Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

[Maine-birds] RFI purple sandpiper and American woodcock

Hello Birders!

We are California biologists and birders visiting Maine/NH for about a week. I've subscribed to both listservs and use eBird, but was hoping to "pick you brains" on any lingering purple sandpipers (without going to an island) and American Woodcock. We saw the 2 recent reports of AMWO near Spurwink Creek crossing and one from Ice Pond Road. Is this the unmarked, dirt road across from the cemetery? Is this road okay to drive/walk?

Our experience tells us that locals are the best source of information and that they don't always post that info. We are very grateful for any help or insight that you could provide.

Thank much and Bird ON!

Sent from my iPad

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[Maine-birds] Monhegan Island Highlights, 5/26-30

Hi all,

I enjoyed five wonderful days (even when it was cold and raw, it's Monhegan, so it was still wonderful) on the island from Saturday through Tuesday. I had a tour group Friday-Sunday, a private tour followed by some birding with friends on Monday, and then Jeannette and I enjoyed a relaxing Tuesday. These are the birds of note for each of my five days out there, with a total of 96 species , but only 17 species of warblers.

5/26:

2 Atlantic Puffins (Monhegan Boat from Port Clyde, FOY)

3 continuing CATTLE EGRETS

1 Philadelphia Vireo (FOY)

1 Sora that didn't stop calling all weekend.

5/27:

3 continuing CATTLE EGRETS

1 female SUMMER TANAGER (FOY)

1 immature male Orchard Oriole

1 White-eyed Vireo

1 Mourning Warbler

5/28:

2 continuing CATTLE EGRETS in the am; departed by mid-day ferry arrivals.

1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (lots of photos and well-documented voice recordings)

2 White-eyed Vireos

2 Tennessee Warblers (FOY)

16 species of warblers

5/29:

1 continuing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER

2 continuing SUMMER TANAGERS (1 female, one immature male).

1 Mourning Warbler

2 Olive-sided Flycatchers

5/30:

1 continuing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER

2 continuing SUMMER TANAGERS

1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (FOY)

1 continuing Mourning Warbler

1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (my first woodpecker of any kind this whole weekend!)

5 species of swallows including 1 Cliff and 3 Bank Swallows; 1 continuing Northern Rough-winged and a smattering of Tree and Barns)

1 Roseate Tern (Monhegan Boat back to Port Clyde)

I'll have a blog with a complete list and plenty of photos posted in the coming days, hopefully.

-Derek

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

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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

[Maine-birds] Bar Harbor boat trip highlights Tuesday

Hello Maine Birders:

We went out with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company's "Puffins and Whales Trip" yesterday at noon and enjoyed a fantastic day on the water, both for seas and birds.

The first highlight came before we even left the dock. A lingering subadult Iceland Gull was standing on a dock in the harbor. Out at Petit Manan we had great looks at Razorbills, Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns, and a single Common Murre.

We left Petit Manan behind and motored out to "The Ballpark" in search of whales. En route we picked up a Northern Gannet, several Northern Fulmars, a few Red-throated Loons, and multiple small flocks of Red-necked Phalaropes.

The cetacean highlight was a cow Humpback Whale and her accompanying calf, which splashed around on the surface and even breached to the thrill of all on board.

Good birding,

Eric

.....................

Eric Hynes

Telluride, CO

---------------------

Field Guides Birding Tours

www.fieldguides.com

http://fieldguides.com/guides/eric-hynes

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[Maine-birds] Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Greetings,

Two "firsts" sightings and photos for me at Essex Woods in Bangor.

Orchard oriole and a blue-gray gnatcatcher.

http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/h8c02f5ec#h8c02f5ec

Cheers,

Dave

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Great Horned Owls

Two were just hooting from either end of our barn roof!

Lucy LaCasse

52 Old Neck Rd

Scarborough, ME 04074

207-883-3637

207-928-3637 (Stoneham)

207-650-4770 (cell)

wnder@aol.com

[Maine-birds] Bobolink

Male, route 9 Newburgh, Maine. First of the season.

Monday, 29 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Re: MACHIAS DEAL ISLAND REPORT

I enjoy your reports Ralph. Thank you for your efforts.

Karen Burke

Lubec Maine

On Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 10:07:46 AM UTC-4, RALPH ELDRIDGE wrote:

The TERNS have settled down somewhat. The 1st egg was spotted about 3 days ago and several more had been found by Saturday evening.
Birds are staying overnight on the island and there are quite a few flying at night.
The numbers aren't what I'd hoped but it looks like it could be a good year; food and weather permitting.

An adult BLACK TERN is making its presence known this morning. As they are prone to do, it's trying to elicit some interest from among the ARCTIC TERNS, with no success.
The Arctics see the Blacks as a nuisance, at best, and at worst, a threat when they try to usurp an Arctic's nest.
Hopefully this one will learn the rules of behaviour and settle down, maybe build its own nest and make a quiet life in Tern Suburbia.
For a few years just prior to the Tern Colony crash of '06 we had two female Black Terns nesting, albeit with unfertilized eggs, but we had hopes of males being attracted in '07. In late '06 there was 1, and possibly 2, apparent males which showed up and seemed romantically inclined. However, the Blacks left when the other species plunged and only started to show renewed interest last year.

I heard some LAUGHING GULLS early this morning and I spotted 6 flying over just a moment ago.

Our core group of 3 GANNETS have attracted a couple more and two rather lackadaisical nest buildings are underway.
One Gannet was seen exploring a new area close to the North-most visitor blind yesterday. This morning, number 6 appeared.
A couple of times I saw 3-4 DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANTS land with the Gannets. They didn't stay long but it clearly demonstrated the decoy effect. Gannets have been known to nest in Cormorant colonies. I don't know if the reverse is true but I'd not be surprised. The two species are similar in many ways.

The Alcids are following their normal cycles with nothing of particular note, other than the ANCIENT MURRELET, which is old news by now.
No new sightings here and I haven't heard of recent sighting elsewhere.

A couple of BLACK GUILLIMOTS have been hanging around a bit but not enough yet to seriously suspect a nest. I don't believe that there has been a pair nest here for several years.

The LEACH'S STORM PETRELS are into their nesting and most nights are alive with their chuckling. Occasional WILSON'S STORM PETRELS show up among the Leach's.

A few PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still resisting migration. It's not exceptionally late but I'd expect them to be gone fairly soon.
Two other winter birds stopped over for a couple days in the form of a pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS. As with the P. Sandpipers, they are late but not exceptionally so.

RUDDY TURNSTONES have been seen a few time lately, including one just behind the lighthouse Friday afternoon.

This past two nights there seemed to be strong migration but there haven't been many stop-overs, just a scattered warbler, a few Thrushes, a couple new WHITE THROATED SPARROWS and a flycatcher or two. There's a YELLOW WARBLER and a MAGNOLIA WARBLER on the patio at the moment, gleaning insects and a LEAST FLYCATCHER in front of the window hawking fliers for breakfast.

Yesterday there was a BLACKPOLL WARBLER that borrowed a page from the Swallow's play book. Its imitation was so good that it took a couple minutes to be certain just which species I was watching. This individual zipped around the houses and buildings, along the ground and boardwalks, almost touching, at extreme speed, snapping miniscule insects.
Its Swallow tutors would be proud.

A couple of real swallows, BARN SWALLOWS, are chasing insects this morning. They are presumed overnight arrivals.

I have a new species for my Grape Jelly list: SAVANNAH SPARROW. I've noticed that at least 2 Savannahs are dipping their beaks quite regularly.
At first I thought that they were after insects attracted to the sweet meal or perhaps just looking for a drink of liquid pooled in the containers.
However, once I took the time to actually watch them it was very evident that they are eating the jelly.
They aren't the gluttons that CATBIRDS can be but they are faithful.

Raptors are occasional but not quite daily. I see a couple of young adult EAGLES from time to time and PEREGRINES are frequent.
Most notable are HARRIERS, like the one which was here yesterday, not because of their number but because we generally don't see much of them after the migration.
It seems to me that there are more Harriers and later this year.

BIRD OF THE DAY: OSPREY. One has made a couple circuits of the island this morning. It's exceptional because we see so few. The lion's share are fall migrants, with somewhat fewer on the north-bound migration. This one would be a particularly late migrant or perhaps just a wandering soul.

There are a goodly number of EIDERS around the island and there is still lots of pre-nesting property inspection going on.
I watched a pair land about 50 yards from the house and then walk a bit closer.
At that point He apparently said, "There, you're home. I'm going for an Urchin with the boys." He promptly flew to the water and the flock.
She never looked back but made a fast run/walk for about 25 yards, disappearing into taller vegetation and a presumed nest. It's surprising now fast they can travel through the vegetation and completely disappear.

Over the past week or so we had a day-flying LITTLE BROWN BAT on 2 separate occasions. Since there was a gap of a couple days, and as much as I'd like to think they are resident here, I believe that they were 2 individuals migrating.
Long-time readers may remember that we used to have a small resident population of bats and they were regularly seen day-feeding because we have few night-flying insects. Our population apparently succumbed like most other bats and we are lucky to see even one bat in a whole summer.

[Maine-birds] Clay-colored Sparrow at Kennebunk Plains; plus Pine Point highlights

Hello Maine Birders:

There was a Clay-colored Sparrow singing its buzzy three-noted song opposite the parking area on the south side of Maguire Road this morning at Kennebunk Plains. There were plenty of Eastern Whip-poor-wills calling predawn, as well as a calling Barred Owl and a Common Nighthawk. Several pairs of Upland Sandpipers were up displaying after sunrise and the usual compliment of expected species.

Two Red Knots and two Brant were visible last evening (falling tide) from the Fisherman's Co-op at Pine Point in Scarborough and the mottled heron hybrid was behind the Clambake Restaurant.

Good birding,

Eric

.....................

Eric Hynes

Telluride, CO

---------------------

Field Guides Birding Tours

www.fieldguides.com

http://fieldguides.com/guides/eric-hynes

[Maine-birds] Peregrines

Had a pair of Peregrines yesterday afternoon soaring over Chipotle in Westbrook, drifting southward. Wondering if they might be nesting in the Blue Rock pit.

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Re: Query: Upland Sandpiper-Plains/ stones/ phoebe

Inre the stone spiral. My guess would be Wiccans.

On Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 2:52:09 PM UTC-4, Barbara Herrgesell wrote:

A group I am with, not birders, is planning to walk at the Kennebunk Plains, on June 6 in late afternoon. I am interested to know if the Upland Sandpipers are nesting there, rather near the beginning of the trail on Rte.99, this year. A non-birder stake- out for the walk said she did not see any, but they can be elusive.

Also, does anyone know the origin or meaning of the circle of stones at East Point Sanctuary in Biddeford Pool, on the ocean? It is intricate; probably obvious meaning to others.

A phoebe comment. Someone mentioned that a phoebe in her yard had 2 nests, if I recall correctly, then used one. I have had a phoebe making a nest on my porch light since early spring. It comes, however, only once every few days, as of 3 days ago, sits on the nest only to be gone for days. I assume it is a second nest, to not be used, but why does the phoebe keep coming back? (to gets rest away from spouse? :-)

Yes, I would rather be birding. Did see a TV on the ground, then struggling to take off, in South Sanford, the other day on my way home. Fun to see dozens of Chimney Swifts, both at Laudholm Farm, and the Sanford Lagoons (at their interesting open house…who knew what an extensive operation that is!.

Good birding,

Barbara

~~

Barbara Partridge Herrgesell
Sanford, ME
herp...@aol.com

Sunday, 28 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Red Crossbills and Prairie Warbler -Fryeburg Fairgrounds

Did a bit of birding once I was finished checking out the Sunday Fleamarket
at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds this morning.

Most noteworthy were:

Red Crossbills 7 , feeding on cones in the tall pines (we have seen them here in other recent years also)
Prairie Warbler, heard singing from the "camping area" (of grass and small pines) to the right of the race track. distinctive rising series of insect-like notes (not a Field sparrow)

((( Didn't see the Merlin that has been here by the race track for several years in a row, but he may have been off hunting)))

Andrea Robbins
Pittsfield, NH

Sent from my iPad

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[Maine-birds] Black Vultures

Black vultures are back in Gorham. I saw 2 over 202 earlier.

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[Maine-birds] Bay breasted warbler in Brooklin

A gorgeous male is foraging in the oaks in Harriman Point Preserve!

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] MACHIAS DEAL ISLAND REPORT

The TERNS have settled down somewhat. The 1st egg was spotted about 3 days ago and several more had been found by Saturday evening.
Birds are staying overnight on the island and there are quite a few flying at night.
The numbers aren't what I'd hoped but it looks like it could be a good year; food and weather permitting.

An adult BLACK TERN is making its presence known this morning. As they are prone to do, it's trying to elicit some interest from among the ARCTIC TERNS, with no success.

The Arctics see the Blacks as a nuisance, at best, and at worst, a threat when they try to usurp an Arctic's nest.
Hopefully this one will learn the rules of behaviour and settle down, maybe build its own nest and make a quiet life in Tern Suburbia.
For a few years just prior to the Tern Colony crash of '06 we had two female Black Terns nesting, albeit with unfertilized eggs, but we had hopes of males being attracted in '07. In late '06 there was 1, and possibly 2, apparent males which showed up and seemed romantically inclined. However, the Blacks left when the other species plunged and only started to show renewed interest last year.

I heard some LAUGHING GULLS early this morning and I spotted 6 flying over just a moment ago.

Our core group of 3 GANNETS have attracted a couple more and two rather lackadaisical nest buildings are underway.
One Gannet was seen exploring a new area close to the North-most visitor blind yesterday. This morning, number 6 appeared.
A couple of times I saw 3-4 DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANTS land with the Gannets. They didn't stay long but it clearly demonstrated the decoy effect. Gannets have been known to nest in Cormorant colonies. I don't know if the reverse is true but I'd not be surprised. The two species are similar in many ways.

The Alcids are following their normal cycles with nothing of particular note, other than the ANCIENT MURRELET, which is old news by now.

No new sightings here and I haven't heard of recent sighting elsewhere.

A couple of BLACK GUILLIMOTS have been hanging around a bit but not enough yet to seriously suspect a nest. I don't believe that there has been a pair nest here for several years.

The LEACH'S STORM PETRELS are into their nesting and most nights are alive with their chuckling. Occasional WILSON'S STORM PETRELS show up among the Leach's.

A few PURPLE SANDPIPERS are still resisting migration. It's not exceptionally late but I'd expect them to be gone fairly soon.
Two other winter birds stopped over for a couple days in the form of a pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS. As with the P. Sandpipers, they are late but not exceptionally so.

RUDDY TURNSTONES have been seen a few time lately, including one just behind the lighthouse Friday afternoon.

This past two nights there seemed to be strong migration but there haven't been many stop-overs, just a scattered warbler, a few Thrushes, a couple new WHITE THROATED SPARROWS and a flycatcher or two. There's a YELLOW WARBLER and a MAGNOLIA WARBLER on the patio at the moment, gleaning insects and a LEAST FLYCATCHER in front of the window hawking fliers for breakfast.

Yesterday there was a BLACKPOLL WARBLER that borrowed a page from the Swallow's play book. Its imitation was so good that it took a couple minutes to be certain just which species I was watching. This individual zipped around the houses and buildings, along the ground and boardwalks, almost touching, at extreme speed, snapping miniscule insects.
Its Swallow tutors would be proud.

A couple of real swallows, BARN SWALLOWS, are chasing insects this morning. They are presumed overnight arrivals.

I have a new species for my Grape Jelly list: SAVANNAH SPARROW. I've noticed that at least 2 Savannahs are dipping their beaks quite regularly.
At first I thought that they were after insects attracted to the sweet meal or perhaps just looking for a drink of liquid pooled in the containers.

However, once I took the time to actually watch them it was very evident that they are eating the jelly.
They aren't the gluttons that CATBIRDS can be but they are faithful.

Raptors are occasional but not quite daily. I see a couple of young adult EAGLES from time to time and PEREGRINES are frequent.

Most notable are HARRIERS, like the one which was here yesterday, not because of their number but because we generally don't see much of them after the migration.

It seems to me that there are more Harriers and later this year.

BIRD OF THE DAY: OSPREY. One has made a couple circuits of the island this morning. It's exceptional because we see so few. The lion's share are fall migrants, with somewhat fewer on the north-bound migration. This one would be a particularly late migrant or perhaps just a wandering soul.

There are a goodly number of EIDERS around the island and there is still lots of pre-nesting property inspection going on.
I watched a pair land about 50 yards from the house and then walk a bit closer.
At that point He apparently said, "There, you're home. I'm going for an Urchin with the boys." He promptly flew to the water and the flock.
She never looked back but made a fast run/walk for about 25 yards, disappearing into taller vegetation and a presumed nest. It's surprising now fast they can travel through the vegetation and completely disappear.

Over the past week or so we had a day-flying LITTLE BROWN BAT on 2 separate occasions. Since there was a gap of a couple days, and as much as I'd like to think they are resident here, I believe that they were 2 individuals migrating.
Long-time readers may remember that we used to have a small resident population of bats and they were regularly seen day-feeding because we have few night-flying insects. Our population apparently succumbed like most other bats and we are lucky to see even one bat in a whole summer.

Saturday, 27 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Warblers Mt A

5/27 Yellow Rump and Prairie Warblers. Also, Tufted Titmouse singing away up there. Good birding today with all the regulars despite lots of hikers and tourists.
Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Query: Upland Sandpiper-Plains/ stones/ phoebe

A group I am with, not birders, is planning to walk at the Kennebunk Plains, on June 6 in late afternoon. I am interested to know if the Upland Sandpipers are nesting there, rather near the beginning of the trail on Rte.99, this year. A non-birder stake- out for the walk said she did not see any, but they can be elusive.

Also, does anyone know the origin or meaning of the circle of stones at East Point Sanctuary in Biddeford Pool, on the ocean? It is intricate; probably obvious meaning to others.

A phoebe comment. Someone mentioned that a phoebe in her yard had 2 nests, if I recall correctly, then used one. I have had a phoebe making a nest on my porch light since early spring. It comes, however, only once every few days, as of 3 days ago, sits on the nest only to be gone for days. I assume it is a second nest, to not be used, but why does the phoebe keep coming back? (to gets rest away from spouse? :-)

Yes, I would rather be birding. Did see a TV on the ground, then struggling to take off, in South Sanford, the other day on my way home. Fun to see dozens of Chimney Swifts, both at Laudholm Farm, and the Sanford Lagoons (at their interesting open house…who knew what an extensive operation that is!.

Good birding,

Barbara

Barbara Partridge Herrgesell
Sanford, ME

herpartb@aol.com

Friday, 26 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Summer or Scarlet

At first glance this looks like a female scarlet to me. The wings are uniformly darker than the rest of the plumage, although lighter than usual in keeping with the general overall tone of this bird.

bab

Bruce Bartrug
Nobleboro, Maine, USA
bbartrug@gmail.com
www.brucebartrug.com

•The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. - Albert Einstein

•In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. -Martin Luther King

Thursday, 25 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Nice sightings

Hi all--

Recent noteworthies include a pair of yellow-throated vireos seen consecutive days (SUN 5/20 and MON 5/21) at River Point Falmouth, the pair in tall trees betwen the red shed and the manure spreader, not singing.

Interesting mix at Scarborough Ind. Park AM 5/22-land bordering Gervais Farm. In dense thickets going left of the main trail a pod of warblers incl. female Cape May and Wilsons warblers and 4 other common warblers. Same day many many calling black-billed cuckoos but none located. Since they logged the property a few years ago, it has erupted in nice second growth, including cherry shrubs, which sport lots of catarpillar nests; was easy last year to locate this bird here. Also unusual and nice combo of singing alder and willow flycatchers.

Re-located singing mouring warbler early this AM Hinckley Park, well along the "far right trail" as noted by another contributor. Was seen in thickets at a point where the trail bears left at the end of the park at a grassy field full of dandilions.

Dave Thomson
Falmouth

Sent from my iPad

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[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights and New Arrivals, 5/20-25

Hi all,

My observations of note over the past seven days included the following:

- 1 EVENING GROSBEAK, Old Town House Park, North Yarmouth, 5/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

- 1 pair ORCHARD ORIOLES, Capisic Pond Park, Portland, 5/21 (with clients from Massachusetts).

- 1 male ORCHARD ORIOLE, Evergreen Cemetery, Porland, 5/22 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- Shorebird fallout in Scarborough Marsh on 5/22, with high counts of most species (Least Sandpiper =60+ from Eastern Road Trail) from Pine Point at outgoing tide. One of my best spring shorebird mornings ever in Maine (with Zane Baker, John Berry, and Jeannette):

750 Short-billed Dowitchers

650 Black-bellied Plovers

400 Dunlin

80 Semipalmated Sandpipers

20+ Ruddy Turnstones

15+ Semipalmated Plovers

10+ Least Sandpipers

x "Eastern" Willets

- 1 pair Gadwall, Pelreco Marsh, Scarborough Marsh, 5/22-23 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- Remnants of shorebird fallout at Pine Point still impressive on 5/23 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette):

400 Short-billed Dowitchers

300 Dunlin

250 Black-bellied Plovers

100 Ruddy Turnstones

60 Semipalmated Sandpipers

20 Semipalmated Plovers

2 White-rumped Sandpipers

x "Eastern" Willets

- 106 White-winged Scoters, Wharton Point, Brunswick, 5/24.

And my other personal FOY's this week also included:

- 2 Willow Flycatchers, Old Town House Park, 5/20 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

- 1 Bay-breasted Warbler, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 5/21 (with clients).

- 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, our yard in Pownal, 5/21.

- 2 Nelson's Sparrows, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 5/22 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- 2 White-rumped Sandpipers, Pelreco Marsh, 5/22 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- 1 Marsh Wren, Pelreco Marsh, 5/22 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- 3 Yellow-throated Vireos, Morgan Meadow WMA, Raymond, 5/23 (with Zane Baker and Jeannette).

- 2 Common Nighthawks, over our yard in Pownal, 5/24.

- 24+ BLACK TERNS, Messalonskee Lake, 5/25.

- 1 Black-billed Cuckoo, Depot Rd, Belgrade, 5/25.

-Derek

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

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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

[Maine-birds] Maine Birds

I was at Kiwanis Park in Dover-Foxcroft this afternoon and watched a Common Crow across the water. I didn't actually see him pull the fish out of the water but he did have a live fish. Eventually he dropped the fish on the ground and flew up into a tree where he cawed loudly. I didn't see him return to the fish. Question: Do crows eat fish, if not, how do you explain this behavior?

Aloyse Larrabee, curious in Dexter

[Maine-birds] Up to 36 pairs of Purple Martins, Belgrade, 5/25!

Hi all,

I visited the Purple Martin colony on Depot Road in Belgrade this morning to check on the occupancy rates of the now fully-restored colony. Thanks to Don Mairs, Hammond Lumber and family, and local volunteers, we have now replaced every single dilapidated house in the colony, and added more homes this year thanks to additional donations. Down to as few as 6-8 active nests by 2014, the results have been remarkable!

This morning, I observed the colony for a half hour, counting occupied nest holes and nest building pairs. While some pairs were undoubtedly prospecting at multiple holes, I estimated that 36 holes were occupied/could be occupied! I am sure some of those were double-counts of birds that have not yet decided on where to nest, but I did tally as many as 44 birds in the air at one time. Several pairs included apparent 1st-spring males, suggesting that nesting cavities were no longer a limiting factor. A mid-summer visit, when nesting pairs are feeding young, will shed more light on the actual numbers, but clearly, there are a lot more martins nesting here than three years ago!

For a little history of the project, see my blog from two summers ago:

https://mebirdingfieldnotes.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/restoring-the-belgrade-purple-martin-colony/

-Derek

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

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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[Maine-birds] Great Crested Flycatcher in Kennebunk

On the Bridle Trail, off Route 9, near the Butland Shipyard Marker, in mixed forest along the Mousam River.

[Maine-birds] Ancient Murrelet still in the Gulf of Maine

John Drury, who found this bird last year, saw the Ancient Murrelet at Matinicus Rock yesterday, 24 May. Unless some North Pacific wormhole exists in the Gulf of Maine, one would assume this is the same bird as last year and the same as found by Kyle Lima and others on Sunday, 21 May, off Machias Seal Island (MSI) 100 miles east-northeast of Matinicus Rock. I know the New Brunswick crew tried on the 23rd at MSI and didn't see the little guy there.

Here is a blog entry by John with photos of the Ancient Murrelet in flight, on the water, and on the rocks (!!!).

http://sightingsfromskua.blogspot.com/2017/05/ancient-murrelet-today-may-24-2017-at.html

John runs boat tours out of Vinalhaven, and his contact info is there on the blog.

There will be a dedicated pelagic trip to Petit Manan, another site visited by the murrelet last year, out of Bar Harbor on Saturday, June 3rd, as part of the Acadia Birding Festival. Registration and info is here:

http://acadiabirdingfestival.com

Another opportunity to visit Matinicus Rock and the seabird colony there is with Maine Audubon on Friday, June 9th. Details here:

https://maineaudubon.org/events/seabirds-of-matinicus-rock-2017/

Good birding!

Louis Bevier

Fairfield

[Maine-birds] Runaround Pond Rd, Durham - brown thrasher, others

At least 28 species along Runaround Pond Rd, Durham (rec parking area to route 9) this am.

Highlights included BROWN THRASHER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, ALDER FLYCATCHER, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

Wednesday, 24 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Re: Mourning Warbler Hinckley Park South Portland

Man, I was on the wrong side of the pond! I was there at the same time and saw almost no warblers at all. Yellows and Yellowthroats in the clearcut under the power lines. Great looks at Indigo bunting, many orioles, RE Vireos and a Red-bellied woodpecker. When u say the brambles, is that the area after the bridge at the top of the lower pond? I understand you were on far side. I will check it out tomorrow morning asap.

On Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:13:14 AM UTC-4, Richard Garrigus wrote:

Just located a Mourning Warbler along the perimeter trail just beyond the juncture of trails between the two ponds. If you walk the outside trail (furthest from the parking area) keep a lookout on the right side in the brambles just beyond where the connector trail comes in.
I had only a brief, but quite open look at it before it went back inside for cover. Trying to get another look was complicated by a Wilsons, a Bay-breasted, and a yellowthroat in the same immediate spot.

It was spotted at ~9:20 am.

Richard Garrigus

Re: [Maine-birds] female questionable Tanager photos

Hi,

I would lean toward Summer, though I am not sure. There seems to be a lot of gray here, and it is hard to tell how much of that is an effect of the light. My evidence for Summer is the big thick bill, the apparent lack of really dark color in the wings, the generally pale appearance of the upperparts, and the variations in color between the head and the rest of the bird. I have actually seen some western forms of Summer which are plumaged quite similarly to this bird, so we shouldn't even rule that out. I am currently based in the Southeast where I see a lot of tanagers of both species in the course of a year.....this just doesn't look much like a Scarlet to me. But again, I am not positive.

James Gibson

ex-Fort Kent

On Thu, May 25, 2017 at 2:16 AM, Donna Cundy <dkcundy@gmail.com> wrote:

These are all photos of the same female Tanager that some think is a Summer and others a Scarlet.

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[Maine-birds] Re: female questionable Tanager photos

Sorry - forgot to say - Monhegan

On Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 8:16:27 PM UTC-4, Donna Cundy wrote:

These are all photos of the same female Tanager that some think is a Summer and others a Scarlet.

[Maine-birds] female questionable Tanager photos

These are all photos of the same female Tanager that some think is a Summer and others a Scarlet.

[Maine-birds] Canada / Blackburnian along Eastern Trail in Kennebunk

Greetings,

Highlights of a reasonably birdy walk this morning along the Eastern Trail from the Kennebunk Elementary School to Duck Brook (just north of the Kennebunk River) were a lovely Canada Warbler and a probable Blackburnian, though we did not both get a confirming look at the latter.

Other warblers included: Yellow, Black & White, Chestnut-sided, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird (even got a couple of visuals).

A non-avian treat was a mink along Duck Brook.

pfw

================================================================
Paul F. Wells
West Kennebunk, ME
USA

[Maine-birds] Mourning Warbler Hinckley Park South Portland

Just located a Mourning Warbler along the perimeter trail just beyond the juncture of trails between the two ponds. If you walk the outside trail (furthest from the parking area) keep a lookout on the right side in the brambles just beyond where the connector trail comes in.

I had only a brief, but quite open look at it before it went back inside for cover. Trying to get another look was complicated by a Wilsons, a Bay-breasted, and a yellowthroat in the same immediate spot.

It was spotted at ~9:20 am.

Richard Garrigus

[Maine-birds] Downeast Spring Birding Festival - THIS WEEKEND!

Hi All,

There are some excellent birding walks this weekend in Washington County for the 14th Annual Downeast Spring Birding Festival. Check out more information at www.downeastbirdfest.org. Hope to see you there!

-Colin

[Maine-birds] Black-billed Cuckoo - Sandy Point Yarmouth

Seen at 8:30am.

Becky

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] MOWA continues, Flint Woods, Farmington

Looked for this Mourning Warbler hours before finally finding in same general vicinity as Scott C. previously reported. I never heard the bird until I was almost on top of him. Curious if he is nesting because once I walked pass a certain area and the MOWA he came out right next to me giving harsh call notes. Seemed agitated so I moved on quickly. Thanks Scott for fairly precise directions. Awesome bird, lifer for me. For those interested I managed some photos of this beauty:

http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S37096833

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[Maine-birds] Cranes

There are two sandhill cranes in a cornfield on the Tiffany Road in Sidney.

Nice way to start the day.

Julia

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

[Maine-birds] Birds in Aroostook County this afternoon

Hi all -- Birding with Bill Sheehan this afternoon after work, we found a few goodies.

At Lake Josephine our birds included N. Waterthrush, P-b Grebe, Sora, Virginia Rail, Least Sandpipers, R-b Grosbeak, B. Oriole and a ratty White-winged Scoter. Also Am. Wigeon, Gadwall and Common Goldeneye.

At Christina Lake we found a Black Tern resting and preening on a rock in mid-lake.

The kind of afternoon to make your whole week a good week.

Cheers,

Craig K

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Cerulean Warbler

I also know at least one birder who spent hours tracking down what he was convinced was a singing Cerulean, and it turned out to be a Black-and-white Warbler with an unusual twist to his song.

Kristen

On Tue, May 23, 2017 at 1:49 PM, S. Davis <kd7gxf@gmail.com> wrote:

I'd be cautious in calling a Cerulean Warbler by sound alone. A week or two, I swore I heard one and even did some playback and a Black-throated Blue actually responded. I and another birder watched the BT Blue for a good 10 minutes amazed that it was dead on for a Cerulean. If it has been reported in your area previously (especially with all the reports coming in) then you're probably safe.

Seth

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 1:01:02 PM UTC-4, LNO/MWA wrote:
Heard yesterday on Acadia Carriage Road between Brown Mountain Gate House and beginning of Hadlock Brook Trail:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cerulean_Warbler/sounds

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Kristen Lindquist

website: www.kristenlindquist.com

haiku blog: klindquist.blogspot.com

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."

--Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

[Maine-birds] Re: Cerulean Warbler

I'd be cautious in calling a Cerulean Warbler by sound alone. A week or two ago, I swore I heard one and even did some playback and a Black-throated Blue actually responded. I and another birder watched the BT Blue for a good 10 minutes amazed that it was dead on for a Cerulean. If it has been reported in your area previously (especially with all the reports coming in) then you're probably safe.

Here's a good discussion on the issue. A few posts down, they talk about the same situation with a Black-throated Blue mimicking a Cerulean.

https://www.whatbird.com/forum/index.php?/topic/135044-warbler-mimics/

Seth

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 1:01:02 PM UTC-4, LNO/MWA wrote:

Heard yesterday on Acadia Carriage Road between Brown Mountain Gate House and beginning of Hadlock Brook Trail:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cerulean_Warbler/sounds

[Maine-birds] Re: Cerulean Warbler

Seth

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 1:01:02 PM UTC-4, LNO/MWA wrote:

Heard yesterday on Acadia Carriage Road between Brown Mountain Gate House and beginning of Hadlock Brook Trail:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cerulean_Warbler/sounds

[Maine-birds] Re: Cerulean Warbler

I'd be cautious in calling a Cerulean Warbler by sound alone. A week or two, I swore I heard one and even did some playback and a Black-throated Blue actually responded. I and another birder watched the BT Blue for a good 10 minutes amazed that it was dead on for a Cerulean. If it has been reported in your area previously (especially with all the reports coming in) then you're probably safe.

Seth

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 1:01:02 PM UTC-4, LNO/MWA wrote:

Heard yesterday on Acadia Carriage Road between Brown Mountain Gate House and beginning of Hadlock Brook Trail:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cerulean_Warbler/sounds

[Maine-birds] Cerulean Warbler

Heard yesterday on Acadia Carriage Road between Brown Mountain Gate House and beginning of Hadlock Brook Trail:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cerulean_Warbler/sounds

[Maine-birds] Re: Scarlet Tanager, Camden

Given that your yard is also the home (I guess) of Maine's most noted fictional wildlife management professional, Mike Bowditch, it seems like karma, perhaps?

On Friday, May 19, 2017 at 7:02:03 AM UTC-4, Kristen Lindquist wrote:

Seems auspicious to start the day with a Scarlet Tanager singing in our yard this morning, along with Chestnut-sided Warbler and Am. Redstart. (Especially exciting if you could see how small our yard is.)

Kristen
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