Friday 16 August 2013

[Maine-birds] MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND REPORT

Some raptor movement today (Friday). I started the morning with a sunrise MERLIN and saw 2 more through the day.
Also worrying the small birds were 4 different KESTRELS and at least 4 HARRIERS, a couple of which stopped long enough to make a few hunting passes along the island.

As a respite from the constant Little Brown Birds, a few yellows appeared today. I saw a couple COMMON YELLOWTHROATS (females), at least one female YELLOW WARBLER and a couple of non-breeding BOBOLINKS.

Bird of the day: a NORTHERN WHEATEAR, still in breeding plumage.
This is an odd species, in that there have been sightings here nearly every year, usually well into the summer but there seems to me that there is little mention of the species elsewhere in the region.
Whence do they come and where do they go?

What appear to be LITTLE BROWN BATS appeared at dusk with at least 10 individuals feeding around the houses.
As I mentioned in my previous post, bats have been conspicious in their absence so I'm wondering if these may be migrating.
Regardless of why they are here, it's nice to see them.
It's one of those great little experiences to stand at dusk, while there's still decent light, and have a half dozen bats zipping, diving and nearly touching you and, if you're lucky, hearing their echo squeeks and the snap as they grab an insect.

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