Winter or Spring
March 18, 2007 · Print This Article
In the last ten days, the area has experienced below zero lows, temps in the 60’s and a major snow storm, all in that order.
Birds that are absent in the winter are heading back to the area. Reports are received everyday from the Maine-Bird List that Robins, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Cowbirds and others are returning in droves.
This weekend, after the roads were cleared of the 11″ snowfall, we motored around our regular loop and saw these birds that beckon spring. Imagine the surprise these birds had when snow, sleet, freezing rain and high winds pelted the area. I am willing to bet that they wished they had stayed away a bit longer!
Saturday afternoon, my wife and I watched a male Harlequin Duck in the surf from our car parked along Ocean Avenue in Biddeford Pool. Although the lighting was awful, I managed to get a few pictures of him and they are posted at the end of this article.
We saw our first American Robin of the year at Fortunes Rock Beach this morning, along with first of the year Red-Winged Blackbirds and a Brown-Headed Cowbird.
Hooded Mergansers continue to be seen at the Scarborough Marsh, along with hundreds of Canada Geese. Very large rafts of Common Eider were seen at Pine Point and Camp Ellis. Common Loons seem to be congregating into large groups also, as 15 were seen together near Eastern Point in Biddeford Pool.
Yesterday it was Turkeys along Route 9, today it was Deer, as you can see in the photos below.
Please enjoy the following pictures, and you decide, is it Winter or Spring? The calendar says winter, but spring is just around the corner. Click a thumbnail for a larger view.
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Happy birding!
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You’ve got some very nice shots. i especially like the robin, and the two of the ring-necked duck from Scarborough.
just wantd to let you know, the shot of the sparrow in the lower right corner is a tree sparrow. I think you may have had it labeled as a song sparrow
nice lighting.
Where exactly was the ring-necked shot from? I’ve made some attempts at photographing ducks, but have not been very successful.
What kind of lens were you shooting with?
Cheers!
-Frank
Frank;
Thank you for the wonderful comments! And the correction to the “Song” Sparrow. You are right, it is a Tree Sparrow. This is what happens when you get in a hurry!
We saw the Ring-Necked Duck behind the Pelreco building, which is across the street from the Nestling Duck gift shop. There is a parking area there. A huge pile of snow allows you to sneak up to the stream that is there without the ducks knowing you are there. Of course when the snow is gone, you will have to be extra careful.
The lens that I use on my Rebel XTI is a Canon 100-400mm F4-5.6L IS USM. Lighting must be good to get those special shots. I am still in a learning-curve with it, but I love this lens! With the flying shots, I use AI Servo and a fast shutter speed.
I believe, from experience and from input from several photog friends, that a DSLR and a fast lens is a must for shooting birds of all kinds. And good lighting is very helpful in getting those sharp images.
I hope this helps you in your quest. If you have anymore questions or need some tips, please feel free to contact me.
John Briggs