[Maine-birds] Whimbrels returning to Flat Bay, Harrington

This morning, 8 Whimbrel showed up on the mudflats on the south part of Flat Bay (south of Mill River).  In 2019 and 2020, the birds first showed on this day as well.  However, last year there were 37 birds - and that is quite a reduction in numbers from 2014 when there were 189 birds at first arrival. 

So, lots of questions - are the warmer air temps keeping the birds up north longer? Is the abundant blueberry crop this year keeping the birds on the barrens instead of the mudflats?  Have the majority of birds found another place to stage for migration?  This year there are twice as many clammers on the mudflats (at least 17 each low tide) in the area where the Whimbrels spend most of their time. Or, is the population shrinking......

Anne Archie, Harrington

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