Another Scaup?

UPDATE: The verdict is a White Winged Scoter. Thanks to all who replied, it’s greatly appreciated! 

Here we go again! I am a rookie at best when it comes to identifying seabirds. One of these days, I won’t have to ask, “What is that?”

This duck was seen at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine over the Christmas weekend. Click thumbnail image for a larger view.

 

Any clues? Thanks for your help and happy birding!

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Dogs are not allowed

I love animals, pets, wildlife, birds, fish… you get the idea, so I don’t want anyone leaving a comment about how I hate dogs, because I don’t. When I had my beagle, named Buddy, I obeyed the law. With pets, you must obey the law, but some people don’t.

My wife and I were near the entrance to the Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary near Biddeford Pool on Christmas eve at approximately 10:00 a.m. We were parked along the street birding and watched a car park directly in front of the gate to the sanctuary. Signs on the gate, which you cannot miss, state “NO DOGS” and “NO PETS”.

A couple exited their car with two dogs and proceeded to walk into the sanctuary with their pets. My wife tried to get their attention by saying that dogs were not allowed in the sanctuary, and when they ignored her, I tried to tell them. They completely ignored us!!

It takes a good bit to upset me, but this episode did. I did nothing. I should have called the Maine Audubon Society. I figured it’s Christmas Eve, so why cause a stink.

But you know what? I should have caused a stink. The sanctuary is there to preserve wildlife, not to be stressed by someones dogs ripping and tearing around. I have seen these rules broken before both at the sanctuary and at the Scarborough Marsh where dogs must be on a leash. If I see anyone in the sanctuary with dogs, I will report them, licenses plates and all. I don’t care if it’s the President of the US or the Mayor of Biddeford.

Here are a few pictures of the entrance to the sanctuary, with the “NO DOGS” sign as evident as the thumb on your hand. Click a thumbnail for a larger view.

 

Beware scofflaws and happy birding!

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Identification help

 UPDATE: The creature in question is a Greater Scaup. Thanks Luke! 

 

I have a picture that follows this article of a duck I need help identifying. It was seen in Biddeford Pool and was feeding with Common Goldeneyes. Although not the best picture due to the distance at which the picture was taken, I believe it is good enough for I.D. purposes.

 

Please reply by clicking the Leave a passing comment » link at the end of this article. Thank you!

Happy birding!

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Merry Christmas

Birding In Maine wishes a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!!

 

 

Eiders in the Gut at Pines Landing

We have been birding the Gut at Pines Landing in Biddeford Pool quite a bit lately. Whether it’s low or high tide, waterfowl of all types are either flying or floating through the Gut.

This past weekend we viewed the following;

• 44 Common Eiders
• 7 Red-Breasted Mergansers
• 8 Common Loons
• 38 Canada Geese
• 4 Old Squaw (Longtail Duck)
• 9 Horned Grebe
• 12 Bufflehead
• 5 Golden Eye
• 1 Surf Scoter
• 1 White Winged Scoter

It was a fun time indeed!

I leave you with some images of the Eiders we saw, some of them comical. Click a thumbnail for a larger view.

 Happy birding!

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