Barbara and I kayaked for 2 hrs at high tide on the Abby (Bowdoinham) today and saw 1,600+ Bobolinks and 140+ Blue-winged Teal, Merlin, etc… It has been a series of wonderful experiences, this year with Bobolinks calling overhead throughout the paddle. We saw flocks of hundreds passing overhead and landing and feeding on the wild rice. The scientific name for Bobolink is (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), meaning roughly if memory serves ( don't count on it), Long-clawed bird that loves rice. Merrymeeting Bay has extensive wild rice fields (actually they're in the water but the locals consider them fields), and thousands of birds of different species come to the bay to feed on it. That's why Merrymeeting Bay has been a premier duck hunting site for hundreds of years.
Everyone is familiar with and delights at the bright male Bobolinks caroling over open fields but this is is a much different and remarkably spectacular experience. These birds will be on their way to Bolivia, Brazil, and other parts of South America in the next weeks. And, like shorebirds, they're gaining body weight for their impossibly long flights.
This may not be a different year bird but it's certainly a profoundly different bird experience and I recommend it highly.
Three large flocks of Blue-wings flew overhead, roughly 140 birds, but we've found 400+ individuals feeding on the rice in previous outings. Their grunting feeding sounds are wonderful.
I guess I'm saying, a kayak is a great way to experience birds in such a different way.
Best, Peter
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