Thursday, 3 January 2013

[Maine-birds] VARIED THRUSH, Freeport, 12/30-present

Hi all,
 
A VARIED THRUSH is visiting a feeder here in Freeport at the home of Amanda Berry and Ben Willauer.  Amanda came in to share the exciting news yesterday, and this morning Jeannette and I went over to photograph the bird and confirm some logistical considerations.  Birders are welcome to visit the bird, but there are a few caveats.  It has been present consistently since 12/30, but it visits the feeders most frequently in the first 1-2 hours after sunrise. 
 
 
Secondly, here are the directions, followed by a few minor caveats:
 
The yard is 90 Birch Point Road.  From downtown Freeport, take Bow Street (across from the main entrance to LL Bean) to the east, toward's Wolfe's Neck State Park.  Follow this, bearing right onto Flying Point Road, following the signs for Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.  Make a RIGHT onto Wolfe's Neck Road.  Make your second RIGHT (the first green street sign) onto Birch Point Road.  Follow to the end (stay left at a subtle first fork - actually a driveway to the right), about 1/2 mile, where the road forks three ways.  Take the rightmost fork into the driveway for #90, but please see below.  (Delorme Map 6: C-2)
 
There is room for 1-2 cars to park in the driveway.  As you enter the driveway, there are two parking spaces on the right.  Those can be used as long as there is not already a car present.  Please DO NOT block any cars in the driveway.  While the homeowners said people are welcome to park on the road before entering the driveway, the road is very narrow here (and apparently a short hill can become quite slippery) and I don't think a car could park on one side with enough room for another car to pass.  Please do not block the road, obviously. 
 
Especially on the weekend, when more visitors are likely, I would recommend parking on Wolfe's Neck Road and walking the 1/2 mile down Birch Point Road to avoid any congestion. 
 
Next, once you are in the yard, beware that there may be two dogs loose in the yard.  Although they are actually very friendly, they are likely to come running at you, barking "like crazy,"  according to Amanda, and "Any people who are not OK with dogs should NOT come here! Dogs are very mean to other dogs."  If your dog travels with you in your car - as ours often does - I would urge you to not even drive down the driveway. 
Finally, people are asked to NOT visit between 9:00am and 11:00am tomorrow (1/3). This is their baby's nap time, and the barking dogs will wake her. However, after tomorrow, the family will be away on vacation.  The dog/housesitter has no problem with anyone visiting at any time.  However, as of 1/10 (I will confirm this date and post a reminder, assuming the bird is still present) please DO NOT visit between 9 and 11, and should you arrive earlier, please depart as of that time.
 
From those aforemention parking spaces, you can view the feeders behind the house.  The bird feeds on the ground, and most often visits while Blue Jays and/or Mourning Doves are present.  After feeding for a few minutes, he most often sits on a small, old cherry a short distance to the left of the feeders.  This cherry is just visible if you are at the farthest corner of the plowed parking spaces.  I can't help but wonder if you can view under the feeders while sitting in a larger SUV, which might work as a blind (and to keep warm!). 
 
The bird was still present as of 11:30 this morning, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker is also visiting the feeder.
 
Amanda and Ben really want to share this bird - despite the few inconvienences, so it is imperative that we respect their wishes, and their property.
 
Thanks, and good luck,
Derek
 
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Jeannette and Derek Lovitch
Freeport Wild Bird Supply
541 Route One, Suite 10
Freeport, ME 04032
Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069
www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com
Visit our E-store http://store.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/
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