Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking: July 2018

Tuesday, 31 July 2018

[Maine-birds] commensal feeding observation

Greetings, birding/atlasing friends! Just wanted to quickly share a snippet of the joy and wonderment that I'm experiencing through participation in our Maine Bird Atlas.

Like many of us, I'm scrutinizing bird plumage and behavior at every opportunity (you don't want to be in a moving car with me right now :-) in an effort to confirm late-season breeding. Last night I happened to be reading about commensal feeding among birds and *blammo!* this morning I observed a very cool instance of it!

In commensal associations, one species (the "beater") helps another species (the "attendant") at no cost to itself. Cows and Cattle Egrets are an example.

In my "yard" (a regenerating clearcut), the Indigo Bunting is El Supremo when it comes to feeding on the seed heads of tall grasses. The male in particular is very adept at jumping up on a stem and bending it down until it hangs up on other stems, forming a sturdy "feeding tripod." The INBU's beak is great for managing tiny grass seeds, but quite a few rain down on the ground about 2 feet below. There wait a pair of Chipping Sparrows (one adult, one juvenile). These two suck at jumping on grass stems (they should just give it up) but love gleaning seeds from the ground. The adult gathers up a bunch and transfers them to the youngster, which can now forage for itself in the interim. When the INBU moves to a new seed head, the CHSPs move with it.

Super cool!

Go Maine breeding birds!

Peace and "Happy Atlasing!"

Scott Cronenweth
Industry, ME
scottcronenweth@icloud.com

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Monday, 30 July 2018

[Maine-birds] More shorebirds at Flat Bay, Harrington

Migrating flocks continue to arrive. On this evening's low tide (8:05 to 8:15) there was a lot of active feeding behavior. I counted approximately 200 Black-bellied Plover, 60 Short-billed Dowitchers, 200+peeps (getting too dark to identify well) and 7 Greater Yellowlegs.

This morning's tide also yielded good numbers of Black-bellied Plover, Short-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs and 300+ peeps (most likely Semipalmated Sandpipers looking at feeding behavior).

No Whimbrels at either low tide.

Anne Archie

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[Maine-birds] Scarborough Marsh Rt. 1 pannes Little Egret

Currently foraging on the Rt. 1 edge of the pannes.

Cheers,

Tim Fennell

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

[Maine-birds] Seal Island NWR (Penobscot Bay) - Brown Pelican

Hi all,

Yesterday evening we observed a Brown Pelican fly past the Seal Island NWR heading north toward Isle au Haut and then return heading south about 30 minutes later. Keep your eyes peeled.

Keenan

[Maine-birds] Seabird activity, Eastport area

There has been a lot of seabird activity in the Head Harbor Passage area near Eastport, Washington County during the past two weeks. The shearwater show has been spectacular with sooty shearwaters outnumbering great shearwater by five to one. I've seen dozens of common murres, razorbills, and black guillemots and there have been a handful of immature Atlantic puffins kicking around too. Bonaparte's gulls have been arriving from their northern breeding grounds with several hundred now in the passage. Common and Arctic terns are making a racket wherever they're feeding. Fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales are also being seen. One driving factor seems to be an abundance of Atlantic herring and other small pelagic fish that are attracting many of the birds and marine mammals close to shore. For those that are interested, there are several charter boats that provide tours of this area from from Eastport, Lubec, Campobello, and St. Andrews.

Some of my photos from the past two weeks can be seen here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/101615744@N02/

Cheers,

Chris Bartlett

Sunday, 29 July 2018

[Maine-birds] Re: Western Kingbird, La Grange

Attached are some much much better photos (cropped). I returned with a 400mm lens and the bird was still there. There's white on the outer retrix which I believe confirms a Western Kingbird. There's decent parking near a stone wall at the site, making the area a bit more accessible than I realized previously. The second time I returned, the bird was perching on some snags 20m off the road right across from the stone wall 100 m south of the original observation. Original location (linked). Second location (linked).

Happy birding,

Brian Rolek

Orono, ME

On Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 3:29:21 PM UTC-4, Brian Rolek wrote:

Hi Folks,
I observed what I think is a Western Kingbird today near La Grange. I documented some poor photos and videos (linked below) on my phone; however, I think those are enough to rule out the resident birds.

I had great looks from 20-30 feet with great lighting for about 30 minutes, It was large gray bird with yellow extending from the middle of the chest back through the undertail coverts. The bird had a gray back that was much darker on the wings and the tail. The bird didn't have a crest on its head and lacked any rufous or brown distinguishing it from a Great-crested Flycatcher. The bird appeared pale on the throat to the mid-chest, and had a darker gray color over the eye. I looked pretty closely at the tail's feather tips and did not see any white, excluding Cassin's Kingbird, but I didn't get a look at the outer retrices. There was also a Eastern Kingbird in the area and they got into a little tussle, and they were very similar in size. The bill was relatively small compared to the head, pushing me more towards Western Kingbird.

Unfortunately, I have a busy schedule coming up and won't have time to return for a better photo/video. Be safe if you visit, because the speed limit is pretty fast (50 or 55), there's only a half shoulder to pull off. The bird was sticking to the power lines, mostly above a strip of shrubs on the east side of the road. I believe the surrounding area is all private, but the bird was sticking to the road.

The location is pinned in google maps and linked here. If you freeze the video as the bird takes off, you can see the yellow underside. The videos are a large files so I'm sharing them via google drive (best video linked here). This second video has a short call ("yip") from the bird right in the first second (linked here). And here's a third video (linked). Apologies for the bad videos, but it's the best I could do given the circumstances. Any other identification suggestions are welcome, and I've only seen this species a few times before in Florida, and there are several similar looking birds from the west and tropics. If you have any trouble viewing the video files just email me (below) and I'll try to find a better way to share. The videos are much clearer if you can download them.

Brian Rolek
brianrolek at gmail dot com
Orono, ME

[Maine-birds] Request for info on reporting a dead bird

Is there a person or place where I should report a dead bird? We weren't able to stop but there is a dead raptor on the side of I-95. It looked big enough to be an eagle. I suppose it could have been a turkey but the feathers looked black to me.

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Little Egret Scarborough Marsh

The Little Egret is in Scarborough Marsh off of Route One. It is in the large panne south of Anjon's near the tree line. Right now it is roosting in a dead tree. It has been hanging out on the right-hand side of the panne.

As I am writing this a Green Heron just flew by to the small group of trees between the panne and Anjon's.

A big thank you to Marian Zimmerman for stopping at the nature center and telling me about the bird.

Linda

Linda Woodard II Maine Audubon

Director of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

_______________________________

20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

tel (207) 883-5100

mobile 207-415-8331

web maineaudubon.org

[Maine-birds] Little Blue Heron - Belfast 7/29

The bird is no longer in view as of 4:17. I lost sight of it around half an hour ago and was unable to relocate. It could have just slipped back into taller grass so it may be worth revisiting.

Fyn

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[Maine-birds] Western Kingbird, La Grange

Hi Folks,

I observed what I think is a Western Kingbird today near La Grange. I documented some poor photos and videos (linked below) on my phone; however, I think those are enough to rule out the resident birds.

I had great looks from 20-30 feet with great lighting for about 30 minutes, It was large gray bird with yellow extending from the middle of the chest back through the undertail coverts. The bird had a gray back that was much darker on the wings and the tail. The bird didn't have a crest on its head and lacked any rufous or brown distinguishing it from a Great-crested Flycatcher. The bird appeared pale on the throat to the mid-chest, and had a darker gray color over the eye. I looked pretty closely at the tail's feather tips and did not see any white, excluding Cassin's Kingbird, but I didn't get a look at the outer retrices. There was also a Eastern Kingbird in the area and they got into a little tussle, and they were very similar in size. The bill was relatively small compared to the head, pushing me more towards Western Kingbird.

Unfortunately, I have a busy schedule coming up and won't have time to return for a better photo/video. Be safe if you visit, because the speed limit is pretty fast (50 or 55), there's only a half shoulder to pull off. The bird was sticking to the power lines, mostly above a strip of shrubs on the east side of the road. I believe the surrounding area is all private, but the bird was sticking to the road.

The location is pinned in google maps and linked here. If you freeze the video as the bird takes off, you can see the yellow underside. The videos are a large files so I'm sharing them via google drive (best video linked here). This second video has a short call ("yip") from the bird right in the first second (linked here). And here's a third video (linked). Apologies for the bad videos, but it's the best I could do given the circumstances. Any other identification suggestions are welcome, and I've only seen this species a few times before in Florida, and there are several similar looking birds from the west and tropics. If you have any trouble viewing the video files just email me (below) and I'll try to find a better way to share. The videos are much clearer if you can download them.

Brian Rolek

brianrolek at gmail dot com

Orono, ME

[Maine-birds] Little Blue Heron - Belfast 7/29

Currently observing a Little Blue Heron off of the Little River Trail in Belfast. It's about 0.6 miles up the trail foraging in the vegetation revealed by low water level.
This appears to be the first Waldo County record, going by eBird.
Great looking adult bird that was originally associated with a Great Blue Heron, before the larger of the two departed.

Good birding,
Fyn
(207) 323-8686

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[Maine-birds] Shorebirds at Flat Bay, Harrington

Finally, a semi-fog-free morning to observe shorebirds on the morning low tide!

First, no Whimbrels. The decreased disturbance in the commercial blueberry barrens may be drawing the birds off the mudflats and feeding on blueberries. I hope that's why we are not seeing them and not some other more depressing explanation....

We observed 55 Short-billed Dowitchers, 5 Lesser Yellowlegs, 20 Black-bellied Plover and approximately 700 peeps - mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers.

Two osprey spooked the peep flocks and sent them swirling around for a while. Gosh, I love to see those flights!

Merle and Anne, Harrington

Saturday, 28 July 2018

Re: [Maine-birds] Maine Bird Atlas - Weekend Challenges, 7/27

There are currently many fledgling Chipping Sparrows around the upper elevations and second (driving toward Cape Elizabeth) gate of Portland Head Light/Fort Williams Park, and their numbers are rivaled only by the breeding EASTERN BLUEBIRDS there this year. Once during dusk about a month ago there were at least 20 adults and juveniles in one cluster in an oak tree, with 2 Crows doing weird head-bobbing movements on either side of them (I thought maybe to say, "hey, let's eat these Bluebirds". I've been reluctant to post about the prolific Bluebird situation at Fort Williams, because they nest so close to the ground, are somewhat timid (though the adults there are extremely easy to spot, vocal and seem to like low perches). But the nest boxes on the high plateau of the park (where the large open-sided picnic shelter is) and near the top of the big concrete stairs by the field (I'm guessing an old parade ground) did extremely well this year, and all spring/summer I believe only one or two boxes were taken by Tree Swallows... not to say the boxes were entirely occupied, but to a very good degree. I would have taken some photos for eBird earlier but I figured the local birders MUST know about them. Apparently not, as there is no indication in any recent posts other than sightings of 1-2, and the bar charts are quite sporadic. They're definitely a successful breeding species at Ft. Williams park and are very visible in the adjoining oak trees.... just yesterday I saw a couple of adults randomly whizz by. And I've seen small numbers in same oaks on the plateau in the blustery dead of winter 2016-17, so I'd guess some are residents.

Sean Smith

On Sat, Jul 28, 2018 at 12:19 AM, 'Doug Hitchcox' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Hi everyone:

Sorry for not getting a new set of challenges out last weekend but great to see all the checklists that have been pouring in. Before our new challenges, I wanted to share one note of caution as we get later into the nesting season: Be careful not to code juvenile birds wandering outside of the bock where they originated. I explain this concern in an article: "When Fledglings Become Juveniles" available here: https://ebird.org/atlasme/news/fledglings

Before the new challenges, let's see how you did last week…

Birding For Bruce - Thank you to everyone who shared your lists and participated in this event to allow Bruce Barker to vicariously atlas with us before he passed away on the morning of July 20th. During those few days of "Birding for Bruce", 241 checklists were shared (including some non-atlas lists from folks in Massachusetts, Montana, Vermont, and KwaZulu-Natal) totaling 271 species, of which 128 were confirmed breeders for Maine. Thanks everyone. Keep Bruce in your thoughts through this project.

Cedar Waxwing - Nice bump in these to 67 confirmed blocks. With 123 probable, we should keep working on these - I've still only seen random courtship activity locally.

House Sparrow - This was like homework on your least favorite subject but more confirmed blocks are coming in so thank you!

NEW CHALLENGES:

1) Chipping Sparrow - Another repeat species challenge but unlike back in mid-May, now they are fledging and I'm finding babies being fed all over the place. Remember, as stated in the article linked above, be careful not to code juvenile birds - look for adults feeding young or some of the other behaviors/traits mentioned. We are already up to 166 blocks confirmed but now is the time to bump that up for this first year.

2) Common Terns - Okay, this is an anti-ahallenge (what NOT to atlas) but if you still haven't read the above article please at least read this: Fledgling terns are leaving the islands that they were born on and can often be seen being fed along the coast. While these birds are still dependent on their adults we DO NOT want to code this behavior because those birds are being seen away from their nesting site and likely outside of the block their nest was in.

3) Willow and/or Alder Flycatchers - both of these seem under reported in general and may get tougher as birds are less vocal but this is a good time to visit sites you had them singing in the spring and see if they have fledglings. Early August was my first time confirming [personally] confirming the Willow Flycatchers nesting at Gilsland Farm: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/65522041

Good birding and happy atlasing!

Doug Hitchcox
Maine Bird Atlas - Outreach Coordinator
Maine Audubon - Staff Naturalist
207-781-2330 x237
dhitchcox@maineaudubon.org

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Friday, 27 July 2018

[Maine-birds] Maine Bird Atlas - Weekend Challenges, 7/27

Hi everyone:

Sorry for not getting a new set of challenges out last weekend but great to see all the checklists that have been pouring in. Before our new challenges, I wanted to share one note of caution as we get later into the nesting season: Be careful not to code juvenile birds wandering outside of the bock where they originated. I explain this concern in an article: "When Fledglings Become Juveniles" available here: https://ebird.org/atlasme/news/fledglings

Before the new challenges, let's see how you did last week…

Birding For Bruce - Thank you to everyone who shared your lists and participated in this event to allow Bruce Barker to vicariously atlas with us before he passed away on the morning of July 20th. During those few days of "Birding for Bruce", 241 checklists were shared (including some non-atlas lists from folks in Massachusetts, Montana, Vermont, and KwaZulu-Natal) totaling 271 species, of which 128 were confirmed breeders for Maine. Thanks everyone. Keep Bruce in your thoughts through this project.

Cedar Waxwing - Nice bump in these to 67 confirmed blocks. With 123 probable, we should keep working on these - I've still only seen random courtship activity locally.

House Sparrow - This was like homework on your least favorite subject but more confirmed blocks are coming in so thank you!

NEW CHALLENGES:

1) Chipping Sparrow - Another repeat species challenge but unlike back in mid-May, now they are fledging and I'm finding babies being fed all over the place. Remember, as stated in the article linked above, be careful not to code juvenile birds - look for adults feeding young or some of the other behaviors/traits mentioned. We are already up to 166 blocks confirmed but now is the time to bump that up for this first year.

2) Common Terns - Okay, this is an anti-ahallenge (what NOT to atlas) but if you still haven't read the above article please at least read this: Fledgling terns are leaving the islands that they were born on and can often be seen being fed along the coast. While these birds are still dependent on their adults we DO NOT want to code this behavior because those birds are being seen away from their nesting site and likely outside of the block their nest was in.

3) Willow and/or Alder Flycatchers - both of these seem under reported in general and may get tougher as birds are less vocal but this is a good time to visit sites you had them singing in the spring and see if they have fledglings. Early August was my first time confirming [personally] confirming the Willow Flycatchers nesting at Gilsland Farm: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/65522041

Good birding and happy atlasing!

Doug Hitchcox
Maine Bird Atlas - Outreach Coordinator
Maine Audubon - Staff Naturalist
207-781-2330 x237
dhitchcox@maineaudubon.org

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[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights, 7/21-27

Hi all,

My sightings of note over the past seven days were limited to the following:

- 1 continuing presumed TRICOLORED HERON X SNOWY EGRET HYBRID and 1 continuing adult WHITE-FACED IBIS, plus 7 species of shorebirds, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 7/24 (with Jeannette).

- 2 fly-over Glossy Ibis, here at the store in Freeport - our 121st Yard Bird, 7/25.

- 24 Sanderling (FOF), Reid State Park, Georgetown, 7/27 (with friends from NY and NJ).

-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] Essex Street Marsh

The Virginia rails were on the flats this morning. A black-capped chickadee foraging insect eggs from an apple leaf and several common yellowthroats showing off their new feathers. A red-eyed vireo showed up...I think it was on the same tree and branch last year!

https://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/hb2494327#hb2494327

Cheers,

Dave📷

Re: [Maine-birds] Birding For Bruce (10-15 July)

I'm embarrassed to see that my email from 24 Jul was only sent to myself. Please read below and see the copied obituary for Bruce Barker:

Bruce Clark Barker, 68, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018 at his home in Dixmont, surrounded by the love of his family with a warm breeze and bird song drifting in the windows.

Bruce was born in Portland, where he lived with his parents and brother Tommy until 1968 when he headed to the University of Maine to pursue a degree in Entomology. He chose that major out of a love for nature that began when he was a young child, exploring the fields around his home and identifying every bird, bug and butterfly he could find. While the university did not offer a degree in Ornithology, Professor Albert Barden mentored Bruce and helped to further his knowledge and love of birds.

As a birder, Bruce loved sharing his passion with everyone and became a teacher to many. He and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed spring and fall bird migrations on Monhegan Island and throughout the rest of the year most days included birding. Driving was challenging for Bruce as it was hard to keep his eyes on the road; he never stopped birding. Another passion was Karate. Bruce began studying the art at age 15 and became a life-long practitioner, being Sensei to hundreds over his many years of practice. He lived his life according to the philosophy of Karate-do (the way of the open hand), and he was always appreciative of all the natural world had to offer. As a birder and a Karate Sensei, Bruce was a humble and curious man who became a mentor and an inspiration to many whose lives he touched.

In 1977 Bruce married Sharon Wilson and the two began a marriage that would last more than 40 years. Their family grew to include three daughters and five grandchildren. Family always came first, even before birding and Karate. and they found that every cliche about the joys and wonders of grandchildren was true.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Sharon, their three daughters, Tara (Josh), Caitlyn (Shane), and Hayley (Joe), and their five grandchildren, Kalen, Nora, Wylie, Eli and Milo. A celebration of his life will be held at their family home in Dixmont on August 4th, 2018 at 4pm. For details and directions, please contact Caitlyn Barker at (207) 449-8609 or caitlynebarker@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fields Pond Audubon Center, 216 Fields Pond Rd., Holden, ME 04429.

On Jul 24, 2018, at 9:48 AM, Doug Hitchcox <dhitchcox@mac.com> wrote:

Hi everyone:

I wanted to share the unfortunate news here that Bruce Barker passed away peacefully at his home on Friday morning. His wife, Sharon, asked me to help get the word out that there will be "A Celebration of Bruce Barker's Life" held next Saturday, August 4th beginning at 4:00PM at 643 North Road in Dixmont, ME. A Facebook event has been started where any updates will be posted: https://www.facebook.com/events/1862047203838516/

I also wanted to thank everyone who was able to take part in "Birding For Bruce" last week. It was heartwarming to see the amount of support coming in through your contributions from around the state; an amazing 128 confirmed and 158 coded species where shared with Bruce in just those few days.

Thank you all for getting Bruce out birding one last time.

Doug Hitchcox

On Jul 10, 2018, at 1:37 PM, 'Doug Hitchcox' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Fellow birders, I am asking you to participate in a very special event this week. As many of you may already know, Bruce Barker has been fighting a tough battle against a rare and very aggressive cancer. Sadly, treatments have been unsuccessful and he is currently in home hospice and not able to have visitors. However, a plan has been hatched for the Maine birding community to let Bruce know we are all thinking of him and show our appreciation for all he has done by taking him birding vicariously with us over the next week. With the blessing of Bruce's family, we have set up an eBird account named "Birding For Bruce" (username: BirdingForBruce) that we hope you will all share any birding you do from 10-15 July. Our goal is to collectively make a big contribution of checklists and breeding records during this time period, and at the end of the week summarize our observations in a final write up to share with Bruce so he can see the places, species, and breeding codes we were able to document in his honor.

Bruce has been a tremendously helpful member of our community. From birding with him on Monhegan, co-leading walks for the Acadia Birding Festival, or chasing rare birds in Penobscot County, I'll absolutely miss his company. He has always been the kind of birder to go beyond his own pursuits in helping others see their targets – I can vividly remember him assisting unstable festival participants aboard the Friendship V trying to spot their lifer Common Murres among the hundred-plus Razorbills on Petit Manan. Bruce wouldn't give up on pointing out those birds until everyone was happy and I hope we can raise his spirits a bit by helping him bird this week.

I've been amazed to learn his reach beyond the birding community and what an impact he had as a pioneer of Karate in Maine. Those peers started a Facebook page where his students, friends and colleagues have shared thoughts and images (https://www.facebook.com/groups/174990016481077/) and also a GoFundMe page set up to raise money to help Bruce and his family with medical expenses and support: https://www.gofundme.com/bruce-barkersfight-against-cancer

Bruce has also been an avid eBirder, having submitted over 2000 checklists in the last few years, and was planning on being a big part of the Maine Bird Atlas. He had volunteered to be a regional coordinator but had to step back when his health began deteriorating. Again, please consider sharing any eBird and Maine Bird Atlas checklists from now until July 15th with the username: BirdingForBruce.

Here are instructions on sharing lists if this is new to you: https://help.ebird.org/customer/portal/articles/1010555-understanding-the-ebird-checklist-sharing-process

Thank you and may your positive thoughts be with Bruce, his wife Sharon, and his family.

Doug Hitchcox

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Thursday, 26 July 2018

[Maine-birds] Shorebirds at Flat Bay, Harrington

During yesterday's afternoon low tide, I observed:

14 Black-bellied Plover
7 Whimbrel
450 Semipalmated/peeps
20 Lesser Yellowlegs
2 Greater Yellowlegs
4 Short-billed Dowitcher

Fog made scoping the mudflats difficult and the small peeps were on the other side of the bay -about a mile away.

Merle Archie

Monday, 23 July 2018

[Maine-birds] Shorebirds on Flat Bay, Harrington

At last the southbound migrating shorebirds have arrived - albeit several days later than our records show for previous years.

During this afternoon's low tide we observed 35 Whimbrel, 220 Semipalmated Sandpipers, many unidentified peeps over a mile away from our observation point and over 50 Black-bellied Plover.

Anne Archie, Harrington

Friday, 20 July 2018

[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights, 7/14-20

Hi all,

My observations of note this week - beyond our puppy's growing life list - were as follows:

- 9 Great Shearwaters, 4 Atlantic Puffins, 2 Northern Gannets, 2 Sooty Shearweaters, 2 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, etc, Hardy Boat from New Harbor to Monhegan, 7/16 (with Jeannette).

- Monhegan Island, 7/16 (with Jeannette):

1 MANX SHEARWATER (bathing off lobster Cove)

3 juv. RING-NECKED PHEASANTS (continuing near Pebble Beach with Kristen Lindquist found them a couple of weeks ago; strange!)

4 immature Great Cormorants

2 Atlantic Puffins

2+ Great Shearwaters

1 continuing Carolina Wren

- Monhegan Island, 7/17 (with Jeannette):

# Great Shearwaters

1 imm Great Cormorants

1 continuing Carolina Wren

- 15 Great Shearwaters, 6 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 3 Arctic Terns, 2 Atlantic Puffins, 1 Northern Gannet, etc, Hardy Boat from Monhegan to New Harbor, 7/17 (with Jeannette).

- 18 Semipalmated Sandpipers, Wharton Point, Brunswick, 7/20.

- 1 continuing Chukar, Simpson's Point Road, Brunswick, 7/20.

- 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, Simpson's Point, Brunswick, 7/20.

-Derek

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Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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[Maine-birds] Re: Bar Harbor Whale Boat, 7/13

Hi again everyone,

After talking over the ID of our slimmer jaeger with Marshall Iliff, I wanted to correct my report to Parisitic 0, Long-tailed 1. This is not an ID challenge I've spent a lot of time with, so thanks to Marshall. Neat bird!

Good birding,

Robert Ostrowski

Bangor

On Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 1:38 PM Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Last Friday, my brothers and I boarded a whale & puffin boat out of Bar Harbor. The boat stopped at Petit Manan, then booked it to the SW bank of Grand Manan Bank, where we watched a group of humpbacks, before bolting directly back to Bar Harbor.

The bird highlights were:

Northern Fulmar - 3
Great Shearwater - 25
Sooty Shearwater - 4
Wilson's Storm-Petrel - 150
Leach's Storm-Petrel - 15
Northern Gannet - 1 (surprised to find only one)
SOUTH POLAR SKUA - 3
Pomarine Jaeger - 1
Parasitic Jaeger - 1

Plus, the expected alcids, terns, and gulls at Petit Manan. We also had two Puffins much further out to sea, including one that was 50+ miles out and probably in Canadian waters. Currently working on getting a few different lists w/photos into eBird to cover the trip, while avoiding having one excessively long checklist.

Good birding,
Robert Ostrowski
Bangor