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 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.
The Yarmouth MacGillivray’s Warbler has been hanging out since November 2nd, but its skulky nature makes it hard to photograph. The few fuzzy, out-of-focus photos I have obtained don’t do this gem justice, so I am “borrowing” these from Bill Thompson. Because he’s really, really good at this.
Rarity season continues, but I was a little more limited in my birding this week – other than a few “professional chases,” so I didn’t add to the roster of vagrants currently being seen. However, I did have some notable observations here and there over the course of the past seven days.
Sabattus Pond waterfowl on 11/7 including 341 Ruddy Ducks, 98 Green-winged Teal, 97 Lesser Scaup, 40 Greater Scaup, 6 American Wigeon, 3 Gadwalls, etc. 1 Rusty Blackbird was also present.
1 continuing MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER, Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, 11/8 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group). Originally found on 11/2 by Noah Gibb and Stacey Huth, it had been present all week, and we had a great (and unusually efficient) visit with it on our birdwalk. It was the 255th all-time species encountered on our Saturday Morning Birdwalks!
Back to Grist Mill Park for the still-continuing MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER on 11/9 with my Birds on Tap Roadtrip! “Rarity Roundup” tour. We found it within seconds of our arrival on the entrance path, foraging for the second day in a row in a patch of cultivated Pink Turtlehead.
2 Fish Crows, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 11/10 (with Jeannette).
1 Rusty Blackbird and 2 Red Crossbills, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 11/12.
1 BOHEMIAN WAXWING (first of fall), over the store with American Robins, 11/12.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?)
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.
We were surprised to find a tarrying American Oystercatcher still hanging out on Upper Green Island (where we documented them breeding once again this summer) during our Birds of Casco Bay Boat Tour on the 6th.
My tour report from Monhegan, 9/26-9/30, including lots of rarity photos can now be viewed here. Sorry for the delay here, especially for those waiting for the trip list.
Then, my observations of note over the last seven days included the following:
Highlights from our Durham property this period included a Tennessee Warbler on 10/2, 1 Rusty Blackbird on 10/3, and 4 American Woodcocks on 10/7.
Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/1.
North to north-east winds are usually not very productive for the Morning Flight at Sandy Point, but the radar images showed a huge flight overnight, so I decided to give it a try. Good thing I did! A northwesterly component inland must have “stacked” birds up against the coast, where they were then influenced by the increasing northeasterly component offshore, producing a better than expected push across the channel. The more I observe the flight here, the more I have to learn! In the end, an unexpectedly good flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth, this morning.
6:38-10:00am
46F, Clear, N 8.2-10.4 increasing to NNE 13.3-16.9mph.
238 Cedar Waxwings
222 Yellow-rumped Warblers
73 Blue Jays
64 unidentified
39 Black-throated Green Warblers
35 Dark-eyed Juncos
34 Canada Geese
33 Northern Parulas
28 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
27 Palm Warblers
26 Savannah Sparrows
23 Blackpoll Warblers
16 White-throated Sparrow (3 may have crossed at first light)
14 Northern Flickers
12 American Robins
10 Golden-crowned Kinglets
9 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
9 Chipping Sparrows
6 Nashville Warblers
6 Rusty Blackbirds
6 American Goldfinches
5 Magnolia Warblers
3 Scarlet Tanagers
2 Common Loons
2 Ospreys
2 Cape May Warblers
2 Tufted Titmice (5+ false starts)
2 Hermit Thrushes
1 Pine Warbler
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 American Pipit
1 Baltimore Oriole
1 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 Brown Creeper
1 Merlin
1 Blue-headed Vireo
1 Swamp Sparrow
1 Cooper’s Hawk
T= 959
2 Monarchs
Whale Watch with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises out of Boothbay Harbor on 10/3: 15 NORTHERN FULMAR, 13 Great Shearwaters, 1 Cory’s Shearwater, 3 Red Phalaropes, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, etc.
1 DICKCISSEL, garden here at the store, 10/4 (with m.obs).
Freeport Wild Bird Supply/Cap’n Fish’s Cruises ½ Day Pelagic out of Boothbay Harbor on 10/5 was incredible. Highlights included 18 Northern Fulmar, 29 Atlantic Puffins, 1 Pomarine Jaeger, 55 Great Shearwaters, 2 Razorbills, 54+ Red-necked Phalaropes, 3 Red Phalaropes, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Peregrine Falcon driving an Ovenbird into the ocean, and a playful pod of Common Dolphins. Full trip report with photos soon.
1 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Upper Green Island; photo above), 125+ Laughing Gulls, 126 Black-bellied Plovers, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, etc, Casco Bay, 10/6, via Birds of Casco Bay boat tour with Seacoast Tours (Photo above).
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 – or the one that got away!
One of the stars of the show during an epic weekend on Monhegan included this Black-throated Gray Warbler that I found with my tour on 9/28. There are only 5-7 previous records of this spiffy western warbler in Maine. It was relocated by others on and off that day, and through much of the day on the 29th. The best show for everyone was when Doug Hitchcox re-relocated it a few feet from where my group and I first discovered it! That’s when Bill Thompson got this crushing photo.
My observations of note over the last 9 days included 5 remarkable days on Monhegan Island included the following:
Highlights from our Durham property this period included 2 continuing Indigo Buntings and 2 Solitary Sandpipers on 9/22; 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 9/23-24; and 5 Lincoln’s Sparrows on 9/24.
An exceptional day in and around Biddeford Pool on the 23rd with Jeannette included a number of highlights and excellent counts of uncommon birds. Some of the most notable observations include an astounding 26 FORSTER’S TERNS together at Hill’s Beach (with scattered individuals elsewhere that may or may not have been part of this tally, the shockingly large “irruption” of this tern – especially given the lack of a tropical system to cause it – continues); a juvenile YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at Great Pond, a late juvenile BAIRD’S SANDPIPER on Biddeford Pool Beach, single CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS in Hill’s Beach and East Point, 12 American Oystercatchers off of Ocean Avenue, a goodly 41 Red Knots in The Pool; 7 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Hill’s Beach, and an arrival of fresh juvenile (technically 1st winter as most showed a couple of replaced feathers by now as expected) Dunlin in various locations (high of 30+ on Biddeford Pool Beach).
It was like the good ol’ days on Monhegan for my tour group this weekend. I was on the island with the tour 9/26-9/29, and then enjoyed a day off with Jeannette on 9/30. I’ll have a complete tour report posted next week (including rarity photos), but for now, the mind-blowing list of rarities and excitement for my group and I included the following:
1 BELL’S VIREO, 9/28 (refound by my group after being discovered by Jess Bishop and Bill Thompson on 9/28).
1 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, 9/28-29 (Found by my group, on 9/28 and refound by m.obs on 9/29).
1 immature female PAINTED BUNTING, 9/26 (independently identified – eventually – by my group and Bill Thompson).
1 YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, 9/27
1 WESTERN KINGBIRD, 9/27.
21 total species of warblers.
Up to 2 Lark Sparrows daily beginning 9/28.
Up to 6+ Clay-colored Sparrows daily.
Up to 3 Dickcissels daily
Up to 2 Orange-crowned Warblers daily beginning 9/27.
1 American Bittern, 9/26-9/27.
Up to 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls daily.
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 9/26.
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 9/28.
1 Nelson’s Sparrow, 9/27.
1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo on 9/29 (with my group) and 1 Black-billed Cuckoo on 9/30 (with Evan Obercian and Jeannette).
Join us on a special cruise dedicated to off-shore birding: a collaboration with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises offering half-day “mini-pelagics!” We’ll seek out the rare and common seabirds that occur in our nearshore waters, but we will always have the hope for something unexpected. Derek will team up with the boat’s expert naturalists to spot, identify, and point out pelagic seabirds. Chumming efforts will provide opportunities to attract the birds in for better photo ops and viewing. While we’ll stop to look at any whales and whatever other interesting sea life we encounter along the way, it is the feathered wildlife we’re searching for, and will be focused on.
This annual fall excursion gives a chance at some very sought after pelagic species, such as Great and South Polar Skua. More likely species include Northern Fulmar; Black-legged Kittiwake; Pomarine and Parasitic Jaeger; shearwaters – Great, Sooty, Cory’s, and possibly even Manx; Leach’s Storm-Petrel; Razorbill and Atlantic Puffin; Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, and much more. With the later departure date this year, we hope for more jaegers and a better chance at Great Skua, along with the chance at more early-arriving alcids.
Each of our four October trips have been very different, with each year providing some unexpected highlights. Once again, we will be chumming at at least one hotspot, and we’ll have an additional spotter who will keep dedicated eBird lists for those who so desire and want it shared with them.
Join the crew of Seacoast Tours and Derek Lovitch from Freeport Wild Bird Supply on a special tour of the islands and waters of Casco Bay. We’ll explore the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick and Harpswell as we search for eagles, migrant waterfowl, and an occasional seal basking in the sun on the ledges of hidden coves. We’ll focus on the common resident and migratory water and shoreline birds of the region, including photographic opportunities whenever we can.
Conditions and tide permitting, we’ll poke around the mouth of Maquoit Bay and especially up into Middle Bay, two of the richest areas for waterfowl concentrations. If we can find a mass of American Black Ducks, we’ll scour them for a variety of other dabblers, such as Green-winged Teal and Northern Shovelers. Some of our wintering and migratory bayducks, such as Surf and White-winged Scoters will just be arriving, and Common Loons begin to build in for the winter.
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 Warblers, 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 – or the one that got away!
This Northern Wheatear graced Scarborough Marsh from 9/15 through 9/17. For some reason, there are only about 4 records in the last ten years, as this spiffy and charismatic bird has become even more rare in the state, or perhaps, just more rarely detected. Jeannette and I caught up with it here on the 16th although it didn’t want to come to close to the trail for us that afternoon.
My observations of note over the last seven days included two light Morning Flights at Sandy Point and a rarity chase.
Birding our property in Durham this week was once again very productive. Several Lincoln’s Sparrows were in the yard on the 16th and 17th, and the first White-throated Sparrows appeared at the feeders on the 17th. Other highlights include a continuing juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk; a vole- and frog-stalking Great Blue Heron all week; a tarrying immature male Ruby-throated Hummingbird from 9/17 through the 19th; several Lincoln’s Sparrows daily; a Brown Thrasher and Scarlet Tanager on 9/18; and a really nice variety of warblers.
A light flight over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth on 9/15 (with apologies for all of this superfluous spacing…I’m trying to figure this out!)
6:19-8:50am
55F, mostly clear, NNW 5.3-6.6 to N 6.5-7.2mph
103 Northern Parulas
29 Unidentified
8 Red-eyed Vireos
8 Blue Jays
7 American Redstarts
6 Black-throated Green Warblers
4 Yellow Warblers
4 White-throated Sparrows
3 Purple Finches
3 Red-breasted Nuthatches
3 Blackpoll Warblers
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
2 Palm Warblers
2 American Goldfinches
2 Blue-headed Vireos
2 American Robins
1 Magnolia Warbler
1 Indigo Bunting
1 Common Loon
1 Merlin
1 Osprey
1 Savannah Sparrow
1 Baltimore Oriole
1 Cape May Warbler
1 Prairie Warbler
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 Northern Waterthrush
1 American Pipit
1 Nashville Warbler
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Bay-breasted Warbler
1 Northern Flicker
X Common Yellowthroats
Total = 205
This Savannah Sparrow appeared to be contemplating walking across the bridge instead of taking to the air yet again.
1 continuing NORTHERN WHEATEAR, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 9/16 (with Jeannette). Present since the morning of the 15th, we successfully visited the bird on the afternoon of the second day of its stay. Photo above.
A light but rewarding flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth on 9/19.
6:24-9:24am (with Bill Thompson)
55F, mostly clear. NW 4.3-5.2 increasing to 5.1-11.0mph.
99 Northern Parulas
44 unidentified
32 Blackpoll Warblers
18 Black-throated Green Warblers
14 White-throated Sparrows
8 Red-breasted Nuthatch
6 Magnolia Warblers
6 Blue Jays
6 Red-eyed Vireos
4 American Redstarts
4 Purple Finches
4 American Goldfinches
2 Chipping Sparrows
2 Baltimore Orioles
2 Cedar Waxwings
1 American Pipit
1 Palm Warbler
1 Blue-headed Vireo
1 American Kestrel
1 Merlin
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (four “false starts”)
1 CONNECTICUT WARBLER (photo below)
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Scarlet Tanager
1 Nashville Warbler
1 Tufted Titmouse (5 “false starts”)
1 Bay-breasted Warbler
Total = 266
Connecticut Warblers are essentially annual at Sandy Point, but I never get a photo off and am often reticent to pull the trigger on the call without a really good look. Luckily, Bill Thompson joined me in “my office” this morning and was at the ready for the large yellowish warbler with long wings barreling towards us. This stellar photo shows the diagnostic complete eyering, pale throat, and long yellow undertail coverts of this robust warbler.
1 dead DICKCISSEL, killed by unprotected windows at the Smith Center at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment. More info here.
Join me on Monhegan during the height of migration for 1-4 days searching the island for regular visitors, rarities, and vagrants. If you haven’t experienced Maine’s Migration Mecca, now is the time! And if you’re like many of our regular travelers, you know you can’t wait to get back.
This is a casual outing, with boat and hotel reservations, as well as meals, on your own. Also, you can come and go as you please, based on whatever boat and departure times and locations suit you best. Sign up for 1,2, 3, or 4 days, we will give you the time and place to meet us on the island based on when you arrive. In the eleven years we have run this trip on this weekend, we have averaged 95 species, including 17 species of warblers!
Join us on a special cruise dedicated to off-shore birding: a collaboration with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises offering half-day “mini-pelagics!” We’ll seek out the rare and common seabirds that occur in our nearshore waters, but we will always have the hope for something unexpected. Derek will team up with the boat’s expert naturalists to spot, identify, and point out pelagic seabirds. Chumming efforts will provide opportunities to attract the birds in for better photo ops and viewing. While we’ll stop to look at any whales and whatever other interesting sea life we encounter along the way, it is the feathered wildlife we’re searching for, and will be focused on.
This annual fall excursion gives a chance at some very sought after pelagic species, such as Great and South Polar Skua. More likely species include Northern Fulmar; Black-legged Kittiwake; Pomarine and Parasitic Jaeger; shearwaters – Great, Sooty, Cory’s, and possibly even Manx; Leach’s Storm-Petrel; Razorbill and Atlantic Puffin; Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, and much more. With the later departure date this year, we hope for more jaegers and a better chance at Great Skua, along with the chance at more early-arriving alcids.
Each of our four October trips have been very different, with each year providing some unexpected highlights. Once again, we will be chumming at at least one hotspot, and we’ll have an additional spotter who will keep dedicated eBird lists for those who so desire and want it shared with them.
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 – or the one that got away!
To “count it” or “not to count it,” that is the question. Regardless, what’s more iconic about birding on Monhegan Island than a Ring-necked Pheasant?
My observations of note over the last seven days included my first two Morning Flights of the season at Sandy Point and 3 days on Monhegan included the following:
A light flight over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth on 9/8:
6:12 to 8:00am.
50F, mostly clear, calm.
57 Northern Parulas
31 American Redstarts
17 unidentified
8 Cedar Waxwings
6 Magnolia Warblers
5 Black-throated Green Warblers
4 Red-breasted Nuthatches
3 Yellow Warblers
3 American Goldfinches
2 Swainson’s Thrushes
2 Bobolinks
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Purple Finch
1 Cooper’s Hawk
1 Bay-breasted Warbler
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Northern Flicker
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler
1 Osprey
1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Total = 147
1 DICKCISSEL, Wharton Point, Brunswick, 9/9.
2-3 Red Knots, Wharton Point, Brunswick, 9/10.
A very good flight over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth on 9/11 featured over 1,000 migrants and 16 species of warblers.
6:13-10:20
46F, mostly clear. NW 1.8-2.8 increasing to 6.1-8.8mph.
312 Northern Parulas
272 American Redstarts
144 unidentified
81 Cedar Waxwings
34 Red-eyed Vireos
25 Red-breasted Nuthatches
25 Black-throated Green Warblers
24 Magnolia Warblers
23 Yellow Warblers
16 Blue Jays
11 American Goldfinches
10 Black-throated Blue Warblers
9 Canada Geese
8 Swainson’s Thrushes
7 Northern Flickers
7 American Kestrels
7 Black-and-white Warblers
5 Yellow-rumped Warblers
4 Eastern Wood-Pewees
4 Purple Finches
4 Ospreys
3 Bay-breasted Warblers
3 Wilson’s Warblers
3 Blackpoll Warblers
3 Mourning Doves
2 Blackburnian Warblers
2 Common Loons
2 Bay-breasted/Blackpoll Warblers
2 Blue-headed Vireos
2 Philadelphia Vireos
1 Palm Warbler
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Savannah Sparrow
1 Tennessee Warbler
1 “Traill’s” Flycatcher
1 House Finch
1 Hairy Woodpecker (6 “false starts”)
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 Pine Warbler
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 unidentified Empid
1 unidentified flycatcher
1 Turkey Vulture
1 unidentified vireo
1 Merlin
1 Cape May Warbler
1 White-throated Sparrow
Total = 1,069
Monarch 1
Green Darner 2
Monhegan Island 9/12-14 (with Down East Adventures tour group):
Very slow by Monhegan standards, only Merlins and especially Red-breasted Nuthatches and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were above average (significantly so for the hummingbird) for the date. Island notable species for us were limited to 2 DICKCISSELS all three days; 1 ORCHARD ORIOLE, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and 1 Marsh Wren on 9/13; and 1 Mourning Warbler on 9/14. Great insect-watching though.
Upcoming Tours:
Birds on Tap℠ – The Boat Trip! Migrant Birds and Island Exploration
September 21, 2025; 9:00am to 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.
Building on that success of last year’s tours, we’re visiting the private House Island in Portland Harbor twice in 2025! Once again, 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!
Maine Birding Field Notes 