Caption: Bill Thompson found this Black Skimmer at Pine Point on the 18th, and I was able to successfully chase it with a client from Australia who hoped to “experience a twitch” while we were out together. We saw it about 20 minutes later, just before it flew by Bill for the second time.
After my Bicknell’s Thrush Weekend tour in New Hampshire and Vermont (full-frame views of Bicknell’s Thrush!), I returned home late on the 14th. I’ll summarize the tour with these two photos from Bill Thompson.
Upon my return, catching up from the yard to the store and everywhere in between, and finding myself involved in a most interesting project, reduced my dedicated birding time. Now in the heart of the breeding season (and with a concerted effort to make time to enjoy it!), my observations of note over the past 10 days included the following:
1 BLACK SKIMMER (see above), 2 continuing Purple Martins, 7 American Oystercatchers, etc, Pine Point, Scarborough, 6/18 (with client from Australia).
1 pair ORCHARD ORIOLES (at nest), Capisic Pond Park, Portland, 6/18 (with client from Australia).
1 Green Heron, our property in Durham, 6/20 (Yard Bird # 160!)
1 pair ORCHARD ORIOLES, 8 Glossy Ibis, etc, Old Town House Park, North Yarmouth, 6/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
9+ Grasshopper Sparrows, California Fields Wildlife Area, Hollis, 6/21.
You are what you eat!
1 drake Long-tailed Duck, 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, Purple Martins and Fish Crows, etc, Drake’s Island and Wells Harbor, 6/22 (with Ian Doherty).
But mostly, I took advantage of my intentionally-reduced June schedule to casually enjoy our summer specialties, from Roseate Terns to Saltmarsh Sparrows to all of our delightful warblers… while also enjoying all of the finer aspects of life in early summer in Maine.
Derek will once again be onboard as Guest Naturalist for this special “Whale Watch & Birding Buffs Combo” Cruise. The itinerary will include a visit to Eastern Egg Rock as well as whale feeding grounds. Nesting colonies and pelagic sightings will be highlighted. Around EER at this time we can expect to find Atlantic Puffins, Common Terns, Arctic Terns, Roseate Terns, Laughing Gulls, Double-Crested Cormorants, Common Eider, Black Guillemots, with a chance of Razorbill and Common Murre. Off-shore sightings may include Northern Gannets, up to 4 species of Shearwaters (Great, Sooty, Cory’s, and Manx), and Wilson’s Storm Petrels. Who knows? Perhaps the wandering TUFTED PUFFIN will be spotted! Sorry, no chumming this time, but we tend to get a little more time around Eastern Egg, and if there’s enough of us, a little more freedom to chase birds offshore!
Dan Nickerson and I enjoyed quality time with a foraging Louisiana Waterthrush at a regular location in West Poland on the 21st. We enjoyed watching its foraging technique in and out of the water.
It was another fabulous week of birding, and the season has finally (mostly) caught up with the date on the calendar. Several great nights of nocturnal migration allowed a lot of breeding birds and passage migrants to arrive, although there were few concentrations of migrants this week as most birds went overhead, unimpeded. The 19th was my best day of the spring so far, however! My observations of note over the past 6 days, before I head off to Monhegan, are as follows:
In addition to the usual handful of breeding locales, the recent spring overshoot event has brought quite a few more ORCHARD ORIOLES to the state than usual. I saw three this week, including at known breeding locations(*): 1 female Old Town House Park*, North Yarmouth, 5/16 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group); 1 immature male, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/17 (with Down East Adventures Spring Songbird Workshop tour group), and 1 adult male Capisic Pond Park*, Portland, 5/17 (with Down East Adventures Spring Songbird Workshop tour group).
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Old Town House Park, North Yarmouth, 5/16 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
2 Yellow-throated Vireos, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/18 (with Jeannette).
10+ BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, our property in Durham, 5/18. Unfortunately were flushing out of the woods (likely eating Amelanchier blossoms) before I could get an accurate count of the flock size. Incredibly late date.
Incredible day for migrants on Bailey Island in Harpswell on 5/19 (with Ian Doherty). We tallied 18 species of warblers, led by ~60 Common Yellowthroats and ~40 Yellow Warblers, at least 18 Swainson’s Thrushes (FOY), 25+ Red-eyed Vireos, 10+ Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, etc. Best day of migrant observation for me this season so far!
2 American Oystercatchers, Bailey Island, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
1 Vesper Sparrow, Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport, Auburn, 5/21 (with Dan Nickerson).
1 Louisiana Waterthrush, Johnson Hill Road, West Poland, 5/21 (with Dan Nickerson).
My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week also included:
3 Red-eyed Vireos, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/17 (with Down East Adventures Spring Songbird Workshop tour group).
1 Canada Warbler, Capisic Pond Park, Portland 5/17 (with Down East Adventures Spring Songbird Workshop tour group).
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, Morgan Meadow WMA, 5/18 (with Jeannette).
1 Indigo Bunting, our property in Durham, 5/18.
25+ Common Terns, Bailey Island, Harspwell, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
1 Willow Flycatcher, Bailey Island, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
4 Blackpoll Warblers, Bailey Island, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
6 Bay-breasted Warblers, Bailey Island, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
1 Tennessee Warbler, Bailey Island, 5/19 (with Ian Doherty).
3+ Common Nighthawks, our property in Durham, 5/19.
2 Alder Flycatchers, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 5/20 (with Evan Obercian).
The 20th year of the project began on March 15th officially concluded at 5:00pm on May 15th, but Zane went up for a few hours on the 16th…and yeah, the rest of the week looked pretty decent, too. Where was this weather during the count period!? Here’s the final, Week 9 report.
The latest incarnation of our Bicknell’s Thrush weekend offers more chances to see the enigmatic Bicknell’s Thrush and even better boreal birding opportunities!
With two full mornings in the area, we’ll have flexibility to offer two visits to the realm of the Bicknell’s. While Bicknell’s Thrush is the primary target, this enhanced itinerary will also give us an even better chance at other boreal species, including Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Palm and Blackpoll Warblers, and especially Philadelphia Vireo and Mourning Warbler. By staying in Colebrook, NH we have the opportunity to look for additional boreal targets anywhere from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (the famous hotspots are only 30 minutes from Colebrook!) to the Umbagog NWR area.
This immature male Orchard Oriole, and a female it was foraging with, that I found on Peak’s Island on the 11th are likely part of a continuing influx of “southern overshoots” that arrived after last week’s weather pattern (see last week’s blog).
It’s hard to not have a great week of birding in the middle of May, and this week was certainly no different. Some “southern overshoots” added to the mix of migrants and new arrivals, and some rather surprising lingering winter birds as well, all making for a fun-filled week of bird watching. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days.
1 female SUMMER TANAGER, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 12 species of warblers, etc, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/10 (with Birds on Tap Roadtrip: Warblers and Wort! Tour group). Unfortunately, I whiffed on photos as we all struggled to follow her across the cemetery!
16 species of warblers, led by 35 Yellow and 16 Common Yellowthroats, Peak’s Island, Portland, 5/11.
6+ Red Crossbills including 2+ fledglings, Peak’s Island, 5/11.
1 SANDHILL CRANE, Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch, (the 14th of the season here, but my first from the summit this spring), 5/12.
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, our property in Durham, 5/13.
15 species of warblers, led by 13 Black-and-white Warblers and 11 Common Yellowthroats, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 5/14 (with Bill Thompson).
52 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (with 1 Cedar Waxwing), Union Street, Brunswick, 5/14 (with Bill Thompson). Even more incredible than seeing so many Bohemians so late in May, is that we saw them on the same day we easily recorded 17 species of warblers. Not sure that will happen again for a very long time around here!
16 species of warblers, led by 13 Black-and-white Warblers and 11 Ovenbirds, our property in Durham, 5/15.
My personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week also included:
4 UPLAND SANDPIPERS (been present for a few weeks now, but I hadn’t made the time to visit!), Brunswick Landing, Brunswick, 5/9 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group). Bill Thompson and I had 1-2 on 5/14, with one singing from the Bowdoin Sandplain proper.
2 Lincoln’s Sparrows, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/9 (with Birds on Tap Roadtrip: Warblers and Wort! Tour group).
2 Wilson’s Warblers, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/9 (with Birds on Tap Roadtrip: Warblers and Wort! Tour group).
The 20th year of the project began on March 15th and concludes at 5:00pm today, May 15th (maybe! But tomorrow looks so good!) The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained on the website link above. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 8 report. I’ll post a season summary next week.
The latest incarnation of our Bicknell’s Thrush weekend offers more chances to see the enigmatic Bicknell’s Thrush and even better boreal birding opportunities!
With two full mornings in the area, we’ll have flexibility to offer two visits to the realm of the Bicknell’s. While Bicknell’s Thrush is the primary target, this enhanced itinerary will also give us an even better chance at other boreal species, including Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Palm and Blackpoll Warblers, and especially Philadelphia Vireo and Mourning Warbler. By staying in Colebrook, NH we have the opportunity to look for additional boreal targets anywhere from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (the famous hotspots are only 30 minutes from Colebrook!) to the Umbagog NWR area.
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 26th)
Originally scheduled for the prior week, we decided to postpone the tour. In doing so, we avoided a full day of rain and dense fog, and instead only complained about being overdressed in the bright sun and surging warmth. That was a win. And the birds cooperated for us today as well!
The delayed progression of the season and resultant slowed progress for many songbirds produced a rather quiet walk in the woods, although we had some good practice with the songs of Pine Warbler vs Chipping Sparrow, learned the songs and calls of several resident species, and watched a pair of Broad-winged Hawks moving through the woods and vocalizing repeatedly.
Taking the gentle one-mile Northern Loop Trail also gave us some time for some tree identification and made sure we weren’t too out of breath for our arrival at the summit. While we were talking about raptors during our walk, we now focused on the hawkwatch project, first at the count board with season numbers and averages, and then at the summit watch site, covering some of the science behind the project.
SONY DSC
It’s always a risk to offer a hawkwatch “workshop” since we can’t guarantee there will be birds in the air to talk about! But the weather was sure conducive to a flight today, and before long, we had hawks in the air. In just over an hour at the summit, we had workshop-worthy views of a variety of species both near and far. Low and close Sharp-shinned Hawk vs Cooper’s Hawk. A distant Broad-winged Hawk mobbing the much larger and a stronger Red-tailed Hawk. Close Turkey Vultures, several views of Bald Eagles from different altitudes and angles, and a stunning view of a low and close Northern Harrier. It was really a perfect sample of watch hawkwatching, and hawkcounting, is all about, and just as we were about to leave, a special treat: a lone Bohemian Waxwing dropped in and landed next to the summit, affording long close looks of this fantastic bird.
If it wasn’t for the temptation of beer, we may not have departed, but the draw of Maine Beer Company was too strong. We sipped a refreshing and clean Spring, their seasonal Kolsch-style ale while we split into two groups to get an overview of their impressive brewhouse. Next up was Lunch, their flagship West Coast IPA with its bright citrus notes and perfect balance with sweet tropical fruit and a slight resinous/pine dankness. It deserves all the awards and accolades bestowed upon it. And finally, a Nitro pour of Mean Old Tom was served, and we enjoyed a switch to roasty, nutty, coffee, and chocolate notes and talked about why that nitrogen makes this beer taste different (and in our opinions, much better!).
A short distance down the road, we then visited Goodfire Brewing. Goodfire has such a range of beer styles, all executed so well, that instead of the usual flight of samples, we enjoyed two half-pours of our own choice. Some of us, like myself, chose what we had not had from this underrated brewery. Others, quite a few who were brand new to Goodfire, often started with Prime, their thick and luscious New England IPA bursting with fruit juice flavors. Everything from an Italian Pilsner to a fruited sour to the brand new “Sierra Missed,” (a lager with lemongrass and lime leaf) were enjoyed by all. Meanwhile, we continued the discussion of birds, beer and beer brewing, and touched on many other topics of the modern world.
Birds On Tap℠ – Warblers and Wort (Sunday, May 10, 2026).
Chestnut-sided Warbler was a crowd-pleaser today.
This annual favorite usually visits both Evergreen Cemetery and Capisic Pond Park in Portland. It’s a good sign that we never made it to Capisic!
We arrived at Evergreen to find the main entrance unexpectedly closed. We relocated to a side entrance and began birding. Well, that worked out swimmingly! We soon stopped dead in our tracks with a group of busy Gray Catbirds, two stunning male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and a cooperative Chestnut-sided Warbler. Then, while enjoying a Great-crested Flycatcher, we spotted an intriguing tanager. Following her across the cemetery, we finally had good views, and sure enough, we had indeed found a very rare Summer Tanager! Her bog, pale horn-colored bill, and light yellow-green body with virtually no contrast between the yellow-green wings and the rest of the upperparts finally yielded a conclusive identification before she launched up and away, heading for a far tree line. I had completely whiffed on photos – but if you want to see the branch she was on, I have a perfect photo of that!
The rare bird excitement subsiding, we finally made it to the pond, where we spent the next two and a half hours, not feeling the motivation to head anywhere else. Several pockets of warbler activity produced a total of 12 species, with just fantastic views of most of them, including American Redstart, Magnolia, Northern Parula, and our first two Wilson’s Warblers of the year. Newly arrived Lincoln’s Sparrows were noted, a small group of Ruby-crowned Kinglets were enjoyed, we heard an uncommon Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and we became familiar with the incredible camouflage of a Solitary Sandpiper. Ospreys with fish, Belted Kingfishers, and much more were seen well and thoroughly enjoyed. While it wasn’t the day legends our made of in spring migration, the diversity was good, and the consistently good views of many species were most welcome.
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Our first brewery stop was Foundation Brewing Company, 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. Co-owner and Head of Brewing Operations John Bonney joined us for a detailed explanation of Foundation’s wide range of styles. He described his brewing philosophy, beer interests, and learned how Foundation differentiates itself. Everyone selected their own flight, so we all sampled a wide range of styles. I refreshed with a crips Riverton Flyer, tried the Coffee Burnside (Brown) for the first time, noted the difference in the newly reformulated Afterglow IPA, before sipping on the 12th Anniversary DIPA, Prototype 12, with the big juicy hop notes followed by a crisp and clean finish from the use of lager yeast.
Then, we crossed town to Rising Tide Brewing Company, a cornerstone of Portland’s craft beer community since its early growth years and home of the Birds on Tap! Origin Story. 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. Here, another self-chosen flight represented the spectrum. Of course, I had to include the flagship Maine Island Trail Ale, and, to keep the Birds on Tap theme alive, the juicy Puffin Party. Once again, there was something for everyone, showcasing the range of Portland’s craft brewers. There were a couple of Ospreys over head as well.
Birds on Tap℠ – Road Trip! Shorebirds and Steins (Sunday, August 16)
The original BoT Roadtrip! Way back in 2015, our most popular tour returned to Scarborough Marsh at prime time for a good variety of migrant shorebirds. We set out to learn how to identify our common species, and search for the rare, enjoying the birds of the shore as we studied our shorebirds (sandpipers and plovers).
This time, I decided to audible and begin with a non-shorebird. But a Thick-billed Murre – rare in Maine, unheard of in summer, and unreasonably reliable – has been spending the last month in and around the Pine Point area. I decided that, given the time and the tide, we would take a walk to Pine Point Beach to hope it was there.
And it was, across the river, but easily viewed through our spotting scopes! This local celebrity was just chillin, doing its thing, and thankfully being left alone.
Then we reverted to the task at hand, focusing on shorebirds: sandpipers and plovers. From the Pine Point Co-op and nearby Jones Creek, we began with shorebird basics and then started sorting through the masses. We spotted a family group of charismatic American Oystercatchers (as per request!) and enjoyed sorting through Semipalmated Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers nearly at our feet. We picked out an uncommon White-rumped Sandpiper from the multitudes and looked at several other species. After some time there, we stopped at the Pelreco Marsh, getting a chance to study Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs side-by-side, and adding three other species of shorebird to our list, bringing the morning’s tally to 11 species of plovers, sandpipers, and allies.
Christian took over the guiding lead as we arrived at the new Allagash Bungalow. No one in the group had been here before, so even driving through what used to be Scarborough Downs was eye-opening! We enjoyed our well-earned samples, starting with the world-famous flagship Allagash – the “most awarded white beer in the world.” New to most was the Maine Blueberry Ale with subtle but distinct notes of wild blueberries that shine through with the use of a neutral yeast. And finally, we sampled Two Lights, one of Allagash’s most popular summer beers which uses white wine must and champagne yeast to make a light but flavorful and complex refresher.
Allagash’s growth and preeminence in the Maine craft beer industry, along with the early trials and tribulations of the now-respected-as-visionary founder, makes for revealing story of one of the most influential breweries in Maine.
Our second brewery stop was Nonesuch River Brewing, only a few minutes away. While Allagash is known for their use of different yeasts to flavor their Belgisn style beers, Nonsuch is most known for their IPAs and lagers. Therefore, it was fun to see their range as we began with Patio Garden, their hefeweizen, where the flavor is dominated by esters from the yeast, with clove spiciness and banana being very forward.
We sipped My Beer to Be, a hazy IPA dominated by the candied tropical fruit flavors of Galaxy hops as we learned about the brewing process and the history of Nonesuch. A special treat – which I always love – is when the brewers bring out the base ingredients, as it is so instructive. Today, we tried a variety of malted barley (a few grains go a long way in producing a burst of flavor in your mouth) and took some deep inhales of hops to help understand the process. Finally, we enjoyed a taster of Space Ghost, which adds a variety of New Zealand-grown hops to Galaxy for an additional burst of flavor, and a much more gentle finish (to my palette).
On the short drive home, we summarized the birding day and took in the revealing history of beer brewing in Maine thanks to Christian’s expertise. While this was the last Birds on Tap Roadtrip of 2026, we look forward to gearing up the new Fort and Feathers Series this fall, beginning with our annual trip to House Island in October!
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!
This Nashville Warbler (above) was one of two still on Peak’s Island as of the 1st, and this Orange-crowned Warbler (below) was one of four or five still on the island. Orange-crowned Warblers are pretty hardy, but if the Nashvilles are still hanging on, they would be questioning their life decision this morning! Speaking of, best wishes, wherever you are, to the Virginia’s Warbler that has not been seen since the 11/29.
Well, winter set in rather quickly this week, didn’t it? And no doubt much to the chagrin of the many vagrants, “pioneers,” and “half-hardies” that we have been enjoying recently. Despite the widespread below-zero temperatures by week’s end, I still saw four species of warblers this week. But I won’t expect that next week. Here are my observations of note over the past seven days.
2 continuing NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 3 Orange-crowned Warblers (at least 2 continuing), and 1 continuing COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, but no sign of the Virginia’s, Peak’s Island, Portland, 12/1 (with Jeannette. Photos above).
1 1st cycle Iceland Gull, Maine State Pier, Portland, 12/1 (with Jeannette).
1 ad. Red-shouldered Hawk, Ann St, Lisbon Falls, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson).
2 WILSON’S SNIPE and 4 Lesser Scaup, Lake Auburn, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson).
1 Fish Crow, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 12/4 (with Bill Thompson). 2-4 Fish Crows have been reliable here since April, including in the past few weeks.
1 Northern Flicker, our feeders in Durham, 12/4.
Scattered Evening Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills continue in the area this week as well.
The Peregrine Falcon pair of Lewiston-Auburn is back to frequenting their favorite winter perches, such as this rooftop tower near the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge. One of the pair had returned here after taking a run at a Bald Eagle.
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.
It’s been an extraordinary rarity season in Maine this fall. Perhaps it’s been the weather patterns, widespread drought, increasing use of neonicotinoid pesticides, or perhaps – according to a recent paper – geomagnetic storms!
But whatever it is, it’s made for an active month for vagrants here in Maine. Monhegan was epic at the end of September, October was pretty good on the mainland, and November has been exceptional. And, we still haven’t fully entered the rare-birds-at-feeders season, although there have already been quite a few noteworthy feeder visitors.
Personally, I’ve had a great fall, especially on Monhegan, and as you have read in my This Week’s Highlights blog (if you’re the one or two people who actually read it!), I’ve had quite a few notable finds, some fun chases, and overall great birding recently. But I hadn’t turned up a “mega” to add to the tally. On Monday, 11/24, I continued my search by taking a day to bird Peak’s Island, one of my favorite late fall birding destinations.
Arriving on the 7:45 ferry from Portland, I began my usual circuit, working around town to Picnic Point. The wrack line here always looks prime for a vagrant!
A short while later, at about 8:30am, I paused at one of my usual thickets on Seashore Ave, diagonally opposite the 5th Regiment Museum. There are always birds here, augmented by a dense tangle, some tall trees, and a few small feeders behind it.
On Monday, it was very active as usual, with numerous Northern Cardinals, a lot of House Finches, and other typical residents. Movement caught my eye in a stand of still mostly-still-leafed willow trees towards the back right of the thicket, approximately 25 yards from the roadside.
Three warbler-like birds were chasing each other. One appeared to be an aggressor, and I was hearing repeated short, high-pitched call notes that were either, or very similar to, Nashville Warbler. It’s been an extraordinary fall for “late” Nashville Warblers (although they are likely drift vagrants, mirror vagrants, or even reverse migrants rather than just behind schedule), so this was not too surprising. But three non-Yellow-rumped Warblers in one tree? That’s notable on November 24th!
The first bird I saw well was a bright, adult male-type Nashville Warbler (NAWA). The birds, still chasing each other and not sitting still, were not easy to see, but the second bird I got my binoculars on was rather confusing. I observed it for as long as I could, but the distance was just a bit too far.
A very drab Orange-crowned Warbler (OCWA) first came to mind, especially with the yellow undertail coverts, but the bird was really, really gray. A flat, cool, not at all yellowish or greenish gray. It was flicking its tail like a NAWA, but even more emphatically. It turned around, and I saw its breast, and there was a small amount of yellow there. Wait, what!? The patch was smaller and more isolated than a drab female Northern Parula, but there were no wingbars are at all, and it was too long-tailed.
I noted an eye-ring, but the distance made it hard to tell how bold it was, whether or not it was complete, or even if it was really white like a NAWA. I went for my camera, hoping to zoom in to see detail, but the birds were far too active and in too dense of a twiggy tree, so coupled with the distance, this was a complete fail.
Two birds departed to the right, but the bird of interest remained for another minute or three, calling very similarly to a Nashville Warbler, but quite emphatic. I then lost it, too.
By now, I was putting the pieces together and was under the suspicion that this was a Virginia’s Warbler, but I was not convinced. With all three birds departing as of 8:48, I opened up my Sibley app to refresh my memory (it’s been quite some time since I have seen a VIWA!) and listen to the call. The call recording on the app included two pitches of calls, the second of which was spot-on for what I was hearing from this very drab, gray, not-quite-Nashville warbler.
Hmm…but why didn’t I notice the yellow rump? Or was I just focusing on the rest of the bird? All of the views were so painfully brief, and I never saw the complete bird at one time.
About 10-15 minutes later, the trio returned: the adult male-type NAWA, a second, drab immature-female-type NAWA, and the likely VIWA. In a brief view, I noticed the all gray head, reminiscent of a female American Redstart, and confirmed the presence of yellow in the center of the breast.
The birds departed again, to the right, across Ryefield Street, but I only glimpsed one bird and it was likely the VIWA. I walked around the block, noticed a few feeders on New Island Avenue, but I did not find any warblers. Since they had returned to the original stand of willows three times now, I stood in place now, about a full hour after my original observation and I started sending out texts and scribbling notes.
I noticed that the recycling container at the house adjacent to the thicket had been taken in. Damn; I missed the homeowner! I needed to get closer to the thicket if the bird returns, but I am absolutely unwilling to trespass or enter yards without being invited/given permission. Many of you have understood this from my tours to Monhegan, but I stand by this elsewhere. But did it cost me today?
Happily, a short while later, the homeowner was in his yard and after a brief chat, allowed me to hang out in his backyard. It was now 10:28. He even brought me a comfy chair! I was so appreciative, now that I was camped out next to the willows, no warblers reappeared. I took another loop around the block, then returned to my chair. A single Evening Grosbeak dropped into the thicket, and I glimpsed what was almost certainly a Lark Sparrow within a House Sparrow flock, but I did not pursue it to confirm.
By 11:15, I was cold and needed to get a real walk in, so I departed, birding my usual circuit out to and through Battery Steele (found a Common Yellowthroat there) and otherwise enjoyed a rather birdy day on the island. A Hermit Thrush, a couple of Swamp Sparrows, a growing cadre of Red-necked Grebes offshore, and tons of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the woods. Song Sparrows were also unusually abundant.
I walked into town for lunch to go (the wraps at Unruly Girls’ Peaks Cafe are fantastic as always, but the hot chai was even more clutch!). I was back to the thicket at 1:36. The sun that broke through while I was far away had mostly been enveloped by clouds once, and the wind was picking up. Neither was particularly helpful. I departed at 2:25 to catch the 2:45 departure (I had planned on leaving before lunch!)
I was frustrated. I knew what I saw, but was bothered by what I did not see, and how unsatisfying and conclusive my views were. I felt confident that it was indeed a VIWA, but I don’t like birding by default or identification by the sum of all parts!
I thought about going back the next day but couldn’t. I must say, the oral surgery may have been less painful than having this bird get away!
I looked at guides, viewed photos online, and concluded there was little doubt that I had seen a VIWA. But the mind can play tricks on you, and memory can be affected by the post-observation studies, so it was bothering me. Jeannette asked if I was going to “count it?”
I didn’t know. So, on Wednesday morning, I decided to be a little late for work and go back to Peak’s Island. I couldn’t help it; I had to! Jeannette agreed.
Walking to the ferry terminal, I stumbled upon a Nashville Warbler on Commercial Street, near the cruise ship terminal, which I took as a good sign. 7:45 ferry, 8:05 arrival on the island, and I was to the thicket by 8:30, after a thorough check on Picnic Point on the way (the foggy conditions had me hoping to refind the bird on the wrack line like so many late-season insectivores find sustenance).
I stared at the thicket, but overall bird activity was much slower than two days prior. At 8:55, I began walking down Seashore, towards Maple Street. I soon heard warblers! I first heard a Yellow-rumped Warbler from quite some distance, but then heard NAWA, or NAWA-like, calls.
In the side yard of 66 Seashore, I found not three, but 5 warblers: 2 NAWA, a YRWA, and a drab Orange-crowned. Very drab. Hmm…could I have blown this mystery warbler? Was this all I had seen? No, no way! And then warbler #5 popped out: Virginia’s Warbler!!!!!
Between this yard, and the first yard on Maple Street a minute later, I had several perfect views at varying distances, and all field marks were observed. With a good look, there sure wasn’t any mistaking this bird!
Thin, slim warbler with a thin bill; bold but thin white eyering; cool gray upperparts with no wingbars, and here, you can just make out part of the yellow rump.Most of my views – and all of them on Monday – were like this: small parts of a small bird between twigs! Here, however, you can see the plain gray overall color, complete, thin eye-ring, and a hint of the yellowish undertail.
I followed the flock back towards the original thicket and willow trees, but I lost their tail. I decided to be responsible and head back for the 10:00 ferry and get to work. I also had left my Tylenol in the car. Besides, my job here was done! This is the 4th or 5th record for Maine, and the first away from Monhegan.
Addendum: Several friends arrived on the next ferry, and after a short while found the bird in the same area, often returning to the original thicket from Monday. I was so focused on identification of the VIWA that I probably didn’t take a full inventory of all of the warblers that were around. They had at least 4 OCWA now, 2-3 NAWA, 2 YRWA, and crushing views of the VIWA. The bird was seen by many through the afternoon. And thanks again to the homeowners who accepted my presence in their yard and invited others in later that day!
I also can’t help but wonder if there will be a “Patagonia Picnic Table Effect” as birders descend upon and follow this possibly-growing flock of unseasonable warblers. Could I be heading back to Peak’s soon? I’ll at least be able to grab another Mediterranean wrap this time.
12/1 UPDATE: The VIWA has not been seen since the afternoon of 12/29. Birders searched for it on 12/30 and had 1+ NAWA and 4 OCWA in the area. Today, Jeannette and I spent the morning looking for it to no avail. In the Seashore Avenue area, we had 2 NAWA and 2-3 OCWA. As we widened our search, Jeannette and I had a continuing COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in the same spot as last Monday and another OCWA, both near Battery Steele.
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.
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.
This female Cerulean Warbler at Evergreen Cemetery on 5/6 was the first in Maine for just about every birder who raced to see it! Thanks to Bill for the photo!
Wow! What a week! Although I was out of town for the huge flight Friday night into Saturday morning, my birding with a tour group on an almost-as-productive Sunday morning made up for it. Then, with an upper level low locked into place, migration ground to a halt throughout most of the rest of the week. However, a trickle of new arrivals appeared, and an impressive array of rarities were found around the state. I did a lot more chasing than usual this week (including a personal “state bird”, but a self-found rarity on Friday was a perfect way to put the icing on the cake of a tremendous week of spring birding! My observations of note over the past seven days included the following:
15 species of warblers (FOY) between Evergreen Cemetery and Capsic Pond Park, with Northern Parula the most numerous at both, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
1 ROSS’S GOOSE, Thornhurst Farm/Prince Well Road, North Yarmouth, 5/5. Found by the Boardman family, there was discussion as to its ID. When I was sent photos on the morning of the 5/5, after being present for at least 3 days, I thought it was a “pure” Ross’s Goose. When Jeannette and I then visited the bird to observe it, we left with zero doubt. I posted a series of photos, a short video, and an explanation of the identification on this Facebook post.
1 female CERULEAN WARBLER, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/6 (with Bill Thompson). Found earlier in the morning by Doug Hitchcox. Bill and I ran into each other on Eastern Road and then raced north together for the twitch. His photo is above. My (and most peoples’) first in Maine, this was #11 on my personal next birds in Maine list, and one that feels long overdue.
1 continuing BLACK-NECKED STILT, Spurwink Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, 5/6 (with Bill Thompson). Well, since we were out chasing together, we figured we might as well visit this elegant rarity found by John Lorence on 5/3.
The continuing CERULEAN WARBLER at Evergreen Cemetery on 5/8 with my Birds on Tap – Roadtrip: Warblers and Wort! Tour group. I don’t generally take photos while guiding groups, but I took a few of this bird…and completely wiffed on them!
After all this “twitching,” I was due to find my own rarity, and did so on 5/9 with an adult breeding plumage female RUFF (REEVE) at Walsh Preserve in Freeport. There are only about 10 previous records for Maine.
My personal “first of years” this week also included:
2 Yellow Warblers, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
8 Black-throated Blue Warblers, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
2 Wood Thrushes, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
3 Magnolia Warblers, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
4 Chestnut-sided Warblers, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
2 Great-crested Flycatchers, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
2 American Redstarts, Evergreen Cemetery, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
2 Northern Waterthrushes, Capisic Pond Park, Portland, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
7 Chimney Swifts, Capisic Pond Park, 5/4 (with Down East Adventures Spring Migrant Songbird Workshop group).
1 White-crowned Sparrow, feeders here at the store, 5/4.
Maine Birding Field Notes 