[Maine-birds] Bicknell's Thrush-other high elevation birds on Old Speck Mtn

I've just returned from a two day hike up Old Speck Mountain, in Grafton Notch S.P., north of Bethel.

I wanted to duplicate a survey i did there 30 years ago.  The mountain seemed way bigger and steeper this time even though the trail was changed to make is easier!  Way steeper.

I saw and heard a total of 7 Bicknell's Thrushes yesterday evening and early this morning.  Most at or near the summit of Old Speck but at least two some 500 feet below the peak.  This is fewer than the 30 or so I counted in 1983 - but I think that the weather probably affected the count.  It was blowing 25 - 35 mph and was chilly so most birds were quiet last night.  A few calls notes and a partial song.

There was much more sound this morning.  In addition to the mountain thrush, lots of Swainson's Thrushes, 12+ Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, etc.. but no Spruce Grouse.

I'll happily pass on this survey to someone else, to be taken in 243, but I reckon there's only a handful of present day youngsters that might be foolish enough to do it 30 years from now.

It is a seriously steep climb and it took me 3.5 hours to get to the peak with a heavy backpack.  No one should try this mountain, nor any other of the remote mountains, lightly.  But it sure is spectacular and was very special.

Best, Peter