Maine birds And MOAC mountainbiking

Monday, 31 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Gulf of Maine in July

Hi all,

I've been performing SeaScribe surveys for pelagic species on Bar Harbor Whale Watch trips over the course of July, going out on 1-2 trips one day per week. These trips, for the most part, have been very productive with both birds and non birds! Besides the typical terns, alcids, gulls, cormorants, and miscellaneous peeps, here's what I've seen so far:

Great Shearwater- high count was 440 on one trip, but I haven't had nearly that many on any others.

Sooty Shearwater- a surprising number of 22 were seen on one trip, but typically 1-5 are seen.

Manx Shearwater- 5 in total on all trips.

Cory's Shearwater- just one bird back on the 21 July 2017.

Northern Fulmar- 1-3 on almost every trip.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel- very common and seen on every trip so far, but no Leach's yet.

Northern Gannet- seen on every trip.

Red-necked Phalarope- pretty common out there this month.

Red Phalarope- less common but small groups have been seen.

Parasitic Jaeger- had one individual in a flock of four jaegers on 21 July 2017.

LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 2 individuals were also in this flock from 21 July 2017. This is a rare species and is considered a review species by the ME-BRC.

Jaeger sp.- One bird was extremely distant from 15 July 2017 and another representing the fourth bird in the flock from 21 July 2017.

For non birds, I have encountered 3 Humpback Whales, an Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), and a Basking Shark. However, they have had a really hard time finding whales this year, which is not typical for them. Nonetheless, If your looking to see some pelagics, I would recommend getting out there! The last trip I took on 28 July 2017 was much slower, lacking many of these species except Great Shearwater and Wilson's Storm-Petrel. But, we did go to the west of Mount Desert Rock instead of the typical East Bumps or Ballpark areas.

Good birding,

Kyle

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[Maine-birds] Stella Walsh

I'm very saddened by Stella's passing. Through the years, we had crossed paths on the trails and shared information about CBC dates and related events and activities. Most recently Stella had helped me to successfully post a flagged shorebird sighting from Weskeag. I have admired her curious mind and persistent dedication to preserving all things wild. We had exchanged emails on July 24. I will miss her.

Don

[Maine-birds] Stella Walsh

On Saturday morning, my dear birding friend Stella Walsh passed away due to complications of cancer which she had been fighting for years. She was my birding buddy and good friend for many years, always up for a birding trip… that is until the last few years as her health declined, and I spent more time visiting her and her cat Gracie, at her apartment in Yarmouth. But as she struggled with cancer and failing health, she still stayed connected with many of us through Facebook, emails, and text messages. She was my encyclopedia of knowledge, often scoffing at me for asking her too many questions. She’d laugh and would say “Google it Becky!” And then she’d google it for me. She had a big heart, always thinking of gifts for others, or prepping food for CBCs, or taking cookies to events, or working on Merrymeeting Audubon postings, or answering bird emails sent to Maine Audubon. She entered MANY USGS bird records, and MANY eBird reports for Peter Vickery. She spent endless hours birdbanding and working on islands with tern colonies and puffins. And all of these activities were volunteer, never asking for anything in return. I’ll miss all the bird discussions we had, our Sunday morning waffles, our birding excursions, her cat Gracie, her biscotti, the constant texting any time of any day, her crankiness, her laughter, her generosity. These memories will always be with me and I’m happy to have been a part of her amazing life. Rest in peace Stella.

Becky

Becky Marvil

Yarmouth, ME

[Maine-birds] Rockland fish crows

Hi,

At least 3 fish crows are inhabiting a neighborhood along Broadway and Beechwood Streets in Rockland. One individual being fed is suggestive of nesting activity. The species has nested previously in this precise neighborhood. About a month ago I observed several vocalizing fish crows about a mile away around Knox County Jail grounds. There has been a general absence of these crows in past 2-3 years, but in the past they were present during occasional CBCs.

Don

Sunday, 30 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Seal Island NWR - Jaegers & More

Hi all,

The past few days have been great for jaegers out of Seal Island NWR. Mainly to the northeast of the island in waters between us and Isle au Haut. Yesterday we had all three species of jaeger close to the island! Many parasitics harassing terns throughout the day and to cap it all off we enjoyed a Pomarine Jaeger harassing and black-backed gull who was then joined by a Long-tailed Jaeger! In addition, there have been lots of gannets. The largest group I estimated was around 300-400 birds forming a literal tornado of gannets well off the island. We have not seen the tropicbird since the 27th. If you are hoping to see it this season I would certainly try soon. Typically once the terns start to leave the island, which they most certainly have (our colony is about half the size), he becomes significantly harder to see.

All the best,

Keenan Yakola

[Maine-birds] 2 Hudsonian Godwits Hills Beach

There are now two birds present on the causeway to Basket Island in Biddeford.

Noah

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

[Maine-birds] Correction-Hudsonian Godwit Biddeford Pool

We just got a view of the bird flying and the Wing pattern looked good for a Hudsonian. Underwing unfortunately eliminated the Black Tailed possibility.

Noah

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

[Maine-birds] MARBLED GODWIT Biddeford Pool

Currently in the pool viewed from Sky Harbor Dr. Lighting is tough and the bird has a messy molting pattern, so I am trying to turn it into something "better", but going with Marbled for now.

Bird haahd,

Noah Gibb-Freeport

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

[Maine-birds] Maine Birding Trail / Aroostook update

Last weekend I finally made my first jaunt ever to Aroostook County. Birding was just one of my goals and I used the Maine Birding Trail "abbreviated" guide (and a history of reading maine-birds) to target Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir. Time constraints allowed me to visit only one of these hot spots, but it was great to see a place I'd only read about for years (thanks to Bill, Craig, and others).

This post is simply to say NO PASS IS NEEDED to visit these sites for birding. Being the cautious sort, I stopped at McCain Foods gate first and asked about a pass. The gatekeeper had no idea what I was talking about, made a few calls, and finally sent me off to another building to talk to Jeff. He said they stopped giving passes in the mid 2000s, as directed by the corporate office (unnecessary paperwork). He said with a smile "anywhere up there, have at it."

This may be common knowledge for regulars and more recent guides may have the latest info, but if this post saves anybody else a half hour it'll be worth it.

Scott Richardson

Saturday, 29 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Cherryfield Semi Sandpipers

This evening there are, conservatively, 400-500 of these birds on rocks in the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield, just downstream from the upper bridge (by the Mathews Store). Concentrated on just a few rocks, they look very striking. About 99% juveniles, with just a few adults in breeding plumage. Most of them were sleeping. While I was watching a single Semi Plover flew in--did my best to turn it into a Common Ringed Plover, but no luck :-)

[Maine-birds] some MDI birds

As we were wrapping up today’s birding tour at Acadia National Park’s Sieur de Monts Spring, we were pleasantly surprised to have a juvenile Virginia Rail walk across the path in front of us! I do occasionally hear them there, but I have only ever seen one once at this locale.

Other highlights of the day:

A lone Bonaparte’s Gull with its full black hood stood out among the countless Ring-billed Gulls at Thompson Island

A very cooperative Belted Kingfisher followed us while kayaking along the shore near Bartlett’s Landing

A pair of Red Crossbill made a brief fly-over at MDI High School

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

Re: [Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week, 7/22-28

With apologies, the links to the Little Egret photos were accidentally left out of the message. They are here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/freeportwildbird/35419751933/in/album-72157625893018447/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/freeportwildbird/36090476231/in/album-72157625893018447/

From: 'Derek and Jeannette Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
To: Maine-birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 12:31 AM
Subject: [Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week, 7/22-28

Hi all,

A few of my additional observations of note over the past seven days included:

- 9 species of shorebirds led by 150+ Semipalmated Sandpipers but also included 9 Piping Plover, 2 Whimbrels, and 8 Sanderlings (FOF), Popham Beach State Park, 7/24 (with Jeannette).

- 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS (FOY) and 4+ Cory's Shearwaters (FOY), Dyer Point, Cape Elizabeth, 7/25 (with Jeannette).

- 2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS among 10 species of shorebirds, 1 Merlin, etc, Pine Point, 7/27.

Jeannette's photos of the Little Egret from 7/25 are here:

And since I am still getting questions about the bird's identity because of the slightly yellowish lores, I'll post the link to my Facebook album addressing this from a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.facebook.com/pg/Freeportwildbird/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1728071967222750

-Derek

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

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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

Friday, 28 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Additional Highlights This Week, 7/22-28

Hi all,

A few of my additional observations of note over the past seven days included:

- 9 species of shorebirds led by 150+ Semipalmated Sandpipers but also included 9 Piping Plover, 2 Whimbrels, and 8 Sanderlings (FOF), Popham Beach State Park, 7/24 (with Jeannette).

- 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS (FOY) and 4+ Cory's Shearwaters (FOY), Dyer Point, Cape Elizabeth, 7/25 (with Jeannette).

- 2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS among 10 species of shorebirds, 1 Merlin, etc, Pine Point, 7/27.

Jeannette's photos of the Little Egret from 7/25 are here:

And since I am still getting questions about the bird's identity because of the slightly yellowish lores, I'll post the link to my Facebook album addressing this from a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.facebook.com/pg/Freeportwildbird/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1728071967222750

-Derek

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

Derek and Jeannette Lovitch

Freeport Wild Bird Supply

541 Route One, Suite 10

Freeport, ME 04032

207-865-6000

www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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

RE: [Maine-birds] Sandhill Cranes?

I have seen Sandhill Cranes several times this summer from the carry-in boat launch on route 27 in Belgrade, about ¼ mile south of Hammond Lumber.

From: maine-birds@googlegroups.com [mailto:maine-birds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Michael Little
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 2:15 PM
To: Maine Birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [Maine-birds] Sandhill Cranes?

Are folks seeing the cranes in Belgrade? Where is best view?

Mike Little

[Maine-birds] Sandhill Cranes?

Are folks seeing the cranes in Belgrade? Where is best view?

Mike Little

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

[Maine-birds] New TSA rules about camera screening

https://www.dpreview.com/news/3718283787/new-tsa-rules-require-separate-screening-for-cameras

--

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

[Maine-birds] Little Egret

At south blind, Gilsland Farm, 11:15 on rising tide.....in close with 7 other snowy egrets...in water up to their knees. Beautiful.

Sent from my iPad

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[Maine-birds] Id help, please.

Caught this at Essex Street Marsh this morning. I guessing juvenile northern parula, but I'm usually wrong when I guess. Any help, please.

http://photosbychance.zenfolio.com/p432832521/h915013b8#h915013b8

Thanks,

Dave

Tuesday, 25 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Old Quarry Puffin Trip featuring (sometimes) the red-billed tropicbird report

Red-billed Tropicbird success: 4/8

Though it was sunny today, the tropicbird was not present on the island. The theory is that last nights/this mornings storm prevented it from returning. It was a good day on the water though, flat and productive. We got good looks at a Minke Whale, Gray Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and Harbor Seals, but enough with the mammals. We saw Eagles, Osprey, Loon, Eider, DC cormorant before reaching inside of Isle au Haut. By mid-way Isle au Hau to Seal Island we saw 5 Manx Shearwaters (used to be rare), 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Great Shearwaters, 50+ Wilson;s Storm-petrel, 40+ Northern Gannet, many Razorbills with chicks, many Puffins on the way out, 3 groups of red-necked phalaropes, 3 jaegers (presumably parasitic, one dark, two intermediate). At the Island we saw at least three common murres, many arctic and common turns, many Great Cormorants but Razorbills were few and far between on and around the island.

Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Little Egret, continues, Gilsland Farm, 7/25.

Thanks all for the info on the Egret! It is still visible (great views) from the North Meadow blind with a group of Snowy Egrets.

Sebastian Jones

Jamaica Plain, MA

Sent from my mobile.

From: Josh Fecteau

Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:07 AM

To: Maine Birds

Subject: [Maine-birds] Re: Little Egret, continues, Gilsland Farm, 7/25.

Thanks Jeannette and Derek! The Little Egret is now roosting on a log with 9 Snowy Egrets off the North Meadow blind at Gilsland Farm.

--Josh

Inspiring Nature Connection in New England
joshfecteau.com | patreon.com/JoshFecteau

[Maine-birds] Re: Little Egret, continues, Gilsland Farm, 7/25.

Thanks Jeannette and Derek! The Little Egret is now roosting on a log with 9 Snowy Egrets off the North Meadow blind at Gilsland Farm.

--Josh

Inspiring Nature Connection in New England
joshfecteau.com | patreon.com/JoshFecteau

[Maine-birds] Little Egret, continues, Gilsland Farm, 7/25.

Hi all,
Jeannette and I are currently looking at the Little Egret off the south blind of Gilsland Farm.
-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

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[Maine-birds] Re: RFI Little Egret, Portland

Hi Sebastian,

When I saw the bird at Martin's Point on Saturday, it was ~2.5 or 3 hours after high tide. There were many egrets and herons foraging on the mudflats and exposed tidal rocks, but they seemed to be dispersing across the Presumpsot River Bay as the tide continued to fall. On an incoming tide, I could imagine the egrets moving up the bay and ending up near the marshes at Gilsland or Tidewater Farms.

Good luck,

Don

On Monday, July 24, 2017 at 1:03:56 PM UTC-4, Sebastian Jones wrote:

‎Hi all,
Was hoping someone might be able to suggest the best spot(s) to check for the Little Egret that's been around Portland recently. I think I'll have a few hours tomorrow afternoon and though I've seen reports of it at a few places, was wondering if there's a particularly good spot to check and if tides play a role (is there a better spot to try at high tide and a better one for low tide, for example). Any tips/ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Sebastian Jones
Jamaica Plain, MA

Sent from my mobile.
Original Message
From: Donald Jones
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2017 3:59 PM
To: Maine birds
Subject: [Maine-birds] Little Egret at Martin's Point, Portland

Hi all,

Apologies for posting twice today, but I thought this warranted a second message. I just got outstanding views of the continuing Little Egret from the Martin's Point bridge. It was foraging in the company of two Snowy Egrets near the American flag on the Yarmouth side of the river until about 5 minutes ago, when it flew across to the far side of the bay (almost directly west, near the radio tower on the skyline). It is still visible but much more distant now. I will submit an eBird checklist and upload photos when I get home tomorrow afternoon.

Good birding,
Don

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Monday, 24 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Re: Little Egret at Martin's Point, Portland

Hi Don,

If you look at the ebird posts you will see that most are at either Gilsland Farm, Martins Point, or Shoreline Drive - all very close together. It is worth checking all these places - along with Tide Water Farm just to the north. What the map does not show is the tide, which is a key factor. The bird shows only at mid- to lower tides when the flats are exposed. I'm not sure anyone really knows where it hangs out at higher tides. It is roosting somewhere, but where? Last year when it changed locations and headed to Biddeford Pool mid season it was roosting with snowy and great egrets at high tide. I have not heard if anyone has discovered its roost in the Portland area.

So check the tide and come at lower tides. Good luck.

Marian

On Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 3:59:08 PM UTC-4, Donald Jones wrote:

Hi all,
Apologies for posting twice today, but I thought this warranted a second message. I just got outstanding views of the continuing Little Egret from the Martin's Point bridge. It was foraging in the company of two Snowy Egrets near the American flag on the Yarmouth side of the river until about 5 minutes ago, when it flew across to the far side of the bay (almost directly west, near the radio tower on the skyline). It is still visible but much more distant now. I will submit an eBird checklist and upload photos when I get home tomorrow afternoon.
Good birding,
Don

[Maine-birds] Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Unity

This morning a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was calling for at least five minutes behind my house. Previously this summer, I have had no indication of this species in my area. It seems like there may be a mid-summer movement underway as has occurred during years in the past, so keep your ears and eyes open.

Good birding,

tom

[Maine-birds] Whimbrels at Flat Bay

At last they have returned - a day later than our other records of past years. Yesterday we observed 2 during the morning low tide. Today we saw 24 on the morning low tide.

Merle and Anne Archie

Harrington

[Maine-birds] RFI Little Egret, Portland

‎Hi all,
Was hoping someone might be able to suggest the best spot(s) to check for the Little Egret that's been around Portland recently. I think I'll have a few hours tomorrow afternoon and though I've seen reports of it at a few places, was wondering if there's a particularly good spot to check and if tides play a role (is there a better spot to try at high tide and a better one for low tide, for example). Any tips/ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Sebastian Jones
Jamaica Plain, MA

Sent from my mobile.
Original Message
From: Donald Jones
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2017 3:59 PM
To: Maine birds
Subject: [Maine-birds] Little Egret at Martin's Point, Portland

Hi all,

Apologies for posting twice today, but I thought this warranted a second message. I just got outstanding views of the continuing Little Egret from the Martin's Point bridge. It was foraging in the company of two Snowy Egrets near the American flag on the Yarmouth side of the river until about 5 minutes ago, when it flew across to the far side of the bay (almost directly west, near the radio tower on the skyline). It is still visible but much more distant now. I will submit an eBird checklist and upload photos when I get home tomorrow afternoon.

Good birding,
Don

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Saturday, 22 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Seal Island NWR - Yellow-crowned Night-heron & Red-billed Tropicbird

Hi all,

This evening as we are settling in after dusk we observed a Yellow-crowned Night-heron being harassed by the nesting terns on the island. This is the third year in a row that this species has been observed on the island! Certainly continue this species trend of northward dispersal. In addition the Tropicbird has been seen fairly regularly barring good weather.

In addition, I would like to mention some new eBird hotspots that were added for boat trips from Vinalhaven or Stonington. Fittingly this new hotspots are called Vinalhaven-Seal Island Trip and Stonington-Seal Island Trip. I encourage you to this these hotspots to minimize species that are not seen in the immediate vicinity of the island.

All the best,

Keenan Yakola

[Maine-birds] Brown Pelican - Higgins Beach

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this, but just saw a photo that was posted on social media by a non-birder today, supposedly taken this morning 7/22 at Higgins Beach in Scarborough of a (the?) BROWN PELICAN.

Magill Weber

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[Maine-birds] Morse Mountain - Plucky Piping Plover Perpetually Pesters Placid Peeps

Excited to see four Piping Plovers along Seawall Beach. They were vigorously chasing the visiting flocks of Semipalmated Plovers & Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers and others. Quite a sight to see.

Six lovely looking Whimbrel were present, a lifer for me. Shorebird migration season is kicking off once again!

Also, anyone attempting Morse Mountain before 10am would do well to layer up and get a bug net. Bugs were maddeningly thick today.

[Maine-birds] Little Egret at Martin's Point, Portland

Hi all,

Apologies for posting twice today, but I thought this warranted a second message. I just got outstanding views of the continuing Little Egret from the Martin's Point bridge. It was foraging in the company of two Snowy Egrets near the American flag on the Yarmouth side of the river until about 5 minutes ago, when it flew across to the far side of the bay (almost directly west, near the radio tower on the skyline). It is still visible but much more distant now. I will submit an eBird checklist and upload photos when I get home tomorrow afternoon.

Good birding,
Don

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[Maine-birds] Re: Wharton Point, Brunswick: Shorebirds, Peregrine Falcon, and cool gull behavior

Dropping shellfish to break them open is actually a common technique practiced by gulls, as well as some other species such as crows.

They occasionally cause major problems when they use specific sections of highway so much that the broken shells slice automobile tyres.

Here's one observation posted by Bob Abrams, McLean, Virginia.

"As far as gulls dropping things onto pavement to crack them open, I do not think that there is a hard surface on the coast of New England, be it roadway,
sidewalk, tennis court, parking lot or jetty, that is not littered with the broken shells of millions of crabs and mollusks that were smashed there by Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. I have slides of a first winter Herring Gull that found a tennis ball and dropped it continually onto a jagged jetty in Newburyport Harbor. For over an hour we watched as from a height of about fifty feet, the gull would drop and follow down this ball. As it hit the jetty it would bounce to one side or the other drawing the young gull out of its vertical decent. The gull would grab the ball and mantle it, protecting it from the forays of predating gulls........which never came.They did not want his ball."

On Saturday, 22 July 2017 11:03:34 UTC-3, Donald Jones wrote:

Hi all,

This morning, I stopped at Wharton Point in Brunswick as the tide was coming in. There were a decent variety of shorebirds, including 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 dowitcher sp. (very distant and only seen briefly), 1 Black-bellied Plover, 4 Semipalmated Plover, a handful of Least Sandpiper, and roughly 40 Semipalmated Sandpiper. While I was watching, a gorgeous Peregrine Falcon came screaming in and chased the shorebirds for several minutes, took a shot at a gull, harassed a Snowy Egret, and flew by at point blank range before departing inland with empty talons!

Besides the nice migrants, I also observed a fascinating behavior by a Herring Gull which I had never seen before. One individual was repeatedly picking up mussels out on the mudflats, flying them in to the concrete boat ramp, and dropping them from height in order to break open the shells. It appeared to be an extremely effective technique; in 45 minutes or so, the bird consumed 10 to 15 mussels and left a large field of shattered shells on the ramp.

My eBird checklist, with some photos of the action, is at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38260236.

Good birding,
Don Jones
Brunswick, ME / Laramie, WY

[Maine-birds] Wharton Point, Brunswick: Shorebirds, Peregrine Falcon, and cool gull behavior

Hi all,

This morning, I stopped at Wharton Point in Brunswick as the tide was coming in. There were a decent variety of shorebirds, including 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 dowitcher sp. (very distant and only seen briefly), 1 Black-bellied Plover, 4 Semipalmated Plover, a handful of Least Sandpiper, and roughly 40 Semipalmated Sandpiper. While I was watching, a gorgeous Peregrine Falcon came screaming in and chased the shorebirds for several minutes, took a shot at a gull, harassed a Snowy Egret, and flew by at point blank range before departing inland with empty talons!

Besides the nice migrants, I also observed a fascinating behavior by a Herring Gull which I had never seen before. One individual was repeatedly picking up mussels out on the mudflats, flying them in to the concrete boat ramp, and dropping them from height in order to break open the shells. It appeared to be an extremely effective technique; in 45 minutes or so, the bird consumed 10 to 15 mussels and left a large field of shattered shells on the ramp.

My eBird checklist, with some photos of the action, is at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38260236.

Good birding,

Don Jones

Brunswick, ME / Laramie, WY

Friday, 21 July 2017

Re: [Maine-birds] Egrets at Tidewater Farm

My photos do not show dark lores as described in Sibley Birds so the egret may be Snowy. I watched 2 egrets that seemed to be the same size and a Great Egret also landed in the channel.

On Fri, Jul 21, 2017 at 5:41 PM, Marianne Taylor, Skowhegan <andale62@gmail.com> wrote:

We are watching 2 egrets. A Great and I believe the Little. It behaves like a snowy but I can see individual plumes on the head via scope. Currently in the channel near a dock.

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Marianne

http://rivergirl.smugmug.com

[Maine-birds] This Week's Highlights, 7/15-21

Hi all,

My observations of note over the past seven days included:

- 1 early adult "WESTERN" WILLET and 1 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, Hill's Beach, Biddeford, 7/16 (with Birds on Tap - Roadtrip! tour group; photos.).

- 1 leucistic Red-tailed Hawk (mostly white-bodied with a dark brown head), perched along I-95 South near milemarker 13.5, 7/17 (with Jeannette).

- 4 Wilson's Storm-Petrels (FOY), Fort Foster, Kittery, 7/17 (with Jeannette).

- continuing purported "GREAT WHITE HERON," Little Pond, Stoneham, 7/21.

-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] Egrets at Tidewater Farm

We are watching 2 egrets. A Great and I believe the Little. It behaves like a snowy but I can see individual plumes on the head via scope. Currently in the channel near a dock.

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[Maine-birds] Gray Ghost

Always happy to see male northern harrier-(Gray Ghost) on Rt One in field below the old Christmas Tree Farm in Warren- if you are traveling south it's on the left after Scuttlebutt Antiques. Every once in awhile one shows up in that field.

[Maine-birds] Little Egret

Hoping someone may have seen the Little Egret recently and where. We will be heading north from Portland soon. Thanks

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[Maine-birds] E. Bluebird, Camden

Not an unusual bird in these parts, but not a regular visitor to our near-downtown neighborhood: for the past two days a male Eastern Bluebird has been hanging out (and singing) in the vicinity of our house.

The last bluebird we saw as a yard bird was, in fact, our very first yard bird, when we spotted a small foraging flock from our bedroom window when we woke up for the first time in our new house way back in March 2005.

The Broad-winged Hawks that I believe nest up on nearby Mount Battie have been making their presence known over the past few weeks, as well, calling and soaring overhead.

Kristen

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] Ospreys

Really nice to see so many Osprey's Nest on Day Markers along the mid-coast area- every nest seems to have one to two chicks-
Skip Small
Rockport

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[Maine-birds] Flat Bay Shorebirds

The peep population is increasing- we observed 750+ on yesterday's afternoon low tide. Again, the birds are on the west side of Flat Bay and about a mile distant from our observation point. We also saw 5 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dowitchers. Lots of Common Terns and a few Bonaparte's Gulls among the Herring and Ring-billed.

No Whimbrels yet....hmmm...

Anne Archie, Harrington

Thursday, 20 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Female turkey with two broods of different age

We have more than one female turkey that occasionally parades her brood through our yard, but recently I've noticed a female that has two different-sized chicks in tow. Off the top of my head I can't imagine a female incubating a second clutch of eggs when she has young chicks to take care of. So I'm wondering if this female has "adopted" chicks of another who was predated. Anyone have any experience here?

Thanks,

BAB

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

[Maine-birds] Wilson Storm Petrels

Returning from Isle Au Hault saw many Wilson Storm Petrels- nice to see them filtering in and out of the fog-

Sent from my iPhone

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Wednesday, 19 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Bird Monitoring

Want to do some birding at Maine's premier birding spot and help gather data on Maine's first Important Bird Area?

Join us on July 22 from 6:30 - 10:30 and August 26 from 7-10 at Scarborough Marsh for a marsh-wide survey of birds to document the numbers of individuals and species. Timed to catch the beginning of shorebird migration, each group of monitors will be assigned a portion of the marsh to survey. Depending on the assignment, surveys may be done on foot, by car or from a canoe (provided at the marsh or bring your own). Beginning birders welcome! They will go out with experienced monitors.

The morning will start with a brief introduction to the marsh and the survey methods. After that, monitors will disburse to their assigned sections, and actual surveys may last up to several hours (depending on location surveyed).

Join us for a Plant and Insect Biodiversity Day

Help us survey the habitat around the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center for plants and insects on Sunday August 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Our day will begin with an orientation and participants will be divided into groups which will focus on either plants, butterflies, or other insects. Each group will have a knowledgeable leader and materials will be provided to aid in identification and recording data. Beginners are welcome! Please email smac@maineaudubon.org or call 883-5100 for more information or to sign up for this event!

For more information and to register, call 883-5100 or e-mail smac@maineaudubon.org.

Please help us by forwarding this to anyone think might by interested.

Thank You, Linda

Linda Woodard II Maine Audubon

Director of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

_______________________________

20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

tel (207) 883-5100

mobile 207-415-8331

web maineaudubon.org

[Maine-birds] Re: Rare Bird Alert

There are several options available online to limit bird strikes to your window you should look into.

On Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 4:21:16 AM UTC-4, Kenneth S Mirman wrote:

It is my understanding that the Leach's Storm Petrel is common in Maine in July. I thought you might be interested in a report of one striking a window at my house at 2:30 AM

Leach's Storm Petrel
I heard two thumps against a window at my home in Machiasport, Maine along the Little Kennebec Bay. I saw a Leach's Storm Petrel on the deck flapping its wings but facing the house.
The bird was dark brown
A light band reached the leading edge of the wing
The tail was definitely forked (obviously so)
The distal portion of the white rump patch was not rounded but gave a more triangular appearance with possibly a central dark vertical band separating the patch.

After a few minutes it disappeared (while I was looking for my camera).

If of interest, the winds were South at 5 to 10 kt. and the sea was 2 to 3 feet.There was widespread fog with visibility less than 1 nautical mile.

Unfortunately, I have had several species of bird strikes at my house but never a petrel.

[Maine-birds] Seal Island Tuesday (no tropicbird due to fog)

Besides not being able to see more than 30-80 yards most of the trip and no tropicbird, the trip went well. Saw four common murres with one being just of George's Head Island soon after leaving. Great Looks at all the murres and their chocolately backs. Finished the Alcid Grand slam with great looks at Razorbill, Puffins, and Guillemot. Finally started seeing phalaropes with two flocks of red-necks with between 8-20 birds foraging along floating wrack lines. Wilson's Storm petrels were abundant, with over 50 in each direction, and an occasional Gannet coming out of the fog. A nice breeding plumage gannet was seen and has been perched on the rock cliff near the Great Cormorant colony as well. Arctic terns fed and bathed 30 feet from the boat. Still no shearwaters, but it looks a lot clearer for the Old Quarry Ocean Adventure puffin cruise on Friday, so hopefully we will finally be able to pick some out. Tropicbird success for the season, 3/6.

Tuesday, 18 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Re: Pacific Loon - Hills Beach in Biddeford Pool

Sorry folks, I think I jumped the gun on this one. After reviewing my photos further, the bill size is much too large for a Pacific Loon and I believe the bird I saw was a first summer Common Loon.

On Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 6:18:27 PM UTC-4, Brendan McKay wrote:

I birded Hills Beach and the Basket Island causeway this afternoon as the tide was coming in. Around 3:15pm, I located a small loon that was actively preening and bathing close to the shore of Stage Island. Based on my photos and observations, it appears to be a Pacific Loon. The bird was still present when I left around 4pm.

Photos and notes can be seen as part of my eBird checklist;

http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S38209362

Happy summer birding!

Brendan
Portland, ME

[Maine-birds] Can't identify bird- sorry, no photo

Thank you all so very much! The bird was in the shade so it could easily have been blue instead of black! It was a fun bird to watch. I hope to see another sometime soon! Thanks again!
Linda E.

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[Maine-birds] Pacific Loon - Hills Beach in Biddeford Pool

I birded Hills Beach and the Basket Island causeway this afternoon as the tide was coming in. Around 3:15pm, I located a small loon that was actively preening and bathing close to the shore of Stage Island. Based on my photos and observations, it appears to be a Pacific Loon. The bird was still present when I left around 4pm.

Photos and notes can be seen as part of my eBird checklist;

http://ebird.org/ebird/me/view/checklist/S38209362

Happy summer birding!

Brendan

Portland, ME

[Maine-birds] Rare Bird Alert

It is my understanding that the Leach's Storm Petrel is common in Maine in July. I thought you might be interested in a report of one striking a window at my house at 2:30 AM

Leach's Storm Petrel

I heard two thumps against a window at my home in Machiasport, Maine along the Little Kennebec Bay. I saw a Leach's Storm Petrel on the deck flapping its wings but facing the house.

The bird was dark brown

A light band reached the leading edge of the wing

The tail was definitely forked (obviously so)

The distal portion of the white rump patch was not rounded but gave a more triangular appearance with possibly a central dark vertical band separating the patch.

After a few minutes it disappeared (while I was looking for my camera).

If of interest, the winds were South at 5 to 10 kt. and the sea was 2 to 3 feet.There was widespread fog with visibility less than 1 nautical mile.

Unfortunately, I have had several species of bird strikes at my house but never a petrel.

Monday, 17 July 2017

[Maine-birds] Can't identify bird- sorry, no photo

I'm guessing you saw a Belted Kingfisher. It's probably appeared black and white in the light, but is actually blue and white.

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[Maine-birds] Can't identify bird- sorry, no photo

Two days ago, I spotted a bird that I was unable to identify and have not found it using all of my birding apps so I'm hoping someone may have an idea as to what it was.
The bird was approximately the size of a crow. The head was completely black. The neck, "bib" and underbelly where white. The back appeared to be black and white although it was hard to see from a distance. The bird was perched on a tree branch next to a lake near Mt. Katahdin and was diving into the lake, just at the edge of the water, seemingly fishing. The dive was really fast and the wings spread out as it went down, then at the last minute, folded like a bullet. It also seemed to twist in the air as it went down, landed with a splash, but was not submerged as the water is shallow in that area, and immediately became airborne again. The bird was also making a "ratchety" noise just before it started to fish.
It was definitely not a loon.
Any ideas?

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