Each morning, upon waking, I gaze out my third-story bedroom window to enjoy the sun rising over Casco Bay. On one particular morning a week ago, the view was especially beautiful: The sky was perfectly clear, yet the air over the ocean was slightly misty. Read More
Recently, I had to travel to Indiana for my job, which necessitated driving to and from a large university and living out of a hotel situated in the middle of acre upon acre of big-box stores, fast food restaurants, and strip malls. Needless to say… Read More
No matter how many times I witness the spectacle of bird migration, it never ceases to awe and humble me. And the most magical experiences always seem to occur in the late hours of bright, moonlit nights, when the air is completely still and everything is silent. Read More
The recent storm that traveled up through the Gulf of Maine produced lasting effects on some of the birds in the region, as I was to find after corresponding with my friend Paul Markson in Orono. Paul said he’d received a call from Jim Bird,… Read More
As summer begins to fade, I try to hold the good days we had in memory against the coming cold season. Soon after the long spell of rainy weather we had going into August, a friend and I planned to spend some time at Crescent… Read More
Last weekend I met a friend for an early morning bird walk at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth. As I parked my car, I could see she had already arrived, and she appeared from around a hedge as I was gathering my binoculars from… Read More
One of the benefits of living near the ocean, for me, is the increased variety of bird life I see and hear. I’ve particularly enjoyed almost daily views of osprey, which seem to be numerous in my area. Quite often lately I’ve caught sight of… Read More
A few months ago I had discovered a brown thrasher had apparently taken up residence in my neighborhood. The bird seemed to have staked out a close thicket of small trees and shrubs, and I found him one day singing his heart out from within the tangle of… Read More
Uncommon birds are often seen during migration, when they may stray from their normal routes or get blown off course during a storm. Winter is also a prime time to see such birds, when hardy northern species vacate their Arctic ranges during an unusually harsh season. Read More
During my visit to New Jersey a few weeks ago, I was surrounded by the results of springtime activity in the wild: there were fledgling birds everywhere, it seemed. In the span of one hour I observed fledgling Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, wood thrushes and a northern flicker… Read More
A trip to my home state of New Jersey over the last few days granted me a wonderful and surprising gift. I have to admit, New Jersey is a state of extremes. On one hand, there is the heavily industrialized portion that makes a mockery… Read More
Since I’m now living in South Portland, I have to travel a bit farther if I want to view or hear wood warblers. I can no longer just walk a few blocks to access a location where I can get black-throated green warblers, magnolia warblers,… Read More
Recently my co-worker, Dave Duguay, came to me and asked if I knew what a “timberdoodle” was. I had never heard of such a thing and wondered what on earth he was talking about. I began to wonder if he was playing a joke on me, as he… Read More
Each morning, I am serenaded by the songs of cardinals, mockingbirds and a gray catbird that has staked out territory in the thicket by the side of my apartment house. I had become accustomed to hearing them, so I was surprised when one day I… Read More
The problem with having competing interests is that oftentimes, one of them has to take a back seat to the other. Such is the case with me, anyway. My other passion in life – horses – tends to take up much of my time, and… Read More
Last week, a midmorning birding walk produced a special treat. The weekend had been cool and rainy, so when Monday dawned bright and warm – a perfect spring day – I decided to take advantage of it, as I was working the second shift that day. Read More
Recently a friend and I went out for an early-morning bird walk. The trees still looked relatively bare, despite the warm spell, but the green of new grass brought life to the landscape, and the songs and calls of birds promised the full advent of spring right around… Read More
When I first moved here I lived near the coast and quickly became familiar with our sea ducks. Common eiders became my favorite. They were abundant and easily observed, but they also seemed to exude a certain mystery. They seemed to embody the wildness of… Read More
As I was driving home from work one day last week, I caught a glimpse of movement above a group of white pine trees growing near the road. A small raptor – I’m guessing it was a sharp-shinned hawk – shot straight up from within… Read More
Sometimes, luck in bird watching requires nothing more than investigating slight differences in what you see or hear. In my case, it was what I heard that earned me a great view of a beautiful little songbird recently. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
As I glanced out my window the other morning, I was reminded of those photos you see in birding supply magazines: feeders of every shape and size, hosting no less than three different bird species at once. An American goldfinch, a house finch, a black-capped chickadee and a… Read More
This winter may have brought many irruptive bird species to our yards and feeders, but one reader noticed the lack of a more common visitor. “Like you and your readers my sunflower seed and thistle feeders this year have attracted an abundance of pine grosbeaks,… Read More
I know winter is coming to an end. Snow and ice may still linger, and temperatures may still be well below freezing. But, for the past week or so now, I’ve heard a northern cardinal singing every morning with the rising of the sun. It… Read More
After last week’s column about boreal irruptives, I received an e-mail from Mildred Bennett, who was curious about the winter finches she had seen in her yard over the years. Specifically, she commented on two of my favorite winter finches: pine grosbeaks and evening grosbeaks. Read More
The subject heading of the Mainebirding e-mail alert read “boreal owl.” I excitedly opened it but was dismayed to find this small owl had been found dead on Monhegan Island last week. Someone on the mail list had speculated the bird had probably died of… Read More
The holidays this year were for me what they are for most people: hectic while trying to squeeze in time to see loved ones. I ended up making a very short visit to New Jersey, flying back up here later on Christmas Day. Since I still had a… Read More
As the plane taxied slowly toward the runway, my attention was drawn to the location and holding position signs we were passing. Perched atop one was a small falcon. I wasn’t sure which small bird of prey I was seeing at first, but as we… Read More
It was gray and overcast, and roads were slick in spots due to the recent snow and sleet we had received. Temperatures were cold enough to be bracing but not uncomfortable, as long as one kept moving. My neighbor, Mary Ellen, had a friend’s dog… Read More
As I’ve done every year for the past several years, I spent Thanksgiving holiday in New Jersey, my home state. In between dinner preparations and visiting, I was able to get out to do some bird watching. My sister, Diane, and I went down to… Read More
As the days grow seasonably colder – finally – and become progressively shorter, my thoughts usually turn to those birds hardy enough to tolerate, and even thrive in, our northern winters. The gray jay – also called Canada jay, “whiskey jack,” and “gorbie,” among other… Read More
Last week I received an e-mail from Juanita Pressley in Lubec. She and her husband, David, had seen and photographed a yellow-billed cuckoo in an apple tree on their property. “My bird book says their range is southern Canada to Mexico. Local in California; winters… Read More
Recently, I received an e-mail from John Frawley in Hampden. He and his wife live on the banks of the Penobscot River, enjoying the many benefits of the location. “We maintain a platform feeder, a thistle feeder and a suet feeder outside our dining room… Read More
As I walked along the waterfront, I kept glimpsing at a small bird as it flew ahead of me. It appeared to be searching among the rocks and driftwood for food, and at first I assumed it was a European house sparrow, of which there are many in… Read More
Cormorants often work cooperatively to catch fish Lack of body oils means easier underwater swimming
A strong onshore breeze ruffled the sea’s surface as I walked along the beach late one recent afternoon. The partly overcast sky colored the ocean a gun-metal gray, a reminder that fall really is here to stay, a few 80-degree days notwithstanding. The tide was… Read More
I’ve never been a big fan of gulls. I’m interested to see unusual or uncommon gulls, of course, but the garden-variety gulls, such as the herring gull, are everywhere. I note their presence, but often don’t give them more than a passing glance or thought. Read More
Recently, as I jogged along my favorite path parallel to the shoreline, I heard a great commotion coming from the water below. Dozens of gulls were floating just offshore, among the rocks, and dozens more were flying in from all directions. At intervals, something would excite the birds… Read More
Fall is rapidly approaching and a major bird migration is under way. The big push of shorebirds has passed, starting early as it did at the end of July. Neotropical songbirds now stream overhead on calm nights and during the day, raptors ride the northwest winds that help… Read More
Recently I’ve been rewarded with a few sightings of migrating shorebirds. Last week I recounted seeing a lone least sandpiper among the rocks at high tide at a small beach I frequent. This past Tuesday, after a day of almost torrential rain, I again found myself heading to… Read More
As I walked along the beach, I realized I had it all to myself. It was cool and sundown only a few minutes away; the usual beachcombers were absent. The quiet, sedate waves of a falling high tide whispered gently as gulls cruised overhead. Further… Read More
Over the last month or so, the tempo of bird life has changed and undergone a fundamental shift. The advent of spring brought with it the rush of returning migrants. Neotropical songbirds filled the woods and fields with color and song, and all bird life… Read More
The high-pitched, burry squealing of terns reached me on the hill, and I looked down to see squadrons of them patrolling the surf. Their bodies were dazzling white against the blue-green of the ocean, their flight light and buoyant. Every now and then I saw… Read More
A few weeks ago I wrote about a rare viewing of an elusive marsh bird, the Virginia rail, as well as a sighting of a blue grosbeak, over on Poplar Street in Old Town (along the “causeway,” that passes Mud Pond on the way to Pushaw Lake). I… Read More
When you go running in the woods in mid-July, on a warm afternoon, you aren’t likely to hear very many birds singing. There are a few reasons for this: the time of day is the least-productive for songbirds, which are most vocal in the early morning hours and… Read More
Recently I received an e-mail from Mr. Sam Garwood of Old Town. He’d been birding on Poplar Street, which includes the causeway that passes near Mud Pond on the way to Pushaw Lake. This road and the causeway is a wonderful place to bird, as… Read More
A small group of eider ducks dove and preened amidst the activity surrounding the pier. People cast fishing lines, walkers and joggers came and went; everyone seemed to be oblivious to the activities of the three adult female ducks and their cr?che of five ducklings. Read More
During a visit to Willard Beach in South Portland recently, I was delighted to see several common eider ducks and double-crested cormorants as they dove for food among the small boats tethered in the cove. A special treat, however, was the sight of a black-crowned night heron flying… Read More
In previous years, a few of you may remember me writing about a pair of merlins I had the privilege to watch hatch and raise a family. Then one spring, their nest – which appeared flimsy to begin with – was finally blown apart by a strong wind… Read More
The sky was a nondescript shade of gray when I woke up in the morning. After days of bright sun, the prospect of a little spring rain would have been more welcome had I not been going to co-lead a bird walk that day. As… Read More
Finally, spring is in full bloom. Warm weather and southerly breezes are coaxing flowers from the ground and our most colorful songbirds up from the south. A celebration of both of these events will take place with the Ninth Annual Warblers and Wildflowers Festival on Mount Desert Island… Read More
Recently, I received an e-mail from Kathryn McCatherin in Hermon. She recalled bluebirds had occupied nest boxes she had on her property some years back; but, year after year they seemed to be increasingly driven out by other birds. “Bluebirds used to make their summer… Read More
As I write this, I’ve noticed the forecast for this weekend calls for sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s. The storms and rain will soon be just a bad memory. However, there is some concern within the birding community that the early spring cold… Read More
Recently, the Maine-Birding listserve I subscribe to has been filled with reports of returning migrants, glad tidings of FOY (first of the year) sightings of killdeer, kestrels, and song sparrows, to name a few. However, one post by Jeff Wells stood out in my mind. Read More
The alarm went off at 11:45 p.m. I had been able to get about three hours of sleep before heading out to listen for owls. “Whose idea was this?” I grumbled as I drove to meet my survey partner, Paul Markson. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
The clear whistle reached me across the distance. The sky was a soft blue and the warming breeze stirred through the boughs of tall white pines, sounding like the ocean. These sensations combined to remind me that winter was on its way out. Spring is… Read More
Winter is growing old and the reports of spring migrants are beginning to trickle in to the birding hotline. There are also some interesting winter visitors still hanging around, offering some lucky birders great viewing opportunities. First, the returning migrants. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Last week I spent a lovely Sunday morning hiking up Blue Hill Mountain in Blue Hill with members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. It was a treat to revisit the place I had first lived upon moving to Maine. A few bird sightings were an added bonus… Read More
Usually, people ask me how to better attract birds to their yards, or how to discourage squirrels from robbing the birdseed. This is the first time someone has asked me how to discourage birds from their yard. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Winter birding is often sparse and touch-and-go. However, certain habitats almost guarantee you’ll see something. Take bodies of water, for instance. At the very least, you’re likely to see a small group of mallards and observe some interesting behavior in these commonly seen ducks. Or,… Read More
Recently, areas on the University of Maine campus were inundated with cedar waxwings. During a day of severe cold and wind chills, the birds perched in the crabapple trees alongside Fogler Library, sheltering themselves from the wind as best they could. A few of my co-workers commented on… Read More
Winter birding can be very challenging. I’m not talking temperature-wise. When it’s too cold to remain comfortably outside for any length of time, birders may choose to just drive to their favorite local hotspots and have a quick look around. Staying in the vehicle provides… Read More
Many times I’ve read about call notes and contact notes among birds and how they serve to keep members of a pair together or retain the cohesiveness of an entire flock. It’s one thing to read about it, but another thing to see it in… Read More
Over the holiday, I spent time with family in New Jersey and was interested to hear about relatives’ observations of large flocks of blackbirds. My mother was the first one to bring the subject up. She had glanced out her kitchen window one day to… Read More
The quiet, liquid call notes brought my attention to a white pine along the lake edge. Just by luck I happened to catch, out of the corner of my eye, the swift movement of a very small bird as it flew to another tree. I… Read More
Recently I received a report of another uncommon bird seen along the Maine coast. Pat Curtis noticed what appeared to be a woodpecker visiting the water saucer and sunflower seed and suet feeders in her yard. She noted it had a brownish head, the pattern… Read More
Continuing with last week’s theme of rarities during migration and vicarious birding, I’d like to mention a very special sighting of a probable rufous hummingbird. Actually, it was more than just a sighting; this hummingbird first appeared at Dot Haggan’s house in Phillips on Sept. Read More
The e-mail I received from birding friend Ed Grew made me wish – again – that I had followed up on his tip to see some fall rarities earlier this week. “As Paul must have told you,” he wrote, “it was quite dramatic out at… Read More
Back in September I had gone for a hike up Great Pond Mountain in Orland with the Bangor Chapter of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. The hike was an easy three- mile round trip. The weather could not have been better, nor the company more… Read More
A few weeks ago I wrote about the nocturnal migration of songbirds. A few people responded so enthusiastically that I thought I’d write a little more in depth about it. I happened to be up very late one night earlier this week. I had opened… Read More
Last winter many of you may remember reading about the sightings of a great gray owl in Milford. Great grays do not breed in Maine and only rarely are they seen here during the cold season, when – and if – they irrupt from their normal ranges in… Read More
This week I’d like to share some awe-inspiring information and compelling sights I’ve had the privilege to view over the last several days. The first is an e-mail on the Maine Birding list-serve sent from Bill Sheehan, in Aroostook County. Bill is a keen observer… Read More
Earlier this season some friends of mine at the library had remarked about the presence of northern cardinals on the University of Maine campus. Every morning they enjoyed hearing these birds sing and were delighted in catching sight of them, so they were surprised when the birds seemed… Read More
The mist rose off the river, skeins of it moved by aberrant air currents sliding just above the surface of the water. The early morning sun seemed to make it glow, giving the place an ethereal light. We stood on a high bank of the… Read More
In any endeavor a little outside influence provides just the right amount of encouragement and incentive to just get going. When it comes to birdwatching, that incentive for me comes in the form of my two birding friends, Ed Grew and Paul Markson. Many times,… Read More
Up until last week, my birding friend Paul Markson and I had been feeling very guilty. Fellow bird enthusiast Ed Grew had told us about hearing whippoorwills in Bangor’s Walden Parke Preserve, as well as provided detailed instructions on the best times to hear them. Read More
When I moved to Orono from West Old Town at the beginning of June, I did so with the regret that I’d be seeing and hearing a lot fewer birds. After all, how could living on the busy Kelley Road compare to living on six private, mostly wooded… Read More
Last weekend two friends of mine from work, Marguerite Roosen and Mary Vollick, met for an early morning stroll along the Orono Bog boardwalk. I was curious about their experience, for I’d not been out there for some time, and asked for details about what they had seen… Read More
This week I’d just like to share various bird-care tips I’ve picked up over the years. Many people have expressed concern that feeding birds alters their behavior, causing them not to migrate when they should. Although there is some truth in this, it is not… Read More
The American Birding Association’s annual convention is being held in Bangor this week. As I write this, bird watchers from all over the continent are enjoying workshops, field trips, and seminars led by some of the top birders and ornithologists in the country. It’s probable many of the… Read More
As a birdwatcher I delight in getting even the briefest glance at a favorite species as it goes about its business of living, but these encounters are quick snapshots. All too often the window into their world is murky, if not altogether hidden, unless I am prepared to… Read More
You may have heard or read about Maine Audubon’s “Community Bird Walks,” that are being sponsored by the Penobscot Valley Chapter throughout May. A friend and fellow co-worker of mine, Marguerite Roosen, attended last Saturday’s walk, which canvassed part of the Bangor City Forest. This… Read More
Last Sunday was just about the most perfect spring day, especially for a birder. Bright, sunny, temperatures in the 70s … no bugs yet … and a great sighting of an elusive wetland bird that is more often heard than seen. I had gone for… Read More
Last weekend I went out to the barn to spend time with my horse. He is normally friendly and sociable, but it so happened he was not in the mood to spend time with me, but that was OK; he’s entitled to an off day. The disappointment was… Read More
As I left the barn late one evening last week, I was reminded of a similar night last fall. The two were almost identical: the sky was bright, the moon close to full. Last autumn’s nocturnal delights included a lone coyote singing out in the… Read More
The courtship displays of American woodcocks are my favorite rite of spring. Their comical looks and outrageous behaviors provide plenty of fodder to write about, as well. I needed that fodder recently as I was feeling particularly uninspired to write about anything. I went for… Read More
Many of you may have heard about the Maine Owl Monitoring Program going on right now. Coordinated by Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the program is now in its fifth year and relies entirely on volunteer participation. I’d done… Read More
My fellow bird enthusiast Ed Grew never fails to notify me of interesting bird sightings. Earlier in the week he had left two messages for me at work, so I called him back as soon as I could. His observation of what he thought were two American pipits,… Read More
As is always the case regarding the arrival of spring in Maine, the first signs are not crocuses, tree buds, or even ice-melt. It is the beginning of territorial and courtship displays of our resident birds, and the arrival of our first early migrants. Let’s… Read More
Last week I attended a delightful slide show at the Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden. It was the perfect primer for the coming spring: bird nest construction and identification. The presentation was given by Jerry Longcore, University of Maine faculty associate in Wildlife Ecology… Read More
A few weeks ago a reader in Biddeford wrote in to ask how to determine a bald eagle’s age. “My wife and I have a camp on Etna pond. We where watching three bald eagles last Friday as they fed on a road kill deer… Read More
Seeing the great gray owl a few weeks ago has certainly been a highlight for me this winter. Because they breed far from Maine, and are only seen here when they irrupt from their normal ranges in response to prey availability, it’s possible that I may not see… Read More
I’d like to continue with my owl story from last week. There was a lot more I’d wanted to say about my experience that day. As I had mentioned, the morning we went out was very foggy. Although I initially worried this would ruin our… Read More
So far, this season has been a disappointment for winter sports enthusiasts, and for anyone who likes snow. But for birdwatchers it has been probably one of the best on record – especially with the arrival of not one but two (and perhaps more) great gray owls in… Read More
Sometimes, a mockingbird is just a mockingbird. But it was confusion over this bird that caused a little stir a few weeks ago, enlivening a dull winter day and providing food for thought. It all started with a birding e-mail post I read a short… Read More
You may recall that I had reported this was a good year to see several of our winter visitors from farther north, especially shrikes, which have been seen on Audubon’s Christmas Bird Counts. Following my New Year’s resolution to get out birding more often, I… Read More
Those of you who read this column may recall me saying that sometimes the best bird sightings occur when you least expect them. I know I’ve said it several times, but I must say it again, because it always amazes me. Many times I’ve set… Read More
I’ve been in a birding slump. Of course, shortened days tend to limit any birding after work; but on the weekends I haven’t been disciplined enough to parcel my time between chores and my other hobby. Again, sunset finds me regretting I did not schedule my day more… Read More
It seems as if predictions for this winter’s finch invasion are holding true. Pine grosbeaks continue to be reported and, on my way in to work this morning, I saw several along the old College Avenue Extension road in Orono. A few were actually in… Read More
As I was finishing helping a patron one day at work, movement outside the library windows caught my eye. Several ornamental crab-apple plantings line the east side of the building; frozen fruit still clung to the bare branches. Looking intently, I realized there were several pine grosbeaks in… Read More
Recently I was commiserating with a friend over the general lack of good birding at this time of year. He had remarked that all the good birds had gone south and all the northern irruptives hadn’t shown up yet. I could understand his doldrums. It’s… Read More
I have to say there is one reason – besides seeing family – I look forward to going down to New Jersey every Thanksgiving. It’s the opportunity to see birds, and lots of them. Granted, there are parts of the Garden State that are anything… Read More