Rainy day activity

Despite the gloomy weekend, birds were still numerous if you were there to see them. Conditions for photography were terrible, but that did not stop the birds from flitting about the area.

My wife and I decided to forgo Evergreen this weekend and instead, birded our regular loop. From Granite Point to Biddeford Pool, the birding was not disappointing. Black-Bellied Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Dunlins in full breeding color populated the beach at Curtis Cove. A lone pair of Common Terns were on the beach as seen from Bay Street in Biddeford Pool. Warblers flitted around the bushes along Etherington Pond near Fortunes Rock Beach.

A few opportunities did present themselves for a couple of photos, including a few shots of a Wilson’s Warbler near Fortunes Rock Beach. Enjoy these photos by simply clicking a thumbnail for a larger view. Comments and criticisms are greatly appreciated.

Happy birding!

Technorati Tags: birds, birded, birding, Warblers, photos

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Birder’s Breakfast cancelled

The Birder’s Breakfast, sponsored by the Maine Audubon, scheduled for this Saturday, May 19 at Evergreen Cemetery has been cancelled due to the forecast for rainy weather.  It will not be re-scheduled.

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Warbler migration in full swing

Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, Maine was a flurry of activity this morning with many species of Warblers and plenty of birders to see them.

A cloudy start led to crystal blue skies and moderate temperatures. Warbler activity began in earnest around 7:30 a.m. as a large snapping turtle surfaced in the large pond for a breath of air. A lone Double-Crested Cormorant sunbathed on a small rocky islet. The musical chorus of hundreds of birds echoed throughout the woods. Fellow birders looked through their binoculars at fleeting glimpses of their quarry, then referenced their bird guides for a clue as to what they saw.

I stationed myself at the upper end of the pond and was rewarded with an American Redstart. I heard other birders mention a Magnolia Warbler and knew I had to see this bird as it is a life list species for me. No longer had I begun to seek the Magnolia, I heard talk of a Canada Warbler! Another life lister. “There he is!” I heard someone exclaim. Here, there, everywhere…. what a job trying to keep up and photographing these fidgety birds. Many thanks go out to fellow birders who helped locate these gems.

It was a great morning with the following species tallied at Evergreen Cemetery and Capisic Park:

• Magnolia Warbler*
• Canada Warbler*
• Black-Throated Green Warbler
• Black-Throated Blue Warbler
• Hooded Warbler
• Yellow Warbler
• Yellow-Rumped Warbler
• Palm Warbler
• Wilson’s Warbler
• Blackburnian Warbler
• Common Yellowthroat
• Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
• Golden Crowned Kinglet
• American Redstart
• Warbling Vireo
• Blue headed Vireo
• Orchard Oriole
• Baltimore Oriole
• Fox Sparrow
• Song Sparrow
• White Crowned Sparrow
• White Throated Sparrow
• Red-Winged Blackbird
• Spotted Sandpiper*
• Double-Crested Cormorant
• Mallard
• Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
• Blue Jay
• Northern Cardinal

* indicates life list species

Although not all the species mentioned were photographed, I am not about to give up. Next weekend, if the weather is cooperative, I will try once again to capture images of the species who just would not cooperate today. It will not be long until the spring migration of Warblers will be past and I will have to wait until fall for another chance.

The following are photos of birds taken today at Evergreen Cemetery and Capisic Park. Comments and criticisms are always welcomed and appreciated!

Happy birding!

Technorati Tags: Portland, Maine, Warblers, birders, birds, bird, birding

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New look

Welcome to the new look of Birding In Maine!

We changed the look and feel of the site to better serve our viewers.

Along with software updates and faster page loading times, we hope your experience here will be a pleasant one.

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Happy birding!

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Saturday morning at Granite Point

 Today is International Migratory Bird Day and this year’s theme is Birds in a Changing Climate. Events are being held at wildlife refuges, zoos, community parks, and at U.S. National Parks. Visit the IMBD website for more information.

Just after sunrise this morning, I arrived at Granite Point to bird for a few hours. A stiff northeast wind made for a chilly outing. My first bird of the day was a Northern Flicker who posed perfectly on a wood rail fence. Shortly after, a pair of Greater Yellow Legs flew into the pannes that were directly in front of me and began feeding.

After taking a few photos, I headed out to the end of Granite Point Road and met with fellow birder Bob Malbon. While discussing birding adventures of the past week, Tree Swallows flew about, Chickadees and Song Sparrows flitted in the shrubs and in the distance, Egrets moved back and forth across the marsh.

We decided to move on to First Avenue in Biddeford Pool to look for Warblers, but upon arriving there, it was a no show for these birds. We managed to snap a few photos of a pair of Gray Catbirds that were busy preening in the low bushes along the road. Deer apparently were moving earlier, as tracks were evident along the roadside.

Enjoy the photos below. Simply click a thumbnail for a larger view.

Happy birding!

Technorati Tags: bird, birder, birding, Biddeford Pool, birds

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