This Northern Hawk-Owl has been present for a while in Piscataquis County where it has been seen by many. Jeannette finally took a ride up to see it on the 12^th, making our “weekend” out of it.

I enjoyed a great week of birding, both locally and with a trip to north-central Maine. Winter irruptives  and the first migrants of spring were among my many highlights over the last seven days.

• 1 Hermit Thrush, North River Road, Auburn, 2/8.
• 1 continuing female Red-breasted Merganser, Lincoln St Waterfront Park, Lewiston, 2/8.

• 5 Northern Pintails (FOY), Flying Point Preserve, Georgetown, 2/9.

• 1 hen COMMON EIDER SSP. BOREALIS and 1 pair BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, Winslow Park, Freeport, 2/10 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

• 1 continuing NORTHERN HAWK-OWL and 1 Northern Shrike, Piscataquis County, 2/12 (with Jeannette). Photo above.
• 1 Northern Shrike, County Road, Milford, 2/13 (with Jeannette).
• 100+ BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (FOY), downtown Old Town, 2/13 (with Jeannette).
• 140 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and 1 NORTHERN FLICKER (great winter bird away from the coast!), Riverside Park, Veazie, 2/13. Waxwings relocated on Thompson Road where we enjoyed an immersive photo session!

• 1 Northern Shrike, Gustafson Rd, Clinton, 2/13 (with Jeannette).

• 1 male Red-winged Blackbird (first of spring), here at the store on 2/14. Arrived on 2/12 – one of our earliest records here.

• Scattered Turkey Vultures and increasing reports of prospecting migrant flocks suggests I will forgo Turkey Vultures on the highlights list for the next 9-10 months already!

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Please join me on Thursday, February 29^th at Maine Beer Company to celebrate the release of the completely revised 2^nd Edition of Birdwatching in Maine: The Complete Site Guide!