Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Thursday, 31 January 2013

Re: [Maine-birds] Snow goose yes

I also found the Snow Goose mixed in with 56 Canada Goose.... Looks like others have seen it as well. It "stuck out like a sore thumb"

Michael

From: Robert Watson

Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 12:37 PM

To: maine-birds@googlegroups.com

Subject: [Maine-birds] Snow goose yes

One adult snow goose is still at the Samoset resort Rockland. On golf course. Thanks Don

The Samoset Resort Governors Conference on Tourism Janury 30 201, Knox, US-ME
Jan 30, 2013 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: I managed a few minutes birding while attending the Governors Conference on Tourism held at Samoset Resort. Time is always a commodity that there is never enough of. These are a few including a Snow Goose mixed with 56 Canada Geese just tucked in behind the Breakwater. Snow Bunting were seen flying to the west of the main building. Very strong winds today on an incredible weather roller coaster ride starting with 52 degree F temperatures, fog and rain in the AM, breaking during the mid afternoon to broken cloudy blue sky, giving way to dropping temperatures and high winds! A classic January thaw.
12 species (+1 other taxa)

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) 1 One lone bird with 56 Canada Goose just behind the breakwater
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 63 This flock was hunkered down with high winds blowing from the southwest, waves breaking over the jetty (it's late )
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 4
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 23
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Accipiter sp. (Accipiter sp.) 1 trying to get my field glasses up and it flap, flap, glided out of view.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 3
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 45
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) 23
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 9
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 3

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12786960

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[Maine-birds] GOEA was a yes today

Hi all -- thanks to the birding communities updates, and Louis Bevier's really helpful strategic suggestions, I located the Golden Eagle today on Peavey Road. I was westbound on Peavey Rd, heading toward River Road, and had just past fields full of Am. Crows and Rock Pigeons. Then, just beyond the first farm compound that straddles Peavey Rd., I spotted a perched eagle ahead, in a tree across the next pasture on the left (S) side of Peavey Rd. I emerged from the car to get my scope out, and the bird flushed. I was able to watch it for ~10 minutes all the same, as it soared and circled mostly to my south. A special moment. Oh, and there was a break in the rain.

Best,
Craig K

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[Maine-birds] Snow goose yes

One adult snow goose is still at the Samoset resort Rockland. On golf course. Thanks Don

[Maine-birds] Water St - Saco Update...

The Drake Barrows Goldeneye is still here almost all day, everyday. There are between 3 an d5 CoGos here regularly. The river was icing up above and below the falls here and that led to a lot more activity in this stretch of open water, but with the warm spell and the rain I haven't seen the Ring-Necked Ducks or the Common Mergansers for the past three days.

The Great Cormorant made an appearance yesterday, briefly, but that was the only time I have seen it since Monday.

I haven't seen the Peregrine yet this week.

The Mallards have been spending more time up this way (there is a large group at the little "island" park down the street. One is a Mallard X Black, there are a couple of American Black Ducks, and one Hen Mallard that is for the lack of a better description, rather "blond."

If you are interested in heading up this way, feel free to contact me for directions, parking info or good vantage points.

My Best,
Chuck

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Chuck Homler

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[Maine-birds] Rockport Snow Goose

An adult snow goose with 100+ wintering CAGOs on Samoset Resort golf course.

Don

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Re: [Maine-birds] Fwd: Augusta birds 1-29-13

The crows have been mobbing in my backyard for weeks now, every afternoon at 4:30. The kids are a little creeped out. I'm not much good at counting flocks, but I'd estimate that at times we have over 500, in all the bare trees on the hill that supports the Thomas Hill Standpipe. They do not roost here for the night, but they reappear before dawn. They are much quieter then.

I have long suspected that Hitchcock got his idea for The Birds from crows, or from starlings on telephone wires.

On Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 12:48 PM, Norman Famous <nfamous@maine.edu> wrote:

Hi,

I hit the wrong key before finishing. The list is not exceptional but the site has great potential for less common species, especially in late morning and early afternoon. They are not always present but it only takes a few minutes to check out the site. The viewing conditions are great in that you can mount your scope on your vehicle window and leisurely scan them as they sit on the ice or float by while group bathing.

Here we go again.

~250 herring gulls, mostly adults; 5-10 first winter birds
2 Iceland gull First winter, one darker
2 Great black-backed, one adult and one first winter

~20 Ring-billed gulls
2 American crows

1 Sharp-shinned hawk soaring across the river

I was present the day before in the late afternoon and no gulls were present. There were about 350 or more American crows gathering in the trees beyond the end of Canal Street getting ready to roost. I could not get a full count as there were more groups of crows in trees beyond this group. I moved upriver about a half mile and small flocks of crows were arriving from upriver.

More Crows in downtown Augusta

If you are in Augusta during late afternoon (4:00) it is worth stopping if you enjoy large groups of crows and their social behavior and the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. It is very relaxing.

Also check the circle area near Kennebec Savings Bank on the west side of the river. They sometimes group in trees near there. Also, many flocks of crows can be seen flying over the Kennebec towards the circle (or in view from the circle) if they are roosting in that section of town.

Happy birding,

Norm Famous

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Norman Famous <nfamous@maine.edu>
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Subject: Augusta birds 1-29-13
To: Maine Birders Listserv <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>

Hi,

I was in Augusta yesterday morning and encountered a song sparrow at the Augusta Town Garage behind the recyling bin (cardboard bin). After that I went to the end of Canal Street to look for gulls.

~250 herring gulls, mostly adults; 5-10 first winter birds
2 Iceland gulls

--
Norman Famous, Wetlands and Wildlife Ecologist

513 Eight Rod Road

Augusta, ME 04330

(207) 623 6072

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Norman Famous, Wetlands and Wildlife Ecologist

513 Eight Rod Road

Augusta, ME 04330

(207) 623 6072

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Wednesday, 30 January 2013

[Maine-birds] Re: Golden Eagle, Jan. 29

Is Flood Farm north of the dam? On the East side of the river, correct?

-Abby

[Maine-birds] Fwd: Augusta birds 1-29-13

Hi,

I hit the wrong key before finishing. The list is not exceptional but the site has great potential for less common species, especially in late morning and early afternoon. They are not always present but it only takes a few minutes to check out the site. The viewing conditions are great in that you can mount your scope on your vehicle window and leisurely scan them as they sit on the ice or float by while group bathing.

Here we go again.

~250 herring gulls, mostly adults; 5-10 first winter birds

2 Iceland gull First winter, one darker

2 Great black-backed, one adult and one first winter

~20 Ring-billed gulls

2 American crows

1 Sharp-shinned hawk soaring across the river

I was present the day before in the late afternoon and no gulls were present. There were about 350 or more American crows gathering in the trees beyond the end of Canal Street getting ready to roost. I could not get a full count as there were more groups of crows in trees beyond this group. I moved upriver about a half mile and small flocks of crows were arriving from upriver.

More Crows in downtown Augusta

If you are in Augusta during late afternoon (4:00) it is worth stopping if you enjoy large groups of crows and their social behavior and the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. It is very relaxing.

Also check the circle area near Kennebec Savings Bank on the west side of the river. They sometimes group in trees near there. Also, many flocks of crows can be seen flying over the Kennebec towards the circle (or in view from the circle) if they are roosting in that section of town.

Happy birding,

Norm Famous

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Norman Famous <nfamous@maine.edu>
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Subject: Augusta birds 1-29-13
To: Maine Birders Listserv <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>

Hi,

I was in Augusta yesterday morning and encountered a song sparrow at the Augusta Town Garage behind the recyling bin (cardboard bin). After that I went to the end of Canal Street to look for gulls.

~250 herring gulls, mostly adults; 5-10 first winter birds

2 Iceland gulls

Norman Famous, Wetlands and Wildlife Ecologist

513 Eight Rod Road

Augusta, ME 04330

(207) 623 6072

Norman Famous, Wetlands and Wildlife Ecologist

513 Eight Rod Road

Augusta, ME 04330

(207) 623 6072

[Maine-birds] Augusta birds 1-29-13

Hi,

I was in Augusta yesterday morning and encountered a song sparrow at the Augusta Town Garage behind the recyling bin (cardboard bin). After that I went to the end of Canal Street to look for gulls.

~250 herring gulls, mostly adults; 5-10 first winter birds

2 Iceland gulls

Norman Famous, Wetlands and Wildlife Ecologist

513 Eight Rod Road

Augusta, ME 04330

(207) 623 6072

[Maine-birds] Bowdoinham redpolls and waxwings

I have had redpolls on the farm, sporadically since the end of December, in flocks of 25 since
mid-January, but today there are at least 50 in the front yard feeders, more in the back.

40 Bohemian waxwings January 28 and 29.

Two pileated woodpeckers chasing each other last week.

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Tuesday, 29 January 2013

[Maine-birds] RE: (Maine Birds) SeaBC January 29, 2013 Northeast Harbor to South of Mount Desert Rock Peregrine Falcon, Black-legged Kittiwake and Atlantic Puffin

SeaBC January 29, 2013 Northeast Harbor to South of Mount Desert Rock

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #1, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: We are sailing today on the College of the Atlantic boat "Osprey" with the plan to survey out to and just beyond Mount Desert Rock. The weather is amazing with blue sky, sunny and 19F, we could not have asked for a better day and only wish there was a larger group of birders. We are accompanied today by 4 COA students whose work included a plankton tow for an Oceanography course, first mate, Alex and captain Toby Stephenson. The SeaBC compilers are Terry Towne, Juanita Roushdy and Michael J. Good, MS.
12 species (+1 other taxa)

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 5
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 4
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 8
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 12
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 4
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 3
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 2
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 3
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 9
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 3
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) 5
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #2, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
Comments: Motoring out of Northeast Harbor we broke free of the protected coastal edge passing by Kings Point, Manset and Seawall to our west and the shores of Great Cranberry. There were so many birds especially Long-tailed Duck and Black Guillemots. Great Cormorant was actively feeding. The large White-winged Scoter flock I reported on December 22 is still utilizing the Manset coast and Great Cranberry indicating the presence of a good food source.

11 species

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 4
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 140
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) 350+ this is probably a large group that I reported in early January (please see http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12350191)

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 62
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 4
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 2
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) 2
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 1
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 15
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 18
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 11

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #3, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
Comments: We are now out of the protected waters and working towards the Ducks. Many Black Guillemots were found throughout the coastal edge of Great Cranberry and Manset/Seawall. Two Bald Eagles were seen roosting on Little Duck; one immature and 1 adult. A probable 2 adult was seen later in the day.
8 species

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 5
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 97
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 27
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 12
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 3
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 2
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 77 Already mentioned the large number of Black Guillemot after a series of extreme weather
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #4, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.7 mile(s)
Comments: Great Duck had the best diversity of the trip so far with many species hold up around the island. The weather recently has included intense arctic cold and strong winds and waves. Razorbills and Black Guillemot where abundant today.
9 species

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 225
Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) 4
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 9
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 3
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 7
Razorbill (Alca torda) 36 These were not clearly seen but they were large bodied Alcids
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 58 This was a large number of Black Guillemot and somewhat surprising but the weather has been extreme and moved species around to hiding places out of the weather
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 4
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #5, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
Comments: South and East of the Duck Islands we ran a transect that took us just east of Mount Desert Rock into the sun with good visibility from the boat on either side.
7 species (+1 other taxa)

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 7
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) 1 over the boat with bad images
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 3
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 9
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) 2
Razorbill (Alca torda) 69
large alcid sp. (Uria/Alca sp.) 27 These were clearly Alcid but too far away for accuracy given there were other large Alcids in the area. A flock of what appeared to be

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey # 6, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: Seeing many Razorbills out here this morning. This survey was conducted East of Mount Desert Rock
5 species (+1 other taxa)

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 5
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 17
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) 1
Razorbill (Alca torda) 54
large alcid sp. (Uria/Alca sp.) 12

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #7, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: SeaBC survey point number seven was taken south and east of the Rock.
5 species

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) 7 These birds were all adult except for 1 3-4th year bird in transitional plumage.
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 4
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 18
Razorbill (Alca torda) 45
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #8, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.5 mile(s)
Comments: : After a COA plankton tow where we had some time to monitor Mount Desert Rock we ventured over to Mount Desert Rock and confirmed a Peregrine Falcon on the solar panels ,Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and many Great Cormorant. 532 Gary Seals were counted.
11 species

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 20
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) 7 Several were seen diving for food as observed by Terry Towne
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 14
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) 45
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 45
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) 1
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) 1
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 30
Razorbill (Alca torda) 138+
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 One seen sitting on the solar panels appeared to be a small male
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #9, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
Comments: Here we found our first Atlantic Puffin alone and foraging
3 species

Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) 3
Razorbill (Alca torda) 9
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) 1 As we started to motor northwest of Mount Desert Rock

SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey # 10, Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.8 mile(s)
Comments: This survey was conducted between Little and Great Duck to the northern edge of Little Duck.
9 species

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 3
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 14
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2 around the western side of Great Duck
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 10
Razorbill (Alca torda) 4
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2

SeaBC January 2013 Little Duck Island, Survey #11 Hancock, US-ME
Jan 29, 2013 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.6 mile(s)
Comments: This is the last leg of the SeaBC pelagic birding trip from Northeast Harbor to just south of Mount Desert Rock. survey #11
11 species

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 40
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 15
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 12
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 3
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 2
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 1
Razorbill (Alca torda) 2
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 7
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) 1 This bird was located and photographed with a dingy Bill and winter plumage just north of Little Duck Island and part of the SeaBC January 2013
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 4

Down East Nature Tours trip summary: Species Totals

Report Details

Date range:	Jan 29, 2013 - Feb 4, 2013	Total # of Species:	30
		Total # of Checklists:	11
Location(s): SeaBC January 2013 Little Duck Island; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #1; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #3; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey # 10; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey # 6; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #2; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #4; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #7; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #8; SeaBC January 29 2013 Survey #9; SeaBC January 29 2013 survey #5

Summary
	Jan 29
Number of Species	30
Number of Individuals	1,970
Number of Checklists	11

Total Number of Birds (sample size)
Species Name	Jan 29
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)	54 (4)
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos)	4 (1)
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)	512 (7)
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)	350+ (1)
Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)	4 (1)
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)	116 (5)
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)	8 (2)
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)	3 (1)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)	21 (4)
Common Loon (Gavia immer)	27 (5)
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)	2 (1)
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)	15 (3)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)	25 (5)
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)	3 (2)
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)	45 (1)
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)	10 (4)
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)	4 (2)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)	112 (7)
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)	1 (1)
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)	1 (1)
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)	50 (4)
Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia)	6 (3)
Razorbill (Alca torda)	357 (8)
large alcid sp. (Uria/Alca sp.)	39 (2)
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)	165 (6)
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)	2 (2)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)	5 (1)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)	1 (1)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)	24 (6)
Common Raven (Corvus corax)	4 (3)

Michael J. Good, MS
President Down East Nature Tours
Founder and Director Research and Development
14th Acadia Birding Festival, May 31-June 3, 2012
Co-founder Penobscot Watershed Eco Center
39 COTTAGE STREET
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
207-288-8128 / 207-479-4256

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