11/15.
  • 1 NASHVILLE WARBLER and a variety of marginally late migrants such as 2 Hermit Thrushes and a Chipping Sparrow, etc, Bailey Island, Harpswell, 11/20.

Jeannette and I visited Washington County 11/16-18, with our priority being all of those little places we see in the summer that “looks good for rarities” in the late fall Rarity Season. So finally, we made it happen. Unfortunately, one day of rain, one day of snow, and two days of very strong winds made bird-finding rather challenging. We would have much preferred these clear and calm days of the second half of the week!

Our notable observations included:

  • 3 continuing Gadwall, 18 American Wigeon, 8 Northern Pintail, 182 Green-winged Teal, etc, Sebasticook Lake, 11/16.
  • 1 BARN SWALLOW, Roque Bluffs State Park, 11/16.
  • 6 American Pipits, Carrying Place Cove, Lubec, 11/17 (photo above).
  • 1 4th-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 1st-cycle Iceland Gull, Mowry Beach, Lubec, 11/17.
  • 1 1st-cycle Iceland Gull, Lubec village waterfront, 11/17.
  • 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, Old Farm Point Park, Lubec, 11/17.
  • 4 Snow Buntings, Petit Manan NWR, 11/18.
  • 1 1st-cycle Icleand Gull, Bangor Waterfront Park, 11/18.
  • Locally unexpected/rare: 1 Tufted Titmouse in a mixed species foraging flock at Hamilton Cove Preserve on 11/17 and two Red-bellied Woodpeckers in Lubec on 11/17 (“downtown” and Old Farm Point Park). Meanwhile, Red-breasted Nuthatches were exceptionally abundant, while both Black-capped Chickadee and Golden-crowned Kinglets seemed above average. Every mixed species foraging flock had plenty of each of the big three.
  • Finches: American Goldfinches were fairly widespread, and scattered small numbers of Purple Finches were around, but since finches are often detected via flight calls, the weather – especially the strong winds – did not make it easy to detect them. We also spent less time in Boreal habitats on this trip than most. So, other than those two, our finch observations were sadly limited to only 1 Evening Grosbeak and 5 Common Redpolls (FOF), Hamilton Cove Preserve, 11/17; 2 Red Crossbills and 2+ Pine Siskins, Machias River Preserve, Machias, 11/18.
  • Frugivores: American Robins were the only widespread frugivore so far, including an ample vismig on 11/17 with snow falling. 8 Cedar Waxwings and a distant flock of about 30 likely Bohemian Waxwings at Old Farm Point Park on 11/17. We were disappointed to not run into any Pine Grosbeaks.

This Week’s Highlights 10/30 – 11/5/2025.

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This Orange-crowned Warbler was an “expected surprise” as we birded the Rarity Season nooks and crannies of Bailey Island in Harpswell on a Harpswell Heritage Land Trust tour this past Sunday.

What an incredible week of birding in Maine! Rarity Season is off to a roaring start, and notable birds are being reported around the state. As usual, I spent as much time as I could bird-finding. OK, I chased a little, too, because ‘tis the season! While I didn’t add to the list of Megas this week, I encountered a number of notable seasonal observations, especially “late/lingering/pioneering” migrants. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days:

  • 4 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 18 Pectoral Sandpipers, 18+ White-rumped Sandpipers, 12 Semipalmated Plovers, 2 Snow Buntings (first of fall), 1 American Tree Sparrow (FOF), 4 Great Egrets, etc, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 10/30.
  • 18-21 continuing RED KNOTS, 10 White-rumped Sandpipers, etc, Ferry Beach, Scarborough, 10/30.
  • 1 1st cycle Iceland Gull (first of fall), Trundy Point, Cape Elizabeth, 11/1 (with Bill Thompson).
  • 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and 1 Lesser Yellowlegs with 14 Greater Yellowlegs, Walsh Preserve, Freeport, 11/1 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Fox Sparrow (FOF), our property in Durham, 11/1-3.
  • 1 NORTHERN PARULA, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, etc, Bailey Island, Harpswell, 11/2 (with Harpswell Heritage Land Trust tour group).
  • 1 continuing MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER, Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, 11/3 (with Jeannette and m.obs). Found on 11/2 by Noah Gibb and Stacey Huth, this western vagrant was typical for members of its genus during migration. In other words, it was wicked hard to photograph, even when it popped out into the open. Over the course of an hour, Jeannette and I enjoyed some fantastic views, but they were all fleeting, and too quick for her camera! It continues through at least today, 11/5.
  • 1 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, 11/3, Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, 11/3. First spotted by Jeannette and I, a few people glimpsed it and then several others independently relocated it later. Interestingly, we saw it fly across the river, almost exactly where we watched the MacGillivray’s cross several hours later. Both happily, came back, suggesting birds are foraging in a wide area here, which suggests the need for patience when seeking the MACW! Two fly-over Evening Grosbeaks there as well were my FOF.
  • 18 Evening Grosbeaks and 2+ Red Crossbills, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 11/5.

Our Last Tour of 2025 still has some space remaining, speaking of rarity season!

  • Birds on Tap℠ – Roadtrip! Rarity Roundup

​November 9, 2025; 8:00am – 3:00pm

Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brews Cruise) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for six very special outings in 2025. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

Early November is a fantastic time of year in Maine for vagrants – birds normally seen in far-off places.  Due to a combination of weather patterns, changing seasonal food resources, falling temperatures, and other factors – some of which are not completely understood – birds that may have ended up in Maine by “accident” begin to concentrate at the coast in “migrant traps” and “hotspots.”  In other words, this is the time of year to expect the unexpected.  

​A traditional “Rarity Roundup” involves teams of birders heading out on a given day during rarity prime time, looking for species that are not supposed to be around. And in honor of that tradition, that’s exactly what we are going to do on this unique tour. We may “chase” a rarity (go to see something that has already been found, aka “twitch”) or we might choose a destination known for rare birds in an attempt to find one of our own. Or perhaps, we’ll do both!

​Anything between Portland and Kittery is fair game, and we might not even know where we will head until we are on the bus and the latest rare bird alert is received. For those who love adding a bird to your Life or State List, and/or basking in the thrill of discovery, well then this is the tour for you! In between seeing great birds, we’ll discuss the complex factors that are involved in delivering rarities to an area, and how we go about finding them.

​After about 3-4 hours of birding, depending on drive time, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles.

This Week’s Highlights 10/23 – 10/29/2025.

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I’m just a big fan of “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrows, so it was nice to spend some quality time with them this week, including these two at Kettle Cove on Monday.

Most of my birding over the past seven days was very local, especially on our property and out the store’s window. While those were both pleasantly birdy, my few days in the field were even more rewarding. Rarity season is certainly upon us, and while I didn’t chase anything that has been seen recently, I made sure to check spots on my own that could be productive at this time of year. Here are my observations of note over the last seven days.

  • I spent a lot of time birding our property in Durham this week, with the most notable sighting being a late AMERICAN REDSTART on 10/23.
  • 292 Ruddy Ducks, 131 Lesser Scaup, 124 Greater Scaup, 21 distant scaup, 6 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Semipalmated Plovers, etc, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 10/23.
  • 1 Nashville Warbler, Auburn Riverwalk, 10/23.
  • 1 Nashville Warbler, garden here at the store, 10/25.
  • 1 VESPER SPARROW, 2 Orange-crowned Warblers, 3 Common Yellowthroats, 2-3 “Ispwich” Savannah Sparrows, etc, Kettle Cove-Crescent Beach State Parks, Cape Elizabeth, 10/27.
  • 1 “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow, 3 Great Egrets, etc, Back Cove, Portland, 10/27.

Our Last Tour of 2025 still has some space remaining, speaking of rarity season!

  • Birds on Tap℠ – Roadtrip! Rarity Roundup

November 9, 2025; 8:00am – 3:00pm.

Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brews Cruise) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for six very special outings in 2025. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

Early November is a fantastic time of year in Maine for vagrants – birds normally seen in far-off places.  Due to a combination of weather patterns, changing seasonal food resources, falling temperatures, and other factors – some of which are not completely understood – birds that may have ended up in Maine by “accident” begin to concentrate at the coast in “migrant traps” and “hotspots.”  In other words, this is the time of year to expect the unexpected.  

A traditional “Rarity Roundup” involves teams of birders heading out on a given day during rarity prime time, looking for species that are not supposed to be around. And in honor of that tradition, that’s exactly what we are going to do on this unique tour. We may “chase” a rarity (go to see something that has already been found, aka “twitch”) or we might choose a destination known for rare birds in an attempt to find one of our own. Or perhaps, we’ll do both!

​Anything between Portland and Kittery is fair game, and we might not even know where we will head until we are on the bus and the latest rare bird alert is received. For those who love adding a bird to your Life or State List, and/or basking in the thrill of discovery, well then this is the tour for you! In between seeing great birds, we’ll discuss the complex factors that are involved in delivering rarities to an area, and how we go about finding them.

​After about 3-4 hours of birding, depending on drive time, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles.

This Week’s Highlights 10/15 – 10/22/2025.

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Swamp Sparrows have been common and conspicuous on our Durham property, and elsewhere this week. I feel this, like most sparrows, is an underappreciated beauty!

My observations of note over a very productive and exciting eight days of birding included the following:

  • Highlights from our Durham property this week included near-daily American Woodcocks and Rusty Blackbirds, and a nice little arrival of more Swamp Sparrows and Purple Finches in particular on 10/21.
  • Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/15.

A very light flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth this morning.

6:55-8:30 (with Bill Thompson).

48F, mostly cloudy to partly cloudy, NW 1.7-2.5mph diminishing to calm.

51 American Robins

33 Yellow-rumped Warblers

28 Dark-eyed Juncos

17 American Goldfinches

16 Ruby-crowned Kinglets

8 Eastern Bluebirds

7 White-throated Sparrows

6 Chipping Sparrows

5 Palm Warblers

4 Hermit Thrushes

4 Golden-crowned Kinglets

3 Blue-headed Vireos

3 Purple Finches

3 Swamp Sparrows

2 Pine Siskins

2 Rusty Blackbirds

2 Tufted Titmice (4 false-starts and counting)

1 Red-breasted Nuthatch

1 Blackpoll Warbler

1 White-breasted Nuthatch

1 Downy Woodpecker (2+ false-starts)

1 House Finch

1 American Pipit

1 Northern Flicker

1 Magnolia Warbler

1 unidentified

Total  = 203

  • 1 continuing CACKLING GOOSE, Thornhurst Farm, North Yarmouth, 10/15 (with Bill Thompson).
  • 1 Least Sandpiper, 1 White-rumped Sandpipers, and 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, Walsh Preserve, Freeport, 10/15 (with Bill Thompson).
  • Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/16.

An excellent flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth this morning.

6:55 to 10:40am.

44F, Mostly cloudy, NW 4.3 – 9.0 increasing to 15.1 – 19.7mph with higher gusts.

2186 American Robins (*NEW RECORD! – just barely).

1776 Yellow-rumped Warblers

167 unidentified

127 Dark-eyed Juncos (One was quite likely not a Slate-colored, but my photos of it are not useful)

61 Common Grackles

48 Cedar Waxwings

43 Canada Geese

31 Chipping Sparrows

21 Ruby-crowned Kinglets

19 Rusty Blackbirds

18 White-throated Sparrows

13 Northern Flickers

11 Golden-crowned Kinglets

11 Purple Finches

9 Pine Siskins

7 Palm Warblers

4 Blue-headed Vireos

4 unidentified finches

4 Hermit Thrushes

4 Song Sparrows (crossed together at 8:29. This is only my second or third observation of SOSP engaging in Morning Flight after sunrise here; plenty more in and around the parking lot as usual)

3 Merlins

3 Common Loons

3 Turkey Vultures

2 Red-winged Blackbirds

2 White-crowned Sparrows

2 Eastern Phoebes

1 Northern Parula

1 Blackpoll Warbler

1 Brown Creeper

1 Peregrine Falcon

1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

1 Cooper’s Hawk

1 American Goldfinch

1 Red-shouldered Hawk

1 Cape May Warbler

1 Red-breasted Nuthatch

1 Sharp-shinned Hawk

1 Tennessee Warbler (from Bill Thompson’s photo review)

1 Black-throated Blue Warbler (from Bill Thompson’s photo review).

Total = 4,592

  • Notables from a delightfully birdy morning on Bailey Island, Harpswell on 10/17 included a decent, and relaxingly unquantified, morning flight mostly of Yellow-rumped Warblers; 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and 1 Cape May Warbler among the migrants found here and there around the island.
  • 12 SANDHILL CRANES, Mayall Road, Gray/New Gloucester, 10/18 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 WILSON’S WARBLER and 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, Eastern Promenade, Portland, 10/18.
  • 1 DICKCISSEL, feeders here at the store, 10/19, continuing through at least 10/21. Was this the same bird seen on 10/4 and then again on 10/13-14?
  • 4 continuing FORSTER’S TERNS, Pine Point, Scarborough, 10/20 (with clients from California and Massachusetts).
  • 2 “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 10/20 (with clients from California and Massachusetts).

Our Last Tour of 2025 still has some space remaining!

Birds on Tap℠ – Roadtrip! Rarity Roundup

​November 9, 2025; 8:00am – 3:00pm

Cost – $125

​Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brews Cruise) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for six very special outings in 2025. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

Early November is a fantastic time of year in Maine for vagrants – birds normally seen in far-off places.  Due to a combination of weather patterns, changing seasonal food resources, falling temperatures, and other factors – some of which are not completely understood – birds that may have ended up in Maine by “accident” begin to concentrate at the coast in “migrant traps” and “hotspots.”  In other words, this is the time of year to expect the unexpected.  

​A traditional “Rarity Roundup” involves teams of birders heading out on a given day during rarity prime time, looking for species that are not supposed to be around. And in honor of that tradition, that’s exactly what we are going to do on this unique tour. We may “chase” a rarity (go to see something that has already been found, aka “twitch”) or we might choose a destination known for rare birds in an attempt to find one of our own. Or perhaps, we’ll do both!

Anything between Portland and Kittery is fair game, and we might not even know where we will head until we are on the bus and the latest rare bird alert is received. For those who love adding a bird to your Life or State List, and/or basking in the thrill of discovery, well then this is the tour for you! In between seeing great birds, we’ll discuss the complex factors that are involved in delivering rarities to an area, and how we go about finding them.

​After about 3-4 hours of birding, depending on drive time, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles.

This Week’s Highlights 10/8 – 10/14/2025.

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No photos represented my birding week more than Yellow-rumped Warblers in flight! Thanks, as always, to Bill for allowing me to use his photos here.

  • My tour report from our 10/5 Half-Day Pelagic out of Boothbay Harbor is posted here, including a complete species list and lots of photos.
2025 Fall Half-Day Pelagic with Freeport Wild Bird Supply and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises.

Next, my observations of note over the last seven days included the following:

  • Highlights from our Durham property this week included 1 Rusty Blackbird 10/8-9 and 3 American Woodcocks on 10/14.
  • Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/9: A record-shattering day!

An exceptional Morning Flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth this morning. In fact, it was record-breaking!

6:48-10:48am

41, clear, lt-mod NW (did not take early wind reading) decreasing then increasing back to 7.7-10.5mph before becoming increasingly gusty)

3244 Yellow-rumped Warblers (NEW RECORD!)

1423 American Robins

585 Unidentified (mostly high bunches or too far to north or south)

576 Dark-eyed Juncos (NEW RECORD!)

100+ White-throated Sparrows (Conservative estimate in parking lot area after flight; a handful appeared to cross at dawn).

59 Ruby-crowned Kinglets

50 Palm Warblers

74 Northern Flickers

72 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers

44 Rusty Blackbirds (NEW RECORD)

43 Golden-crowned Kinglets

18 Chipping Sparrows

16 Black-throated Green Warblers

15 Northern Parulas

14 Cedar Waxwings

11 Purple Finches

10 unidentified kinglets

9 American Pipits

8 Blue-headed Vireos

6 Blackpoll Warblers

6 Hermit Thrushes (minimum, with two or several repeatedly visiting pasture rose hips at bridge base)

4 Eastern Bluebirds

4 Eastern Phoebes

4 American Goldfinches

3 Red-bellied Woodpeckers (NEW RECORD!)

2 Black-throated Blue Warblers

2 White-crowned Sparrows

2 Brown Creepers

2 Swamp Sparrows

2 Tufted Titmice (several false starts)

2 Merlins

2 Magnolia Warblers

2 Common Loons

1 Swainson’s Thrush (confirmed by Bill Thompson)

1 Yellow Warbler

1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER

1 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (from photo review by Bill Thompson)

1 Red-tailed Hawk

1 Red-winged Blackbird

1 Common Yellowthroat

1 American Redstart

1 Blue Jay

1 Turkey Vulture

1 unidentified sparrow (probably a Field)

1 Eastern Towhee

1 Cooper’s Hawk

1 Pine Siskin

X Song Sparrows (significant increase in parking lot area but did not count)

***Total = 6,428 *** 2ND HIGHEST ALL-TIME COUNT and HIGHEST OCTOBER COUNT!***

  • Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/10:

A good morning flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth this morning. Given the calm winds of much of the night, and the completely calm dawn, it was much more active than I expected. Kinglets were swirling all over, so my counts may be too high or very low. The Ruby-crowned count seems a touch high, while the Golden-crowned count feels low. Meanwhile, the slower and lower flight, with more birds pausing before crossing despite the lack of wind made for excellent viewing and much more relaxing and enjoyable morning!

6:49-9:52am

33F, clear, calm with a developing puff of WNW.

449 Yellow-rumped Warblers

138 Ruby-crowned Kinglets

106 American Robins

52 Golden-crowned Kinglets

37 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers

35 Dark-eyed Juncos

25 Cedar Waxwings

16 Northern Flickers

10 Eastern Bluebirds

9 Blue-headed Vireos

8 Palm Warblers

8 Chipping Sparrows

8 White-throated Sparrows

5 Red-breasted Mergansers

5 Nashville Warblers

5 Northern Parulas

4 Brown Creepers

3 Tennessee Warblers

3 Black-throated Blue Warblers

3 Hermit Thrushes

2 Blue Jays

2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers (2nd highest tally after yesterday’s record 3!)

2 American Goldfinches

2 Common Loons

2 Eastern Phoebes

2 Tufted Titmice (numerous “false starts.” Same two as yesterday?)

2 Black-capped Chickadees

2 Red-breasted Nuthatches

1 Osprey

1 Purple Finch

1 Black-throated Green Warbler

1 House Finch

1 Downy Woodpecker

1 unidentified Catharus

1 Common Yellowthroat

1 American Redstart

1 Hairy Woodpecker

1 American Pipit

1 Northern Harrier

1 Savannah Sparrow

1 Lincoln’s Sparrow

1 Red-eyed Vireo

1 Swamp Sparrow

Total = 960

  • 3 continuing juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 1 continuing juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher, Walsh Preserve, Freeport, 10/10.
  • 1 “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow (FOF), 1 Saltmarsh Sparrow, 4 Nelson’s Sparrows, 2 Red Crossbills, 2 Northern Pintails, etc, Reid State Park, Georgetown, 10/12.
  • 1 “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow and 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 10/13.

Upcoming Tours with Limited Space Available:

  • Birds on Tap℠ – The Boat Trip! Rare Birds and Island Exploration with Portland Explorer.

This Sunday! October 19, 2025; 9:00am – 2:00pm

​These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). But this time we’re leaving the van in the garage, and hitting the water! That’s right, we’re taking a cruise, and we’re returning to the private House Island in Porland Harbor twice in 2025. 

During last year’s wildly successful outing in which we became the first birding group ever on the island, we found oodles of Yellow-rumped Wabrlers, an uncommon Field Sparrow, and other migrants. But we were truly captivated by Captain Pete, who guided us through the historic fort, sharing a wealth of historical knowledge and fascinating stories. The beer was pretty darn good too, as we sampled the history of Maine’s craft beer scene. 

Building on that success, we’re visiting the private House Island in Portland Harbor twice in 2025. We’ve been granted special permission to come ashore and scour the island here in the peak of fall migration. We’ll follow well-maintained trails through the island’s mosaic of open habitats, scrub, and young woods. These are great habitats to search for a variety of migrants, and perhaps even a rarity!  

Returning in late October, once again rarities will be on our mind. While rare birds are rare, we are still going to expect the unexpected. But more likely are regular migrants of the season such as Yellow-rumped Warblers, a variety of sparrows, and a growing diversity of waterbirds. At the very least, we’ll have resident waterbirds and several species of gulls to sort through. We are having daydreams of a rare flycatcher!

As we motor back across the harbor, we’ll continue to familiarize ourselves with some of the common waterbirds, such as Common Eiders, Common Loons, and the vanguard of our winter diving ducks while enjoying a local craft beverage produced in the city of Portland. While the exact plan is subject to change, we’ll be sure to come up with a plan to adequately celebrate our discoveries.