Hi everyone:
Breeding behavior is really ramping up! We are finally getting into the time period when it is hard to go out without some behavior that'd qualify as at least possible breeding. So, it is Friday afternoon and time for a new round of Maine Bird Atlas "challenges" for you to work on this week. As always, you can find more information on the atlas at: maine.gov/birdatlas
Before the new challenges, lets see how we did last week:
First, an honorable mention to Rock Pigeon: After having virtually no response two weeks ago, the number of confirmed blocks nearly double (to 13) for them this week. Great job! Past targets are increasing quickly with robins up to 47 confirmed blocks and phoebes topping the charts at 63 blocks.
Woodpecker "probable" blocks increased about 30% across all species, which is awesome! We now have confirmed records for almost all Maine woodpecker species, except for the two 'lesser-toed' woodpeckers and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
Fish Crows doubled their confirmed blocks, now up to 2! Thanks for everyone who posted recommendations of where to look for this species. Hopefully we can track down a few more in the coming weeks.
Mourning Doves continue to fledge! I saw both nest building and recently fledged birds on the same day at Evergreen Cemetery this week. We're up to 46 probable and 14 confirmed blocks.
NEW CHALLENGES:
1) Mallards - little yellow fluff balls were spotted this week following females around. These recently fledged birds will be an easy confirmed-level code to observe but there are plenty of birds sitting on nests right now as well.
2) Chipping Sparrows - along with the abundant phoebes nesting in your yards, keep an eye on backyard Chipping Sparrows which should be nest building in most locations. We've seen them picking up dead grass around Portland this week.
3) Barn Swallows - Another near-human-dwelling nester, these birds should be moving into areas where they have historically nested so it'd be a good weekend to go check on places you've seen them nesting in the past. Keep other swallows in mind as well; Barn have already been confirmed in 7 blocks, while Cliff are up to 2, and Tree in 28.
Good birding and happy atlasing!
Doug Hitchcox
Maine Bird Atlas - Outreach Coordinator
Maine Audubon - Staff Naturalist
207-781-2330 x237
dhitchcox@maineaudubon.org
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