Hello All,
I could have picked a better day for my first Androscoggin County Big Day but I had to go with the one I had available.
Rain began as I entered the county at 2AM. After a nap in the cab of the pickup started owling at 3. Fun watching fireflies and bats in the light of the headlamp. No owls. On the water at Sabathday Bog at 4 in fog which became more dense over time. Passerines quite silent. Wilson's Snipe heard. Andro. Co. first Alder Flycatcher. Even Ovenbird and Red-eyed Vireo silent with single of each. Lots of Canada Geese were not silent as well as calling Common Loons.
Tried for Louisiana Waterthrush in outlet from bog. Absent. Still seems like a possible spot with remarkable ruins of grist mill and canal.
Challenged by fog until afternoon when birding picked up and continued adding to list until evening when clouds and wind closed in again. Still managed to hear Marsh Wren at the north end of Sabattus Pond over the outstanding chorus of Gray Tree Frog, Hyla Crucifer, and Bullfrog--and the wind.
82 species total including FOY Common Nighthawk (North River Road Auburn), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Lost Valley Road, Auburn), Semi-palmated Plover and Least Sandpiper (2) at south end beach on Sabattus Pond. Green-winged Teal on a small farm pond in Turner was nice.
Anyone who can hear pitches higher than a trombone could probably have added 10 species to that even with the subdued bird song.
Frustrating misses included any waders beside Great Blue Heron, rails, owls, Double-crested Cormorant, Ruffed Grouse, Mockingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, but so goes a Big Day count. Many other possible species missed.
However, I did enjoy the kayaking and walking. Thanks to the fog I gave up on the plan and decided to check out some places that I had never birded before.
I have never regretted a day spent in the outdoors.
Happy Birding,
Dan Nickerson
Freeport
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