Heading south on Friday of last week, I could not resist some quality time with the continuing King Eider on the Kittery Waterfront!
I enjoyed a weekend in Rhode Island thanks to being invited to lead a walk and speak at the Annual Meeting of the Ocean State Bird Club. Thanks to everyone there for the invitation and the great turnout! My bird of the weekend were these three continuing “Black” Brant in Providence that Jess Bishop and I caught up with on the 12th before I headed north.
Meanwhile, here in Maine, the migratory floodgates (and not just for birds!) really began to open with the warm weekend weather and conducive winds, at least to start the week. Here are my observations of note over the past 8 days (5.5 of which were in Maine):
1 continuing drake KING EIDER, Oak Terrace overlook, Kittery, 4/10 (photos above).
I spent some time watching the Rock Row, Westbrook Peregrine Falcon nest on the 13th – much better than sitting in the waiting room of a car service center!
Not directly bird-related, but Jeannette and I enjoyed a productive “Big Night” in Durham on the evening of 4/14, highlighted as usual by Blue-spotted and Spotted Salamanders.
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to be a highlight this week – they are always a highlight for me! – around the area. About 100 on Stonewood Drive in Freeport on the 17th was my high count this week, with 35-40 here at the store at the same time. 2 were with 20 Cedars at the Walgreens on Route 1/9 in Scarborough earlier that morning. Some have been around the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch on and off this week, and a flock of 24-30 in our property in Durham was our 156th Yard Bird!
4 breeding-plumaged (FOY) Dunlin, 4 Greater with 23 Lesser Scaup, and hundreds of Black and White-winged Scoters, etc, Pine Point, Scarborough, 4/17.
My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) in Maine this week included:
1 Broad-winged Hawk, Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch, 4/13.
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, our property in Durham, 4/14.
1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/15.
1 Barn Swallow, Florida Lake Park, 4/15.
1 Brown Thrasher, our property in Durham, 4/16.
1 Field Sparrow, Cedar Pond Road, Durham, 4/16.
4 Black-bellied Plovers, Pine Point, Scarborough, 4/17.
The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 4 report.
***LIKELY POSTPONED from April 19, 2026 until 4/26 due to weather. Please let us know if you are interested in the new date!***
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!
After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.
Jeannette and I had a great weekend of Bohemian Waxwing quality time, including this photo session at University of Maine – Orono’s Littlefield Garden on 4/6.
Apparently, Jeannette and I weren’t ready for spring yet, as we used a few days off to go further north, back into (on those days) winter and winter birds! Nonetheless, new arrivals are showing up regularly, and the radar on the night of 4/8-4/9 showed the first substantial migration of the season. These are my observations of note over the past 6 days.
1 Rusty Blackbird, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were the bird of the trip for Jeannette and I as we spent two nights in Bangor over our weekend. We started with 35 on Rte 9 in Lisbon on our drive north on 4/5 followed by a flock of 15-20 that flew by the window of Timber Kitchen and Bar in Bangor as we enjoyed a scrumptious brunch. On 4/6, we had 23 at the Littlefield Gardens on the University of Maine – Orono campus, a total of 30 at Saxl Park in Bangor, and then 38 at Essex Marsh. We were sad to not keep the streak alive as we worked our way back home the next day!
3 Evening Grosbeaks, Littlefield Gardens, University of Maine – Orono, 4/6 (with Jeannette).
Searched the Corrina-Newport area for the Pink-footed Goose that hadn’t been reported for a few days on 4/7 and found a mere 28 Canada Geese. Plenty of migrant waterfowl on lakes and ponds, however, the highlight of which was 533 Ring-necked Ducks, etc, on Corinna Marsh (with Jeannette).
My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
1 Pied-billed Grebe, Florida Lake Park, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 3 report.
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!
After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.
This unreasonably confiding American Woodcock kindly posed for pictures as it foraged along the side of the road during our Saturday Morning Birdwalk on the 28th. “My bird” was not nearly as cooperative during our Woodcocks Gone Wild program the following night.
Despite the often less than spring-like weather, spring migration made slow but steady progress this week. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days:
400+ Scaup off of the Maquoit Bay Conservation Land in Brunswick were mostly too far to sort through, but a single drake Lesser was among about 30 close Greaters on 3/28 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
450 Greater (mostly) with some Lesser Scaup, Ferry/Western Beaches, Scarborough, 3/29.
2 American Oystercatchers (FOY) with about 25 Purple Sandpipers, Ferry Beach, Scarborough, 3/29. I don’t think I have ever seen these two species standing next to each other! (with Maine Conservation Voters birdwalk group).
These phone-scoped photos don’t really do the scene justice!
4-6 American Woodcocks, private property in Durham, 3/29 during our annual “Woodcocks Gone Wild!” tour. 4 were displaying all evening, but our close bird seemed to be occupied elsewhere. Only some folks saw it in flight once, or it or another bird zipping by, as he never came into his platform this evening, much to the dismay of everyone present – especially me!
My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:
5 Piping Plovers, Scarborough Beach State Park, 3/29 (with Maine Conservation Voters birdwalk group).
The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 2 report.
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!
After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.
There has been an unusual amount of Brant in and around Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth over the past week, with some counts well over 100 birds. I only tallied 59 on 3/20, but enjoyed some close studies and photo ops.
Happy to be back to “normal,” I got out a few times this week in addition to spending time at the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch. It was nice to be birding again in the north, catching up with some winter favorites before they depart. And of course, enjoying each and every new arrival. My observations of note over the past seven days included the following:
Zane somehow managed some phone-scoped “doc-shots” of the eagle. Luckily, it was much closer when we first saw it. But even in these shots, you can see the distinct dihedral, and the relatively small head and overall shape of this magnificent bird.
1 Red Crossbill and 17 Razorbills, Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
1 adult Iceland Gull and 2 Razorbills, Trundy Point, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
1 continuing 1st-cycle Glaucous Gull, Mill Creek Cove, South Portland, 3/20 (with Bill Thompson).
Pine Siskins arrived this week, with widespread small numbers around the area now. I tallied 28 northbound from the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch during the morning of the 15th.
Other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:
1 American Woodcock, our property in Durham, 3/13.
3 Brown-headed Cowbirds, our feeders in Durham, 3/13.
1 Killdeer, Brown’s Point Road, Bowdoinham, 3/17 (with Jeannette).
While I didn’t look at many birds in Maine this week, we drove a whole 6 minutes from our regular motel in New Jersey to chase this spiffy Harris’s Sparrow in Wall Township, my 352nd species in my native state! Does 6 minutes even count as a chase?
Much has changed since we left for our vacation on February 23rd. Immediately upon our return, we had to depart the state for a few more days for a family matter. In the meantime, the vanguard of spring migration both literally and figuratively passed over our heads. Here are a few observations of note over the past four days since returning to the state.
8 Common Grackles (Maine FOY), Over Exit 25, Kennebunk, 3/10.
In the following days blackbird numbers continued to increase, as did migrant Song Sparrows.
10 Green-winged Teal, Bernard Lown Peace Bridge, Auburn-Lewiston, 3/12.
1 drake Gadwall, 11 Northern Pintails, 5 Red Crossbills (including 1-2 singing males), etc, Reid State Park, Georgetown, 3/13.
Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch gets underway on Sunday!
But the main reason I am posting this week despite the few days of observation is that Sunday, March 15th begins the 20TH YEAR of the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch! Join Zane Baker and project volunteers at the summit from 9-5 every day (weather permitting) from March 15th through May 15th. Can we reach least year’s record count?
March 28th or 29th. This tour is currently sold out. Please contact us to be added to the waiting list.
Portland Explorer Collab Tours.
Our collaboration with Portland Explorer has expanded once again, with the 12th season of the Birds on Tap – Roadtrip! series, but also new Birding and History tours. All of the 2026 outings are now posted and are open for registration. To learn more about these unique experiences, check out my recent blog entry.
Seasonal hotspots. Local expertise. Small-group experiences.
For the 12th season, Portland Explorer and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are teaming up to offer Maine’s most unique guided birding tours — combining peak birding hotspots, expert instruction, comfortable transportation, and in select outings, visits to some of our favorite local breweries.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder, just getting started, or traveling with someone whose main interest might be craft beer until they become a avid birder, these relaxed and educational outings offer something special.
This blog will be updated with trip reports after each tour, so check back in to see what you missed and to sign up for upcoming outings!
The 2026 Birds on Tap – Roadtrip Series!
Our collaboration with Portland Explorer (formerly The Maine Brew Bus) enters its 12th season, with three exciting itineraries. These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with approachable opportunities to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite Maine breweries. These events are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to enjoy our favorite pastimes with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Educational, enjoyable, and eye-opening you won’t want to miss out our unique Birds on Tap series, including a brand new outing for 2026.
The three tours are as follows. After completion, tour reports will be posted here so this blog is your one-stop shopping for tour reports and upcoming itineraries.
Birds on Tap -Roadtrip: Hawks and Hops!
Sunday, April 19, 2026: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!
After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing
Maine Beer Company was founded with a deep commitment to quality, community, and sustainability, Maine Beer Company has become one of the most respected craft breweries in the country. Known for their clean, hop-forward ales like Lunch and Dinner, they focus on balance, drinkability, and precision. Their Freeport brewery is a beautiful, modern space built with environmental responsibility in mind, including solar power and energy-efficient design.
Goodfire Brewing in Freeport offers a fresh, creative take on modern craft beer. Known for expressive New England–style IPAs, crisp lagers, and thoughtfully crafted seasonal releases, Goodfire focuses on vibrant flavors and small-batch innovation. Their welcoming taproom atmosphere reflects their community-driven spirit, this stop highlights the artistry and evolution of Maine’s contemporary brewing scene.
The samples are included in the tour price, and Portland Explorer will supply a light snack (TBD) and water. Bring binoculars. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Be sure to bring layers as it is often windier and cooler at the exposed summit than down below and trails may be muddy so wear appropriate footwear.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax. And to make it even easier, we have two pick-up times and locations for this trip:
9:00am – Marginal Way Park & Ride (opposite the intersection with Diamond St, just east of Franklin Ave), Portland.
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time at either location, and please let us know where you will be meeting us)
We’ll return to these locations to drop you off at 2:40pm (Freeport) and 3:00pm (Portland).
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss!
Birds On Tap℠ – Warblers and Wort
Sunday, May 10, 2026: 8:00am – 2:00pm
During last year’s tour, we tracked down this mega-rare Cerulean Warbler!
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
We’re bringing back the “Mother’s Day Special” in 2026, with a return to Portland on one of our most popular itineraries. May means warbler migration, and the destination for Warblers and Wort will hit two of Maine’s most famous springtime migrant traps, Portland’s Evergreen Cemetery and nearby Capisic Pond Park. Two oases in the urban jungle, featuring water sources and a mix of various habitats, help concentrate migrant birds that found themselves in or over the city come sunrise. After migrating all night, tired travelers look for refuge: food, water, and shelter, and urban greenspaces are absolutely critical for refueling.
Warbler diversity will rapidly be increasing, over 15 species possible by the middle of May, depending on the progression of the season. Other species, such as sparrows, raptors, and other Neotropical Migrants such as orioles and tanagers are also on the move, increasing our chances of seeing a diversity of species. If the cemetery’s apples and cherries are blooming, we may be in for quite a treat as these are absolute magnets for hungry migrants. Meanwhile, most trees have yet to fully leaf out, making them easier to spot!
It’s sometimes hard to leave Evergreen on a busy spring morning, but if we do, it will be for the very short trip over to Capisic Pond Park, where we’ll continue to seek migrants of all shapes and sizes.
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Foundation and Rising Tide Brewing Company.
Foundation Brewing Company is known for its clean, focused approach to craft beer, with a strong reputation for hop-forward ales and thoughtfully balanced lagers. Their lineup often showcases precision and consistency, with beers that highlight both modern techniques and traditional brewing fundamentals. A visit to Foundation offers an opportunity to explore how attention to detail and quality ingredients come together to create approachable yet expressive beers that reflect Portland’s thriving craft scene.
Rising Tide Brewing Company has been a cornerstone of Portland’s craft beer community since its early growth years. With a diverse portfolio that ranges from crisp, easy-drinking favorites to bold, hop-driven offerings and seasonal specialties, Rising Tide emphasizes accessibility and craftsmanship. Their beers often reflect a balance between innovation and tradition, making them a great representation of the evolution of Maine’s brewing culture.
The samples are included in the tour price, and Portland Explorer will supply a light snack (TBD) and water. Bring binoculars. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Light-colored, long-sleeve shirt and pants are highly recommended to reduce the nuisances of biting insects and trails may be muddy so wear appropriate footwear.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax. This tour will have one pickup location:
8:00am – Marginal Way Park & Ride (opposite the intersection with Diamond St, just east of Franklin Ave), Portland.
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.)
We’ll return to these locations to drop you off at 2:00pm.
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss!
For a taste of what’s in store, here’s the trip report from our very exciting outing in 2025.
Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026.
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!
The original BoT Roadtrip! Way back in 2015, our most popular tour returns to Scarborough Marsh at prime time for a good variety of migrant shorebirds. We’ll learn how to identify our common species, and search for the rare. Up to 20 species of shorebirds are possible! We’ll practice identifying our “peeps” (Least, Semipalmated, and White-rumped Sandpipers) and attempt to tease out a rare Western or even a Baird’s among the masses. We’ll look for local breeding American Oystercatchers and Willets, while searching for migrants such as Red Knots on their way from the high Arctic to the southern tip of Argentina.
And not to worry, we’ll take a look at everything else, such as Common, Roseate, and Least Terns; herons and egrets, and who knows what else? We may even get a chance to see Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows depending on time, wind, and tide.
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Nonesuch River Brewing and the Allagash Bungalow.
Nonesuch River Brewing blends classic brewing traditions with a creative, food-friendly approach. Known for producing a wide range of styles—from hop-forward IPAs to smooth stouts and refined lagers—the brewery emphasizes balance, drinkability, and quality ingredients. With a strong culinary influence behind their brand, their beers are crafted to complement a variety of tastes, showcasing both technical precision and thoughtful flavor development. A visit highlights the versatility and craftsmanship that define Maine’s modern brewing landscape.
Allagash Brewing Company is internationally recognized for its Belgian-inspired beers and commitment to craftsmanship. The Allagash Bungalow offers an inviting setting to explore a rotating selection of their beers, which may include their iconic witbier, barrel-aged specialties, or experimental small-batch releases. Rooted in tradition but continually innovating, Allagash represents one of Maine’s most influential breweries, known for its focus on fermentation, balance, and refined complexity.
The samples are included in the tour price, and Portland Explorer will supply a light snack (TBA) and water. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sunscreen, a light jacket in case the wind turns onshore, and sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended – we will be out in the sun for the duration of the birding portion of the tour.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax. There will be one pickup location for this tour:
9:00am – Marginal Way Park & Ride (opposite the intersection with Diamond St, just east of Franklin Ave), Portland.
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time).
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss!
For a taste of what’s in store, here’s the trip report from our very exciting outing in 2025.
Our collaboration with Portland Explorer (formerly The Maine Brew Bus) enters its 12th season, and our collaboration continues with a new series of joint history and birding tours. These unique, relaxed birding and history adventures combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with educational journeys through some of our local history. Join two experts in their field on this brand new collaboration! (Sorry, no beer tastings here!)
The three tours are as follows. After completion, tour reports will be posted here so this blog is your one-stop shopping for tour reports and upcoming itineraries.
Forts and Feathers: House Island!
Sunday, October 18: 9:00am – 2:00pm
As our collaboration with Portland Explorer enters its 12th season, we’re mixing things up with a brand new series of joint history and birding tours. These unique, relaxed birding and history adventures combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with educational journeys through some of our local history. Join two experts in their field on this brand new collaboration! (Sorry, no beer tastings here!)
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!
During our previous outings in which we became the first birding groups ever on the island, we found oodles of Yellow-rumped Warblers, other migrants, and learned about the island’s ecology. But we were also captivated by Captain Pete, who guided us through the historic fort, sharing a wealth of historical knowledge and fascinating stories.
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!
Returning in October, rarities will once again 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.
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 perhaps some lingering Ospreys and others from the summer, all 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!
Portland Explorer will supply a light snack and everyone is welcome to a free drink (alcoholic or non during the boat ride back). Bring binoculars. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as are a variety of layers as it can be quite chilly on the water by the end of October.
For a taste of what’s in store, here’s the trip report from our very exciting outing in 2025 (but note we will not be offering the beer tasting component in 2026).
*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.*
We’ll return to Portland Beer Hub at 2:00pm
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss! To conveniently pay online, click on the “Book Now” link here.
Forts and Feathers: The Beaks of Peaks!
Sunday, November 1st (weather date 11/8): 9:00am – 3:00pm.
This “Mega” rare Virginia’s Warbler was Maine’s 5th ever, and found by Derek on Peak’s Island on the weekend we’ll be returning this year…just in time to find the next rarity!
As our collaboration with Portland Explorer enters its 12th season, we’re mixing things up with a brand new series of joint history and birding tours. These unique, relaxed birding and history adventures combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with educational journeys through some of our local history. Join two experts in their field on this brand new collaboration! (Sorry, no beer tastings here!)
But this time we’re leaving the van in the garage and hit the water once again! We’re going to hop aboard the Casco Bay Ferry Lines for the short, 20-minute trip across Portland Harbor to Peak’s Island.
Once there, we’ll plan on walking 3-4 easy miles (paved or dirt roads and a few narrow trails including one with irregular boards over wet areas) to cover the prime birding hotspots of the island, including the thickets that were made famous last year when Derek discovered Maine’s 5th-ever Virginia’s Warbler (and first away from Monhegan). We’ll make our way along the shoreline, looking at resident and recently-arrived migrant waterbirds, but checking various nooks and crannies that can hold unexpected vagrants.
We’ll make our way to the famous Battery Steele – famous for its access, it’s impressive graffiti, and yes, its birding. Here, a complex of wetlands and scrubby areas combine to attract and hold a wide range of avian species, often including some that are usually long gone from Maine by now. We’ll then explore the open-access fort and even get to experience total darkness!
Birding will continue as we traverse the island to return to town. There will be an opportunity to purchase a delicious lunch, or bring your own, and we’ll relax for a spell as we await our ferry departure.
Portland Explorer will supply a light snack and water. Bring binoculars and a flashlight. We also recommend bringing lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as are a variety of layers as it can be quite chilly on the water by the end of October.
*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.*
We’ll return to Portland Beer Hub at 3:00pm
This tour is limited to 15 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss!
Forts and Feathers: Fort Williams and Portland Head Light!
Sunday, November 29: 8:00am to 1:00pm
It’s a perfect time of year to find late migrants such as Orange-crowned Warblers in the scrubby habitats of the park.
As our collaboration with Portland Explorer enters its 12th season, we’re mixing things up with a brand new series of joint history and birding tours. These unique, relaxed birding and history adventures combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with educational journeys through some of our local history. Join two experts in their field on this brand new collaboration! (Sorry, no beer tastings here!).
With arriving winter waterbirds – from Great Cormorants to all three species of scoters – and truant migrants (and sometimes, even rarities!) – late November is a great time to hit the coast of Maine for productive birding. On this tour, we’ll take the Portland Explorer van over to Cape Elizabeth to bird the cliffs and uplands of Fort Williams Park.
But that’s not all! We’ll also be diving into the history of the Fort and the world-famous Portland Head Lighthouse. At Fort Williams Park, we’ll explore a scenic coastal landscape rich with history and sweeping views of Casco Bay. The park features historic military structures, open green space, and dramatic rocky shoreline—offering a glimpse into Maine’s past alongside some of its most iconic ocean vistas.
Just beyond the fort grounds stands Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, it has guided mariners for more than two centuries and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the New England coast.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax. There will be one pickup location for this tour:
8:00am – Marginal Way Park & Ride (opposite the intersection with Diamond St, just east of Franklin Ave), Portland.
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time).
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss! To conveniently pay online, click on the “Book Now” link here.
Portland Explorer and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are teaming up to offer a very special, very exclusive road trip outing in 2026.
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 in southern Maine 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.
For example, last year, our Birds on Tap – Roadtrip: Rarity Roundup traveled to Yarmouth to see one of the few MacGillivray’s Warblers ever recorded in the state, then ventured all of the way to Kittery to try and find our own vagrant and the famous Fort Foster Park. For a taste of what’s in store, here’s the trip report from our very exciting outing in 2025 (but note we will not be offering the beer tasting component in 2026).
Portland Explorer will supply a light snack (TBA) and water. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sunscreen, an extra layer or two, and sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended as we will want to be comfortable during both a long drive or a standing vigil outside.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax. There will be one pickup location for this van tour.
8:00 am – Marginal Way Park & Ride (opposite the intersection with Diamond St, just east of Franklin Ave), Portland.
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time)
This tour is limited to 12 participants, so sign up soon! This is a one-of-a-kind tour, and we think one you won’t want to miss!
While a trek to the mountains on the 15th was not nearly as fruitful (pun intended) as we hoped, Bill Thompson and I were very surprised to find a flock of White-winged Crossbills – an irruptive species that has been virtually non-existent this winter in Maine – on South Shore Road in Rangeley.
I covered a better amount of ground this past week than I have been recently, even with relatively limited time in the field. I wanted more frugivores to show for it, but I did have a nice variety of seasonal highlights. Here are my observations of note over the past 10 days.
1 female “NORTHERN” COMMON EIDER (ssp BOREALIS), 1 drake Barrow’s Goldeneye, and 4 drake Greater Scaup, Winslow Park, Freeport, 2/14 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
2+ continuing FISH CROWS, Auburn Riverwalk, 2/15 (with Bill Thompson).
1 1ST-cycle Iceland Gull, Auburn Riverwalk, 2/15 (with Bill Thompson).
~20 Snow Buntings, moving between parking lots on Rte 4/2, Farmington, 2/15 (with Bill Thompson).
19 (10 drakes and 9 hens) BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, Gurnet Bridge, Harpswell, 2/16 (with Jeannette). This winter’s flock, which maxxed out at 26 individuals, is the largest flock in the state since about 2006. Even though we missed the peak, this was a very impressive flock and was delightful to see!
1 drake Barrow’s Goldeneye, Sandy Point Beach, Cousin’s Island, Yarmouth, 2/22.
1 pair Barrow’s Goldeneye, Cumberland Town Landing, 2/22.
At least one Turkey Vulture continues along the I-295 corridor between Cumberland and Freeport as of this week. Several scattered “TV’s” elsewhere in the area suggests the first trickle of their northbound migration.
One adult Red-shouldered Hawk continues along Rte 136 in Durham, near the Freeport Town Line.
This Week in Irruptives.
On the 15th, Bill Thompson and I birded from Auburn to Rangeley, mostly looking for irruptives. It was not the birdiest day, and the only frugivores we encountered (despite finding plenty of fruit) were a mere 4 Cedar Waxwings in Farmington. Most of our birding was in and around Rangeley, where we caught up with a flock of 28 Evening Grosbeaks at a downtown feeder, and “dipped” on a small group of Pine Grosbeaks. However, on South Shore Road, we encountered 14 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS (see photo above) and a single Redpoll.
Elsewhere, Purple Finches were a little more widespread this week, although in lower numbers than last week. Jeannette and I had 3 Red Crossbills, including an apparent pair, at Long Reach Preserve in Harpswell on the 16th and one Redpoll flew over our property on the 22nd. Scattered Evening Grosbeaks in the area included one in our Durham yard on the 17th and again on the 23rd. Cedar Waxwings were also a little more numerous this week, although in small numbers (high count of 6 here at the store on the 18th).
Winter Feeder Birds Snapshot.
After beginning a “feeder watching blog” while stuck at home from shoulder surgery in the winter of 2023, I continue the tradition for the fourth year now, as I try to compare feeder activity between winters on our property in Durham, Maine, and then attempt to use it as a case-study for what the overall feeder bird activity is like in the area this winter. Here’s the 2026 Feeder Birds Snapshot. Since the “study,” we have seen a few more winter finches, and as of 2/13 are now up to 24 Dark-eyed Juncos, 11 American Tree Sparrows, and at least 45 American Goldfinches.
The pair of Peregrine Falcons that have been overwintering in Lewiston-Auburn for the past decade or so continue to frequent the area around the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge and Cedar Street, as here on the 10th.
I’ve been spending extended time feeder watching at home in preparation for my upcoming annual “Feeder Birds in Winter” snapshot blog. Unfortunately, we are not being frequented by as many winter finches as a lot of people are right now, but it’s been an interesting project once again. I’ll have a blog posted in the coming days. A few birding mornings elsewhere yielded some following observations of note.
1 pair Barrow’s Goldeneye, Winslow Park, Freeport, 2/13.
At least one Turkey Vulture continues along the I-295 corridor between Cumberland and Freeport as of this week.
This Week in Irruptives.
An absolutely incredible Saturday Morning Birdwalk on the 7th included a most-unexpected tally of 7 species of winter finches – which was wholly unexpected given the dearth of most finches locally! The “Winter Finch Big Day” that developed was actually a secondary goal, with the original one: 20 species of birds in Freeport, west of I-295 only (and therefore no open water) also being reached. This was an outing that will not soon be forgotten. Highlights included 8 PINE GROSBEAKS and 26 COMMON REDPOLLS at Hidden Pond Preserve in Freeport and 16 EVENING GROSBEAKS at the Old Brunswick Road/Ross Road intersection in Durham. We also had Pine Siskins at two locations, two feeders full of Purple Finches, and of course found some House Finches and American Goldfinches to pad the list. Full trip report can be seen here.
Purple Finches have increased overall this week, and Evening Grosbeaks continue to be around, but rather sporadic. One Pine Siskin flew over our Durham yard on the 12th.
Redpolls were our most numerous finch during a day of birding Long Falls Dam Road in Somerset County this week.
With three tours in 4 days, never reaching 20-degrees last week through this weekend, my face needed a couple of days break! I took one. And then, on the “warmest” day of the week, Jeannette and I drove north to spend the day in the field. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days.
1 hen “NORTHERN” COMMON EIDER (ssp borealis) and 1 drake Barrow’s Goldeneye, Winslow Park, Freeport, 1/31 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
1 continuing 1st-cycle Glaucous Gull and 4-5 1st-cycle Iceland Gulls, Old Port, Portland, 2/1 (with Gull Identification Workshop tour group).
1 pair Lesser Scaup with 4 Greater Scaup, along with 24 Brant, Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 2/1 (with Gull Identification Workshop tour group).
1 drake Barrow’s Goldeneye is back at the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge in Lewiston-Auburn as of the 6th.
2 Fish Crows, Auburn Riverwalk, 2/6.
At least one Turkey Vultures continues along the I-295 corridor between Cumberland and Freeport as of this week.
Feeder-watching at home in Durham has been the name of the game on most mornings this week. The excitement came on the 5th, when an immature Cooper’s Hawk took a run at something. Everything flushed. Then, a Barred Owl came gliding in and either landed on the Cooper’s Hawk or immediately next to it. The Cooper’s Hawk flew away, the Barred Owl looked around in snow for a moment before flying into tree.
Was this attempted kleptoparasitism (stealing food) instead of a predation attempt? A Barred Owl has been regularly sunning itself in a spot that would provide a good sightline to where this occurred, so it was probably seeing a potential opportunity for brunch. I am just unsure what opportunity it saw.
This Week in Irruptives.
Here in Greater Freeport, a few more Purple Finches have been around and we had a single Red Crossbill in our yard on the 2nd. Scattered Evening Grosbeak reports continue as well.
Meanwhile, Jeannette and I headed north to Long Falls Dam Road in Somerset County on the 3rd. Birding for most of the day, focusing on irruptives, we tallied:
43 “Common” Redpolls – scattered small flocks (largest was 12) all day. Not including the 1 roadkill.
8 Evening Grosbeaks – two small groups at feeders in North New Portland.
6 Red Crossbills – gritting on Back Road.
2 Pine Grosbeaks -flyovers at North Bowtown Road
Only 4 American Goldfinches and 1 Purple Finch
Well above average numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches but only average – or slightly below – numbers of Black-capped Chickadees.
Red Spruce cones were abundant, Black Spruce was patchy, and there was plenty of alder and birch, but no cones of White Spruce, White Pine, or Balsam Fir.
It has been quite some time since I have seen a flock of Evening Grosbeaks this large in Maine. Here are a few of the 45+ that I happened upon while driving past the corner of Ross Road and Old Brunswick Road in Durham on the 25th.
Between snow cleanup, brutally cold temperatures, and other commitments, I didn’t get out birding much beyond the windows this week. Nonetheless, I still had several observations of note over the past seven days, mostly during the two frigid tours I led this week!
1 GRAY CATBIRD (even more surprising with the severity of the winter so far!) and 1 Hermit Thrush, Leon Gorman Park, Freeport, 1/24 (with Saturday Morning Birdwlak group).
1 drake Barrow’s Goldeneye, Winslow Park, Freeport, 1/28.
3 hen and 1 drake Northern Pintail, Ogunquit Rivermouth, Ogunquit, 1/29 (with Down East Adventures Winter Waterbird Workshop group).
1 Greater Scaup, Perkin’s Cove, Ogunquit, 1/29 (with Down East Adventures Winter Waterbird Workshop group).
1+ continuing FISH CROWS, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 1/30.
This Week in Irruptives.
EVENING GROSBEAKS continued to be scattered about, with my high count this week being at least 40 birds – the largest flock I have seen this winter – feeding on White Ash seeds at the corner of Ross and Old Brunswick Roads in Durham on the 25th. Still very few other finches in the immediate area other than plentiful American Goldfinches.
Maine Birding Field Notes 