Maine Audubon Bird Alert 030507

From: "Linda Woodard" <lwoodard@MAINEAUDUBON.ORG>

To: <BIRDEAST@listserv.arizona.edu>

Subject: [BIRDEAST] Maine Bird Alert May 7, 2003

Date: Thursday, May 08, 2003 7:57 PM

Name: Maine Audubon Bird Alert

Date: May 7, 2003

Area: State of Maine

Number: (207) 781-2332

Compilers: Steve Pollock and Kay Gammons

Transcriber: Maine Audubon (birdalert@maineaudubon.org)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lot of species arrived this past week. A western variety of the

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, a so-called AUDUBON'S WARBLER was found on Hollywood

Blvd. in Whitefield. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen in Evergreen

Cemetery in Portland. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was seen in North Haven.

While fishing at Sabattus Pond a birder found a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. It

was at the North end at the mouth of the Dead River.

There was a BLACK VULTURE in Grand Isle on the 27th and 28th which was

videotaped at close range. The bird was staying on chimneys to keep warm and

raiding area bird feeders for seed. The bird was in the Lille area of town

on Route one about a half mile south of the old Catholic church with the

gold domes. This is believed to be the first record of BLVU in northern

Maine and one of the northern-most in the Eastern US. Another BLACK VULTURE

was well described about 45 miles north of Bangor on I-95.

A EURASIAN WIGEON was also located in Washburn in association with 5

American wigeon, 25 Mallards, 18 Black ducks, 8 Green-winged Teal and 3

GREATER YELLOWLEGS.

Twenty BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were found in Fort Kent.

York County

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS arrived at Cape Neddick, Hollis, North Berwick,

Wells, and Eliot.

A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was seen in Kennebunk. A WHIP-POOR-WILL arrived in

West Kennebunk and a BROWN THRASHER was in Kennebunkport.

In Wells there were: WOOD THRUSH, YELLOW and NASHVILLE WARBLERS,

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW, and MERLIN.

At Cape Porpoise there were several male and female BALTIMORE ORIOLES in a

yard along with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.

At Rotary Park in Biddeford there was a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER along with BLACK

& WHITE, YELLOW-RUMPED, NORTHERN PARULA, NASHVILLE, YELLOW, and

BLACK-THROATED GREEN. Also at that locality were BROWN THRASHER, HERMIT

THRUSH, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and RUFFED GROUSE. Along Days Mills Road there

were: OVENBIRD, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK & WHITE, and PINE

WARBLERS.

Greater Portland and western Maine

At Evergreen Cemetery in Portland there was a WHITE-EYED VIREO, by the

spruce and cedar trees, by the little bridge, just beyond the ponds where

people normally park. Also the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is still there

intermittently. The list from Evergreen also includes: SOLITARY and SPOTTED

SANDPIPERS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, PINE, BLACK and WHITE,

NASHVILLE, YELLOW-RUMPED, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, NORTHERN PARULA, and

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART,

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, EASTERN TOWHEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, GRAY CATBIRD,

PILEATED WOODPECKER, VEERY, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (about 20), and a

LINCOLN'S SPARROW.

Over at Capisic Pond Park in Portland there were PALM, YELLOW, and

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BARN, ROUGH-WINGED, TREE and BANK

SWALLOW, CHIMNEY SWIFT, LEAST FLYCATCHER, GREEN HERON, CAROLINA WREN, GRAY

CATBIRD, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and FISH CROW.

At Bug Light in South Portland there were: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, IPSWICH

SPARROW, and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. In Hinckley Park there were BLACK &

WHITE and NASHVILLE WARBLERS, while in Calvary Cemetery there were 2 BLACK

and WHITE WARBLER, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, and 1 LEAST FLYCATHER. A

PURPLE MARTIN materialized out of the fog over the Borders/Maine Mall

parking lot in South Portland.

HUMMINGBIRDS and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE were seen in the Willowdale area of

Scarborough. A VIRGINIA RAIL was along Eastern Road at Scarborough marsh. At

Pine Point there were FISH CROW, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WILLETS and a COMMON

TERN. Behind the Pelreco building at Pine Point there were CLIFF SWALLOW,

GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, EASTERN KINGBIRD, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and

BROAD-WINGED HAWK.

An ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen in Cape Elizabeth.

At Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth yesterday: BLACK and WHITE

WARBLER and SAVANNAH SPARROW.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS returned to Freeport on Sunday, May 3, along with

BELTED KINGFISHER, and EASTERN KINGBIRD and many regular species of

warblers.

A male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was at the feeder near Highland Lake in

Windham and another one was in Pownal.

In Brownfield notable migrants were: YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, LEAST

FLYCATCHERS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, BLACK & WHITE and PALM WARBLERS,

AMERICAN KESTREL, and NORTHERN HARRIER.

Western Maine is coming alive: a trip up South Arm Road to Richardson Lake

(with ice) produced 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS,

EASTERN PHOEBE, WINTER WREN, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, NORTHERN FLICKER,

RED-TAILED and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS.

The list from Wilton included OVENBIRD, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER,

BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and HERMIT THRUSH.

Midcoast

At Bradley Pond in Topsham there were WOOD DUCK, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BLACK &

WHITE and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET.

On Merrymeeting Bay there were NORTHERN PINTAILS and GREEN-WINGED TEALS.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and EASTERN MEADOWLARK were

sighted in Phippsburg.

Two UPLAND SANDPIPERS were found in Union.

Three GADWALL and a GREAT EGRET were on Westkeag marsh in Thomaston.

A BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen in Rockland.

In North Haven there were YELLOW-RUMPED and BLACK and WHITE WARBLERS and a

ROSE-BREASTED GROSSBEAK.

Central Maine

A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was in Lewiston.

An EASTERN KINGBIRD was in Sebattus.

Arrivals in Richmond included OVENBIRD, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and ROSE-BREASTED

GROSBEAK.

At the Togus VA Hospital in Augusta there was a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at

the feeder.

Northern Maine

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, YELLOW WARBLERS, TREE SWALLOWS, and BROWN CREEPERS

were seen in Houlton.

LESSER SCAUP were in Washburn and Van Buren.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were seen in Caribou and at Christina Reservior in Fort

Fairfield. A pair of LONG-TAILED DUCKS were in Caribou.

Arriving this week in Central Aroostook County were SWAMP SPARROWS,

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, COMMON LOON, and YELLOW-BELLIED

SAPSUCKER.

A HERMIT THRUSH arrived in Fort Kent along with WINTER WREN, CHIPPING

SPARROW, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.

Upcoming Maine Audubon Trips- Call 207-781-2330 or email

lledoux@maineaudubon.org for more information or to make reservations.

Warbler Weeks

Evergreen Cemetery is considered one of the best places in the Portland area

to see spring migrants, particularly warblers. The coniferous trees and low

shrubs that surround the ponds at the back of the cemetery attract a great

number of birds. During the middle of May it is possible to see more than 20

species of warblers here, including Cape May, magnolia, Blackburnian,

Tennessee and bay-breasted. Various flycatchers, thrushes, vireos and

sparrows are also passing through and add to the excitement. Each day a

representative from Maine Audubon will lead the group and help identify the

birds you are seeing. Bring your binoculars and a bird guide and come for

one morning or all. Meet at the ponds at the back of the cemetery.

Evergreen Cemetery, Portland

May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16

7-9 a.m.

Led by various Maine Audubon representatives

Migration Celebration!

Celebrate spring migration at Gilsland Farm. Watch birds being banded, learn

the basics of bird identification, register for the Birdathon, meet one of

Maine's top wildlife photographers and learn everything you ever wanted to

know about binoculars and scopes from optics company representatives. Events

are free unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, May 10

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bird Banding Demonstration

Lots of birds should be moving through Gilsland Farm in early May. Look on

as Judy Walker identifies, bands and records data about them. Learn how and

why scientists band birds, and what banding teaches us about bird

populations and biology.

Saturday, May 10, 8 a.m.-noon

Beginner's Bird Walk

Linda Woodard, birder and naturalist, will introduce you to some of the

splendors of spring. Birds in their bright breeding plumage will be singing

their courtship songs, defending territory and trying to attract a mate.

Participants will learn the basics of bird identification and biology. Linda

also will explain how you can be involved in Maine Audubon's Birdathon-even

if you can only identify a few species. The Birdathon is a fun way to get

outside and enjoy birds, while raising money to support them. Improve your

birding skills and learn how you can participate in this great fundraiser!

Saturday May 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Camera-Hunting Techniques for the 21st Century

Maine wildlife and nature photographer Bill Silliker, Jr. tells how to take

professional images of bald eagle, common loon, moose and more! Bill will

give tips on equipment and film choices, exposure setting, composition and

his personal "camera hunting" techniques. Participants also will learn about

the history of nature photography. Bill has photographed many wild places in

North America, with the results published in Audubon, Backpacker, Outdoor

Photographer and National

Wildlife. Following the program, Bill will sign copies of his newly

published book, "Saving Maine: An Album of Conservation Success Stories."

Bill's appearance is sponsored by Fujifilm Professional, Nikon Optics and

the Maine Audubon Nature Store.

Saturday, May 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

Free for Maine Audubon and Portland Camera Club members, $8/nonmember

Reservations necessary

"Gear Up for Spring" Optics Clinic

Choosing the right optics product for your nature-watching needs is

important. Steve Ingraham, an optics expert for several national birding

magazines, will review field of view, magnification, light gathering, roof

prism versus poroprism, focal distance and anything else you need to know

about optics. Representatives from several different manufacturers will be

on hand all day to answer questions and help you select the best optics for

your needs.

Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m demo

1-2 p.m clinic

Rails and Wrens

The marshes of New Gloucester and Gray are the focus of this birding trip to

locate and observe many birds characteristic of southern Maine's freshwater

wetlands. Newly returning birds are particularly active, vocal and visible

at this time of year as they vie for mates and breeding territory. Bitterns,

herons, a variety of ducks, Virginia rail, sora, marsh wren and other

songbirds associated with wetlands are likely finds on this outing. When we

tire of wet feet, we can search some dry upland habitats for warblers,

sparrows and other returning migrants. Bring a snack, binoculars and

waterproof boots.

New Gloucester

Saturday, May 10

7-11 a.m.

Led by Bill Hancock

$10/member, $12/nonmember

Limited to 12 participants

Lilacs at the Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum outside Boston is home to one of the oldest and largest

collections of lilacs in North America, with some of the hedgerows dating

back to the first decade of the 1800s. Join us for a guided stroll around

the grounds at the height of New England's lilac season. The birding will be

excellent at this time, too, so be sure to bring your binoculars. There is

no picnicking on the grounds, but there are restaurants nearby for lunch,

and you may bring water and snacks. Cost includes leadership and round-trip

chartered bus from Falmouth.

From Falmouth

Friday, May 16

7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Led by Margi Huber

$30/member, $35/nonmember

Limited to 45 participants

Birding By Ear I

Spring is the best time to hone your birding-by-ear skills. On this weekend

retreat in Maine's Western Mountains, we'll bird before and after breakfast

each day, with eyes and ears open for thrushes, vireos, warblers and

sparrows. Later, we'll hike some of the trails around the base of Bigelow

Mountain to look for woodland birds. In the evenings, we'll review slides

and recorded tapes, and possibly call in some owls. If we are lucky, we may

see black-backed woodpecker, spruce grouse, gray jay and northern goshawk.

This weekend offers something for birders of all levels. Cost includes

meals, accommodations at the Claybrook Mountain Lodge and leadership.

Claybrook Mountain Lodge near Kingfield

Saturday, May 17 at noon to Monday, May 19

at 1 p.m.

Led by Ron Joseph, Greg Drummond

$235/member, $260/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

St. John River Canoe Trip

The Abenaki knew it as Wallastook, or "Beautiful River"-and there's no doubt

that it is. The longest free-flowing river in the Eastern U.S., it also is

the most remote of Maine's large rivers, offering a classic wilderness

canoeing experience. Starting from Baker Lake in Northwestern Maine, this

trip follows a major stretch of the St. John's 125-mile northward

progression from small woodland stream to the large river that crosses into

Canada. Habitat along the river is primarily boreal forest, offering a

special assemblage of species for naturalists to seek. The tributaries are

outstanding for native trout, and if you hit it right, the fishing can be

spectacular. From Greenville we'll travel by float plane to Baker Lake.

Here, river guide Larry Totten will meet us with canoes, equipment and food.

There are no portages, and for the most part, it is fast current and light

rapids. The rapids are mostly classII, with a few class III that are

navigable by canoeists with moderate experience. We will spend six days

camping, naturalizing, fishing and paddling the river to our take-out north

of Priestly Bridge where we fly back to Greenville.

From Greenville

Monday, May 19 at 9 a.m. to Saturday, May 24 at 3 p.m.

Led by All Outdoors Guiding

$1,100

Limited to 15 participants

Oxford County Paddle and Hike

This combined activity weekend offers a chance to explore and enjoy the

diverse landscape and wildlife of Western Maine's Oxford County. On Saturday

we'll canoe a beautiful stretch of the Androscoggin River west of Bethel as

it threads through the White Mountains. This is an easy paddle with only a

few riffles. We'll spend leisurely evenings at our campsite at Crocker Pond

in a quiet part of White Mountain National Forest. On Sunday we will hike to

the top of Albany Mountain. This pleasant four-mile round-trip hike with a

vertical rise of 1,100 feet should offer good birding and ample time to take

in the wonderful views. This trip is designed for folks in good physical

condition with their own canoes and camping gear. The trip leaders will

provide food and kitchen equipment.

West Bethel

Friday, May 30 at 1 p.m. to Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m.

Led by George Libby, Gary Roberts, Gwen Roberts

$125/member, $150/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Birding By Ear II