I am pleased to announce that the birders have now been granted access to Augusta's Hatch Hill Landfill, albeit with new, understandable limitations. I have worked with Lesley Jones, Director of Public Works for Augusta, and the staff of Hatch Hill, to provide the details for visitation and I thank them immensely for finding a way to balance access with safety and operations.
The rules must strictly be followed, and if they are not followed, we are likely to permanently lose access. As you check into the front gate (see driving directions and instructions in Site KE5 of my Birdwatching in Maine: A Site Guide) you will be informed of the following changes in policy in order to balance landfill operations and safety of everyone, while accommodating some birding access. They are open Tues-Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. And they are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
1) Only two birders in the facility at a time. If there is a high demand then we will be limited to a 30 minute visit.
2) We have only two options for parking and viewing, but they are the two best spots for overall viewing. You must remain with your vehicle at all times. A) the metal pile (look for the old refrigerators and park at the end of that paved area) OR B) at the leaf pile. If you are unfamiliar with these specific spots, please inquire at the booth upon your arrival.
3) Anyone not complying will be asked to leave and if we all don't cooperate, birding at Hatch Hill will not be allowed to continue.
Due to the limited access, I spent some time on Friday searching the area for easier, more public access. I found a viewpoint, looking south towards the landfill off of Rte 3. I received permission to allow "a few" birders (at a time, presumably) to access a private parking lot, so please consider carpooling and be respectful to the business and its clients. From the parking lot of Nadeau Chiropractic and Wellness (address is technically 3 Health Drive), park at the far end of the lot and scan the skies. I had several dozens of Bald Eagles from here today, and I am confident that the Golden would have been in view from here at the time of my original observation. Scanning from here could be productive, and would alleviate some pressure on landfill visitation.
After a "soft opening" this weekend as a test (before sharing the Golden sighting), I was granted access to the landfill today (normally closed to the public on Mondays) to do a thorough search. It was not seen by visiting birders on Saturday, and I failed to find it today. However, I did tally an absolutely incredible 109 Bald Eagles!
However, the bird could certainly still be in the area. Remember that two Goldens overwintered a few years ago at the Bath Landfill, so it's worth a look.
But please keep in mind, the new rules apply not only for those seeking the Golden Eagle, but also for all other birders and photographers at all other times. For the record, there are very few gulls here nowadays (only ~30 Herring on Friday and about 160 with one Great Black-backed Gull today), likely due at least in part to the massive increase in Bald Eagle numbers.
If we as a birding community respect these rules, we can continue to have the fortunate opportunity to check this birding hotspot that has produced such great birds as Slaty-backed Gull and "Thayer's" Iceland Gull in the past. So please, no one try to bend the rules as it will likely ruin it for everyone. And be sure to thank the staff for allowing us this privilege.
Meanwhile, I will be leading a Birds on Tap - Roadtrip! tour here on January 18th. You can sure the Golden Eagle will be our number one priority if it is still around.
https://themainebrewbus.com/all-tours/birds-on-tap-roadtrip/
Thank you for understanding.
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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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