[Maine-birds] Little Jackson Mountain, Franklin Co

Hello all

Yesterday Josh Fecteau and I hiked Little Jackson Mountain in west central Franklin County. We had great weather and birds throughout the entire hike. We attempted to record our birds loosely by elevation. Leading us to pay particularly close attention to what species we were seeing and hearing at different parts of the trail. This made the return trip back down fun because listening to the different species change gave me a clue as to how far we were along in our trip. 

The first leg of the hike, in addition to the usual suspects, awarded us with at least one young YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER calling from its nest cavity, while a parent brought in some food. (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549687)

In the second leg we started to hear WINTER WREN, of which we would hear a lot more. At times hiking for 20+ minutes while being serenaded the entire time with their wonderful song. (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549273)

By the third leg, we crossed the 3,000 ft mark and started to hear BLACKPOLL, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. We also startled a number of RUFFED GROUSE, most likely a mother with recently fledged young. (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549901)

The fourth leg was over a series of ledges, which provided great views of the surrounding area. Here we started to listen for our target (BICKNELL'S THRUSH) and was rewarded with their presence at the summit of the mountain. We heard at least three birds calling and soon they started to sing. Finally, after getting quick glimpses of them here and there, we were able to find one perched atop of a snag, singing. Josh got a great photo of the bird which can be seen on our checklist. (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549370)

During our trip back down we found many of the same birds singing right were we had left them earlier that morning. Highlights on the return included a BOREAL CHICKADEE and a pass by Tumbledown Pond (which was full of people). Unfortunately, neither of us were able to get a very good picture of the Boreal, as the bird didn't want to stay still long enough for a us to get a clear shot. (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549905, 

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549439, http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30549910) 

Nathan Hall

Portland, ME

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