Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Maine Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, March 19 at 02:26 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Lewiss Woodpecker,©Dan Lane

19 Mar Re: WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth [Raven Watcher ] 18 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - Hop Merchants [Judith & Reid Scher ] 18 Mar Re: WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth [Alex Magocsi ] 18 Mar good birds today [Scott Cronenweth ] 18 Mar WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth [Ingrid Stressenger ] 18 Mar rwbb and grackles [Julia Hanauer-Milne ] 18 Mar hawks, etc. [Joanne Stevens ] 18 Mar Very Birdy day in my auburn Backyard [] 18 Mar HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (18 Mar 2010) 28 Raptors [] 18 Mar Twice in one day? Reversal on Peregrines... [Chuck Homler ] 18 Mar Look mom, no feeders but foys [Peaceable Garden ] 18 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 [Russell Dorr ] 18 Mar I eat my words... BARROWS found [Chuck Homler ] 18 Mar FOY Cowbird Newcastle ["Mark R Hoffman" ] 18 Mar Bluebird ["Sharon F." ] 18 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 [Herb Wilson ] 18 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 [Peter Darling ] 17 Mar Houlton minor sightings [Craig Kesselheim ] 17 Mar GB Heron in Island Falls (Aroostook Cty) last Sunday [Craig Kesselheim ] 17 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 [Judith & Reid Scher ] 17 Mar Re: FOY Off Topic - York Village [Joanne Stevens ] 17 Mar FOY Off Topic - York Village [Alex Magocsi ] 17 Mar FOY Killdeer in Wiscasset ["Mark R Hoffman" ] 17 Mar HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (17 Mar 2010) 32 Raptors [] 17 Mar Fox Sparrow ["J&C Adams" ] 17 Mar Bauneg Beg Mt. Conservation , 3/17/10 ["Andrew" ] 17 Mar Plymouth Pond ["Bruce Cole" ] 17 Mar North Haven -geese ["Terry Sprague" ] 17 Mar Fish CROW in Falmouth ["Stella" ] 17 Mar Green Point Farm WMA - Mar 17 ["mike fahay" ] 17 Mar Orioles in Auburn area [Jill McElderry-Maxwell ] 17 Mar Machias kingfisher [barry southard ] 17 Mar Fish Criw [Stella ] 17 Mar Turkey Vultures, nesting crows ["Allison Wells" ] 17 Mar Birdsacre photographs requested [Kristen Lindquist ] 17 Mar No Peregrines in Saco... [] 17 Mar Fwd: Bird feeder invader [nancy mcreel ] 17 Mar Goshawk in Newcastle ["Mark R Hoffman" ] 17 Mar HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (16 Mar 2010) 23 Raptors [] 16 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/16/10 [Paul Corcoran ] 16 Mar ruddy ducks in stockton harbor [seth benz ] 16 Mar Raptors-Camden [Kristen Lindquist ] 16 Mar Seapoint (Kittery Pt) Thick-billed Murre ["Phillip Augusta" ] 16 Mar Turkey Vultures in Wiscasset ["Mark R Hoffman" ] 16 Mar FW: Spill of National Significance Oil Spill Drill- Portland 3/24 & 3/25 ["Stella" ] 16 Mar Sanford Sewage Plant , Bauneg Beg Hawk watch ["Andrew" ] 16 Mar Northern Shrike- Penjajawoc/Bangor [Paul ] 16 Mar RWBB mistery, so say you all ["Robin Robinson" ] 15 Mar ? Red winged BB bi color what? ["Robin Robinson" ] 15 Mar HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (15 Mar 2010) 1 Raptors [Derek and Jeannette Lovitch ] 15 Mar Two bird notes ["Smith, Michael" ] 15 Mar Bremen--Webber Pond birds [Ann Nesslage ] 15 Mar Snowy Owl at Merepoint Sunday ["Eric Hynes" ] 15 Mar RFI Boreal chickadee [] 15 Mar Dyer Point seawatching, Cape Elizabeth, 3/14 [Derek and Jeannette Lovitch ] 15 Mar Pipit, Gannets [] 15 Mar Bradbury Mtn Hawkwatch link [Derek and Jeannette Lovitch ] 14 Mar Pleasant Pond & Long Falls Road ["mike fahay" ] 14 Mar Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch begins tomorrow! (weather permitting) [Derek and Jeannette Lovitch ] 14 Mar Abby open - paucity of ducks [Peter Vickery ] 14 Mar Penjajock (sp?) Marsh [thelma white ] 14 Mar 200+ Common Merg on the Kennebec ["Brian M. Guzzetti" ] 14 Mar Barrows Goldeneye, East Machias [barry southard ] 14 Mar King Eiders, etc, Eastport [Chris Bartlett ] 13 Mar Aroostook County Trip [Donald Smith ] 13 Mar Field Trip ["Don" ] 13 Mar Fw: Approaching Spring ["Keuka\(RidgeRunner\)Hawk" ] 13 Mar Aubrn Back Yard -FOY a few grackles. [] 13 Mar Camden area [Kristen Lindquist ] 13 Mar Grackle in Wiscasset ["Mark R Hoffman" ] 13 Mar Phippsburg, Me Map 6 ["Robin Robinson" ] 13 Mar Male Merlin returns to Bangor ["Sean Smith" ] 13 Mar Song sparrow [Craig Kesselheim ] 12 Mar Fw: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/12/10 [Paul Corcoran ] 12 Mar Land of 10,000 Nuthatches ["Bob Duchesne" ] 12 Mar Stow - FOY Saw-whet [Miklos Oyler ] Subject: Re: WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth From: Raven Watcher <ravenwatcher AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:25:19 -0400 In Freeport also at two pools near my house. Agreed --roughly two weeks earlier than my records of 30 years. Dan Nickerson, Freeport ME. On Thu, Mar 18, 2010 at 7:59 PM, Ingrid Stressenger wrote: > > There are WOOD FROGS chorusing in the vernal pool behind my house in > Cape Elizabeth. This is the earliest I've heard them in the 8 years > that I have been keeping records. Last year I first heard them on > April 2. Maybe Maine will have a real and early spring this year. > > Ingrid Stressenger > Cape Elizabeth > > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds > -- Dan's Natural History Blog: Ravenwatcher "An Eye on the Natural World" http://ravenwatcher.blogspot.com_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - Hop Merchants From: Judith & Reid Scher <rscher34 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:38:22 -0700 (PDT) Sorry that my submission caused confusion.  Some of the answers confuse Hop Merchants w/ Green Commas and/or Anglewings.According to Peterson Field Guides to Eastern Butterflies - Hop Merchants are a different species, similar in appearance to the other 2, but different.Judy Scher --- On Thu, 3/18/10, Peter Darling wrote: From: Peter Darling Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 To: "Maine Birds" , "Judith & Reid Scher" Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 8:05 AM What's a Hop Merchant? --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Judith & Reid Scher wrote: From: Judith & Reid Scher Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 7:29 PM 3 Mourning Cloaks and a Hop Merchant - 1 of the MCs and the Hop Merchant were sunning on the same birch log. Judy Scher --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Alex Magocsi wrote: From: Alex Magocsi Subject: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - York Village To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 6:21 PM One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth From: Alex Magocsi <awmjr AT magocsi.org> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:23:14 -0400 Heard a lonely peeper last evening (17th) here in York Village. Tonight a few more. Still waiting for the symphony. On 18-Mar-10 7:59 PM, Ingrid Stressenger wrote: > > There are WOOD FROGS chorusing in the vernal pool behind my house in > Cape Elizabeth. This is the earliest I've heard them in the 8 years > that I have been keeping records. Last year I first heard them on > April 2. Maybe Maine will have a real and early spring this year. > > Ingrid Stressenger > Cape Elizabeth > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds > _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: good birds today From: Scott Cronenweth <scott AT naturalpathwalks.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:12:46 -0400 Greetings, birding friends. I spent a fair bit of time outside today with Tashi and our guest pup Tess. Though yesterday I heard zero Song Sparrows -- among my favorite "sign of spring" birds -- along Crescent Beach in Cape E, today there were 4-5 of those hardy and adaptable lil' spuds singing away in the back dunes. At Wainwright Fields, we spotted the first two of hopefully many Killdeer to come. And just now, amazingly, while hanging in my tiny urban front yard with the pups I heard over a fierce tussle for a marrow bone the unmistakeable call and display flight twitter of an American Woodcock, which perhaps owing to the power of hormones over common sense (how well I know the feeling :-) is displaying in a very marginal fragment of marsh drainage a half-block down the street. Talk about an unexpected yard bird... Peace & good birding, Scott Cronenweth South Peentland, ME www.naturalpathwalks.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: WOOD FROGS Cape Elizabeth From: Ingrid Stressenger <istresse AT maine.rr.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:59:54 -0400 There are WOOD FROGS chorusing in the vernal pool behind my house in Cape Elizabeth. This is the earliest I've heard them in the 8 years that I have been keeping records. Last year I first heard them on April 2. Maybe Maine will have a real and early spring this year. Ingrid Stressenger Cape Elizabeth _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: rwbb and grackles From: Julia Hanauer-Milne <jhanauermilne AT roadrunner.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:46:26 -0400 I heard my first RWBBs and grackles yesterday on my first bike ride of the season. They are now widespread over my part of Sidney. I've been hearing singing cardinals for some time and today a whole battalion of robins arrived. We've also had early butterflies--mourning cloak yesterday and either a red admiral or painted lady that must have wintered over in our garage (it was last week and I didn't get a great look before it took off). Do the butterflies winter over or the chrysallis? I'm surprised that we don't have woodcock or killdeer yet. I remember several years of killdeer arriving before the snow melted around this time of year and looking pathetic as they hunted patches of our lawn. Julia _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: hawks, etc. From: Joanne Stevens <joshawk AT maine.rr.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:18:19 -0400 I did my own hawk watch this morning (9:45-11:30) from the Grondin sand pit off of Holmes Rd., Scarborough. Red-Tailed Hawk: 8 Red-Shouldered Hawk: 2 - both adults soaring directly overhead, one just over treetop, the other with 2 Red-tails Cooper's Hawk: 1 local seen a couple of times, displaying with deep wing beats and closed wing dives, once very close Unknown Hawk: 4 Raven: 1 local: the pair has been hanging around the nest site for at least three weeks Canada Goose: 46 Mallard: 1 Unknown ducks: 5 Blackbirds: 430 Robins: 45 Bluebird: 1 Joanne Stevens _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Very Birdy day in my auburn Backyard From: rojolane AT aol.com Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:09:54 -0400 a flock of 10,000 grackles decended on my backyard this a.m. (ok mybe less than 10,000) but many. A pair of purple finches a couple of redwinged blackbirds males only a pair of mourning doves the usuals were very active as well. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (18 Mar 2010) 28 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 18 Mar 2010 18:03:53 -0400 Bradbury Mountain State Park Pownal, Maine, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 18, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 7 21 21 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 4 4 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1 Cooper's Hawk 3 8 8 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 3 9 9 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 14 39 39 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 2 2 Total: 28 84 84 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Steve Kolbe Observers: Visitors: 12 visitors today. Weather: Once again unseasonably warm temperatures. West winds in the morning and early afternoon with winds shifting more northerly in the late afternoon. Raptor Observations: Most raptors today again were Red-tailed Hawks. The first Sharp-shinned Hawk of the season was seen today. A beautiful adult Red-shouldered Hawk circled directly overhead. Non-raptor Observations: 36 American Robins, 176 Canada Geese, 47 American Crows, 1 Purple Finch, 4 Horned Larks, 4 American Goldfinches, and 5 Common Mergansers flew over. Another good blackbird flight this morning, with 560 Common Grackles, 190 Red-winged Blackbirds, and 400 unidentified blackbirds. The first anglewing butterfly (Question Mark I believe) flew past the lookout today. Three Wild Turkeys crossed the path behind me shortly after my arrival in the morning. Predictions: South winds tomorrow could produce some birds. Sunny again, so come on out! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jeannette Lovitch (freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com) Bradbury Mountain State Park information may be found at: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Twice in one day? Reversal on Peregrines... From: Chuck Homler <needsmoreritalin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:46:58 -0400 Hi everyone! So after not seeing them for a week and telling you I think they moved on... Presently a Peregrine is perched on the railing at MERC. Charlie Todd asked me to double-check if I saw the Peregrines again with the webcam for the Casco Bay Bridge pair. When I looked at the webcam there is also one sitting on the scrape. Apparently the Casco Bay Bridge Peregrines laid their first egg too. So I guess it is a different pair, although I am only seeing one bird. Chuck _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Look mom, no feeders but foys From: Peaceable Garden <peaceablegarden AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:39:01 -0700 (PDT) I made a decision not to put up feeders in my new yard this year because we have a number of cats on patrol and even though no feeders, there was a nice array of birds this morning.  I guess the running stream is a big help.  Stepped out back this morning to a nice spring surprize....   White-throated Sparrow - present and in song! - FOY Pine Warbler - present and in song! - FOY Red-winged Blackbirds - both m & f (this pair came in last week with the rush into the state) Hairy Woodpecker Piliated Woodpecker Song Sparrows - dozen or so (these were also in last week with the rush) Juncos - dozen or so House Finches - 3-4 pair American Crow - 2 Cardinal Blue Jay   Conspicuously missing were my large flocks of Robins and Gold Finches both of whom have been around all winter.   _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 From: Russell Dorr <russelldorr AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:41:43 -0700 (PDT) I thought it was a beer ingredients salesperson until I looked it up and found it was coda for an anglewing - Eastern Comma. --- On Thu, 3/18/10, Peter Darling wrote: From: Peter Darling Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 To: "Maine Birds" , "Judith & Reid Scher" Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 8:05 AM What's a Hop Merchant? --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Judith & Reid Scher wrote: From: Judith & Reid Scher Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 7:29 PM 3 Mourning Cloaks and a Hop Merchant - 1 of the MCs and the Hop Merchant were sunning on the same birch log. Judy Scher --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Alex Magocsi wrote: From: Alex Magocsi Subject: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - York Village To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 6:21 PM One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: I eat my words... BARROWS found From: Chuck Homler <needsmoreritalin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:21:01 -0400 Very strange how things work out... After work I dropped my girlfriend off in downtown Biddeford, she was having dinner with her mom...so I figured I'd take a quick ride up to Rotary Park. A pair of Bluebirds greeted me. They flew around together so I assume they are bonded. Nothing special there otherwise. A flock of RWBB flew overhead as I left and headed to a spot just past the first set of RR tracks on the way back to Rt 1. There are a pair of signs along the river that I find amusing so I went to take a photo. The signs themselves are not amusing, but next to each other on the shore of the Saco river, I find them very Ironic. http://www.flickr.com/photos/needsmoreritalin/4443243868/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/needsmoreritalin/4442462923/sizes/l/ I scanned the river from this spot and saw 7 COGO and the drake Barrows! http://www.flickr.com/photos/needsmoreritalin/4443241246/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/needsmoreritalin/4442465423/ This stretch of the Saco is on the Biddeford side of the river across from Diamond Liberty Park in Saco. Its just upriver from where I usually spot them and I assume they went there because there is more cover and the ice has melted so the area is open to them. Chuck _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: FOY Cowbird Newcastle From: "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:54:49 -0400 As I am typing this I have a FOY Cowbird on one of my platform feeders.The exact same date as last year ! Mark R Hoffman Newcastle Me 207-458-1897_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Bluebird From: "Sharon F." <sfinley111 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:44:37 -0400 A fine start to the day when a FOY Bluebird was seen perched on a birdhouse along Goose Rocks Road in Kennebunkport; I'm still waiting for "mine" in West K'bunk-time to put up the rest of the bird houses! Sharon in West K. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 From: Herb Wilson <whwilson AT colby.edu> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:18:48 -0500 Hop Merchant is an older name for Eastern Comma. Herb Sent from my iPod On Mar 18, 2010, at 7:05 AM, Peter Darling wrote: > What's a Hop Merchant? > > --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Judith & Reid Scher wrote: > > From: Judith & Reid Scher > Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 > To: "Maine Birds" > Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 7:29 PM > > 3 Mourning Cloaks and a Hop Merchant - 1 of the MCs and the Hop > Merchant were sunning on the same birch log. > Judy Scher > > --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Alex Magocsi wrote: > > From: Alex Magocsi > Subject: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - York Village > To: "Maine Birds" > Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 6:21 PM > > One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds > > > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds > > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 From: Peter Darling <petedarlingii AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:05:56 -0700 (PDT) What's a Hop Merchant? --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Judith & Reid Scher wrote: From: Judith & Reid Scher Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 7:29 PM 3 Mourning Cloaks and a Hop Merchant - 1 of the MCs and the Hop Merchant were sunning on the same birch log. Judy Scher --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Alex Magocsi wrote: From: Alex Magocsi Subject: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - York Village To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 6:21 PM One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Houlton minor sightings From: Craig Kesselheim <ckesselheim AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:36:28 -0400 Hi again all -- today in Houlton, a Common Grackle and Herring Gull. I'm sure they've already been reported up this way. Craig_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: GB Heron in Island Falls (Aroostook Cty) last Sunday From: Craig Kesselheim <ckesselheim AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:35:15 -0400 Hi all -- ran into a science teacher, naturalist and birder from the s. Aroostook region, Jim Willard. He reports seeing a Great Blue Heron in Island Falls on Sunday (March 14). I can't find a single eBird record for GBHE in The County in March anywhere in their database. Cheers, Craig K_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - Vaughn Woods 3/16 From: Judith & Reid Scher <rscher34 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:29:43 -0700 (PDT) 3 Mourning Cloaks and a Hop Merchant - 1 of the MCs and the Hop Merchant were sunning on the same birch log.Judy Scher --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Alex Magocsi wrote: From: Alex Magocsi Subject: [Maine-birds] FOY Off Topic - York Village To: "Maine Birds" Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 6:21 PM One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Re: FOY Off Topic - York Village From: Joanne Stevens <joshawk AT maine.rr.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:01:44 -0400 One quick look at what I think was a Crescent butterfly at Florida Lake this morning. Also a B. Kingfisher. Water is open with Mallards and Canada Geese. Joanne Alex Magocsi wrote: > One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. > _______________________________________________ > Maine-birds mailing list > Maine-birds AT colby.edu > http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds > _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: FOY Off Topic - York Village From: Alex Magocsi <awmjr AT magocsi.org> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:21:09 -0400 One, possible 2, Mourning Cloaks. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: FOY Killdeer in Wiscasset From: "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:08:15 -0400 A FOY Killdeer was in the field behind Gregs used cars ( rt 27 ) in Wiscasset this afternoon. Mark R Hoffman Newcastle Me 207-458-1897_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (17 Mar 2010) 32 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 17 Mar 2010 18:03:13 -0400 Bradbury Mountain State Park Pownal, Maine, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 17, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 6 14 14 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 4 4 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0 Cooper's Hawk 3 5 5 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 6 6 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 19 25 25 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 2 2 2 Total: 32 56 56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Steve Kolbe Observers: Becky Marvil, Dan Nickerson, Derek Lovitch Visitors: There were 18 visitors today. Weather: Weather looked good for migration with a south wind turning southwest. However, there was a seabreeze that started around 9:30 that may have stopped more birds from passing by here. Raptor Observations: Two local Bald Eagles put on a great show chasing each other right above the lookout. Almost half of the birds counted today were Red-tailed Hawks that peaked in the early afternoon. Non-raptor Observations: Today was a great day for non-raptors. Raptors are not the only birds on the move! We had a good blackbird movement with 620 Common Grackles, 256 Red-winged Blackbirds, 4 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 362 unidentified blackbirds. Corvid movement was also very impressive with 294 American Crows and 2 Common Ravens. A few finches made an appearance with 5 Purple Finches, 1 Evening Grosbeak, 3 American Goldfinches, 1 White-winged Crossbill, and 1 Pine Siskin. 21 Common Mergansers flew by in 4 seperate flocks, 103 Canada Geese, and 14 American Robins. Finally, two great highlights were a flock of 42 Brant and the first Mourning Cloak butterfly of the spring. Predictions: West winds tomorrow could produce some birds! Also, the weather is fabulous now for the middle of March so there are no excuses to make your way up to the lookout! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jeannette Lovitch (freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com) Bradbury Mountain State Park information may be found at: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fox Sparrow From: "J&C Adams" <jcadams82 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:05:31 -0400 I'm looking at a Fox Sparrow here at the house as I type. Jay Adams Dresden _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Bauneg Beg Mt. Conservation , 3/17/10 From: "Andrew" <aaldrich1 AT maine.rr.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:34:54 -0400 Location: Bauneg Beg Mt. Conservation Observation date: 3/17/10 11:11 AM to 1:30 PM Notes: Light W to SW breeze Number of species: 6 Common Merganser 14 pretty cool to have on a list for the top of a mountain. Turkey Vulture 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Unknown Raptor 5 small dots in the sky American Crow 33 high up and flying north Common Raven 8 mostly local Brown Creeper 1 Second day of hawk watching, There was a kettle of 12 birds so far away I have no idea what they where. The challenge is the view, which is north, and east and west, and cannot see south at all. So when a bird comes into view it is going past the mountain. The weather was great and a bad day bird watching is better than any day at work. Happy birding Andy Aldrich North Berwick Directions to BBM Fox Farm Hill Road parking lot and trailhead: Heading on north on Rte. 4 out of N. Berwick, go 2.1 miles, then left on Boyle Road, which turns into Ford Quint Road, for about 5.5 miles, then left on Fox Farm Hill Road. Parking lot will be about .3 miles on your left. http://www.gwrlt.org/ _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Plymouth Pond From: "Bruce Cole" <lotus51 AT tds.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:27:42 -0400 Plymouth Pond East nearly all iced over, but the part west of Rt 7: Ring-necked Duck 7 Common Merganser 2 M & F Am. Black Duck 3 Mallard 4 Canada Goose 2 Ring-billed Gull 1 Bald Eagle 2 Adult and a 2-3rd yr juv on the East ice w/ Am Crow 8 Red-winged BB, Purple Finch, Am Goldfinch called along Rt 7 in Newburgh. Turkey Vulture worked hard to gain altitude near Rt 9, Newburgh. Cooper's Hawk adult made a go at the MODOs beneath feeders in Hampden. Bruce Cole_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: North Haven -geese From: "Terry Sprague" <tigngump AT midcoast.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:37:25 -0400 Saw 3 flocks of geese flying in V formation over North Haven Island today, headed due northeast! Terry Sprague_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fish CROW in Falmouth From: "Stella" <stellawalsh AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:33:49 -0400 Before anyone corrects my typing. The bird was actually calling from a tree across Route 1 from Was-Mart - between McDonalds and Pratt Abbott Cleaners. You will all be glad that I was in the vicinity getting a new prescription for my glasses, so that you won't hear about any more Fish "Criws" from me. Stella _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Green Point Farm WMA - Mar 17 From: "mike fahay" <mfahay AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:03:13 -0400 Highlights of this gorgeous morning: Wood Duck - 6 Bald Eagle - 4 Killdeer Carolina wren - singing from lower orchard Purple Finch - 2 Snow Bunting - 2 Zero sparrows Meanwhile, 2 miles up the Kennebec R., from Richmond Bridge, an aggregation of nearly 400 Com. Mergansers. I had to look hard to find a hen (3). _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Orioles in Auburn area From: Jill McElderry-Maxwell <jillmcm1970 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:50:37 -0700 (PDT) Another alpaca breeder in Auburn had two male orioles in an apple tree this morning.   Jill McElderry-Maxwell Bag End Suri Alpacas of ME, LLC - ¡BESAME! 44 Denico Ln Benton, ME 04901 (207) 453-0109 bagendsuris AT roadrunner.com http://www.alpacanation.com/bagendsuri.asp _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Machias kingfisher From: barry southard <brdman AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:45:04 +0000 Hello all, 3/16/10 Had a FOY (m) BELTED KINGFISHER and 5 GREEN-WING TEALS on the Middle River here in Machias at the RTE 1 causway. \ Also, Dr Kraus from UM Machias told me she had seen 2 AMERICAN WIDGEONS in Cutler at Turners Bridge on RT 191. Good Birding Barry Southard Machias, ME _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fish Criw From: Stella <stellawalsh AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:39:58 -0400 Falmouth Wal-Mart. Stella, from my iPhone. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Turkey Vultures, nesting crows From: "Allison Wells" <awells AT nrcm.org> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:29:51 -0400 (Tried to post yesterday but bounced back. Thought I'd try again: ) Finally saw my FOY Turkey Vultures yesterday, near the West Gardiner highway exit. Two sailing gracefully overhead. Also seeing a lot of crows carrying sticks for nesting - always a nice sign of spring. In my days back at Cornell (Lab of Ornithology), I would have pulled off the road, watched to see where the nest was going up, then called my good friend and crow expert Kevin McGowan who, when the young were of proper age, would arrange to get them color banded (we liked to think he was deputizing them) and included in his fascinating study of crow breeding success but even more interesting, crow behavior. If you find crows as interesting as I do, you can read about his work (which has been ongoing since 1988) at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/crowinfo.htm Bird well, Allison Allison Wells Natural Resources Council of Maine 3 Wade Street Augusta, ME 04330 (207) 430-0180 Protect the nature of Maine - become a member today! www.nrcm.org Facebook us: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Natural-Resources-Council-of-Mai ne/87277126609?ref=ts Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NRCMenvironment _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Birdsacre photographs requested From: Kristen Lindquist <kelindquist AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:10:23 -0400 I hope this is an appropriate email posting. Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors magazine is running an article on Birdsacre in Ellsworth, and they need some professional quality photographs to accompany the piece. I know there are some excellent bird photographers on this list-serv and thought some of you might have something appropriate. If so, please contact Gretchen Ogden at MBH&H at gretchen AT maineboats.com before March 21. Thank you! (Please don't contact me, as I'm just acting as the middleman here; I have no connection to the magazine.) Thank you, Kristen -- Kristen Lindquist 12 Mt. Battie St. Camden, ME 04843 _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: No Peregrines in Saco... From: NeedsMoreRitalin AT gmail.com Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:16:26 +0000 I have not seen the Peregrines in a week. I wonder if they're off to their breeding turf? I'll keep you posted if that changes. Barrow's has been gone a while and now all Goldeneyes are MIA. Also, Mallard numbers have dropped off and I am hearing Cardinals again. On a side note... Not sure if anyone saw that there is a 16 page section in Downeast this month titled "How To Watch Birds in Maine." It looks like its from Bob Duchesne's Maine Birding Trail. Chuck_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fwd: Bird feeder invader From: nancy mcreel <nmcreel AT maine.rr.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:51:22 -0400 This is from NH but an invader to consider! Nancy in Wells > > Sunday, March 14, 2010 10:16 PM > > So, you're worried about squirrels getting > into your bird feeder?!?!?? > > > > > > > > > > > What the heck is that line made of? > > > Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. Sign up now. > > _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Goshawk in Newcastle From: "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:11:23 -0400 While waiting to put my son on the bus this morning I had a Northern Goshawk fly through darting around trying to make a meal out of a Mourning Dove. Thats all three Accipiters in my yard in the last 30 days ! Mark R Hoffman Newcastle Me 207-458-1897_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (16 Mar 2010) 23 Raptors From: reports AT hawkcount.org Date: 17 Mar 2010 08:03:17 -0400 Bradbury Mountain State Park Pownal, Maine, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 16, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 8 8 8 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 4 4 4 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0 Cooper's Hawk 1 2 2 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 4 4 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 6 6 6 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 23 24 24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Steve Kolbe Observers: Dan Nickerson, Jeannette Lovitch, Tom Downing Visitors: Seven visitors today. Weather: Unseasonally warm, with light winds out of the north and west. Sunny all day. Raptor Observations: Two local adult eagles were chasing each other off-and-on throughout the day. Most birds were far away with a good look at a migrating Red-tailed Hawk. Non-raptor Observations: Four Common Mergansers migrated by the lookout today. Also six Purple Finches, five American Robins, two Eastern Bluebirds, fifteen Common Grackles, and four American Goldfinches. Predictions: Tomorrow looks very good with light west winds becoming southwest. Possible light onshore winds at the end of the day. Warm again with lots of thermals! Should be a good day to come on up! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jeannette Lovitch (freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com) Bradbury Mountain State Park information may be found at: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/16/10 From: Paul Corcoran <paulc2402 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:26:05 -0700 (PDT) Today with the warmer weather the marsh ice is rapidly going away. The marsh birds are becoming more abundant. There were more diving and dabling ducks that could not be positively id because they were further out from the parking lot. Soon the the warblers and belted kingfishers will be back. Paul from Bangor ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: paulc2402 AT yahoo.com Sent: Tue, March 16, 2010 5:27:45 PM Subject: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/16/10 Location:    Penjajawoc Marsh -  Home depot Parking Lot Observation date:    3/16/10 Number of species:    6 Canada Goose    3 American Black Duck    4 Mallard    8 Hooded Merganser    2 Herring Gull (American)    3 American Crow    8 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: ruddy ducks in stockton harbor From: seth benz <stbenz AT roadrunner.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:15:03 -0400 Folks on the Belfast Bird Bus today (3-16) counted 80+ Ruddy Ducks from the Stockton Harbor town launch area. Two large rafts could be seen when looking in the direction of the Sears Island Causeway from the harbor. No RUDU were spotted in Fort Point Cove. Other species on our circuit included: Bufflehead (75), C. Goldeneye (40), Long-tailed Duck (12), Horned Grebe (5), Am. Black Duck (24), Canada Goose (8), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Co. Loon (3), Ring-billed Gull (4), Herring Gull (50+), Song Sparrow (1). Seth Benz 97 Miller Street Belfast, ME 04915 207-338-0940 207-322-8549 cell stbenz AT roadrunner.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Raptors-Camden From: Kristen Lindquist <kelindquist AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:05:24 -0400 On my run tonight, saw a kettle of 21 vultures soaring over Route 105, and then a goshawk flew overhead (and across the river and into the woods, to grandmother's house perhaps). That put some spring in my stride. Kristen -- Kristen Lindquist 12 Mt. Battie St. Camden, ME 04843 _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Seapoint (Kittery Pt) Thick-billed Murre From: "Phillip Augusta" <phillip AT fetchingbirds.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:59:07 -0700 The afternoon birding started out great and then got better. Approaching the Seapoint parking lot I could hear a Red-bellied Woodpecker calling and hopped the stone wall to investigate. I couldn't find him for the longest time until my eye caught a touch of scarlet under a limb. He was in a fresh hole calling to his sweetie, and I could hear her replying off in the distance but she was never came any closer. I'll be coming back to keep an eye on them and see if they're successful nesting. http://www.fetchingbirds.com/2010/mar/redbelliedwoodpecker.jpg At the beach the surf was roaring but I couldn't make out anything close by except for a bunch of Crows and a Song Sparrow in the wrack, and some Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles in one of the thickets. Halfway down the beach I climbed over the berm to check out the salt marshes draining into Chauncey Creek and came upon this Northern Pintail drake. Got a few shots off before he and a handful of Black Ducks spooked. http://www.fetchingbirds.com/2010/mar/northernpintail.jpg Not a grebe anywhere and nothing unusual in the mix of gulls, but there are still about 40 Purple Sandpipers left in the resident flock, which about a month ago had numbered 120. Out on the point I could see Common Eiders, Surf Scoters, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, and Long-tailed Ducks all diving in the surf. Most were off in the distance so I hunkered down in the rocks to wait and see if anything would come closer as the tide went out. First 2 of 5 Common Goldeneyes did and after them a small raft of Surf Scoters came in pretty close too. http://www.fetchingbirds.com/2010/mar/commongoldeneye.jpg http://www.fetchingbirds.com/2010/mar/surfscoters.jpg Eventually the scoters moved off and just as I was about to leave myself, a Thick-billed Murre appeared out of nowhere. Never been so close to one of these while on land! http://www.fetchingbirds.com/2010/mar/thickbilledmurre.jpg All in all a fine day to top off the first crocuses blooming. ----------- Phillip Augusta March Gull Quiz >> http://www.fetchingbirds.com/puzzlebird.html _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Turkey Vultures in Wiscasset From: "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:17:22 -0400 Had 2 FOY circling Turkey Vultures in Wiscasset this morning right behind Gregs used cars (rt 27). Mark R Hoffman Newcastle Me 207-458-1897_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: FW: Spill of National Significance Oil Spill Drill- Portland 3/24 & 3/25 From: "Stella" <stellawalsh AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:09:01 -0400 This volunteer registration is open to all, not just Maine Oiled Wildlife Volunteers, so please pass this on to anyone interested. _____ From: Bailey, Jordan [mailto:Jordan.Bailey AT maine.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:06 PM Maine Oiled Wildlife Volunteers, The Spill of National Significance 2010 (SONS 2010) oil spill drill will be held in Portland, Maine, on March 24 and 25, 2010 (see www.SONS2010.com for more info). As part of this national oil spill drill exercise, we would like to solicit area volunteers to visit our mock Volunteer/Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This visit will consist of a 20-minute volunteer registration period with the U.S. Coast Guard followed by a walk-through of the wildlife rehabilitation area. This will introduce volunteers such as yourself to the registration process in place during a large oil spill and give you a great chance to view equipment used for oiled wildlife rehabilitation. Date: March 24 (W) or March 25 (TH), 2010- come either or both days Time: Entrance times will be 10am, 11am, noon, or 1pm; expect to stay ~30-60 minutes Location: Portland Dept. of Environmental Protection- 312 Canco Rd., Portland, ME http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Portland &state=ME&address=312+Canco+Rd&zipcode=04103-4349&country=US&latitude=43.689 496&longitude=-70.278925&geocode=ADDRESS Parking: Parking is very limited at ME DEP- 312 Canco Rd. Visitors are being asked to park at the neighboring Baptist Church building next to ME DEP, and in the parking area closest to ME DEP. This church is on the corner of Canco Rd. and Washington Ave. with an entrance on Canco Rd. There is a sidewalk between the church and ME DEP. On-street parking is also allowed during the day on the far side from the ME DEP office. Please do not park in the ME DEP building's general visitor parking at the front of the building. Building Entry: Once at ME DEP, walk around the outside to the back of the building and enter through the door to the far right (right of garage bay doors). This door will be locked from the outside, so knock if someone does not immediately greet you. This volunteer registration is open to all, not just Maine Oiled Wildlife Volunteers, so please pass this on to anyone interested. Alert anyone you passed the 2010 registration form to as well, as the 2010 forms have not been entered yet. Please contact me with questions. There is no RSVP needed for this drill participation. If you can take the time to come by, it will greatly aid in simulating real volunteer participation during an oil spill. Thanks in advance to those able to attend. Jordan Bailey Jordan P. Bailey, Wildlife Biologist- Oil Spill Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife 650 State St. Bangor, ME 04401-5654 207-941-4448 office 207-557-1039 cell www.maine.gov/ifw _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Sanford Sewage Plant , Bauneg Beg Hawk watch From: "Andrew" <aaldrich1 AT maine.rr.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:57:30 -0400 Location: Sanford Sewage Plant Observation date: 3/16/10 Notes: Strong cold north wind Number of species: 11 Canada Goose 15 American Black Duck 8 Mallard 7 Ring-necked Duck 8 Bufflehead 13 Common Goldeneye 10 Common Merganser 13 Herring Gull 12 Great Black-backed Gull 5 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 7 Directions: take Gavel Rd. east off of Rte. 4 at blinking light, 3.7 miles south of jct. of Rtes. 4 and 111, (in Alfred) or 0.7 miles north of jct. of Rtes. 4 and 109., (in S. Sanford) Location: Bauneg Beg Mt. Conservation Observation date: 3/16/10 10:46 AM to 11:30 AM Notes: light north wind Number of species: 8 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Buteo sp. 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 11 It was cool to see them all in one group, riding the thermal Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Dark-eyed Junco 3 American Goldfinch 2 Great clear views of the White Mountains Directions to BBM Fox Farm Hill Road parking lot and trailhead: Heading on north on Rte. 4 out of N. Berwick, go 2.1 miles, then left on Boyle Road, which turns into Ford Quint Road, for about 5.5 miles, then left on Fox Farm Hill Road. Parking lot will be about .3 miles on your left. http://www.gwrlt.org/ click on our public places to find Bauneg Beg Mt. Conservation _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Northern Shrike- Penjajawoc/Bangor From: Paul <oronopaul AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:06:16 -0400 On my way home this afternoon I walked into the Bangor Land Trust's West Penjajawoc Preserve, located off outer Essex Street in Bangor, to see if I could scare-up any early migrating birds which may have taken refuge in the grasslands to avoid the strong northerly winds of the past few days. No pipets or upland sandpipers, BUT I did spy a NORTHERN SHRIKE in the treeline where the field meets the marsh. This appeared to be a young adult bird; more brown than gray, scaly breast, and the beginnings of a mask behind the eye. ********************** Paul Markson (Ornery in Orono) _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: RWBB mistery, so say you all From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:09:11 -0400 Phippsburg, Me Map 6, Totman Cove Thanks to all for the responses re: the Red-winged blackbird question I had. Everyone agrees that my photo was of a generic Red-winged blackbird with it's epaulets concealed. It does show that very thing in Peterson's Field Guide to THE BIRDS. what appears to be the same bird has been at my feeders for a week or so now, all by its lonesome. I guess it feels safe and there aren't any bird women to show off for so it doesn't show the red. No point in flexing the pipes for nothin'! By the way, I did NOT find Sibley's helpful, nor allaboutbirds.org on this subject. I did look at both of those sources before I pestered all of you with what now sounds like a really stoooooooopid question. Robin Robinson _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: ? Red winged BB bi color what? From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:42:17 -0400 Phippsburg, Me Map 6, Totman Cove Can anyone explain this to me? this is a photo of a Red=winged blackbird that's been hanging around my feeders for a few days. The only time it shows red on the scapulars is when it takes flight. I had thought it was a bi=color, but have come to realize, not so. So, what is it? Also, Wood duck deuce in Bath today, Oak Grove Ave, drake and hen. Lovely and my first. Robin Robinson You have been sent 1 picture. _MG_6547AA.jpg These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google. Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: HSR: Bradbury Mountain State Park (15 Mar 2010) 1 Raptors From: Derek and Jeannette Lovitch <freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:30:58 -0700 (PDT) Bradbury Mountain State Park Pownal, Maine, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 15, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 0 0 Northern Harrier 0 0 0 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0 Cooper's Hawk 1 1 1 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 0 Merlin 0 0 0 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 1 1 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours Official Counter: Steve Kolbe Observers: Derek Lovitch Visitors: 0 Weather: Count started late because of rain. Fairly windy with some gusts, but suprisingly not too cold. Cloudy for the entire count period, but with good visibility. Raptor Observations: Only bird was a displaying Cooper's Hawk. Non-raptor Observations: Barred Owl called at the end of the count. Predictions: Northeast winds, sunny, and warm tomorrow! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jeannette Lovitch (freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com) Bradbury Mountain State Park information may be found at: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp BIRDHAWK is sponsored by HMANA. Info, list guidelines: http://www.hmana.org/ List archives,subscription options: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdhawk.html To contact a list owner, email to: birdhawk-request AT listserv.arizona.edu ------------------ Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Freeport Wild Bird Supply 541 Route One, Suite 10 Freeport, ME 04032 Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069 www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Two bird notes From: "Smith, Michael" <Michael.Smith AT maine.gov> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:28:33 -0400 A Long-Eared Owl was heard in my Gardiner neighborhood Friday night, my first Maine LEOW. Jay Adams and I later chased around for it with the iPod but no luck. This afternoon a 1st-winter Glaucous Gull is sitting on top of 2 Anthony Ave in Augusta, and also visiting the dumpster at the Great Wall Buffet on Anthony Ave. I don't see many birds out my office window, so this was a good one! ***************** Michael Smith State GIS Manager, Maine Office of GIS Board Member, Maine GeoLibrary Board Member, Maine GIS Users Group State Rep, National States Geographic Information Council State House Station 174 264 Civic Center Drive (207) 215-5530 69o 47' 49.5"W 44o 20' 54.5"N _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Bremen--Webber Pond birds From: Ann Nesslage <anesslage AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:36:21 -0400 last Thursday--heard a cardinal calling all morning but never saw him-- watched an eagle soaring above the pond--the sunlight was brilliant on his head and tail-- the mallard pair were calmly feeding on the corn together till more mallards appeared and then the peaceable kingdom was no more as the drakes lunged at each other and at the females with their heads down and necks extended--racing back and forth--(not much eating going on)--two drakes seemed to have their bills locked together-- Friday--grackles joined the red-winged blackbirds-- Saturday--saw the first song sparrow Sunday--the ice went out! Monday (today)--the full group of rw blackbirds, grackles, and starlings settled under and on the platform feeder-- the mallard pair sat on my bank looking toward the pond--about 10 geese splashed down on the pond-- _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Snowy Owl at Merepoint Sunday From: "Eric Hynes" <ehynes AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:16:06 -0400 Hello Maine Birders: I received a photograph today of a very soggy Snowy Owl on the rocks at the end of Merepoint Neck in Brunswick. The photo was taken on Sunday. Eric Hynes Gilsland Farm Naturalist /  Adult Education Program Coordinator Maine Audubon 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-2330 ext. 237 ehynes AT maineaudubon.org www.maineaudubon.org   _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: RFI Boreal chickadee From: a1marceau AT aol.com Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:08:06 -0400 I'm coming to Maine, by way of Massachusetts, from Texas. I'll be coming from Gloucester, Mass, and I'd like know if anyone can tell me the closest place to find a Boreal Chickadee. so far, the closest I have found is Grafton Notch SP. Also, I will be staying with family in Saco, so any place nearest Saco would be great, too. I'm also interested in seabirds and gulls in the Saco/Portland area. If anyone is interested in joining me, I'll be in the area from March 18 to 20 before going to visit family. Thanks for your help! Allyson Marceau Pearland, Texas _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Dyer Point seawatching, Cape Elizabeth, 3/14 From: Derek and Jeannette Lovitch <freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:16:22 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, Steve Kolbe, Luke Seitz, and I spent a few hours birding from Cape Elizabeth through Portland on Sunday morning.   One hour at Dyer Point, between 8 and 9am was quite productive, with a steady flight of northbound waterfowl heading into the wind.  Unfortunately, increasing rain and even further reduced visibility precluded us from continuing.  10-12ft seas didn't make things any easier, either.   Here's the tally: 137 Long-tailed Ducks 87 Black Scoters 15 Common Eiders 14 Black Guillemots 4 Surf Scoters 2 Common Loons 2 Red-necked Grebes 1 White-winged Scoter 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Red-throated Loon   Meanwhile, 16 Brant and 4 Purple Sandpipers were at Kettle Cove.   -Derek ------------------ Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Freeport Wild Bird Supply 541 Route One, Suite 10 Freeport, ME 04032 Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069 www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Pipit, Gannets From: <wtownsend AT roadrunner.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:25:10 -0400 Monday 3/15, a single American Pipit in the grass behind Sand Beach, Acadia NP and several Gannets passing northward along the Ocean Drive shoreline at 8:30 this morning. Steady east-northeast winds for three days and moderate surf. Scattered grebes, eiders, and guillemots mixed in with the waves. --Check our nature, family, and other photos at: www.fotki.com/townsend-maine Updated on 14 March 2010. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Bradbury Mtn Hawkwatch link From: Derek and Jeannette Lovitch <freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:05:18 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, Some, perhaps most, of you received some sort of error message for the url to the hawkwatch website in yesterday's post.  I have no idea what it means - it may be caused by a typo in my blog post earlier in the day - but the link is working, and does not appear to be problematic. www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp   -D   P.S. As you may have guessed, the season's start has been delayed by at least a few hours. ------------------ Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Freeport Wild Bird Supply 541 Route One, Suite 10 Freeport, ME 04032 Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069 www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Pleasant Pond & Long Falls Road From: "mike fahay" <mfahay AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:20:58 -0400 March 14 Rain ended at Augusta, and remained dry north & west of there all morning. Pleasant Pond from Thorofare Rd.; Long Falls Rd from No New Portland to Dead River Bridge. Highlights: Thorofare Rd: 3 GW Teal 3 Ring-necked ducks Long Falls Rd (incl side roads): Com Mergansers (3 hens; Dead River rapids) Goshawk (1 imm., Dead Tree Marsh edge) Boreal Chickadee (ca. 10) RB Nuthatches (60-75) Golden Crowned Kinglets (ca 6-8) Gray Jay (2) Blue Jay (1) Ravens (4) Red Crossbill (2) White-winged Crossbill (several) Purple Finch (ca 25, most singing) Pine Siskins (ca 35, many graveling at Axle Rd) Eve. Grosbeak (4)_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch begins tomorrow! (weather permitting) From: Derek and Jeannette Lovitch <freeportwildbird AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:14:17 -0700 (PDT)  Hawkwatching season is upon us!  Freeport Wild Bird Supply (FWBS) will once again be partnering with Nikon Sport Optics to sponsor the Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal.  2010 marks the fourth consecutive season for this project through which valuable data is collected while providing an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors.  The hawkcount will be staffed from 9-5 every day between March 15 and May 15.  Daily totals will be entered into Hawkcount.org, and will be automatically posted to the Maine-birds and BirdHawk listserves.  Also, you can access data from Hawkcount.org for this, and past seasons, as well as directions to the park via our website: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/hawkwatch.asp .     This year, we welcome Steve Kolbe from Stowe, Ohio as our official counter.  A 2007 graduate from Miami University in Ohio, Steve has worked on a variety of avian research projects over the past four years that have taken him all over the country.  Most recently, Steve worked for the Cape May Bird Observatory as an interpretive naturalist during the fall of 2009.  In this well-rounded position, he participated in the Hawkwatch, Morning Flight, and Avalon Seawatch, helping visitors with bird identification and fielding a wide variety of questions about migration.  Other projects he has worked on include nesting studies of sagebrush songbirds in Wyoming, Willow and Dusky Flycatchers in California, and American Redstarts in Michigan as well as the Breeding Bird Atlas in Ohio.       Rising 485 feet above the southern coastal plain, Bradbury Mountain provides unimpeded views to the south and east all the way to the islands of Casco Bay. Whether using updrafts off the mountain, gliding overhead, or soaring over the plains, observers watch raptors utilizing a variety of migratory methods as they work their way north.  The goal of the project is to document this migration by identifying and counting all raptors that pass by the mountain.  Last spring, we counted 4116 hawks, including 46 Bald Eagles, 321 Ospreys and 1652 Broad-winged Hawks.  Over a period of years, these data can be analyzed to determine trends in species numbers as well as changes in distributions, which when studied in conjunction with other monitoring sites across the continent, give us a broadscale idea of what is happening with raptor populations.    For example, we have learned that Black Vultures are steadily moving north out of their stronghold in the southeastern United States, most likely due to climate change.  This species has been documented at Bradbury Mountain 5 times in the past 3 seasons of counting.  This would have been unheard of just a few years ago.  Other trends occurring along the entire east coast are decreases in numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks and American Kestrels (both of significant conservation concern) and increases in Bald Eagles and Cooper’s Hawks.  Due to the northerly location of Bradbury Mountain, this site is in prime position to provide valuable data for species expanding northward, such as Black and Turkey Vultures, and shed further light on the cyclical movements of Northern Goshawk, for example.             But, it is not just about the numbers.  Hawkwatching is a very social activity that is accessible to birders of all abilities.  Seeing your first kettle (group of birds rising up on an updraft or thermal) of 50+ Broad-winged Hawks, or learning how to tell the difference between a Bald Eagle and a Turkey Vulture is an eye-opening experience for many folks.  Organized hawkwatch sites, like Bradbury Mountain, are great places to meet new people and learn about raptors and the conservation issues they face at the same time.      So, grab your binoculars and join us atop Bradbury Mountain this spring.  Even if you don’t have optics, Nikon is generously providing binoculars for visitors to try out!  Steve will gladly answer questions about the raptors you will see and help visitors learn what to look for to identify the 18 species that may pass by.  The hawkwatch is free, though there is an entry fee to the park.   And, for the first time in the 4-yr history of the count, the season begins with a completely snow- and ice-free trail to the summit!  Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Rough-legged Hawks are all now on the move, so head on up and pay Steve a visit!  Hot chocolate for the counter is not required, but will be wholeheartedly appreciated!   See you on the hill, Derek ------------------ Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Freeport Wild Bird Supply 541 Route One, Suite 10 Freeport, ME 04032 Ph: (207)865-6000/Fax: (207)865-6069 www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Abby open - paucity of ducks From: Peter Vickery <petervickery AT roadrunner.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:06:31 -0400 The mouth of the Abby River in Bowdoinham has been open for 2 weeks now but there have been very few ducks. Stopped today, 20 Blacks, 8 Common Mergs and an eagle. It may be that with these open conditions the ducks will pass right by but I'll post if there's anything of interest. Best, Peter _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Penjajock (sp?) Marsh From: thelma white <sorrento155 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:12:34 -0700 (PDT) We have never visited the marsh which I know is up behind HomeDepot/Wal Mart, but how is is accessed? How about some directions, please, anyone!! Thelma White, Sorrento _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: 200+ Common Merg on the Kennebec From: "Brian M. Guzzetti" <brian AT farcornersphotography.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:52:25 -0400 200+ Common Mergansers were flowing downriver on the Kennebec between Augusta and Hallowell around 11:30 this morning. About 2/3 to 3/4 males and 1/4 to 1/3 females. A fantastic sight to see. ____________________________ Brian M. Guzzetti Far Corners Photography www.farcornersphotography.com_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Barrows Goldeneye, East Machias From: barry southard <brdman AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:59:57 +0000 Hello folks, Did a bit of birding this morning,3/14/10, saw a large flock of mixed blackbirds in East Machias. Had about 24 or so GOLDEN-EYE on the East Machias River and 3 of which were BARROWS (all fems), one has an almost all dark bill, there is a hint of orange at the base (had seen this individual earlier in the yr with Bob and Sandy D). I also saw my FOY GREEN-WINGED TEAL (2 m) on the Middle River in Machias. Good Birding Barry Southard Machias, ME _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: King Eiders, etc, Eastport From: Chris Bartlett <cbartlett AT maine.edu> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:49:26 -0400 The young male and adult female King Eider are still in the area of Clark Ledge, Eastport. I watched them for awhile yesterday afternoon while they fed with several Common Eiders. They've been reliably seen at this location since late November. Give me a shout off-list of you'd like directions. There were also at least 4000 large gulls on the bay, primarily out in Friar Roads and Head Harbor Passage. Looks like they're feeding on krill and small pelagic fish. There were over 500 gulls at Clark Ledge when I found the eiders. 90 % were Herring gulls. I saw six Iceland Gulls and one Lesser Black-backed Gull in the mix. One second cycle Iceland was really bleached out with a two-tone bill, looking a bit like a young Glaucous at a distance. A few eagles kept the gull flocks on the move. Cheers, -Chris Bartlett, Eastport _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Aroostook County Trip From: Donald Smith <faithformer AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:26:09 -0800 (PST) Made a quick trip to the County and squeezed in some birding. Here are the highlights: Thursday 3/11 Rte 11 Stacyville 2 Gray Jays 12-15 Bohemian Waxwings 15 Redwing Blackbirds 2 Com. Crackles Rte 1A Mars Hill 10 Bohemian Waxwings Friday 3/12 Woodland Rd Caribou 1 Gray Jay 2 Purple Finch Saturday 3/14 Madawaska Lake 10-12 Evening Grosbeaks (Thanks Bill!) Westmanland Rd Boreal Chickadees Tons of RB Nuthatches GC Kinglets Rte 11 between Ashland and Patten Multiple flocks of noisy white wing crossbills Black Backed WP Boreal Chickadees _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Field Trip From: "Don" <pinelandwood AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:10:07 -0500 We took off from Sorrento to Bucksport, thence to Orrington, anf Fields Pond, then back to Ellsworth. We had a good day, the only real good one was the Peregrine Falcon (1) checking out the nesting site at Verona. We looked last week and could not see any activity, so we are happy to see interest in the site. We seen (2) BAEA's quite far for decent shots in Sorrento, 70 COEI's in the Bay. On the way to Orrington seen (2) ravens flying over, and (15) Starlings in the fields near downtown Orrington. At Fields Pond Center, there were (10) BCCH, and (3) AMGO's and a DOWO (1) . Ont he way back there were numerous MODO's along the roadside. A Dozen RBGU's awaited us at the Ellsworth Landing. So the falcon topped the day for us, but I neglected to mention a full breeding COLO, was seen at Sorrento. He was a little "shabby" last week but now, he is slick a on May Day. lol You can view some of these on http://Remarc.zenfolio.com/ Look under the tab Pics Du Jour Don Cramer Pinelandwood AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fw: Approaching Spring From: "Keuka\(RidgeRunner\)Hawk" <t11r8 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:25:56 -0800 (PST) --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Keuka(RidgeRunner)Hawk wrote: From: Keuka(RidgeRunner)Hawk Subject: Approaching Spring To: "Maine Birding Net" Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:23 PM Sat  13:21  13Mar10  We are now in our annual clean up of the area around our bird feeders. Nature seems to help us a lot.  Since Wednesday we have been having 200-300++  Red Wing Black Birds, Grackles and some Starlings raid the two areas in mass through out the day. This has occurred every spring for over 7 years and also occurs in the fall.  The spring event usually last a little over a week and the fall event is 2-3 days. PS: Last Thursday was an interesting day in reference to above.  At this location we had an Eagle circle around for over 10 minutes, A Sharp Shinned Hawk several times during the day and 2 Turkey Vultures circle overhead for over 5 minutes. We also have Turkeys in the Neighborhood who drop by many times during each month. The neighbor's cat has a ball chasing the black masses, loves the sense of power to see them all fly away at once. Haven;t seen or heard the Barred Owl for months that was in the area as reported last year. Keukahawk and Sunshine_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Aubrn Back Yard -FOY a few grackles. From: rojolane AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:29:08 -0500 Aubrn Back Yard -FOY a few grackles. _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Camden area From: Kristen Lindquist <kelindquist AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:17:57 -0500 On a run today along the Megunticook River, saw groupings of buffleheads, 6+ c. goldeneyes, 3 ring-necked ducks, 4 mallards. At my parents' house on the river heard a big flock of goldfinches and one singing brown creeper. Kristen -- Kristen Lindquist 12 Mt. Battie St. Camden, ME 04843 _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Grackle in Wiscasset From: "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2 AT roadrunner.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:40:42 -0500 Saw one lone Grackle in Wiscasset this morning. Also saw what appeared to be a small flock of Cowbirds but couldnt get the glasses on them. Mark R Hoffman Newcastle Me 207-458-1897_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Phippsburg, Me Map 6 From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:08:52 -0500 Totman Cove RWblackbirds yesterday at feeders TVs tilting overhead today 20 Cedar wax, Popham Robin Robinson_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Male Merlin returns to Bangor From: "Sean Smith" <therefromhere168 AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:34:15 -0500 The male Merlin has returned to its territory in Bangor. It was heard calling loudly early this morning in the vicinity of Prentiss Street (last year's first record was on March 11), so the female should be here within a month...and any rivals, return nestlings, etc. I have a strong suspicion there was a second pair nesting in the vicinity of Hannaford on Broadway last year; there were a lot of sightings in that area during times when the Jefferson/Prentiss pair were staying pretty close to home. It's going to be a noisy summer, as usual... Sean Smith_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Song sparrow From: Craig Kesselheim <ckesselheim AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:53:38 -0500 Hi all -- Song Sparrow in song here in the neighborhood this morning (SW Harbor). Of note, I'm pretty certain we had an overwintering Song Sparrow downtown, at a feeder near the "Upper Town Dock." Sighted several times across the winter months there. No T. Vultures yet, but a single R-w Blackbird on Norway Drive near the Stone Barn (Bar Harbor) yesterday. Craig K_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/12/10 From: Paul Corcoran <paulc2402 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:39:45 -0800 (PST) Today at lunch I was able to spend a good amount of time birding. Jerry and myself saw the following birds at the marsh. Another week or so I would say all the ice will be gone in the marsh. We saw our FOY ring-necked duck today. Paul from Bangor ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "do-not-reply AT ebird.org" To: paulc2402 AT yahoo.com Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 11:29:07 PM Subject: eBird Report - Penjajawoc Marsh - Home depot Parking Lot , 3/12/10 Location:    Penjajawoc Marsh -  Home depot Parking Lot Observation date:    3/12/10 Number of species:    7 American Black Duck    4 Mallard    8 Ring-necked Duck    1 Hooded Merganser    3 Herring Gull (American)    19 American Crow    7 House Sparrow    1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Land of 10,000 Nuthatches From: "Bob Duchesne" <duchesne AT midmaine.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:43:58 -0500 Today I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of escorting Joe and Leslie of Baltimore around a nice boreal section of Maine. We rendezvoused in Waterville at 6am and headed for the Long Falls Dam Road on the back side of Bigelow Preserve. Along the route, we encountered about 30 Cedar Waxwings in Norridgewock and I spied a single Pine Grosbeak in North Anson. We reached the best boreal section (along the Bowtown Road) by 8am. General descriptions of these sites are in the Maine Birding Trail guidebook, pages 152-153, or e-mail me off line for more info. Earlier this week, I mentioned scouting this section on Monday. Since then, the Purple Finch and Pine Siskin songsters have multiplied. Their morning chorus was impressive right at the entrance to Black Brook Flowage. We pressed on to the thick spruce section beyond and encountered one semi-photogenic-but-much-shaded Boreal Chickadee. Since I was the only one to see the Northern Goshawk nearby, it doesn't count. Moments later, the area's resident pair of Gray Jays discovered us. Clearly, they are accustomed to people because their begging was ceaseless for the next half mile or more. We scored three more Gray Jays before noon without even trying. In reality, they found US. As we retraced our steps, I noticed a male Spruce Grouse standing directly on the path to Black Brook Flowage. He was more shy than usual but was otherwise photogenic and cooperative. Through this whole time, and throughout the day, the chorus of Red-breasted Nuthatches was astounding. They were always within earshot no matter where we stopped to listen, often four or more at a time. I can't even estimate how many we saw and heard. Black-capped Chickadees were nearly as numerous. Sure they are common birds, but THIS abundant? We had multiple sightings of White-winged Crossbills, including one that posed and sang very close to the front of our lenses. Great photos were had by all. Ditto for Pine Siskins, which are numerous in that area. We had 4-5 Evening Grosbeaks fly over, but they did not land. We chalked up a Ruffed Grouse on the way back out. With the remaining daylight, we streaked for the farm fields in Fairfield that lie between the River Road and I-95. A brief stop below the Shawmut Dam in Hinckley produced only three Common Goldeneyes (2-M, 1F), mostly because the entire river is ice free. The fields themselves were snowless and birdless, but a female American Kestrel was a surprise this early. A check of the Colby College campus turned up no fruit-living birds.or any fruit at all. Bob Duchesne _______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds Subject: Stow - FOY Saw-whet From: Miklos Oyler <oylermik AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:20:42 -0500 Location: Stow, Oxford County, ME, US Observation date: 3/12/10 Number of species: 15 Mourning Dove 1 Barred Owl 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 16 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Purple Finch 6 Mik Oyler Fryeburg _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/_______________________________________________ Maine-birds mailing list Maine-birds AT colby.edu http://mailmanbox.colby.edu/mailman/listinfo/maine-birds