Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, 6/30

Saw him at 12:30 @ Gilsland Farm. Yay! -- 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 an email to maine-birds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit...

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, 6/30

Passing along a report that the LITTLE EGRET is currently off the North Meadow at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. Working its way upriver so it'll probably head towards Tidewater after this. Good luck to those chasing, Doug Hitchcox -- 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...

[Maine-birds] Northern Goshawk - Back Cove 6/30/15 AM

Yes, I was very surprised to find an adult male nearly invisible in the tall grass near the water at around 7:40 AM. Not his usual habitat at all. I initially observed him for 20 minutes. He never moved or changed position (fully facing me) or even turned his head. All I could see was the straight-on face with black head cap and red eyes, and his pale grey chest. I could not make out any barrings, but that could have been...

[Maine-birds] PACIFIC LOON, yes, Simpson's Pt, Brunswick, 6/30

Hi all, Gordon Smith's incredibly June find continues at Simpon's Pt this morning. The bird has been present for the last 30 minutes at the high tide, although it is not close at the moment. Phone-scoped pictures are quite reminiscent of the Loch Ness Monster. The drake BUFFLEHEAD, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS (and several Commons) and 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS are also present at this incredible mid-summer "winter waterbird" hotspot. No...

Monday, 29 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Pacific Loon at Simpson Point in Brunswick

Monday evening, a very excellent-looking adult breeding plumaged Pacific Loon was observed in Middle Bay off Simpson Point in Brunswick. The bird was located approximately 600 yards from Simpson Point in a southerly direction toward Scrag (Serag) Island. In addition, there was a pair of Red-throated loons (unusual on this date) which passed very close to the Pacific Loon, providing a good comparison. Also...

[Maine-birds] Little Egret, Falmouth, 6/29 pm

Derek and I are currently viewing the Little Egret, visible from the South Meadow at Gilsland Farm at 4:15. -Jeannette Sent from my iPhone -- 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...

Sunday, 28 June 2015

[Maine-birds] fledgling red-bellieds in Warren

At least two fledgling woodpeckers visited my feeders with their parents this afternoon. Once introduced to a suet block by a parent, one fledgling really pigged out. Although red-bellieds are commonly found in my neighborhood, this is the first successful nesting that I've witnessed.Don ...

[Maine-birds] Maine-NH tour for WINGS: 159 species and highlights, 6/20-27

Hi all,I just wrapped up my comprehensive, exhaustive, and yes, rather exhausting 10-day (8 full days of birding) tour for WINGS. Despite some challenges from weather and the "odd" breeding season, we managed 159 species, including just about all (as usual, there were a few misses) of the regular breeders: 20 species of warblers, 9 species of flycatcher, 7 species of thrush (Bicknell's Thrush only in NH), 5 species of tern,...

Saturday, 27 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Bar Harbor Pelagic - Cory's Shearwater

A single Cory's Shearwater was seen very well (within 50 yards of bow of boat) by a group of birders aboardthe Friendship V Saturday morning. The bird was spotted sitting on the water and then launching into flightin the vicinity of the "Ballpark". Good long look as it flew along starboard side. (Details in eBird report).Other birds...

[Maine-birds] Hermit thrush

Is singing his heart out here. Can anyone give me a clue as to why we haven't heard him all spring, not until day before yesterday? Since then, almost non- stop. Mary Lou in Sullivan -- 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...

Friday, 26 June 2015

Re: [Maine-birds] Digest for maine-birds@googlegroups.com - 3 updates in 3 topics

The Little Egret was seen in the mudflats off Gilsland farm and at Tidewater Farms today around noon. Danny DanforthOn Fri, Jun 26, 2015 at 4:45 PM, <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote: maine-birds@googlegroups.com ...

[Maine-birds] Stud Mill Road Indigo bunting

This is the last place I expected to see and photograph my first indigo bunting. I'm pleased, but I'll shoot for improvement. The female common yellowthroat was foraging with a male in some raspberry thickets and didn't seem too concerned with me. A quick shot at a passing bank swallow was a surprise.http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/h4c5a5449#h4c5a5449Cheers,Dave -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com...

[Maine-birds] Backyard Birds

This morning in my Hollis backyad I heard a Bicknell's thrush and saw a young red-breasted nuthatch; 2 young red-bellied wp; one young flicker. And a creeper. This area does well with breeding woodpeckers. Should be seeing sapsucker and hairy as well. -- 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...

[Maine-birds] Mocking Bird

FOS Mocking Bird at Rockland Shipyard Skip Small Sent from my iPhone -- 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 an email to maine-birds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For...

Thursday, 25 June 2015

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, 6/25

I just got a text from Deb and Ed Hawkes that the LITTLE EGRET finally showed up off the North Meadow at Gilsland Farm (in Falmouth) at 11:40AM. We missed it during the bird walk from 7-9:30, probably because the tide was too high. Good luck to all chasing! Doug Hitchcox Sent from my iPhone -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Stratton Island

Spaces are still available for our Stratton Island TripsNot far from the Scarborough shore, Stratton Island is a nesting colony and roosting site for a remarkable diversity of coastal birds. A project site of National Audubon's internationally-recognized Seabird Restoration Program, Stratton is normally inaccessible to visitors. On these special outings, however, we will be able to land and have a uniquely intimate...

[Maine-birds] Laudholm Farm, study in SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS

Hello, David Doubleday and a group of about 10 people watched 3 different SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS. I took many pictures of two of them and have loaded 8 pictures onto Flickr into an album called SHARP-TAILED. Also two videos to hear the sound. I did not have a tripod, so not great for viewing bird. Pictures on log are 9949, 9917, 9982, and 0049. Pictures on roots and this is a different bird, 0004, 0025, 0034, 0044 ...

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET Gilsland Farm 6/24

The Little Egret is now being viewed in the North Meadow blind. -- 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 an email to maine-birds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com....

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, 6/23

Traczie Bellinger and I are watching the LITTLE EGRET feeding with two Snowy and one Great Egret off the North Meadow at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth right now (8:30am). Good birding, Doug Hitchcox Sent from my iPhone -- 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...

Monday, 22 June 2015

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: kingbird riding on eagle

I had this occur today with a Red-Winged Blackbird and Kildeer taking turns on a Red Tailed Hawk. I don't think either bird realized the hawk already had supper in its clutches in the form of a chipmunk. The other Kildeer was huddled on what I would assume was the nest while this went on overhead. RTH and RWBRTH with RWB and KDOn Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 11:54:17 PM UTC-4, lindap...@yahoo.com wrote:This happens a lot with...

[Maine-birds] Weekly Wednesday Scarborough Marsh bird walks

Attention birders,I just wanted to remind anyone who may be interested that the weekly Maine Audubon bird walks at the Scarborough Marsh are on Wednesday mornings from 7:00-8:30 am. Meet at the nature center on Pine Pt Rd (Rte 9) bright and early and we will carpool to the best spot(s) that suit the tide and time of year. There is a small fee that 100% supports Maine Audubon (volunteers are free).We are right in the heart of the...

[Maine-birds] Ruddy Turnstones

There were 3 beautiful R. Turnstones on the oyster leases today as I flipped traps up and down the river. Very bright plumages too on all 3. -- 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] Monhegan

Three great days on Monhegan. Eiders, black guillemots, song sparrows, various gulls and a special flight of about 12 great blue herons landing on Smutty Nose early Saturday morning.http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/h4bae58c3#h4bae58c3Cheers,Dave -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received...

[Maine-birds] Crow/snake

Watched a five minute battle between a crow and snake on my front lawn. Finally Crow flew off with snake in his bill- Skip Small Rockport Sent from my iPhone -- 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...

Sunday, 21 June 2015

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: kingbird riding on eagle

This happens a lot with our eagles on Sebago Lake. We have watched this behavior for years. They have ridden on their backs as well as riding on their heads. Sometimes the eagle is flying in with a fish when they jump on sometimes he is just taking off and they fly after him and jump on. It is amazing to watch.They also like to fly at the eagle, when the eagle is just sitting on a tree branch, it just starts hitting the eagle...

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: kingbird riding on eagle

Kingbirds are fearless about protecting their nesting area. Here's a shot of just what you describe. Must have been amazing to watch! Alicia On 6/21/2015 10:07 PM, 'chrmingme@yahoo.com' via Maine birds wrote: Kayaking on Lake Arrowhead on Saturday morning,...

[Maine-birds] Re: kingbird riding on eagle

Kayaking on Lake Arrowhead on Saturday morning, I went to visit our local eagle nest where I saw the adult eagle feed the young eagles and then take off. A kingbird nearby flew up over the flying eagle and landed on its back, and took a ride. I saw this happen twice. Today I went back when the weather finally cleared out and found another couple who saw the same behavior. Had anyone else...

[Maine-birds] American oystercatchers at Laudholm Farm

Saturday 6/20 around 3 pm we saw 2 adult oystercatchers fly off the ocean into the cove near all the wonderful least tern families and then veer out and fly south hugging the shore. Saw two adult piping plovers and 4 chicks. Several dozen adult least terns bringing food back to young. Only two common terns harassing them while we were there. Saw several adult willets as we hiked from the beach to the farm, including one that stood...

[Maine-birds] Toe-challenged Woodpeckers...

They grow up so fast. It seems like only yesterday (April 30th) that I watched a black-backed woodpecker widening the nest cavity used by American three-toed woodpeckers last year on the Harvester Road west of Baxter. Two weeks ago, I watched black-backed woodpecker parents carrying food to the little dickens, and they were still doing it a week ago. Yesterday, the male youngster was grown enough to stick his head out of...

[Maine-birds] Swifts

Sort of like swallows over the cities of Italy, the chimney swifts dominate the skies over the towns of the Berkshires. Just watching them by the dozens over Great Barrington-- and suddenly they're gone. Don't know which chimney they dove into! Mary Lou from Sullivan -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received...

[Maine-birds] Greater Yellowlegs at Ship Harbor, Acadia NP

Hi all -- On a walk along the Ship Harbor Trail in Acadia yesterday, we heard and saw a respectably late Greater Yellowlegs coming up out of the tidal inlet.Best,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 the Google Groups "Maine birds" group. To unsubscribe...

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Falmouth, 6/21

Passing along a report from Cheryl and Panos (from Atlanta) that they had the LITTLE EGRET off Tidewater Farm in Falmouth this evening around 5:10pm. Good birding, Doug Hitchcox -- 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] Cedar Waxwings Mt A

CWW and juveniles continue to be abundant at the summit. Saw young juveniles last weekend in the berry bushes behind the former barn and up in the oaks overlooking them . This morning they seemed to find shelter from rain in the White Fir off the corner of the lodge deck. Prairie Warblers spotted and heard all week at the summit as well as numerous others even from the access road - BT Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Hermit Thrush... Sent...

Saturday, 20 June 2015

[Maine-birds] bittern

An American bittern was hunting a newly mowed field on the Goodhue Road this afternoon. A bad day for the bobolinks however--nearly all the fields in my neighborhood were hayed. If they had just waited a week...Julia -- 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...

Re: [Maine-birds] Little Egret, Providence Ave, 1:50pm

Just flew in to Tidewater Farm. Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 20, 2015, at 1:54 PM, 'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > My WINGS tour and I are currently looking at the LITTLE EGRET from the end of Providence Ave, Falmouth. It was right at the edge of the marsh, but flew across to the 295 side. We're going to see if we're closer to to at Tidewater Farm. > -Derek >...

[Maine-birds] Little Egret, Providence Ave, 1:50pm

Hi all, My WINGS tour and I are currently looking at the LITTLE EGRET from the end of Providence Ave, Falmouth. It was right at the edge of the marsh, but flew across to the 295 side. We're going to see if we're closer to to at Tidewater Farm. -Derek Sent from my iPhone -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received...

[Maine-birds] Little Egret is at tidewater

The little egret is now visible at Tidewater Gardens farm. Very close to shore. Tidewater Gardens is behind the Walmart in Falmouth Sent from my iPhone -- 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...

[Maine-birds] Spruce Grouse, Red Crossbills at Mason Bay

Some good birding this morning at the Mason Bay Conservation Area in Jonesport/Jonesboro. A Spruce Grouse hen with chicks was the highlight, but I also had 4 Red Crossbills (flyover) and a nice Bay-breasted Warbler on territory. Full list here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23980148 Good birding, Willy Hutcheson Great Wass -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

Friday, 19 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Orchard Oriole

A first year male Orchard Oriole was seen and heard for several hours this AM on the Loud Road in Plymouth. It was in the area where the road crosses Marsh Stream, at the Plymouth-Dixmont line. -- 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] This Week's Highlights, 6/13-19

Hi all,I spent most of my birding time in New Hampshire this week, but a few sightings of note over the past seven days for me here in Maine included:- 1 continuing male Orchard Oriole, Capisic Pond Park, Portland, 6/15 (with Jeannette).- 1 RED CROSSBILL, our yard in Pownal, 6/15.- 5 Upland Sandpipers, 10 Grasshopper Sparrows, 18 Vesper Sparrows, etc, Kennebunk Plains, 6/16 (with Jeannette).- 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher...

[Maine-birds] Little Egret

Currently well-seen from Tidewater Farm demo garden behind Walmart in Falmouth. (10:48 am) -- 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 an email to maine-birds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For...

[Maine-birds] Little Egret

After 5 days of trying, finally visible from Gilsland Farm N. Meadow. -- 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 an email to maine-birds+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For...

[Maine-birds] Gray Jays, Cutler 6/18/15

Greetings! I hiked and birded the roughly 10-mile loop at the Cutler coast, moving counterclockwise between 10am and 4pm. Two Gray Jays were at the beginning of the small bog boardwalk about a half mile south along the inland trail. I got photos and will add them to the eBird list when I get back to civilization. On another note, I've been looking regularly for Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse since I arrived a week ago...

Thursday, 18 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Black Rapid Camera Strap

I love this strap and have not noticed wear after a few years of use. Makes it easy to switch from bins to camera. However mine does loosen maybe after a few days. After having my old camera drop from it to a cement step I now check it each time before using it. My fault for assuming it would stay tight. -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

[Maine-birds] Yellow bellied sapsucker West Kennebunk

Have enjoyed my first ever pair of yellow bellied sapsuckers nesting here this year; the female has carried a lot of grape jelly to presumed young ones in the last week. She is one of the females that has no red on her throat-just a black "band".Also have had a pair of nesting Brown Thrashers for the first time in 16 years-they are enjoying the suet and push off anyone in the way! 5 Baltimore Oriole nests are close by; there...

[Maine-birds] hybrid gull Falmouth

My notes on the hybrid gull at Falmouth last Saturday: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23895465 My photos are here too: https://www.flickr.com/gp/lrbevier/8V86Mg The slaty underside to the outer primaries plus the pale gray back and ghost-like dark hood sweeping up the nape are Black-head Gull traits. The large white "mirrors" on the outer primaries appear to be a result of reducing the largely white pattern in those...

[Maine-birds] Marsh Sparrows: Nelson's & Saltmarsh and hybrids

Birders visiting Maine, especially Scarborough marsh, to see both species of Marsh Sparrows—Nelson's and Saltmarsh—know they face an identification challenge. Not only are the two similar and not easy to see, but in the most heavily birded marshes there are hybrids. There is an assumption that these hybrids show mixed traits. But are we right about that and can such hybrids be weeded out in the field? The latest research on this...

[Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, 6/18

The LITTLE EGRET is feeding with a few Snowy Egrets on the mudflats off the North Meadow at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. Good birding, Doug Hitchcox Sent from my iPhone -- 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...

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

[Maine-birds] Rose Breasted Grosbeak in Scarborough

Just at dusk tonight something caught my eye on the feeder, It was a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak. Isn’t it kind of late for him or do they stay for the summer? Could he be in the woods? Then I noticed something else fly in. I looked it was a male Northern Cardinal but he’s here all the time with his mate. Naturally the camera or phone was no where near me. We also have a pair nesting Eastern Phoebes. Flo in Scarborough...

[Maine-birds] Black Rapid Camera Strap

Many of you use this camera strap. Some of you may have noticed some wear on the bottom of the snap-swivel, due to the extra hardness of the receiver that screws into the bottom of your camera or tele lens. I inquired how to replace this part from the company and they sent me a replacement strap with a new screw eye (hard plastic, I think). This is one stand-up company and I don't mind giving them a plug. They deserve your...

[Maine-birds] Eagle Island yesterday

Hey all, Sorry for what is a bit of a long post, hope you find it worth it.I got back from Eagle Island last night and decided to sum up my findings out there. Our goal was to put together a group of photographs of birds in their nests to create some educational material for the welcome center to explain a little more of the importance of why the island has a large number of trails that are closed and the importance of maintaining...