[Maine-birds] Greater Portland CBC Recap

Greater Portland Area CBC Summary

The Greater Portland Area CBC took place Saturday, December 19 with 52 birders tallying 92 species, and another 4 so far found during the count period. The steady 20-mph breeze likely kept some species totals down somewhat, as no doubt did the continuing lack of inland snow and ice to push birds to the coast. Waterfowl totals were almost all less than half their previous highs, and Common Goldeneye set a new low with only 42 birds against its previous high of 564. Only Red-necked Grebe set a new waterbird record with 228 individuals, the bulk of which were seen in two large groups on Casco Bay. The only other species highs for the count were Peregrine Falcon with 3 and Eastern Bluebird with 99. As for notable sightings, the Ross's Goose obliged by being present and accounted for (and by its original finder no less!). Single Red-shouldered and Rough-legged Hawks brought the diurnal raptor species total to 8. Two Orange-crowned Warblers and a Lark Sparrow were the most unusual of small land birds found. Except for 3 Purple Finches, no "winter irruptives' were seen.

Bill Hancock

Gray