[Maine-birds] EARED GREBE, Simpson's Point, Brunswick, 9/22.

Hi all,

 

Louis Bevier has confirmed that a EARED GREBE is currently present at Simpson's Point in Middle Bay off of Brunswick/Harpswell (Delorme Map 6: C-3). Louis first found the bird on 9/16, but due to the distance and lighting, he could not confirm it.  Gordon Smith has been trying to confirm it as well, and his description from yesterday sounded very good. 

 

Today, Louis found the bird close enough to Simpson's Point and in better light so that its suspected identity could be confirmed (4:20pm).  From the boat launch at the end of Simpson's Point Road, look to the south and south east.  Most of the birds here loaf out in Middle Bay, towards the straight between Scrag Island and Jordan Point.  Afternoon light is best here, and high tide is usually ideal here as the birds can be closer. This is the same spot where a wonderful slew of unseasonable waterbirds - many first found by Gordon - have been oversummering this year, including Black Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks.  At least one Red-necked Grebe continues, and at least one Horned Grebe is now present (so take care with identification of the small grebes!).

 

 Look for the consistently peaked head and thin bill of the Eared Grebe, along with the dusky neck and dark cheek as compared to Horned.  Also, I find Eared Grebe often looks thinner-necked, especially at the base of the head and Eared Grebe often looks "puffy" in the rear end. 

 

A scope - or a boat - is likely necessary.

 

-Derek

 

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