Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Wednesday 30 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Cuba

There's also a new (2015) guide that comes highly recommended: the Endemic Birds of Cuba byNils Navarro.

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Dickcissel

Just had a Dickcissel at my side feeders with some house sparrows and Blue Jays. 65 Pleasant St, Clinton

Peggy Blair

426-8986

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Tuesday 29 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Re: off-topic Cuba field guide request

Hi Rich--

Nils Navarro's innovative new "Field Guide to the Endemic Birds of Cuba" is a must. You will probably also want Garrido & Kirkconnell's "Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba." (And maybe a donation to support the excellent work by BirdsCaribbean ;-)

http://www.birdscaribbean.org/2015/10/groundbreaking-endemic-birds-of-cuba-field-guide-available-now/

--Charles

On Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 3:28:19 PM UTC-5, Rich MacDonald wrote:

Hello all,

Sorry for posting off-topic, but hey, it is birds. I have been invited to go to Cuba. Anyone have any recommendations for field guides to birds, plants, habitats, or any other favorite guide? Thank you in advance,

Be well,

Rich

Richard MacDonald
The Natural History Center
P.O. Box 6
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
207/266-9461
Rich@TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com
www.TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com
www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHistoryCenter

[Maine-birds] Cuba

There's a Helm field guide to Cuba by Orlando H. Garrido and Arturo Kirkconnell (Cornell 2000) which has good plates and range maps. It's softcover and 6x9 inches in format. There may be some more recent. Too, there is more than one guide to birds of the West Indies, including the original by James Bond. No, I'm not kidding. Ian Fleming was sitting in a bar in Havana one day wondering what the name of his spy hero should be. He struck up a conversation with another at the bar, James Bond, an ornithologist. The rest is literary and cinematic history.

I've not been to Cuba, but have friends who enjoyed their stay very much. Have a great time!

BAB

Bruce Bartrug
Nobleboro, Maine, USA
bbartrug@gmail.com
www.brucebartrug.com

•The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. - Albert Einstein

•In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. -Martin Luther King

[Maine-birds] off-topic Cuba field guide request

Hello all,

Sorry for posting off-topic, but hey, it is birds. I have been invited to go to Cuba. Anyone have any recommendations for field guides to birds, plants, habitats, or any other favorite guide? Thank you in advance,

Be well,

Rich

Richard MacDonald

The Natural History Center

P.O. Box 6

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

207/266-9461

Rich@TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com

www.TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com

www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHistoryCenter

Monday 28 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Sea ducks in Unity

Birding along Rt 202 near the Troy line this afternoon, I was surprised to see a low flying flock of 35 Common Eider heading south. When I checked Unity Pond from the Kanokolus boat launch I found two adult male eider on the water and two Long-tailed Ducks flying up the pond. A Red-necked Grebe was also present.

Good birding,

tom

[Maine-birds] Bullock's oriole camden

Seen from Washington st parking lot in forsythia bush.  Bird at times very immobile deep in the bush. Can also be seen from over compost heap. 

Joanne Stevens
Pat Moynihan
Nancy Houlihan 

Sunday 27 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Bullock's Oriole

Owner saw at 6:30 and 7:15 am. Finally returned about 1:15 pm in the trees surrounding the feeder but did not come to main feeder. Did come briefly to feeder by hedge near road. Seen by about 10 birders. Owner reports that it comes regularly in late afternoon starting about 2:30 pm. Beautiful bird. Good luck!

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[Maine-birds] Clay-colored Sparrow - Prouts Neck

This morning I found a Clay-colored Sparrow along Black Point Rd, in-between the Yacht Club and the Post Office on the ocean side of the road (at approximately 534 Black Point Rd.) The sparrow was seen with a couple of Song Sparrows.

Also of note, there was a group of 5 late Black-bellied Plovers on Western Beach (past Ferry Beach on the way to Prouts Neck). Near Ferry Rock there was what I have tentatively identified as a Northern subspecies (Somateria mollissima borealis) of Common Eider.

Photos and notes can be seen here in my eBird checklist;

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32747543

Brendan

Portland, ME

Saturday 26 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Camden oriole

After missing the bird earlier (12:30 - 1:30, when it was conspicuously absent) I was successful at about 3:30 at 4 Central St., Camden. I had about 2 - 3 minutes of continuous, quite satisfying viewing. The bird then flew out of sight, without actually having come to the feeder.

Jay Pendleton, Camden.

[Maine-birds] Bullock's Oriole--yes

The Bullock's Oriole put in a decent appearance at 4 Central St, Camden today about 2:30. It was seen briefly about 10:30 and not in between although the feeders were watched constantly. In fact there was virtually no activity of any sort at these feeders or another one in a different corner of the yard.

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[Maine-birds] Bremen backyard surprise

Just came in to have a quick bite to eat. Looked out the kitchen at the usual mob of Mourning Doves et al and lo and behold a blackbird, a Rusty Blackbird! A yardbird first. Stunning looks at less than 10 feet away through the dirty window!!

Excited in Bremen

Juanita

Juanita Roushdy

Bremen, ME 04551

Friends of Hog Island - Promises made; promises kept.

[Maine-birds] Middle Machias River - Ducks & Merganser Nov.25

I see a Hooded merganser hen and Black ducks. Another bird has white on the head but not enough shows for me to tell. And I don't know the gull with bird behind. Helens is a great spot. Good birding.

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Friday 25 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Middle Machias River - Ducks & Merganser Nov.25

I could use some ID help. This afternoon, at the boat launch behind Helen's, 10 ducks, a gull and, I think, maybe, a Hooded Merganser. I think the ducks were Black Ducks or Mallards. The birds were moving and I had only a minute to grab the camera. The photos are fuzzier than ever, but the Merganser profile is probably good enough for ID.

Any help will be appreciated. Photos at www.acadiabirds.wordpress.com

AND, Wally saw a Razorbill on Nov.17 very close to shore at the mouth of a rocky crevasse on Cow Point (Roque Bluffs). A few days earlier there were two Gray Jays in a crab-apple tree on Johnson Cove Rd. at Calf Point Road. He sees the jays at that same spot every now and then when he is biking.

Happy Thanksgiving! Carol

[Maine-birds] Snow Buntings and Northern Gannets

We spent a nice morning and early afternoon birding at Schoodic Point and Blueberry Hill in the Schoodic Unit of Acadia National Park. The highlights of the day were 2 Snow Buntings at the Schoodic Point parking lot and 11 Northern Gannets seen from the Blueberry Hill parking lot.

We also saw a Red-throated Loon from the Blueberry Hill parking lot and then when we returned home to Harrington we saw two Red-throated Loons from our house. These two loons seem to be hanging around on Flat Bay!

Merle and Anne Archie

Harrington, ME

[Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week and Goose Fields Update, 11/19-25

Hi all,

A handful of other observations of note for me over the past seven days, in addition to what I previously posted here, included the following:

- 1 Peregrine Falcon (catching a Black-bellied Plover), Wolfe's Neck Farm, Freeport , 11/19 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk Group).

- 76 Red-necked Grebes, Reid State Park, Georgetown, 11/21 (with Jeannette).

- Sanford Lagoons, 11/22 (with Paul Doiron, Kristen Lindquist, and Jeannette):

1 NORTHERN SHOVELER

1 pair Gadwalls

1 female Northern Pintail

6 Ruddy Ducks

51 Ring-necked Ducks

3 Lesser Scaup

6 American Wigeon

16 Green-winged Teal, etc

- 1 Evening Grosbeak and 1 Red Crossbill, our yard in Pownal, 11/24.

- 24 American Coots, Chickawaukie Pond, Rockport/Rockland, 11/25 (with Kristen Lindquist and Luke Seitz).

- scattered Swamp Sparrows, Black-bellied Plovers, and more Dunlin than average this week.

As for the Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields, there was a slight uptick in Canada Goose numbers this week, and the adult "BLUE" SNOW GOOSE does in fact continue, at least through 11/23. Snow Buntings were scattered about the fields this week.

-Derek

*****************************************

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

****************************************

[Maine-birds] Coastal Barred Owls

Yesterday on a holiday post-dinner loop walk at Beauchamp Point in Rockport, I encountered at least thee Barred Owls within a half hour. Although Barred Owls certainly breed in coastal areas, the numbers of this species that I have been encountering out hunting in the daylight near the coast has surprised me. I also saw three on Bailey's Island on 11/5 and have also seen a couple of others at coastal sites.

Some number of these birds certainly leave their summer territories (possibly in response to the severity of the winter). Not sure what is going on this year, but it seems unusual based on my personal experience. Maybe they are finding more food down in the coast where the drought may have been less severe? Mmmm.

Good birding,

tom

[Maine-birds] Compiler Needed for Dover-Foxcroft CBC

The couple that have been the organizers/compilers for the Dover-Foxcroft CBC regret that they are not able to run it this year.

They are hoping to find an experienced birder in the area who would be able to take it on in the future and are willing to assist in passing it on. If you are interested, please contact me at my home email or at naturalist@maineaudubon.org.

Thank you,

Stella Walsh
207-807-3679 (cell)

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Re: [Maine-birds] BULLOCK'S ORIOLE continues, Camden, 11/25

Hi again,

Luke Seitz and I refound the oriole, now joined by many others, at the back edge of the public parking on Washington Street, directly behind the yard with the feeders is is visiting. There's a ton of food here, including Crabapples and Multiflora Rose. It is currently working its way back in the direction of the feeders.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 25, 2016, at 9:17 AM, 'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Luke Seitz and I, along with several others, enjoyed the continuing Bullock's Oriole at 4 Center St in Camden.
>
> It was first seen in the adjacent yard to the north (behind where you stand to observe the feeder behind the house) in a Forsythia bush just over a compost pile. It slowly worked its way towards the feeders over the course of about 25 minutes.
>
> -Derek
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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[Maine-birds] BULLOCK'S ORIOLE continues, Camden, 11/25

Hi all,

Luke Seitz and I, along with several others, enjoyed the continuing Bullock's Oriole at 4 Center St in Camden.

It was first seen in the adjacent yard to the north (behind where you stand to observe the feeder behind the house) in a Forsythia bush just over a compost pile. It slowly worked its way towards the feeders over the course of about 25 minutes.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

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Thursday 24 November 2016

[Maine-birds] N. Shrike, Rockport, 11.24.16

As we drove to my sister's for Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon, we spotted a Northern Shrike perched at the top of a tree in the agricultural fields alongside Simonton Road in Rockport, just before Goose River Golf Course. 

Also, enjoyed a nice Bald Eagle fly-by on Crawford Pond in Union. 

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Kristen

Kristen Lindquist Website: kristenlindquist.com Haiku blog: www.klindquist.blogspot.com

[Maine-birds] Dinosaur Exhibit

We took our grandson to the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit at the Portland Science Center yesterday. Interesting life-like -- and life-sized -- simulations, some that moved periodically and and roared like dinosaurs should (but maybe didn't.) There are facsimile life-sized skeletons, fossils, drawings, explanatory text. These included the dino-bird link, and fossil replicas of two early birds from China, including one enantiornithine. If one has children/grandchildren/nephews the exhibit is recommended. Even for those of us adults still captured by dinosaurs and their descendants. Here's a small album of photos.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bbartrug/sets/72157675387695912

Cheers,

BAB

•In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. -Martin Luther King

[Maine-birds] Biddeford sightings (Nov 24)...

Hi all,

Here are some sightings of note from this morning:

East Point Sanctuary, Biddeford Pool (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32692152)

...1 Yellow-breasted Chat eating the red fruit of a Mountain-ash (Sorbus sp.) tree behind the house adjacent to the sanctuary entrance on Lester B. Orcutt Blvd.
...1 Glaucous Gull (FOY) on Gooseberry Island

Basket Island Causeway, Hills Beach, Biddeford (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32691797)

...2 adult Bald Eagles on Basket Island

...1 continuing Marbled Godwit in cove east of causeway on falling tide (~2.25 hours after high); no other shorebirds observed during my 1/2 hour visit

Happy Thanksgiving,

Josh

Inspiring Nature Connection in New England
joshfecteau.com | patreon.com/JoshFecteau

[Maine-birds] BULLOCK'S ORIOLE-Yes, Camden, 11.24.16

This Thanksgiving morning my husband Paul and I are thankful for the hospitality of Melinda Sortwell, who let us hang out with her for a little over three hours while we waited for the BULLOCK'S ORIOLE reported yesterday to reappear at her feeder. The bird deviated from its usual schedule of visiting the feeder once an hour, having first been seen by Melinda today at 6:30 AM and then waiting over 5 hrs to return. Beautiful bird on a bleak day!

Kristen

Kristen Lindquist Website: kristenlindquist.com Haiku blog: www.klindquist.blogspot.com

Wednesday 23 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Maine Birds

12:40 pm - Dexter - Penobscot County

We have 5 female Pine Grosbeak in our fruit trees.

[Maine-birds] BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - Camden, 11/23

Hi everyone:

A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE has been visiting feeders in Camden since November 14. The homeowner, Melinda Sortwell, is open to birders visiting but asks that everyone follows these guidelines:

Location: 4 Central Street, Camden, ME

Parking: There is plenty of public parking nearby, along Central Street and across the street at the Christian Science Reading Room.

Hours: Please do not arrive before 8:00AM or after 4:30PM. Melinda is okay with people visiting on Thanksgiving (tomorrow) but I ask everyone be especially sensitive to their privacy that day.

Viewing: There are several feeders on the property but the oriole is favoring the mealworms at the backside of the house. Melinda is very welcoming to people viewing from inside the house but I encourage people to look from the north side of yard (on your left as you walk onto the property) where you can see the feeders around the house. The bird has a steady pattern of showing up at the feeders in about 1 hour intervals, often appearing with goldfinches.

Good birding!

Doug Hitchcox

Tuesday 22 November 2016

[Maine-birds] harlequin ducks nubble york

Was thrilled today to see 5 male and two females at the Nubble, was early this am. Also there were over 50 dark scoters.

Deb Powers

South Berwick Maine

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143862779@N08/30377581733/in/dateposted-public/

[Maine-birds] Biddeford: Peregrine Falcon ("Feisty") and continuing Marbled Godwit...

Hi all,

On Monday morning, I photographed a Peregrine Falcon at the Basket Island Causeway at Hills Beach in Biddeford. I and seemingly all the birds in the area were oblivious to the falcon until he pinned a Black-bellied Plover to the sand.

After consulting with Charlie Todd (MDIFW), I learned that this bird has been a Mainer for nearly 8 years and many peregrinecam fans know him as "Feisty".

To learn some of Feisty's story (including injury and recovery), see this slide show by Avian Haven: http://www.avianhaven.org/ahs2011_feistys_story.pdf

Also, the Marbled Godwit was still present on Monday morning. Photos of both birds are here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32650288

Wildly,
Josh

Inspiring Nature Connection in New England
joshfecteau.com | patreon.com/JoshFecteau

Monday 21 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Dead Gray Fox

About an hour ago on my owl prowl I came across a beautiful Gray Fox on Shore Rd that had been struck and killed by a car ( most likely some clueless sort going too fast, radio blaring etc.). Anyhow I wanted to report this in case someone can collect the creature and use it for educational purposes. It is located a few hundred yards past Julie Ann Lane along the roadside.

Elias

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[Maine-birds] New Christmas Bird Count - Grand Lake Stream

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to post a notification of a new CBC circle in Washington County. Downeast Lakes Land Trust is hosting a Grand Lake Stream count, happening on Friday, December 16th. Interested participants must email cbrown@downeastlakes.org, so we can get a head count for lunch. Any interested birders are welcome to head up this way to participate. The count will largely be held in the Downeast Lakes Community Forest, 56,000 acres of conserved land surrounding Grand Lake Stream. We have some great bird habitat and I'm hoping for a nice turnout of dedicated birders. Please let me know if you'd like to join us!

Many Thanks,

Colin Brown

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Cattle egret

Still present at 2:15 today on Crocket Rd at the intersection with Rt 27.

Bill Blauvelt

Portland

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 21, 2016, at 12:06 PM, wrenyen <medea.steinman@maine.edu> wrote:

Where?

On Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:05:28 AM UTC-5, mzimrsm1 wrote:
Cattle Egret still present at 11:00 am

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[Maine-birds] Re: Cattle egret

Where?

On Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:05:28 AM UTC-5, mzimrsm1 wrote:

Cattle Egret still present at 11:00 am

[Maine-birds] Two Rockport shrikes

With a faint overnight snowfall melting around me at Beech Hill Preserve this morning, I watched a pair of Northern Shrikes chatter and chase on those fluttery wings of theirs. (Also had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, which was a surprise.)

17 spp total, incl. all resident woodpeckers except red-belly.

Brian Willson
Three Islands Press
www.3ip.com

[Maine-birds] Evening Grosbeak Durham

2 male 1 female budding corner of Rabbit Road and route 9 near house with feeder so may stick around
Dan Nickerson 

[Maine-birds] Cattle Egret - Yes

Seen standing on the back of one of the steer. Then moved down to pasture.

Turk Duddy
Cape Porpoise, ME

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Tree cutting at Evergreen Cemetery..

Was walking some of the paths at the Evergreen Cemetery on friday and noticed that they're cutting down many of the massive trees (many of them appear to be ash trees), with many more marked to be cut. Yes, some of them appear to have some rot in them but what's the worst thing that will happen if a branch breaks? Knock down a tombstone or two? I suppose they could take out someone visiting the cemetery but the probability of that has to be really remote...

These trees provide habitat for nesting as well as food...it's possible that they could also be maternity roosts for bats like the Northern Long Eared bat which is a threatened species...

I don't live in Portland so didn't know if this had even been discussed among residents, didn't see any postings about this on this group with a search...anyone know anything?

Frank

[Maine-birds] Weekend on MDI

Hi all -- Just a few highlights from my home turf near Acadia NP this past weekend:

Brown-headed Cowbird at our feeder in SW Harbor on Saturday
Barred Owl, flushed from a tree in the Seawall Campground loop roads on Sunday
Purple Sandpipers, 14 of 'em, at Seawall Picnic Area shore Saturday
Laughing Gulls, still here, high count of 14 yesterday in high wind / surf conditions
Am Wigeon female, remaining with a flock of Mallard at MDI High School ponds

Cheers,

Craig K

Sunday 20 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 11/20

Hi all,

A late morning visit - after most of the rain had moved through - to Sabattus Pond yielded 17 species of waterfowl:

437 Mallards
253 Lesser Scaup
154 Canada Geese
130 Greater Scaup
104 American Black Ducks
59 Buffleheads
48 Hooded Mergansers
45 Common Mergansers
28 Green-winged Teal
26 Common Goldeneyes
10 Northern Pintails
10 Mallard x American Black Duck hybrids
3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS
1 GADWALL
1 Ring-necked Duck
1 COMMON EIDER (drake; exceptional here, but just the remnant of a large flock reported yesterday)

Other waterbirds including 3 lingering Double-crested Cormorants and 1 Common Loon.

-Derek

*****************************************

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

****************************************

[Maine-birds] Red Crossbills in Harrington

This morning we had 11 Red Crossbills feeding on spruce cones in our yard! This is our second sighting of Red Crossbills this month in our area.

Merle and Anne Archie

Harrington, ME

[Maine-birds] Cattle Egret presently in Pittston

Present as of 1:45 pm, feeding actively.

[Maine-birds] Canvasback

Is still present at Trafton Lake this AM. Feeding with some Common Mergansers

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Gradual finch arrivals in Warren

This morning, a flock of a dozen pine siskins at feeders. Last week 3 female evening grosbeaks at same.

Don

[Maine-birds] Northern Maine Birds: Canvasback, Glaucous Gull, Bohemian Waxwings

Yesterday afternoon was glorious (from a northern-Maine-in-November perspective) and I spent it birding until dark (4 PM). Its been a while since I've done this.

The usual goose roost ponds were surprisingly full of birds for so late in the season and I encountered large feeding flocks in several fields.

I saw about 6 thousand geese in my travels, with the largest assemblage (of about 1,800) being at Trafton Lake in Limestone. The birds were crowded in the distant eastern end, so a scope was necessary to tease out a couple Cackling Geese from the crowd. There were no other notable geese species in the flock, but a drake Canvasback drifting among the horde was a big surprise.

This was only my second or third-ever Canvasback I've seen in northern Maine. Though the bird was distant, I got a couple of digiscoped pictures that show the bird's chestnut colored, sock puppet head, black breast and white body: http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S32624638

Other notables in Limestone were a big flock of Snow Buntings that passed over as I was leaving Trafton Lake Park and yet another Cackling Goose in the pond down town: http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S32624661

Big flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have shown up now in central Aroostook County and about 80 of these were working on the fruit trees in front of the Caribou Rec Center.

It seems the gull migration is near peak and Collins Pond in Caribou had a fantastic mass of bathing gulls as the sun was going down. There were six species seen including my first of fall Glaucous Gull (a first cycle), an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and a seasonal high count of at least 13 Iceland Gulls (one adult but the rest were first cycle).

The gulls were constantly arriving and leaving in small groups as they congregated to bathe and drink before heading to their night roosts around town. The pink and orange sunset lent a rosy wash to the gull's breasts and had me thinking about Ross's Gulls and a trip to the Arctic. Someday...

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

Saturday 19 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Red-throated Loon, Skowhegan

I was surprised to see a RTLO on the river this morning. I checked back often and was there when it flew off at 3:30.

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[Maine-birds] Pine Grosbeak at Morse Mountain, Phippsburg

I was surprised to hear a single Pine Grosbeak calling repeatedly near the top of Morse Mountain, Phippsburg, yesterday the 18th.  Also Pine Siskins And 2 Lapland Longspurs with Snow Buntings, the latter on the beach.

Stunningly beautiful days.  Best, Peter 

[Maine-birds] pine grosbeaks

Flock of 8-10 Pine Grosbeaks flew over the house this morning. No Evenings that I could see. I and my feeders are waiting...

Sarah

Montville

[Maine-birds] Grosbeaks in Unity

This morning there were five Evening Grosbeaks and five Pine Grosbeaks on Ward Hill Rd in Unity near the orchard. The latter were particularly exciting to me.

Good birding,

tom

[Maine-birds] Shrike in Rockport

Had a Northern Shrike this morning on my little patch (Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport) -- the first since 27 March 2014.

(12 spp total, including one of the neighborhood ravens.)

Brian

Brian Willson
Three Islands Press
www.3ip.com

[Maine-birds] Cattle egret

Cattle Egret still present at 11:00 am

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Friday 18 November 2016

[Maine-birds] American crow study, Camden.

Four photos in this series on my web page. Clever American crow. Might not be in order.

http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/h29b8ee2c#h29b8ee2c

Cheers,

Dave

[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights and Goose Fields Update, 11/12-18

Hi all,

Observations of note for me over the past seven days included:

- 2 Ruddy Turnstones, Winslow Park, Freeport, 11/12 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

- 3 Gadwall, 2 White-winged Scoters, 600+ Ruddy Ducks, etc, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 11/13 (with Birds on Tap - Roadtrip! group).

- 1 Peregrine Falcon, Franco-American center steeple as observed from outside Baxter Brewing Company, Lewiston, 11/13 (with Birds on Tap - Roadtrip! group).

- 2 Winter Wrens, Peak's Island, 11/14.

- 1 American Bittern, 7 Lapland Longspurs, 1 Wilson's Snipe, etc, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh on the King Tide, 11/15 (with Jeannette).

- 5 Ruddy Ducks, Prout's Pond, Scarborough, 11/15 (with Jeannette).

- 2 Fox Sparrows, our yard in Pownal, 11/17.

- 1 Turkey Vulture, over I-295 in Falmouth, 11/17.

- 1 Common Yellowthroat, Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 11/18.

- 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and 1 fly-over OSPREY, St. Bartholomew's Church, Cape Elizabeth, 11/18 (photos of both).

As for the "Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields," things remain rather quiet. My high count of Canada Geese was a mere 498 on 11/14, and I did not see the long-staying "Blue" Snow Goose in my two visits there this week.

And finally, some of my photos from recent weeks, including the Sabine's Gull, Lark Sparrow, an interesting junco, the Yarmouth Ruby-throated Hummingbird, etc, are all up on my most recent blog here:

https://mebirdingfieldnotes.wordpress.com/2016/11/14/2016-rarity-season-part-i/

-Derek

*****************************************

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

****************************************

[Maine-birds] Searsport southerners

This morning there was a Carolina Wren and Mockingbird at Searsport Harbor behind the old Hamilton Marine building. It would be great if they stuck around for the CBC.

Good birding,

tom

[Maine-birds] Belfast Bay census of Friday, Nov. 18, 2016

A cloudy morning with a strong northeast wind caused a lot of chop on Belfast Bay, which decreased the number of birds seen, but still 16 species and 558 individual birds were found. The full report can be found on ebird at

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32605838

Ron Harrell

Thursday 17 November 2016

[Maine-birds] N Shrike

Who's scaring the birds en masse from my feeders this morning? Not the usual sharpie or redtail, but a Northern Shrike! I got some clear photos. The jays are trying to chase him away.

Nancy Dickinson

Pemaquid

Wednesday 16 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Long-billed Dowitcher back again at Wharton Point.

For those interested, the Long-billed Dowitcher was found again this morning at Wharton Point at the head of Maquoit Bay in Brunswick. It was last observed on November 11 after having winged its way high out into the bay and was assumed to have departed for good. This morning, the bird was foraging near the water's edge on the incoming tide with the remaining Black-bellied plovers and dunlins.

The best time to observe the dowitcher (or any shorebirds at Wharton Point) is on the incoming tide approximately 4 hours to 3 hours before high tide (using Portland harbor tide predictions). The birds are forced by the incoming tide closer to the shoreline for observation. Often times, the shorebirds are located on the mudflat some distance to the west of the boat ramp. However, as the tide continues to cover the mudflat, the birds fly east over to the other side where a stream from the marsh enters the bay. As the tide covers the mudflat, they will disappear into the marsh where they'll often roost. The shorebirds aren't as reliable for close observation on the outgoing tide, but it can be productive, at times. Depending on the tide heights, the mudflats begin to appear approximately 2 to 3 hours after high tide. So, today between 2 and 3 PM, the shorebirds should start foraging along the eastern side, and then may fly over to the west side of the flats, or further out into the bay.

Of course, the orderly shorebird behavior described above can be put totally out of whack when a Merlin or Peregrine appears. Then, the shorebirds can end up anywhere, but the action is often exciting to watch!

Gordon

[Maine-birds] Re: Cattle Egret YES and NO

Margaret;

The bird was in the field at a little after 10. Initially foraging near the farmhouse, eventually moving to the corral area where the cattle seemed interested in it (naturally.)
I parked in the driveway across the street, bought a pound of cranberries, and chatted with the guy selling produce there. Awful light conditions for photos.

Interesting that you watched it fly toward the river. It was probably headed for the extensive marshes and weedy fields that run next to Everson Rd.
(where there are a healthy number of passerines BTW). If it's roosting there, it'll be very hard to find.

mike

On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 9:46:19 AM UTC-5, Margaret Viens wrote:

I arrived at the previously reported farm field - Crocker Rd, Pittston at about 9:20 to find the Cattle Egret on the far side of the field actively foraging. I took a few ID photos in the poor light and watched for about 7 minutes, when he just took off heading west toward the river. I could not relocate it.

Margaret Viens

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday 15 November 2016

[Maine-birds] Marbled Godwit at Biddeford Pool

Saw a marbled godwit at Biddeford Pool today around 11:30 to 12:30. Sleeping on the rocks down near East Point Sanctuary. In among other shorebirds including dunlin, ruddy turnstones, sanderling, and black-bellied plover. Will post pictures on Maine Birds Facebook page later as well as with ebird report.

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[Maine-birds] Marbled godwit at Biddeford Pool

Saw a marbled godwit at Biddeford Pool today around 11:30 to 12:30. Sleeping on the rocks near East Point Sanctuary. Many other shorebirds with it including ruddy turnstones, Dublin,

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[Maine-birds] Re: anyone with an Evening Grosbeak photo

Send me your email address and I'll send you my photos from this afternoon. We had several DOZEN in our backyard in North Whitefield!!

Kit

On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 9:43:58 AM UTC-5, Jeff Wells wrote:

Anyone out there with an Evening Grosbeak photo that they might let us use for illustrating our column this week in the Boothbay Register?

Had several Evening Grosbeaks calling this morning overhead and/or somewhere in the neighborhood in Gardiner this morning. Still none at the feeder….

Thanks!

Jeff Wells

[Maine-birds] York County sightings (Nov 15)...

Here are some highlights from today:

SANFORD LAGOONS
3 Gadwall
4 American Wigeon
1 Northern Shoveler
1 Northern Pintail
1 Lesser Scaup
12 Ruddy Ducks
and larger numbers of more common waterfowl
eBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32567189

FORTUNES ROCKS BEACH, BIDDEFORD (at high tide)
4 Iceland Gulls (all immature) and an estimated 700+ assorted gulls at
the south end
eBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32568340

ROCKS ALONG OCEAN AVENUE, BIDDEFORD POOL (at high tide)
8 Great Cormorants
30 Black-bellied Plovers
1 continuing Marbled Godwit
26 Ruddy Turnstones
11 Dunlin
1 Purple Sandpiper (probably 50+ more on Beach Island)
1 continuing Spotted Sandpiper
eBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32568103

Wildly,
Josh

Inspiring Nature Connection in New England
joshfecteau.com | patreon.com/JoshFecteau

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[Maine-birds] Red-throated Loon

I'll never get this close to a Red-throated Loon again. In Jonesport, on
the southern loop of Rt. 187, there is a small road that leads to Crowley
Island. Almost as soon as you turn off the main road, a tidal stream
passes under the Crowley Island Road. The bird was right next to the road,
close enough to toss it minnows, if I had any. He just sat and watched me
film him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvsF_WmJMg.

Also, six Evening Grosbeaks were behind the courthouse parking lot during
breakfast this morning. Boisterous little buggers.

Bob Duchesne

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[Maine-birds] more Snow Buntings

There was a large flock of Snow Buntings around noon today, at Pemaquid Beach Park, on the ball field. (The gate is closed for the season, but you can park on the driveway and walk in.)

Nancy Dickinson

[Maine-birds] Cattle Egret YES

It was still there at 12:45 today. Thirty years ago I never would have imagined this would one day be a rare bird in Maine-it was relatively common then, at least in the southern counties.

> On Nov 15, 2016, at 9:46 AM, Margaret Viens <margaretviens@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I arrived at the previously reported farm field - Crocker Rd, Pittston at about 9:20 to find the Cattle Egret on the far side of the field actively foraging. I took a few ID photos in the poor light and watched for about 7 minutes, when he just took off heading west toward the river. I could not relocate it.
>
> Margaret Viens
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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[Maine-birds] Cattle Egret YES and NO

I arrived at the previously reported farm field - Crocker Rd, Pittston at about 9:20 to find the Cattle Egret on the far side of the field actively foraging. I took a few ID photos in the poor light and watched for about 7 minutes, when he just took off heading west toward the river. I could not relocate it.

Margaret Viens

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] anyone with an Evening Grosbeak photo

Anyone out there with an Evening Grosbeak photo that they might let us use for illustrating our column this week in the Boothbay Register?

Had several Evening Grosbeaks calling this morning overhead and/or somewhere in the neighborhood in Gardiner this morning. Still none at the feeder….

Thanks!

Jeff Wells

Monday 14 November 2016

Re: [Maine-birds] Pittston: Cattle Egret...

Still present at dusk.

Thanks,
Rob O'Connell

> On Nov 14, 2016, at 2:17 PM, Josh Fecteau <joshuafecteau@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 44.140694, -69.743710

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[Maine-birds] Pittston: Cattle Egret...

Still present down Crocker Rd in Pittston.

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