Tag Archives: First of Year

Recent highlights, 3/1-3/14/2025.

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Don’t panic – this wasn’t in Maine!  But it was my bird photo highlight over the past two weeks. This Boreal Owl was spotted a short distance north of Duluth along the famous North Shore Road on the first day of a visit there with friends on March 1st. I don’t usually chase birds out of state, but this winter has been incredible for Boreal (and Great Gray) Owls and we just couldn’t resist any longer!  Photos from this, and other recent trips, are currently being posted regularly to the store’s Facebook page.

After a quick last-minute trip to Duluth, Minnesota for a birding weekend with friends (Boreal and Great Gray Owls!), Jeannette and I did our usual pre-hawkwatch long weekend and used it to visit friends in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (Green Jay fix and other Lower Rio Grande specialties!). In between and thereafter, it’s been mostly catching up at the store and life, but in some free moments, I had a few observations of note, including the vanguard of spring migration.

  • Our overwintering Fox Sparrow here at the store continued through week’s end, although it has become much more sporadic at the feeders.  
  • Our Fox Sparrow at home in Durham continues as well, often singing in the morning.
  • 1 Red-winged Blackbird (FOS), our feeders in Durham on 3/5. Increased to 3 on the 6th. 20-25 by the 12th, etc.
  • 1 Common Grackle (FOY), our feeders in Durham, 3/12.
  • 3 Brown-headed Cowbirds (FOY), our feeders in Durham, 3/12.
  • There was a nice little arrival of Song Sparrows to the area on the morning of the 12th.
  • 1 probable CACKLING GOOSE, Rte 136, Durham, 3/12. Among 600+ Canadas, I had to reposition for a better and confirming view and shortly thereafter all geese were flushed by an eagle. Subsequent searches failed to relocate the suspect bird.  
  • 4 Fish Crows (FOY), Anniversary Park, Auburn, 3/13.
  • 1 Killdeer (FOY), Thornhurst Farm, North Yarmouth, 3/13.

Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch

The 19th season of the Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch starts tomorrow! Free and open to the public, we welcome Zane Baker back for his 7th season as Official Counter. 9-5 every day, weather permitting.

Daily counts will be posted here and weekly summaries will be posted here.

Upcoming Tours:

  1. Woodcocks Gone Wild: Saturday, March 29th. One space remains; call for waitlist.