Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Friday, 31 October 2014

[Maine-birds] Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor

31 Oct 2014 Final trip of the season from Bar Harbor around the south side of Mt. Desert I. to the Hinckley Yacht company in Southwest Harbor. Just a couple days short of 6 months of running cruises around Frenchman Bay. Common Loon (COLO) 23 Red-throated Loon (RTLO) 3 Red-necked Grebe (RNGR) 14 Gannet (NOGA) 2 Double-crested Cormorant (DCCO) 1000+ Numerous huge Vees passing continuously out beyond...

[Maine-birds] Biddeford: American Pipits and an estimation activity...

This afternoon, there were 12 American Pipits, 12 Savannah Sparrows and 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers feeding in the wrack-line of the beach at Timber Point in Biddeford. I also saw a large flock of Double-crested Cormorants fly over. If you're interested, try estimating the number of Cormorants in this photo (http://bit.ly/1tpIjtC), then verify your count by viewing my eBird checklist (http://bit.ly/1tJAP4F). Good birding, Josh Josh...

[Maine-birds] Phippsburg - Oct 31

Spent the morning looking for large expanses of berries where that Solitaire may be hiding. The Bayberry mast seems to be a flop this year, but other berry crops are ablaze right now. Junipers have been decimated by the protected herd of small deer on Hermit Island, but other crops are abundant. No sign of the solitaire, but a few highlights nevertheless: Peregrine Falcon adult at Popham Beach Popham area shorebirds included...

[Maine-birds] Red-bellied Woodpecker in Harrington

I was astonished to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker at our feeder this afternoon. This is my first for Washington County. What is the status of this species this far Down East? In Flat Bay there are good numbers of Bufflehead, Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers. Our winter companions are back! Yellow-rumped Warblers are still moving through. Merle ArchieHarrington, ME -- Maine...

RE: [Maine-birds] Feather ID help please

could be a hen neck feather, or from a costume - craft stores sell plumes and saddle feathers for projects as well as fly tying.Sarah Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:52:46 -0400Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Feather ID help pleaseFrom: susanguare@gmail.comTo: lrbevier@colby.eduCC: maine-birds@googlegroups.comHow would a rooster feather end up in the middle of Bangor? I know about the Backyard Chicken movement, but trust me, I lived...

[Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week and Goose Fields Update, 10/25-31

Hi all,Some additional highlights of note from me over the past seven days included:- 1 Indigo Bunting and 1 "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow, Biddeford Pool Beach, 10/26.- 1 Lapland Longspur, behind "Hattie's," Biddeford Pool, 10/26.- 1 TENNESSEE WARBLER, 1 Snow Bunting (first of fall), 1 Semipalmated Plover, 473 Sanderlings, etc, Reid State Park, Georgetown, 10/28 (with Jeannette).- 150+ Horned Larks and 75+ American Pipits, Mayall...

[Maine-birds] Orange-Crowned Warbler

Today at Saco WWP, actualy just beyond in the little stream that goes under the trail I had a great look at an Orange-crowned Warbler. Grayish top side and yellowish underside, thin bill, broken eye looked complete to me. I did not get to see the orange-crown. At Pine Point there were two Semi=palmated Sandpipers, # Black-bellied Plovers and 143 Dunlin. Bob Crowley Chatham, NH -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

[Maine-birds] history of alpha codes for birds

I would hope this isn't a big deal to most reading the Maine list. It is unfortunate that some are bothered by the use of the codes and that others are equally upset at those complaining. I've used these codes since the 1970s when they first became widespread and established. There has always been good humor and joking about them, believe me. I sympathize with both positions. Some background In 1978, Kathy Klimkiewicz and Chan...

Re: [Maine-birds] White robin

Interesting. Must be leucism.. On the 10 mile road to Grand Lake stream there were 3 white crows. One died but the others are still there as far as I know, One has a mottled head feathers (white but some black too)On Fri, Oct 31, 2014 at 4:36 PM, Diana <dedmaine@hotmail.com> wrote:Had it here around 9a.m. Doesn't have any Orange on its breast. And when. It flies. Looks like a black and white woodpecker. It...

[Maine-birds] Brant Dyer Point

Dyer Point 2:30- 3:308 Brant735 Common Eider9 Harlequin14 Longtail8 Common loon30 Northern Gannet33 White-Winged Scoter131 Black scoter20 D.C.Cormorant1 Northern FlickerYellow-Rumped Warblers -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine...

[Maine-birds] White robin

Had it here around 9a.m. Doesn't have any Orange on its breast. And when. It flies. Looks like a black and white woodpecker. It was here about a month ago too. Diana. In south unity. The camera was in the house! Not good Sent from my iPad -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you...

Re: [Maine-birds] Feather ID help please

How would a rooster feather end up in the middle of Bangor? I know about the Backyard Chicken movement, but trust me, I lived on a farm and I would know if a rooster was around here.I thought Kirk was kidding.#Bangor#rooster#feather Why not add one more code?On Fri, Oct 31, 2014 at 1:41 PM, Louis Bevier <lrbevier@colby.edu> wrote:That looks like the neck feather of a rooster. Is your dog into tying flies? Those...

[Maine-birds] Late Oriole

After having no orioles at all this spring or summer, we have had a first year female Baltimore on our suet for the last three days. Linda D. ScotlandPO Box 248Cape Neddick, ME 03902(207) 363-5377/752-1131lds@maine.rr.com&nb...

Re: [Maine-birds] Feather ID help please

That looks like the neck feather of a rooster. Is your dog into tying flies? Those are the kind of feathers people want for that. Louis Bevier Fairfield species mentioned in this post: Red Junglefowl (domestic) Gallus gallus, REJU, galgas (love that one! but ya gotta get into 6-letter codes) -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

[Maine-birds] Feather ID help please

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[Maine-birds] Alpha codes in Maine-birds

I wonder if the boilerplate text could easily be updated to include a link to an index? It would be far-fetched for now but maybe something to ponder for the future, if the posting software could provide mouseover captions or give each reader a settings option to have automatic replacement of each code by “CODE (Spelled-out Name)”. Sallie Satterthwaite, Brooksville:Harborsidesalliesatt@comcast.net ~* It’s a good...

Re: [Maine-birds] Orange-crowned Warbler

On Oct 31, 2014, at 7:51 AM, panteradeath666 <seanari@live.com> wrote:A question about their behavior. During fall migration, do they typically forage on the ground and bob their tails?This combination of behaviors sounds like Palm Warbler, which bob their tails AND frequently forage on the ground. Orange-crowned Warblers are often found in low, weedy vegetation during migration (the kinds of places sparrows like too), but...

[Maine-birds] Orange-crowned Warbler

A question about their behavior. During fall migration, do they typically forage on the ground and bob their tails? -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send...

Re: [Maine-birds] Sabattus Pond, 10/30

There were two drake common goldeneye off the south end beach last week, the first I had seen this year.Dan Nickerson.On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 6:24 PM, <chrwsu@myfairpoint.net> wrote:Notably absent from that list was Common Goldeneye. I usually start seeing small flocks before this on inland lakes and rivers. I'm assuming mild weather up north has delayed their arrival.Wally S.On Thu, 30 Oct 2014 11:05:55...

Thursday, 30 October 2014

[Maine-birds] Evening grosbeaks in Brooklin

One male and four females were feeding on ash tree seeds this afternoon--only the second time I've seen them here in 19 years! I heard them before seeing them. Magical. Kim Author, THE SECRET POOL, a children's book about vernal pools. Winner, Riverby Award, John Burroughs Association, and Lupine Award, Maine Library Association. Skipping Stones Honor Award, 2014. "Share with budding naturalists or use as an excellent guide...

[Maine-birds] No cattle egret in China today, northern harrier instead

I stopped by Meadowbrook Farm in China today, but did not see the cattle egret. There was a female northern harrier hunting in the field. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving...

[Maine-birds] Harlequins Dyer point Cape Elizabeth

Nice day of birds today Dyer point4 Harlequins55 Common Eider2 Northern Gannets1 Sanderling15 Yellow-Rumped Warblers2 Savannah SparrowsCommon LoonKettle Cove2 Swamp Sparrows2 Ruby-Crowned Kinglets2 Horned GrebesThink I had the Orange-Crowned Warbler but dipped down to fast?Great PondRed-Winged BlackbirdsAmerican Tree Sparrows2 Ruddy Ducks, 5 greater Scaup -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds...

Re: [Maine-birds] Sabattus Pond, 10/30

p{margin: 0;padding: 0;}Notably absent from that list was Common Goldeneye. I usually start seeing small flocks before this on inland lakes and rivers. I'm assuming mild weather up north has delayed their arrival.Wally S.On Thu, 30 Oct 2014 11:05:55 -0700, 'Derek and Jeannette Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote: Hi all,Lois Gerke joined me on a jaunt up to Sabattus Pond....

[Maine-birds] catbird kennebunk

On my feeders for a brief visit at 9 am Thurs. Pileated woodpecker also regularly in area. Last phoebe (2) sighting was Monday the 27th. Sharon in West K,bunk ...

[Maine-birds] Hooded Mergansers, Lewiston

At the Bates pond today, near corner of Russell and College streets, were 3 Hooded Mergansers - possibly a few more as I didn't have my binoculars. Anne Williams -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe from this...

RE: [Maine-birds] Grass seed

I put out white millet and I get a ton. I have had white throated..White crowned..song..2 chipping..2 or 3 fox sparrows and juncos galore...it has been a blast watching them but keep hoping I see something rare in there but no such luck.Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Susan Guare Date:10/30/2014 3:30 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Maine birds Subject: [Maine-birds] Grass seed My neighbor says...

[Maine-birds] Grass seed

My neighbor says the time to overseed one's lawn is in the fall. The white-throated sparrows and juncoes are having think so, too, and are a lovely time out there. I can't even see them, in the leaves, until I move suddenly and fifty or more take flight at once. (Bangor) -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207...

[Maine-birds] Northern Maine Birds: Snowy Owl, Bohemian Waxwings American Tree Sparrows

This AM, work took me north to the St. John River Valley. Saw several flocks of American Tree Sparrows and an early Snowy Owl in Frenchville. Got some decent pics of the owl which I will post tonight.In Van Buren, a small flock of Bohemian Waxwings were working on what appeared to be a cherry tree. These were my first "for sure" Bohemian's this fall.Evening Grosbeaks are showing up at area feeders. Autumn-into-winter...

[Maine-birds] Fox Sparrow- Waterville

I've had a Fox Sarrow under my feeders sporadically the past 2 days - unusual for me for the fall - I usually only see them anywhere in Maine in late March or April. - Margaret Viens Ridge Road, Watervi...

[Maine-birds] Sabattus Pond, 10/30

Hi all,Lois Gerke joined me on a jaunt up to Sabattus Pond. This morning's glass-calm conditions that reduced the flight at Sandy Point afforded a perfect opportunity to count and enjoy the duckage here:916 Ruddy Ducks (!!!) 195 Lesser Scaup 127 Canada Geese 99 Mallards 33 American Coots 24 Greater Scaup 22 American Black Ducks 12 Bufflehead 3 Mallard x American Black Ducks 3 Hooded Mergansers 3 Common Loons 1 continuing...

[Maine-birds] Bowdoinham

Things are changing at our feeders. Red-bellied woodpecker, first in over a year Red-breasted nuthatch is back. 3 evening grosbeaks, just now! brown creeper yesterday Plus, lots of blue jays, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, white-throated and song sparrows, tufted titmice, hairy and downy woodpeckers, mourning doves, a few robins, a raven, and the grackles also just arrived. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

[Maine-birds] Snowy Owl

I flushed a Snowy Owl this morning on Lighthouse Hill. It flew off chased by crows and blue jays. We also have a continuiing Dickcissel, Red Bellied Woodpecker and Bluebirds. Otherwise, Juncoes rule the island. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the...

[Maine-birds] Sandhill Cranes in Fryeburg .

Continuing Birds, 6 are always together, occasionally 3 others join them. They are to be found in the sod fields at the intersection of McNiel and Old River Roads, Fryeburg Harbor. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe...

[Maine-birds] Schoodic SeaWatch

Another fine morning from the Point. First snow bunting of this season's sea watch. 69 Common Loon 9 Red-throated Loon 50 Northern Gannet 207 DC Cormorant 65 Common Eider 7 Long-tailed Duck 8 Red-beasted Merganser 4 Black-legged Kittiwake 4 Ring-billed Gull 3 Surf Scoter 1 White-winged Scoter 1 Black Scoter (another 10 going opposite direction) 2 Harlequin Duck (males, non-migrants;...

[Maine-birds] Brown Creeper Spurwink Church 10/29

first of the Fall for me Brown Creeper4 hermit Thrush, 3 Red Tailed HawksD.E.Juncos in big numbers Saturday over 100 spurwink marsh, Dozen white-Throated Sparrows50 or so Common Grackles on the move South Portland Hinkley Park Tuesday1 Mockingbird trying to guard a crabapple tree from invading starlings.Yellow-Rumped Warbler, 2 Ruby-Crowned Kinglets South Portland Nursing -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com...

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

Re: [Maine-birds] Alpha Code Animosity and a Query

Maybe the ABA Blog might be a good home for the discourse.ABA = American Birding Association;-)Sc...

[Maine-birds] Kettle Cove KECV

A brief visit to KECV this noon produced a Oranged Crowned Warbler and a Catbird. Leon Mooney. LEMO Sent from my iPad -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send...

Re: [Maine-birds] Bobo

p{margin: 0;padding: 0;}Merci beaucoup, mon ami. C'est très clair; comme de la boue, n'est pas? ;-)Sorry, couldn't resist.Lest this email be completely wasted, I should report a semi-late Palm Warbler near the Flood Farm in Clinton this morning. Also had a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Americal Pipit in the same general vicinity, all of which I normally find to be somewhat scarce...

RE: [Maine-birds] Alpha Code Animosity and a Query

There is a large flock of canada geese occupying the fields on Poor's mills rd along with many gulls, might make a good spot for vagrant spotting for people with more time than me in the am.I find alpha codes a bit of a nuisance and they make me less likely to read an entire message once I hit ones I don't recognize. But to each their own. I do find it fascinating that while most of the scientific community and other...

[Maine-birds] Bobo

Mis amigos, explicame, por favor, porque ustedes han usado la palabra bobo como un nombre de uno pajaro. Pregunto, porque "bobo" en Español es lo mismo como "clown" en su idioma de Inglés.Did I make myself clear?BOBO is not only Spanish for clown, it's also the origin of the word "booby," a bird that looks like a bobo because it has a black mask. It's fine if you want to use "professional" codes, but many here are...

[Maine-birds] Cattle egret in China

I noticed a cattle egret in among the black angus cows at Meadowbrook farm in China this afternoon. Unfortunately, I di have my camera with me. I'll try to head over that way tomorrow am and see if it is still there. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google...

[Maine-birds] Alpha Code Animosity and a Query

Hi all,At least once a year we go through the same "conversation" on the listserve about the use of four-letter codes for bird names. Despite Craig's rapid apology, the thread continues over a day later.I find this fascinating. There are few topics on listserves (Maine-birds is not unique) that bring out such animosity as the use of four-letter codes. Nothing results in more public responses (perhaps with the exception...

Re: [Maine-birds] Snow Buntings AND ........

Wow. Great spotting have a camp somewhat close and in 35 years have never seen oneSent from my iPhoneOn Oct 29, 2014, at 8:58 AM, rob speirs <rspeirs1@gmail.com> wrote:Since most birders are, by extension, amateur naturalists I thought I'd share this, being a somewhat uncommon sighting. Yesterday, while up north, NW of Chesuncook Lake, we bumped into first of fall Snow Buntings. Shortly thereafter, when passing a side...

[Maine-birds] Snow Buntings AND ........

Since most birders are, by extension, amateur naturalists I thought I'd share this, being a somewhat uncommon sighting. Yesterday, while up north, NW of Chesuncook Lake, we bumped into first of fall Snow Buntings. Shortly thereafter, when passing a side road, I noticed something out of place, up this side track...gray and upright.....a light gray stump?....but it didn't look to be in the right place...was it leaning out over...

RE: [Maine-birds] Re: Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)

Www.birdpop.org has all the codes by commom and/or scientific names. Can be downloaded for free. rRRSubject: Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)From: stellawalsh@earthlink.netDate: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:51:26 -0400CC: maine-birds@googlegroups.comTo: mfahay@gmail.comI would propose that ALPHA "codes" are not so much "jargon" as useful standardized abbreviations which makes recording in the field much quicker (and...

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)

And we must not forget that there is an app for that. On Oct 29, 2014, at 07:51, Stella Walsh <stellawalsh@earthlink.net> wrote:I would propose that ALPHA "codes" are not so much "jargon" as useful standardized abbreviations which makes recording in the field much quicker (and required for data when doing field work). Not a lot different than writing NC for North Carolina. I certainly agree that the full species...

[Maine-birds] American Coot in Caribou

Bill Sheehan's American Coot (AMCO) was on-station in a Rte 205 marsh in s. Caribou this morning. Almost missed it because it was so close to the road.Also a single Pied-billed Grebe.Best (and thanks, Bill!)Craig K -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received this message because you are subscribed to...

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)

I would propose that ALPHA "codes" are not so much "jargon" as useful standardized abbreviations which makes recording in the field much quicker (and required for data when doing field work). Not a lot different than writing NC for North Carolina. I certainly agree that the full species name is what should be used for general communication, I would encourage anyone doing a lot of birding to check out the ALPHA codes for their...

[Maine-birds] Sabattus Pond - Oct 28 (and Bowdoinham sparrows)

Dark but spectacular viewing conditions. FAC and the birds slowly changing from drifting to feeding to loafing modes. Used my window-mount to scope them as they drifted by. Much the same as previous days, (600-700 Ruddy Ducks, 200+ Scaup, solo H. Grebe), but dipped on Redheads and Canvasbacks. Also no sign of Ring-necked Ducks. I did not check the NW part of the pond, however. I looked through well-over 300 sparrows in...

[Maine-birds] Re: Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)

Those four-letter codes are JARGON, plain and simple. Jargon should be avoided whenever possible. Especially in this case.mikeOn Tuesday, October 28, 2014 5:19:03 PM UTC-4, CrimsonCrow wrote:For those of us who may not be quite as expert as others, could we all kindly write out the species of the bird(s) seen? It would help me a lot. Thanks.bg-- Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.Margaret...

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

[Maine-birds] Pine Point 10/28 Tuesday-Dunlin

Most fun were 8+ juv Dunlin on the beach just as the tide was coming in, on a rare outing for me. Also Semi-Sandipipers, a Semi-Plover. There were many more farther down the shore. Probably some that I didn't ID. I didn't have my good bins with me. (How's that for an excuse!) Corrections welcome. One Lesser Yellowlegs swimming at Pelreco/Blue Cold. I don't remember seeing them actually swim before... tried to make...

Re: [Maine-birds] Four-letter bird codes (FLBCs)

I use Flubcos (FLBCs). They litter my notebooks and make data-entry easier. These days, I don't need to remember the code because look-up software allows me to guess by typing the first two letters of each name or the first letters of each word in a bird's name if it is >2. Conflicting codes are provided as alternatives. I tend not to use Flubcos in polite conversation, though, and they have waxed and waned in popularity among...