For the past 2 years we've reported the Whimbrels that use Flat Bay in Harrington during south-bound migration in July and August. We've met several birders who expressed an interest in seeing the 150+ flock of Whimbrels. We always said just wait for our postings and come on down. This year, however the Whimbrel are not consistent in their appearances and the numbers are much reduced. We've been monitoring Flat Bay since mid -July and the largest flock we've seen is 68 birds. There are days when we don't see any Whimbrels at all which is really disturbing.
So, for those of you who are mulling over a trip Downeast this isn't the year for Whimbrel watching. Lindsey Tudor, shorebird biologist with Maine IFW, is doing aerial surveys for Whimbrels on the barrens north of Harrington and has seen 100+ Whimbrel on the barrens north of Harrington. There are probably many moving parts about this year's Whimbrel migration for her to puzzle over.
On the bright side we daily see 700 - 1400 peeps using Flat Bay mudflats with Short-billed Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plover and Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs.
Hopefully there will be some Whimbrel sightings further south as the summer wanes.
Merle and Anne Archie
Harrington
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