Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Sunday, 31 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Re: Odd(well at least to me) Heron/Egret at Pelreco

Thanks all for the feedback. I thought when I pulled the report for hybrid SNEG's in the current year, nothing came up for Maine so I was not aware of the other sightings. Glad to have this head scratcher scratched. The irony is that I told my wife that while we were in the marsh I was hoping a Tricolored Heron would show up. Well I guess 50% is better than nothing!I have altered my ebird list to be a Hybrid SNEG-Tricolored. Cheers,...

[Maine-birds] Re: Odd(well at least to me) Heron/Egret at Pelreco

I observed what appears to be the same bird on Friday at the end of Seavey's Landing;http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S30901874I believe it is one of the Snowy Egret x Tricolored Heron hybrids that have been at Scarborough Marsh for the past few years. On Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 12:23:59 AM UTC-4, Rob O'Connell wrote:After kayaking all day through Scarborough Marsh, we swung by the Pelreco building this evening and...

[Maine-birds] Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Two of the continuing juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Herons were at Great Pond this morning 7/31 around 7am. They were on the left side of the pond (when viewed from 1st St.) feeding alongside a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron. -- 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] Re: Odd(well at least to me) Heron/Egret at Pelreco

Could it be the Tricolored x Snowy hybrid that has been known to hang out in the marsh? On Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 12:23:59 AM UTC-4, Rob O'Connell wrote:After kayaking all day through Scarborough Marsh, we swung by the Pelreco building this evening and there was not much going on. There were a couple of Snowy Egrets and a Great Egret. The Little Blue Heron was out there as well but then we noticed another Heron/Egret type...

Saturday, 30 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Odd(well at least to me) Heron/Egret at Pelreco

After kayaking all day through Scarborough Marsh, we swung by the Pelreco building this evening and there was not much going on. There were a couple of Snowy Egrets and a Great Egret. The Little Blue Heron was out there as well but then we noticed another Heron/Egret type bird. We studied it for about a half hour but it seemed to share attributes of different birds but not one I could easily say was definitively it. Home we went...

[Maine-birds] any recent LIEG sightings?

Has anyone seen the Little Egret recently? Today was my 5th try at Gilsland…..saw several snowy egrets and one great egret. -- 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,...

[Maine-birds] Yellow-crowned Night-herons

I went looking for the herons this morning. After striking out at Great Pond yesterday morning I checked the trees around the small pond in Southpoint Sanctuary next to Great Pond. I found 2 juvs in the trees. I should have checked here yesterday. The pond looks more like one of the dried up pannes in Scarborough Marsh these days. Turk Cape Porpoise -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

[Maine-birds] Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Is now present at Great Pond. With many other beautiful birds. -- 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] Shorebirds at Flat Bay, Harrington

Shorebird migration continues to pile up the Semi-palmated Sandpipers in the hundreds, over 160 Short-billed Dowitchers, Laughing Gulls, Common Terns and all the other regular stuff. Whimbrels were counted at 66 at today's low tide. The best bird of the day was a beautiful Long-billed Dowitcher close to Merle's favorite granite ledge viewpoint. This is a first for us at Flat Bay.Merle and Anne ArchieHarrington,...

[Maine-birds] Biddeford the Unexpected

I was at Great Pond last night and at one point we had 10 Black-crowned at once. Was also hoping for a Yellow-crowned but did not leave disappointed. This was my 1st trip to Great Pond and what a beautiful spot. The variety and numbers were definitely high. I'll be back!! -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 --- You received...

Friday, 29 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Biddeford the Unexpected

After visiting Scarborough Marsh, Charlie Nims, Rick Steber and I went to Biddeford Pool. We parked at the lot at the end of Elphis Road and went first to scan the ocean and beach. To our surprise it was a bit like December in July. The first birds we saw were a M/F pair of black scoters, followed by a female white-winged scoter, a red-throated loon near a common loon, and a red-necked grebe. We expected shorebirds but all we...

[Maine-birds] Odd duck in South Portland

This looks like an Odd young duck to me. Maybe it is a young Mallard, but not like one I have seen. Does anyone know what it is?I put 3 pics on my Flicker page.https://flic.kr/p/JGgU8AThanks,Bill -- 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] Weskeag/Thomaston

At high tide this morning, a single glossy ibis probing the roadside pools. Also a few shorebirds - both yellowlegs, 1 s-b dowitcher and small flocks of semi-pal and least sandpiper. A momentary pass by a young peregrine. On a Thomaston rooftop, I photographed an unusual American Crow with a super-length curved lower mandible that extended an inch or so beyond the upper mandible. The crow lowers himself to a slightly...

[Maine-birds] Red phalaropes?

I think I may have had some red phalaropes in the mix here but have never done this ID before. I’ve been focusing on red color on the undersides, pale color on bill, and thicker bill. Appreciate any feedback from the experts out there… https://flic.kr/s/aHskDG5hPG Cheers,D...

Thursday, 28 July 2016

RE: [Maine-birds] Yellow-crowned Night Herons (3) at Great Pond, Biddeford Pool

I was able to shoot down there after work and was able to locate one Juv. YCNH and 2 Juv. BCNH. One adult BCNH that showed up just before I left. I managed to sneak in between downpours but the activity level in the pond was amazing. A Great Blue Heron and 17 Snowy Egrets also shared the far side from the stone bench with a deer that meandered back and forth. Swallows and Waxwings were hunting insects around the edges while some...

[Maine-birds] Glossy Ibis - Wells

Yesterday, my husband spotted a Glossy Ibis while walking in our neighborhood He saw it in a pond on private property on Willow Way just off Haraseeket Rd in Wells. He was able to watch it for several minutes before it flew off. -- 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] Disappearance of grey squirrels

Re: Boots' entry about trapping being illegal and unwise: one should keep in mind, also, that parent animals are taken away from their young, who have no chance of survival. Come to think, I haven't seen as many grey squirrels lately as earlier this summer, but did have a front row seat when a fox killed one yesterday. Mary Lou in Sullivan 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 ---...

Re: Fw: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

I have fewer right now but something finished off my suet in the night, and it wasn't a bear. It could have been a raccoon; the cat was going nuts.On Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 1:25 PM, Sean Smith <therefromhere168@gmail.com> wrote: From: Sean Smith Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 1:25 PM To: David Thomson Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels I'm wondering...

[Maine-birds] QUERY: Yellow-throated Vireo

I'm interested in observations of Yellow-throated Vireos, especially birds on territory, EAST of the Penobscot River, north of Bangor, and north of Waterville and Skowhegan. Thanks. Best, Peter -- 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"...

[Maine-birds] Re: Mystery Bird in Biddeford?

bumpOn Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 5:35:24 AM UTC-4, Seth Davis wrote:I don't want to jump to conclusions (who am I kidding, yes I do!!) but I was hoping to get a confirm on this bird in my yard yesterday in Biddeford. Thanks!https://flic.kr/p/KuNDzShttps://flic.kr/p/K6NMhh -- Maine birds mailing list maine-birds@googlegroups.com http://groups.google.com/group/maine-birds https://sites.google.com/site/birding207 ---...

Re: [Maine-birds](off topic) Disappearance of gray squirrels

Regarding trapping and transporting of wildlife:Trapping and transporting of wildlife is illegal in some states, including Massachusetts, where the Massachusetts Audubon Society works to educate the public about this practice.From the Humane Society of the United States site:"Although homeowners mean well, wild animals do not "settle in" quickly to new surroundings, no matter how inviting that habitat...

Fw: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

From: Sean Smith Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 1:25 PM To: David Thomson Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels I'm wondering if there was a weather-related catastrophe resulting in them drowning in their nests. For the past several years there have been "regulars" who show up to get peanuts almost on a daily basis, extreme weather precluding. ...

[Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

I also have noticed a massive drop off. But I should also mention I've been using a havaheart trap and have relocated 5 Grey's 4 Reds and 7 chipmonks. Soooo nice to have my birds back!! -- 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...

[Maine-birds] Disappearance of gray squirrels

Slightly off topic but related, to anyone who's had to deal with their ingenuity at feeder-busting: since the heavy torrential rain we had a couple weeks ago I'm seeing only one gray squirrel (a subadult) in a one mile vicinity of my home where prior to the rainstorm they were everywhere. It looks like the population is down by 95-98% and it seems to have happened overnight. ...

[Maine-birds] Yellow-crowned Night Herons (3) at Great Pond, Biddeford Pool

Birding with York Count Audubon Society group this morning we identified three juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Herons (YCNH) at Great Pond from First Street (granite bench area), Biddeford Pool, Biddeford. Previous reports have shown one YCNH. This morning, however, we had three visible at the same time. Additionally, we saw 3 juvenile, 1 first summer, and at least 2 adult Black-crowned Night Herons at this location. Frequently...

[Maine-birds] MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND REPORT

I got back on the island late yesterday so haven't had much chance to look around but it's clear that the shorebirds are moving. Of particular note are the dozens of SHORT BILLED DOWICHERS that are still around, intermixed with a few GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Also of note were 3 or 4 RED KNOTS. PEEPS are represented mainly by LEAST & SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS but I saw a few SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS & RUDDY TURNSTONES, a few (presumed)...

Wednesday, 27 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Kestrel fledglings

Driving back from Waterville tonight on 137 in Unity there was a family of Kestrels at the roadside, 2 adults perched on the wire and 3 juveniles playing/hunting in the dirt at the end of a driveway. Nice end of day treat, hope they stay out of the road.Sarah ...

[Maine-birds] Tropie the Red-billed Tropicbird. Yes!

Between Old Quarry Ocean Adventures and Seal Isand was pretty dead. We saw the usual coastal species but the only seabirds we saw were a single puffin and a single Northern Gannet. At the island there were still about 60 or more puffins in the water but few loafing on shore. A single Razorbill on the water. Cormorants and grey seals still hanging around the southern cliffs. The red-billed tropicbird came out early and preened...

[Maine-birds] Re: Question: Trying to identify a bird call

Listen to various species of Thrush...On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 4:31:51 PM UTC-4, Andy G wrote:Hi all, Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm trying to identify a bird by it's call, and I figure someone must know. It has a very echo-y call; one ascending note, followed by a descending note, then kind of an echo-y fading trill. It sounds a touch like breaking crystal. It seems to be high up in the trees (hence...

[Maine-birds] Yellow-headed Blackbird - Falmouth, 7/26

Just wanted to get the word out that a Yellow-headed Blackbird was photographed on a feeder at the Foreside Estates in Falmouth yesterday (26 July). It was seen a few times in the morning but not after ~12:45. This is in the same general area the Little Egret has been hanging around so it's worth double-checking blackbirds if you're on an egret hunt. Good birding, Doug Hitchcox Sent from my iPhone -- Maine birds mailing...

[Maine-birds] Mystery Bird in Biddeford?

I don't want to jump to conclusions (who am I kidding, yes I do!!) but I was hoping to get a confirm on this bird in my yard yesterday in Biddeford. Thanks!https://flic.kr/p/KuNDzShttps://flic.kr/p/K6NMhh -- 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] Mystery bird in Biddeford?

I don't want to jump to conclusions (who am I kidding, yes I do!!) but I was hoping to get a confirm on this bird in my yard yesterday in Biddeford. Thanks![url=https://flic.kr/p/K6NMhh][img]https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8484/28289050980_3063d140ba_k.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/K6NMhh]Mystery Bird[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/131764509@N03/]Seth Davis[/url], on Flickr[url=https://flic.kr/p/KuNDzS][img]https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/28549304496_09d3311dbd_k.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/KuNDzS]Mystery...

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Trying to identify a bird call: Thank you!

Wow! This is an efficient group! I got too many replies to respond to individually, but I wanted to thank everyone for their help! After checking several bird's calls, it was indeed the Hermit Thrush! So beautiful!Thanks again! -- 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...

[Maine-birds] Re: Small Alcid

I mistook a Dovkie (found dead on the beach in December) for a juvenile razorbill last year...but quickly realized that we wouldn't have any juvenile razorbills around then ;)...so I understand your first impressions! Thanks for sharing a great list!Karen - LubecOn Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 12:13:45 PM UTC-4, dcow...@maine.rr.com wrote:We had a beautiful morning off Jonesport yesterday with near glassy-smooth conditions....

[Maine-birds] Question: Trying to identify a bird call

Hi all, Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm trying to identify a bird by it's call, and I figure someone must know. It has a very echo-y call; one ascending note, followed by a descending note, then kind of an echo-y fading trill. It sounds a touch like breaking crystal. It seems to be high up in the trees (hence trying to identify it by it's call), and ?might? prefer oak forests on hills? It's out now, and has...

Re: [Maine-birds] Small Alcid

Thanks to everyone who weighed in with suggestions that my mystery bird might have been a juvenile razorbill. I looked it up and the photos on line actually match our pint-sized perpetrator pretty well, as best as I can recall anyway. In fact, I think I'll have to also reconsider our "common murre accompanied by a razorbill" sighting. For that at least I have some photos I can examine! A great day all around and a good lesson...

[Maine-birds] Small Alcid

We had a beautiful morning off Jonesport yesterday with near glassy-smooth conditions. Being a sailboat under power and with limited time we only got about 15 miles out and had to head back at 11 to stay on schedule, but we encountered a nice front with several dozen shearwaters (most if not all GRSH - still need to comb through the photos), 2 gannets, several dozen red-necked phalaropes, and as many Wilson's-storm petrels. On...

[Maine-birds] Sandhill Cranes in Belgrade

Finally located the Sandhill Cranes! There are 4, and it looks like 2 are smaller, but may or may not be immatures, I did not have my scope. They are located on Rt 135 off Rt 27 in Belgrade. Take the left onto 135 and go about a mile and a half. You will notice big fields leading down to Belgrade Stream. There is one Cape style house set way back on the left with the big fields in front of it. They...

[Maine-birds] Re: Little egret right now Tidewater Farm 12:08pm

Mark Hodgson (from WI) shared this good diagnostic photo he took 7/12/16 of the Little Egret at Tidewater Farm. On Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 12:16:02 PM UTC-4, wrenyen wrote:Have little egret right now at Tidewater farm with Bruce Barker and Boots Garrett. Thanks to Mark ? from Wisconsin who remained here while we checked out...

[Maine-birds] Re: Cliff Swallows?

Diane,I attempted to post a reply but not sure it went through.There are small colonies in Brooks and Thorndike. Unfortunately I can't assist due to recent surgery.Call me if you want more info.tomOn Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 6:34:22 AM UTC-4, dw...@avianhaven.org wrote:Would anyone who knows of a currently-active colony of Cliff Swallows in the mid-coast or central Maine area reply to me off list? We have a few to...

[Maine-birds] Re: Northern Maine Birds: Eurasian Wigeon, nesting Bonaparte's Gulls, Black-billed Cuckoo

Very cool on the gulls, BillOn Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 8:46:22 PM UTC-4, Bill Sheehan wrote:For the past two months I've watched a pair of Bonaparte's Gulls at a nest site here in northern Maine. This species apparently nested in the Allagash Lake region back in the 70's and early 80's. At that time, several different skilled observers saw the adult gulls in breeding season and were dive-bombed by them, but documentation...

[Maine-birds] Cliff Swallows?

Would anyone who knows of a currently-active colony of Cliff Swallows in the mid-coast or central Maine area reply to me off list? We have a few to release, and prefer letting them go into larger groups if possible.Thanks,Diane at Avian Havenwww.avianhaven.org...

Monday, 25 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Red-eyed vireo

Common birds are a delight when one doesn't feed birds. Heard a Red-eyed Vireo calling all spring, now actually seeing one within 3 feet in the lilac bush outside my window. Never did find male bobolinks. Only got to two places and late morning. Possibly saw one female somewhat hidden. Thank you to those who sent places to look. Barbara Herrgesell Sanford ME 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 ---...

Sunday, 24 July 2016

[Maine-birds] Seal Island NWR (Restricted Access): Great Knot 7/24 Update (No Luck)

Hi all,We were not able to refind the Great Knot today! Hopefully it will show up somewhere on the mainland soon!All the best,Keenan -- 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] Northern Maine Birds: Eurasian Wigeon, nesting Bonaparte's Gulls, Black-billed Cuckoo

For the past two months I've watched a pair of Bonaparte's Gulls at a nest site here in northern Maine. This species apparently nested in the Allagash Lake region back in the 70's and early 80's. At that time, several different skilled observers saw the adult gulls in breeding season and were dive-bombed by them, but documentation of the birds on a nest was lacking. This year's birds found a suitable location,...