Maine (Statewide) RBA
March 12, 2010
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:51:50 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Hynes <ehynes@MAINEAUDUBON.ORG>
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From: Eric Hynes <ehynes@MAINEAUDUBON.ORG>
Subject: [BIRDEAST] Maine RBA - March 12, 2010
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Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert
Reporting Period: March 6 – 12, 2010
Area: State of Maine
Compilers: Eric Hynes, Stella Walsh
Of Special Note
Top birds this week are CANVASBACK and NORTHERN HAWK OWL. Images can be viewed
at: http://www.maineaudubon.org/nature/birdalert_gallery.php
Other noteworthy species included: RAZORBILL, THICK-BILLED MURRE, PIPING PLOVER,
NORTHERN SHRIKE, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, and
EVENING GROSBEAK.
Spring migration is underway and was most evident in the southern half of the
state this week. A conspicuous influx of waterfowl occurred led by AMERICAN
WIGEON. RING-NECKED DUCKS and WOOD DUCKS were reported at multiple locations.
TURKEY VULTURES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and COMMON GRACKLES have become
widespread. The vanguard of several species was detected including PIPING
PLOVER, KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, and BELTED KINGFISHER. After a notable
absence this winter, PURPLE FINCHES are on the move. Resident and migratory
owls, like NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, have been vocalizing.
York County
The first PIPING PLOVERS have returned in Ogunquit.
Up to 18 RAZORBILLS were seen from East Point Sanctuary in Biddeford Pool on
March 7. Elsewhere in Biddeford Pool on the 7th, a NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen.
Fourteen RING-NECKED DUCKS were at the Sanford Sewerage District on March 11.
Greater Portland
A KILLDEER and two pairs of GADWALL were seen at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth on
the 11th.
A drake CANVASBACk was found on the Royal River in Yarmouth on March 10. It was
still present on March 12 below the lower falls.
Kennebec River Valley (Augusta-Waterville)
A RUSTY BLACKBIRD and several BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were seen in Benton on March
11.
Midcoast
A FOX SPARROW visited a feeder in Georgetown on March 10.
A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was spotted by kayak on a small island near Pratt’s
Island in Southport on March 7.
A pair of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES remains in the river just south of Main Street
Bridge in Warren.
Central Maine
Birds found on the Stud Mill Road east of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR in Milford on
March 6 included eight GRAY JAYS, five BOREAL CHICKADEES, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE.
Downeast
A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen off Seawall Beach in Acadia National Park on March
6.
Western Mountains
Birds seen in Pierce Pond Township March 7 included a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER
pair, three GRAY JAYS, several groups of BOREAL CHICKADEES, two singing BROWN
CREEPERS, singing WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, and a flock of EVENING GROSBEAKS.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen near the Happy Horseshoe Campground in Lexington
Township on March 8.
A flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was at the Community Fitness in Sangerville on
March 10.
Northern Maine
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were singing in Baxter State Park near Kidney Pond.
CANADA GEESE arrived at Mars Hill on the March 9 and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS
on March 11, both a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.
The Blaine NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen on the March 5. It continues on Pierce
Road near the intersection with Old Houlton Road.
Bill Sheehan’s excellent summary can be found at
www.northernmainebirds.blogspot.com.
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