Bird Blog! Notes from the Field
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2024 Walks
For All Forever Preserve
May 25, 2024
A beautiful spring morning greeted our group of birdwatchers today. As we gathered in the parking area, a bubbling bird song could be heard coming from the nearby field. A closer look revealed several male Bobolinks fluttering about in the grass. These males are spectacular black birds with an extensive white pattern on the wings and back and a golden yellow patch on the head. The females are a modest striped brown that helps them blend into the grass when they are on a nest. Bobolinks nest on the ground in hayfields so they are very susceptible to injury and loss of the brood with early mowing. Habitat preservation and encouraging farmers to delay mowing is critical to their survival.
As we traveled down the path to the lower field, the Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush and Tufted Titmouse were calling from the woods. There had been an Indigo Bunting pair here earlier in the week, but we had no luck locating them today. A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird was feeding on the blossoms of a Honeysuckle bush. His scarlet red gorget was dazzling in the sun. Further on a single Cedar Waxwing appeared and within a few minutes we found a flock of about twenty. They were busily eating the flower petals from a Hawthorn shrub and in perfect light for our photographers. These are elegant birds with precise color patterns and a
silky plumage. They sport a black mask over the eyes, a long crest and a yellow-tipped tail. The bright red, waxy tips of their flight feathers that leads to their name were evident in several of the birds.
Migration is winding down so we failed to find any more newcomers. The usual Rose-breasted Grosbeaks could not be found this year so hopefully something drastic has not happened to their breeding pattern. It was a great season with many enthusiastic participants. We hope to see more folks out enjoying the birding opportunities on the KLT properties.
-Ken Janes
2hours, 4 minutes 1.3 miles 26 species
2 Canada Goose
2 Green Heron (Fly-over)
2 Great Blue Heron (Fly-over)
1 Alder Flycatcher
1 Warbling Vireo
6 Red-eyed Vireo
1 Blue jay
2 American Crow
5 Gray Catbird
2 Veery
1 Wood Thrush
20 Cedar Waxwing
4 American Goldfinch
2 Song Sparrow
2 Bobolink
12 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Common Grackle
4 Ovenbird
1 American Redstart
2 Northern Cardinal
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
6 Yellow Warbler
6 Common Yellowthroat
5 Tree Swallow
2 Tufted Titmouse
2 Black-capped Chickadee
Above: Cedar Waxwing, photo by Jack Coughlin, May 25, 2024. For All Forever Preserve
For All Forever Preserve
May 17, 2024
It was much warmer today as we set off on our third spring birdwalk at FAF Preserve. We had high hopes for finding many new migrants on this pleasant spring morning. At first we could not help but notice that there were more Common Yellowthroats singing than last week. The Ovenbirds and Wood Thrushes were still calling deep in the woods, and then we heard the first Red-eyed Vireo of the season. Things were looking good at first but only the regular species were present without many new arrivals. We had great looks at a radiant Baltimore Oriole and the Yellow Warblers were present in large numbers.
A tiny Least Flycatcher was hard to see as it stayed hidden in the shrubs. On the way out our eagle-eyed veterans found a beautiful Veery skulking in the bushes, and then a brilliant Black-throated Green Warbler appeared just a few feet in front of us.
We all commented on how the number of birds seems to be down. Researchers estimate that North American bird populations have fallen 25% since 1975. That's almost 3 billion birds. Feral cats and window collisions are big problems but loss of habitat is thought to be the major cause for the decline. Preservation of undeveloped land by organizations such as KLT is critical if we have any chance of reversing this trend. We ended up with 27 species for the day and look forward to our next trip.
-Ken Janes
Right: Yellow Warbler, photo by Jack Coughlin, May 17, 2024. For All Forever Preserve
2 hours 8 minutes 1.3 miles 8 participants 27 species 5 Canada Goose 2 Mourning Dove 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 2 Red-eyed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Tufted Titmouse 4 Tree Swallow 2 Gray Catbird 2 Veery 2 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 4 American Goldfinch 2 Song Sparrow 2 Baltimore Oriole 6 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Ovenbird 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 4 Yellow Warbler 4 Common Yellowthroat
For All Forever Preserve
May 11, 2024
It was a cold 35 degree spring morning when ten birdwatchers assembled for our second Spring Bird Walk. We were hoping to find some warbler species that may have migrated over the past few days but the cold weather has a big impact on these birds. They are coming from the warm tropical forests of Central and South America where insects are plentiful so a cold insect-free habitat is not to their liking and definitely slows down migration.
Walking down the trail, the Ovenbirds were still calling and this week we heard two singing Wood Thrushes for the first time. Wood Thrush populations have declined 60% in the past fifty years due to loss of forest habitat so it was great to hear that they have returned to this spot. Catbirds, sparrows, and Common Yellowthroats were calling from the shrubs and the Yellow Warblers were still active in their favorite nesting area. A pair of colorful Baltimore Orioles were brilliant in the sunshine. A single Pine Warbler and Magnolia Warbler made a brief appearance and then we got excellent looks at a Wilson's Warbler. This is a tiny bright yellow bird with a jaunty black cap. At the end of the walk, after several people had to leave, several of our sharp-eyed veterans found two beautiful male Scarlet Tanagers to add to our list.
We increased the total count to 33 this week with several new birds added to the tally. We deserve a nice warm day and lots of birds for our third walk next Friday.
-Ken Janes
To the right: Wilson's Warbler, photo by Jack Coughlin, May 11 2024, For All Forever Preserve
2 hours 13 minutes. 1.4 miles 10 participants, 33 species 2 Canada Goose 2 Mallard 2 Mourning Dove 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Double-crested Cormorant (fly-over) 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Great-crested Flycatcher (heard only) 2 Warbling Vireo 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 8 Tree Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (heard only) 6 Gray Catbird 2 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 4 American Goldfinch 2 White-throated Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 3 Baltimore Oriole 12 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 4 Ovenbird (heard only) 2 Common Yellowthroat 1 Pine Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 2 Northern Cardinal Note to participants: I know our smartphones heard some other species but the protocol is to not list them unless we could make a positive identification.
For All Forever Preserve
May 3, 2024
It was a cool, overcast morning as we met in the parking lot and we were immediately greeted with the raucous, "rusty-gate "call of displaying Red-winged Blackbirds. These birds are some of the earliest migrants and the males are busy staking out their territories before the females arrive. It is early in the migration but our plan is to document the early arrivals present this week and then add to the list each week in May.
Walking down the path, Ovenbirds were calling from deep in the woods. White-throated Sparrows were busy in the bushes near the field. These sharp sparrows with bright white head stripes and a white throat patch are passing through on the way to breeding grounds in western Maine and Canada. Further along we had great looks at newly arrived Yellow Warblers. These brilliant birds nest in the shrubs along the river so
it was nice to see them back. It's like seeing old friends after a six month absence.
1 Turkey Vulture 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 American Robin 2 Red-tailed Hawk 4 American Goldfinch 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 6 White-throated Sparrow 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Song Sparrow 1 Norther Flicker 8 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Blue Jay 2 Ovenbird 5 American Crow 4 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Yellow Warbler 6 Tufted Titmouse 1 Pine Warbler 4 Tree Swallow 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Gray Catbird Note to participants: I know our smartphones heard some other species but the protocol is to not list them unless we could make a positive identification.
A nice pair of Eastern Bluebirds perched out in the open for us and then a Northern Flicker appeared on the trail. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Black-and-white Warbler and a first of the year Gray Catbird were some of the remaining highlights. The birds are just beginning to arrive from their winter habitat in Central and South America but we managed to identify a respectable 25 species. Next week should be full of warblers and maybe the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks will make an appearance.
- Ken Janes
2023 Spring Walks
Bird Walk at For All Forever Preserve June 2, 2023
Our group of birders met on a warm summer day and were treated to a singing male Bobolink in the grass next to the parking lot. These are beautiful birds with black and white plumage and a bright yellow patch on the back of the head. Bobolinks fly six thousand miles to winter grounds in South America and then return to Maine every summer. Because of habitat loss as agricultural fields are abandoned and return to woodland, Bobolinks are designated a "Species of Greater Conservation Need" in Maine. We did not see a female, but hopefully they will be nesting here.
After this encouraging start, we had to settle for hearing lots of birds but seeing very few. Ovenbirds were calling and the Scarlet Tanager is still present but they remain well-hidden. This time of year birds have nested and are busy hatching and feeding youngsters. They tend to stay tucked away in the bushes in order to avoid attracting predators and curious birdwatchers. We did get to see some Gray Catbirds and the Yellow Warblers continue to show well. There was a Chestnut-sided Warbler that stayed high in the trees but we did get some good views. We heard Red-eyed Vireos, the Warbling Vireo, and the Great Crested Flycatcher.
A special treat was finding a big female Snapping Turtle that had dug out a nest and was laying eggs. Other non-bird finds included Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, and the wild geraniums are in bloom.
-Ken Janes and Chet Blazak
For All Forever Preserve (KLT) York, Maine, US - Jun 2, 2023 7:08 AM - 9:07 AM - Protocol: Traveling - 1.302 mile(s) - 25 species > Canada Goose 6 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 > Spotted Sandpiper 1 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 > Eastern Kingbird 1 > Warbling Vireo 1 > Blue Jay 2 > American Crow 1 > Tufted Titmouse 2 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > Veery 1 > American Goldfinch 4 > Song Sparrow 4 > Bobolink 1 > Baltimore Oriole 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 8 > Ovenbird 2 > Common Yellowthroat 6 > American Redstart 1 > Yellow Warbler 6 > Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 > Pine Warbler 1 > Northern Cardinal 4 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S140204035
Bird Walk at For All Forever Preserve
May 26, 2023
Our usual group of birders met at FAF on a beautiful morning
and we were joined by a couple from Scotland to add an international
flavor to the day.
Starting off, we heard the Wood Thrushes calling on the very
beginning of the trail down to the field. It was nice to hear them again
and we hope they are nesting in the area. Ovenbirds and Catbirds
are still abundant, and we found a spectacular Scarlet Tanager that
was singing loudly and finally came close enough for a good look.
Further along, at the beginning of the field area, a pair of Baltimore
Orioles were acting as if they may be nesting here. We had a chance
to compare the drab plumage of the female and the brilliant orange of
the male. Yellow Warblers were in abundance and we even found a
nest. A Warbling Vireo and a Red-eyed Vireo made an appearance
and we were treated to a Red-shouldered Hawk soaring overhead.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were calling and finally we spotted a
beautiful black-and-white male with his bright pink breast shining in
the sun.
eBird list for May 26: 8 Canada Goose 1 Mourning Dove 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Willow Flycatcher 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Warbling Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 4 Tufted Titmouse 6 Tree Swallow 1 House Wren 6 Gray Catbird 3 Veery 1 Wood Thrush 4 Cedar Waxwing 5 American Goldfinch 4 Song Sparrow 4 Baltimore Oriole 12 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Grackle 4 Ovenbird 2 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 1 American Redstart 6 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Number of Taxa: 33
We improved on last week's list with a total of 30 species
today. We all agreed the Scarlet Tanager was the "Bird of the Day."
- Ken Janes and Chet Blazak
Scarlet Tanager. PC Ken Janes
KLT Walk at For All Forever Preserve
May 19, 2023
Chet [Blazak] and I [Ken Janes] were joined by four enthusiastic new birders as we started out on a chilly 42 ̊ morning. We were greeted by Ovenbirds calling from the woods and Gray Catbirds talking among themselves in the bushes along the first part of the trail. Further along we heard the unmistakable song of a Wood Thrush. These birds have been in serious decline in recent years so it was a treat to hear the call, often described as "flute-like." There may have been two so hopefully they are nesting in the area.
Next, we spotted two elusive Least Flycatchers as they flitted back and
forth chasing insects. The real stars of the day were the dramatic little Yellow
Warblers. There were at least four of them, dashing about the bushes along the edge of the river and posing in the sun so we could get great looks. Red-
winged Blackbirds and Song Sparrows were singing constantly then a huge Red-tailed Hawk made an appearance and landed on top of a pine.
After finding a flashy male Baltimore Oriole, we finished up with a pair of
American Redstarts, lively little black warblers with vivid orange patches on the sides, wings, and tails. They were so close we could enjoy them without
binoculars.
eBird list for 5/19 26 species Canada Goose 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Least Flycatcher 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 Tree Swallow 2 Gray Catbird 8 Wood Thrush 1 (At least 1 calling, maybe 2) American Goldfinch 4 Song Sparrow 6 Baltimore Oriole 1 Red-winged Blackbird 10 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Common Grackle 3 Ovenbird 4 Black-and-white Warbler 2 American Redstart 2 Yellow Warbler 6 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Northern Cardinal 1
The cool weather made the birding a little slow but we ended up with a
respectable list of 26 species. Our new birding friends got to practice their
binocular skills and saw some life birds. We are looking forward to next week
when we will have a chance to see if any new species have arrived.
1. Yellow Warbler. PC: Jack Coughlin
Top 2. Yellow Warbler. PC: Jack Coughlin
3: Northern Cardinal. PC: Jack Coughlin
4: Magnolia Warbler. PC Ken Janes
Kennebunk Land Trust
Shorebird Walk
Strawberry Island
August 17, 2023
Our group of ten birders met under threatening skies, headed out over the
slippery rocks to check out the mud flats surrounding Strawberry Island, and
fortunately for us, the rain held off. The tide was low and had just turned so the shorebirds were spread out, but we did find a nice group of 50 to 100
Semipalmated Sandpipers with some Semipalmated Plovers mixed in. These
were mostly juvenile birds just hatched this summer on the arctic tundra of
northern Canada. Over the past few weeks they have made their way to the
coast of Maine and they are now getting ready for their long trip to South
America where they will spend the winter.
Migration is still in its early stages so there were only a few other species present. More will be coming in the next month or so. We did find two Willets, three Least Sandpipers, and a few Black- bellied Plovers. We were also treated to an Osprey hovering overhead looking a fish dinner. The resident Double-crested Cormorants were resting on the rocks drying their wings, but we did see a large flock of cormorants out over the water heading south as their migration begins.
Next we walked to the end of Great Hill Road where property owners
graciously allowed us to go through their gardens in order to access the
Mousam River and the Madelyn Marx Preserve. There must have been al least 60 Canada Geese along the river with probably 100 sandpipers on the tidal mudflats of the Mousam River estuary. There were many Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets in the marsh and along the river edge, so we had great looks and a chance to make careful comparisons. Ducks, gulls, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were on the sandbars and a Belted Kingfisher made an appearance.
On the walk back our birders added many songbirds to the day list including a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We ended up with a very respectable 27 species for the day.
It was a delightful morning walk and we look forward to doing it again next
week.
-Ken Janes and Chet Blazak
Strawberry Island, Mousam River and Marx Preserve Bird List August 17 2023 200 Semipalmated Sandpiper 50 Semipalmated Plover 3 Least Sandpiper 2 Willet 5 Black-bellied Plover 1 Osprey 50 Double-crested Cormorant 20 Herring Gull 20 Great Black-backed Gull 12 Ring-billed Gull 5 American Crow 2 Greater Yellowlegs 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 65 Canada Goose 3 Northern Mockingbird 6 American Goldfinch 2 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 8 House Finch 2 Song Sparrow 12 Great Egret 1 Great Blue Heron 10 Snowy Egret 1 Belted Kingfisher 6 Mallard 1 Killdeer 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird