Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking: November 2012

Friday, 30 November 2012

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

Sounds so exciting. My name is Sean and I am from Damariscotta. In the morning, myself and a couple of friends are going to Falmouth for the Cackling Goose. Upon our return I alone was planning on coming up your way to get your Townsend's Warbler. I was thinking between 1 and 2pm if that is okay with you. I have GPS but would like directions aswell if its not too much trouble. Thank you for your time and sharing such a rarity.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Re: [Maine-birds] Injured Northern Hawk Owl in Topsham

Yeah! She's a hero. Please convey our thanks.

From: Bruce Cole <rx7fbbc@gmail.com>
To: maine-birds@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:07 PM
Subject: [Maine-birds] Injured Northern Hawk Owl in Topsham

Bruce Barker's daughter rescued this dazed Northern Hawk Owl from a busy highway this morning. The bird apparently gained it's verve and flew into the woods from its temporary box home. The site was adjacent to the Cathance Children's Center Rte 125, Topsham, about a mile from Rt. 201. Hopefully, its injuries are minor.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g2t6fdaL9Txq0oGNJw9sc9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

The TOWA was present again today (end of Kaler St. If anyone trying for the bird needs directions, you can email me). First seen at ≈7:20a, then not until 11:43a. From then on it came fairly consistent through the afternoon and was seen 15 more times at the feeders/deck up until 4:11p. Thanks for the donations of mealworms and suet. The worms were a big hit. Once it found them about mid-afternoon it was sucking them down like sausages. Also found today, the continuing Baltimore Oriole and an Orange-crowned Warbler.

Good Birding,

John

[Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose NO

No luck on the Pink-footed today, and I looked pretty carefully. There are a lot of fields around here that are not visible from roads (I see them kayaking down the Narraguagus during the summer), so it may still be around. However, it is beginning to look like a long shot.

Joel Wilcox

Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights, Irruptives, and Goose Fields Update, 11/24-30.

Hi all,

Here are some sightings of note from me over the past seven days:

- 3 Brant (first of fall) and about 30 Purple Sandpipers, East Point, Biddeford Pool, 11/25 (with Kristen Lindquist).

- 1 Hermit Thrush, Biddeford Pool neighborhood, 11/25 (with Kristen Lindquist).

- 2 Gadwall, 7 American Wigeon, etc, Grondin Pond, Scarborough, 11/25 (with Kristen Lindquist).

- 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (photo), 2 Hermit Thrushes, and 1 Carolina Wren, private property in Portland, 11/26 (with Doug Hitchcox).

- 8 Snow Buntings, Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, 11/26 (with Doug Hitchcox. Photo at: http://www.facebook.com/Freeportwildbird?ref=hl#!/photo.php?fbid=534852129878079&set=a.390755794287714.103180.198877036808925&type=1&theater).

- 1 Great Cormorant, Yarmouth Town Landing, 11/29.

- 1 Common Grackle, here at the store, 11/29.

And in the irruptives department:

- PINE GROSBEAKS were widespread throughout Cumberland County at least this week, although overall numbers dropped off a bit. Some of my high counts include up to 12 that have been around the store on a daily basis all week and 8 at the LL Bean Headquarters on 11/25 (with Kristen Lindquist).

- WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were widespread throughout the coastal plain once again, but also in somewhat reduced numbers, with some of the high counts including

- I encountered very few Common Redpolls this week, just the scattered handful here and there.

- The only Pine Siskin I encountered once again this week was a single bird continuing in our Pownal yard.

And finally, the goose fields update this week:

- Three CACKLING GEESE continue through week's end, almost always at Thornhurst Farm, including the morning of 11/30.

- Canada Goose numbers remained fairly constant this week, with a high count of 605 on 11/30 possibly only reflecting better visibility of the largest groups. However, seeps and ponds in and around the fields are rapidly freezing, and it seems that access to open fresh water is the limiting factor in what keeps the passage migrants around these fields. The residents and small number of overwintering migrants will often continue to visit the fields until snow cover becomes complete.

- Once again, I encountered small numbers of Pine Grosbeaks while driving the loop through the fields each time this week.

-Derek

------------------
Jeannette and Derek Lovitch
Freeport Wild Bird Supply
541 Route One, Suite 10
Freeport, ME 04032
Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069
http://www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/
Visit our E-store http://store.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/

[Maine-birds] Tree sparrow

It's not a big dea,l but I've tried to capture an

image of a tree sparrow for maybe two

years or more. The lower yellow mandible

eluded me. I've been photographing every

sparrow I've seen in hopes of stumbling upon one.

Today I did.

Hey Bob, I've got a tree sparrow pic now if

you ever need another!

http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p501323621/h4da2981c#h4da2981c

Cheers,

Dave

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeak sounds

Listening to the pleasant “tu-tu-tu” of Pine Grosbeaks as I work in my downtown Gardiner office today. There are a few across the street feeding in the crabapples beside Johnson Hall on Water St (basically Main St. except in name).

Jeff Wells

[Maine-birds] Barrows Goldeneyes - Shawmut Dam, Fairfield

While doing river bird survey this morning I found 2 Barrows along with 124 Common Goldeneyes foraging below the dam.

Margaret Viens
Waterville

Sent from my iPhone

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Thursday, 29 November 2012

[Maine-birds] Fox Sparrow in N Windham this a.m.

maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Injured Northern Hawk Owl in Topsham

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Re: [Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose etc.

Chip,

Sorry to hear you wasted your time. I checked the WD field near dusk, and was hoping that bad light and distance (with bins only) kept me from picking out the PFG. I'll look again tomorrow. It has also been seen, once, in a field south of Rte. 1, a little west of Harrington.

Joel

On Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 6:15 PM, Clark Moseley <an.doc.mo.72@gmail.com> wrote:

Today, John Fuller and I checked out the site that Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks described in the new location in the below with no geese seen, We also spent an hour and a half going through the ~180 Canada Goose at the Willey District Rd. fields. We examined all the geese very well with my spotting scope and found no Barnacle Goose.

Chip Moseley

On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 12:49 PM, Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks <joelandsandy@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

Ira Sanders of Golden, CO and I relocated the Pink-footed Goose about 11:30 AM today. It was in a new place, in a field on the west side of Rte. 1 between Milbridge and Cherryfield, fairly close to Cherryfield. While we were watching, the flock broke up and flew away in 4 separate groups, in the direction of the Willey District Rd. fields. We followed them there, but there were only two groups of geese there and the PFG was not among them.

Joel Wilcox
Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

--
Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd.
Sedgwick, ME 04676

Hm. Phone: 207.359.2558

Cell Phone: 207.812.0461 (seldom used)

Camp Phone: 207.672.3603

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Nashville Warbler and more

Cheryl Ring and I birded from Two Lights to Saco today.

Among the highlights were some 20 Harlequin Ducks at Two Lights (Dyer Point), two pair of American Wigeons at Grondin Pond, 16 Black-bellied Plovers and an estimated 150 Dunlin at Pine Point, and a Nashville Warbler on the south-facing hill across from the Saco Yacht Club.

Jay Adams

Dresden

[Maine-birds] Biddeford pool Cackling Goose photos

As promised, here's my (terrible) photos of the Cackling Goose in Biddeford Pool this afternoon. Also, some Pine Grosbeak shots from the UNE campus.

http://flic.kr/p/dxgVki

http://flic.kr/p/dxnxN1

--
David Rankin

University of New England

Graduate Student

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Re: [Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose etc.

Whoops. Naturally I meant, N0 Pink-footed Goose

On Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 6:15 PM, Clark Moseley <an.doc.mo.72@gmail.com> wrote:

Today, John Fuller and I checked out the site that Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks described in the new location in the below with no geese seen, We also spent an hour and a half going through the ~180 Canada Goose at the Willey District Rd. fields. We examined all the geese very well with my spotting scope and found no Barnacle Goose.

Chip Moseley

On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 12:49 PM, Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks <joelandsandy@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

Ira Sanders of Golden, CO and I relocated the Pink-footed Goose about 11:30 AM today. It was in a new place, in a field on the west side of Rte. 1 between Milbridge and Cherryfield, fairly close to Cherryfield. While we were watching, the flock broke up and flew away in 4 separate groups, in the direction of the Willey District Rd. fields. We followed them there, but there were only two groups of geese there and the PFG was not among them.

Joel Wilcox
Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

--
Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd.
Sedgwick, ME 04676

Hm. Phone: 207.359.2558

Cell Phone: 207.812.0461 (seldom used)

Camp Phone: 207.672.3603

Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd.
Sedgwick, ME 04676

Hm. Phone: 207.359.2558

Cell Phone: 207.812.0461 (seldom used)

Camp Phone: 207.672.3603

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Re: [Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose etc.

Today, John Fuller and I checked out the site that Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks described in the new location in the below with no geese seen, We also spent an hour and a half going through the ~180 Canada Goose at the Willey District Rd. fields. We examined all the geese very well with my spotting scope and found no Barnacle Goose.

Chip Moseley

On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 12:49 PM, Joel and Sandy Wilcox-Fairbanks <joelandsandy@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

Ira Sanders of Golden, CO and I relocated the Pink-footed Goose about 11:30 AM today. It was in a new place, in a field on the west side of Rte. 1 between Milbridge and Cherryfield, fairly close to Cherryfield. While we were watching, the flock broke up and flew away in 4 separate groups, in the direction of the Willey District Rd. fields. We followed them there, but there were only two groups of geese there and the PFG was not among them.

Joel Wilcox
Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd.
Sedgwick, ME 04676

Hm. Phone: 207.359.2558

Cell Phone: 207.812.0461 (seldom used)

Camp Phone: 207.672.3603

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] BOWAs, PIGRs, NOGO

The ornamental gardens at the University of Maine are alive with Bohemian
Waxwings (50 this morning) and a few Pine Grosbeaks. I then headed up to
the Moosehead area and had a Northern Goshawk circle close to the road for
good views on the way to Spencer Pond. We had a few Pine Grosbeaks on the
road and a handful of Boreal Chickadees throughout the area, per usual.

Bob Duchesne
www.mainebirdingtrail.com

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

The TOWA was pesent early today (6:47 - 7:25a). Then absent until
returning at 1:12p. It made nine separate visits to the feeders at
the end of Kaler St. during the afternoon.
Last seen at 3:20p. Observed by myself, Jerry Smith, Bruce Barker,
and Nancy Larson.
-John

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Jaeger species?

11/29/12
One hour (1415-1515) spent at one spot between Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs in Acadia NP.
25++ Purple Sandpipers being chased unsuccesfully by a Peregrine Falcon zigzagging in and out along the rocks.
Large school of fish being chased by Harbor Porpoise brought in a number of birds, 2 Kittiwakes, several Herring, several Great Black-backed Gulls. A large, light unidentified jaeger which I think was a Pomarine, spent 10 minutes chasing varioud gulls as they came up with fish.
Along the immediate shoreline; Common Eider, Black Scoters, Black Guillemot, 16 Horned Grebes, 4 Red-necked Grebes.
Fly-bys of Great Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 20+ Long-tailed Duck, 25+ Black Scoters, 2 Red-throated Loons.

--
---Check our nature, family, and other photos at: www.fotki.com/townsend-maine

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Biddeford Birds -- Cackling Goose

I birded a few areas on the coast in Biddeford today, starting at Timber Point and working north. Plenty of Goldeneyes, all Common that I could tell. Still a few gannets making their way south, and two Red-throated Loons at Biddeford Pool Point. Best bird of the day was a CACKLING GOOSE in the Great Pond at Biddeford Pool, hanging out with about 100 other Canada Geese. I got some (terrible) shots that I'll try to upload to Flickr later. It had the classic short stubby bill and steep forehead, and was noticeably smaller than the rest of the Canadas, but larger than the nearby American Black Ducks. There was a second bird that looked suspiciously small, but it flew off towards the Golf Course before I could get a good look at its bill.

Also of note were 67 Red-necked Grebes of the Point as well as 7 Purple Sandpipers and 21 Great Cormorants on an island off the point. Six late Black-bellied Plovers were on the Golf Course at Biddeford Pool, and a late Semipalmated Plover was at the Point as well.

At UNE, there were 12 Pine Grosbeaks yesterday and 7 today in the crabapple trees next to the Learning Assistance Center , including two males, allowing excellent photographic opportunities.

A juvenile Northern Goshawk made a brief appearance on Hills Beach rd yesterday as well

Good Birding

--
David Rankin

University of New England

Graduate Student

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

I want to say to those who came to look for the TOWA this morning that
I do truly feel bad that he was a no show, especially since several of
you came from so far. But, he did return this afternoon. Briefly to
the feeders at 1:12, then again at 1:20p for about 1 minute. So it is
still around. The second visit it came over to our deck and then
perched on a basket hangar where I got a few pictures. He's a little
stinker for not being here this morning that's for sure.

-John

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Saco Peregrine - Two Days in A Row

This morning at 8:46 the Peregrine arrived, with breakfast. Its still on the stack facing Factory island and can probably be observed from Downtown Biddeford. I can see if where I am on Water St in Saco. It would not be visible from Route One.

https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwK9NC0y8eRDOTNlMUVNeUNJeWs/edit

Here is a link to a Google Folder with a few pictures (Straight from the camera) and a short video of the Peregrine enjoying breakfast.

Again, I am only seeing one bird rather than a pair.

To avoid being annoying I will only post updates of the Peregrine in combination with other posts in the future.

Chuck

--
Chuck Homler

needsmoreritalin.wordpress.com
youtube.com/needsmoreritalin
flickr.com/needsmoreritalin

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] 11/23/12: Photographs from Fryeburg Harbor - The day after the Northern Hawk Owl was last seen!

Hi Maine Birders -

First, I wanted to thank all the kind folks local to Fryeburg Harbor. They were truly helpful, nice, and knowledgeable (Robert and Mary!) in the search for the Northern Hawk Owl. Even though I was not successful in observing the Northern Hawk Owl, I was able to capture a few images that gives folks the "feel" for the day.

From a bird perspective, it was moderately quite. The hi-lite for me was a single flock of Common Redpolls (presumed all CORE). This flock consisted of 418 birds (counted from the photo included).

Here are some pictures from 11/23. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokedaddy/sets/72157632132068282/

Once again, thanks to all.

Respectfully,

Steve Arena

BOM

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Re: Scarborough

Hi,

I'm in Maine to visit family for a long weekend and I always check out this fantastic group when visiting. I'm excited by all the Pine Grosbeak (and earlier Evening Grosbeak) sightings. I'm hoping to see one or both species of birds this trip. I'm staying in the Yarmouth area this trip, so if anyone knows of any sightings or good areas to check out in the Yarmouth/Scarborough/Freeport areas it will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

On Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:32:48 AM UTC-5, soundecology wrote:

With all the reports of Pine Grosbeaks I was surprised I hadn't turned any up until today. With a small flock of the Grosbeaks was another nice surprise this morning - a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

I've also been meaing to ask a question - Last week I saw a couple of crow harrassing a raven. I've seen this before. I assumed it to be crows protecting young, but seemingly no young now to protect. Protecting winter food? Just because they can? Feel free to respond off list.

Thanks.
Karen.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Scarborough

With all the reports of Pine Grosbeaks I was surprised I hadn't turned any up until today. With a small flock of the Grosbeaks was another nice surprise this morning - a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

I've also been meaing to ask a question - Last week I saw a couple of crow harrassing a raven. I've seen this before. I assumed it to be crows protecting young, but seemingly no young now to protect. Protecting winter food? Just because they can? Feel free to respond off list.

Thanks.

Karen.

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

The TOWA just showed up (6:47a) at a feeder here at the end of Kaler St.
-John

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Re: [Maine-birds] Re; Machias Seal Island

Bill:

Please give Captain Corbett my very best wishes.

I went out with him in the 70s on several different occasions.

Capt. Corbett didn't have that fancy new stuff called radar. If it was foggy, he'd cut off the engine, listen a while for the MSI fog horn and then head the boat in the right direction. After four or five listening stops, we'd arrive at the island just fine.

He was a hell of a captain.

Best, Peter

On Nov 28, 2012, at 7:35 PM, <wtownsend@roadrunner.com> wrote:

    Machias Seal and its ownership was not an issue until 1947 when Judge John Dudley of Calais was doing some research concerning lobstering rights along the eastern Maine coast. It was pretty well accepted that the Canadians owned Machiss Seal based on their establishment of the light station. He told me he was surprised when he couldn't find the island actually listed by name on any legal papers, treaties, etc in Canada.   He then went through the historical land records of Maine and discovered that the island was not included or mentioned in any U.S. documents. It apparently was not listed by name anywhere. It was determined that in a technical sense it was one of the few truly unclaimed pieces of land. It was then that the Canadian government who first listed the island by name on various documents based on the construction of the lighthouse.
    Local history says that the boundary in the Passamaquoddy Bay area was established when Daniel Webster met with British/Canadian counterparts and actually sailed down Passamaquoddy Bay on an inspection tour. The night before he had been royally wined and dined at St. Andrews, N.B. The next day was windy and rough and Webster was so hung over and so sick that he agreed to the shortest, calmest route down the bay, that being closest to the Maine shore. As a result all the islands in the bay ended up on the Canadian side. When they got to Lubec they started across to Grand Manan but Webster was content to stay close to land so everything east of their course, Grand Manan, Machias Seal, ended up where they are today.
    By-the-way, the first regular tours to Machias Seal were run by Purcell Corbett, my wifes uncle, who is still alive in Cutler today, in his mid 90's but not well.
--
---Check our nature, family, and other photos at: www.fotki.com/townsend-maine

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Peter Vickery

Center for Ecological Research

P. O. Box 127

Richmond, ME 04357 USA

petervickery@roadrunner.com

center-ecological-research.org

[Maine-birds] Re; Machias Seal Island

Machias Seal and its ownership was not an issue until 1947 when Judge John Dudley of Calais was doing some research concerning lobstering rights along the eastern Maine coast. It was pretty well accepted that the Canadians owned Machiss Seal based on their establishment of the light station. He told me he was surprised when he couldn't find the island actually listed by name on any legal papers, treaties, etc in Canada. He then went through the historical land records of Maine and discovered that the island was not included or mentioned in any U.S. documents. It apparently was not listed by name anywhere. It was determined that in a technical sense it was one of the few truly unclaimed pieces of land. It was then that the Canadian government who first listed the island by name on various documents based on the construction of the lighthouse.
Local history says that the boundary in the Passamaquoddy Bay area was established when Daniel Webster met with British/Canadian counterparts and actually sailed down Passamaquoddy Bay on an inspection tour. The night before he had been royally wined and dined at St. Andrews, N.B. The next day was windy and rough and Webster was so hung over and so sick that he agreed to the shortest, calmest route down the bay, that being closest to the Maine shore. As a result all the islands in the bay ended up on the Canadian side. When they got to Lubec they started across to Grand Manan but Webster was content to stay close to land so everything east of their course, Grand Manan, Machias Seal, ended up where they are today.
By-the-way, the first regular tours to Machias Seal were run by Purcell Corbett, my wifes uncle, who is still alive in Cutler today, in his mid 90's but not well.
--
---Check our nature, family, and other photos at: www.fotki.com/townsend-maine

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] and even more Grosbeaks

Large flock of pine grosbeaks in Belfast today hanging out at penobscot shores retirement center and their many crabapple trees. 30+ birds.

Sarah

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

The Townsend's Warbler first seen here at about 12:30p today was last seen at 3:54p, just before dark. It made at least 11 separate trips to our feeders over the course of the afternoon. Our house is the last one on the left (north side) of Kaler St. which dead ends at the Penobscot River. Anyone who might want to come look for the bird is welcome. Please observe either from the end of the road, or come to our door by the garage and I can let you in. I don't mind people in the yard but someone walking around might spook off the birds.

-John

P.S. Donations of live mealworms would be greatly appreciated. I currently only have the dried ones and I don't think the birds go for them much.

[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeak s Manchester & Augusta this p.m.

7 feeding at chest level in the crabapples at Lingfellows Nurseries and 8 flying over the State Employees' Office Bldg and feeding on the maple buds at the edge of the lot.

[Maine-birds] Fox Sparrow in Raymond

I rarely get sparrows here in the woods but was delighted to have a fox sparrow digging in the leaves this morning with my usual crew of juncos. While every other person in Maine has seen pine grosbeaks, I've still not got a glimpse but do have lots of the usual suspects (both nuthatches, titmouse, chickadee, downy and hairy woodpecker) in the yard.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Townsend's Warbler in Winterport

At 12:30p today a Townsend's Warbler showed up at our feeders in Winterport at the end of Kaler St.. I was able to get a few photos and emailed them on to Bill Sheehan who confirmed the id. It is a first winter male I believe. A few other birds today have been the continuing Baltimore Oriole, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a male Red-Winged Blackbird.

Good Birding,

John

DSC_0002.NEF

[Maine-birds] "Magic Bush" - Green Point WMA - more

Both Carol Muth and Dan Nickerson sent messages re: the "Magic Bush" at Green Point WMA in Dresden. Carol's family has only been in the apple business since the 1820s, and Dan is the Apple Maven of Maine. So I value their remarks.

Both commented on the fact that many apple varieties are not self-pollinating, and crabapples are often planted to provide that service. Dan also mentioned that crabapple trees are often more frost-resistant than other apples. Neither expert thought it likely that owners of orchards would plant a crabapple as an ornamental.

The present "bush" is nearly devoid of fruit. When and if Bowax ever show up this fall, they'll have to look elsewhere for fruit. I've been scouring the entire WMA looking for another "pollinator" but can't find one. I did find a Hawthorne I didn't know was there, however. A few Pine Grosbeaks are still around, but feeding on extremely sparse winter berry. Redpolls, Pine Siskins and Goldfinches seem to be favoring the tall Evening Primrose seed heads. It's an easy plant to find, and one that really pulls in the seed-eaters.

Thanks again to Carol and Dan for their comments.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose etc.

Hi All,

Ira Sanders of Golden, CO and I relocated the Pink-footed Goose about 11:30 AM today. It was in a new place, in a field on the west side of Rte. 1 between Milbridge and Cherryfield, fairly close to Cherryfield. While we were watching, the flock broke up and flew away in 4 separate groups, in the direction of the Willey District Rd. fields. We followed them there, but there were only two groups of geese there and the PFG was not among them.

Other birds seen:

Pine Grosbeak (8-9, in a tree where the PFG was sighted)

Northern Shrike (1, checking out the feeders in my yard, first one I've seen by the house)

Common Redpoll (10 at the feeders, except that one broke its neck running into the picture window when something spooked them; a very sad end to an otherwise great morning)

Joel Wilcox

Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Relief - MERC Peregrine

I have not seen any Peregrines since just before "Super Storm Sandy." I just saw one land on the smokestack at Maine Energy! I am glad to know that at least one of them is still around.

Incidentally, this morning I saw a formation of DC Cormorants fly over the river from my office. There were 19 of them.

At the Saco treatment plant I had Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, the Winter Wren, Two Butter Butts and a bunch of American Tree Sparrows.

Mallards are abundant on the river, but at this time know Mergansers or Goldeneyes. On Sunday, I had 3 Hoodies in Long Pond at Ferry Beach State Park in Saco, observed from the road on my way to Ocean Park.

Cheers!
Chuck

--
Chuck Homler

needsmoreritalin.wordpress.com
youtube.com/needsmoreritalin
flickr.com/needsmoreritalin

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Cackling Geese, a Fortune Cookie, and thanks to Rob Speirs

Rob Speirs and I spent an hour this morning scoping 650 Canada Geese along Route 115 in North Yarmouth near Thornhurst Farm. Rob found us 3 Cacklers in the mix.

This was at least my 10th chase for a cackler in New England over the past couple of years...I got them in California but have wanted to see one closer to home. 2 nights ago I had Chinese food and my fortune cookie said: "A long term goal will soon be achieved." So yesterday I asked Rob to meet me at the goose fields this morning to give it one more try....he made my fortune come true! (maybe he can help me win powerball now...)

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] post Sandy status of Edwin B. forsythe/"The Brigantine"

Just came back after Thanksgiving trip to South New Jersey. The damage there is nauseating, honestly. I saw plainly how close my dear daughter came to catastrophe.
Of note to birders is that we checked out the Edwin B. forsythe Wildlife Refuge as we always do when we go down to get some birding in between asphalt and concrete exposure. Other than some of the walking trails it is not accessible. Driven up into the woods there are hundreds of boats, heating units, fuel tanks and the reek of diesel is tremendous. The driving loop in Galloway which was so fantastic for 'car birding' is all but wiped out. Access denied and rightly so. I'm not sure they are even allowing walking out there (7-8miles round) as what road bed remains is just too unstable. The birds don't seem to care, those that are left, but it's crying shame for birders and watchers. Aerial photography shows the damage really well. If you have plans to go there, check their on line site before you go for status updates.

Robin R Robinson
Birding The Burg

[Maine-birds] Greenville redpolls

First arrival of redpolls. Two male & one female pine grosbeaks continue to visit feeders. No Northern goshawk for quite a few days now.

M/Greenville

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Re: [Maine-birds] Machias Seal Island in the NYTimes

Thank you Bill for sharing this important information........... I have spent some time with Barna and his son John. Over the years of taking trips out to the Island, I became a firm believer in the Norton Family perspective and the fact that this is an American Island.

I hope Barna and John are smiling at the article and the ramifications for American Birders and the State of Maine.... and to the Alcids that make this their home............ Long live the American Heritage of Machias Seal Island and the years of dedication that Barna and John gave to the understanding of Machias Seal Island and carrying the American Flag. The Canadians never had a foot to stand on and finally someone is speaking the truth..... thank you

Michael

From: Bill Sheehan

Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 6:12 PM

To: Maine birds

Subject: [Maine-birds] Machias Seal Island in the NYTimes

An opinion piece in the New York Times today says US and Canada should resolve their minor territorial dispute over this rock since there's nothing worth fighting for at Machias Seal Island...

Barna Norton must be rolling in his grave!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/opinion/good-neighbors-bad-border.html?nl=opinion&emc=edit_ty_20121127

I can think of a few possibilities we could offer in a land swap...but I bet our friends to the east are way to savvy to let this ornithological gem go easily.

--
Bill Sheehan
Woodland, Aroostook Co., Maine
http://northernmainebirds.blogspot.com/

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Orange-Crowned Warbler and others - Saco River Walk

Today Jay Adams and I birded around Scarborough, Saco, and Biddeford area looking for recently seen Cave Swallows and the Orange-crowned Warbler.

We couldn't find the Cave Swallows - too cold and no bugs out in the rack anywhere checked (Kettle Cove, Biddeford Pool Beach, Pine Point); but we finally found the ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in bittersweet vines and thick brush at the "corner" on the trail behind the Sewage Treatment Plant along the River in Saco. (We assumed it was the same location where Louis Bevier and Don Mairs had found it on Sunday) Also seen there were: 1 Palm Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumps; both RC and GC Kinglets, both Carolina and Winter Wren, several Tree Sparrows; for a total of 25 species at that one location this afternoon.

Other highlights today were: Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers at Biddeford Pool Point and 3 late Black-bellied Plovers at Jones Creek, Pine Point.

Margaret Viens

Waterville

[Maine-birds] Machias Seal Island in the NYTimes

An opinion piece in the New York Times today says US and Canada should resolve their minor territorial dispute over this rock since there's nothing worth fighting for at Machias Seal Island...

Barna Norton must be rolling in his grave!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/opinion/good-neighbors-bad-border.html?nl=opinion&emc=edit_ty_20121127

I can think of a few possibilities we could offer in a land swap...but I bet our friends to the east are way to savvy to let this ornithological gem go easily.

--
Bill Sheehan
Woodland, Aroostook Co., Maine
http://northernmainebirds.blogspot.com/

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Sanford S Ponds - mostly frozen

Wish I could report PiGr along with everybody else. Sorry.

A nice walk at the"ponds" this PM revealed little. They are mostly frozen. The inner corner of the "dogleg" pond held a collection of ducks: buffleheads and goldeneyes. 7 Black Ducks flew out, along with about that # of geese. 2 gulls lingered in an open spot. A couple little birds flew and dove into the edge weeds before I could ID them. One flashed sort of rusty, and a white belly, maybe a Song Sparrow.

Barbara Herrgesell

Sanford

~~~~~~

Barbara Partridge Herrgesell
herpartb@aol.com

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Hancock County goodies: R-t Hawk, G B Heron, PIGR

Hi all -- 3 Pine Grosbeaks today at Deer Isle-Stonington High School, and 3 yesterday in Bucksport.

At Deer Isle Causeway / Scott's Landing, one lone Red-tailed Hawk today.

At the Deer Isle bridge at Eggemoggin Reach, one lone Great Blue Heron, also today.

Best,
Craig K

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeak, UNE, Biddeford

There were 4 female Pine Grosbeaks near the intersection of Hills Beach and Old Port road at mid-day 11/27

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Male Pine Grosbeak, Kennebunk

There was 1 male Pine Grosbeak, with 3 females along Route 35, near the Landing store in Kennebunk...feeding in fruit trees near road.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Lubec Pine Grosbeaks

This afternoon there were approx. 30 Pine Grosbeaks feeding on Rugosa rosehips along Mowry Beach. Quite a spectacle they were tearing into the bright orange fruit.

Jennifer

Lubec

[Maine-birds] Pine grosbeaks and red-tailed hawk

Another beautiful day.

The pine grosbeaks were active at UMO this

morning. The red-tailed hawk was sitting on

a power line over I-95 in Hampden.

http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p501323621/h4d388804#h4d388804

Cheers,

Dave

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeaks, Ellsworth

7 Pine Grosbeaks in a fruit-bearing ornamental in the Home Depot parking lot today around 12:30, great views of these tame birds. Judging the mass of fruit on the tree, they may be busy for a few days in this location.

1 American Tree Sparrow eating seed put out on in the parking area of the good folks at Ellsworth Feed and Seed (not to mention a bunch of Mallard Ducks).

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] pine grosbeaks - Eisenhower Drive Westbrook

About 5 minutes ago there was a dozen pine grosbeaks picking crabapples in front of 37 Eisenhower Drive. Tough light but you can pretty much park right under them on the road…

Richard E. Jordan (PWS, CPESC) - Manager of Field Operations

Boyle Associates, Environmental Consultants

Cell # 207-671-2760

Office # 207-591-5220

Mailing Address: 25 Dundee Road – Gorham, Maine – 04038

Web: www.boyleassociates.net

[Maine-birds] Cherryfield Redpolls

4 Common Redpolls just showed up at the feeders, it is great to see them. Hope they stick around, and invite lots of others ( and maybe a Hoary) to visit.

I drove by the goose field this morning; the flock is still there, but I did not stop to check for the Pink-footed Goose. A birder is visiting from CO tomorrow, so I'll hopefully be posting a sighting then.

Joel Wilcox

Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Re: (Maine Birds) Mount Desert Island Birds: Red-throated Loons

Mount Desert Island Birds: Red-throated Loons at Hadley Point.

Hadley Point MDI , Hancock, US-ME
Nov 26, 2012 12:30 PM - 12:56 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Nico and I visited Hadley Point for the first time since returning from Cuba. Three Red-throated Loon are foraging sometimes close to the shore during gusty winds from the Northwest! Some windy out there yesterday and shades of things to come for the Christmas Bird Count on Dec 15, 2012.
7 species

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 250
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) 26
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 35
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 50
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) 3
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) 3
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 60
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12170863

Three Pines Bird Sanctuary 2012, Hancock, US-ME
Nov 26, 2012 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: checking out the birds here at Three Pines Bird Sanctuary and the suet feeder has been active.
8 species

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2 working the suet Male is just beautiful!
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 5
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 2
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 10
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) 18 a flock has remained here for the last several weeks
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2

Michael J. Good, MS
President Down East Nature Tours
Founder and Director Research and Development
14th Acadia Birding Festival, May 31-June 3, 2012
Co-founder Penobscot Watershed Eco Center
39 COTTAGE STREET
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
207-288-8128 / 207-479-4256

info@DownEastNatureTours.com
www.DownEastNatureTours.com
facebook@DownEastNatureTours.com

info@AcadiaBirdingFestival.com
www.AcadiaBirdingFestival.com
facebook@AcadiaBirdingFestival.com

[Maine-birds] Cackling Geese

9:00AM Still present at Thornhurst Farm, Rt 115 North Yarmouth.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Monday, 26 November 2012

Re: [Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeaks, UNE in Biddeford

Today there were 15 at Roundwood (across from Shaw's) and 8 at the end
of Southborough (across from Christmas Tree Shop) near the Maine Mall,
all female/immature types.

Joanne

On 11/26/2012 8:12 PM, David Rankin wrote:
> After suffering through a subjective eternity of Pine Grosbeak reports
> from all points North, I finally chanced on a flock of 5 today on the
> UNE campus in Biddeford, feeding on a heavily laden crab apple tree just
> outside the library.
>
> As other's have noted, all the ones I saw were female/immatures, and
> they allowed ridiculously close approach (I was about 6 feet away when I
> noticed them, and they never seemed to mind my presence.
>
> Good Birding
>
> --
> David Rankin
> University of New England
> Biddeford, Maine
> Graduate Student
>
> --
> Maine birds mailing list
> maine-birds@googlegroups.com
> http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
> https://sites.google.com/site/birding207
>
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>
> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2629/5421 - Release Date: 11/26/12
>

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeaks, UNE in Biddeford

After suffering through a subjective eternity of Pine Grosbeak reports from all points North, I finally chanced on a flock of 5 today on the UNE campus in Biddeford, feeding on a heavily laden crab apple tree just outside the library.

As other's have noted, all the ones I saw were female/immatures, and they allowed ridiculously close approach (I was about 6 feet away when I noticed them, and they never seemed to mind my presence.

Good Birding

--
David Rankin

University of New England

Biddeford, Maine

Graduate Student

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Northern Pintails

2 drakes and a hen at Mill Cove South Portland today

Nancy Houlihan

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Fox Sparrow, Freeport

Hello All,

A late Fox Sparrow today at the feeder is the first (!) of the season for me. A White-throated Sparrow also added itself to the junco mix today and a largish accipiter scattered the Mourning Doves this morning.

Dan Nickerson
Freeport

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Re: [Maine-birds] Abridged summary of maine-birds@googlegroups.com - 10 Messages in 8 Topics

Skip Small and I observed a Western Kingbird this afternoon in Owl's Head. I originally found the bird opposite the entrance to the transportation museum this a m in the big field on Rte 73. The bird was last seen further north adjacent to the horse farm also on the west side of 73. John Tobin

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

maine-birds@googlegroups.com wrote:

Today's Topic Summary

Group: http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds/topics

Orange-crowned Warbler, etc. Saco River Walk [1 Update]
Peregrine [etc] at Wells Harbor [1 Update]
Massachusetts-NOLA [1 Update]
Amid the Portland shoppers [1 Update]
Pink-footed Goose [1 Update]
Northern Goshawk - Greenville [3 Updates]
Pine Grosbeaks - Biddeford [1 Update]
Fryeburg Hawk Owl not seen [1 Update]

Orange-crowned Warbler, etc. Saco River Walk

Joanne Stevens <joshawk@maine.rr.com> Nov 23 04:13PM -0500

This morning there was an Orange-crowned Warbler, Winter Wren, Carolina
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Kingfisher, Yellow-rumps,
etc. along the Saco River Walk. All except the ...more

Peregrine [etc] at Wells Harbor

Paul Wells <pfwells51@gmail.com> Nov 23 03:32PM -0500

This morning Sally and I did a bit of birding at Wells Harbor. Birds in the
water were not abundant, but there was a reasonably decent mix: a couple of
Common Loons, one Red-throated Loon, a Horned ...more

Massachusetts-NOLA

Clark Moseley <an.doc.mo.72@gmail.com> Nov 23 03:25PM -0500

Northern Lapwing still present this morning on Summer Street, Bridgewater,
MA, just east of Old Colony Correctional Center.

Chip

--
Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd. ...more

Amid the Portland shoppers

Kristen Lindquist <kelindquist@gmail.com> Nov 23 03:22PM -0500

Watching a Coopers Hawk harass a flock of pigeons.

Kristen Lindquist
Camden, ME
www.klindquist.blogspot.com
...more

Pink-footed Goose

Michael Little <mjlittle2318@hotmail.com> Nov 23 03:05PM -0500

Hi

The Pink-footed Goose was still in the field off Willy District Road in Cherryfield this morning at 10:50. Clearly visible through my scope, grazing with a flock of Canada Geese. ...more

Northern Goshawk - Greenville

"Bruce & Martha Dackowski" <mnbdack@dishmail.net> Nov 23 08:33AM -0500

For two days now, I've seen a Northern Goshawk stitting atop a dead tree on
the edge of our yard. He sat so still got a good ID with my binocs on
him. Could plainly see the white "eyebrow" above ...more

Clark Moseley <an.doc.mo.72@gmail.com> Nov 23 01:07PM -0500

Was he sitting on a perch watching your feeder birds?

On Fri, Nov 23, 2012 at 8:33 AM, Bruce & Martha Dackowski <

--
Clark "Chip" Moseley
PO Box 151/198 Pertville Rd.
Sedgwick, ME 04676
...more

Clark Moseley <an.doc.mo.72@gmail.com> Nov 23 02:33PM -0500

This species generally does not migrate. When there's not enough prey
items around they will explore nearby habitats.

On Fri, Nov 23, 2012 at 2:02 PM, Bruce & Martha Dackowski <

-- ...more

Pine Grosbeaks - Biddeford

Shiloh <shiloh.schulte@gmail.com> Nov 23 09:08AM -0800

Old news to you mid-coasters, but the PIGR invasion is still growing in York County. Looking at three PIGR on a crabapple at the entrance to the Biddeford Motel on rt 1, just south of the Biddeford ...more

Fryeburg Hawk Owl not seen

"Bob Crowley" <crbob@fairpoint.net> Nov 23 12:06PM -0500

As of 11:00 AM, Friday the 23rd, the Hawk Owl has not been seen in the Harbor area. There has been at least 6 birders on McNiel Road since early morning.

Bob Crowley
Chatham, NH
...more

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Group maine-birds.
You can post via email.
To unsubscribe from this group, send an empty message.
For more options, visit this group.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] RE: (Maine Birds) First call for a Pelagic trip/ SeaBC January 2013

Hello,

I am attempting to organize another Winter Pelagic Trip and a continuation of work started last year to promote a SEABC.

If you are interested in a Pelagic trip and a continuation of our efforts at establishing a SeaBC in the Gulf of Maine waters off of MDI could you please contact me off line.

There will be a cost for the trip..........to be determined asap .

Please contact me at this email or call 207-288-8128. Leave a message and I will return your call.

Thank you,

Michael

[Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose

Still present, south side of Willey District Rd. Far enough away that a scope would be helpful.

Also a single Snow Bunting on a gravel road through a brushy area next to the Narraguagus River.

Joel Wilcox

Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Re: [Maine-birds] Cave Swallow, Kettle Cove parking lot, Cape Elizabeth

Hi all,

Ed Hess had the bird at 12:25pm working up and down the beach there, so I think it is likely the same bird. However, as we know, there was definitely more than one Cave Swallow around today.

After failing to find our own in Biddeford today, Kristen Lindquist and I joined a handful of other birders in a fruitless search for the Kettle Cove/Crescent Beach Cave Swallow, with no observations following Louis and Don's.

This will be a tough night for a swallow to survive, but I'm sure some will. Early morning sun (if we have any) should help. Louis is right about where to look but I think beaches with deep, thick wrack piles with easterly exposure (sun plus shelter) would be the best place to focus. The Northern Seaweed Fly that live in this wrack is essentially the only flying insect around in quantity right now, and these late swallows often focus on them, as Ed observed the Crescent Beach bird doing today.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 25, 2012, at 6:35 PM, Louis Bevier <lrbevier@colby.edu> wrote:

Don Mairs and I saw a CAVE SWALLOW fly within 10 feet of us as it skimmed over the Kettle Cove parking lot today about 12:50 p.m. I never saw the bird rise above 1' off the deck. We were unaware that Ed Hess had seen one at nearby Crescent Beach sometime earlier, and I suppose this could have been the same bird. Although not flying weakly, the swallow appeared to barely make it over the lip of the parking lot to the beach. We could not relocate it. Looking for Cave Swallows under the cruel conditions they now find themselves in might mean scanning low vegation, wrack lines, and the nooks and crannies of rocks where they might roost. The stacked rock pile under the roadway into Kettle Cove that forms the eastern end of Crescent beach looks ideal if it weren't on the windward side. I wouldn't be suprised to see one on the ground or in small shrubs. So look low.

Also present today was an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER reported previously by Joanne Stevens along the Saco River walk in the tangles and slopes beyond the sewage plant. At Camp Ellis (Saco) we saw a "blonde" RED-NECKED GREBE among the many normal ones. This bird was quite striking and overall whitish with a pale tan-buff crown and back. I assume its appearance was due to a melanin-challenged plumage abnormality. The bird was in the area at the base of the north jetty to the Saco River.

Louis Bevier
Fairfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] possible cave swallow

A swallow I wasn't able to identify flew over the Willard Beach neighborhood around 3:00 or so today---I wonder if it was the cave swallow others have been seeing.

[Maine-birds] Cave Swallow, Kettle Cove parking lot, Cape Elizabeth

Don Mairs and I saw a CAVE SWALLOW fly within 10 feet of us as it skimmed over the Kettle Cove parking lot today about 12:50 p.m. I never saw the bird rise above 1' off the deck. We were unaware that Ed Hess had seen one at nearby Crescent Beach sometime earlier, and I suppose this could have been the same bird. Although not flying weakly, the swallow appeared to barely make it over the lip of the parking lot to the beach. We could not relocate it. Looking for Cave Swallows under the cruel conditions they now find themselves in might mean scanning low vegation, wrack lines, and the nooks and crannies of rocks where they might roost. The stacked rock pile under the roadway into Kettle Cove that forms the eastern end of Crescent beach looks ideal if it weren't on the windward side. I wouldn't be suprised to see one on the ground or in small shrubs. So look low.

Also present today was an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER reported previously by Joanne Stevens along the Saco River walk in the tangles and slopes beyond the sewage plant. At Camp Ellis (Saco) we saw a "blonde" RED-NECKED GREBE among the many normal ones. This bird was quite striking and overall whitish with a pale tan-buff crown and back. I assume its appearance was due to a melanin-challenged plumage abnormality. The bird was in the area at the base of the north jetty to the Saco River.

Louis Bevier

Fairfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Cave Swallows

My friend, Martha , and I had a fine hour at Owl's Head Light. We found 4 White-winged Cross bills foraging on the ground amid spruce cones adjacent to the parking area. Then we stunned to view 2 Cave Swallows at close range flying around the walkway and the lighthouse. This was mid afternoon today.

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Thank you Stella !!

Stella does so many things for the Maine birding community, it's hard to enumerate them all, banding on various islands, helping Maine Audubon - and on it goes.

But few of you know that Stella has done even more remarkable bird work in Maine.

For the last four years Stella was brave, if foolish, enough to take on a huge task of entering over 35 years of my bird notebooks into eBird. My first notes go back to 1973. Stella plowed away at astonishing speed and made very few errors, which is truly remarkable given my illegible penmanship.

We've just finished the last notebook.

Stella, I can't thank you enough for your great work. I would never have undertaken such a daunting task - it was just too big, but not for you! The birding community needs to know of your remarkable help, and they also need to know that you'll graciously decline if anyone else wants similar assistance! One undertakes this kind of folly only once, and I was fortunate enough to get the help.

Most folks who use eBird know that the reviewers are overwhelmed with the volume of reports so it'll be a while before all these notes are available, but it'll happen by and by.

Thanks Stella, you're the best - and I'm one of the luckiest Maine birders.

Best and hugs, Peter

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Pink-footed Goose NO

I arrived at the field 10 AM this morning, to see a small flock of geese leaving the area and the fields otherwise bare. I went back just now, 3 PM, just in time to see a flock of c. 150 Canadas land in the field closest to the farmhouse, followed by a flock of 11 more that landed further east.

I did not see the PFG, but will try again tomorrow.

Joel Wilcox

Cherryfield

--
Maine birds mailing list
maine-birds@googlegroups.com
http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds
https://sites.google.com/site/birding207

[Maine-birds] Possible CAVE SWALLOW, Scarborough

Hello all,

Eddie Woodin called the store at 12:20 to report a possible Cave Swallow over Grondin Pond in Scarborough.

-Jeannette

------------------
Jeannette and Derek Lovitch
Freeport Wild Bird Supply
541 Route One, Suite 10
Freeport, ME 04032
Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069
www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com
Visit our E-store http://store.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/