Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Monday, 31 October 2016

Re: [Maine-birds] Female Blue Grosbeak Currently At The Dragonfields

Sorry for not adding directions earlier. I've had several people ask so here they are:

Dragon Fields is also known as the "Old City Landfill" in Portland on the west side of Route 9, almost directly across from Presumpscot Street. It has acquired the "Dragon Fields" name because of the Dragon Cement factory and lime stone quarry that abuts the field where the landfill was. The parking for this location is the same as that used for the Quarry Run Dog Park, which is worth mentioning because there are usually a lot of dogs here (including some uncomfortably inquisitive pooches this evening).

The Blue Grosbeak was lingering in the southeast corner of the field, right at the edge of the quarry. The bird was ridiculously tame, even oblivious to some of the dogs that were constantly passing through.

Here is the eBird hotspot for Dragon Fields which can help with directions and updated sightings: http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L458836

Hope this helps,

Doug Hitchcox

On Oct 31, 2016, at 4:54 PM, Doug Hitchcox <dhitchcox@mac.com> wrote:

Just heard from Josh Fecteau that this bird is still present as of 4:40PM.

Good birding,

Doug

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 31, 2016, at 2:42 PM, Bill Bunn <moosetrunks51@gmail.com> wrote:

Gorgeous bird, walk up the path and bear left headed towards the quarry, the bird is right where the corner of the quarry is!

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Re: [Maine-birds] Weasel

Best email I got today....:-) !!!

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 31, 2016, at 6:34 PM, 'Leon Mooney' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

All we are saaayyyiing......is give weasels a chaaaanncce .......Allll we are saaayyyiing .....is give weasels a chaaannccce..... Everybody now...

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 31, 2016, at 12:39 PM, 'Judith & Reid Scher' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

other responders have failed to point out that it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife & I think Diane's article probably sites the US Humane Society's study that reports 60% of relocated wildlife die.
Actually having rodents attracting the ticks makes it less likely that they will resort to people as hosts.
and finally - a plug for opossums. I recently learned that opossums are tick magnets. ticks are drawn to them maybe because of body heat and the opossums eat them. 1 opossum eats 5-6000 yes thousands per year.
chickens are pretty good at that too.
I'm with Derek - trapping native predators because they eat wildlife is not an ecologically or scientifically justified action.
Judy Scher

From: Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com>
To: Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 12:31 PM
Subject: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

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[Maine-birds] RE: Cree Haven Lazuli Bunting

Just thought i would make it known that a good friend and birder who just got off Cree Haven for the winter saw a Lazuli Bunting by the stone wall on her property out there. It was on Oct 8th - awhile ago but nevertheless thought i'd tell you all .

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Re: [Maine-birds] Weasel

All we are saaayyyiing......is give weasels a chaaaanncce .......Allll we are saaayyyiing .....is give weasels a chaaannccce..... Everybody now...

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 31, 2016, at 12:39 PM, 'Judith & Reid Scher' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

other responders have failed to point out that it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife & I think Diane's article probably sites the US Humane Society's study that reports 60% of relocated wildlife die.
Actually having rodents attracting the ticks makes it less likely that they will resort to people as hosts.
and finally - a plug for opossums. I recently learned that opossums are tick magnets. ticks are drawn to them maybe because of body heat and the opossums eat them. 1 opossum eats 5-6000 yes thousands per year.
chickens are pretty good at that too.
I'm with Derek - trapping native predators because they eat wildlife is not an ecologically or scientifically justified action.
Judy Scher

From: Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com>
To: Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 12:31 PM
Subject: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

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Re: [Maine-birds] Female Blue Grosbeak Currently At The Dragonfields

Just heard from Josh Fecteau that this bird is still present as of 4:40PM.

Good birding,

Doug

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 31, 2016, at 2:42 PM, Bill Bunn <moosetrunks51@gmail.com> wrote:

Gorgeous bird, walk up the path and bear left headed towards the quarry, the bird is right where the corner of the quarry is!

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[Maine-birds] Female Blue Grosbeak Currently At The Dragonfields

Gorgeous bird, walk up the path and bear left headed towards the quarry, the bird is right where the corner of the quarry is!

Re: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

Dear Ken,

Just FYI: Weasels are not rodents.

Long-tailed weasels eat mostly small mammals such as mice, voles, rabbits, and chipmunks. They will occasionally eat birds (and insects).

While it is true that weasels can carry ticks and host the dreaded deer tick nymph, the white-footed mouse is ubiquitous and the number one vector to host deer tick nymph.

If your argument for trapping the weasel(s) is to protect your yard and family from ticks: I wish you good luck trapping and releasing all the white-footed mice, voles, field mice, shrews, chipmunks, squirrels, hare, coyotes, birds, dogs, cats, weasels, bear, deer and neighbors who also carry ticks. ;-)

Good luck!

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 12:31 PM, Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com> wrote:
>
> Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another
>
> Ken DiBiccari

[Maine-birds] Re: Mr Weasel

Some 40 years ago and not knowing any better I took in an orphaned raccoon. She proved to be very affectionate while growing up and was a delight to have around. Wonderful vocabulary of chortles and purring. This was fine until the end of summer when she grew up and started being very aggressive toward our very young children. I trapped her, easily done since all I had to do was pick her up. I drove a mile or so, crossed a bridge over a moderate sized river, then drove a few more miles and released her. In just over 24 hours she was back at the house. We then had to try to discourage her from being around us. In a few weeks she had young in the wood box next to the back door. Fortunately it had a lid so I could close it and move the box a few hundred yards from the house. This was enough to keep her away. Lesson learned. A wild animal will be a wild animal. Let wildlife rescue experts manage orphans.

On Monday, October 31, 2016 at 12:31:20 PM UTC-4, Ken DiBiccari wrote:

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

[Maine-birds] GYBOB Maine

Hi All,

Thanks to those of you who have shared your weekend lists with GYBOB Maine. We now have 129 species from 12 counties reporting. 102 checklists have been shared.

If you still have yet to share your eBird data, please try to ASAP. Doug and I will start looking at the data and see what kind of stats we can come up with.

Thanks again for your help!

Becky Marvil

Re: [Maine-birds] Flat Bay (Harrington) Shorebirds

We have fox sparrows, grackles, 2 tufted titmice, & Sat. am we had a female oriole. Tammy

On Sat, Oct 29, 2016 at 8:28 PM, Merle and Anne Archie <ravensreachme@gmail.com> wrote:

During this afternoon's low tide we observed flocks of shorebirds using the north end of Flat Bay in Harrington. We saw approximately 25+ Black-bellied Plover, 13 Semipalmated Plover, a large flock (100+) of small peeps - Semipalmated Sandpipers for sure (we heard them as well) and a scattering of Least Sandpipers. About 30 Dunlin were present as well as 3 Lesser Yellowlegs. The Black Ducks have invaded the bay - a large flock of them that also included a few Mallards and at least one Green-winged Teal. Four Red-breasted Mergansers added a nice touch at the end of the day!

We saw our first autumn Fox Sparrow under the feeders. Large flocks of Grackles continue to come through - sometimes with Red-winged Blackbirds in their midst.

Merle and Anne Archie, Harrington, ME

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RE: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

Having assisted with bird banding for years, I can assure you that birds are often covered in ticks. So the tick thing doesn't really fly...:)

Linda Scotland

From: maine-birds@googlegroups.com [mailto:maine-birds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ken DiBiccari
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 12:31 PM
To: Maine birds
Subject: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

Re: [Maine-birds] Weasel

other responders have failed to point out that it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife & I think Diane's article probably sites the US Humane Society's study that reports 60% of relocated wildlife die.

Actually having rodents attracting the ticks makes it less likely that they will resort to people as hosts.

and finally - a plug for opossums. I recently learned that opossums are tick magnets. ticks are drawn to them maybe because of body heat and the opossums eat them. 1 opossum eats 5-6000 yes thousands per year.

chickens are pretty good at that too.

I'm with Derek - trapping native predators because they eat wildlife is not an ecologically or scientifically justified action.

Judy Scher

From: Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com>
To: Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 12:31 PM
Subject: [Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

[Maine-birds] Mr Weasel

I have received a few emails from well intentioned people about me catching and releasing the Weasel away from my home.

I was torn between letting it stay on my property to kill the bad rodents like mice and moles and voles that are always around my bird feeders.

But Weasels climb trees and they hunt mostly at night and could kill and eat the song birds that sleep in my hemlocks and arborvitaes.

Another reason is I have seen it going in and out of a hole next to my foundation and I don't want it up in the walls of my house for the winter.

Finally, I have 8 chickens that I enjoy the fresh eggs from and when the Weasel runs out of rodents to eat guess what is next on the menu.

Oh and by way, all rodents carry ticks and fleas and this Weasel had 2 ticks on him, one on his ear and one on his chest. I don't need another

carrier running around spreading ticks in my yard where my dog plays and I do my gardening.

Ken DiBiccari

RE: [Maine-birds] Long- tail Weasel

Another point of view is that relocating mammals rarely works out well for them; e.g.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/scrap_the_trap.html

Diane
www.avianhaven.org

-----Original Message-----
From: 'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds [mailto:maine-birds@googlegroups.com]
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 9:35 AM
To: Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com>
Cc: Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Long- tail Weasel

Ken, et al,
I feel a need to comment on this, because the idea that trapping native predators is good for prey is a simplistic and outdated philosophy.

It's just never that simple: in the case of Long-tailed Weasels, yes, they do eat some birds and their nests, but they also kill occasional nest predators such as chipmunks and Red Squirrels. They also hunt mice, including White-footed Mouse that is the primary vector of Lyme's Disease.

In other words, I don't think it's helpful - in fact, it may be rather counter-productive - to remove such native critters that play an important role in the balance of the food web.

Now, if you - or anyone else - truly wants to help songbirds, there is one simple thing you can do: trap (and do not release) the only non native, invasive predator that kills BILLIONS of birds each year. You all know the one I mean (but please send hate mail and off-line).

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 31, 2016, at 9:12 AM, Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com> wrote:
>
> -----
>
> I forgot to mention that I also caught in my back yard, a Long-tailed
> Weasel in a Have-a- Heart trap.
> I know that Weasels kill song birds so I took him well away from my
> yard and released him in a safe place.
>
>
>
> Ken DiBiccari
>
> --
> 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 subscr

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[Maine-birds] YB Chat

A few minutes ago I spied a strange bird skulking through the honeysuckle that lines our deck: grayish back, white spectacles. I stepped outside and followed it through the garden. It turned and showed me briefly but clearly, its deep yellow breast and heavy dark bill. I got several more quick looks at it, and will try to get a photo if it reappears. I'm quite sure it's a Yellow-breasted Chat.

Nancy Dickinson

Pemaquid

[Maine-birds] Re: Snow Buntings-Bucksport

Yesterday I observed a small flock of snow buntings while on a run in the blueberry fields of Bucksport, on the Dedham side of town.

Rod

Re: [Maine-birds] Possible Common Eider

The photo I got:

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 9:33 AM, Marianne Taylor <andale62@gmail.com> wrote:

I believe I just had a Common Eider here. All brownish, notable color pattern on back, head not a mallard. It was foraging alone along the shore. I only got a distant photo as it was moving down river Perhaps it will show up at Shawmut.

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Marianne

http://rivergirl.smugmug.com

[Maine-birds] Sandy Point Morning Flight, 10/31

Hi all,
A light flight passed over and through Sandy Point Beach, Cousin's Island, Yarmouth this morning.

7:13-8:35
38F, mostly cloudy, NW 4.5-5.3mph

123 American Robins
18 American Crows
14 Dark-eyes Juncos (minus one snagged by Merlin)
13 Yellow-rumpled Warblers
9 Common Grackles
8 American Goldfinches
4 Golden-crowned Kinglets
4 Cedar Waxwings
4 White-throated Sparrows
4 Rusty Blackbirds
4 Purple Finches
3 Snow Buntings
3 American Pipits
2 Fox Sparrows
2 Unidentified finches
2 Unidentifed
1 Northern Pintail
1 Common Loon
1 Unidentified blackbird
1 Pine Siskin

Total = 221

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

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Re: [Maine-birds] Long- tail Weasel

Ken, et al,
I feel a need to comment on this, because the idea that trapping native predators is good for prey is a simplistic and outdated philosophy.

It's just never that simple: in the case of Long-tailed Weasels, yes, they do eat some birds and their nests, but they also kill occasional nest predators such as chipmunks and Red Squirrels. They also hunt mice, including White-footed Mouse that is the primary vector of Lyme's Disease.

In other words, I don't think it's helpful - in fact, it may be rather counter-productive - to remove such native critters that play an important role in the balance of the food web.

Now, if you - or anyone else - truly wants to help songbirds, there is one simple thing you can do: trap (and do not release) the only non native, invasive predator that kills BILLIONS of birds each year. You all know the one I mean (but please send hate mail and off-line).

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 31, 2016, at 9:12 AM, Ken DiBiccari <kendibiccari@roadrunner.com> wrote:
>
> -----
>
> I forgot to mention that I also caught in my back yard, a Long-tailed
> Weasel in a Have-a- Heart trap.
> I know that Weasels kill song birds so I took him well away from my yard
> and released him in a safe place.
>
>
>
> Ken DiBiccari
>
> --
> 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 subscr

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[Maine-birds] Possible Common Eider

I believe I just had a Common Eider here. All brownish, notable color pattern on back, head not a mallard. It was foraging alone along the shore. I only got a distant photo as it was moving down river Perhaps it will show up at Shawmut.

[Maine-birds] Long- tail Weasel

I forgot to mention that I also caught in my back yard, a Long-tailed Weasel in a Have-a- Heart trap.

I know that Weasels kill song birds so I took him well away from my yard and released him in a safe place.

Ken DiBiccari

[Maine-birds] River Otters

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I was walking along the Mousaum River when I spotted a family of River Otters. It was a good morning birding.

I was able to get some good photos of some Blue Birds, Hawks, one Bald Eagle and the Otters.

You can see some of the images I took on my flickr page.

Cheers............ Ken DiBiccari

https://www.flickr.com/gp/131910334@N03/4a1461

[Maine-birds] Re: Snow buntings atop Mt. Agamenticus today

Nice find, Dan. I watched a flock of 8 Snow Buntings combing the rack on Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport yesterday. Such beauties!

Cheers,

Lena Moser

Biddeford, ME

On Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 1:34:21 PM UTC-4, Dan Gardoqui wrote:

While running the trails @ Agamenticus, I popped out into the open meadow on top and spooked a small group of Snow Buntings - about 4 - my first flock of the fall.

Happy birding!

Dan Gardoqui
Cape Neddick, Maine

Sunday, 30 October 2016

[Maine-birds] On the border Maine /New Hampshire

First migrant flock of 14 Sand Hill Cranes arrived today in a harvested
corn field off the West Fryeburg road, Fryeburg. No migrant waterfowl yet.

Bob Crowley

Chatham, NH

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[Maine-birds] Biddeford Pool, 10/30 (MAGO, AMOY,lingering migrants, new arrivals, etc).

Hi all,

I spent a lovely Sunday morning birding in and around Biddeford Pool. Nothing too rare, but a nice slate of "good birds." Highlights included:

- 2 "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows (First of Fall), Timber Point
- 1 "Western" Palm Warbler, 1 Snow Bunting, 9 Horned Grebes (FOF), etc, Timber Point.
- 1 Black-legged Kittiwake - in pond at Fortunes Rocks Beach; odd location! Likely storm-related.
- 1 drake Northern Pintail and 1 drake American Wigeon, Great Pond, Biddeford Pool.
- 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper, etc, Biddeford Pool Beach.
- 2 Harlequin Ducks (FOF), East Point, Biddeford Pool.
- 1 continuing MARBLED GODWIT, 3 Purple Sandpipers (FOF), 91 Black-bellied Plovers, 38 Ruddy Turnstone, 1 Brant, etc, Saco River Jetties from Hill's Beach.
- 4 continuing AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, Hill's Beach.
- 1 continuing Red-eyed Vireo, Saco Riverwalk.

-Derek

*****************************************

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

****************************************

FW: [Maine-birds] GYBOB weekend - PLEASE JOIN US!

All Maine Birders,

Now that the weekend is winding down, I hope you all were able to get out birding.

Please don't forget to enter your data into eBird and share with "GYBOB Maine".

Below is a chart showing our GYBOB eBird stats so far. I'm guessing there are still a lot of checklists that can be submitted and shared. How about Aroostook County? Please help us get a more complete list if you can (from any county)! If you missed seeing my previous email, please scroll down for details.

Many thanks,

Becky

From: maine-birds@googlegroups.com [mailto:maine-birds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky Marvil
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 9:31 AM
To: maine-birds@googlegroups. com
Subject: [Maine-birds] GYBOB weekend - PLEASE JOIN US!

Are you stuck indoors, but want to get out birding? Need a good reason to get away from your computer? Or the couch?

Then here is the answer!

GYBOB weekend

Huh? Okay, it stands for "Get Your Butt Out Birding!" And it is happening THIS WEEKEND (Oct 29-30) for EVERYBODY IN MAINE.

How to Participate

1. GO BIRDING on Oct 29 and/or Oct 30
You don't need to be a bird expert, or go out all day long. Even a half hour checklist from your backyard will help add data to the GYBOB weekend. Go it alone, or with a friend, or even form a team!

2. SUBMIT YOUR LIST(S) TO EBIRD
If you don't have an eBird account, you can create one at ebird.org, or go birding with a friend who has an account.

3. SHARE your list(s) with GYBOB Maine
After submitting your eBird list, view/edit your list in eBird and click on the Share with others in your party link. In the TO box, enter GYBOB Maine, then click on SHARE CHECKLIST. That's all you need to do for each of your checklists.

What Happens to the Data

Many things! Doug Hitchcox and I are brainstorming what we can do with all the data. For instance, we can get total number of species reported, we can compare County lists - like what County has the most species, or what County has the most interesting species. We can view what individual or team has the most species. We can see if anyone finds a RARITY (a bird not normally found in Maine this time of year, or any time of year). After all, fall is the rarity season!

Speaking of rarities, DON'T FORGET TO CARRY YOUR CAMERA (if you have one) and get photos of your birds, especially any unfamiliar or rare type ones! Add these photos to your eBird checklist.

How To Access the Data

Doug and I will post the results on the bird listserv, AND on the Maine eBird website http://ebird.org/content/me/. Please try to enter your checklists in a timely fashion (by Tuesday, Nov 1) so we don't miss using your data in the final reports. And add your photos to your checklists. We might even display some of those photos on the website!

Questions?

Email me at bmarvil@maine.rr.com, or contact Doug at dhitchcox@maineaudubon.org.

Hope you can join us! Don't forget to GYBOB!

Becky Marvil

Yarmouth

[Maine-birds] Busy Feeders Today

Had 2 new yard birds that came in with mix
Female Evening Grosbeak
Orange crown warbler

Mix flock of Yellow rump Warblers x
Goldfinches x
House Finches 2
DE Juncos x
WB Nuthatches 2
RB Nuthatches 1
MoDos 6
Bluejays 4
Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers 1 each
Cardinals 2
Chickadees x
Bluebird 1
Robins
Tufted Titmouse x
Unidentified accipiter 1
Things have slowed down to just the usuals
Fun day
Nancy
Scarborough

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Evening Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole in Wells, Maine

My husband spotted two unusual visitors at our feeders in our backyard in Wells Maine. First was an Evening Grosbeak followed shortly afterwards by a female Baltimore Oriole.

[Maine-birds] MDI King Eider

Birding this morning at Hadley Point, the northernmost point of Mount Desert Island, there were at least 1,500 Common Eider. A Bald Eagle flew over and flushed most of them. Scanning the flying flock through my scope, there was a slightly smaller eider showing a gray head and more black above and below than on a male Common Eider: King Eider! The flock landed across Mount Desert Narrows near the boat launch at Lamoine State Park.

Richard MacDonald

The Natural History Center

P.O. Box 6

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

207/266-9461

Rich@TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com

www.TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com

www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHistoryCenter

[Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL-- NO

Laura and I looked unsuccessfully from F Sanborn Rd between noon to 1:00 today. There were 100 or so gulls roosting on a little beach but no SAGU among them.

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Re: [Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL, Sabattus Pond, 10/29

Hello all,

Since I haven't seen any reports yet today, I wanted to pass along that Jay Stormer (and others) did not see the Sabine's Gull this morning, 10/30. He was there around 9:30-11:00.

-Jeannette

From: 'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
To: Maine-birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2016 12:07 PM
Subject: [Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL, Sabattus Pond, 10/29

Hi all,

John Berry just called to report a SABINE'S GULL at Sabattus Pond in Sabattus late this morning. The bird was still present as of 11:30, near the sandbar best viewed from Access Road. However, it was viewed elsewhere over the lake earlier, and was identified as an adult.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Snow Goose

Currently a dark morph Snow Goose in field across from junction of Greely and Hillside Roads, w/ approx 50 Canadas

[Maine-birds] Evening Grosbeaks - Yarmouth

Two right now at NE end of parking lot of Yarmouth town landing.

Becky

Sent from my iPhone

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Saturday, 29 October 2016

[Maine-birds] Re: Savannah subspecies question

The other thing I forgot to mention is this sparrow has a deformed bill, which does not show well in the photos, so if its a large billed, that will throw it off also!

On Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 6:59:07 PM UTC-4, Bill Bunn wrote:

I found this Savannah Sparrow today in Falmouth and it appears to look like a Beldings, with supposely 17 subspecies, this one is different than the ones I normally see, my other choice was a labradorius, any help would be appreciated!

[Maine-birds] Flat Bay (Harrington) Shorebirds

During this afternoon's low tide we observed flocks of shorebirds using the north end of Flat Bay in Harrington. We saw approximately 25+ Black-bellied Plover, 13 Semipalmated Plover, a large flock (100+) of small peeps - Semipalmated Sandpipers for sure (we heard them as well) and a scattering of Least Sandpipers. About 30 Dunlin were present as well as 3 Lesser Yellowlegs. The Black Ducks have invaded the bay - a large flock of them that also included a few Mallards and at least one Green-winged Teal. Four Red-breasted Mergansers added a nice touch at the end of the day!

We saw our first autumn Fox Sparrow under the feeders. Large flocks of Grackles continue to come through - sometimes with Red-winged Blackbirds in their midst.

Merle and Anne Archie, Harrington, ME

[Maine-birds] Savannah subspecies question

I found this Savannah Sparrow today in Falmouth and it appears to look like a Beldings, with supposely 17 subspecies, this one is different than the ones I normally see, my other choice was a labradorius, any help would be appreciated!

[Maine-birds] Evergreen Cemetery - BHVI, NAWA & FOSP

This morning at Evergreen Cemetery I ran into a lingering Blue-headed Vireo and a Nashville Warbler. There was also a pair of Fox Sparrows present off of the trail that leads around the back-side of the main pond. Two Hooded Mergansers were also present on the ponds.

http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S32283365

Happy fall birding!

Brendan

[Maine-birds] Sabine's Gull, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, ME, photos

This morning Deb and I went on a Merrymeeting Audubon bird walk led by John Berry. We went to Sabattus Pond in Sabattus, ME. At our second stop, at Martin's Point Beach, Deb spotted a distant Gull, with a black head, on the water. When it flew it became obvious that it was a Sabine's Gull.

John knew how to get us closer, so we followed him to F Sanborn Rd where I was able to get some doc shots. The pictures are at my usual link:

http://henrymauer.phanfare.com

Click on the Sabine's Gull thumbnail, then click on "Start Slideshow" and then click on "Full Screen".

We observed the bird between 10 and 11 am. It was still there when we left.

Henry Mauer

Harpswell, ME

henryd.mauer@gmail.com

Fwd: [Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL, Sabattus Pond, 10/29

Hi all,

Dan Nickerson and I are observing the bird off of Sanborn Rd in Sabattus at the moment. Sanborn is accessible via Access Rd from Rte 132 on the pond's east side.

Apparently the bird has been here for some time this afternoon, but those present did not post. Hopefully you'll still have time to make it up here before dark!

Thanks for the report, John, and nice find! Congrats!

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds" <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Date: October 29, 2016 at 12:07:41 PM EDT
To: Maine-birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL, Sabattus Pond, 10/29
Reply-To: Derek Lovitch <freeportwildbird@yahoo.com>

Hi all,

John Berry just called to report a SABINE'S GULL at Sabattus Pond in Sabattus late this morning. The bird was still present as of 11:30, near the sandbar best viewed from Access Road. However, it was viewed elsewhere over the lake earlier, and was identified as an adult.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Sabine's Gull - Sabattus

Still present at 2:40.

Becky

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] SABINE'S GULL, Sabattus Pond, 10/29

Hi all,

John Berry just called to report a SABINE'S GULL at Sabattus Pond in Sabattus late this morning. The bird was still present as of 11:30, near the sandbar best viewed from Access Road. However, it was viewed elsewhere over the lake earlier, and was identified as an adult.

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

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Friday, 28 October 2016

[Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week and Goose Fields Update, 10/22-28

Hi all,

Some more observations of note from me over the past seven days included the following:

- 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Freeport, 10/22 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

- 1 BLUE GROSBEAK, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, 1 Indigo Bunting, etc, Private property in Cape Elizabeth, 10/24 (with Jeannette).

- 1000+ Common Grackles, Mitchell Field, Harpswell, 10/25 (with Curtis Library birdwalk group).

- 3 Horned Lark, 9 Black-bellied Plovers, and 1 "Yellow" Palm Warbler, Stover's Point, Harpswell, 10/25.

- 1 female Red-winged Blackbird, feeders here at the store, 10/26.

Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields Update:

Canada Goose numbers are finally increasing in the fields of North Yarmouth, Cumberland, and Falmouth. I had a season-to-date high count of 545 on 10/27, with one continuing adult "BLUE" SNOW GOOSE (at Thornhurst Farm on 10/27).

-Derek

*****************************************

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

****************************************