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27 Aug Oystercatchers- zip- Wed. mid-day [] 27 Aug White-fronted Goose and Peregrine Falcons [Joanne Stevens ] 27 Aug Sandy Point, Cousin's Island, Yarmouth, 8/27 [Derek Lovitch ] 27 Aug RFI: Birding near Acadia NP ["Robbie LaCelle" ] 27 Aug last night ["Eric Hynes" ] 26 Aug Back in Lubec ["Fred Pierce" ] 26 Aug today from eastern road ["Lloyd W. Alexander" ] 26 Aug Oystercatchers? [] 26 Aug RE: Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... [Jill McElderry-Maxwell ] 26 Aug Portland Pelagic, 9/13 - Spaces available. [Derek Lovitch ] 26 Aug Fw: NH Audubon Pelagic Birding Expedition ["Paul Garrity" ] 26 Aug RE: Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... ["Bob Duchesne" ] 26 Aug Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... [Tal Roberts ] 26 Aug Sandy Point, Cousin's Island, Yarmouth ["Stella" ] 25 Aug Eastern Rd, Scarborough Marsh ["F. Charles Governali" ] 25 Aug Frenchman Bay area and offshore [William Townsend ] 25 Aug Scarborough Marsh ["Becky Marvil" ] 25 Aug pine point-dyers point ["Lloyd W. Alexander" ] 25 Aug C. Nighthawks-Camden ["Kristen Lindquist" ] 25 Aug Eastern Road Pannes - Shovelers, GW Teal, Stilt Sandpipers ["Nicholas Lund" ] 25 Aug south unity [Diana Davis ] 25 Aug eagle spotting [] 25 Aug RE: Maine Audubon shorebird ID workshop trip report ["Scott Richardson" ] 25 Aug bird song help ["Karen D'Andrea" ] 25 Aug RE: nocturnal flight ["Bob and Connie Jones" ] 24 Aug nocturnal flight [Peter Vickery ] 24 Aug Mainebirds: Cormorant [Amy Dillon ] 24 Aug Maine Audubon shorebird ID workshop trip report ["Scott Cronenweth" ] 24 Aug addison marsh- wilson's phalarope, assorted shorebirds [Donald Mitchell ] 24 Aug Dickcissels on MDI ["Jonathan Mays" ] 24 Aug Weskeag Marsh, Thomaston, and Gardiner Merlins (gone) ["Smith, Michael" ] 23 Aug Atkins Bay, Small Point and Tottman Cove; Phippsburg, Maine ["John Briggs" ] 23 Aug Great Egret, Phippsburg ["Robin Robinson" ] 22 Aug GREAT EGRET ["Robin Robinson" ] 22 Aug Maine Birds ["Carlton" ] 22 Aug Funny video ["Chuck Homler" ] 22 Aug Last few days ["Lloyd W. Alexander" ] 22 Aug Maine RBA - August 22, 2008 ["Eric Hynes" ] 21 Aug Northern Shoveler - Scarborough Marsh ["Ed Hess" ] 21 Aug 21+ Black-crowned Night-Herons-Eastport [Chris Bartlett ] 21 Aug Gilsland Farm bird walk ["Eric Hynes" ] 21 Aug whimbrels ["Marcia Goldfarb" ] 21 Aug Orono- falcon v. crow [paul markson ] 21 Aug Osprey over Portland ["Chuck Homler" ] 21 Aug eagles, osprey, hummingbirds ["Robin Robinson" ] 20 Aug Maine Birds ["Carlton" ] 19 Aug 2008 Christmas Bird Counts ["Margi Huber" ] 19 Aug MAINEBIRDS: NORTHERN HARRIER [Amy Dillon ] 18 Aug Forster's Tern - no godwits at Pine Point [Peter Vickery ] 18 Aug Worm-eating Warbler in Limerick ["Eric Hynes" ] 18 Aug Sandy Point - Early Migration [Stella Walsh ] 18 Aug Eagles on Sebago Lake ["Linda Scotland" ] Subject: Oystercatchers- zip- Wed. mid-day From: HerPartB AT aol.com Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:46:15 EDT Thank you all for your directions for finding the oystercatchers. I was at Pine Pt. from 10:30- 2:30 and had no luck. Not very many shorebirds either. Could not find a Ruddy Turnstone, nor Whimbrel, nor phalarope. Good birding, Barbara Herrgesell ~~~~ I wrote yesterday: Does anyone know if the oystercatchers are still at Pine Pt. and at what time of day tomorrow (Wed.) or Fri. would be most likely to see them? I've had no luck so far. Thanks. ************** It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) Subject: White-fronted Goose and Peregrine Falcons From: Joanne Stevens <joshawk AT maine.rr.com> Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:39:55 -0400 Pat Moynahan and I found the White-fronted Goose that was reported by Bob Crowley on Monday at Fryeburg Harbor . Today it was in a diminishing wet area on the east side of McNiel Rd. 6/10 of a mile south of the intersection with Harbor Rd. and Old River Rd. Along with the Canada Geese were 14 Green-winged Teal, 1 Blue-winged Teal, 2 Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 8 Peeps that just wouldn't settle down. Maybe it had something to do with the two different Peregrine Falcons that buzzed the area! Also a Cooper's Hawk and Broadwinged Hawk, 2 Ravens, 3 TV's, 2 Barn Swallows, and 100+ Crows. Peregrines must have had a good year as Pat and I saw 3 yesterday at Biddeford Pool. One imm. was chasing shorebirds at Hatties and a pair cavorted and soared their way south over the ocean, seen from the southern end of Fortune's Rocks Rd. Five Peregrines in two days--what a treat! Joanne Stevens ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Sandy Point, Cousin's Island, Yarmouth, 8/27 From: Derek Lovitch <yarmouthwbc AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:31:10 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, Having just returned from ten days birding in the beautiful country of Norway, I was woefully ill-prepared and out of practice for such a major flight!   This was one of my best totals for August, in terms of both numbers and diversity.  Over 900 individuals of 36 species, including 16 species of warblers passed over and through Sandy Point this morning.   Unidentified passerines: 454 American Redstart: 213 Magnolia Warbler: 50 Yellow Warbler: 40 Black-throated Green Warbler: 38 Cedar Waxwing: 28 Black-and-white Warbler: 15 Northern Parula: 10 Eastern Wood-Pewee: 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 4 Least Flycatcher: 4 Semipalmated Sandpiper: 3 Mourning Dove: 3 “Traill’s” Flycatcher: 3 Empidonax species: 3 Red-winged Blackbird: 3 Purple Finch: 3 Chimney Swift: 2 Red-eyed Vireo: 2 Nashville Warbler: 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler: 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler: 2 Prairie Warbler: 2 Canada Warbler: 2 Scarlet Tanager: 2 Chipping Sparrow: 2 Snowy Egret: 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher: 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch: 1 Thrush species: 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1 Blackburnian Warbler: 1 Northern Waterthrush: 1 Common Yellowthroat: 1 Wilson’s Warbler: 1 Bobolink: 1 Baltimore Oriole: 1    -Derek Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth 500 Route One, Suite 9 Yarmouth, ME 04096 207-846-8002 wildbirdcenter AT yarmouthbirds.com Subject: RFI: Birding near Acadia NP From: "Robbie LaCelle" <thebooksearcher AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:00:43 -0400 I am going to be in Maine for a week in mid-September and I would like suggestions on good birding areas on or within an hour of Acadia National Park. Also I am specifically looking for the following birds during this trip: Any of the Scoters Any Grebes (but especially Red-necked) Northern Gannet and Great Cormorant Boreal Species (Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse) Shorebirds Any good areas for passerines (warblers, etc.) Where on or near Acadia is good for Seawatching? Hoping to get Black Guillemot and maybe a Greater Shearwater or Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Is there any specific area that there are large flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls or any terns? If anyone has answers to any of these questions I would appreciate it. Thanks, Robbie LaCelle Camden, NY thebooksearcher AT gmail.com Subject: last night From: "Eric Hynes" <ehynes AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:51:49 -0400 Hello Maine Birders: Last night I hosted an Astronomy program at Gilsland Farm. It was an excellent evening for gazing at the stars but it was also a great night for listening for migrants. I heard a Green Heron, Bobolinks and a number of warbler-like calls notes. This morning at dawn in Portland I heard more Bobolinks passing over my house. I wonder if it was a big exit night for that species. Eric Hynes Subject: Back in Lubec From: "Fred Pierce" <lists AT avialantic.com> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:22:47 -0400 Sure got quiet since I left in mid-July. A bit of changing of the guard has taken place. Haven't had much time to look around as usual, but still some good sightings: Mowrey beach on Sunday - Osprey and a faded Yellow-throat. I was wondering if Osprey were seen around here - guess they are. Also a Cooper's hawk. I put up a sunflower seed feeder yesterday which today yielded Song Sparrow, G-finches, and a family of Siskins - three fledglings. A first for me since we only get them occasionally in winter in MD. Down at the beach what I took at first for a shorebird turned out to be a Merlin flying low over the water. The Campobello Eagle was in its usual spot, and there were specks on the water which I guess were Eiders. Guess I'll have to start dragging my scope around. The seals seem to be back in force too. I wonder if they're as happy to be back as I am. fdp --------------------------------- Fred Pierce (DNRC) Avialantic.com ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: today from eastern road From: "Lloyd W. Alexander" <lloyd AT lloydsjourney.com> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:48:17 -0400 nothing great http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2008/august-2008/8-26-08/ -- Visit Lloyd's Journey Photography. Amazing nature and wildlife photography. Need pictures done for a special occasion? http://begin.lloydsjourney.com Subject: Oystercatchers? From: HerPartB AT aol.com Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:35:40 EDT Does anyone know if the oystercatchers are still at Pine Pt. and at what time of day tomorrow (Wed.) or Fri. would be most likely to see them? I've had no luck so far. Thanks. ************** It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) Subject: RE: Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... From: Jill McElderry-Maxwell <jillmcm1970 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:34:02 -0700 (PDT) I've done Boothbay Harbor a few times now, and it has never been as good as any trip I've taken from Bar Harbor.  This last time there were a few eider, good looks at Wilson's Storm Petrel (feeding around a dead seal carcass), a lone guillemot and a few gannet.  There may have been a single shearwater, but I may also be mixing trips.  That was about it, though.  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 --- On Tue, 8/26/08, Bob Duchesne wrote: From: Bob Duchesne Subject: RE: [MAINE-BIRDS] Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... To: "Tal Roberts" , "MaineBirds" Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 9:58 AM Funny. This message dinged into my inbox as I was just getting off the phone with the general manager of the Bar Harbor Whale Watch. Their boat consistently hits good pelagic waters and I'm looking to help develop a little more birding on their trips as part of the Maine Birding Trail. I've only done the Boothbay trip once and I probably hit it on a bad day. There wasn't much pelagic activity at the time. I'll be anxious to hear what others think.   Bob Duchesne -----Original Message----- From: owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net [mailto:owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net]On Behalf Of Tal Roberts Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:49 AM To: MaineBirds Subject: [MAINE-BIRDS] Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... Dear Maine Birders,   Does anyone have an opinion as to whether a whale-watching trip out of Boothbay (at this time of year) could serve as a productive or semi-productive pelagic trip until the real thing comes along?    Thanks,   Tal Roberts (in New Harbor) Subject: Portland Pelagic, 9/13 - Spaces available. From: Derek Lovitch <yarmouthwbc AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:41:11 -0700 (PDT) Join the Wild Bird Center and See Life Paulagics as we team up for a 9-hour day (6:00am to 3:00pm) aboard the Odyssey whale watch boat with expert guiding as we explore the waters off of Southern Maine.    We are currently in need of more participants to make this trip run.  We need interested parties to sign up by Friday, August 29 in order to ensure this trip's departure.  Despite the astronomical increase in diesel fuel prices, the Captain and Owner of the Odyssey, Dan Yates, has offered us a great price ($140) in order to encourage birders to experience the thrills of pelagic birding in the Gulf of Maine.  Dan continues to go above and beyond the call of duty in facilitating our efforts to increase our knowledge of birds and birding opportunities off of the Southern Maine Coast.   I have also been able to assemble and all-star cast of seabird experts as spotters including  Marshall Iliff, eBird Project Coordinator, and Cameron Cox, Birding Market Specialist for Nikon Sports Optics.  Luke Seitz, Maine's young birder extraordinaire will round out the list of highly qualified spotters.  Although I will technically be the leader, it is the spotters that make for a successful trip.    Under the cover of darkness (well, technically twilight), we will motor straight out to deep water, where dawn will find us offshore and likely surrounded by diving Northern Gannets. We’ll use our Captain’s experience, depth charts, radar and more, as we search for deep-water specialties, such as Cory’s, Greater, Sooty, and Manx Shearwater, along with Wilson’s and Leach’s Storm-Petrel. This trip also gives us the chance to catch migrants, such as Red and Red-necked Phalarope, and all three Jaegers: Parasitic, Pomarine, and perhaps maybe even a Long-tailed! Other possibilities include Northern Fulmar, Great Skua, and of course we’ll have our fingers crossed for a rarity or two! Since there have been few recent efforts in searching for pelagics in this area, we don’t know what to expect – other than having a good time, and seeing at least something interesting! Some of the marine mammal possibilities at this time of year are Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Humpbacked Whale, Common Dolphin, and Atlantic White-sided Dolphin, and Harbor Seals are to be expected. Because of the length of this trip, we are limiting participation to NO MORE THAN 25 PARTICIPANTS – to ensure participant comfort in case of inclement weather in the ever-changing conditions of the autumn in the Gulf of Maine – so sign up soon! We do not expect to be able to accept walk-ons for this trip. Lunches will be available for pre-order and delivered fresh to the boat. Contact the Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth for more info. Contact See Life Paulagics (www.paulagics.com) or the Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth (www.yarmouthbirds.com) for more information. For reservations, contact See Life Paulagics at info AT paulagics.com, or by calling 215-234-6805. Jeannette and Derek Lovitch Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth 500 Route One, Suite 9 Yarmouth, ME 04096 207-846-8002 wildbirdcenter AT yarmouthbirds.com Subject: Fw: NH Audubon Pelagic Birding Expedition From: "Paul Garrity" <paulg AT mainebirding.net> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:02:09 -0400 Forwarding this trip information sent to me from NH Audubon. If any questions, please contact Jon Woolf directly (off list). Thanks, Paul Garrity Mainebirding.net www.mainebirding.net ----- Original Message ----- From: Jon Woolf To: Paul Garrity Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 8:10 AM What: NH Audubon Pelagic Birding Expedition When: Thursday, September 11, 2008 (Rain date Monday Sept 15th) Where: Meet at Rye Harbor NH at 7:00AM for a 7:30 departure Want to be a birding pioneer? Then come aboard MV Granite State with New Hampshire Audubon to explore an area where birders don't go very often: Jeffrey's Ledge, 20-25 miles off the New Hampshire coast. Long known as a good area for whale-watching, Jeffrey's Ledge can also be a fruitful area for seeking pelagic seabirds. We'll depart from Rye Harbor at 7:30AM on Thursday September 11th and spend all day at sea, returning to port around 5:30-6:00PM. Master birder Steve Mirick will lead us in searching the waters along Jeffrey's Ledge for whatever seabirds (and other interesting things) we can find. What can we expect to see? Your guess is as good as ours! We hope to find Greater, Manx, and Sooty shearwaters, Northern Gannets, Wilson's Storm-petrels, and Red-necked Phalaropes. Less likely but still possible are Northern Fulmars, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Red Phalaropes. Rare prizes might include Leach's Storm-petrel, Long-tailed Jaeger, and Sabine's Gull. MV Granite State is a day-excursion boat owned by Granite State Whale Watch and based in Rye Harbor, NH. She's 65 feet long, with an onboard snack bar, enclosed main cabin, two passenger decks, and a full set of navigation and safety equipment. Twin diesel engines give her a cruising speed of 12-13 knots. What to Bring: Binoculars and bird guide, of course. Bring a lunch if you like. Weather on the open water is unpredictable: sometimes hot, sometimes rather chilly. In September, chilly is more likely, but still, prepare for both. Certainly bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring motion-sickness pills if you're vulnerable to seasickness. We need a minimum of 30 people to pay for the trip. We've set a maximum of 50 so that the boat doesn't get too crowded. Cost is $60 for NH Audubon members, $80 for non-members. Contact Massabesic Audubon Center (phone 603-668-2045) to sign up. Contact either MAC or me with any questions you might have. -- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH (Massabesic Audubon Center Programming Committee) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: RE: Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... From: "Bob Duchesne" <duchesne AT midmaine.com> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:58:22 -0400 Funny. This message dinged into my inbox as I was just getting off the phone with the general manager of the Bar Harbor Whale Watch. Their boat consistently hits good pelagic waters and I'm looking to help develop a little more birding on their trips as part of the Maine Birding Trail. I've only done the Boothbay trip once and I probably hit it on a bad day. There wasn't much pelagic activity at the time. I'll be anxious to hear what others think. Bob Duchesne -----Original Message----- From: owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net [mailto:owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net]On Behalf Of Tal Roberts Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:49 AM To: MaineBirds Subject: [MAINE-BIRDS] Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... Dear Maine Birders, Does anyone have an opinion as to whether a whale-watching trip out of Boothbay (at this time of year) could serve as a productive or semi-productive pelagic trip until the real thing comes along? Thanks, Tal Roberts (in New Harbor) Subject: Boothbay whale-watch as substitute for pelagic trip... From: Tal Roberts <talrob2 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:49:20 -0700 (PDT) Dear Maine Birders, Does anyone have an opinion as to whether a whale-watching trip out of Boothbay (at this time of year) could serve as a productive or semi-productive pelagic trip until the real thing comes along? Thanks, Tal Roberts (in New Harbor) Subject: Sandy Point, Cousin's Island, Yarmouth From: "Stella" <stellawalsh AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:32 -0400 A few migrants today: Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Eastern Wood Pewee "Traill's" Flycatcher Ruby-crowned Kinglet Scarlet Tanager Red-eyed Vireo Black-and-white Warbler Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Nashville Magnolia Black-throated Green American Redstart Common Yellowthroat Plus a Bald Eagle and Osprey. Stella Walsh and Becky Marvil Subject: Eastern Rd, Scarborough Marsh From: "F. Charles Governali" <charliegovernali AT maine.rr.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:49:01 -0400 Yesterday between 6:30 and 7:45: Moderate shorebird numbers >400 sesa... Highlights: *3 STILT SANDPIPERS 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS 1 WILSON'S SNIPE 2 juv. NORTHERN HARRIERS 1 Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow feeding a fledgling 5 ft away Good Birding, Charlie Governali ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. Subject: Frenchman Bay area and offshore From: William Townsend <townsend10 AT verizon.net> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:51:32 -0500 (CDT) It has been fairly quiet for the past week or so but we are starting to get some hawk migration across the mouth of Frenchman Bay. 1-5 Merlin, 1-2 Kestrel, and 1-5 Broadwinged Hawks are being seen during each of our 2-hour tours around the bay. Two Horned Grebes were seen off the Bar Harbor breakwater on 8/24. Gannets have been scarce close inshore but with a steady south wind today (8/25) there were a number of subadults and immatures up into the bay as far as Egg Rock. Black Guillemots are now showing winter plumage with about 25% of them changed. There are large numbers of immature and female Common Eiders in the bay but no males have been seen for a week or more. Offshore reports indicate large numbers of molting birds a few miles off Petit Manan Island. There is an increase in immature Bald Eagles being seen. Some individuals are identifiable based on plumage and appear to be here for 2-3 days and then move on indicating an early migratory movement. Whale watch trips have been hampered by fog but they are seeing Gannets, both Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Greater, Sooty, and Manx Shearwaters on nearly all trips to the south of Mt. Desert Rock. Large numbers of Red and Red-necked Phalaropes are starting to be seen. The research ship Delaware II is has been making plankton tows along the Georges Banks, up into the Bay of Fundy, and past Mount Desert Rock during the past week. A Least Sandpiper landed on the ship south of Mt. Desert Rock on 8/24 which spent a few hours on the ship and ate amphipods that were thrown to it (which came from the plankton nets). Greater Shearwaters were present around the "Rock". Corey's Shearwaters were seen on the outer edge of Georges Banks, 200 miles south of Mt. Desert I. Large numbers of jaeger (unidentified) were also on George Banks 8/20-23. ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Scarborough Marsh From: "Becky Marvil" <bmarvil AT maine.rr.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:17:33 -0400 Stella and I had a great day at the marsh. Nothing unusual at Pine Point, but when we were leaving, we stopped at the pannes along Rt 1 and had 4 Pectoral Sandpipers, 1 Stilt Sandpiper, and at least 2 White-rumped Sandpipers. Also, last Friday, I had 2 Virginia Rail and a Sandhill Crane (flying over) behind Pelreco. Becky Marvil Yarmouth Subject: pine point-dyers point From: "Lloyd W. Alexander" <lloyd AT lloydsjourney.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:10:32 -0400 Shots from todays birding adventures..... Mostly Pine Point with a few at the end from Dyer's Point. If you can ID them feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the picture. Still uploading as of 9pm. http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2008/august-2008/8-25-08/ Lloyd Portland -- Visit Lloyd's Journey Photography. Amazing nature and wildlife photography. Need pictures done for a special occasion? http://begin.lloydsjourney.com Subject: C. Nighthawks-Camden From: "Kristen Lindquist" <kelindquist AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:59:15 -0400 It was worth working late tonight, as a flock of 8-10 nighthawks was passing by (i.e. flitting gracefully overhead) when I dragged my butt out of the office at about 6 p.m. Since I live down the street (and down river) from my office, when I got home a few minutes later, I hung around my front yard looking at the sky till I saw them overhead. So I was able to add them to our yard list too. I wish I saw such a striking bird more often than during migration! I'm glad I saw them, because it reminded me that I forgot to post last Thursday that my husband saw 4 nighthawks flying over Route 1 in Rockport on his way home from work (sorry, Paul). So there's a tip for all you fellow 9-5'ers: now is the time of year to keep your eyes on the skies on your drive home (well, at least one eye should probably be on the road)! Kristen -- Kristen Lindquist 12 Mt. Battie St. Camden, ME 04843 Subject: Eastern Road Pannes - Shovelers, GW Teal, Stilt Sandpipers From: "Nicholas Lund" <nicholas.lund AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:29:19 -0400 Doug Hitchcox and I birded the Eastern Road Pannes at Scarborough Marsh from 8-11 this morning and found: 3 northern shovelers 6+ green-winged teal 3 stilt sandpipers 1 white-rumped sandpiper As well as: Nelson's ST sparrow w/ fledgling several saltmarsh ST sparrow 20+ little blue herons (most juvis) 30+ lesser yellowlegs 5+ greater yellowlegs semipalm plovers and pipers least sandpipers short-billed dowitchers 2 bald eagles 3 harriers red-tailed and Cooper's hawks mallard and black ducks great and snowy egrets, great blue heron Pictures probable later. Best, Nick -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. Subject: south unity From: Diana Davis <dedmaine AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:14:26 -0400 hi everyone, we have had what i think is a lincoln's sparrow for the past week. diana _________________________________________________________________ Get ideas on sharing photos from people like you. Find new ways to share. http://www.windowslive.com/explore/photogallery/posts?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Photo_Gallery_082008 Subject: eagle spotting From: rojolane AT aol.com Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:54:39 -0400 I want to thank all the folks that responded to my request for good places to spot eagles. My friend spotted her first eagle and heard the "baby" screeching at Peacock state park in Richmond. We also saw 2 eagles right in good old down town Augusta and at a park in Augusta down by the Kennebec. We also saw many wonderful shorebirds including the great egret others have mentioned seeing at Totman cove. Thanks again Oh and this morning, my cat cornered a young mink in my back yard. The cat is under house arrest! - Roberta Lane Auburn back Yard. ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: RE: Maine Audubon shorebird ID workshop trip report From: "Scott Richardson" <editor AT laudholm.org> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:13:30 -0400 Thanks for your report, Scott. Someday I should get to one of these shorebird ID workshops. Skills honed on the west coast have weakened over time and the shorebird communities here differ enough to raise doubts whenever I gaze at sandpiper flocks. Last Monday (8/18) my brother and I went to Laudholm Beach at the Wells Reserve to seek shorebirds and had a nice turnout. Black-bellied Plover 5, Semipalmated Plover ~30, Piping Plover 2 (no bands), and Greater Yellowlegs 1, plus uncounted Sanderlings and several hundred peeps. The bulk of peeps were Semipalmated Sandpipers, with a couple of Leasts on the mudflat behind the barrier beaches at the Little River mouth. We also saw one oversize peep on the mudflat that I immediately expected to be a White-rumped, but it had a warm tone to its buffy-brown head and neck and lacked any discernable flank streaking. And though the sandpipers flew now and then, we never picked out a clear white rump on any of them. Neither of us has enough experience with Baird's to feel 100% confident that's what we were inspecting, and we shy away from "Well it doesn't fit anything else, so it must be a..." kinds of statements. So keep those workshops going and one of these years I'll come along to brush up on one of the most fascinating, enjoyable, and challenging bird groups out there. Scott Richardson > Greetings, birding friends! I was once again priviliged to lead Maine Audubon's annual "southbound shorebird ID workshop" ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: bird song help From: "Karen D'Andrea" <soundecology AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:26:44 -0700 (PDT) Sitting working early this morning I heard a bird I thought at first was an Osprey, but then I noticed it repeated a series of three whistled notes. The first note then a pause with two notes following. The third note trailed downward. I tried to track it down, but alas too many trees and then fell silent, presumably it left. Was definately high in the trees and loud. Do Osprey repeat notes in this way at all? It did hold some familarity with the tone of the notes (why it sounded like an osprey) but not the series of notes together. I'm located on the backside edge of Scarborough Marsh. Karen A D'Andrea Host/Producer Sound Ecology http://www.soundecology.org WMPG Community Radio ------ Owner/Producer Sound Ecology Productions POB 764 Scarborough ME 04070 207.831.9568 ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: RE: nocturnal flight From: "Bob and Connie Jones" <rjones AT maine.rr.com> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:24:03 -0400 What web sites do people view to see the nocturnal movement happening? Connie Jones -----Original Message----- From: owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net [mailto:owner-maine-birds AT mainebirdlist.net]On Behalf Of Peter Vickery Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 9:54 PM To: Maine Birds Subject: [MAINE-BIRDS] nocturnal flight It appears to be a substantial nocturnal flight tonight. I've stepped out twice and heard birds migrating, especially 5 minutes ago. And I'm not in a great place to hear birds on clear nights.. Folks might want to check migrant spots tomorrow. Also, best bird of the summer for me so far: Hoary Bat flying around our house last night and tonight (briefly). Very large, lopey bat, pale "underwing", pale chin, frosty upperparts. Twice the size of Little brown, and much slower wing beats. Very cool. Best, P ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: nocturnal flight From: Peter Vickery <petervickery AT roadrunner.com> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:54:19 -0400 It appears to be a substantial nocturnal flight tonight. I've stepped out twice and heard birds migrating, especially 5 minutes ago. And I'm not in a great place to hear birds on clear nights.. Folks might want to check migrant spots tomorrow. Also, best bird of the summer for me so far: Hoary Bat flying around our house last night and tonight (briefly). Very large, lopey bat, pale "underwing", pale chin, frosty upperparts. Twice the size of Little brown, and much slower wing beats. Very cool. Best, P ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Mainebirds: Cormorant From: Amy Dillon <amydill70 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:13:59 -0700 (PDT) I don't know what it is with CORMORANTS this summer, but this is the second time I've seen this.  Yesterday in Freedom, I was coming out of town and saw a cormorant sitting, or rather trying to balance, on a telephone wire!  Their web feet don't exactly permit this sort of thing, the poor thing was rocking back and forth like crazy.    Below it was a nice pond in someone's front yard, but it was very strange to see such a thing.  I saw something like this a few weeks back in Bangor with one doing the same thing only that one looked younger than this one.  This one was darker...yet the only one around.  I got some nice pictures of this one and when I got out of the car to get a better shot it flew around in circles, then off.  Very strange to see!   Amy Plymouth Subject: Maine Audubon shorebird ID workshop trip report From: "Scott Cronenweth" <scronen AT maine.rr.com> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:34:36 -0400 Greetings, birding friends! I was once again priviliged to lead Maine Audubon's annual "southbound shorebird ID workshop" this weekend. The workshop begins with a slide show on Friday evening, followed by a 4-hour field trip on Saturday AM. The trip was perfect -- an awesome group of 11 participants, perfect summer weather + the tide was at the perfect level (the mudflats were just becoming visible) when we began at Pine Point at 7AM, three hours after high tide at Portland Harbor. As shorebirds flew in from all sides we were well able to practice our ID skills (including shorebird calls), while also ending up with a pretty respectable species tally. Albeit nothing exotic; e.g., no godwits at Pine Point. In addition to Pine Point we also visited the Pelreco area, Nestling Duck zone, Seavey Landing, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center and environs, and Dunstan Landing. Besides shorebirds, raptors in particular were well-represented: Merlin at Pine Point and the nature center, Cooper's Hawk at Pine Point and Pelreco, Northern Harrier at Pelreco, Red-tailed Hawk at Pelreco and Seavey Landing, and Bald Eagle from Seavey Landing. Shorebirds seen: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, American Oystercatcher, Short-billed Dowitcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet. Peace & good birding, Scott Cronenweth South Portland, ME mailto:scott AT naturalpathwalks.com www.naturalpathwalks.com Subject: addison marsh- wilson's phalarope, assorted shorebirds From: Donald Mitchell <donmitchell527 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:38:03 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday, Abby McBride and I spent about two hours before and during high tide watching a group of shorebirds at Addison Marsh. When a Merlin wasn't sending the whole crowd up in the air, we got some fantastic comparative looks. The Pectoral Sandpiper with its high-contrast breast stood out amidst the smaller peeps. The White-rumped Sandpipers showed projecting (and sometimes visibly crossed) wingtips. The juvenile Wilson's Phalarope looked very out of place (and not just geographically) amid the Yellowlegs, Dowitchers and Semipalm Sandpipers. It foraged at a frantic pace, darting and circling, with its yellow legs mostly-to-fully submerged. This bottom-heavy bird was clearly larger than the peeps and much smaller than either Yellowlegs species. Its neck was long and slender with a small, brown-capped head and a needle-like black bill. It was possible to pick out naked-eye at a distance, due to its frenetic behavior and its clean white appearance underneath (it was by far the palest bird of the bunch). We got a couple long-distance pictures (using the rather imperfect digi-binocular technique), which I can post tomorrow when I get back home if anyone's curious. We followed South Addison Road from Route 1 through the town of Addison and pulled off before the bridge (more complete directions at http://www.mainebirdingtrail.com/Downeast.htm ). The shorebirds were congregated to the left of the road when we arrived about 1.5 hours before high tide. Semipalmated Sandpiper~250 Least Sandpiper ~25 White-rumped Sandpiper 7 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Semipalmated Plover ~30 Lesser Yellowlegs ~25 Greater Yellowlegs ~10 Short-billed Dowitcher 5 Wilson's Phalarope 1 (juv.) Bald Eagle 2 Osprey 3 Merlin 1 Great Blue Heron 3 Belted Kingfisher 1 --Don Mitchell Bar Harbor, ME Subject: Dickcissels on MDI From: "Jonathan Mays" <maysjd AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:36:03 -0400 Hi folks, Apologies for the delayed post. Ellen Robertson and I observed four DICKCESSELS on Friday afternoon on Mount Dessert Island in a lupine/goldenrod field just below Flying Mountain (mouth of Somes Sound above Southwest Harbor). All four were viewed well and appeared to be juveniles or females (no black "V" observed on the throat) with heavy bills, streaked backs, and yellow wash on their breasts. I snapped three poor photographs if anyone is interested (distant shots of semi-back lit birds). Regards, Jonathan -- Jonathan Mays Bangor, ME USA Subject: Weskeag Marsh, Thomaston, and Gardiner Merlins (gone) From: "Smith, Michael" <Michael.Smith AT maine.gov> Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:33:06 -0400 The Augusta Bird Club had a trip to Weskeag Marsh in Thomaston yesterday afternoon. Weather was great, bugs not too bad, and a good array of birds. Our next trip is Sept 20 to Monhegan, for details see www.augustabirds.org. Overall about 2000 birds in the back pannes, including: Black-bellied Plover ~10 Semipalmated Plover ~40 Killdeer 1 Greater Yellowlegs ~50 Lesser Yellowlegs ~50 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Stilt Sandpiper 2 White-rumped Sandpiper ~25 Least Sandpiper ~100 Semipalmated Sandpiper ~2000 Short-billed Dowitcher ~5 Snowy Egret 43 Great Egret 3 Peregrine Falcon 1 Merlin 2 Black Duck 6 GW Teal 1 Bobolink 3 Also the Gardiner Merlin family have not been seen or heard this week, I presume they have dispersed at last. ********* Michael Smith State GIS Manager Maine Office of GIS Subject: Atkins Bay, Small Point and Tottman Cove; Phippsburg, Maine From: "John Briggs" <birds AT birdingmaine.com> Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:57:17 -0400 Hello fellow birders; After spending a few weeks recuperating from a back injury, my wife and I finally hit the birding circuit here on the peninsula south of Bath, Maine. Our travels took us from Small Point to Atkins Bay and back around to Parker Head Road. Plenty of shorebirds to be seen, along with many of them scattering when the Hawks and Eagles made fly-bys. Our highlights were the sighting of a single Great Egret and Solitary Sandpiper at Tottman Cove (Maine Atlas, page 6 D-4) and 3 first year Bald Eagles on Lee Island near the Squirrel Point Light (Maine Atlas, page 6 D-5). I will have images from this mornings trip posted on my photoblog by Sunday afternoon. Our counts: Location: Small Point | Atkins Bay | Tottman Cove Observation date: 8/23/08 Notes: Clear Skies; Temp: 58 F.; SSW winds AT 3-5 mph Number of species: 26 Canada Goose 30 American Black Duck 4 Common Loon 1 (Near pier at Ft. Baldwin) Double-crested Cormorant 15 Great Egret 1 (Tottman Cove) Great Blue Heron 1 Snowy Egret 12 Osprey 2 (1 AT Head Beach; 1 AT Tottman Cove) Bald Eagle 3 (3 - 1st year on Lee Island near Squirrel Point Light) Northern Harrier 3 (1 AT Sprague River; 2 AT Atkins Bay) Red-tailed Hawk 1 Merlin 1 Black-bellied Plover 1 Semipalmated Plover 10 Solitary Sandpiper 1 (Tottman Cove) Greater Yellowlegs 2 Willet 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 7 Whimbrel 3 (Atkins Bay) Least Sandpiper 2 (Tottman Cove) White-rumped Sandpiper 6 Short-billed Dowitcher 5 Long-billed Dowitcher 1 Mourning Dove 8 Belted Kingfisher 3 American Crow 18 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Happy birding! John & Sharon Briggs Fiddler's Reach | Kennebec River Bath, Maine Birding In Maine | Maine Birding Photoblog Subject: Great Egret, Phippsburg From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:52:46 -0400 Great Egret, single 'Wata' Lake on the North End, Sebasco Harbor Estates, Phippsburg, Map 6 All by itself, fishing in the reeds. Beautiful wading around in the white water lilies. Robin Robinson 28 Periwinkle Lane Phippsburg, Maine 04562 207 389 1609 rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net RobinRobinson.dotphoto.com Subject: GREAT EGRET From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:28:38 -0400 Great Egret ' Wata' lake Sebasco Harbor, Phippsburg Positive Id, count 1 Robin Robinson 28 Periwinkle Lane Phippsburg, Maine 04562 207 389 1609 rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net RobinRobinson.dotphoto.com Subject: Maine Birds From: "Carlton" <luvbrds AT localnet.com> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:14:50 -0400 Yesterday, August 21, we went to Schoodic Point, Schoodic Head, and vicinity. It was a beautiful day. Some of the birds: WILD TURKEY with 6-8 babies BELTED KINGFISHER TURKEY VULTURES seven in one area CEDAR WAXWING BLACK GUILLEMOT OSPREY EIDER DUCKS COMMON LOON KILLDEER SEMIPALMATED PLOVER C. and A. Larrabee (luvbrds), Dexter Subject: Funny video From: "Chuck Homler" <chomler AT nassaubroadcasting.com> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:05:28 -0400 While not exactly something I spotted in the field, I came across this video of a Lyrebird from Australia that was rather amusing. If you need a good laugh, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ing2dJzfHwM Subject: Last few days From: "Lloyd W. Alexander" <lloyd AT lloydsjourney.com> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:48:42 -0400 Hello everyone... I am new to the list. Thanks Marcia for pointing me in this direction. I am not very good at ID'ing birds as of yet. Very much a newbie. Here are links to photographs though.... the last few days at the marsh. Very quiet......... Thursday.... http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2008/august-2008/8-21-08/ Wednesday.... http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2008/august-2008/8-20-08/ Monday... http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2008/august-2008/8-18-08/ Happy Birding!!! Lloyd -- Visit Lloyd's Journey Photography. Amazing nature and wildlife photography. Need pictures done for a special occasion? http://begin.lloydsjourney.com Subject: Maine RBA - August 22, 2008 From: "Eric Hynes" <ehynes AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:45:39 -0400 Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: August 15 - 21, 2008 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Eric Hynes and Stella Walsh Of Special Note A WORM-EATING WARBLER was found in Limerick. A HOODED WARBLER was banded out on Appledore Island. Reports of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS have been numerous and widespread this week. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL flocks are still being reported but with less frequency in southern Maine. They remain numerous up in Aroostook County. Species of interest this week include: NORTHERN SHOVELER, SPRUCE GROUSE, MANX SHEARWATER, SANDHILL CRANE, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WHIMBREL, RED KNOT, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, STILT SANDPIPER, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, FORSTER'S TERN, PARASITIC JAEGER, BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, GRAY JAY, and EVENING GROSBEAK. York County Marking fall migration, twelve species of warblers were banded on Appledore Island in the Isle of Shoals this past week including a HOODED WARBLER on August 19. Four MANX SHEARWATERS were spotted two miles off Appledore Island on August 21. A WORM-EATING WARBLER was found near the top of the summit trail on Sawyer Mountain in Limerick on August 17. Scarborough Marsh A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a NORTHERN SHOVELER were the standouts among the birds gathered in the pannes of the Eastern Road Trail across Scarborough Marsh on August 21. A juvenile FORSTER'S TERN was seen flying off Pine Point on August 18. WHIMBRELS and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS are still being seen on the mudflats visible from Pine Point in Scarborough. A SANDHILL CRANE was soaring over Scarborough Marsh on August 18. Greater Portland Post breeding dispersal likely brought a juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON to the east end of Long Island in Casco Bay on August 20. Midcoast Highlights among the thousands of shorebirds at Seawall and Popham Beaches in Phippsburg on August 17 were 50 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and two juvenile PIPING PLOVERS. The most noteworthy shorebirds seen at Weskeag Marsh in South Thomaston on August 20 were two STILT SANDPIPERS and two juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. Kennebec Valley (Augusta-Waterville) A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen on August 16 from the boat launch at Messalonskee Lake in Oakland. A pair of SANDHILL CRANES was seen on August 16 in the Belgrade Depot area. The flats in Smithfield hosted a pair of SANDHILL CRANES and seven AMERICAN KESTRELS on August 16. The MERLIN family is still being seen and heard near the Gardiner Common in Gardiner. Central - Bangor A MERLIN was seen harassing crows at the Orono Bog on August 21. Penobscot Bay A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen from Vinalhaven Island on August 18. Large flocks of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS have been noted on Vinalhaven Island with a group of 200 seen on Penobscot Island. Downeast SPRUCE GROUSE, BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER and GRAY JAY were all found along the Burn Road earlier this week. The Burn Road is off of Rt. 1, north of Topsfield, in the northernmost section of Washington County. At least 21 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were roosting at the beaver pond on Deep Cove Road in Eastport on August 21. Thousands of BONAPARTE'S GULLS have gathered in the Western Passage between Eastport and Deer Island. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found in these waters this week as well. Several RED KNOTS and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS have been among the many shorebirds at the Lubec Flats this week. Northern Maine - Aroostook County WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS have staged a major invasion into the northern part of the state. EVENING GROSBEAKS are moving into the area now as well but to a lesser extent. Eric Hynes Staff Naturalist / Gilsland Farm Center Manager Maine Audubon 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-2330 ext. 237 ehynes AT maineaudubon.org www.maineaudubon.org Subject: Northern Shoveler - Scarborough Marsh From: "Ed Hess" <ehess AT maine.rr.com> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:45:11 -0400 Hey all. There was a Northern Shoveler in the Eastern Road Pannes today. Mostly quiet today at near high tide during the early afternoon. 9 shorebird species with best being a single adult Pectoral Sandpiper. Ed Hess Subject: 21+ Black-crowned Night-Herons-Eastport From: Chris Bartlett <cbartlett2 AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:50:59 -0400 I counted 21 Black-crowned Night-Herons at the beaver pond on Deep Cove Road in Eastport, and there were many more judging by the squawking that was coming from the surrounding spruces. Good mix of adult and juvenile birds. Feel free to contact me off-post if you want better directions. -Chris ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Gilsland Farm bird walk From: "Eric Hynes" <ehynes AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:19:04 -0400 Hello Maine Birders: It was a gorgeous morning and the birds put on a good show. We hit several mixed flocks of migrant songbirds. Blackburnian and Canada Warblers were unusual treats for here. The juvenile Green Heron is still gobbling frogs and tadpoles down at the pond. The tide was low so the shorebirds were quite spread out. Good birding, Eric Location: Gilsland Farm Audubon Center Observation date: 8/21/08 Notes: clear and calm; low tide was at 0835 Number of species: 52 Wild Turkey 7 turkey feathers are all over the place right now - contour and flight feathers Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 6 Snowy Egret 4 Green Heron 1 the juvenile is still hanging out at the pond Osprey 4 Red-tailed Hawk 1 lots of calling by an adult Black-bellied Plover 80 very few still have extensive black in their belly Semipalmated Plover 1 first juvenile I have seen here this fall Greater Yellowlegs 8 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper 100 Least Sandpiper 1 Short-billed Dowitcher 4 Bonaparte's Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 15 Herring Gull 60 Great Black-backed Gull 6 Common Tern 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Belted Kingfisher 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's) 2 along the edge of the north meadow Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Red-eyed Vireo 5 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 8 Tree Swallow 5 Barn Swallow 6 Black-capped Chickadee 9 Tufted Titmouse 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Marsh Wren 1 Gray Catbird 12 Cedar Waxwing 30 Northern Parula 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 4 American Redstart 6 Common Yellowthroat 3 Canada Warbler 1 in the maples near the pond Song Sparrow 15 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 10 Baltimore Oriole 3 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 20 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Eric Hynes Staff Naturalist / Gilsland Farm Center Manager Maine Audubon 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-2330 ext. 237 ehynes AT maineaudubon.org www.maineaudubon.org Subject: whimbrels From: "Marcia Goldfarb" <anatekep AT maine.rr.com> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:06:59 -0500 Forgot to post: saw several whimbrels yesterday AM behind Salty Bay. Marcia Goldfarb --------------------------------------------------- Letter content was scanned by WinAntiVirus 2005. No threat detected. Please visit www.winantivirus.com for more details. Subject: Orono- falcon v. crow From: paul markson <oronopaul AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:45:25 -0400 (GMT-04:00) This morning at the Orono Bog Boardwalk I witnessed a falcon, likely a juvenile MERLIN, harassing a family of about 6-8 AM. CROWS. The crows were perched in the taller black spruce trees, appearantly sunning in the cool morning air (52-degrees). The falcon would swoop at the crows, return to another nearby tree, and then swoop again a few minutes later. The crows in turn pretty much just ignored the falcon, only sqwaking as it flew past. I suspect they were more interested in warming-up and not too concerned over this young falcon who was as big or smaller than they were. The falcon on the other hand was likely thinking "If I can bag something that big, I'll eat like a king for days!" All of this was still going on 1/2-hour later when I left. Paul in West Orono ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Osprey over Portland From: "Chuck Homler" <chomler AT nassaubroadcasting.com> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:33:08 -0400 At 9AM as I was walking to work through Monument square, soaring above the Time and Temperature building were 6 Osprey. There were a couple of Seagulls up there too, but 6 of them were definitely Osprey. Chuck Homler Production Director Nassau Broadcasting, Maine 477 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101 207-797-0780 EXTENSION 272 Access Your Client's MP3's at: file://///port-pv770/share/Portland/Advertising%20Services/Account%20Exe cs Please copy and paste link into your browser if you have problems. (eg. Internet Explorer) "I think it's the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately." - George Carlin (1937 - 2008) Subject: eagles, osprey, hummingbirds From: "Robin Robinson" <rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net> Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:35:56 -0400 From Phippsburg (map 6), Sagadahoc county, Titman Cove Bald eagle, mature, fully balded engaged in aerial combat with Ospreys, successfully snagging fish in mid air, sometimes then dropping the fish into the water and making efforts to retrieve it while the Osprey scream at them. I saw this activity 3 times yesterday and already once this morning. I can usually tell when there is an eagle about before I see it because there will be a flush of gulls that take flight and then the Common Eiders start grumbling from their rafts out on the water. Osprey, very busy fishing, seem to be getting pogies, dabs and others. I've already seen about 18 with catches this morning. Hummingbirds- Ruby Throated, males, females and juveniles. The females and juveniles outnumber the males at least 4-1. I don't know why this is. They are wildly busy at feeders and flowering plants. I've put up stick perches for them which they really seem to like, landing there constantly. I see them preening, scratching, stretching and sticking out their tongues for insects all day long. The perches are placed under overhangs from our roof and the hummingbirds seem to really like being able to get under cover from rain and intense sun while still being near the feeders. The hummingbirds are also engaged in fierce aerial combat driving one another from the feeders. They feed all day long, from first to last light, but most intensely early A.M., around noon and then again between 3-4 P.M. and dark. Count is around 10 (hard to tell when they are zooming around on opposite sides of the house at the same time, but 10 is a reasonable estimate). At the feeders: Cardinals, female 1, male 1 Goldfinches, Female 6 , male 6 Red breasted Nuthatch 1 White Breasted Nuthatch 2 Chickadees ?12 +/- Blue jays 6 4 are juveniles Mourning Doves 6-8, some juveniles Warbler, Yellow Rumped 1 found dead- window :( Robin Robinson 28 Periwinkle Lane Phippsburg, Maine 04562 207 389 1609 rrrobinson AT suscom-maine.net RobinRobinson.dotphoto.com Subject: Maine Birds From: "Carlton" <luvbrds AT localnet.com> Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:28 -0400 We went on the Audubon trip to Messalonskee Lake and Smithfield on August 16 led by Ron Joseph. Karen Lindquist provided a good list of the birds in a previous post. The SANDHILL CRANES were a life bird for us and what a great showing, especially when they flew and called! The RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was also a life bird for us. Thanks Ron and Maine Audubon for providing us with this memorable experience! C. and A. Larrabee, Dexter Subject: 2008 Christmas Bird Counts From: "Margi Huber" <mhuber AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:23:47 -0400 Hello Birders, In an effort to get as many people as we can out counting birds we will again be listing as many of the CBC count areas and dates in our next issue of Habitat which comes out in September. Below is a list so far. There are still dates and contacts pending. If you can fill in any of the green spaces, please let me know. And if I have omitted a count area completely, please send all pertinent details and we will get the word out. Thanks so much. 2008 Christmas Bird Counts Greater Portland: Date? Contact Bill Hancock at (207) 657-3485 or wph AT maine.rr.com Lower Kennebec/Sheepscot: Date? Contact Don Hudson at dhudson AT chewonki.org? Mount Desert Island: Saturday, December 15 Contact Michael Good at (207) 288-8128 or info AT downeastnaturetours.com Orono/Old Town: Sunday, December 14 Contact Paul Markson at 1-888-848-1685 Paul_Markson AT umit.maine.edu Thomaston-Rockland: Saturday, December 20 Contact Don Reimer at (207) 273-3146 sherreal AT hotmail.com Blue Hill: Sunday, December 14 Contact Leslie Clapp at (207) 664-4400 flowerpower AT downeast.net Isles of Shoals: Sunday, Date? Contact? E.J. Raynor at (203) 610-3920 or edward.raynor AT maine.edu Rangeley: Sunday, December 14 Contact Jennifer Perry at (603) 463-3085 or jperry AT exeternh.org Waterville: Date? Contact Bets Brown at (207) 445-4967 York County: Date? Contact Don Tucker at (207) 676-4429 Bunker Hill (Jefferson): Monday, December 22 Contact: Peter Liss 549-3731 Pemaquid/Damariscotta: Monday, December 22 Contact Joe Gray at (207) 563-3578 Bangor/Bucksport: Date? Contact Fields Pond Audubon Center at (207) 989-2591 Greater Deer Isle: Date? Contact? Ken Crowell at (207) 348-6065 or Chip Moseley at (207) 359-2558 Freeport/Brunswick: Date? Contact? Judy Camuso at xxxxxxx Biddeford/Kennebunkport: Saturday, January 3 Contact Marie Jordan at (207) 799-1408 mijord AT maine.rr.com Schoodic Point: Date? Contact? William Townsend at (207) 288-5654 or townsend10 AT verizon.net Margi Huber Field Trip and Tour Coordinator Maine Audubon 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, Maine 04105 207-781-2330, ext. 217 mhuber AT maineaudubon.org MAINE AUDUBON CONNECTS PEOPLE WITH NATURE To get wildlife news and connect with nature, go here . Subject: MAINEBIRDS: NORTHERN HARRIER From: Amy Dillon <amydill70 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:10:37 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday while driving in Corinna off of a side road, we spotted a NORTHERN HARRIER in a marshy/fieldy area.    At first I thought I was seeing things, but it's colors and markings were unmistakable.  It was a chocolate/rusty brown with a very definitive white patch at the base of it's rump, just before the tail.  It was gently gliding back and forth as it lowered itself down into some tall grasses so we got a very good look at it.  Probably a female.  I am going to try to get a picture of it soon when the rain lets up.    Amy Plymouth Subject: Forster's Tern - no godwits at Pine Point From: Peter Vickery <petervickery AT roadrunner.com> Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:07:58 -0400 Birded Pine Point this afternoon and Marie Jordan found a juv Forster's Tern flying off Pine Point this afternoon, 18 Aug 2008. No godwitd, 3 dimwits, unnamed. Oystercatchers - 2 -adults - present. Otherwise routine. Best, P ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Worm-eating Warbler in Limerick From: "Eric Hynes" <ehynes AT maineaudubon.org> Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:29:13 -0400 Hello Maine Birders: I just received a reliable report of a Worm-eating Warbler near the top of the summit trail on Sawyer Mountain off Sawyer Mountain Road in Limerick yesterday (Sunday, August 17). Eric Hynes Staff Naturalist / Gilsland Farm Center Manager Maine Audubon 20 Gilsland Farm Road Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-2330 ext. 237 ehynes AT maineaudubon.org www.maineaudubon.org Subject: Sandy Point - Early Migration From: Stella Walsh <stellawalsh AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:08:26 -0400 (GMT-04:00) Had seven species of warblers at Sandy Point on Cousin's Island in Yarmouth. This spot can be great on north-west winds as migrants make their way down the island and across the water to the mainland. Species for August 16 included (some of which are local birds) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (at least two HY working the Jewell Weed) Red-eyed Vireo Yellow Warbler Black-and-white Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Wilson's Warbler American Redstart Nashville Warbler Common Yellowthroat Stella ***************************************www.mainebirdlist.net The maine-birds email list is made available for subscription to anyone interested in birding issues in the State of Maine. For list info, visit http://www.mainebirdlist.net/ Subject: Eagles on Sebago Lake From: "Linda Scotland" <lds AT maine.rr.com> Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:30:32 -0400 Yesterday, we were boating on Sebago, just north of the state park, and two eagles were flying around all afternoon. There were also two loons who were very upset about the eagles and complained constantly. Linda D. Scotland P O Box 248 Cape Neddick, ME 03902 (207) 363-5377 lds AT maine.rr.com