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.
Freeport Wild Bird Supply is proud to once again partner with Down East Magazine’s Down East Adventures for the sixth year of offering exclusive birding workshops focused on gaining greater knowledge and field skills in a focused group of seasonally accessible birds. Focused on skill-builder rather than list-building, there will be plenty of “life birds,” but also more knowledge and education about birds, habitats, birding, and much more about the natural world. We are honored to be their provider for a series of unique and exclusive birdwatching endeavors. In 2026, we will once again offer four exclusive outings.
As usual, Harlequin Ducks were the stars of the show.
First and foremost, I must commend everyone in the group for being such troopers today! Brutally cold temperatures and a barely broken trail to start the day, with a frigid day barely warming into the low 20’s. But everyone was prepared, everyone was ready to bird, and we all learned a lot.
Between astronomical low tides, days of offshore winds, and recent bitter cold, we encountered many fewer waterbirds overall than expected at this season. We did see some of the stars of the winter show well, such as Harlequin Ducks – always the crowd favorite! – and Great Cormorants. At two sites, we worked our way through learning the various seaducks, while at two other sites we studied dabbling ducks. A short gull workshop was also included. We even finished with another family of waterfowl when a hen Greater Scaup landed in Perkin’s Cove when we returned at the end of the day.
It was nice of this hen Greater Scaup to join us for one last species to learn about.
The Ogunquit Rivermouth was one of the most productive destinations today, with an unexpected 4 Northern Pintails pioneering amongst hundreds of Mallards and American Black Ducks, Canada Geese, and really close views of White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Common Loon, plus a Belted Kingfisher – one of our “honorary waterbirds.” Elsewhere, Black Scoters were the dominant species, with large rafts witnessed at multiple locations.
What is this mess? Impossible to identify, you say? Well, with a little comparative experience, we learned just how quickly we can identify this 2nd cycle Herring Gull.
As rewarding and educational the birding was, I think most people will end up remembering more about the domestic duck roundup attempt that we witnessed at Abbott’s Pond. We were there to study Mallards, American Black Ducks, and hybrids thereof, learning the differences and nuances in plumage of some of our most commonly seen waterfowl. We did that, and then sat back and enjoyed the show as the pond’s caretakers were bringing some “dumped” domestic hybrids to a better home.
We put special emphasis on learning female ducks as well, especially when in direct comparison to the respective distinctive males and other hens around them. We also took time to appreciate the gorgeous intricacies of their plumage, such as on this female Mallard.
2. Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop
Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop
Portland. May 17, 2026.
This half-day workshop focused on the migrant songbirds, especially warblers, that are passing through Maine’s most famous migrant trap, Portland’s Evergreen Cemetery. At the peak of warbler migration, we learned how to identify these charismatic birds, and discussed their mind-boggling migration and what they’re up to in Maine.
We began with making some predictions of what the morning would produce, and later analyzed the winds and radar images to draw some conclusions about what we did and did not see. And while we expected more than the 13 species of warblers we saw and/or heard, and more “passage migrants” overall, we still had a really enjoyable day, and yeah, 13 species of warblers!
Beginning at Evergreen Cemetery, we were greeted by newly-arrived Red-eyed Vireos, and a nice variety of warblers. More were in the tops of oak trees (we learned why) than down low, but we still enjoyed great views of a variety of species, such as Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, and especially Magnolia Warbler. After hearing them all morning, we were finally treated to a stunning view of a Great-crested Flycatcher, and we finished off with an unexpected immature Orchard Oriole! We also had exceptionally good views of two different perched and hunting Cooper’s Hawks – although this was a songbird workshop, I jokingly justified it as songbird-eating raptor identification is more important for a songbird to workshop than songbird identification is for us to workshop!
Moving over to nearby Capisic Pond Park to continue our birding by habitat lessons, we soon added plentiful Yellow Warblers and a migrant female Canada Warbler to our warbler tally, while later enjoying more quality time with American Redstarts. Baltimore Orioles abound here, and we spotted the local male Orchard Oriole here, where they are regular breeders (one of the few places in the state they are found annually), making for a two OROR day. Gray Catbirds were conspicuous, Warbling Vireos were seen, but mostly heard, and we found a nest brimming with soon-to-fledge-already American Robins. As for non-songbirds, we took time to study Red-tailed Hawks in flight and especially soaked in the stunning plumes and high-breeding facial skin of a confiding Great Egret.
With temperatures rising into the 70’s and abundant sunshine, we were all complaining (mildly) about being overdressed for the first time this spring! But also, how it was “too nice out” to have seen a ton of birds, despite what the overnight radar image suggested! But this is the challenge of birding in migration, and thankfully, the weather was delightful and there were plenty of birds to look at all morning!
3. Shorebird Workshop
August 18, 2026; 9:00am – 4:00pm
A side-by-side comparison of “Eastern” vs “Western” Willets was one of the highlights of the 2025 shorebirds workshop.
With more than 35 species of shorebirds (a diverse group including plovers and sandpipers) regularly appearing in Maine, this workshop is designed to appreciate the diversity and beauty of this fascinating family.
We will hit some of the marshes, beaches, and rocky roosts that shorebirds prefer at the peak of their migration. The ebbs and flows of the season, daily and recent weather, and other factors could produce more than 20 species of shorebirds in our time together. Our focus will be in comparative experience, learning how to recognize each species both near and far. Starting with the basics, such as plover vs. sandpiper, we’ll work our way up to the identification quandaries such as the “peeps” and the yellowlegs. We will provide you with a “toolkit” to approach shorebird identification on your own, using a combination of habitat, shape, size, structure, behavior, and plumage to identify this wonderfully diverse and attractive group of birds. Migration, conservation, and natural history will also be discussed.
We’ll meet at the public Park & Ride lot between Sea Dog Brewery and Cabela’s, off Payne Road at exit 42 of the Maine Turnpike, at 8 a.m. (please arrive 15 minutes early so we can depart on time) to carpool to the day’s birding destinations, based on tides, weather, and especially the birds themselves! We’ll return by 4 p.m., with an hour break for lunch (not included), likely at a place with multiple nearby options
For an idea of what to expect, see the trip report from our 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2020 outings.
Join Derek Lovitch for three days of birding at Maine’s famous Migration Mecca. As the summer crowds dwindle, the island becomes a birders’ paradise, with birding opportunities around every corner. This tour will spend three days sampling what the island has to offer during the peak of migration, from warblers to hawks to sparrows to the unexpected. Weather (and sometimes, lack thereof) will dictate how much we do or do not see, but every day is different out there. We’ll learn that fall warblers are rarely if ever “confusing” and why migrants – and vagrants from any direction – drop by this offshore migrant trap.
While finding and seeing birds will be the priority, we will also do a bit of informal workshopping in the afternoons to learn more about the mechanisms and marvels of bird migration. Day one will begin at the dock for the Hardy Boat in New Harbor. We’ll keep an eye out for birds from the top deck of the boat as we make the hour-long crossing to the island. Upon our arrival, we’ll hit the ground running to make the most out of our first morning at this special place. Once we’re on land, we’ll be on foot for the next 2 days, with several walks throughout the day. We’ll mostly be on dirt roads with some steep sections, but we’ll also traverse some narrow trails full of roots and rocks. Expect to spend time on “unimproved surfaces.” You will set a new personal record on your step-counter – especially when the bird we most want to see gets discovered on the opposite end of the island just before mealtime!
On the first day, after we check in lunch will be on your own, with a variety of options scattered about the town. After a break, we’ll head back out later in the afternoon for some more birding, before assembling again for an evening “cocktail hour” (BYOB; also available on the island) and our migration workshop where we’ll discuss the birds of the day, how and why we saw (and didn’t see) what we did, and more (when time and energy levels permit). The next two mornings we’ll once again maximize our time on the island. Following a short walk shortly after sunrise, we’ll enjoy the famous Monhegan House breakfast before birding for the remainder of the morning. Once again, we’ll break for lunch before reconvening for some afternoon birding: on the second day until we prepare for our evening “cocktail hour and migration review, and on the third day, right up until it’s time to head to the ferry.
For 2026, we’ll be staying at the venerable Island Inn. More details will soon follow. Stay tuned!
See Derek’s blog entry to see how the 2025, 2024, and 2023 trips went.
I found Maine’s 4th or 5th Virginia’s Warbler on Peak’s Island on Monday, the 24th. Or at least I was confident that I did. I returned two days later to alleviate any lingering doubt, re-found it, saw it much better, and managed to photographed it! Many other birders have seen it through the 28th among a flock of other late/lingering warblers. Details below.
It was simply another incredible week of birding. Frustrated by not having found a mega-rarity since Monhegan (in an otherwise amazing fall for vagrants), I went to Peak’s Island on Monday. It worked! It was a six-warbler week for me, highlighted of course by the Virginia’s Warbler – a new state bird for me! My “Rarity Fever” is raging now! Here are my observations of note over the past eight days:
Evening Grosbeaks have become more regular locally this week, with single birds, mostly flyovers, here and there. Scattered 1 to a few Red Crossbills continue as well. Additionally, there was also a nice little surge in American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin numbers this week locally.
Plenty of the typical “late” migrants still around, such as Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, scattered Swamp Sparrows and Northern Flickers, Red-shouldered Hawk, etc.
1 Orange-crowned Warbler, Trout Brook Preserve, South Portland, 11/23.
Peak’s Island, 11/24: 1 almost-definite VIRGINIA’S WARBLER with 2 NASHVILLE WARBLERS (see below) on Seashore Ave, and 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Battery Steele.
1 NASHVILLE WARBLER, Commercial Street (near the cruise ship terminal), Portland, 11/26.
Back to Peak’s Island, 11/26: 1 VIRGINIA’S WARBLER (confirmed! Photo above) with 2+ NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 1++ Orange-crowned Warbler, and 1+ Yellow-rumped Warbler, Seashore Avenue. Complete details here:
4-5 NASHVILLE WARBLERS (4 continuing since being found by B. McKay et al on 11/26; I had a single bird at the other end of the hillside that was likely a 5th individual) and 1 Hermit Thrush, West Commercial Street, Portland, 11/28. This has been an insane fall for “late/lingering/pioneering/vagrant” Nashville Warblers here in Maine. Interestingly, this phenomenon appears to be rather widespread, as well above average numbers of NAWA are being seen along the Northeast coast as far south as Cape May this fall. Fascinating!
My best photo of the week was not of of the rarities, but I enjoyed this photo of one of four very cooperative Snow Buntings at Kettle Cove on the 23rd that I caught this one mid-stretch-break.
A Fox Sparrow, present at our feeders in Durham since mid-December has been a welcome addition to our winter feeder watching sessions.
After beginning a “feeder watching blog” while stuck at home from shoulder surgery in the winter of 2023 (here and here), I continued the tradition last year in an attempt to gauge the difference between the two winters. A lot of folks were commenting at the store at the time about how few birds there were at feeders in the winter of 2023-24, but this was changing by the time I collected my data in February of 2024.
This year, a lack of feeder birds has most definitely not been the complaint. In fact, bird seed sales are through the roof in much of the East, and at our store, we are really, really busy. Most folks are commenting about how much birds are eating at their feeders. And while recent snowfall is part of that, this pattern began in the fall.
My perception, however, is that there is actually somewhat lower diversity at our feeders (especially the complete dearth of any “winter finches”), and perhaps the number of individuals at the feeders is a little lower than usual, but those species and individuals that are at our feeders are eating a lot more.
Let’s start with the numbers. Once again, I dedicated time to counting feeder birds at our feeding station in Durham each day for at least one hour. I was unable to dedicate the time on two dates, so I counted for 10 of 12 days between February 2nd and February 13th – a window that began three days earlier than last year. Like last year, I used the standard methodology of using “high counts” (maximum number of individuals seen at any one time, unless they were readily identifiable as being different).
February 2 – February 13(minus 2/8 and 2/11), 2025.
Species
Avg./day 2023
Avg./day 2024
Avg./day 2025
Average 3 years
Difference 24vs25
Difference 25 vs 3yr
Wild Turkey
0.2
0
0
0.07
0
-0.07
Mourning Dove
13.5
26.5
29.6
23.2
-3.1
+6.4
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0.4
0.2
0
0.2
-0.2
-0.2
American Goshawk
0
0.1
0
0.03
-0.1
-0.03
Red-bellied Woodpecker
1
1
1.2
1.07
+0.2
+0.13
Downy Wo-odpecker
2.4
2.9
2.5
2.6
-0.4
-0.01
Hairy Wo-odpecker
2
2
2
2
0
0
Pileated Woodpecker
1
0.1
0
0.37
-0.1
-0.37
Blue Jay
7.8
3.0
9.2
6.67
+6.2
+2.53
American Crow
0.7
0
1.8
0.83
+1.83
+0.97
Black-capped Chickadee
7.4
2.9
5.2
5.17
+2.3
+0.03
Tufted Titmouse
4
3
4
3.67
+1
+0.33
White-breasted Nuthatch
2
1.4
2.4
1.93
-1
+0.47
Red-breasted Nuthatch
0.7
0
0.6
0.43
+0.6
+0.17
Brown Creeper
0.4
0
0
0.13
0
-0.13
Carolina Wren
0.9
1
1.8
1.23
+0.8
+0.57
GRAY CATBIRD
0
0
0.1
0
+0.1
+0.1
European Starling
1.1
2.7
8.7
4.17
+6
+4.53
Eastern Bluebird
4.4
3
5.7
4.37
+2.7
+1.33
House Finch
2.1
0
0.4
0.83
+0.4
-0.43
Purple Finch
0.5
0.3
0
0.03
-0.3
-0.03
Pine Siskin
0
0.2
0
0.01
-0.2
-0.01
American Goldfinch
26.6
46.8
25
32.8
-21.8
-7.8
FOX SPARROW
0
0
1
0.3
+1
+0.7
American Tree Sparrow
8.0
4.2
6
6.07
+1.8
-0.07
Dark-eyed Junco
16.6
30.3
13.2
20.03
-17.1
-6.83
White-throated Sparrow
2
2.3
0
1.43
-2.3
-1.43
Song Sparrow
0
0.9
0.6
0.5
-0.3
+0.1
Northern Cardinal
5.2
3.8
6.7
5.2
-2.9
+1.5
Total individuals/day
110.9
138.6
127.5
125
-11.1
+2.5
Every year is different, and every yard is different. Controlling here for time and place, we can make some comparisons, however.
Once again, I am sure I undercounted Black-capped Chickadees, and likely Tufted Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches as I think there could be two small mixed species foraging-flocks around. I also think there are more than one pair each of Hairy and definitely Downy Woodpeckers, but using the “high count” method, I only tabulated the maximum seen at one time.
Two seasonal rarities graced us with their presence this winter. Our Gray Catbird, present since January 2nd, made it long enough to just make it on the list. Meanwhile, a Fox Sparrow that arrived in mid-December continues through today. I won’t expect either of these species to be at our feeders every year.
When our catbird first arrived, it was growing in most of its tail feathers. When it departed, the tail was mostly restored, it survived the coldest night of the season to date, and it coincided with the depletion of the last of the Winterberry in our yard – all a good sign that it simply moved on and did not perish. Here’s it’s taking a serving of semi-frozen grape jelly, but it mostly ate suet while it was here.
American Goldfinches were down from last year in our yard, but they were extremely abundant from the fall through early winter. The difference now is most of our birch catkin crops have now been consumed. Dark-eyed Juncos were way down for us this year, and we don’t have any White-throated Sparrows around. This is likely a direct function of increasing snow depths and the lack of dense coniferous cover in the part of our property that our home and feeders are in.
I’m not going to out a lot of weight into three-year averages, but a few early trends coincide with region-wide trends, such as the steady increase in Eastern Bluebirds and Northern Cardinals. I’m not liking this trend of rapidly increasing European Starlings in our yard, however. At least for now, this is only a winter occurrence for us, however.
Eastern Bluebirds are no longer rare at feeders throughout at least the southern half of Maine in winter.
The average morning low at our home during this period was a measly 6.5F. That was 13.1 degrees colder than the ten days I looked at last year. That’s a lot more calories that need to be burned each night! While total number of individuals is down this year from last, we are going through more seed than we were at this time last year, and the cold and snow is a part of this equation.
However, I think the biggest reason for the difference between the two years can be explained in three words: Eastern White Pine. Last year, our state tree had a “generational” mast; crowns of trees were absolutely covered in cones. This year, it’s hard to find any cones anywhere in the state. Therefore, last winter our local birds had such an overabundance of their most preferred food that they spent much less time at feeders. This year, they’re eating more because there is less natural food available. And with the weather – especially with recent snowfall and ice accumulations making some food resources harder to find – birds are taking advantage of supplemental food more often. The woods, away from yards with well-stocked feeders, are exceptionally quiet this winter.
While some Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches vacated the northern woods this year, it was not a major irruption. They, and Tufted Titmice and White-breasted Nuthatches did seem to have a good breeding season, perhaps having been supplemented by caches of all of that pine seed. Meanwhile, Blue Jays are around in good numbers thanks to a very good Red Oak acorn crop that has kept them here this winter.
Like last year (and as opposed to 2023), we didn’t have a lot of accipiter presence: I only glimpsed one unidentified accipiter back on the 4th, but there were times without any birds at the feeders suggestive of an avian predator hanging around. It’s possible this might just have been due to a pair of regular Red-tailed Hawks in our yard. Despite having little interest in small birds, few birds are willing to take the chance.
Now, to really take this “study” to the next level, I would be keeping track of the amount of seed and other foodstuffs that we are putting out each year. But that’s getting to sound like work, and real research! We’re filling almost all of our feeders at least daily (often twice daily when we are home in another snowstorm), and that concurs with comments we receive at the store. But every yard is different, and not everyone has the same results. If your feeders have seemed comparatively slow, consider what you are feeding, and how fresh the seed and suet is. These are important and we can help you with that here at the store. It’s worth exploring some of my previous blog posts on the topic that discuss reasons why feeder activity ebbs and flows.
American Goldfinches and Morning Doves were once again the most common birds at our feeding station.
We’ve only lived at this location for three years, so it’s too soon to tell what an “average” winter is like in terms of volume and diversity. Furthermore, we are rapidly accelerating plantings and habitat improvement that should increase the number of birds our property sustains. Given that feeders are only a supplement to natural food supplies, I believe our habitat work will pay dividends for our feeder-watching in years to come.
I enjoy this little project, and time permitting, I’ll plan on doing it again next year. It’s only one yard, but it’s a case study that can answer some questions or at least offer a little detailed context as to what others are reporting. How does our feeder activity compare to yours? Are you seeing anything different? Or do some of our observations and hypotheses fit with your observations?
This Greater White-fronted Goose has been making the rounds in Greater Portland this winter, most recently hanging out along Shoreline Drive in Falmouth, where I stopped by to visit it on the 2nd.
It sure feels and looks like winter out there now, but there are still quite a few “lingering” species to add to our usual winter mix. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days:
The GRAY CATBIRD that has been at our feeders since January 2nd was last seen on February 2nd. Hopefully it has just moved on as Winterberry and other fruits in and around our property have been exhausted.
1 Fox Sparrow (continuing since early December) continue at our feeders in Durham.
1 Fox Sparrow (since 12/21) continues here at the store through week’s end as well.
1-2 Turkey Vultures continue in the Cumberland-Freeport corridor of I-295.
2. Gull Identification Workshop: Freeport, Saturday, February 15, 2025 (1:00-4:00pm) and Part II in Portland: Sunday, February 16, 2025 (8:00am-12:00pm).
This handsome drake Green-winged Teal was with a relatively small flock of Mallards along the Auburn Riverwalk on the 30th.
We returned from our winter vacation late Monday night, and most of the week was spent catching up. But of course, I needed to catch up on some local birds as well. Not surprisingly, waterfowl continue to concentrate with the growth of ice cover on rivers and sheltered upper corners of the bay. Here are a few observations of note over the past 4 days.
1 GRAY CATBIRD (continuing since 1/2) and 1 Fox Sparrow (continuing since early December) continue at our feeders in Durham.
1 Fox Sparrow (since 12/21) continues sporadically at the feeders here at the store, but has become more regular in the latter half of this week.
1 drake WOOD DUCK, Bernard Lown Peace Bridge, Lewiston/Auburn, 1/30 (likely same bird as Jeannette and I found at the North River Road Boat Launch on 1/13).
1 continuing drake RING-NECKED DUCK, Bernard Lown Peace Bridge, Lewiston/Auburn, 1/30. First observed at the Lincoln Street Riverfront Park on 1/14.
3. Gull Identification Workshop: Freeport, Saturday, February 15, 2025 (1:00-4:00pm) and Part II in Portland: Sunday, February 16, 2025 (8:00am-12:00pm).
Nothing can brighten up a cold, gray winter’s day like a drake Wood Duck! This hardy drake was toughing it out amongst the Mallards at the North River Road Boat Launch in Auburn on the 13th.
“Lingering” seasonal rarities and concentrating waterfowl with the growth of river and lake ice this week produced some great mid-January birds despite limited dedicated birding outings.
The Fox Sparrow continues at the store since 12/21, but has been very sporadic this week.
1 GRAY CATBIRD and 1 Fox Sparrow continue at our feeders in Durham through week’s end.
At least two Turkey Vultures continued in the I-295 corridor between Brunswick and Cumberland, and scattered others continue in the area as well.
This spiffy adult Red-shouldered Hawk in Freeport on the 10th was a nice finale to a pleasant morning of birding with a friend.
Well, that was one windy and bitterly cold week, wasn’t it? Strong winds most days precluded productive birding, or at the very least, precluded motivation to do much birding! Feeder-watching was the name of the game on many mornings for me, but despite the cold, “half-hardies” dominated the highlights for me, and for most birders around the state. Lighter winds on Saturday and Friday, relatively speaking, allowed for some much more enjoyable and productive birding.
Single Fox Sparrows continued through week’s end at our feeders both at home in Durham and here at the store.
2 Turkey Vultures continued in the I-295 corridor between Brunswick and Cumberland into the New Year, and scattered others continue in the area.
There was a nice influx of American Robins into the area this week, with some large flocks arriving. Single-flock high count of 138 over the Yarmouth Town Landing on 1/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group). Keep an eye out for vagrants among them!
1 GRAY CATBIRD, continued from last week at our feeders in Durham through week’s end.
This cooperative hen Northern Pintail was one of the number of “late” dabblers that I encountered this week.
Far from the winter doldrums, a productive week of birding -especially at feeders – produced the following observations of note:
Single Fox Sparrows continued through week’s end at our feeders both at home in Durham and here at the store.
2 Turkey Vultures continued in the I-295 corridor between Brunswick and Cumberland into the New Year.
We tallied 16 species of waterfowl, highlighted by an impressive-for-the-date 5 species of dabbler (inc 1 continuing GADWALL, 1 Northern Pintail, and 3 Green-winged Teals), all in Brunswick during our Saturday Morning Birdwalk on 12/28. Details and locations here.
1 Swamp Sparrow, Lower Mast Landing Road and 2 Northern Flickers, Tidal Brook Preserve, Freeport, 12/29 during about 3 hours of coverage for the Freeport-Brunswick CBC.
1 pair American Wigeon, MacDougal Park, Rockland, 1/1 (with Jeannette).
1 GRAY CATBIRD, our feeders in Durham, 1/2. A fascinating time for it to show up. Presumably, it was pioneering locally and perhaps consumed the rest of a food source (like a cluster of Winterberry) and had to wander to find sustenance. It continues through the 3rd, eating jelly, suet, and nuts. The significant tail molt might be part of the reason it’s still around.
Annual Prediction Blog Now Posted.
And finally this week, it’s that time again: my annual Predictions blog where I look back at the Mega Rarities of 2024 and make my usual Top 25 predictions for the next species to be added to Maine’s list, and my own.
One of three Fox Sparrows that appeared last week at the store and continued into this week, with one present through week’s end.
It was one of those weeks with lots to do, and therefore I didn’t get out as much as usual, as if often the case in the buys holiday shopping season. Nonetheless, when I was out (or inside watching feeders), there was plenty of good birding to be had. “Late/lingering” species continue to dominate the news.
3 Fox Sparrows continued at the feeders here at the store through 12/8, with a single bird continuing through week’s end.
1 drake and 1 hen Barrow’s Goldeneye, Winslow Park, Freeport, 12/7 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group). Early compared to recent years here.
1 Wilson’s Snipe and 1 American Wigeon, Moody Marsh, Ogunquit/Wells, 12/8.
1 immature Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Northern Flicker, and 1 Swamp Sparrow, Community Park, Wells, 12/8.
1 Fox Sparrow, our feeders in Durham, 12/10-12.
1 FISH CROW (my first inland Dec/winter record), Auburn Riverwalk, 12/13.
1 drake Green-winged Teal, North River Road Boat Launch, Auburn, 12/13.
1 GRAY CATBIRD, 2 Hermit Thrushes, and 2 Fox Sparrows, North River Road, Auburn, 12/13.
Snow Buntings and Horned Larks were encountered in a bunch of locales this week, and Turkey Vultures are clearly no longer rare in early to mid December in southern Maine!
Maine Birding Field Notes 