Tuesday 31 July 2012

[Maine-birds] Owls near Rumford

Hello All,

At Concord Pond near Rumford we had Great Horned and Barred Owls calling two nights in a row.

We also watched a pair of loons feeding a chick on the pond.

Good birding!
Dan

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[Maine-birds] Re: Nelson's Sharp-tailed photos - Down East Sunrise Trail Machias

Hello Carol,
 
  Cardinals in this area seem to be comming more common as time goes by, though it seems that they occur only in towns and around human habitation.  I had a nesting pair in the cedars along side my house.
  As for Nelson's, you can often hear/see them by simply using the drive-thru at D and D!  Pretty cool!
 
Take care, Barry Southard  Machias
 

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[Maine-birds] Cherryfield birds

Hello All,

Michael Good's post highlighting Tufted Titmouse reminded me to post a sighting of this species, first one I've seen in Washington County: This was yesterday early, on River Rd. just south of Rte. 1 (across from the Riverlily gift shop). After seeing Michael's post I went back just now to try to relocate it; saw a small plumpish bird of the right color, but never saw the head, so I don't know if it was the titmouse or not. The dirt road to the boat launch had many birds, mostly common warblers, but also a couple of catbirds and a Belted Kingfisher. Right at the boat launch there were 10-12 sparrows feeding along the edge of the tall grass, mostly Song but at least 2 Lincoln's. I am not good with sparrows, but I studied one pair closely for minutes, and don't what else they could have been. 

Other places:
River Road between the bridges: Northern Cardinal singing a couple of days ago. I see them all the time in FL, but never singing--I had no idea what bird was singing until I saw it. 

Below the dam (on "Dam Road"), across the river, there have been 1 or more Alder Flycatchers all summer; also a female Wilson's Warbler a few days ago. 

Kayaking the Narraguagus River (above the dam) yesterday evening: Belted Kingfisher, Northern Harrier, Osprey, American Bittern, Common Nighthawk, common warblers and waxwings. One mystery bird larger than a robin, smaller than a kingfisher, grey-brown, flew across the river from and into thick cover; that one is driving me crazy. 

Sorry about the belated reports, guess I've been a little lazy.

Joel Wilcox
Cherryfield

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[Maine-birds] Nelson's Sharp-tailed photos - Down East Sunrise Trail Machias

Nelson's Sharp-tailed sparrows all over the place, darting and dashing and disappearing into the grasses and calling constantly, only a short distance from the Machias dike (enter across from Dunkin' Donuts on Rte 1). July 30, 8:30- 9:30a.m.    This trail is wonderful but don't go on a weekend unless you want to share it with bumper to bumper ATVs.
Photos here: http://acadiabirds.wordpress.com/

The list for the morning of July 30:
Canada Geese
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Black-bellied Plover - half dozen or so
Greater Yellowlegs - just a few
Willet- 5-6
Peeps - a few
Bonaparte's Gulls- half a dozen or so looking like butterflies at the joining of the Middle and Machias (?) Rivers
Ring-billed gulls
Herring gulls
Amer. Crows
Catbird 1
Common Yellowthroat - 1 not singing
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows- every few yards in the prime habitat- in one place 4 flew out of the same clump of grass
Song Sparrows
D.E. Junco- heard in the woods beyond the flats

Also interesting, a Northern Cardinal on a wire, on the Kennebec Bay Rd near where it joins Rte 1 at Tom's Mini-Mart; I've seen these reported on our list in the Machias area, but this was the first we've seen here; we turned the car around and went back for a second look.
At Cow Point (Roque Bluffs) the Black-throated Green was still singing, a Yellow-rumped was silent. Heard the Hermit thrush but not the Swainson's. C. Loons calling.

In my yard in Bar Harbor/Town Hill, a Chipping Sparrow under the feeder.

Carol in Town Hill

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Read More :- "[Maine-birds] Nelson's Sharp-tailed photos - Down East Sunrise Trail Machias"

[Maine-birds] Caspian Tern Flyby at Dyer Point, CE

While at the lobster shack with visiting family for dinner last evening , I spotted a Caspian Tern flying south just off shore.   Also had three Gannets fairly close to shore.   And, of course, the ever present Herring Gulls attempting to share the food of any unsuspecting diner that was admiring the view instead of protecting their meal!! J

Marie

Read More :- "[Maine-birds] Caspian Tern Flyby at Dyer Point, CE"

Monday 30 July 2012

[Maine-birds] Re: Mount Desert Island Birds: Red-throated Loon and Nelson’s Sparrow July 30 2012

Mount Desert Island Birds:  Red-throated Loon and Nelson's Sparrow  

59 species seen and heard with 1452 individual birds at 10 locations.  Not a bad day!

Thrumcap overlook 2012, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 7:10 AM - 8:10 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments: Dominic Mitchell from London is the founder and Managing Editor of Birdwatch, Europe's leading monthly magazine for keen birders. His other work includes several books and checklists. We had many good birds today including Red-throated Loon and Nelson's Sparrow all in the same location... That's amazing! Today was an excellent birding experience for both of us. We started out looking for Great Cormorant but the fog set in and we headed west for forest and coastal species.
12 species

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 35
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 60
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 11

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 This bird gave the classic whistle call but not the Peter-peter-peter more single notes without "ter"
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 2
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 2
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 3

Meadowbrook Marsh Town Hill , Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 8:39 AM - 8:54 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell and I working for Alder Flycatcher, Swamp Sparrow and Purple Finch. A recently fledged Bald Eagle added to our list of 5 for the day.
18 species

Bald Eagle  (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 5
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 1 good bird for Dominic and always nice to see.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 3
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 1
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 2
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 4
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 3
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 6
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 1
Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) 3
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2

Alley Island overlook, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 8:50 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell from London  established Birdwatch magazine  in 1992 .   It has grown to become the leading monthly birdwatching magazine at the enthusiast end of Birdwatching.   Red-throated Loon was found and a Nelson's Sparrow calling behind us.... Amazing birding today and it was excellent being in the field with Dominic.
20 species

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) 8

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) 1 This transitioning plumage bird was a surprise especially how far away it was and how easily ID'ed from by its plumage, bill and size. excellent late summer bird.
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 30
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 3
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) 21 Perfect Breeding Plumaged birds preening and hanging out with HERG and RBGU.... Fiorst-of-the-year at this locvation
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 25
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 60
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) 1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 1
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) 1 continuing in the upper marsh
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1 called briefly

Nelson's Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni) 1 calling and photos taken this male is enthusiastic suggesting a nesting bird. Two birds were clearly seen yesterday and the males continues to call.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 12
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1
Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) 2 continuing YOY
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 5

Thomson Island MDI , Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 9:15 AM - 9:50 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell Birding the head of the island and a few species were added to the list. Belted Kingfisher and another Bald Eagle YOY
12 species

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 49
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 1
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1 Young-of-the-year
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 3
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) 5
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 80
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 275
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 2 calling and seen
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4

Bay View Drive Hadley Point, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 9:55 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell My hotspot stop for forest species.
12 species

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 9
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 6
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 2
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 2 these are continuing males calling loundly and aggressively during our time here
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 4
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 5
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 1
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1

Hadley Point MDI , Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell from London . Very quiet in the upper bay with so much lobster gear. Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull make this stop worthwhile
11 species

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 85 one large flock of molting birds
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) 3
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) 13
a raft of Scoter towards Lamoine
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 25
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) 58
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 40
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 300
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 2 swimming with the Scoter
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 5
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1

Big Pine Woods , Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 10:55 AM - 11:13 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.4 mile(s)
Comments: Dominic Mitchell form London Stopping for forest birds with little success here
7 species

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 4
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1

Hamilton Pond 2012, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 10:45 AM - 10:55 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell from London made a stop for an Adult Bald Eagle.
5 species (+1 other taxa)

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 4 first of the year
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 10
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 10
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1 Photos and ooohhhs
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 1 flyby

Peggy Rockefeller Farm Crooked Road, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell from London
16 species

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 2
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 2 Sitting on fences posts and foraging in the recently mowed field
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 5
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 1
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 2
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 3

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 18
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 10
Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) 3
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 6

Smith Family Farm Crooked Road, Hancock, US-ME
Jul 30, 2012 12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: Dominic Mitchell of London making our final stop for Bobolink with good luck immediately upon stopping a female makes an appearance.
2 species

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 5

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 4 Female was actively flying form one field to the other feeding YOY in the grass than returning for more food

 

Mount Desert Island Birds: Summary July 30 2012   Species Totals

 

 

Report Details

Date range:

Jul 30, 2012 - Aug 5, 2012

Total # of Species:

59

Total # of Checklists:

10

Location(s):   Alley Island overlook; Bay View Drive Hadley Point; Big Pine Woods ; Hadley Point MDI ; Hamilton Pond 2012; Meadowbrook Marsh Town Hill ; Peggy Rockefeller Farm Crooked Road; Smith Family Farm Crooked Road; Thomson Island MDI ; Thrumcap overlook 2012

 

Summary

 

Jul 30

Number of Species

59

Number of Individuals

1,452

Number of Checklists

10

 

Total Number of Birds   (sample size)

Species Name

Jul 30

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

4
(1)

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)

1
(1)

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos)

10
(1)

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

10
(1)

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

85
(1)

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

3
(1)

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)

21
(2)

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)

1
(1)

Common Loon (Gavia immer)

3
(3)

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

139
(4)

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

1
(1)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

3
(3)

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)

6
(2)

Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

84
(3)

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

145
(3)

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

700
(5)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

1
(1)

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

1
(1)

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)

2
(1)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

7
(4)

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

2
(1)

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

1
(1)

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)

1
(1)

Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)

4
(2)

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

5
(2)

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

2
(2)

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

1
(1)

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

16
(6)

Common Raven (Corvus corax)

1
(1)

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

4
(3)

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

28
(3)

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

1
(1)

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

12
(3)

Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)

2
(1)

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)

2
(1)

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)

4
(1)

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

2
(1)

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)

8
(6)

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

9
(3)

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

1
(1)

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

5
(1)

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

2
(1)

Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

1
(1)

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

4
(1)

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)

2
(2)

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)

1
(1)

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

1
(1)

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

2
(1)

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)

7
(3)

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

18
(1)

Nelson's Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni)

1
(1)

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

38
(7)

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

1
(1)

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

2
(2)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

4
(1)

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

7
(2)

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

1
(1)

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus)

8
(3)

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

14
(4)

 

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
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facebook@AcadiaBirdingFestival.com

 

 

Read More :- "[Maine-birds] Re: Mount Desert Island Birds: Red-throated Loon and Nelson’s Sparrow July 30 2012"