Birds of Maine 9780691211855
A comprehensive and beautifully illustrated overview to the birds of Maine The first comprehensive overview of Maine’s
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Birds of Maine
Birds of Maine Peter D. Vickery
Barbara S. Vickery and Scott Weidensaul Managing Editors Charles D. Duncan, William J. Sheehan, and Jeffrey V. Wells Coauthors
Paintings by Lars Jonsson and Drawings by Barry Van Dusen
NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
Spruce Grouse
previous page: American Woodcock
Copyright © 2020 by Barbara S. Vickery Paintings copyright © 2020 by Lars Jonsson Drawings copyright © 2020 by Barry Van Dusen Requests for permission to reproduce material from this work should be sent to [email protected] Published by Princeton University Press 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 6 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TR press.princeton.edu All Rights Reserved Library of Congress Control Number 2020937548 ISBN 978-0-691-19319-9 ISBN (e-book) 978-0-691-21185-5 British Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available Book design by Charles Melcher and Margo Halverson, Alice Design, Portland, Maine; with Lucian Burg, LU Design Studios, Portland, Maine Co-published with the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 25 Typeset in Adobe Caslon Pro and Open Sans Printed on acid-free paper. ∞ Printed in Italy 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
iv
This book is dedicated to the memory of Peter D. Vickery,
and to all who love Maine birds and work to ensure that they will be here for future generations to enjoy.
This project was made possible through partnership with Maine Audubon, and was funded in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.
v
vi
Contents
List of Figures and Maps
x
List of Sidebars and Boxed Text
xi
Foreword
In Memoriam: Peter D. Vickery
1 Introduction
by Barbara S. Vickery Maine’s Role in Bird Conservation
xv 1 3
Concerns for Maine Birds
3
Plan of the Work
4
The Genesis of This Book
2
xiii
3
The Distribution of Birds in Maine
7
Maine’s Geography
7
by Barbara S. Vickery and Malcolm L. Hunter Jr. Topography and Geology
7
Climate 8
Land Use
Species Interactions
The Ecoregions of Maine The Gulf of Maine 3
Maine’s Ornithological History
by Jody Despres and Jeffrey V. Wells
The Early Years: Studying Birds by Shooting
The Advent of the Bird Conservation Movement The Modern Era
facing page: Great Blue Heron
8
11
11
27 31 31
34 37
vii
4
The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
by Jeffrey V. Wells, Barbara S. Vickery, and Charles D. Duncan Changes in Bird Distribution and Abundance
44
Setting Priorities for Conservation Action
51
Conservation Success Stories
What Are Maine’s Birds of Conservation Concern? Past and Current Threats
Conservation Efforts and Initiatives
5
Introduction to Species Accounts
by Barbara S. Vickery
Species Account Outline
52
54
62 75 75
77
Sources of Data
77
Abbreviations and Acronyms Used Species Accounts
Waterfowl – Anseriformes
77 81
85
85
Quails to Turkeys – Galliformes
144
Pigeons and Doves – Columbiformes
158
Grebes – Podicipediformes Cuckoos – Cuculiformes
Nightjars – Caprimulgiformes
152
162
165
Swifts to Hummingbirds – Apodiformes
168
Stilts to Skimmers – Charadriiformes
183
Rails to Cranes – Gruiformes
viii
49
Range Maps
Migration Tracking Maps
43
172
Tropicbirds – Phaethontiformes
283
Loons – Gaviiformes
284
Storks – Ciconiiformes
298
Albatrosses to Shearwaters – Procellariiformes
288
Frigatebirds to Cormorants – Suliformes
299
New World Vultures – Cathartiformes
322
Pelicans to Spoonbills – Pelecaniformes Osprey to Hawks – Accipitriformes Owls – Strigiformes
305 325
345
Kingfishers – Coraciiformes
364
Falcons – Falconiformes
374
Woodpeckers – Piciformes Parakeets – Psittaciformes
Flycatchers to Dickcissel – Passeriformes
365
381
381
Acknowledgments 579 Appendices
Appendix I: Frequently Cited Place Names
Appendix II: Conservation Designations of Maine Birds
Appendix III: Hypothetical Species and Failed Introductions
583
584
592
600
Works Cited 601
Bird Species Index 629
Subject Index 638
ix
Tables
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Figures and Maps The State of the Birds from Palmer to Present Chronology of Maine Bird Record Publications Neotropical Migrant Birds for Which Maine Bears High Stewardship Responsibility BBS Annual Trend Estimates CBC Annual Trend Estimates Major Historical Events Relevant to Maine Birds Seabird Nesting Islands: Numbers of Breeding Pairs
2 41 51 68 70 72 280
Graphs of Historical Trends
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls on Christmas Bird Counts Progress in Land Protection Wild Turkey Harvest Horned Grebes on Christmas Bird Counts Red-necked Grebes on Christmas Bird Counts Piping Plover Nesting Pairs and Fledglings Least Tern Nesting Pairs and Fledglings Roseate Tern Nests Common Loon Adults and Chicks Black-crowned Night-Heron Nesting Pairs at Stratton Island Sharp-shinned Hawks on Christmas Bird Counts Cooper’s Hawks Observed in Fall Migration from Harpswell Cooper’s Hawks on Christmas Bird Counts Bald Eagle Nesting Pairs Bald Eagle Wintering Populations Red-breasted Nuthatch Fall Counts on Monhegan Island Red-breasted Nuthatches on Christmas Bird Counts Carolina Wrens on Christmas Bird Counts Northern Mockingbirds on Christmas Bird Counts Bohemian Waxwing Winter Irruptions
48 64 152 155 157 193 272 276 287 319 332 334 334 337 338 430 430 440 462 464
Maps
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
x
Coastal Maps Maine State Maps - West, North, South, East Land Use and Land Cover Biophysical Regions of Maine Old Sow Whirlpool Gulf of Maine Bathymetric Features and Currents Gulf of Maine Sea-Surface Temperature Gradients Conserved Lands Harlequin Duck Migration Black Scoter Migration
endpapers xviii 9 12 20 24 25 65 78 133
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Whimbrel Migration Hudsonian Godwit Migration American Woodcock Migration Willet Migration Red-necked Phalarope Migration Arctic Tern Migration, Tracks of Multiple Individuals Arctic Tern Migration, Track of Single Bird Seabird Nesting Islands Great Shearwater Migration Great Blue Heron Migration Snowy Owl Migration Corridor “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow Migration
198 202 226 233 238 278 79 280 295 310 349 509
Sidebars
1 Introduction
Those Who Go Where the Wind Takes Them
2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
5
Blueberry Barrens: A Bird Habitat Unique to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes
19
Old Sow Whirlpool
24
Who Owns Machias Seal Island?
29
3 Maine’s Ornithological History Theodore Roosevelt and Maine
33
Cordelia Stanwood and Other Bird Women of Maine
36
Banding on Appledore Island
40
Advent of Bird Clubs and Summer Camps
4 The Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Comparing Summer and Winter Population Trends Maine’s First Reborn River
Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Birds
Public and Private Partnerships for Maine Birds The Value of Citizen Science
5 Introduction to Species Accounts
Tracking the Movement of Individual Birds
Monhegan Island: A Mecca for Birds and Birders
Species Accounts
Why Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir? Hawkwatches in Maine
Northern Owl Irruptions
38
53
57
61
62
66 78 82
90
344 356
xi
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Whimbrel Migration Hudsonian Godwit Migration American Woodcock Migration Willet Migration Red-necked Phalarope Migration Arctic Tern Migration, Tracks of Multiple Individuals Arctic Tern Migration, Track of Single Bird Seabird Nesting Islands Great Shearwater Migration Great Blue Heron Migration Snowy Owl Migration Corridor “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow Migration
198 202 226 233 238 278 79 280 295 310 349 509
Sidebars
1 Introduction
Those Who Go Where the Wind Takes Them
2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
5
Blueberry Barrens: A Bird Habitat Unique to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes
19
Old Sow Whirlpool
24
Who Owns Machias Seal Island?
29
3 Maine’s Ornithological History Theodore Roosevelt and Maine
33
Cordelia Stanwood and Other Bird Women of Maine
36
Banding on Appledore Island
40
Advent of Bird Clubs and Summer Camps
4 The Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Comparing Summer and Winter Population Trends Maine’s First Reborn River
Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Birds
Public and Private Partnerships for Maine Birds The Value of Citizen Science
5 Introduction to Species Accounts
Tracking the Movement of Individual Birds
Monhegan Island: A Mecca for Birds and Birders
Species Accounts
Why Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir? Hawkwatches in Maine
Northern Owl Irruptions
38
53
57
61
62
66 78 82
90
344 356
xi
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Foreword
T
he publication of Birds of Maine is at once a momentous and bittersweet occasion for those of us privileged to be involved with its production. It is momentous because it represents a culmination of Peter D. Vickery’s lifetime of studying and monitoring the birds of his adopted state, providing an extraordinarily comprehensive view of Maine’s avifauna during a period of dramatic environmental change. It will be a valuable tool for birders, conservationists, and land managers today, and a crucial benchmark for future generations as they track continuing changes to the state’s birdlife. It also serves as a fitting successor to its predecessor and inspiration volume, Ralph Palmer’s 1949 Maine Birds. It is bittersweet, however, because Peter did not live to see it through to completion. After receiving what was ultimately a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2015, he had the foresight to assemble a team of friends and colleagues, representing some of the best ornithologists in Maine, initially to help him and, eventually, to assume the task of completing his magnum opus, and to recruit Lars Jonsson and Barry Van Dusen to provide their extraordinary art. Following Peter’s death in February 2017, it has been our honor to work as co-managing editors, along with primary co-authors Charles D. Duncan, William J. Sheehan, and Jeffrey V. Wells, to finish the remaining species accounts and introductory chapters. Nonetheless, the vast bulk of this magnificent project represents Peter’s tireless work and scholarship over the course of decades. As noted, this book builds on the significant work of earlier authors. While taking a broad historical view where appropriate, this book’s primary focus is the current status and distribution of Maine’s 464 species of birds, and the changes in those species during the more than 70 years since Palmer’s book—the last authoritative summary of Maine’s birdlife—was published. The changes have been considerable—some are exemplary stories of conservation and restoration, such as Bald Eagle, Atlantic Puffin, and Wild Turkey; some reflect the warming of Maine’s winters, such as Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Wren. But for many more species, the picture is grim: steep declines seen in many of Maine’s breeding landbirds are underscored by estimates that North America has lost 3 billion wild birds since 1970 and uncertainty about what the rapid pace of global warming and ocean acidification means for Maine’s terrestrial and marine birds in the years to come. That is why Birds of Maine comes at an especially critical moment. It is at once a celebration of the splendid tapestry of birdlife that makes this corner of North America such an ornithologically rich place, a baseline against which future changes may be measured, and a call to action on the part of all those who love the birds of Maine, to do whatever we can to safeguard them for the future. Barbara S. Vickery Scott Weidensaul Co-managing Editors September 2019
facing page: Osprey
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In Memoriam Peter D.Foreword Vickery, 1949–2017
T
he hispublication book represents of Birds the of culmination Maine is atofonce the life a momentous work of, and and stands bittersweet as a testament occasion to, Peter Douglas for thoseVickery of us privileged of Richmond, to be involved Maine, who withsuccumbed its production. to cancer It is on momentous February 28, because 2017, before it represents completing a culmination this multi-decadal of Peterproject. D. Vickery’s lifetime of studying and monitoring thebirds, birdsand of his adopted state, providing extraordinarily Peter’s lifelong passion was they were woven on a daily an basis into his comprehensive view of Maine’s avifauna during a period of dramatic environmental adult life and his work. He was well known throughout Maine and farther afield for change. It will be a valuable tool forand birders, conservationists, and professional land managers today, his knowledge of Maine’s avifauna, through his research and writings, and a crucial benchmark for future generations as they track continuing changes to Peter contributed substantially to our knowledge of vulnerable grassland birds from New the state’stobirdlife. It also a fitting successor to its enthusiasm predecessor for andall inspiration England Argentina. Heserves was aaswonderful teacher whose things volume, Ralph Palmer’s 1949 Maine Birds. avian was disarming and infectious, especially to beginners. It is bittersweet, however, because Peter did not live to see it through to completion. Peter grew up in rural Bucks Co., Pennsylvania, where, with his brother, he explored After receiving what was ultimately a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2015, he had the the woods in search of living things of all kinds, as he did each summer at Camp Dryforesight to assemble a team of friends and colleagues, representing some of the best Kye in coastal Maine. Peter attended a Quaker school that instilled in him a lifelong ornithologists in Maine, initially to help him and, eventually, to assume the task of commitment to the tenets of nonviolence, and where his awareness of birds was first completing his magnum opus, and to recruit Lars Jonsson and Barry Van Dusen to kindled when he helped his biology teacher band birds. Barbara St. John Vickery, Peter’s provide their extraordinary art. Following Peter’s death in February 2017, it has been high-school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, recalled that her mother noticed Peter’s our honor to work as co-managing editors, along with primary co-authors Charles focus on the birds at their feeder when he first started visiting the St. John family home. D. Duncan, William J. Sheehan, and Jeffrey V. Wells, to finish the remaining species When Peter and Barbara were about to embark on a cross-country adventure in the accounts and introductory chapters, but the vast bulk of this magnificent project summer of 1971, Barbara’s mother presented Peter with his first pair of binoculars and represents Peter’s tireless work and scholarship over the course of decades. a field guide. As the couple drove through the West, every time Peter saw what might As noted, this book builds on the significant work of earlier authors. While taking a possibly be a Golden Eagle, he stopped the car and leaped out. Each successive ‘‘eagle’’ broad historical view where appropriate, this book’s primary focus is the current status turned out to be a red-tail, but Peter never lost hope. The hook had been set. and distribution of Maine’s 464 species of birds, and the changes in those species during In 1972 Peter earned a B.A. in literature from Connecticut College, and when he the more than 70 years since Palmer’s book—the last authoritative summary of Maine’s and Barbara then moved to Maine, his passion for birds took off. He became aware birdlife—was published. of the importance of bird records early on, and over time he felt a deep responsibility The changes have been considerable—some are exemplary stories of conservation to preserve these reports. He made a point of introducing himself to Ralph Palmer, and restoration, such as Bald Eagle, Atlantic Puffin, and Wild Turkey; some reflect author of the classic Maine Birds. Yet Peter was equally fascinated by, and appreciative the warming of Maine’s winters, such as Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Wren. But for of, the knowledge of lay observers such as Mark Libby, a Maine fisherman, and avid many more species, the picture is grim: steep declines seen in many of Maine’s breeding birdwatcher. Davis Finch of New Hampshire became Peter’s mentor—first by letter and landbirds are underscored by estimates that North America has lost 3 billion wild birds eventually in person—as they watched, in awe, the August phalarope and gull spectacle since 1970 and uncertainty about what the rapid pace of global warming and ocean of Passamaquoddy Bay in easternmost Maine and chased rarities together. Peter initiated acidification means for Maine’s terrestrial and marine birds in the years to come. several Breeding Bird Survey routes and eventually became a leader on natural history That is why Birds of Maine comes at an especially critical moment. It is at once a tours for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, ultimately covering all seven continents. celebration of the splendid tapestry of birdlife that makes this corner of North America During this period, Peter’s growing reputation in the birding community was tied to such an ornithologically rich place, a baseline against which future changes may be being the compiler of the seasonal northeastern compilations of reports for American measured, and a call to action on the part of all those who love the birds of Maine, to do Birds and author of more than 30 species accounts for the Audubon Society Master Guide whatever we can to safeguard them for the future. to Birding. Barbara S. Vickery In the 1980s, Peter’s growing knowledge of birds, innate curiosity about ecology, and Scott Weidensaul concerns about conservation led him to explore the possibility of graduate research. In Co-managing Editors particular, he was interested in studying the effects of herbicide use on blueberry barrens September 2019 and their unique avifauna, most notably Grasshopper Sparrows. Peter met with Malcolm
facing page: Whimbrels on Downeast blueberry barrens
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Birds of Maine
Hunter at the University of Maine to discuss a thesis project, and within a matter of days, he had written an ambitious proposal for a research program that ultimately led to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, two Switzer Fellowships, and earning the University of Maine’s Outstanding Wildlife Graduate Student Award in 1994. His graduate studies opened the door to a series of grassland ecology and conservation projects that extended from New England to Florida and Argentina, efforts Peter pursued primarily as an avian ecologist for Mass Audubon. Grassland birds were the primary focus of his work, and among his approximately 40 publications were co-editorship of Ecology and Conservation of Grassland Birds of the Western Hemisphere and Grasslands of Northeastern North America: Ecology and Conservation of Native and Agricultural Landscapes, as well as two accounts for The Birds of North America series, Grasshopper Sparrow and Henslow’s Sparrow. Peter’s adjunct professor status at the University of Massachusetts enabled him to advise graduate students, a role he found particularly rewarding. Peter accumulated information on numerous birding sites while traveling around Maine. In 1978 he authored the Annotated Checklist of Maine Birds, and as his knowledge of the state expanded, he began drafting chapters for a statewide site guide. Unaware of Peter’s efforts, Liz and Jan Pierson were working toward the same goal; when Peter learned of it, he offered—no strings attached—several hundred typed pages of detailed and nearly complete descriptions of birding sites around the state, compiled from his efforts of more than a decade. It was a remarkably generous gesture, and opened the door to a close relationship between the three that continued until Peter’s death. It also ensured the success of the nascent book project, which the trio published in 1996 as A Birder’s Guide to Maine. Peter worked for Mass Audubon for 23 years, until 2001. Thereafter, he divided his time between biological consulting (with a special focus on the impact of alternativeenergy development projects on birds); teaching avian ecology at National Audubon’s Hog Island Camp in Bremen, Maine; and working on this book, intended as the first systematic and thorough study of Maine’s birdlife since Ralph Palmer’s 1949 Maine Birds. Peter considered this effort to be the culmination of his life’s work. When, in autumn 2015, he learned that he had cancer and would be unlikely to complete the book himself, he gathered a team of coauthors to see it through to publication, with Scott Weidensaul and Barbara serving as co-managing editors. Over the 18 months that he was ill, Peter exhibited a spirit and optimism that both inspired and sustained those who loved him. A week before his death, he was making plans to visit the seabird colony at Matinicus Rock. His love of birds never waned, even when it required a brief nap on the deck during a pelagic trip or a snooze in the car as a friend drove him home. Peter is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara St. John Vickery; by their sons, Gabriel and Simon; and by a large family and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and students who admired and loved him dearly. Jan Pierson and Malcolm L. Hunter, Jr. Adapted from The Auk 134: 929-931.
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facing page: Harlequin Ducks
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Maine State Map - East
xxi
1
Introduction Barbara S. Vickery
M
aine’s birdlife is wonderfully diverse and, in many ways, unique. Seabirds such as Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills breed nowhere else in the U.S. and draw tens of thousands of tourists every summer. Maine’s expansive boreal forests support a rich complement of Neotropical migrant songbirds, including the globally threatened Bicknell’s Thrush, as well as boreal species that come south from Canada to visit in winter. Several southern species now reach their northeastern breeding limit in Maine, among them Louisiana Waterthrush, Orchard Oriole, and Prairie Warbler, all confirmed as breeding in the state only in the last few decades.
Despite this avian richness, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of Maine’s birdlife since 1949 when Ralph Palmer wrote Maine Birds, in which he reported a total of 339 species in the state. In the 70 years since, there have been many changes in species composition and bird distribution in Maine. More than 100 new species have been documented in the state, bringing the total to 464—nearly 70 of these added since the publication of Peter Vickery’s Annotated Checklist of Maine Birds in 1978, and more than a dozen since 2015 alone. Many of these new species were seen just once or twice as accidentals, such as the recent Vermilion Flycatcher or Great Black Hawk that became local celebrities followed in the press. Fully 135 of the bird species documented in Maine are considered so scarce that the Maine Bird Records Committee (ME-BRC) either requires written, photo, or audio documentation for acceptance of records. It is doubtful that so many more birds are straying from their regular ranges now than a century ago. What has changed dramatically, however, is the number of observers equipped with binoculars, cameras, and phones, and the ability to get the word out quickly, ensuring that vagrant species are documented before they disappear. (Technology has played unexpected roles. Consider the second state record of Vermilion facing page: Bicknell's Thrush
Flycatcher, which was spotted in 2018 by an observer in Europe who was watching the Hog Island, Maine, Osprey nest webcam on her computer. She snapped a screenshot to document the bird, which was soon verified by birders on site after she called attention to it.) As the number of birdwatchers has grown, knowledge of the state’s avifauna has increased exponentially, especially with the advent of webbased applications like eBird that amass data from tens of thousands of birders. In addition to vagrant individual birds, many of the species new to the state list since Palmer’s day are now regular, even breeding in Maine, as their core populations have grown, or their ranges have expanded or shifted. Of Maine’s 285 regularly occurring species, 217 are breeders here. This means at least 30 more species are breeding here than were documented 70 years ago, most having expanded their ranges from the south—some significantly so. Once decidedly southern species such as Tufted Titmouse, Northern Mockingbird, and Northern Cardinal are now found even in Maine’s northernmost towns. Awkwardly graceful and raucous Sandhill Cranes have appeared in marshes of central and southern Maine. A few species, such as Merlin, Common Raven, and Fox Sparrow, have expanded their ranges south. Wild Turkeys were reintroduced and are now more widespread and abundant than at any time since Maine became a state. With the help of new laws and conservation management, populations of Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and several terns have rebounded after very nearly being extinguished. Thirty of Maine’s regularly occurring species are found here primarily as winter residents. Those species that neither breed nor winter in the state but occur as regular migrants in spring or fall number 38.
1
Birds of Maine
The State of the Birds from Palmer to Present
From Palmer 1949
Foreword
Current as of Oct.1, 2019 ME-BRC
339
464
4
6
Introduced (established)
Rock Pigeon, European Starling, Ring-necked Pheasant, House Sparrow
Mute Swan, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, House Finch, House Sparrow
Introduced (maintained by human aid)
2
3
Bobwhite, Red-legged Partridge
Bobwhite, Ring-necked Pheasant, Chukar
5
2
European Migratory Quail, Gray Partridge, Prairie Chicken, Capercaillie, Black Grouse
Gray Partridge, Monk Parakeet
13
12 (See Appendix III)
4
1
American Avocet, Blacknecked Stilt, American Oystercatcher, Long-billed Curlew
Long-billed Curlew
5
5
Labrador Duck, Greater Prairie-Chicken (Heath Hen), Passenger Pigeon, Eskimo Curlew, Great Auk
Same
Confirmed in Maine
Introduced (not established)
Hypothetical
Extirpated
Extinct
Table 1: The State of the Birds from Palmer to Present
2
Chapter 1 Introduction
Maine’s Role in Bird Conservation Thanks to its extensive forests and comparative lack of development, Maine provides essential habitat for many Neotropical migrants. Maine’s 15 million acres of forest are a substantive portion of the Northern Appalachian/Acadian ecoregion. Because it offers prime habitat for 34 songbird species whose global breeding range is restricted to such northern forest, a large area of Maine’s undeveloped northern forest was identified as a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society and BirdLife International, the largest such IBA in the U.S. (National Audubon Society 2019b). Maine is also a critical funnel point in the migratory pathways of many waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds migrating overland between boreal and Arctic Canada and the Maine coast; traveling down the Atlantic Coast or across the ocean to the Caribbean and South America; and even, in the case of Red-necked Phalaropes, to the tropical Pacific Ocean. As one of the most productive ocean basins on the planet, the Gulf of Maine provides vital feeding grounds for seabirds that breed here as well as those that nest in the southern hemisphere but spend their nonbreeding season benefiting from the Gulf of Maine’s summer bounty.
Concerns for Maine Birds Some birds that were once part of Maine’s environment are now gone forever. While it is too late for the Passenger Pigeon and Great Auk, which were extinct by the time of Palmer’s writing, we hope lessons were learned from the disappearance of these once-abundant species. The extinction of Passenger Pigeons in the early 20th century caught many by surprise because there was no way to track bird populations other than by counting how many were shot. Today, our understanding of avian abundance and distribution in Maine benefits from systematic, continent-wide efforts such as National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, begun in 1900, and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey, begun in 1966. Data collected in these surveys allow us to track changes in bird populations in time—one hopes—to forestall catastrophic crashes like those of the past. From these data we know that the abundance of many species has diminished alarmingly in recent decades. The populations of more than a third of
Maine’s regularly occurring species are designated either as “of concern” or “at risk” by one measure or another (See Chapter 4 and Appendix 2). The threats to Maine’s birds and their habitats are changing. Two hundred years ago, seabird nesting islands were plundered by eggers. Just over a century ago, birds such as the Passenger Pigeon were still being hunted for meat and egrets for their feathers for the millinery trade. Fifty years ago, the country awoke to the danger of persistent pesticides like DDT accumulating in the food chain, leaving top predators like Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons unable to reproduce successfully. Today, Maine’s birds face threats that are less direct and often less visible. We can take heart in the banning of specific dangerous pesticides (in the U.S. at least); the passage of federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty, Endangered Species and Clean Water Acts; and the millions of acres of natural habitat conserved through government and private efforts. However, despite some successes, the overall abundance of birds is declining—in some cases, drastically. Birds are at risk in Maine from the loss and fragmentation of habitat by increasing development, changing forest management practices, the collapse of insect populations, and the decline of forage fish in the ocean. More than half of Maine’s bird species spend part of their lives elsewhere, so they experience additional risks on their migration routes and wintering grounds, which stretch from the high Arctic to the farthest ends of South America. We can see that many species are responding to the warming climate by shifting their ranges northward, but not all will be able to make that adjustment successfully. Nor do we understand what changes they will encounter as their habitats move and alter, as oceans rise and acidify, and as formerly predictable weather patterns fade or intensify. Birds were the iconic emblem for pesticide dangers in Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Now they may be important harbingers for climate impacts.
The Genesis of This Book This book represents the decades-long effort by Peter Vickery to compile and document, in one volume, the accumulated knowledge of Maine birds since Palmer’s 1949 opus. Beginning in 1978 with the publication of his Annotated Checklist, and over the following three decades, Peter tracked down 3
Birds of Maine
all issues of the 10 Maine-specific ornithological journals and voluminous personal notes from many sources. (See Table 2, “Chronology of Maine Bird Journals,” p. 41. Additional information about sources may be found in the “Introduction to Species Accounts,” p. 75.) Jody Despres created a database of these species records. Peter began drafting species accounts in 2007, enlisting Bill Sheehan as co-author for the waterfowl accounts, given Sheehan’s expertise with that group. When Peter learned that he had terminal cancer in 2015, with the species accounts about three-quarters complete, he assembled a team of highly experienced co-authors, with Scott Weidensaul and Barbara Vickery as managing editors, to carry the work forward. Fortunately, Peter was able to work with the team to flesh out the book’s outline, a proposal for publication, and to secure the splendid artwork from Lars Jonsson and Barry van Dusen that enlivens these pages. After Peter’s death in February 2017, that team ensured that the earlier accounts were brought up to date, wrote the remaining species accounts and chapters, secured review by myriad experts, and saw to the production of the book you now hold.
Plan of the Work At the heart of the book are the species accounts, which document the abundance, distribution, seasonal arrival and departure dates, and historical trends, often with illustrative anecdotes, of all 464 species that have occurred in the state. To provide context for these accounts, we include several overview chapters. In Chapter 2 we describe Maine’s geography, ecoregions, and bird habitats, as well as the key factors determining the distribution of birds in the state. Chapter 3 summarizes those upon whose shoulders we are standing—the history of ornithological efforts in the state on which our current knowledge is built, and which provide the context for our understanding of changes and trends in Maine’s birdlife. Chapter 4 is an assessment of current status, trends, and conservation progress and needs. Finally, the Introduction to the Species Accounts explains the definitions used and sources for the bird records and range maps. Occasional boxed text and sidebars throughout the book highlight topics relevant to more than one species that the authors found interesting and wished to share.
4
Birds of Maine was written to be ornithologically authoritative yet also accessible to the more casual reader. We include numerous tables, charts, maps, and sidebars to highlight and amplify key points in the text. To help illustrate the ways in which Maine’s birds are connected to the broader world, we provide a sampling of maps showing the far-ranging and often surprising migration pathways of individual birds fitted with tracking devices. While the next generations’ naturalists and conservationists will likely turn more often to digital formats for resources like Birds of Maine, today’s bird enthusiasts, educators, libraries, and tourists still value books to hold in the hand, especially ones with exceptional illustrations. Often these are the precursors for the digital versions that may follow (and which we expect will for this volume as well). We recognize that some aspects of this book will be out of date even before it is printed, and we appreciate that digital information can be kept current more easily. As appropriate, we provide locations of relevant online resources throughout the text and especially in the Works Cited. Birds of Maine is intended as a benchmark for the state of Maine’s birds as of 2018, the final year for which we include comprehensive data. As such, it will serve as a valuable reference for decades to come as our knowledge expands and conditions change. We hope it inspires investigation to fill out our still-incomplete understanding of changing bird distributions and abundances and their causes, advocacy for conservation, and most of all, greater curiosity and deeper appreciation and enjoyment of Maine’s varied birdlife.
Chapter 1 Introduction
THOSE WHO GO WHERE THE WIND TAKES THEM Seeing a bird that is rare for their area quickens a birder's blood. Typically, this is not a species that is globally rare, like a Whooping Crane or California Condor. Instead, what birders tend to stumble on are species that normally breed or winter in places far from the location where they are spotted. “Vagrants” are what we birders like to call them. The origins and explanations for vagrancy, and especially for why a particular species has appeared in a certain place, are often the subject of much debate and conjecture. We do know that during migration, some individuals seem to overshoot their destination, move east instead of west (or vice versa), or migrate in the opposite direction from the one that they should be
Some vagrant species may not have been firsts but were among very few records for the state. These include species like the Red-billed Tropicbird that has returned to Seal Island for 15 summers, Pink-footed Goose, Slatybacked Gull, Brown Booby, Brown Pelican, Little Egret, White-faced Ibis, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. It is hard to know whether the growing number of
taking. Birds can also get caught in fast-moving weather
vagrant bird records here in Maine reflects a real trend
systems, including hurricanes, or can be moved off-
or whether it is tied to the many stresses impacting
course during periods of sustained heavy winds. Very
bird populations, from climate change to loss and
occasionally, a bird may follow a fishing vessel or land on
degradation of habitat to increases in environmental
a ship, receive food handouts and be transported to an
contaminants. Undoubtedly, these are factors in at
unusual, far-away location.
least some cases. But we also know that the numbers
Maine has had a remarkable flurry of records of vagrant birds in recent years. Perhaps the most famous was the Great Black Hawk—a species normally not found north of Mexico—that moved around southern Maine for a few months in 2018 before settling into an urban park in Portland. Only the second record for the entire U.S., the bird thrilled thousands of birders and ordinary people (even becoming a media superstar) over the several months that it made the park its home before it finally succumbed to cold weather. Other notable recent vagrants included Maine’s first Crested Caracara, Ancient Murrelet, Great Knot, Snowy Plover, Gray-tailed Tattler, Cassin’s Vireo, Fieldfare, Violet-green Swallow, Gray Flycatcher, Roseate Spoonbill, and Western Wood-Pewee.
of birders, as well as their skill level and their tools for identifying birds (including optics and references), has vastly increased in recent decades. Perhaps as important has been the proliferation of small, inexpensive cameras that allow anyone to photograph or video an unknown bird. This, combined with the online community, facilitated through listservs, eBird, and Facebook, as well as educational resources such as online identification guides and automated identification tools like Merlin, has meant that vagrant species can be rapidly identified and their whereabouts quickly shared with other birders. All in all, it is likely that a much higher proportion of vagrants that wind up in Maine are spotted, identified, and reported now than in years past. JVW
5
2
The Distribution of Birds in Maine Barbara Vickery and Malcolm L. Hunter Jr.
I
magine sailing east along the coast of Maine on a long June day. With a fair wind, two distinct birding highlights could sear the day into your memory.
At dawn, you set sail near Flag Island in eastern Casco Bay, which hosts a breeding colony of Snowy Egrets, a species more typically emblematic of tropical mangrove swamps. By sunset, you reach Eastern Egg Rock in Muscongus Bay, where that icon of the North Atlantic, the Atlantic Puffin, looks quite at home nesting on a rocky, treeless island. This sailing trip exemplifies a dramatic broader phenomenon: even more than many regions, Maine is a biotic crossroads where northern and southern species mix, and where the overall richness of breeding birds is greater than one would expect in an area this size. Twenty-three southern species reach their northern breeding range limit in Maine, and 26 northern species are at the southern edge of their breeding ranges. Many primarily western breeding species, such as Bonaparte’s Gull, Sandhill Crane, Redhead, and Gadwall, reach or approach their eastern limits in Maine. Similarly, some European vagrants reach Maine, although they are seldom seen to our west. In this chapter, we will review Maine’s geographic and ecological diversity with an eye to exploring the distribution of birds across the state as well as the underlying reasons for this crossroads phenomenon.
Maine’s Geography Maine is not only the largest state in New England, but it is almost as large as the other five states combined. It spans more latitude than the rest of New England, reaching farther north than any state east of the Great Lakes. Notably, Estcourt Station, at 470 46' N on Maine’s northernmost tip, is nearly the same latitude as St. Johns, Newfoundland. Maine is facing page: Northern Hardwoods (©J. Gingerich)
almost 90 percent forested, the most wooded state in the country. It is also blessed with abundant fresh water in five great river systems and innumerable streams, fast and slow; in more than 5,000 natural lakes, notably supporting a nearly statewide nesting loon population; and in more than 5 million acres (2 million ha) of freshwater wetlands comprising forested swamps, bogs, fens, marshes, and floodplains. Because of its many peninsulas, tidal streams, and thousands of islands, Maine’s tidal shoreline is— depending on how it is measured—between 2,500 and 5,000 miles (4,000–8,000 km) long, 10–20 times longer than the straight-line coastal distance between Kittery and Lubec. In fact, Maine’s coastline is the fourth longest in the nation. Coastal landforms range from rocky headlands to barrier beach-and-dune systems. Perhaps most exceptional are the thousands of coastal islands, many of which support important seabird nesting colonies.
Topography and Geology Maine lies near the northern end of the Appalachian Mountains in the U.S. Its bedrock is dominated by ancient metasedimentary rocks punctuated by granitic plutons particularly evident near Sebago Lake, Mount Katahdin, and Mount Desert Island. As recently as 15,000 years ago, Maine was under ice a mile (1.6 km) thick, the Laurentide Ice Sheet. At that time, Mount Katahdin, currently 5,267 feet tall (1,605 m), was an island in a vast sea of ice. The continental glacier plucked at hilltops, then ground, scoured, and carried boulders, cobbles, and pebbles, scattering them across the landscape. Its meltwater streams concentrated the glacial debris into eskers and outwash plains. As the glacier receded, the sea inundated the land, which had been depressed by the glacier’s weight; marine waters reached north to Bingham in the Kennebec River Valley and Mattawamkeag in the Penobscot River Valley. As the crust rebounded, what had been 7
Birds of Maine
nearshore ocean bottom became today’s coastal plain, now covered with a smear of marine clay. The diversity of landforms and glacial deposits from these events led to an abundance and variety of drainage patterns and soil types, creating an array of wetlands covering a quarter of the state, four times the wetland acreage of the rest of New England combined.
Climate Latitude drives much of the climatic variation in the state, and almost inevitably, the farther north one goes the colder, longer, and snowier the winters. Furthermore, in Maine this trend is enhanced because altitude tends to parallel latitude. Notably, Moosehead Lake, 100 miles (160 km) inland, lies at 1,032 feet (315 m) above sea level; much of the land from there to Quebec is above 1,000 feet (300 m). A third major contributor to Maine’s climatic variation (unlike Vermont, for instance) is the maritime influence, which accentuates Maine’s steep temperateto-boreal gradient. The Gulf of Maine is slow to warm in spring and slow to cool in autumn. Characteristic fog and sea breezes cool the coastal areas, which are more moderate in temperature in all seasons. These coastal influences are not uniform from Eastport to Kittery, however, because of the Labrador Current, which moves south along the Atlantic Coast of Canada bringing cold water to the Gulf of Maine by way of the Scotia Shelf and the Northeast Channel. Moving in a counterclockwise gyre, it turns north into the Bay of Fundy and then circles back along Maine’s Downeast coast. Its chilly and well-mixed waters make that shoreline cooler and particularly foggy in summer, enveloped in mist twice as many hours, on average, as western Penobscot Bay (Fobes 1946, in McMahon 1990). When the Eastern Coastal Current reaches Penobscot Bay, part of it turns offshore into the Gulf of Maine, making Maine’s southwest coast comparatively warmer and less fog-bound (see Map 6, p. 24). Away from the coast, Maine has a classically continental climate with frigid winters and hot summers. The climate gradient found in Maine’s three degrees of latitude is spread across 20 degrees of latitude in Europe, a distance about twice the length of California ( Jacobson et al. 2009). Overall, the steep climatic gradients and variety of landforms and soils contribute to the remarkable diversity of both forest and wetland types. Naturally, the avifauna reflects this, with northern species such as Atlantic Puffin, Spruce 8
Grouse, Fox Sparrow, and Pine Grosbeak living not far from southern species like Snowy Egrets and Northern Cardinals.
Land Use Maine’s landscapes, and thus bird distribution, have been strongly shaped by human settlement and past and present land use. At the time of European arrival, Maine was populated by the Wabanaki, who were primarily hunter-gatherers on both land and sea, leaving massive middens of fish, marine mammal and bird bones, and shells in coastal areas. But they also cleared patches of land to grow corn, squash, and beans and may have set fires to enhance wildlife hunting, especially in southern and coastal areas, perpetuating the “park-like” oak and pine forests and savannahs with little understory described by many early European explorers. Native American artifacts have been found at Kennebunk Plains, for instance, and the fertile Saco River intervale in Fryeburg hosted a sizable village of the Abenaki, one branch of the Wabanaki. Downeast, Pineo Ridge was already a fire-maintained savannah dominated by blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) when first explored by European surveyors (Winne 1998). However, unlike southern New England and other areas in North America, Maine Native populations were relatively small, even before contact disease epidemics drastically reduced their numbers in the first decades of the 17th century (Mathewson 2011). Therefore, the ecological impacts of their seasonal hunting and gathering lifestyles were less intense and widespread; the composition of the forest Europeans first encountered was very similar to the mix of species found today (Barton et al. 2012). From the 17th to 19th centuries, much of Maine was cleared for agriculture, and by the late 19th century approximately 25 percent of the state’s forest was lost (Foster et al. 2017). Most clearing occurred in the southern third of the state and in eastern Aroostook County. Starting in the 1860s, many farms were abandoned as families moved west to Map 3: Land Use and Land Cover Generalized land cover classes extracted from the Northeastern Terrestrial Habitat Classification System data reveal the extension of boreal forests into eastern Maine, as well as the extent of agricultural land in Aroostook County. (The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Science 2015.)
Boreal Forest Northern Hardwoods Agriculture and open land Wetlands Water Built
Birds of Maine
Hayfields and hedgerows that support such species as Eastern Meadowlarks and American Kestrel are growing scarcer. Aroostook Co. (©Paul Cyr)
better agricultural land. Fields gave way to early successional forests; these, in turn, became mature forests. Populations of meadow and young forest species such as Field Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, and Eastern Towhee grew robust. Now in steep decline, both in Maine and nationwide (Sauer et al. 2017), these species are most predictably found today in utility line corridors and pine barrens. The decline and subsequent increase in Pine Warblers likewise reflects these changes in forest cover, although in reverse. More recently, there is a new impact on southern forests. Sprawling suburban development has led to more clearings, roads, and forest edges, putting birds such as Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Barred Owl at risk. On the other hand, many species’ distributions are positively associated with human settlements. Some birds relatively new to Maine, such as the Northern Mockingbird and Northern Cardinal, expanded their distribution northeastward along coastal Route 1 all the way to Lubec and Eastport, and north to Bangor and Old Town, Penobscot County. They do not occur north of there, except in towns of northern Aroostook County where they likely find yards with fruiting shrubs and bird feeders. However, many species commonly associated with human structures and agriculture, such as Brown-headed Cowbirds, European Starlings, and Purple Martins, do not occur in the north woods, even 10
in sites opened by clear-cutting. Others, such as Cliff Swallows, find suitable accommodations nesting under bridges in the far northwest. Most of northern Maine was never cleared for agriculture and only scarcely settled at its edges. It still holds the largest area of undeveloped land east of the Mississippi. Nevertheless, its forests have undergone profound changes. At about the same time trees were coming back to abandoned farms in southern Maine, the pace of forest harvesting in the rest of the state accelerated. As lumbering increased, there was a shift in focus, from White Pine (Pinus strobus) for lumber to spruce (primarily Picea rubens) for pulpwood, and a dramatic decrease in the average size of trees considered marketable. Another significant change was the end of river log-driving in 1970; this led to the development of an extensive road network across the north woods, making more stands accessible. While the species composition of the current forest has not changed much from the past, the structure has, with a much higher proportion of saplings and polesized timber and only a small fraction of the large sawtimber-sized trees of previous centuries. These variations of geology, landforms, climate, and land-use history are reflected in the dominant vegetation across the state, from Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and White Pine in the southwest, to mossy boreal forests of spruce and balsam fir (Abies
Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
balsamifera) of the north and Downeast, to Aroostook County’s potato country. As these variations determine where birds can find appropriate food and shelter, so too do they define avian distribution.
Species Interactions The distribution of a given bird species may also be influenced by what other species are present. Are there species competing for the same niche? Are there predators limiting one species’ breeding success? At least at small spatial scales, bird distribution is affected by such interactions. Consider two classic ornithological studies conducted in Maine: MacArthur’s (1958) study of foraging niche separation in spruce-fir canopy warblers and Morse’s (1971a) on territory occupancy on islands by that same warbler guild. These studies invite speculation about how such interactions might also affect the distributions of species at the scale of geographic ranges. For example, are the southern range limits of Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee, and Canada Jay affected by their southern analog species? Such questions do not lend themselves to experimentation, but a sort of natural experiment is underway with the resurgence of Bald Eagles in Maine. Recent sharp declines in the distribution and productivity of Ospreys, a key competitor and occasional prey for eagles, are a clear consequence of the rise in eagle populations that could lead to the absence of Ospreys in some regions. Similarly, the breeding-range expansion of Great Cormorants in the 1980s may contract because of increased predation by eagles at cormorant colonies. Other seabirds, notably terns, would probably have experienced a significant range reduction along the coast if not for active management of gull populations. Many gull species, in turn, changed in abundance and shifted their winter foraging distribution away from the interior in response to dump closures. Naturally, the availability of food is a key determinant of where species are found, and is often strongly correlated with environmental features; e.g., the fish that Belted Kingfishers consume are found in some waterbodies but not all. Sometimes, however, distribution of food species is more subtle and can still shape geographic ranges. For example, the distribution of Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) influences the local and regional distribution of three
species in particular, Bay-breasted, Cape May, and Tennessee Warblers (Drever et al. 2018).
The Ecoregions of Maine
(see Biophysical Regions of Maine, p. 12)
Traditionally, descriptions of bird distributions in Maine have referenced counties and we have chosen to do so in our species accounts for two reasons: most historical observations are noted this way, making comparisons easier, and unfamiliar town locations may be more readily understood with reference to the county. Still, seven of Maine’s counties are quite long from north to south, and in the case of Aroostook (the largest county in the eastern U.S.) also from east to west; thus, a given county will encompass different landscapes and bird faunas. While we refer to counties in the species accounts, ecoregions often provide a better system for describing variations in the land and its predictable avian inhabitants. Ecologists developed geographic classification systems to help describe and explain the distribution of biota across regions. These ecoregions are based on a combined assessment of climate, elevation, landform, bedrock and surficial geology, and soils. Maine’s state agencies and conservation groups have adopted and adapted an ecoregional classification first developed by McMahon (1990) and Keys et al. (1995). McMahon’s classification matches the range limits of many of Maine’s woody plants and variations in woody species diversity remarkably well. By contrast, patterns of bird diversity and movement are not as closely linked to ecoregions (Boone and Krohn 2001, Wilson et al. 1997, Wilson 2017, Wilson 2018). Nevertheless, ecoregions are often an efficient way to describe where birds occur, and sometimes help explain their distribution patterns. We have adapted the ecoregional classification delineated in Maine’s Wildlife Action Plan (MDIFW 2016a), and currently in use by Maine’s conservation and natural resource agencies and nonprofits, by distinguishing the coastal subsection of the Central region as the Midcoast and simplifying some of the region’s names. The eight Maine sections used here are linked to four broader ecoregions within which they are nested: the Acadian ecoregion of the Canadian Maritime Provinces; the Northern Appalachian Mountains of New England and the Adirondack Mountains; the broadleaf forests of Lower New England; and the 11
Birds of Maine
Northwest Maine Aroostook Hills and Lowlands
Central and Western Mountains
Eastern Lowlands
Downeast Maine Central Interior
Midcoast and Penobscot Bay
Elevation (feet) 5267
Southern Maine 0
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Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
Map 4: Biophysical Regions of Maine These eight biophysical regions of Maine reflect differing elevation, geology, latitude, proximity to the coast, and resulting climate, which in turn lead to differing vegetation. Note that the biophysical regions cut across Maine’s 16 counties. (Maine Office of GIS.)
Atlantic Coastal Plain. In the most general terms, the state is characterized by spruce forests with patches of northern hardwoods in the Northwest, Aroostook Hills and Lowlands, Central and Western Mountains, Eastern Lowlands, and Downeast—i.e., “the north woods”; mixed hardwoods in the Central Interior; and oak/pine forests in Southern and Midcoast areas. Note that the “north woods” as used colloquially usually refers to the area that is least developed or populated and mostly in unorganized townships, even though there are sections of those regions with towns and agricultural land, and some parts are in Downeast Maine as opposed to geographic north. Locations mentioned frequently in the species accounts, shown on the endpaper coastal maps and four regional maps, pp. xviii–xxi, are in bold below. The descriptions are drawn from McMahon (1990) and the State Wildlife Action Plan (MDIFW 2016a). The Northwest Maine Region lies along the Maine– Quebec border and includes the upper St. John and
Allagash River watersheds. Boreal spruce-fir forests, rivers, and wetland ecosystems dominate, interspersed with hardwood hills. The primary land use is forestry; there are few year-round settlements except in the St. John River Valley, where the river forms the border with New Brunswick. This region’s climate is the most continental in Maine, with greater winter snow depths, the coldest recorded winter temperatures, and a remarkably short growing season. Undoubtedly the least ornithologically explored region in Maine, emblematic birds of this and the Aroostook Hills and Lowlands Region include Rusty Blackbird, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Tennessee and Bay-breasted Warblers, Philadelphia Vireo, and Olive-sided Flycatcher. Spruce Grouse, Canada Jays, Boreal Chickadees, and Black-backed Woodpeckers can be found in these regions as well as in the Downeast and Mountain regions. Northwest Maine is where one is least likely to encounter birds classically associated with human settlement, such as Brown-headed Cowbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, and Northern Mockingbird. Oddly, Great Crested Flycatcher is also missing from this region. The Aroostook Hills and Lowlands Region occupies the northeastern corner of Maine. Like Northwest Maine, it has long winters with cold temperatures that limit open water, but it generally receives less snow than Northwest Maine. With the most alkaline
Spruce-fir stands characteristic of Maine’s boreal forests ring with the songs of Winter Wren, Goldencrowned Kinglet, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Blue-headed Vireo in summer. Deer Isle, Stonington, Hancock Co. (©John Andrew Rice)
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Birds of Maine
Winter comes early to the Mt. Katahdin tablelands where American Pipits nest in summer. Piscataquis Co. (©Paul Cyr) High elevation spruce krummholz is habitat for Bicknell’s Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler. Doubletop Mtn., Piscataquis Co. (©J. Gingerich)
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Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
bedrock in Maine, this region’s extensive weaklycalcareous glacial till gives rise to deep, fine-grained loam that provides the basis for a large agricultural sector; this is Maine’s famous potato country and also includes vast, open hayfields. The remainder of the region is in private woodlots used for commercial timber production. In the northern and western Aroostook Hills, temperate northern hardwoods give way to boreal spruce-fir forests. Because of the calcareous bedrock and northerly climate, this region supports wetland types and rare plants that occur nowhere else in New England. Two rare peatland types, eccentric bogs and patterned raised bogs, reach their western limit in the Aroostook Hills and Lowlands Region. Circumneutral (i.e., slightly alkaline) fens and Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) swamps are more common here than anywhere else in Maine. Northwest Maine and the Aroostook Hills and Lowlands regions both provide habitat for all the characteristic boreal warblers. Aroostook Lowlands agricultural areas support breeding American Kestrels and Horned Larks, and wintering Snow Buntings. Two artificial impoundments, Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir, are notable for their diversity and abundance of waterfowl, including native migrants and rare stragglers from Europe, as well as species that rarely breed in Maine: Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Redhead, and American Wigeon (see sidebar page 94). The Central and Western Mountains Region encompasses approximately five million acres (two million ha), just under one-fourth of the state’s total area. It includes the Appalachian Mountains from the White Mountains through Mount Katahdin. The region’s bedrock is a complex mix of igneous rock and highly metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rock. The region’s climate and vegetation follow elevation. Spruce-fir forests line poorly drained valleys and cap the ridges, while northern hardwoods cover midslopes. There is extensive subalpine forest between 2,500 ft. (750 m) and the krummholz zone (stunted forest near treeline, generally above 3,500 ft. [1,000 m]). Alpine communities such as dwarf shrub and alpine bog occur on treeless peaks. The Mount Katahdin tableland is the only place in New England where American Pipits nest. This region provides the majority of breeding habitat for Bicknell’s Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler in Maine.
Flowing from the mountains that define the region are the headwaters of Maine’s major rivers—the St. John flowing north, the Penobscot to the east, and the Kennebec and Androscoggin Rivers south. The Central and Western Mountains also hold many of Maine’s largest lakes, including Moosehead. Lake Umbagog straddles the Maine–New Hampshire border, and is the site of Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the source of Brewster’s classic account, The Birds of the Lake Umbagog Region of Maine (Griscom 1938), a key historical reference for this area. The Central Interior Region includes the majority of Kennebec County and portions of seven other counties extending from the foothills of the White Mountains to the lowlands of the lower Penobscot River Valley. Characterized by gently rolling terrain of lower river valleys, land relief increases in the Orland Hills east of the Penobscot River. Although mostly underlain by metamorphic bedrock, there are sizable granitic plutons. There is also calcium-rich bedrock that allows more alkaline wetland types in a few locations. The northwest border of the Central Interior roughly follows the inland extent of the post-glacial marine incursion that filled the lower Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Penobscot River valleys with glaciomarine clays and silts. The Central Interior Region’s climate is transitional between the moderate conditions along the coast and continental conditions farther inland. Not surprisingly, the forests of the Central Interior Region are similarly transitional from oak, pine, and mixed hardwood in the south to spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests in the north. Northern range limits of at least 60 woody plants and more than 250 herbaceous species concentrate along the inland boundary of the region (McMahon 1990). Red Maple (Acer rubrum) swamps and vernal pools are abundant in the region’s southwest, while peatlands are common farther north and east. An extensive complex of bogs, fens, and stream-shore wetlands of the Sebasticook watershed from Unity northeast through Plymouth holds many wetlands more than 1,000 acres (400 ha) in size, and some exceeding 2,000 acres (800 ha). This is the region in Maine where one is most likely to find breeding populations of uncommon wetland birds such as Marsh Wren, Black Tern, American Coot, Common Moorhen, Least Bittern, Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated Vireo, as well as Northern Roughwinged Swallow and, more recently, Sandhill Crane. 15
Birds of Maine
The Eastern Lowlands Region lies in interior Maine and extends from the Penobscot River basin eastward to New Brunswick. Soils in this region are generally wet and compact, derived from glaciolacustrine deposits and glaciomarine clays and, in depressions, include organic soils on their way to becoming peat. These soil conditions give rise to some of the largest forested wetlands in the state. The climate here is transitional between the coastal zone and the inland continental climate. As a result, the Eastern Lowlands Region has a greater variety of peatlands than any other region of the state. Ribbed and eccentric bogs (peatlands with distinctive patterns of vegetation and water flow) reach their southern limit in this region. At the same time, many woody species reach the northern limit of their ranges here, such as Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), and Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). Although spruce-fir lowlands dominate, there are also oak-pine forests, patches of northern hardwoods, and Red Pine woodlands. This bioregion’s large tracts of commercially managed forest dominated by spruce-fir share most of the boreal bird species characteristic of northern Maine. Downeast Maine comprises the coastal zone from Ellsworth to Eastport, including Mount Desert 16
Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Great Wass Island, the Bold Coast in Cutler, West Quoddy Head, and Cobscook Bay. Besides the spectacular coastline, the region includes low summits, blueberry barrens, coastal spruce-fir forests, and many of the largest peatlands in Maine, such as the Great Heath. Coastal plateau peatlands, a type that occurs only within the climatic influence of the immediate coast, are restricted to Downeast Maine. Large, undisturbed stream-shore and lakeshore marshes provide habitat for rare wading birds, including Least Bitterns and Yellow Rails, as well as the more common American Bitterns, Soras, and Virginia Rails. Extensive open barrens managed for native lowbush blueberries support Vesper Sparrows and the state’s largest concentration of Upland Sandpipers. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is managed to maximize American Woodcock breeding populations. Offshore islands provide nesting sites for terns, alcids, and Leach’s Storm-Petrels. With luck, one can spot a Spruce Grouse and a Razorbill on the same walk at Quoddy Head State Park. At the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, the Quoddy region has the greatest tidal amplitude on the Maine coast, often more than 20 feet (6 m), which exposes vast mudflats attracting many migrant shorebirds, notably at Lubec Bar. Extreme tides, maritime climate, and complex
Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
previous page: One of Maine’s thousands of lakes and ponds that provide critical nesting habitat for Common Loons, Spotted Sandpipers, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, and Wood Ducks. Baxter State Park, Piscataquis Co. (©Ian Patterson) right: Spruce-fir forests cover much of western, northern, and Downeast Maine, providing habitat for boreal species like Spruce Grouse, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, Swainson’s Thrush, and Magnolia Warbler. View from Number 5 Mtn., T6R7 BKP WKR, Somerset Co. (©Ian Patterson)
Boreal forests and warblers typical of northern Maine meet the ocean along the Downeast shore. Bold Coast, Cutler, Washington Co. (©Ian Patterson)
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Birds of Maine
left: Twenty-foot tides on the Downeast coast create extensive mudflats, critical stopover habitat for migratory shorebirds. Gouldsboro, Hancock Co. (© Mark Berry) below: Rocky headlands and deep coastal waters, the iconic image of the Maine coast, are often inhabited by Common Eiders and Black Guillemots. Monhegan Island. (©Mike Fahay)
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Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
bathymetry combine to bring exceptional riches of marine life to the surface and lead to an annual spectacle of thousands of migrant seabirds and hundreds of marine mammals converging to enjoy an end-of-summer feeding frenzy. The Midcoast and Penobscot Bay Region stretches from Casco Bay to Blue Hill Bay and thus includes the many peninsulas and islands of the Midcoast and outer Penobscot Bay. The peninsulas are formed by highly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks (Osberg
et al. 1985), while granitic plutons form many of the islands such as Isleboro, Vinalhaven, and North Haven, as well as the Camden Hills and Blue Hill. Before the land rebounded from the receding glacier’s weight, nearly the entire Midcoast was submerged. When the land rebounded, many valleys emerged, which, as the land subsided again, then became the bays and inlets of today’s coast. Hence, it is often referred to as a drowned coastline. Covered with shallow, excessively drained sandy soils, many of the region’s ridges lend
BLUEBERRY BARRENS: A BIRD HABITAT UNIQUE TO MAINE AND THE CANADIAN MARITIMES Maine has large expanses of blueberry barrens, areas naturally dominated by wild lowbush blueberries, which are managed to enhance that commercial crop. These barrens occur where soils are acidic and dry, often
Maine’s rarest natural communities. Large commercially
associated with glacial outwash. There is evidence that
managed blueberry barrens are critically important
many of these were relatively open pine woodlands,
for Upland Sandpipers, which are mostly restricted to
shrublands, or grasslands in precolonial times because
areas larger than 250 acres (100 ha). Vesper Sparrows
of fires set by Native Americans (Winne 1998). There are
likewise are strongly associated with blueberry barrens
several barrens in Southern Maine, notably Kennebunk
in Maine, apparently finding enough grass and forb
Plains, Wells Barren, and Brunswick Commons, most of
cover to nest along the edges even on barrens treated
which are now in conservation and no longer managed
with herbicides (Weik 1999). In Southern Maine, barrens
for blueberries. There are dry blueberry ridges in Waldo
in conservation, now managed for wildlife rather than
County in the Midcoast. However, the majority of Maine’s
commercial blueberry production, also support many
44,000 acres in blueberry production, and notably the
Field Sparrows, Prairie Warblers, and Eastern Towhees
largest in expanse, are in Downeast Maine where they
around their shrubby edges or in fields that have not
are large enough to be apparent in satellite images.
recently been burned or mown.
Although management for blueberries has become
Whimbrels have long used the Downeast barrens as
more and more intensive (involving herbicides to
a refueling stop on their southward migration; in fact,
radically reduce grass and forb cover, removal of
they were once known locally as “Blueberry Curlews.”
rocks to facilitate mechanical harvest, and planting
Large blueberry growers attempt to dissuade them
of coniferous trees as windbreaks), such barrens still
with cannons, although the number of berries eaten
provide essential habitat for several grassland-nesting
by Whimbrels is a tiny fraction of the crop (J. Paquet,
birds: Upland Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrow, and
Canadian Wildlife Service, pers. com.). Northern Harriers
Vesper Sparrow (see range maps in species accounts).
and American Kestrels are positively associated with
Unlike Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks, these birds
large blueberry barrens over other types of open lands
do not use hayfields or pastures, but instead require
(Weik 1999). Short-eared Owls sometimes frequent these
areas with bunching grasses such as Little Bluestem
sites and one of the few Maine records of Burrowing Owl
(Schizachyrium scoparium) where there is some bare
occurred on a Downeast barren. Clarry Hill, a managed
ground amongst the vegetation. Sandplain grasslands,
blueberry barren in Midcoast Maine, is a notable
which provide habitat for a number of rare plants and
hawkwatch site, despite its relatively low elevation,
invertebrates, as well as grassland birds, are one of
because of its dramatic, unobstructed views. BSV
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Birds of Maine
OLD SOW WHIRLPOOL The strong Fundy tides, with the largest amplitude on the Atlantic Coast, combined with the complex underwater topography of the Passamaquoddy Bay region between Maine and New Brunswick, produce the largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, called the Old Sow. On a rising (flood) tide, water can run
!
as fast as eight knots through Lubec
Passamaquoddy Bay
Robbinston
!
!
in the opposite direction around
IC K SW UN BR NE W I NE MA
Indian Island, at the western end of Head Harbour Passage, the result is a more horizontal, turbulent, and locally transient phenomenon than the
!
Perry
!
!
familiar downward bathtub whirlpool.
bo ur P He ad H
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Enormous numbers of small gulls
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ge ssa Pa
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to fish, marine mammals, and birds.
ar
n
and providing rich food resources
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marine invertebrates to the surface
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r ste We
as sa ge
Deer Island
responsible for bringing nutrients and
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In fact, it involves significant upwelling,
feed on this bounty in late summer,
Eastport
Cobscook Bay !
Pembroke
Old Sow
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Sabine’s, Little, and Black-headed
O
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including occasional rarities such as
!
Narrows. When it meets water flowing
Saint George
Gulls, amid thousands of Bonaparte’s.
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Until the mid-1980s, the spectacle was
Bay of Fundy
Campobello Island
even more staggering as hundreds of thousands of Red-necked Phalaropes
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also congregated there. CDD Lubec Trescott Twp
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NE W
BR M UN AI N SW E IC
K
Map 5: Old Sow Whirlpool
themselves to wild blueberry cultivation. One of these, Clarry Hill, is well known as a prime raptor viewing locality during fall migration. Vegetation of the Midcoast Region is transitional between cool spruce forests of the Canadian Maritimes and the oak-pine associations of central New England. Maine’s coastal spruce-fir forests reach their southernmost extent near Harpswell. Conversely, several plant species more typical of southwestern Maine reach their easternmost extent in the region, including Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), White Oak (Quercus alba), and American Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). 20
This transitional zone exhibits a high level of species diversity. Woody species richness is higher than any other part of the state (McMahon 1990, Krohn et al. 1999). Interestingly, although this is a transition zone between northern and southern species—recall the puffin and the egret—the overall diversity of breeding birds in this region is not greater than elsewhere on the coast (Adamus 1987). Estuaries of the Kennebec, Sheepscot, and Penobscot Rivers support tidal wetlands ranging from salt marshes to brackish and freshwater wetlands. The Kennebec River estuary, in particular, includes the largest acreage of salt marsh on the coast.
Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine Throughout Maine, freshwater pond shores are a favorite haunt of Great Blue Herons, as well as Green Herons and Spotted Sandpipers. Kezar Pond outlet, Fryeburg, Oxford Co. (©Maine Natural Areas Program)
Merrymeeting Bay, one of the most expansive freshwater tidal marshes in the eastern U.S., is famous for the concentrations of migrant waterfowl and blackbirds (especially Bobolinks) attracted to its robust Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica) stands, as well as migrant shorebirds and swallows that gather there. Seawall Beach, Popham Beach State Park, and Reid State Park are outstanding examples of barrier beach and dune systems at their northeastern U.S. range limit. These sites support nesting Piping Plovers and occasionally Least Terns, and in fall migration attract tens of thousands of shorebirds. Saltmarsh Sparrows reach their northeastern breeding limit in the salt marshes behind these barrier beaches.
The Southern Maine Region, including all of York and Cumberland Counties, along with southern Oxford and western Sagadahoc Counties, is the most developed and densely populated area of Maine. Nevertheless, there are still many diverse natural areas critically important to Maine’s birds. Not surprisingly, it is also where at least least 10 species, including Blue-winged Warbler and Orchard Oriole, reach the northern limit of their ranges. Characterized by oak, pine, and Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forests, the region is less influenced by maritime climate than the central and eastern coast, even along the immediate 21
Wild Rice beds south of Swan Island in Merrymeeting Bay are important habitat for migrating Bobolinks, swallows, teal, and rails. Perkins Twp., Sagadahoc Co. (©Heather Perry)
shore. Its inland locations, such as the Fryeburg area, for example, often have the hottest summer temperatures in the state. The many glacial eskers and moraines create extensive wetland systems and large sand and gravel outwash deposits that provide essential aquifers. The region’s largest river, the Saco, winds through extensive glacial outwash, forming Maine’s largest floodplain system. Some outwash sites harbor fire-prone Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) barrens and sandplain grasslands, such as Kennebunk Plains and Wells Barren, home to breeding Grasshopper Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows, Upland Sandpipers, and Prairie Warblers. Maine’s largest salt marshes also occur in this region, most notably Scarborough Marsh. The southern coast, remarkably straight compared to the Midcoast, has a series of long beaches. A few islands, including 22
Stratton Island, provide heronry sites for southern species, such as Little Blue and Tricolored Herons, Snowy Egret, and Glossy Ibis. Bradbury Mountain, Cumberland County, is the site of the state’s primary spring hawkwatch. Mount Agamenticus in York County, a monadnock in the southern coastal plain, is one of Maine’s long-standing fall hawk migration observation sites.
The Gulf of Maine The eight ecoregions described above leave off at the ocean’s edge, but the marine realm also has distinct regions. The complex interplay of seafloor topography, wide seasonal variation in water temperature, tidal amplitude, large-scale oceanic currents, and distance from shore shapes the environments that determine
Sandy beach and dunes are a southern coastal Maine habitat important for nesting Piping Plover and Least Tern and, in winter, “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow. Seawall Beach, Phippsburg, Sagadahoc Co. (©Peter Vickery)
seabird distribution just as definitively as the landscape shapes that of terrestrial birds.
while those of the coastal shelf west of Penobscot Bay are warmer and fresher (See Map 7, p. 29).
The Gulf of Maine is one of the world’s most productive—and dynamic—marine ecosystems. A semi-enclosed sea, it is a deep basin bounded on the Atlantic side by the shallower Georges and Browns Banks (See Map 6, p. 24). The gulf is nourished by cold water from the Labrador Current and fresh water draining Maine and parts of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Surface temperatures average just 2°C (36°F) in winter and 17°C (63°F) in summer, a much wider range than the waters south of Cape Cod (Maine Department of Marine Resources data). Lately it has become one of the fastest-warming waterbodies on Earth (Pershing et al. 2015). It is characterized by large diurnal tidal amplitudes reaching extremes in the Bay of Fundy and creating intense mixing of surface and deeper waters, especially Downeast. Inshore waters lie over a shallow coastal shelf less than 200 ft (60 m) deep and about six nautical miles (11 km) wide. Because of the influence of the Eastern Coastal Current, the surface waters to the east are colder, saltier, and well-mixed,
Thousands of islands of varying sizes and vegetation cover, from tiny rocks just above the tideline to larger ones covered with spruce-fir forests, dot the inshore. Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Common Eiders, Double-crested Cormorants, and many species of warblers find these islands to be ideal breeding sites. Farther offshore, islands such as Seal Island, Eastern Egg Rock, Mount Desert Rock, Matinicus Rock, and (in waters also claimed by Canada) Machias Seal Island provide nesting habitats that are free from terrestrial predators and closer to pelagic feeding grounds. It is only here that the more southerly Roseate Tern breeds on the same islands as such northerly species as Common Murre, Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin, Black Guillemot, and Arctic Tern, also at the limits of their breeding ranges. Still farther from shore is the truly pelagic zone with waters as deep as 1,000 ft. (300 m) in its three major basins: Jordan, Wilkinson, and Georges. Ridges, banks, and seamounts such as Cashes Ledge and Jeffreys Bank separate these basins and create 23
Birds of Maine
Saint John !
Bay of Fundy
Jordan Basin
Cashes Ledge
Wilkinson Basin Stellwagen Bank
Boston
Eastern Coastal Shelf
Sc
n ia ot
Georges Basin
Browns Bank No rt
he as t
Ch
!
!
l ne an
Georges Bank
Map 6: Gulf of Maine Bathymetric Features and Currents The Gulf of Maine, one of the world’s most productive marine ecosystems, is a semi-enclosed deep basin bounded on the Atlantic side by Georges and Browns Banks. Within its offshore pelagic zone, the waters are deepest in its three major basins, Jordan, Wilkinson, and Georges. Seamounts such as Cashes Ledge and Jeffreys Bank create upwellings of oxygen- and nutrientrich cold water that provide rich feeding grounds for seabirds and whales. (Data: Maine Department of Marine Resources.)
24
C
he lS a st oa
lf
Scotian Shelf
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Jeffr eys Ledg e
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Yarmouth
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Jeffreys Bank
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lf
!
Portland !
No
ern rth
he lS ta s oa
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Bangor!
en tin n Co
lo l S ta
pe
Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
Gulf of Maine Surface Temperatures September 2016 High : 20 C Low : 11 C
Saint John !
Bay of Fundy
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Bangor!
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Boston
Eastern Coastal Shelf
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Jeffr eys Ledg e
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Yarmouth
Sc
n ia ot
lf
Browns Bank
Georges Basin No rt
he as t
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l ne an
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C
e Sh al t s oa
Scotian Shelf
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Stellwagen Bank
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Jordan Basin
Cashes Ledge
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Jeffreys Bank
e Sh
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Portland !
No
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Georges Bank
en tin n Co
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Map 7: Gulf of Maine Sea-Surface Temperature Gradients The Labrador Current brings cold water into the Gulf of Maine by way of the Scotia Coastal Shelf and the Northeast Channel. This colder water turns north into the Bay of Fundy where it is pushed to the surface, and then circles back along Maine's Downeast coast in a counterclockwise gyre. Its chilly and well-mixed surface waters make that shoreline cooler and famously foggy in summer. When the Eastern Coastal Current, running along the Northern Coastal Shelf, reaches Penobscot Bay, part of it turns offshore into the Gulf of Maine so that the surface temperatures of the southern coast are much warmer. (Data: Gulf of Maine Research Institute.)
25
Birds of Maine
previous page: Saco Heath, a southern example of a large raised peatland. Saco, York Co. (©Ian Patterson) right: Blueberry barren/sandplain grasslands are a bastion for rare species like Grasshopper Sparrow and Upland Sandpiper. Kennebunk Plains, York Co. (©Patrick Higgins) The ranges of Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows overlap on the extensive salt marshes of southern Maine. Goosefare Brook, Saco, York Co. (©Maine Natural Areas Program).
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Chapter 2 The Distribution of Birds in Maine
upwellings of oxygen- and nutrient-rich cold water that support a robust food chain, providing ideal feeding grounds for whales and seabirds. Here, in the northern summer, austral migrants like Wilson’s Storm-Petrels and Great and Sooty Shearwaters meet their boreal-breeding counterparts, Leach’s Storm-Petrels and Manx Shearwaters, and jaegers ply their kleptoparasitic trade. Summer research ships and
tourist cruises focused on whales provide much of the bird distribution information in this offshore zone; we know comparatively little about seabird occurrence in the Gulf of Maine in winter.
WHO OWNS MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND? Machias Seal Island (MSI) flies a Canadian flag, its lighthouse is staffed by Canadian Coast Guard light keepers, and in summer, its seabird colony is protected by Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) personnel. Why then, is it included in a book about Maine’s birds? Lying nine miles off Cutler, ME, and 12 miles from Grand
ferried birdwatchers to MSI for many years, went further,
Manan, NB, the island is integral to our understanding
“[T]he U.S. does not recognize the Canadian claim.
of Gulf of Maine birdlife. Politically, things are more
Canada has been informed of the U.S. view on many
complicated, because the island and surroundings are
occasions….Canada certainly does not have the authority
disputed territory.
to impose any restrictions on your use of U.S. territory.
The U.S. State Department claims,“Machias Seal Island has been part of the United States since the Definitive
You have the right to ignore any regulations that Canada might pretend to set for Machias Seal Island.”
Treaty of Peace of 1783 between the United States and
The island was expressly excluded from the mandate
Great Britain. Canada has maintained a lighthouse on
of an International Court of Justice (ICJ) chamber
the island since the mid-19th century and claims that the
established in 1979 to define the maritime boundary
island has become part of Canada. The United States
of the two nations in the Gulf of Maine. Canadian law
disputes Canada’s claim. We note that maintenance of a
professor Donald McRae, a member of the ICJ, said that
lighthouse for navigational purposes does not by itself
when the dispute between the two nations arises every
entail a manifestation of sovereignty under international
few years, “they just simply try to put it aside because
law” (USFWS, 2017, pers. com.).
I don’t think either side is interested in dealing with it”
Canada, for its part, points to a section of the same 1783
(Byer and Østhagen 2016).
Treaty of Paris that excludes any island that was ever
The fortunate present situation is that MSI is
part of Nova Scotia from those transferred to the newly
simultaneously a CWS Migratory Bird Sanctuary and
independent U.S. They note that Machias Seal Island is
part of the Maine Coastal Islands NWR. In effect, both
included in the 1621 Letters Patent issued by King James I
nations agree to disagree about sovereignty while
establishing the colony of Nova Scotia.
communicating and cooperating for the island’s
A 1982 letter from the U.S. State Department to the late Captain Barna B. Norton, a colorful Downeaster who
management and protection. CDD
29
Cordelia Stanwood was a pioneer in photographing wild birds, like this female Black-throated Blue Warbler feeding her fledglings. (Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary)
3
Maine’s Ornithological History Jody Despres and Jeffrey V. Wells
The Early Years: Studying Birds by Shooting
“T
he Cormorant, Shape, or Sharke roosts by night upon some Rock that lyes out in the Sea, thither the Indian goes in his Birch-Canow when the Moon shines clear. [Having killed the birds’] watchman, he takes them up as he pleaseth, still wringing off their heads; when he hath slain as many as his Canow can carry, he gives a shout which awakens the Cormorants, who are gone in an instant.”
Such anecdotes are characteristic of the observations of British gentleman-errant John Josselyn, the first known chronicler of Maine’s birdlife. Based in what is now Scarborough during the 1630s and then again in the 1660s, Josselyn spent more than eight years exploring—with conspicuous delight—the natural wonders of provincial Maine and New Hampshire. He left us two volumes on the subject: New England’s Rarities Discovered in Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Serpents, and Plants of that Country (1672) and An Account of Two Voyages to New-England (1674). Along with a few less prominent passers-through, Josselyn might be considered one of Maine’s first ornithologists. However, his occasional notes on Native American bird lore remind us that a long tradition of careful bird-study (most of it passed from generation to generation through oral history and never written down) existed before the first Europeans brought recorded history to this continent. While both the indigenous peoples and the Europeans were interested in birds as food, the former had deep spiritual connections with many birds. Josselyn, for instance, wrote that the kingbird is a “little black hawke highly prized by the Indians who wear them on their heads, and is accounted of worth sufficient to ransome a Sagamour [chief ]; they are so strangely courageous and hardie, that nothing flyeth in the
Air that they will not bind with.” Even today a few indigenous bird names are still used commonly, as in the various versions of the name “whiskey jack” or “wiskeejac” for the Canada Jay, a bird that occurs in legends of many native peoples of northern North America. Josselyn’s contributions were to be the last significant words on Maine ornithology for a long while. Alexander Wilson’s nine-volume American Ornithology (1808–1814) added some new information, but it is not clear whether he personally ever observed birds in Maine. Another bird observer, William D. Williamson, included an annotated list of Maine birds in his History of the State of Maine (1832), but he listed no sources for his information, much of which was inaccurate. Whether Williamson actually birded in Maine is also questionable. By contrast, in the very year that Williamson’s list was published, John James Audubon did come to study and collect in Maine, seeking new material for his five-volume Ornithological Biography (1831–1839). Perhaps more significant for Maine ornithology than any bird Audubon found here was his acquaintance with young Thomas Lincoln of Dennysville, whom Audubon met while staying with the Lincoln family in the summer of 1832 looking for Spruce Grouse and gathering specimens for use in his paintings of Black Guillemot, Harlequin Duck, Red-necked Phalarope, and Winter Wren. Lincoln accompanied Audubon (who was slowed by a recent stroke) and his son on his expedition to Labrador in 1833. They hired a boat and crew and left from Eastport on 6 June 1833. On 4 July they were exploring around Natashquan (a native Innu name that means something like “place to hunt bears”) on the North Shore of what is now Quebec, when Audubon heard the song of a bird and immediately knew it was a species that he had never seen or heard. He called the young men over immediately to try to procure a 31
Birds of Maine
specimen. It was Maine’s own young Tom Lincoln who collected the first—a species, ironically enough, that probably nested regularly within a few miles of Lincoln’s Dennysville doorstep. In any case, Audubon graciously named it “Lincoln’s finch” (now Lincoln’s Sparrow). (For more on Audubon’s time in Downeast Maine and his Labrador expedition, see Logan 2016.) Between 1846 and 1857, another famous naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, made three visits to Maine, exploring Mount Katahdin, Moosehead Lake, the Allagash River, and the East Branch of the Penobscot River. No bird he saw would have made ornithological news then or now; that he found loons in the wilderness is hardly surprising, but his distinction was the wilderness he found in loons and their calls: “. . . a very wild sound, quite in keeping with the place and the circumstances of the traveler and very unlike the sound of a bird . . . Formerly, when lying awake at midnight in these woods, I had listened to hear some words or syllables of [the woods’] language, but it chanced that I listened in vain until I heard the cry of the loon.” Thoreau’s ornithology was also distinguished in another way: he rarely, if ever, collected birds or their eggs. From the 1700s until at least 1900, collecting was the sine qua non of ornithology. However alien this seems to our own idea of birding, birds were then hunted on so large a scale for market, sport, or decorations that hunting them for science was seldom a matter of conscience. Even after laws regulating bird hunting were on the books, they were largely ignored by those with ornithological interests. William Brewster, who collected birds in western Maine between 1871 and 1909, wrote that even game wardens saw “technical infractions of the law, if committed for some obviously necessary or worthy purpose, might often be ignored with advantage rather than detriment to its general usefulness and efficacy.”
Probably the most comprehensive effort to solve early North American bird identification problems through collecting was that conducted by Spencer Fullerton Baird of the Smithsonian Institution. Between 1850 and 1875, Baird maintained a veritable army of collectors throughout the U.S. From 1865 on, he also maintained a summer home in Eastport. His principal source of Maine specimens was the aptly named lumber magnate, George Boardman. Boardman lived on the banks of the St. Croix River in “Milltown,” sometimes on the American side (Calais) and sometimes on the Canadian side (St. Stephen, New Brunswick). In a field of study noted both then and now for its emphasis on keeping accurate records and lists, Boardman’s tendency not to distinguish his Maine bird observations from those gathered in New Brunswick was a source of headaches to ornithological writers for decades. A number of local and state bird lists were published between 1860 and 1890. The most comprehensive of these was Everett Smith’s Birds of Maine, with Annotations of Their Comparative Abundance, Dates of Migration, Breeding Habits, etc. which appeared serially in the outdoor sportsman’s magazine Forest and Stream between 1882 and 1883. Although the basis for some unusual records is unclear, the list is generally credible and informative, a great improvement over Williamson’s. And although the record was argued over by many ornithologists since, Smith’s list provides the most plausible record of Boat-tailed Grackle in the state, still considered only hypothetical in Maine.
Ora Willis Knight, who was born in Bangor in 1874 and received a degree in chemistry from Maine State College (now University of Maine) in 1895, was an avid university-trained naturalist, although professionally employed as a chemist and microscopist. He collected specimens of birds, plants, insects, and other animals for the University of Maine and the And the scientific need was real. Until “opera glasses” Smithsonian and contributed many papers and became available in the 1890s, the only optics available observations to works of the day like Bent’s Life were small telescopes. Even if one could get a clear Histories of North American Birds. In 1908, he published look at a bird, there were no field guides to aid in its Maine’s first comprehensive bird book, Birds of identification. Those references that did exist were Maine, through a Bangor publishing house. Among cumbersome, incomplete, and often inaccurate or other features, Knight’s Birds of Maine included a contradictory; each might give a different name for descriptive key to identification, a county-by-county the same species. Many species had yet to be described, list of each species’ status, and considerable life and the plumages of many more had not been figured history information, the bulk of it gathered in Maine out, much less illustrated. by Knight and his correspondents. Knight corrected and clarified many previously published records and stated the evidence for unusual records of his own. 32
Chapter 3 Maine’s Ornithological History
THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND MAINE Theodore Roosevelt is justly famed as one of the nation’s first and most prominent conservationists, founding the U.S. Forest Service and what became the National Wildlife Refuge system, and helping to create or expand six national parks. Although Roosevelt is most often associated with the American West, long before he saw the Great Plains, a young Theodore got his first taste of wilderness in northern Maine in the 1860s. Roosevelt was a lifelong birder, though no such term was used in his day. At the age of eight he began collecting birds for study, as was the practice for serious ornithologists of the day. He became an accomplished young taxidermist, preparing bird skins even while on Roosevelt family trips abroad. In 1878, following his terms at Harvard College, Roosevelt visited Island Falls, camping, fishing, and observing birds in the wilds there. A Common Nighthawk that he collected at Mattawamkeag Lake in late summer 1878 remains in the Smithsonian, along with hundreds of other bird skins he collected through his life. Years later, then-President Roosevelt kept a list of all the birds he saw or heard at the White House, tallying 91 species in his eight years there. In a 1918 essay titled “My Debt to Maine,” Roosevelt wrote, “I owe a personal debt to Maine because of my association with staunch friends in Aroostook County; an association that helped and benefited me (throughout my life) in more ways than one.” Roosevelt made several trips to Island Falls to stay with the Sewall family, going on hunting trips in the fall with Maine woodsmen and guides Bill Sewall and Wilmot Dow, and once spent three
Theodore Roosevelt got his first taste of wilderness as a young man camping and hunting in northern Maine, returning several times and forging lifelong friendships. (Library of Congress)
or four weeks on snowshoes with them. He remembers with “qualified joy the ascent, and especially, the descent of Katahdin in moccasins,” having lost one boot crossing
enjoyment of the natural world on hunting trips. When
Wassataquoik Stream in what is now Katahdin Woods
he was president, he invited them to visit and they
and Waters National Monument. He also recounted “delicious nights in lean-tos by a stream or lake in clear
“talked over everything, public and private, past and the present. . . , the proper attitude of the United States
fall weather,” and meals of venison, trout, partridge,
in external and internal matters. We all of us looked at
and “fish duck.” It is not hard to imagine that these
really important matters . . . from substantially the same
early experiences laid the foundation for Roosevelt’s
viewpoint. Never were there more welcome guests at
conservation ethic. Roosevelt stayed in touch with
the White House.” And never was there a birder to visit
these staunch friends, and when he started a ranch on
Maine’s wilds with a more broad-reaching impact on
the Little Missouri in Dakota Territory, he brought the
conservation in the U.S.
Sewalls and Dows to join him, continuing their shared
BSV and WJS
33
Birds of Maine
His descriptions of discoveries could be delightfully personal—as in his dawning realization that the song he was listening to was not a Wrentit from the sage-covered mesas of southern California, but the first Sedge Wren recorded in the region. Significantly, Knight listed more than 50 active bird observers from around the state who provided data for the book, an indication of the growing popularity of bird study at the time. Among the most significant of the contributors were Manly Hardy, a fur buyer and bird collector from Brewer, and Seguin Island lighthouse keeper Herbert Spinney, who kept careful records of migrant birds attracted to and sometimes killed by striking the lighthouse windows. Between 1871 and 1909, roughly the same period that Knight was compiling Birds of Maine, William Brewster of Cambridge, Massachusetts, made frequent visits to Lake Umbagog on the Maine/New Hampshire border. A cofounder of the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU, now the American Ornithological Society, AOS) and member of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Brewster was a keen observer, a meticulous record-keeper, and a lucid writer. His four-volume study, The Birds of the Lake Umbagog Region of Maine (1924–1938) is at once a definitive regional list and an historical memoir. The species accounts are eminently informative and so vivid that to read them is often as good as being there. In chronicling the birds of the region, Brewster also chronicled the people who hunted them. The reader learns how birds avoided hunters, how hunters stalked birds, which species were considered edible and which not. There is even a recipe for turning the normally unpalatable Black Scoter into a gourmet delight.
The Advent of the Bird Conservation Movement But the times were changing. Brewster did his fieldwork during the heyday of bird hunting, and by the time he finished, several species had been shot into scarcity, and the Passenger Pigeon had disappeared altogether. Such declines were not limited to Umbagog, nor to Maine. In the 1840s, it became fashionable to use egret plumes to decorate women’s hats. In the 1880s, the fashion broadened to include the feathers from a host of other species, including gulls and terns, and to meet this demand, seabird colonies along the Maine coast were ransacked. Growing public concern here and elsewhere finally 34
William Brewster carried out intensive studies of birds at Lake Umbagog, on the New Hampshire-Maine line, over three decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (The Auk, Jan 1920)
resulted in, among other things, the formation of what are now the state and national Audubon societies. These groups, in close cooperation with the AOU, worked to promote protective legislation and see to its enforcement. One of the first bird wardens in the U.S. was the lighthouse keeper of Matinicus Rock, William Grant, who agreed to protect the seabirds on the island from hunters in 1900. Although Grant passed away later that year, the AOU hired 11 more wardens in 1901 and helped pass a model bird protection law in Maine that same year. One of the early Maine bird wardens was Arthur H. Norton, who for several years served as a seabird warden, monitoring offshore breeding colonies on behalf of the AOU. In the early 1890s, he began gathering data on Maine birds and filing it systematically on cards—a project he continued as curator of the Portland Society of Natural History (the forerunner of Maine Audubon) from 1905 until his death in 1943. (For a lively account of the
Chapter 3 Maine’s Ornithological History
dramatic history of that Society and the collections of the Portland Museum of Natural History, see “The Portland Society of Natural History: The Rise and Fall of a Venerable Institution” [Eastman 2006].) Norton’s file cards became the foundation of Maine’s second “state book,” Ralph Palmer’s Maine Birds, published in 1949. Maine colleges and universities were at the forefront of hiring some of the nation’s top early academic ornithologists. One of the first ornithologists appointed at the University of Maine was Howard L. Mendall. Born in Augusta, Maine, in 1909, Mendall received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in zoology from the University of Maine and then became part of the Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit there in 1937, continuing until his retirement in 1977. Mendall’s many published works include two major life-history studies: The Home-Life and Economic Status of the Double-crested Cormorant (1936) and The Ring-necked Duck in the Northeast (1958). The latter work is still the definitive book on its subject.
Ralph Palmer in 1955, six years after the publication of his Maine Birds. (University of Maine)
Alfred O. Gross at Brunswick’s Bowdoin College began in 1912 what has continued to be a long tradition of support of ornithological work at that institution. Gross published more than 250 papers and books during his years at Bowdoin, from which he retired in 1953. Among his notable accomplishments was his work attempting to save, and document on film, the last of the Heath Hens on Martha’s Vineyard in the 1920s and 1930s. One of Gross’s best-known ornithological students was Olin Sewall Pettingill. Born in 1907 in Belgrade, Maine, he spent much of his youth in the state. While at Bowdoin, Pettingill began learning about photography and filmmaking and traveled with Gross to document the last three remaining Heath Hens on Martha’s Vineyard before their extinction a few years later. Pettingill completed a doctorate at Cornell University in 1933 on the American Woodcock under the supervision of another famed ornithologist, Arthur Allen, the founder of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Pettingill taught at Carleton College in Minnesota for 17 years and while there wrote an ornithology textbook for use in his own ornithology class. That book, Ornithology in Laboratory and Field, was published and updated in multiple editions over decades and was one of the most widely used ornithology textbooks in North America. Sewall was the pioneer of guides to birding hotspots, writing two 700-page volumes, A Guide to Bird Finding East of the Mississippi and A Guide to Bird Finding West of the Mississippi, in the early 1950s. Pettingill went on to become the director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 1960, where he remained until his retirement in 1973. The other prominent student of Dr. Gross at Bowdoin was Ralph S. Palmer. Born in Richmond, Maine, in 1914, Palmer began his ornithology training during high school under Gross’ tutelage. Palmer earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Maine, completing an honors thesis on the mammals of Maine that is still cited today, and the precursor of his popular The Mammal Guide: Mammals of North America North of Mexico. He went on to complete his Ph.D. from Cornell University on the breeding ecology of Common Terns. Palmer received the William Brewster Memorial Medal, the AOU’s most prestigious award, for writing and editing the Handbook of North American Birds series, which sadly was not completed past the raptors. His state book, Maine Birds, is a model of extraordinary scholarship and organization. The bibliography contains more 35
Birds of Maine
CORDELIA STANWOOD AND OTHER BIRD WOMEN OF MAINE The study of birds in Maine owes a great deal to the contributions of its female ornithologists. Unfairly excluded from the scientific community until the latter half of the 20th century, these women persisted in providing invaluable observations on breeding, migration, and vagrancy, carving out places of respect in the ornithological community. In 1914, Florence Buzzell of Bangor, with a group of 12 other women, founded Maine’s first club for “the care and protection of our wild birds.” They included Carrie Ella Miller, whose love of birds and birdsong led her to write Birds of Lewiston-Auburn and Vicinity in 1918. Genevieve Webb, who became a trustee for the Maine chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), by 1946 had recorded more than 200 species near her Ocean Park home. But most notable of Maine’s early female ornithologists was Cordelia Stanwood of Ellsworth, Maine’s self-described “Watcher in the Woods,” who perhaps best exemplifies the intelligence, enthusiasm, discipline, and contributions to Maine ornithology of these great women. When an emotional breakdown returned her to her childhood home after 18 years of teaching schoolchildren in Massachusetts and New York, Stanwood turned to the outside world for a source of distraction and solace. Enchanted by the Eastern Bluebirds and Black-capped Chickadees around her homestead, she uncovered a deep fascination with the natural world. Stanwood’s keen mind and appetite for observation kept her out of doors, wandering her family’s land. She spent her days, dawn to dusk, waiting, watching, journaling, and investigating.
Cordelia J. Stanwood, the most prominent of Maine’s early female ornithologists. (Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary)
In particular, she developed a talent for finding nesting birds. Between 1905 and 1908, she reportedly found 100 different nests on her family’s small property alone.
provided photographs of bird life and behavior that had
Through careful observation and record-keeping she
stunning clarity and composition—no easy feat, given the
became a respected voice on the breeding habits of birds
technical limitations of cameras at the time.
at a time when bird behavior was a relatively unexplored field. She corresponded with a number of prominent ornithologists, who encouraged her to submit her findings to journals such as the Wilson Bulletin and the Auk where they were well received. When Arthur Cleveland Bent began work on his great Life Histories of North American Birds, he sent letters to Stanwood asking her to contribute multiple chapters. Her flexible writing style could encompass both the personal and the scientific.
Though often misunderstood by her neighbors, Stanwood’s contributions to the world of ornithology were recognized by the wider world. Three years after her death in 1958, her work received a citation from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which acknowledged “the faithful service of Miss Cordelia Stanwood in reporting, for use in scientific investigations, observations on the distribution, migration, and abundance of North American birds.” Her family’s home
Stanwood often used a camera in the field and would
is still maintained by the Birdsacre–Stanwood Wildlife
supplement her articles with photographs she had
Center and is open to the public.
taken. Waiting for days in a homemade canvas blind, she
IC
36
Chapter 3 Maine’s Ornithological History
than a thousand references, providing information that Palmer critically evaluated and wove into a very readable text that has been the foundation of the understanding of the distribution and status of birds in Maine ever since. Many of the anecdotal remarks he included are so evocative that they have been quoted liberally in this volume. Following service in World War II, Palmer was appointed as a senior scientist of the New York State Museum and State Science Service, where he worked for 27 years. He then served as a research associate of the Smithsonian Institution for five years. In 1981, Palmer was appointed as a faculty associate in zoology and forest resources at the University of Maine at Orono and he lived the rest of his life in Tenants Harbor, Knox County, Maine, in a house he built with the help of two sons. Among the distinctive features of this house was the climate-controlled basement that housed his enormous personal library. Palmer left his reprint collection, which apparently measured 178 linear feet, to University of Maine’s Fogler Library, along with several collections of rare books on Maine woods, indigenous peoples, and early explorations.
co-authored with his uncle and then, later, authored several editions of a small book on the status of the birds of Mount Desert Island before going on to study birds of the West Indies. A key ornithological figure at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Maine’s Appledore Island was Arthur Borror, a University of New Hampshire (UNH) professor, 1961–1995. Borror not only taught thousands of UNH students about birds and ecology but also taught at the Shoals Marine Lab, run jointly by UNH and Cornell University. He supported and encouraged many generations of students to establish field studies of birds on Appledore and nearby islands and published several editions of Breeding Birds of the Isles of Shoals.
A lesser-known Maine ornithologist was Margaret Hundley, who received an M.A. degree from the University of Maine and called Stonington on the Deer Isle peninsula her home until her death in 1996 at age 93. Hundley was an accomplished field ornithologist and held staff positions over her lifetime with the Florida Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She contributed more than 150 Succeeding Alfred Gross in 1953 as the ornithologist at articles to academic and popular bird publications and Bowdoin College was Charles E. “Chuck” Huntington, in 1998 published a book, The Birds of Deer Isle, Maine. who served in that position until his retirement Today Maine is blessed with an amazing number of in 1986. Huntington’s research focused on the life accomplished ornithologists at academic institutions, history of Leach’s Storm-Petrels, studying them at in state and federal government, with nonprofit the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island, New and research institutions, and in other capacities or Brunswick, for decades and becoming the world working on their own. Many others come to Maine as authority on the species. Hundreds of students were summer visitors or to carry out research projects. Their taught, inspired, and mentored by Huntington over work enriches this book immeasurably. his many years at Bowdoin. Similarly, William Drury, a noted seabird biologist and ecologist who became the ornithologist at the newly founded College of The Modern Era the Atlantic in Bar Harbor in 1976, trained many undergraduates in bird ecology and continued his Since the publication of Palmer’s Maine Birds, there research and management work on seabirds of Maine has been a series of efforts to collect and publish islands over the 16 years he held that position. ornithological records in Maine. Several of these were in publications of the Maine Audubon Society, but Well-known ornithologist and author of Birds subsequent periodicals were begun as the need arose of the West Indies, James Bond (whose name was (see Table 2, p. 41). From 1961–1969, Maine Audubon appropriated by Ian Fleming for the character in his president Christopher M. Packard, following very famous spy novels) had a strong connection to Maine. much in Norton’s tradition, collected and curated field As a child he began visiting Mount Desert Island cards of observations as submitted by ardent birders. with his uncle, Carroll Sargent Tyson, a well-known When Packard departed Maine Audubon in 1969 to artist whose series of 20 bird paintings was packaged create the Audubon Naturalist Council, the recordtogether as The Birds of Mount Desert Island in the keeping continued, until 1973, with the publication 1930s. Apparently it was his summers in Maine that of Maine Nature. Since then, several publications inspired Bond to become an ornithologist. Bond tracking and curating important Maine bird records 37
Birds of Maine
BIRD CLUBS AND SUMMER CAMPS Knight, Brewster, Stanwood, and their contemporaries often sustained their natural history interests through their involvement in growing numbers of organizations devoted to natural history. Maine has a rich history of bird and nature organizations dating back to the founding of the Portland Museum of Natural History in 1843 and the establishment of what was first called the United Ornithologists of Maine in 1893. The latter group had its first meeting in 1896 in the old
Augusta Nature Club in 1928 and remains under that
high school in Gardiner, where there was a large group
name today. The Bangor Bird Conservation Club was
of bird enthusiasts that Knight identified in Birds of
founded in 1914, the predecessor of what is now known
Maine as the “Gardiner Branch.” The next year the name
as the Bangor Nature Club. By 1922, Maine also had
was changed to the Maine Ornithological Society.
51 Junior Audubon Clubs with more than 1,400 youth
Bird conservation, education, and ornithological activities were in the heyday of growth during the early decades of the 1900s as the Audubon movement took hold and a variety of other bird and nature clubs became established. The Stanton Bird Club in the Lewiston-Auburn area was established in 1919 and
participants. Six of the 17 Audubon wardens in the U.S. were stationed on Maine nesting seabird islands. Apparently, all of this bird enthusiasm was one of the reasons why then-Governor Percival Baxter set aside 14 April 1922 as Bird Day in Maine. Remarkably, not only do we still have our original
named after Jonathan Stanton, a beloved Bates College
bird and nature clubs in Maine, but we also have the
Latin and Greek professor who was an avid birdwatcher
statewide Maine Audubon and seven local Audubon
and bird lover. Another bird club started that year
chapters (at least one is more than 70 years old), each
in Augusta, initially known as the Ball Bird Club after
with its own local volunteers educating people young
Reverend Dwight Ball. The club was renamed the
and old about birds and nature and advocating for
Since its founding in 1936 (when this photo was taken), the Hog Island Audubon Camp on Muscongus Bay has attracted bird enthusiasts eager to learn from the nation’s best ornithologists. (Friends of Hog Island)
38
Chapter 3 Maine’s Ornithological History
conservation. These organizations have been at the
leap of faith and was glad he did. Peterson worked at
forefront of encouraging and developing both amateur
the camp over the next five years while painting and
and professional ornithologists in Maine. Maine is justifiably famous for its many youth summer camps—lodges and cabins on lakes where kids come
writing his now famous Field Guide to the Birds, which catapulted the hobby and sport of birding into a national pastime.
to swim, canoe, sail, fish, play games, sing songs
Over in Muscongus Bay near Damariscotta, the Hog
around a campfire, and generally have fun. But the
Island Audubon Camp has continued to be a mecca for
Maine coast is also home to several camps that are
bird and nature enthusiasts (primarily adults) since it
important in the history of ornithology, bird study, and
was established in 1936. In fact, Peterson also figured
conservation.
prominently there, as he was Hog Island’s first birdlife
Camp Chewonki in Wiscasset, established in 1918 as a private nature-based camp, is now one of the best-known and best-loved environmental education programs in the country. Its most famous ornithological connection came in 1928 when camp founder Clarence Allen found himself without his regular nature counselor. He invited a young man named Roger Tory Peterson to come as the replacement, but Peterson had no way to get there. Legend has it that Peterson sent a telegram to Allen saying that, if Allen wanted him there, he needed to send Peterson $39.50 for a train ticket. Allen took a
have been sustained by dedicated Maine birders, all volunteers, as Maine Bird Life and then Maine Bird Notes, arising and ceasing with the time and energies of volunteer compilers. Our understanding of the distribution of Maine breeding birds took a critical step forward with the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maine 1977–1983. Compiled by Paul Adamus in 1987, and guided by a volunteer committee, it reflects countless thousands of hours of systematic observations contributed by more than 300 participants. Continuing in the tradition of all-volunteer, unsponsored initiatives, the Maine Bird Records Committee (ME-BRC) was formed in 2005 to maintain an accurate record and historical archive of the state’s birdlife. A nine-member committee was established and, in its first years, the committee produced the first official state bird list, developed a voting protocol, established a system for records circulation and retention, rotating terms, and methods for nomination of members to the committee. ME-
instructor. Other prominent ornithologists who worked at the camp in those early years included pioneering bird photographers Allan and Helen Cruickshank and Donald Borror, a noted sound recordist from Ohio State University (and father of Appledore Island ornithologist Arthur Borror). In the years since, many of the most well-known figures in bird conservation and ornithology have either been instructors at Hog Island or got their start there as participants or interns. These include Project Puffin founder Steve Kress, Kenn Kaufman, Sara Morris, Scott Weidensaul, and Peter Vickery, among many others. JVW
BRC continues to curate records of unusual bird sightings and maintain an up-to-date official list of bird species that have occurred in the state. It has also become a key online repository of documentation, a photo archive, and a point of access for Maine ornithological publications. Just as the tradition of identifying birds by shooting them and examining specimens in hand gave way to observation with field guides and increasingly sophisticated optical equipment, the documentation and dissemination of bird records has undergone a comparable paradigm shift with the advent of eBird. This web-based platform, a joint project of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, started as a way for birders to track their own sightings through standardized checklists, share them with others, and gain access to what others were seeing. From there, it has evolved into one of the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science projects, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. eBird does not, by itself, provide information on 39
Birds of Maine
population sizes or breeding status; other forms of systematic observation like the Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, and hawkwatches are still essential. But the eBird platform is a critical tool for collecting and making available large volumes of distributional data and is the perfect site for data
entry and access for the second Maine Bird Atlas effort, underway during publication of this volume. While there is no substitute for careful observations of bird behavior and habitat, as exemplified by the Maine field ornithologists of the past century, they would have found modern eBird an indispensable treasure trove.
BANDING ON APPLEDORE ISLAND The Appledore Island Migration Station (AIMS), Maine’s longest continuously running banding station, was founded in the 1970s. It expanded into full-season fall migration monitoring
capture data have been used to investigate changes
in 1981, and the same for spring migration in 1990. As a
in the timing of migration across years, showing that
long-term, constant-effort mist-netting site, the banding
spring migration is becoming earlier in Maine. In a
station has a goal of providing high-quality research that
study that compared the Appledore results to those
will increase the understanding of the ecology of migrant
obtained on Star Island, just a mile away, species
birds and improve conservation efforts on their behalf.
distributions and stopover ecology varied between
Since 1981, the research crew has banded more than
the two islands, reflecting differences in vegetation
130,000 birds on the island. AIMS initially focused on the migration timing and stopover ecology of Nearctic-Neotropical migrants. Among the early results from the station was documentation of major differences in the stopover ecology of migrants between spring and fall migration. On Appledore, birds were more likely to be recaptured at least one day after initial capture, stay for more days, and gain more weight during fall migration than during spring migration. The station demonstrated that birds that lost mass in an experimental study had an increased likelihood of recapture in the fall, further supporting the importance of stopover sites for foraging and weight gain by migrants. Additionally, in a study of departure decisions by migrants in the spring, lean birds were more
(Appledore has higher, denser vegetation, while Star’s vegetation is lower, and the island has more open areas). Interestingly, despite more than 10,000 birds banded in that particular study, only 42 were found to have moved between the islands, suggesting strong habitat selection at the end of migratory flights. Studies of the effects of a residential wind turbine on birds found limited mortality among songbirds and seabirds and behavioral avoidance of the turbine by birds in the area. In conjunction with researchers at the Maine Medical Center, AIMS has also shown that birds have contributed to the expansion of Lyme disease by moving ticks that carry the disease-causing bacteria from other locations. As part of its normal operation, the station has also
likely to remain on the island while fatter birds were
captured (and thus documented) a number of rare
more likely to initiate migratory flight.
species in Maine, including Chuck-will’s-widows, Painted
Beyond its initial work, AIMS has contributed to a number of other studies related to migration and migratory birds. Because the station has been in operation for almost four decades, Appledore’s
40
Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and Cerulean Warblers. The AIMS research team continues to work on projects that further our knowledge of migration and that find additional uses for the dataset it has amassed. Sara Morris
Chapter 3 Maine’s Ornithological History
Chronology of Maine Bird Record Publications (In addition to Knight 1908; Brewster, 1924, 1925, 1937, and Griscom 1938; Palmer 1949; Adamus 1987)
1899–1911
Journal of Maine Ornithological Society (JMOS), vols. 1–13*.
1945–1955
Bulletin of Maine Audubon Society (BMAS), vols. 1–11, ed. by C. Packard.
1921–1930 1956–1961
1956–1963
The Maine Naturalist (TMN), vols. 1–10.
Maine Field Observer (MFO), formerly BMAS, vols. 1–6, ed. by C. Packard.
records published in Maine Field Naturalist (MFN), vols. 12–17(1, 2), 18(1–12), 19(1–8), 20(1); the latter, published in Jan 1964, covered bird records of Dec 1963.
1964
No bird records for this year were published in Maine journals.
1966
Jan–Jul records in MFN 22(1–8); Aug–Oct records not published; Nov–Dec 1966 records in NMAS, see below. (1968–1971 MFN continued, but vols. 24–27 no longer included bird notes.)
1965
Nov 1966–Dec 1969 Jul 1969–Aug 1973
1972–present
1973–1974
Jan 1975–Jan 1981
1978–Dec 1978
1979–May 1985
Jun 1985–Feb 1987
Mar 1987–Mar 2000
Jun–Nov records in MFN vol. 21(1-6); Jan–May and Dec 1965 records not published.
Newsletter of Maine Audubon Society (NMAS), ed. by C. Packard.
Maine Nature (MN); published by C. Packard as part of newly created Audubon Naturalist Council, after Packard’s departure from Maine Audubon Society. (It appears that the first issue of MN was Jul 1969 [vol. 1(1)], which probably had Jun 1969 records that were possibly also included in NMAS. Jul 1969 bird records appeared in the second issue of MN [MN vol. 1(2)].)
Guillemot has a continuous run. This publication has been the single-handed effort of Bill Townsend (W.C. Townsend) as a publication of the Sorrento Scientific Society, covering everything from astronomy to insects, herptiles, mammals, and birds. Its coverage is skewed to the Downeast part of Maine, whereas all others listed here are statewide. No Maine publication that documented bird records other than Guillemot.
Maine Audubon News (MAN) included a Field Notes page for at least the first several years. Only records appeared in Maine Bird Life (MBL, aka Maine Birdlife).
Maine Bird Life (MBL)*.
No records other than those in Guillemot.
Maine Bird Notes (MBN)*. Last issue, 11(1).
There are also Maine Audubon Society Field Cards (MASFC) from 1951, 1955, 1957–1961, 1963–1967, and 1969–1972.
Chronology of Regional and National Publications 1945–1968
Records of New England Birds (RNEB), vols. 1–24.
1950–1970
Audubon Field Notes (AFN), vols. 1–24.
1994–1999
Field Notes (FN, incorporating AB).
1971–1994
1999–present
2007–2018
American Birds (AB, incorporating AFN and continuing volume numbers). North American Birds (NAB, incorporating Field Notes).
Reports of the Maine Bird Records Committee began appearing in Bird Observer in 2007 with the first report (Bird Observer 35[3]: 155–158) and continuing at least through 2018 with the 7th report.
*Journal of Maine Ornithological Society, Maine Bird Notes, and many issues of Maine Bird Life are available on ME-BRC website. 41
4
The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds Jeffrey V. Wells, Barbara S. Vickery, and Charles D. Duncan
A
nyone in tune with the natural world knows that change is a constant, and that is certainly true for birds. But it is also true that, because change usually occurs slowly, we humans rarely notice it on a year-to-year basis, even when the cumulative effects are dramatic, and in many cases disturbing. Imagine, for a moment, that we could scoop up the 36-year-old Ralph Palmer, who had just published his magisterial Maine Birds in 1949, and drop him into the second decade of the 21st century in his home state of Maine. He would recognize the bird fauna, of course. By far the majority of birds he would see would be familiar, whether Broad-winged Hawks overhead, Hermit Thrushes singing from the forest, or Black-capped Chickadees at his feeder. But doubtless he would be astounded by some of the changes in Maine’s birdlife—by flocks of Wild Turkeys foraging along roadsides and in backyards, for example; this was a species that in his youth wasn’t found north of Pennsylvania and was rare even there. He’d be surprised to hear Carolina Wrens and Tufted Titmice singing abundantly throughout southern Maine, stunned at the prospect of Northern Cardinals as far north as Aroostook County. He would find that Turkey Vultures and Red-bellied Woodpeckers had pushed north; Fox Sparrows, Common Ravens, and Merlins had colonized southward; while Rusty Blackbirds, Bank Swallows, and Evening Grosbeaks had disappeared from much of their former ranges in the state. He might see Bald Eagles along every major waterway and shoreline in Maine without realizing that, like Peregrine Falcons and Ospreys, their abundance belies their near-disappearance decades earlier, or their subsequent recovery thanks to a hard-fought conservation battle to ban DDT. And he would certainly be amazed to learn that the state’s Canada Goose population had increased by a staggering 46,000 percent in the past 50 years—while scraping goose droppings from his shoe, no doubt. facing page: Great Auk
What he might not notice immediately is how many fewer Barn Swallows or Eastern Kingbirds there are, and he would see the Herring and Great Blackbacked Gull numbers as normal without realizing that they had exploded and then sharply declined in the interim. Declines can be hard to notice. We might think a less notable warbler influx is just an odd spring, or that the absence of eiders in a familiar cove is perhaps because their food has moved elsewhere this year. And then, after a few years, the diminished abundance and diversity has become, sadly, our new “normal,” an example of the now familiar shifting baseline phenomenon. Over the hundreds of years since the first European colonists arrived on the shores of Maine, its ecosystems (on land and in the ocean) have gone through major changes, as have the ways in which humans use these resources. Since these habitats are what birds depend on for survival, there have been consequences for bird populations. Some species have disappeared from the state; others that vanished or declined have come back. Some have greatly expanded their ranges and abundance or colonized the state for the first time, but many oncecommon species are declining precipitously or have become rare or local. In this chapter we summarize these changes, describe successful conservation efforts that ensure that the diversity and abundance of native birds remain part of Maine’s natural legacy, and provide some insight into the future by examining the species that remain at greatest risk. Specifically, we describe significant shifts in distribution and abundance of Maine’s birds; showcase successful conservation initiatives; explain how conservation priorities are determined and highlight species of grave conservation concern, describe the most significant threats facing them; and suggest future conservation needs and opportunities.
43
Birds of Maine
Changes in Bird Distribution and Abundance In the 70 years since Palmer’s book, the distribution and abundance of many of Maine’s birds have changed significantly with altered habitats and land use, a warming climate, and the return of species once decimated by humans (sometimes thanks to focused assistance). Many southern species pushed north with warming winters and more fragmented forest cover. The first Atlas of Breeding Birds of Maine (Adamus 1987) documented 24 new breeding species. Most are southern birds, including five egret, ibis, and heron species. Since then, nine additional breeding species have been documented. Ranges of several southern birds that appeared as nesters in Maine during the first atlas have extended north, including Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Prairie Warbler, Pine Warbler, and Turkey Vulture. Distributions of Red-bellied Woodpecker, Fish Crow, and Sandhill Crane expanded from their initial, single known breeding locations in Harpswell, Brunswick, and Belgrade, respectively. Ranges of several boreal species have contracted, including Evening Grosbeaks and Rusty Blackbirds. There are some intriguing exceptions to these general trends. Fox Sparrows were once migrants in Maine, nesting well to the north in Quebec. But since the early 1980s, these sparrows have spread south into Maine’s Western Mountains and parts of New Hampshire and Vermont. Merlins have made dramatically bigger strides. Until 1986, these boreal falcons had not nested in Maine since the early 20th century, and then only rarely. Today, Merlins breed almost statewide and have expanded south along the Appalachian Mountains to West Virginia. Such distribution shifts are often linked to climate change; there will certainly be more in coming decades. Climate change-related range shifts do not explain, however, the significant declines in abundance of many birds. Maine once hosted at least four bird species that are now gone forever: Great Auk, Labrador Duck, Passenger Pigeon, and Eskimo Curlew. The latter two species survived in Maine into the 1900s—Maine’s last Passenger Pigeon and Eskimo Curlews were shot on Mount Desert Island in 1904 and on Schoodic Point in 1929, respectively. Happily, there have been no 44
additional extinctions of Maine birds since. Although some species (Loggerhead Shrike, for example) have not been seen in Maine for decades, these represent local extirpations rather than extinction. Extinction is only the most extreme outcome; we are now witnessing alarming declines in abundance across many species. Birders active for more than a few years recognize that there are far fewer birds than there used to be. The 2016 Partners In Flight Landbird Conservation Plan estimated that there are a billion and a half fewer landbirds in North America today than in 1970 (Rosenberg et al. 2016). This represents the staggering loss of almost a third of the roughly five billion breeding birds in the U.S. and Canada (Blancher et al. 2007). A more recent analysis puts the loss at closer to three billion birds (Rosenberg et al. 2019). The best available breeding bird trend information for most North American landbirds (and some breeding waterbirds and shorebirds), other than raptors, is provided by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS), a program begun in 1966 and now run by the U.S. Geological Survey. Volunteers carry out a standardized survey protocol annually during the breeding season along hundreds of specific routes across the U.S and Canada. Sophisticated statistical analyses provide the best estimates we have of population trends for breeding birds at continental, national, and regional scales. Of the species in Maine that show a statistically significant increasing or decreasing trend, 27 are increasing. (Seventy-three show no significant trend; see Table 4) In general, habitat generalists, year-round residents, short-distance migrants, and species that have received human interventions are doing well. Canada Goose and Wild Turkey numbers are both examples of dramatic population increases. Northern Cardinals, Tufted Titmice, Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Carolina Wrens are all benefiting from warming winters and suburbanization. However, 62 species are decreasing, some at alarming rates. Many of these are habitat or foraging specialists, discussed below, and many are long-distance Neotropical migrants. It is good to remember that a declining or increasing trend detected in a species’ Maine population does not necessarily mean that the factors causing that change originated within the state. Limiting factors can operate on breeding and wintering grounds, during migration, or in multiple seasons. Breeding population trends are one signal of change in the environment somewhere within the
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
species’ life cycle, and when declines are evident, they indicate a need to understand the causes and take conservation action. Given the extent of forest, it is not surprising that populations of many Maine forest-dwelling birds seem to be stable or even increasing, although changes in industrial forestry practices in the north, and development pressure and its attendant fragmentation in the south, are putting pressure on many species. However, 52 percent of the 61 species that the BBS classifies as woodland birds, and which are found on enough BBS routes to determine a trend, are declining. Recent decades have been especially hard on bird communities requiring grasslands and shrublands. Agricultural lands in Maine peaked in the late 1800s; reversion of farms to forest means less than a quarter of what was fields and meadows remains so today. Much of that, especially pasture and hayfields that birds like Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, and Bobolinks require, is increasingly lost to urban and suburban development. Four of the six BBS-tracked grassland species are declining. Shrublands—the first step in succession from fields to forest—have also grown scarce in Maine, and 85 percent of BBS-tracked shrubland birds like Brown Thrasher, Indigo Bunting, and Field Sparrow have experienced broad regional and state-level declines. Aerial insectivores like swallows, swifts, flycatchers, and nightjars have also suffered major setbacks in Maine as well as across their ranges. Purple Martin colonies statewide declined from 40 in the 1990s to just six in 2017, all in Central Interior and Southern Maine. Bank Swallow numbers are now just one-third of one percent of what they were in 1966. Chimney Swift, Eastern Whip-poor-will, five flycatcher species, and three other swallow species also show statistically significant long-term declines in Maine (Sauer et al. 2017). Fully a quarter of Maine is wetland. Coupled with its thousands of lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, these wetlands mean that Maine remains an important stronghold for many wetland- and waterbirds. State and federal limits on water pollution, the end to immense log drives down rivers, removal of several major dams and many small ones on tributaries, and community sewage treatment facilities all significantly improved Maine’s water quality—benefiting a wide variety of birds, such as Common Loons, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Common
Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and Spotted Sandpipers. However, a severe decline in wetland-associated blackbirds (Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Rusty Blackbirds), as well as Tree Swallows also has occurred. Some wetland birds are difficult to monitor, not lending themselves to tracking by BBS, requiring species-specific surveys; subsequently, we know much less about their status and trends. Many species that regularly occur in Maine neither breed nor winter here. Breeding far to the north, most shorebirds and many waterfowl winter south of Maine, visiting our shores and wetlands in spring on their way north and during fall migration. Migratory shorebird populations are in deep trouble around the globe. In North America, 19 species of long-distance migrant shorebirds show an average decline of 51 percent since 1975 (Fitzpatrick and Senner 2018). This decline in migrant shorebird flocks has been observed in Maine as well. Although not all species have benefited equally, past decades have seen clear gains for many of Maine’s seabirds, thanks in part to labor-intensive conservation efforts to restore once-vanished breeding colonies. Nonetheless, warming ocean temperatures and rising acidity—which are altering marine food chains on which birds depend—raise concerns about whether such gains are sustainable. Changes in marine ecology have already eliminated one of the state’s most dramatic migratory spectacles, the gathering of more than two million Red-necked Phalaropes in Passamaquoddy Bay each autumn before the late 1980s (see below in Marine section). Overall, these declines in Maine’s birds mirror trends at the continental level, which have recently been placed in stark, almost catastrophic perspective. Shortly before this book went to press, scientists in the U.S. and Canada—using sources as varied as the BBS and Christmas Bird Count, decades of data on nocturnal bird migration from NEXRAD weather radar stations and long-term surveys of specialized groups like shorebirds—concluded that three billion birds, nearly a third of North America’s avifauna, had disappeared since 1970. Declines were especially steep among grassland birds, which fell by more than half, and boreal forest species and shorebirds, both down by more than a third. Even generalists like Red-winged Blackbirds, and introduced birds like House Sparrows, suffered huge declines. There were bright spots, 45
Birds of Maine
however, with waterfowl and wetland birds seeing significant gains, thanks to focused habitat-protection measures—a reminder that even the worst declines can often be reversed with concentrated action (Rosenberg et al. 2019). What follows is a more detailed look, by habitat type, at how Maine’s birdlife has changed in the past seven decades.
Forest Birds The majority of Maine’s landbirds rely on some type of woodland at some point in their life cycle. Their abundance and distribution have thus been greatly affected by changes in Maine’s forests. Even though Maine forests have been logged since the 1600s (most multiple times), trees cover an estimated 17 million acres—three-quarters of the state’s total landmass. Vast areas of “the north woods”; i.e., Northwest, Central and Western Mountains, Eastern Lowlands, and Downeast Maine, were never settled or cleared for agriculture. They retain the most ecologically intact forests in the state, despite many years of commercial logging. The pace and scale of this harvesting leaves the state with less than three percent of the landscape in old forest (120 years or older), the age class needed by birds like Cape May and Bay-breasted Warblers and Evening Grosbeaks that require older spruce stands. On the other hand, more than a quarter of the forest is less than 40 years old, beneficial to species like American Redstart that prefer younger deciduous habitat. Current forest management practices in northern Maine have resulted in less closed canopy forest and smaller and more widely separated blocks of older forest. Thus, species like Scarlet Tanagers and Eastern Wood-Pewees have comparatively less of the mature, contiguous hardwood forest, and Bay-breasted and Cape May Warblers less mature spruce-fir forest, than they need. Southern, Midcoast, and Central Interior Maine was settled by Europeans and cleared for agriculture beginning over 300 years ago. Forests returned after farms were abandoned in the early and mid-1900s, but in recent decades these same areas have seen increased urban and suburban development with its consequent loss and fragmentation of forests. The forest habitat is dominated by relatively uniform, even-aged woodlands with few gaps, except around new houses. Early successional habitat and young forest are uncommon. In York and Cumberland Counties, 46
less than eight percent of the landscape is in forest younger than 40 years old, compared with 28 percent statewide (MDIFW 2016a). Forest-dependent birds as a group show proportionally fewer species of conservation concern than other habitat-based or life history guilds, both in Maine (MDIFW 2016a) and continentally (Rosenberg et al. 2016). Species like Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Pine Warbler are among those that have increased in Maine over the last 50 years. However, there are a number of forest species identified as of conservation concern or for which Maine has a high conservation responsibility because a substantial proportion of the population breeds in the state. These include boreal forest-dependent species (Spruce Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Evening Grosbeak, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak, Boreal Chickadee, and Bay-breasted Warbler), as well as some mixed- and deciduous-forest species (Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Veery, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and American Redstart). (See Table 3 below: Neotropical Migrant Birds for Which Maine Bears High Stewardship Responsibility.)
Grassland and Shrubland Birds Although it is hard to visualize now because of the vigorous regrowth of forests, Maine’s agricultural past once provided extensive habitat for grassland and barren-land birds. At its peak in 1880, farmland covered an estimated 6.5 million acres in Maine. Decreasing gradually until the 1940s, then dropping more precipitously, today approximately 1.4 million acres remain, the majority in eastern Aroostook County (American Farmland Trust 2016). Millions of acres of former cropland and pasture reverted first to shrubs and then to forest—some 2.8 million acres between 1909 and 1997 (Irland 1999). Between 1982 and 2012, an estimated 76,200 acres of agricultural lands were converted to development—a rate of more than 2,500 acres per year. All of this has created hard times for Maine’s grassland and shrub-specialist birds, most of which are similarly declining across the Northeast. Many birders in the state remember favorite locations for grassland birds that are now gone. For example, prior to the Bangor Mall’s construction in 1977, its location and its now highly urbanized surroundings provided
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
prime breeding habitat for Upland Sandpipers; they disappeared from the area within a few years of the mall’s construction. Compounding the problem, many grassland birds require large expanses of habitat; small, isolated grasslands, even if they have the proper vegetative community, are not used by most grassland bird species (Vickery et al. 1994).
Eastern Meadowlark
This problem is not unique to Maine; grassland birds have been experiencing long-term declines continentally. BBS data in Maine show decreasing trends in American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Savannah and Vesper Sparrow populations. Grasshopper Sparrows now breed at only five sites. Given the scale of these changes, it is not surprising that grassland birds as a group are of serious conservation concern (see Table 4, p. 68). Shrublands initially increased through the early 1900s following farm field abandonment, then gradually decreased as forests replaced them. Fires and other natural disturbance events that create or maintain shrublands have been suppressed, and shrub habitat has been increasingly lost to development. Many shrubland-dependent birds are largely confined to Southern Maine, the region experiencing the greatest loss and degradation of habitat to development. Many of these species now persist in utility-line corridors, agricultural land fringes, and the state’s few, scattered natural heathlands and shrublands. Blueberry barrens and sandplain grasslands, the largest of which are in Downeast Maine (with a few in Midcoast and Southern Maine), are typically managed by regular burning or mowing for commercial production of lowbush blueberries. Without this expensive management, these areas would revert to forest, so their maintenance is dependent upon
commercial blueberry harvest economics (see Blueberry Barrens sidebar p. 19). A few sandplain grasslands/shrublands are protected (e.g., (Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area [WMA]) or occur at airports (e.g., Sanford, Brunswick), and are kept open through periodic mowing and/or burning. Many shrubland and grassland species breed in or along the edges of these blueberry barrens and sandplain grassland/shrubland landscapes, including Upland Sandpiper; Brown Thrasher; Horned Lark; Vesper, Savannah, Field, and Grasshopper Sparrows; Prairie Warbler; and Eastern Meadowlark. Away from managed shrublands, many birds that need early to mid-successional forest habitats have shown declines. These include White-throated, Field, and Song Sparrows; Eastern Towhee; Nashville, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Canada Warblers; Common Yellowthroat; American Redstart; Gray Catbird; and Dark-eyed Junco (see Table 4, p. 68).
Birds of Freshwater Systems Although Maine has experienced significant loss and degradation of its freshwater and coastal wetlands since the 1700s, a quarter of the state is still wetland. In general, waterfowl that breed in Maine are showing stable populations, although the trends for Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes and American Black Duck for the eastern U.S. survey area (which includes Maine), are down 17 and 20 percent, respectively, between 1998 and 2017 (USFWS 2018a). Common Loons have increased about 50 percent in 35 years in the southern half of the state alone and now number more than 5,000 adults statewide, orders of magnitude more than any other New England state (Maine Audubon Loon Watch). On the other hand, other taxonomic groups that use Maine’s wetlands or riparian habitats during their life cycle show declining long-term BBS trends: Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, and Northern Waterthrush. Rusty Blackbirds were once found breeding across much of the northern half of the state but are now restricted to Maine’s northwestern corner—part of a larger, and largely unexplained, range contraction and population decline across much of this species’ boreal range. Colonially nesting wetland birds have also declined. Black-crowned Night-Heron colonies declined from seven to four from 2006–2014. The coastal island breeding population of Great Blue Herons declined 82 percent from 1983–2017. Because many other wetland birds are difficult to find and monitor, we know
47
Birds of Maine
little about their breeding status. Among these are nine species listed as being of concern by the North American Waterfowl Conservation Plan, including Pied-billed Grebe, American and Least Bitterns, Virginia Rail, and Sora (see Appendix 2). A concerted survey and monitoring program is needed to better understand population trends in these species.
Birds of Marine Shorelines, Estuaries, and Offshore Waters From the earliest days of European settlement, Maine’s coastal and marine birds suffered serious losses—initially from egg-collecting for local consumption, and later from commercial collecting for city markets and hunting for the feather trade, as well as habitat destruction through the filling and ditching of many tidal marshes in Southern Maine. Many bird species disappeared from the Maine coast, and two, Great Auk and Labrador Duck, were driven to extinction. Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Arctic and Common Terns, and even Great Blackbacked and Herring Gulls, were, by the early 1900s, eliminated as breeding species from all but the most remote or farthest east of Maine’s offshore islands. Fortunately, such unregulated market hunting was outlawed with the passage of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, and many marine birds began recovering. Maine’s coastal breeding species have shown major gains since, with gulls, terns, cormorants, Common Eiders, and alcids rebounding, in some cases dramatically. Serious conservation and management initiatives over the last 50 years by National Audubon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Audubon, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and other organizations have resulted in significant increases or population stabilization for most of these species. Some—Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls, for example—recovered almost too well, exploding in number during the mid-20th century, thriving on human garbage, the discharge of fish and food processing factories, and the discards of fishing and lobster boats. They subsequently declined significantly when the untreated discharge of wastewater from towns and from fish- and foodprocessing factories was prohibited in the 1970s, municipal dumps were closed in the 1990s, and dumping of off-shore fishing by-catch declined (see Figure 1). 48
1930
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Figure 1. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls on Christmas Bird Counts Both Herring Gulls (blue) and Great Black-backed Gulls (green) increased rapidly on Christmas Bird Counts in Maine beginning in the 1960s. After landfills were closed statewide in 1979. The Herring Gull population peaked in 1985 before declining notably. Great Black-backed Gull numbers, although variable, remained high until 2000 before subsequently plummeting. Note: scales shown for the two species differ by a factor of ten (NAS 2019a).
Some of the most dramatic positive changes in marine bird populations are due to Maine’s global leadership in the science of seabird restoration, beginning with the re-establishment of Atlantic Puffins and terns on Eastern Egg Rock (discussed below in Conservation Success Stories). Since the 1990s, Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common Terns, Roseate Terns, Least Terns, and Laughing Gulls have increased or remained relatively stable. However, Arctic Terns and Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls experienced 40–50 percent declines since that time. Thanks to intensive management and protection, Piping Plovers have increased notably. Willets, which disappeared as breeders in the state by the early 1900s, began breeding again in Southern Maine in 1971, and are now relatively common breeders in coastal salt marshes there. American Oystercatchers returned to breeding in Maine in 1994. While Bald Eagles are increasing in all New England states, Maine has by far the largest population. The increasing number of Bald Eagles in Maine is such that it is now having a negative impact on several coastal species. Recent sharp declines in the distribution and productivity of Ospreys, a key competitor and occasional prey for Bald Eagles, are a
HEGU
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
clear consequence of the increased eagle population. Great Cormorants are experiencing devastating declines due to eagle predation in their colonies. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls were once the primary predators of Common Eider chicks. Continuing Common Eider declines, even as Herring and Great Black-backed Gull populations markedly decreased, are likely due to the recent increase in eagle predation (S. Kress, pers. com.) One of the most dramatic and least-understood changes in Maine’s coastal ecosystem is the collapse of a key planktonic copepod species population, Calanus finmarchicus. In Passamaquoddy Bay, the species supported up to two million Red-necked Phalaropes during fall migration. By 1990, Red-necked Phalarope numbers dropped to almost zero there and have remained low since (Duncan 1996b, Brown et al. 2010). Reasons for this collapse, and how the sudden disappearance of a key stopover foraging site affected the Red-necked Phalarope population, remain a mystery.
Changes in Maine’s Wintering Birds As the most northerly of Eastern states, Maine endures winters that are long and harsh, and the majority of the state’s bird species migrate south each autumn. But some remain as permanent residents, and still others migrate south from Arctic, subarctic, or boreal regions to winter here. As climate change alters (and, to an extent, moderates) the winter environment, the abundance and distribution of Maine’s wintering birds are also changing significantly. The best yardstick for these changes is the annual National Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), a citizen-science initiative started in 1900, during which volunteers count each individual of all bird species they observe within a 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle on a given day between mid-December and early January. Today there are thousands of CBCs completed across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and increasingly throughout the world. Maine’s first CBC was conducted on Cape Elizabeth in 1906; today, 35 counts take place annually. Some Maine CBCs started in the 1930s, but the most consistent set of surveys has run since the late 1960s. Of 120 species for which there is a Maine CBC trend estimate for the period 1966–2017, 23 are declining while 46 are increasing. The remainder show no
significant trends (see Table 5). Many increasing species were formerly unusual in Maine during winter, but more common as winter residents south of Maine. Now these species, including Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, and Darkeyed Junco, are increasingly regular or even common in winter on a broad scale in the state. Others, like Mourning Dove, Wild Turkey, and Northern Cardinal, reflect a generally booming year-round population. A moderating winter climate is likely a key factor in many species’ success and increase on CBCs, although habitat changes and a rise in backyard bird-feeding may be contributing. Boreal forest species showing CBC declines include Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Evening Grosbeak, and White-winged Crossbill. Many species that show declining CBC trends show similarly declining BBS trends; these include Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, and American Kestrel. Many declining winter species are waterbirds, especially those in marine habitats, including Herring and Great Blackbacked Gulls (both also show declining BBS trends), Glaucous Gull, Horned Grebe, Great Cormorant, Greater Scaup, and Common Goldeneye. Nonetheless, some waterbirds—for example Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, and Common Loon—are increasing in winter in Maine.
Conservation Success Stories Since the mid-20th century, conservationists have focused attention on restoring declining or extirpated bird populations, sometimes with stunning success, as well as battling environmental contaminants like long-lasting pesticides. While the threats facing Maine’s birds today—especially climate change and accelerating habitat loss—are in many ways more challenging than those of the past, conservationists can take heart from the examples of past successes against steep odds. Wild Turkey: Overhunted, the Wild Turkey disappeared from Maine by the early 1800s. In 1977, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists acquired 41 birds from Vermont (where they had, in turn, been reintroduced from New York in 1969) and released them in York County. Turkeys experienced a staggering 19 percent annual increase on Maine CBCs from 2007–2017. Today there are an estimated 50,000 or more Wild Turkeys across the state, occurring even in Aroostook County. The population is doing so well, to 49
Birds of Maine
the point of becoming a nuisance species to farmers and suburban residents, that there are citizen suggestions to encourage a higher harvest by lengthening the hunting season and increasing permits. Bald Eagle: Declining numbers of Bald Eagles—the result of DDT exposure causing eggshell thinning and reproductive failure—led the National Audubon Society to initiate surveys of nesting pairs in Maine in the 1960s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife began conducting aerial surveys in 1969, documenting 41 nesting pairs in Maine, nearly a tenth of the Lower 48 states’ population at the time. DDT was banned nationally in 1972, but Maine birds continued to experience poor reproductive success, leading conservationists to replace nonviable eggs with fertile eggs or nestlings from captive-bred eagles. Research and conservation efforts, along with strict protections on eagle nesting areas through the federal and state Endangered Species Acts and a decrease in environmental DDT levels, were amazingly successful. The eagle’s resurgence was undoubtedly given a further boost by the recent dramatic comeback of Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Maine rivers following improved fish passage on many rivers, streams, and pond outlets. By 2018, Maine held roughly 733 nesting pairs, most of which nest along the state’s rivers (see range map in species account, p. 336). Peregrine Falcon: Like Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons suffered the effects of DDT and disappeared as a breeding species in the state by 1963. A cooperative project of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raised and released 153 captive-bred Peregrine Falcon chicks at historical nesting sites from 1984–1997. The first successful nest was found in 1988; the current nesting population is about 30 pairs. Seabird Restoration: The seabird restoration efforts of Dr. Steven Kress, under the auspices of the National Audubon Society, began in 1973 when Kress arranged to bring Atlantic Puffin chicks from a Newfoundland seabird colony to Maine. The birds were hand-reared in artificial burrows on Eastern Egg Rock, an island in Muscongus Bay from which the birds were extirpated by 1905. Over the next 13 years, more than 1,000 chicks were translocated; the first mature puffins returned and began breeding there in 1981. By 2018, the breeding population of puffins on Eastern Egg Rock had grown to 178 pairs. 50
Bald Eagle Chicks
Given that the world’s Atlantic Puffin population may exceed 10 million, perhaps the more significant result of this early effort was in pioneering techniques now used in seabird restorations around the globe for other species of alcids, terns, and critically endangered albatrosses. National Audubon expanded management of other Maine seabird islands, often in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which acquired additional islands in the 1970s and began seabird restoration and conservation in the 1980s. Eleven islands are now actively managed on behalf of seabird nesting colonies. These combined efforts increased numbers of Common Terns, for example, from fewer than 3,000 pairs in the late 1980s to more than 9,000 pairs in 2018. Beach-nesting Birds: In the 1980s, Maine Audubon, in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, initiated a recovery project for Piping Plovers and Least Terns involving fenced nesting areas, predator exclosures around individual Piping Plover nests, predator removal, summer wardens, and education and outreach to beach users and beachfront landowners. Plover numbers showed a phenomenal increase from six pairs in 1983 to 68 in 2018. Least Terns likewise increased from a low of 39 pairs in 1982 to a high of 249 pairs in 2014 (see Figures 6 and 7, pp. 193 and 272).
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Setting Priorities for Conservation Action
considered imperiled in most places where it occurs (Vickery 1992a).
In an ideal world, every species that is in trouble would receive as much assistance as necessary—but in a world of limited resources, it is important to prioritize which species need attention, action, and funding. How do conservationists decide?
Rates of decline and population size also play key roles in the calculus. A sharply declining species numbering in the tens of millions may be of less immediate conservation concern than one declining at a lesser rate but numbering only a few hundred individuals. Conservationists also need to weigh factors like range size, risks to habitat, threats to certain stages in the species’ life cycle, and sometimes environmental variability. Finally, biologists have begun considering what is known as stewardship responsibility—the degree to which a state (or some larger or smaller geopolitical unit) holds a significant portion of a species’ population, usually in the breeding season. A 1995 report (Rosenberg and Wells 1995) highlighted landbird species for which Maine holds a high proportion of their global breeding populations. That list includes Bicknell’s Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Northern Parula, Blue-headed Vireo, Canada Warbler, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (see Table 3 below). Efforts in Maine to ensure the health of these species may be particularly important to their long-term, global survival (Wells et al. 2010, Wells 2010).
It might be tempting to think only of a bird’s status within the state, but that is not the whole story. Yellow-throated Vireos, for example, are relatively rare breeders in Southern Maine, and for that reason might be considered a species of high conservation concern. But the vireos are common over most of their range, which extends south to Texas and Florida. For that reason, they are considered of low conservation concern by Partners In Flight. That said, such peripheral populations may be best adapted to changing environmental conditions since they are already pushing the envelope (in terms of climate, for instance) for their species. If the species as a whole is in trouble, these marginal populations take on particular importance. As an example, while Maine lies on the northeastern edge of the Grasshopper Sparrow’s breeding range, the species is declining and
Species
% of Population in Maine
Black-throated Blue Warbler
19.0
Blackburnian Warbler
16.9
Northern Parula
14.2
Blue-headed Vireo
13.0
Canada Warbler
9.0
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
8.9
Veery
8.3
Black-and-white Warbler
6.8
Ovenbird
5.8
Chestnut-sided Warbler
5.7
American Redstart
5.6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
5.3
Table 3: Neotropical Migrant Birds for Which Maine Bears High Stewardship Responsibility (Rosenberg and Wells 1995)
51
Birds of Maine
What Are Maine’s Birds of Conservation Concern? Using the principles described above, various organizations, governments, and coalitions have developed lists of species of conservation concern. Each list uses slightly different criteria over geographies ranging from the state to global level, and may address different species groups (from all birds to just landbirds or shorebirds or waterbirds). Some, like the federal list of threatened and endangered species, carry the force of law; others are meant to be advisory, focusing attention and resources by highlighting species at risk. Here we briefly discuss some of the most important such designations for Maine’s birds, starting at the global scale and ending at the state level (for a table of Maine’s special-concern birds and their conservation ranks, see Appendix 2 on p. 592.) The IUCN Red List, managed by BirdLife International and considered the official global reference for identifying species of high global conservation concern, ranks species in four highrisk conservation categories: Globally Endangered, Threatened, Vulnerable, and Near-Threatened. Inclusion on the Red List means the species has suffered a major decline in recent decades. As of 2018, 25 species that regularly occur in Maine were listed in one of these categories, including 15 species that breed here. Many are well known as species of conservation concern, including Piping Plover, Red Knot, Rusty Blackbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Wood Thrush, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak. Other listed species may come as a surprise: Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Atlantic Puffin, Black-legged Kittiwake, Horned Grebe, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Chimney Swift, Common Grackle, Eastern Meadowlark, and Blackpoll Warbler, for example. Three North American bird conservation initiatives, each focused on a specific group of birds, have identified species of continental conservation concern. Partners In Flight focuses on migratory landbirds. Their most recent assessment, from 2016, listed 14 species that occur regularly in Maine, including Black-billed Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl, Bicknell’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Bobolink. Similarly, since 2000, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Partnership has developed a series of assessments of shorebirds of conservation concern; the most recent (2016) lists 22 species 52
regularly occurring in Maine either as breeding birds or migrants. They include Black-bellied Plover and American Golden-Plover; Willet; Lesser Yellowlegs; Upland, Semipalmated, and Purple Sandpipers; Shortbilled Dowitcher; American Woodcock; and Rednecked Phalarope. The status of waterbirds (excluding shorebirds and waterfowl) was assessed in 2002 in the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. It identified 11 Maine regulars as being of conservation concern: Red-throated and Common Loons; Piedbilled, Horned, and Red-necked Grebes; American and Least Bitterns; Yellow, King, and Virginia Rails; and Sora. The U.S. Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a list of species considered Endangered or Threatened. Two Maine breeding birds are on that list (Piping Plover, Threatened; and Roseate Tern, Endangered), as well as a third that migrates through (Red Knot, Threatened). Also still formally listed as Endangered, although almost certainly extinct, is the Eskimo Curlew, a former migrant through Maine. Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife maintains a list of species considered Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern at the state level, independent of their status beyond Maine. In all, 73 species of birds are listed—11 classified as Endangered, nine as Threatened, and 53 of Special Concern. MDIFW identifies 130 birds as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” under their state Wildlife Action Plan (2015). Of these, and including the Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species, 17 are considered “Priority 1” species with another 27 as “Priority 2,” based on a variety of state and regional considerations. Let us look at these figures collectively. There are 285 regularly occurring species in Maine and 109 of them are on one or another of these lists, meaning that some 38 percent of Maine’s birds are of conservation concern. If we focus on the state’s 217 breeding bird species, we find 82 on one of the lists—again, 38 percent of the state total. These include most, but not all, of the species that the BBS shows are declining significantly. If we look at the species that are regular migrants through Maine or wintering residents, the results are similar. Twenty-seven of the state’s 68 such species are listed, or 40 percent. We should feel alarm that such a large proportion of Maine’s birds are at risk.
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
COMPARING SUMMER AND WINTER POPULATION TRENDS For species that have at least some year-round populations in Maine, the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) give us independent means of measuring their population trends. In most cases, the two methods yield roughly comparable
on top of having an increased number of breeding
results. As examples, both the BBS and CBC find a huge
individuals, the fraction of the population that overwinters
growth in the numbers of Tufted Titmice: 14.2% annually
has also grown, hence the disparity between the results
for the former, 11.7% a year for the latter. Likewise, Bald
of the two population monitoring methods. The situation
Eagles have risen on BBS routes in Maine at 7% a year
seems to be similar for American Robins, Cedar Waxwings,
and on CBCs at 5.9% annually. Among declining species,
and Savannah Sparrows. Despite small long-term declines
BBS routes measured a 3.7% annual decline in House
in breeding numbers, significantly more are staying into
Sparrows, while the yearly CBC trend is -3%. For Evening
winter in Maine. Remember that the figures here are
Grosbeaks, the BBS annual trend is -6.7% while on CBCs it
annual changes: even a 7% increase in the number of
is -8.3%. These qualitative similarities should reassure us
wintering robins would mean that we have almost 30
that these surveys are measuring something real, each in
wintering now for every one that remained 50 years ago.
their own way.
It is no stretch to suggest that a changing climate with warmer winters has enabled these changes.
But what are we to think when the two methods give very different results? Let’s look at those species with
What, then, do we make of the decline in Brown-headed
statistically significant trends that differ by at least 5
Cowbirds that is even steeper on CBCs than on BBS
percentage points from BBS to CBC.
routes? An overall decline in the species in the eastern U.S. has been attributed to changing agricultural practices
For Wild Turkeys, some of the difference in the two
with less planted acreage and fewer large domesticated
trends may simply be from large uncertainty in their
animals with their attendant waste and spilled food. But
baseline counts. Turkeys were not even present in
why have cowbirds declined even more severely in winter
Maine in the earliest years of these trend analyses—they
than in the breeding season? Is it a greater retreat in
were reintroduced in the 1970s. Small differences in the
winter of a population already on the edge? Are there
numbers detected in the earliest counts will lead to large differences in the calculated long-term percentage trends.
other changes in agricultural practices that affect winter food resources in particular? So far, these are mere conjectures. There is no doubt, however, that comparing
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, and Eastern
these two methods of measuring population trends,
Bluebirds have all expanded recently in Maine from more
each at their own season, is pointing us to something
southerly regions. In these species, the northernmost
interesting.
individuals move southward in winter. It appears that,
CDD
BBS Trend % 1966–2017
CBC Trend % 1966–2017
Wild Turkey
18.9
32.2
Red-bellied Woodpecker
6.0
16.1
Carolina Wren
5.9
11.3
Eastern Bluebird
2.5
33.4
American Robin
-0.8
7.0
Cedar Waxwing
-1.4
10.0
Savannah Sparrow
-2.0
4.0
Brown-headed Cowbird
-5.4
-17.8
Species Name
Comparison of statistically significant annual percentage trends of Breeding Bird Surveys and Christmas Bird Counts in Maine, as defined by BBS and CBC, for species with greater than 5% differences in the results. Green cells indicate increases while red cells show declines.
53
Birds of Maine
The species on this collective conservation list can be grouped into a number of categories based on habitat preferences and/or life-history similarities. Among landbirds, the collective list includes many grassland birds, shrub-scrub or early successional forest species, aerial insectivores, a few coniferous forest specialists, a number of hawks and owls, and finally, a number of landbirds dependent on river or lake-edge habitats, forested wetlands, or salt marshes such as Rusty Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and Saltmarsh and Nelson’s Sparrows. There are six waterfowl species and 29 other waterbirds (both marine and freshwater species), making up a significant proportion (32 percent) of the 109 species on the collective list. Of these waterfowl and waterbirds, 24 are reliant on marine waters for at least a portion of their life cycles. Eleven of these marine-dependent birds are colonial nesters, mostly on offshore islands in Maine. Twentythree shorebirds are on the collective list. Most use Maine habitats only during migration, but six breed in Maine and one, Purple Sandpiper, winters here.
Past and Current Threats Birds, especially migratory birds, face a host of natural dangers, from storms and exhaustion to predators and hunger. But in an increasingly human-dominated world, the biggest threats to Maine’s birds come from us, and because they are cumulative when added to natural risks, they are driving many species into severe decline. Some threats have long-term consequences that will be difficult to reverse, while others could be addressed in a relatively short time if we have the will to act. But overall, the current threats facing Maine’s birds, like climate change, habitat loss and degradation, introduced species, and a kaleidoscope of chemical contaminants, are more pervasive and harder to correct than some of those in the past.
Direct Persecution Before the Migratory Bird Treaty Act became federal law in 1918, overhunting of birds for food and feathers was the dominant threat for many Maine species. This is the reason for the extinction of the Great Auk, Passenger Pigeon, and Eskimo Curlew, and likely the Labrador Duck, as well; the Heath Hen, which may also have occurred in Maine, was similarly driven to extinction by overhunting. Wild Turkeys were extirpated from the state. While some overhunted species rebounded—Herring and Great Black-backed 54
Gulls, Common Eiders, and Wood Ducks being good examples—others, including American GoldenPlovers, Whimbrels, Atlantic Puffins, and Razorbills have never regained their former abundance (Peters and Burleigh 1951, Skeel and Mallory 1996, Brown et al. 2001). Today, market hunting is illegal and sport hunting for a limited number of species is strictly controlled—in North America. Shorebirds continue to be hunted both for food and sport in parts of the Caribbean and South America, however, to a degree that most conservationists did not fully appreciate until recently (Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Harvest Working Group 2017, unpublished data).
Forest Habitat Loss Habitat loss and degradation is the largest threat to most species across the world today. Maine, despite its long history of maintaining a large forested area relatively free of large-scale urban and suburban development, is not immune. The 2015 Maine Wildlife Action Plan identified development and its components (road-building, housing, and urban development) as the leading “stressor” on species and habitats across the state. Parts of Maine with greater development pressure, especially southern and coastal sections, as well as specialized habitats that occur in small, localized areas, are especially susceptible to loss and degradation. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has calculated that Maine lost 869,000 acres of forest between 1980 and 2000, more than 5 percent of the state’s total. That loss was concentrated in south coastal Maine (Irland 2018). In addition, the USDA National Resources Inventory estimated the loss to development of more than 76,000 acres of agricultural land in Maine between 1982 and 2012, suggesting a total loss of nearly one million acres of bird habitat in the state over the last 30–40 years. USFS and The Nature Conservancy project Maine’s future habitat loss over the coming decades to be in the hundreds of thousands of acres (Anderson et al. 2013). Three forest communities especially important to Maine birds are expected to experience near-future losses if current development rates continue. Of particular concern, according to estimates by The Nature Conservancy (Anderson et al. 2013), are:
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
• Northern Appalachian Boreal upland forest, a particular community dominated by Red Spruce (Picea rubens) and Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea), most of which occurs in Maine and which is habitat for species like Boreal Chickadee, Blackbacked Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bicknell’s Thrush, Bay-breasted Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Rusty Blackbird. An estimated 43,000 acres, 0.6 percent, is projected to be lost by 2060. • Laurentian-Acadian northern hardwood forest, dominated by Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), and Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), almost 40 percent of which occurs in Maine. This habitat hosts breeding Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Scarlet Tanagers, Black-throated Blue Warblers, and Ovenbirds. An estimated 54,000 acres, or 1.2 percent, is expected to be lost by 2060. • Laurentian-Acadian White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, and Red Oak forest is predicted to suffer the greatest losses—120,000 acres, or 4.5 percent, by 2060. More than 40 percent of this forest type occurs within Maine watersheds expected to have comparatively high development rates in coming decades (Stein et al. 2005). Breeding species in this habitat include Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Pine Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Forest Habitat Degradation Forest management probably poses the greatest potential impact to bird habitats because only three percent of Maine’s forests are withdrawn from timbering. Today’s forest structure is much altered from what was natural in terms of average tree size, age, canopy closure, and stand size. More research is needed to determine whether the great forests of northern Maine remain the Neotropical bird factory we like to think they are and, if not, what specific practices may be negatively affecting the breeding success of the birds that inhabit these forests. Maine is now at the cusp of a possible new Spruce Budworm infestation, with more than 1.5 million acres identified as being at high risk of defoliation (Wagner et al. 2015). If a severe outbreak unfolds, management aimed at protecting the economic value of the forests
could include stepped up pre-salvage harvests, salvage logging, and insecticide applications targeting lepidopterans whose caterpillars feed millions of nestlings. While northern Maine forests in the Unorganized Territories are subject to land use zoning that discourages development, they are at risk of fragmentation by recreational development, utility lines, and wind-power development. In southern and central Maine forests, other factors pose greater threats to forest habitat degradation. For one, fragmentation by new development means that forest patch sizes are shrinking. Many forestdependent birds, including some warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers, are sensitive to so-called edge effects, and are less likely to breed successfully in smaller forest fragments. A second factor is that many also require a dense understory. An analysis published in 2018 showed that southern and western Maine and western parts of northern Maine are likely experiencing medium to high understory browsing impacts from both White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Moose (Alces alces) (McWilliams et al. 2018). Since the early 20th century when an introduced blight led to the functional extinction of the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), the impact of invasive insects and diseases on Maine’s forests has increased. Beech bark disease (Cryptococcus fagisuga) results in a dense growth of small beeches that never reach maturity or provide the formerly abundant beech mast that is a critical food source for birds, deer, Black Bears (Ursus americanus), and other wildlife (Roth and Robicheau 2019). Beech forests often support high densities of songbirds such as Black-throated Blue Warblers and Scarlet Tanagers, and it is not clear how beech bark disease may impact their populations. The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) from Europe, first detected in the U.S. in 2002, has since decimated ash trees across the northern U.S. and southern Canada (Shifley et al. 2012). First detected in Maine in 2018 in both the far north and southwest, it is expected to eventually overtake the entire state. White Ash (Fraxinus americana), as one of the last trees to leaf out and flower in the spring, attracts many insects that are important food sources for latemigrating warblers and are important components in river edge and floodplain forests used by Warbling Vireos and Baltimore Orioles. The Hemlock Woolly 55
Birds of Maine
Adelgid (Adelges tsugae), accidentally introduced from Japan to Virginia in 1951, has now spread north to Maine, where it was first detected in 2003 in York County. By 2017, the adelgid was found north to the Midcoast (MFS 2018) At least 137 acres (55 ha) of mortality was mapped and decline due to the adelgid is apparent in York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Counties. Hemlock-lined streams are virtually the only places where Louisiana Waterthrushes breed, and are also important habitat for species like Blackthroated Green Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, and Blue-headed Vireos. Gypsy Moths (Lymantria dispar) and, in recent years, Browntail Moths (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) are European species that defoliate hardwoods, especially Red Oaks, and were introduced into New England in the late 1800s (Shifley et al. 2012). An estimated 55,000 acres (22,258 ha) in Midcoast Maine were defoliated by Browntail Moths in 2017 (MFS 2018). However, unlike some other forest pests, neither of these caterpillars seem to have resulted in widespread tree death or shifts in forest composition. There may be more concern for birds if widespread application of insecticides is used than from the pests themselves.
Freshwater Habitat Loss and Degradation Since the 1700s, Maine has experienced significant loss and degradation of its freshwater and coastal wetlands. More than 1,000 dams on the state’s rivers and streams have drastically altered aquatic and riparian ecosystems and removed hundreds of thousands of stream miles and pond acres of spawning habitat for anadromous fish species (Hall et al. 2012). Fortunately, over the past two decades, the removal of several outdated and inefficient dams blocking primary rivers, and improvement of fish passage on many smaller dams on ponds in Maine, has opened up thousands of miles of historic fish spawning habitat with eyepopping results. Millions of Alewives and smaller numbers of other migratory species have returned to drainages within the lower Kennebec and Penobscot River watersheds after several dams were removed. Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and other fish-eating birds have thrived with this major influx of prey. The most pressing issues for freshwater habitats in Maine will be the spread of invasive aquatic plants, fish, and other organisms; the continued legacy of dioxin from paper mills; mercury and lead pollution; and impacts 56
on shoreline vegetation from increasing human uses of lakes and ponds and the recreational use of power boats and jet skis. Continued monitoring of bird populations dependent on freshwater habitats, as is done through Maine Audubon’s Loon Watch, is crucial for wellinformed management and policy decisions in the future.
Coastal and Marine Habitat Loss and Degradation Maine’s coastal environments—and their birds—are expected to face some of the most complex threats in the decades ahead from the interlocking effects of climate change, ocean acidification, fisheries management, and sea-level rise, among other forces. Nesting and migratory shorebirds that use beaches also face high levels of disturbance from beachgoers and their dogs, as well as predation from domestic cats, Raccoons (Procyon lotor), and other animals associated with human residences at coastal sites. Much of Maine’s coastal wetland habitat—critical for shorebirds, herons and egrets, Saltmarsh and Nelson’s Sparrows, and waterfowl, among others—has already been lost or degraded by draining, filling, damming of tidal creeks, and development. Twenty-five to 50 percent of the state’s salt marsh is believed lost since colonial times (Gustavson 2010), and with sea levels projected to rise 10 feet (3 m) by 2100, the state stands to lose 50 percent of what remains. Commercial fisheries have long had an impact on Maine seabirds. Fishing boats provide bycatch and discarded bait, which greatly benefit gull populations (and perhaps some pelagic species like Northern Fulmar and Great and Sooty Shearwaters). Although large foreign industrial fishing fleets were barred from the Gulf of Maine by the 1982 enforcement of a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, domestic midwater trawlers have more recently targeted smaller forage fish, especially Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus), to supply bait for the lobster industry (Read and Brownstein 2003, Kress et al. 2016). This likely had a significant (and largely undocumented) impact on reproductive success of many seabirds that depend on these smaller species for food (Cury et al. 2011). In recent decades, the targeted harvesting of marine resources other than fish, including mussels, sea urchins (Echinoidea), kelp (Laminariales), and marine worms (Polychaeta), has increased. Little research has been done to understand potential impacts of such harvesting on marine birds, but we know that mussels, for instance, are a major food source for Common Eiders and other diving ducks.
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
MAINE’S FIRST REBORN RIVER One of the nation’s first successful river restoration projects took place in Maine with stunning implications for bird populations. Edwards Dam was built in 1837 at the head-of-tide on
The results have astounded even the most optimistic
the Kennebec River in Augusta. For the next 162 years,
conservationists. In 2011, more than three million Alewives
the dam stopped a migration cycle that had been part
were counted passing through the upstream fish-elevator
of the river’s lifeblood for thousands of years. The dam
in Benton; by 2018 that reached a mind-boggling five
created a wall in the faces of teeming millions of fish
million. Birders began seeing a difference in the numbers
trying to spawn in upstream rivers, lakes, and ponds.
of fish-eating birds even earlier. For decades, it was hard
These fish descended downriver as juveniles, spent years
to find a Bald Eagle along the Kennebec between Augusta
in the ocean feeding and growing into adults, before
and Gardiner at any time of year. Within a few years after
returning upriver during spring migration, ready to start
the dam removal, I stood on the banks of the Kennebec
a new generation. It’s hard to imagine the impact this
near the boat landing in Hallowell one June morning and,
had, not only on fish-eating birds suddenly with millions
in one sweep of the binoculars, counted eight Bald Eagles,
fewer fish available to them, but also on the entire
10 Ospreys, eight Great Blue Herons, 20 Double-crested
aquatic ecosystem that was abruptly deprived of the
Cormorants, and dozens of Herring and Ring-billed Gulls
annual flush of ocean nutrients swept up from the sea
enjoying the newfound bounty of fish. In 2014, biologists
by masses of Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus), Atlantic
counted an astounding 58 Bald Eagles along a stretch of
Salmon (Salmo salar), American Shad, (Alosa sapidissima),
the Sebasticook River where fish once again migrate as the
and other sea-run migrant fish.
result of a second dam removal upriver on the Kennebec.
After many years of unwavering pressure from a
Today, the river teems with fish-eating birds. Each year in
coalition of conservation groups (American Rivers,
March thousands of Common Mergansers use the river
Atlantic Salmon Federation, Natural Resources Council
as a staging area before migrating farther north to breed.
of Maine, and Trout Unlimited), the Federal Energy
From April through June, Bald Eagles; Ospreys; Great
Regulatory Commission ruled that the environmental
Blue Herons; Double-crested Cormorants; and Herring,
benefits of removing Edwards Dam outweighed the
Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls can be seen
economic benefits of maintaining what was then an old
pursuing, catching, eating, or fighting over the abundant
and inefficient facility. This ruling is historic—the first
Alewives. Lakes, ponds, and streams are less algae-filled
of its kind in the U.S., setting in motion removal of the
as migratory fish and their young feed, taking up excess
dam. More than a thousand people lined the banks of
phosphorus and carrying it to the ocean when they return
the Kennebec River on July 1, 1999, to celebrate as the
to the sea. Now, there are abundant hatches of aquatic
dam was breached.
insects crucial to early-returning food-stressed migrant
After that day, thousands of fish that had gathered at the base of the dam each year, following an ancient tug
birds such as Tree and Barn Swallows, Eastern Phoebes, and Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
compelling them to swim farther upriver, were at last
This remarkable river restoration was repeated on New
able to fulfill that primal instinct to find the spawning
England’s second largest river system, the Penobscot,
grounds of their ancestors. Just like that, a vast area of
with the removal of two dams, a bypass on a third, and a
breeding habitat blocked from sea-run fish for so many
fish lift completed in 2016 on a fourth. This had similarly
years was part of the ecosystem again.
astonishing results, passing 1.2 million river herring, including Alewives, in 2017. JVW
The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than almost all other saltwater bodies on Earth (Pershing et al. 2015), as well as experiencing high levels of ocean acidification, with profound implications for birds, discussed in greater detail below. The Gulf also suffers from rising levels of contaminants and sediments,
and the spread of invasive species. The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has highlighted sewage, land-based nutrients, and mercury as the three contaminant issues of greatest concern in the Gulf, but there are many more, and very little is known about their potential impacts on birds. Mercury has 57
Birds of Maine
been found at high and increasing levels in a number of marine birds in Maine: Common Eiders, Leach’s Storm-Petrels, Black Guillemots, and Double-crested Cormorants (Stenhouse et al. 2018). Excessive levels of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved organic matter, cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion that degrade coastal ecosystems and habitats. Important sources of these nutrients include agricultural lands, sewage treatment plants, paper mill effluent, and suburban and urban runoff (Cawley et al. 2012, Liebman et al. 2012). While best-known for causing closures of shellfish harvests and beaches, nutrient overloads and algal blooms also render these ecosystems less able to support healthy populations of birds and other wildlife. A 2012 assessment found that seven of 12 estuaries along the Maine coast showed moderate to high levels of problem indicators related to algal blooms (Liebman et al. 2012). Recently, the ubiquitous presence of plastics in the world’s oceans has been in the spotlight. Plastic containers and packaging account for the majority of the world’s marine pollution, which has increased tenfold since 1980, according to a recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services report (IPBES 2019). When these and many other household products break down into microparticles, they are ingested by virtually every marine organism. Shaw Marine and Environmental Research Institute, based in Blue Hill, found an average of 177 pieces of microplastic in each Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) they examined in 2014. We have little idea as yet of what impact this has on survival and reproduction of mussels and the species that eat them, but the fact that such plastics, when ingested, bring with them a load of additional toxins makes this worrisome. Given Maine’s rich coastal bird heritage and the substantial changes underway as a result of climate change, actions to identify, abate, or adapt to these threats and their underlying sources must be a high priority for governments, partnering with nonprofit conservation organizations and informed by appropriate research institutions.
Pesticide and Pollution Impacts It is difficult to estimate the impact of pesticides and contaminant pollution on birds. Only a handful of the tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals in use around the world have been investigated for their effect 58
on birds or other living things. We do know from experience that unintended impacts can be disastrous. However, there are few studies that specifically link chemical pollutants to bird health. As noted earlier, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution have resulted in the degradation of some lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, intertidal, and nearshore marine habitats in Maine. Mercury, produced by industrial sources (especially coal-fired power plants and incinerators), continues to be an issue in the Northeast U.S., including Maine, where a number of bird species, such as Common Loon and Rusty Blackbird, carry some of the highest levels of mercury ever recorded in those species (Evers et al. 2007, Evers et al. 2011). In Maine’s lower Penobscot River watershed, mercury contamination as the result of an industrial chemical plant operating there from 1967 to 2000 continues to be evident in the environment and in many bird species (Sullivan and Kopec 2018, Kopec et al. 2018). The fight to ban DDT is a benchmark in environmental history, but more than 40 years later, DDT and its breakdown products continue to show up in the bodies of birds. Meanwhile, the volume of pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, as well as the incorporation of insecticides into crop plant genes) used globally has climbed dramatically. In Maine there has been no publicly available tracking of pesticide use and sales since 1995, although it is estimated that more than 200,000 acres of Maine crops are treated with pesticides each year ( Jennings 2004). Tens of thousands of acres of commercial forest are sprayed annually and pesticide application is likely to increase if the coming Spruce Budworm outbreak intensifies. Recent studies have found that agricultural pesticide use may explain much of the loss in the number of grassland birds in the U.S. (Mineau and Whiteside 2013, Stanton et al. 2018). Sublethal effects from pesticides and pollutants, which sicken but do not immediately kill birds (thus indirectly increasing mortality rates and lowering reproductive success), are only beginning to be studied (Stanton et al. 2018). While much of the focus on pesticide effects on birds deals with direct impacts, the real story may be the catastrophic effects these chemicals have on the food chains that support birds. Massive declines in insect abundance and diversity, especially of flying insects, are now being documented around the world (Hallman et al. 2017, Lister and Garcia 2018, Sánchez-Bayo and Wyckhuys 2019). These declines are thought to be the
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
result of a combination of the effects of insecticides along with loss and degradation of habitat (SánchezBayo and Wyckhuys 2019). The result is simply less food for birds that eat insects. Given especially high rates of decline (both in North America as a whole and Maine in particular) in aerial insectivores like swifts, swallows, and nightjars, it appears that insect numbers and diversity may have dropped so low that some bird populations cannot find adequate food, at least at critical times and places. Unfortunately, we have little data on insect population trends in Maine and cannot yet make direct links between observed bird declines and insecticide use in the state.
Introduced Species Birders know the challenges that introduced birds such as European Starlings and House Sparrows pose for native species. Since their introductions more than 100 years ago, both species have largely remained confined to strongly human-modified landscapes, and now both species are experiencing steep declines across North America. The impact of introduced species goes much further than these two birds, however. Although not usually thought of as an introduced species, domestic cats—both house pets allowed to roam freely, and those that are feral—take an extraordinary toll on birds, especially in urban and suburban areas, near farms, and on species that nest on or near the ground. One recent study, analyzing decades of research, concluded that cats kill up to four billion birds in the U.S. every year, more than any other human-related cause (Loss et al. 2013). In Maine, cats cause particular conservation problems in a number of places, such as preying on Least Tern nests on southern Maine beaches, or killing exhausted migrant songbirds in places like Monhegan Island. Conservation areas that, over time, become surrounded by development can experience the loss of birds and nests to house cats. Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area, for example, supports populations of a number of state-listed endangered and threatened species. It is now surrounded by housing developments, raising the risk of cat predation on ground-nesting birds and other wildlife within the protected area. More subtle, but probably of even greater overall impact, is modification of ecological communities from the spread of introduced plants and animals. As we have seen, introduced insects and diseases are
changing Maine’s forest tree composition, structure, and health. Introduced shrubs and forbs can change the forest understory enough to impact rates of nest predation and insect availability for forest nesting birds (Tallamy 2004, Narango et al. 2018). Introduced aquatic plants, like Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), Variable Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), and Hydrilla (Hydrilla spp.), can essentially destroy the native aquatic ecosystem of a freshwater lake. Introduced fish like predatory Northern Pike (Esox lucius) can have a severe impact on the survival of loon and waterfowl chicks. In the marine environment, there are a host of introduced species rapidly altering marine ecological communities. One of the more well-known invasives on Maine’s coast is the Asian Green Crab (Carcinus maenas), a voracious species that exacerbates saltmarsh decay and eats mussels along with other foods that typically feed marsh birds and diving ducks. Introduced diseases can also affect birds directly. West Nile virus (WNV) has killed unknown millions of birds in North America since its accidental introduction in 1999. One comprehensive study found the survival rates of 23 of 49 landbird populations were negatively impacted by the virus (George et al. 2015). By way of example, the study’s authors estimated that 37 million Red-eyed Vireos, out of a continental population of 130 million, died from the disease. Fortunately, populations of that species and 10 others adversely affected in the first years of WNV have since largely recovered. However, 12 other species appear to still be suffering significant impacts, including Swainson’s Thrush, Purple Finch, and Tufted Titmouse.
Climate Change Impacts While it was once tempting to think of climate change as a future threat to bird populations, it is clear that Maine’s avifauna is already being profoundly affected by warming ( Jacobson et al. 2009). The ranges of many species have changed already, and projections suggest serious alterations to Maine’s birdlife in the decades to come, especially among many of the iconic northern species for which the state is known. How—and how quickly—Maine’s plant communities respond to the changes throw additional uncertainties into the mix, while the almost unmatched degree of warming in the Gulf of Maine threatens the hard-won restoration of many seabird species. 59
Birds of Maine
A notable question in many climate change projections is how well and how quickly the plants that constitute ecological community foundations will be able to track northward movement of their required climatic conditions. Some areas are projected to remain relatively more climatically stable than others, thereby offering a form of “climate refuge” for certain species into the future (Stralberg et al. 2018, Wells et al. 2018). Interestingly, studies of ancient pollen cores show that spruce-dominated forests have remained on Maine coastal islands and peninsulas for thousands of years— at least 5,000 years in some locations—even persisting when a then-warmer climate pushed spruce out of northern Maine (Schauffler and Jacobson 2002).
Red-bellied Woodpecker
A global pattern of poleward shifts in the distribution of many animals and plants is well-documented and is evident in Maine as well. In the last 30–40 years, Maine has seen a continued northward and eastward movement in the ranges of many species, including Turkey Vulture, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Redbellied Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Pine Warbler, and Prairie Warbler. While the arrival of new (or newly common) birds may seem like good news, the other end of the equation is the range contraction of many more northerly or high-elevation species. Modeling based on expected levels of continued greenhouse gas emissions shows that most North American bird species will have to shift their distributions northward or upward in elevation to follow their favored habitats—many of which will shrink in a newly warm world. One study modeled future distributions of 150 birds in the eastern U.S. and found that more than half were expected to decline by at least 25 percent in abundance or range under some emissions scenarios (Mathews et al. 2004). A number of species, including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson’s Thrush, Evening Grosbeak, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Nashville Warbler, Yellowrumped Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler, and Mourning Warbler were, under some scenarios of unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, projected to disappear from Maine altogether as breeding species. High-elevation spruce-fir forest specialists like Bicknell’s Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler are also expected to show marked decreases as habitat disappears with increased temperatures (Rodenhouse et al. 2008). 60
Some climate change impacts are less easily discernible. Many important biological events like leaf emergence, plant flowering, and insect emergence and abundance are occurring earlier in northern latitudes. Some short- and medium-distance migratory birds in North America and Europe are arriving about two weeks earlier in spring today than 40–50 years ago (Parmesan and Yohe 2003, Root et al. 2003). These species, which largely winter in the temperate zone, seem able to track the earlier leaf-out and remain in sync with seasonal peaks in insect emergence, food they need to raise their young. But long-distance migrants (those coming from wintering grounds in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere) seem to be arriving at most only a few days earlier than they were decades ago. In one intensively studied European population of migratory Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca), researchers found the longer-distance migrants that were arriving after peak insect availability were less successful in raising young than shorter-distance migrants that had shifted their arrivals several weeks earlier (Both and Visser 2001). Sea-level rise poses an existential threat for birds that nest in low-lying coastal habitats, including beaches, salt marshes, and offshore islands. Storm surges and periodic high tide events that wash over the ground nests of Least Terns and Piping Plovers on beaches and flood the salt-marsh nests of Saltmarsh and Nelson’s Sparrows have shaped the evolution of these species over millennia (Shriver et al. 2007, Bayard and Elphick 2011). But with rising sea levels, such events become more frequent, and with time, low-lying shorelines will be permanently underwater. In some areas, topography may allow migration of beaches and tidal marshes farther inland—but not if those inland areas are largely developed, as is the case in many parts of the Maine coast. For these reasons, there is a high probability
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
that Saltmarsh Sparrows will be extinct by 2060 as a result of sea-level rise (Field et al. 2016, Hodgman et al. 2015a). Sea-level rise will also have significant impacts on a wider suite of birds that use salt marshes to feed, including herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Marine ecosystems and the birds that rely on them have already suffered some of the most noticeable climate change impacts (Frumhoff et al. 2007, Lucey and Nye 2010, Pershing et al. 2015). Warming sea temperatures caused the disappearance of forage fish near seabird colonies in many northern areas, resulting in complete or near-complete nesting failures for regional populations of seabird species
like Atlantic Puffins in Iceland and Tufted Puffins off the Alaska coast ( Jones et al. 2019). A 56-year study of the Leach’s Storm-Petrel population on Kent Island, New Brunswick, found reproductive success began declining in 1988 after global mean temperatures reached a critical high (Mauck et al. 2018). In the Gulf of Maine, Atlantic Puffins have seen substantial drops in nesting productivity in years when sea surface temperatures were above average (Kress et al. 2016). In those years, adult birds were seen trying to feed Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus)—a warm-water species not usually found in the Gulf of Maine—to their young.
SEA-LEVEL RISE AND COASTAL BIRDS While climate change will certainly impact Maine birds, it is hard to know how or how severely many species will be affected. Of changes occurring as a result of global warming,
nesting on Maine marshes by 2100. Losing salt marshes
sea-level rise is one of the most certain, and will likely
not only means losing species that are obligate salt-
be exacerbated by more frequent high-intensity storms.
marsh nesters, it also means loss of important feeding
That means trouble for birds nesting on Maine’s salt
habitat for egrets, ibis, and herons, many shorebirds
marshes and beaches. Current predictions based on Maine tide gauge data
such as dowitchers and Least Sandpipers, and wintering American Black Ducks.
are for up to 10 feet (3 m) of sea-level rise by the end of
Beach nesters, such as Piping Plovers and Least Terns,
the 21st century (Sweet et al. 2017). At that rate, some
are also in jeopardy. As the sea rises and storms erode
Maine salt marshes may not accrete enough sediment
dunes, some beaches may migrate landward, but most
to keep up with rise. Worse, much of the Maine coast
will soon run up against houses and roads or steeper
is too steep to allow gradual inland migration, or such
uplands. Wider beaches will gradually narrow and
movement will be blocked by development. If neither
many beaches will eventually disappear as functional
accretion nor migration is possible, a salt marsh will
bird habitat. Today’s large salt marshes, especially
drown. Depending on the rate and trajectory of sea-
those behind barrier beaches, may become shallow
level rise and local marsh response, Maine could lose
bays with submerged aquatic vegetation or low tide
half of its salt-marsh area by 2100. Outright marsh loss
mudflats likely to provide feeding grounds for migrant
will be accompanied by a decrease in areas dominated
shorebirds. However, tidal marsh response is individual,
by Salt Meadow Cordgrass or Salt Hay (Spartina patens),
dynamic, and still unfolding; there is evidence that tidal
and a corresponding increase in Smooth Cordgrass (S.
restrictions caused by causeways, bridges, and ditch
alterniflora)—that is, a shift from dominance by high
plugs may exacerbate the loss of marsh habitat by
marsh to low marsh. In Connecticut, the only New
reducing sediment accretion, so restoring tidal flow may
England state with historic data, Saltmarsh Sparrow
mitigate marsh loss (Correll et al. 2017). Conservation
declines seem to be explained by increases in nest
organizations, public land managers, and coastal
flooding since 2002 (Hodgman et al. 2015b).
biologists are monitoring salt-marsh health and changes,
Because of their dependence on salt marshes, and in particular high marsh, Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows and Willets are among Maine’s breeding birds most vulnerable to climate change (Whitman et al. 2013). If seas rise as predicted, it is likely none of these will be
promoting restoration when it makes sense, and identifying conservation opportunities that will benefit marshes and marsh-dependent species now and into the future, even as they change. BSV
61
Birds of Maine
Unfortunately, the body shape of Butterfish generally makes it too wide for nestling puffins to swallow, resulting in starvation. Other historically more-southerly marine fishes, invertebrates, and plankton are now found more regularly in the Gulf of Maine, while some species traditionally found there are becoming much less abundant (Lucey and Nye 2010, H.J. Walsh et al. 2015). Rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are also causing acidification of the world’s oceans, a problem to which the Gulf of Maine is unusually susceptible because of its particular hydrology. Among other effects, acidification interferes with a shellfish’s
ability to create a calcium shell—bad news not only for mussels, clams, snails, and other mollusks, but also for the many birds that feed upon them.
Conservation Efforts and Initiatives Maine is fortunate to have a great many conservation success stories. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, there is much being done to protect Maine’s ecosystems and birdlife—and much more that could be accomplished with individual and collective will.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR MAINE BIRDS Maine has a number of public agencies and private nonprofit organizations that work together to track the status of specific species and manage their populations and habitats. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MDIFW) mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife resources of Maine. MDIFW is responsible for maintaining the state list of Endangered and Threatened species, monitoring the status of those species, and helping to ensure compliance with the regulations that protect them. This agency also manages the hunting of waterfowl in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and is solely responsible for managing resident upland game species. A third key role with respect to birds is to designate Species of Greatest Conservation Need, identify actions on their behalf as part of developing the State’s Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP 2016), and undertake special projects to ensure the conservation of priority species and habitats. MDIFW developed protocols for and oversees the Maine Breeding Bird Atlas 2018–2022. "Beginning with Habitat" is a MDIFW-led public and private partnership effort of MDIFW, the Maine Natural Areas Program and other state agencies, USFWS, Maine Audubon, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and Maine Woodland Owners that provides integrated information on locations and conservation needs of tracked wildlife species, including birds, to towns and conservation entities for planning purposes. MDIFW owns many of Maine’s iconic bird habitats, including Eastern Egg Rock, a preeminent Atlantic Puffin colony; Scarborough Marsh, the largest salt marsh in the state; and many properties around Merrymeeting Bay
62
and the lower Kennebec Estuary. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has responsibility for federally listed endangered and threatened (ET) species; conducts species assessments and makes recommendations on listing status; reviews proposed developments for impacts on ET species; assists with management of ET species; and provides funding to the state for protection and management of these species. The agency also plays a role in managing the harvest of waterfowl and in enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. There are six USFWS National Wildlife Refuges in Maine, including Aroostook, Maine Coastal Island, Moosehorn, Lake Umbagog, Sunkhaze Meadows, and Rachel Carson, all of which provide important habitat for birds. USFWS also conducts avian research and monitoring at each refuge. In addition, the USFWS Gulf of Maine Coastal Program identifies, protects, and restores habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl and federally listed endangered and threatened species. For instance, the program assessed 4,617 coastal islands and ledges and identified 616 that currently or previously supported nesting waterbirds. As of 2018, 11 seabird restoration sites are actively managed for their nesting seabird and wading bird populations. USFWS also oversees migratory bird permits and works with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on bird banding and band recovery information.
(Cont. next page)
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Land Conservation and Bird Habitat Maintaining large areas of the habitats birds depend upon to breed, feed, and rest in migration and winter is the most important conservation action we can take on their behalf. Ensuring the continuation of large unfragmented areas of natural habitat will also support resilience to impacts from a changing climate and other human perturbations. While not specifically focused on birds, land conservation efforts have made significant gains in
Maine in recent decades, protecting habitat that supports literally millions of birds. Early 20th century land conservation milestones in the state include the donation of lands that became Maine's first state park (Aroostook State Park), Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and acquisitions of the first national wildlife refuge in the state (Moosehorn) in 1937. Despite these benchmarks, the proportion of Maine’s land base in conservation remained relatively minor—less than 250,000 acres (100,000 ha), or about one percent of the state—until the late 1980s (Irland 2018). Investigative journalist Bob Cummings revealed in 1972 that Maine still held ownership rights to
Both MDIFW and USFWS are part of the Gulf of Maine
Biodiversity Research Institute is a private research
Seabird Working Group (GOMSWG), a collaborative
group based in Maine that does research on birds
partnership among state and federal agencies, national
around the globe. Most relevant to Maine is its extensive
and state Audubon organizations, universities, non-
research on mercury contamination in loons and
governmental organizations, and private citizens from
tracking select marine birds.
Canada to Massachusetts that monitors, manages, and restores populations of colonial nesting seabirds in the Gulf of Maine. GOMSWG includes private organizations such as Maine Audubon and National Audubon's Seabird Restoration Program (including Project Puffin), which provides on-the-ground staff for management of many island seabird and wading bird colonies. Maine Audubon is contracted by MDIFW to provide on-the-ground staff to monitor and protect endangered beach-nesting Piping Plovers and Least Terns, and to monitor migrating shorebirds. The organization conducts an annual survey of loons on Maine lakes through hundreds of volunteers. Maine Audubon also identifies, maps, and describes Important Bird Areas in the state; promotes forest management “with birds in mind” through its Forestry for Maine Birds program; hosts birding field trips and educational programs for the public on bird identification, ecology, and conservation; engages the public in citizen science projects, including the Breeding Bird Atlas; and provides advocacy to the Maine legislature and other decision-makers on various
Sporting groups, such as Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Ruffed Grouse Society, Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited, educate their members and the public about game birds and waterfowl. They also advocate for and sometimes undertake habitat conservation and management projects for these species. Universities and colleges: Most University of Maine branches and private colleges in Maine have at least one professor who is actively engaged in bird research. Conserved Lands: Federally protected lands in Maine include National Wildlife Refuges, White Mountain National Forest, Acadia National Park, the Appalachian Trail corridor, and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Maine’s public lands are owned and managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (currently within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry), MDIFW, and the Baxter State Park Authority. In addition, private organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Forest Society of Maine, and more than 70 local
bird conservation matters.
and regional land trusts own fee and conservation
The Natural Resources Council of Maine
easements on thousands of parcels. Some towns also own
advocates for public policies that address the major issues impacting bird populations, including climate change, pollution and toxins, land-use planning, river restoration, wetlands protection and water quality.
land. Together, these public and private agencies protect more than three million acres that provide essential habitat for Maine’s breeding birds and migrants. BSV
63
Birds of Maine
hundreds of thousands of acres set aside for public use when Maine was still part of Massachusetts. These lots were essentially forgotten and treated as private forest lands after the state granted one-time harvest rights to private timbering operations circa 1870. A lawsuit in the 1970s, and further negotiations in the 1980s, culminated in the consolidation of 600,000 acres (250,000 ha) into today’s Public Lots. 4
reserves on public land (see Map 8 p. 65). Another 3.2 million acres (1.3 million ha, 16.1 percent of Maine) are public conservation land or private land covered by easements that typically allow forestry and recreational uses but prevent most forms of development and natural resource extraction (TNC data). However, southern Maine counties, where development threats are highest, have the smallest percentage of their land base in conservation (Irland 2018); the combined 11 southernmost counties having only 8 percent in conservation status. Aroostook County, on the other hand, has 17 percent of its land base in conservation—although only 3 percent is in strictly protected reserves (S. Meyer, pers. com.). Maine’s more than 75 land trusts are increasingly important in land protection efforts, especially in southern and coastal areas that have already experienced the greatest loss and are expected to bear the brunt of development in the coming decades (Lilieholm et al. 2013, Meyer et al. 2014). In 2019, a land conservation coalition recommended increased land conservation efforts in Maine, including the issuance of a $75 million bond to further support the Land for Maine’s Future program (Land Conservation Task Force 2019). cum_other_acres
3.5
Total Public Private w/ easement NGO Other
3
cum_privease_acres
cum_ngo_acres
Millions of Acres
2.5
cum_public_acres
2
1.5
cum_acres
1
0.5
0 1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2017
Figure 2. Progress in Land Protection Conserved land in Maine increased dramatically with the advent of large easements on private land, 2000–2010. The timeline does not include approximately 9% of acreage for which we have no year of protection. Adapted from Lilieholm et al. (2013).
One of the most significant land conservation initiatives in Maine history has been the Lands for Maine’s Future (LMF) program, established in 1987. Funded by a series of voter-approved bonds, LMF awards grants to land trusts, nonprofits, and municipalities to purchase or secure easements on the most important conservation and recreational lands. To date, the LMF program has protected more than 591,000 acres (239,000 ha) by providing $132 million (Irland 2018, Land Conservation Task Force 2019). These and other funding sources, including the federal Forest Legacy Program, federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and private philanthropic donations, have allowed nonprofits to purchase fee title or easements for 2.2 million acres (890,00 ha) of conservation lands. As of 2018, there were 930,400 acres (376,500 ha) of fully protected land (4.7 percent of Maine’s land area), including designated ecological 64
These are important steps in the right direction, but recent science suggests the key to maintaining biodiversity is maintaining 40–80 percent of the landscape in natural, intact condition (Noss et al. 2012, International Boreal Conservation Science Panel 2013, Carlson et al. 2015, Wilson 2016, Dinerstein et al. 2017). The U.N. Convention on Biodiversity has a 2020 benchmark that all signatory nations protect at least 17 percent of their lands. The U.N. is advocating for a new 2030 treaty benchmark to protect at least 30 percent of land. Clearly, more land conservation is needed in Maine, especially in southern and coastal parts of the state.
Map 8: Conserved Lands More than 20 percent of Maine is protected from development by fee ownership or conservation easement held by federal, state, municipal, or private nonprofit entities (bright green). Forest harvesting is permitted on roughly 80 percent of this land. (Data: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.)
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Fort Kent
Caribou !
Presque Isle !
QUEBEC Houlton
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NEW BRUNSWICK
Millinocket
Jackman
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Greenville Dover-Foxcroft
Calais !
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Rangeley !
Kingfield
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Lubec
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Bangor
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Machias
Farmington
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Ellsworth
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Waterville
Bethel
Belfast
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Bar Harbor
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Augusta Rockland
Lewiston
Bridgton
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Brunswick
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Portland
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Sanford
Biddeford
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Kittery
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Birds of Maine
Setting Conservation Action Priorities Land conservation, while a critical strategy, is not enough. To protect Maine’s birds in a rapidly changing world, we need carefully developed strategies, directed by the best science, that make the most of scarce resources. State and federal agencies, conservation nonprofits, scientific coalitions, and others, have developed goals and plans for individual bird species, species groups, and for broader ecological communities at scales ranging from the local to statewide to regional (Wells 2007, Wells 2010). The Nature Conservancy, for example, has developed a comprehensive set of ecoregional plans with recommendations for maintaining birds and other forms of biodiversity through habitat conservation. Coalitions including Partners In Flight, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Council, and Waterbirds for the Americas have developed ecoregional plans focused on landbirds, shorebirds, and waterbirds, respectively. Maine Audubon has identified 77 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the state as part of a global program of the BirdLife International partnership (Wells et al. 2005, Wells 2007). These IBAs include many important seabird nesting islands along the coast, sites important for grassland and marshland breeding birds, migratory stopover locations for shorebirds, and wintering areas for waterfowl. The largest IBA, the Northern Maine Forest Block, is formally recognized as an Important Bird Area of global significance. Although IBA designation carries no legal protection, like these other plans it serves to highlight the location’s critical nature and may focus conservation attention and resources including land acquisition, if needed, in the future. MDIFW has developed a series of species-specific conservation plans for birds listed as endangered, threatened, or species of special concern in the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also developed conservation plans for federally endangered and threatened species. Virtually all of these plans are found online for further investigation by citizens interested in learning more about, and finding ways to become involved with, bird conservation (Wells 2010). MDIFW completed the state’s second Wildlife Action Plan in 2016, an impressive synthesis of much of the information found in other various bird conservation plans. These documents should guide bird conservation by the state government and its conservation partners in Maine. 66
Monitoring and Research— Building the Case for Action Priorities Consistent long-term monitoring, often using volunteer citizen-science efforts, has been essential in establishing which birds are doing well and which are declining and by how much. Unfortunately, volunteer efforts may not have long-term consistency; for example, many BBS routes in northern Maine are no longer run for lack of volunteers. Further, some species require professional efforts, which depend on funding that can be fickle. The comprehensive surveys of wetland birds done in 1990, for instance, have not been repeated. Recently, just as winter seaduck populations seemed to be falling, USFWS stopped doing coast-wide winter waterfowl surveys, citing costs and the higher priority of tracking breeding populations.
THE VALUE OF CITIZEN SCIENCE Most of what we know about avian distribution and
abundance has come through volunteers participating in what is collectively known as citizen science. Such
activities range from Project FeederWatch (Cornell Lab
of Ornithology), which requires no more than reporting
on what one sees out one’s home window, to participating in organized hawkwatches (Hawk Migration Association of North America), Christmas Bird Counts (National
Audubon), and loon surveys (Maine Audubon). Others, such as Breeding Bird Surveys (USGS) and Maine
Bird Atlas (MDIFW) efforts, often take birders farther
afield and require excellent auditory identification skills. The difference between these efforts and a Big Day or
uploading a field checklist to eBird, for instance, is that they are designed with scientific purposes in mind; use standardized protocols; and the results are compiled,
curated, and made available as data sets that can then be analyzed. Additional volunteers are always needed, and
there are many opportunities for engagement for anyone who is interested. BSV
To address declines, we need to know more than distributions and population trends—we need to know their causes. This requires research, whether to determine the impacts of different forestry or
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
fishing practices, or to draw links with persistent contaminants in the environment or insecticides. The need for robust science is especially true for issues that require political action and in which there are economic interests at stake.
Education and Engagement to Build Broad and Sustained Support for Action At the turn of the 20th century, it was women’s groups deciding not to buy feathered hats, lobbying lawmakers on behalf of bird protection, and building coalitions with farmers who knew that birds were helpful in curbing crop pests, which eventually led to the passage of laws to end market hunting. Action is critical in making conservation happen. Merely knowing that the widespread use of DDT had dire effects on birds was not enough; it took the publication of Silent Spring and Rachel Carson’s brave defense of her research in the face of hostile attacks from the chemical and agricultural communities to inspire the widespread citizen outcry that eventually led to the pesticide’s banning. The broad education and engagement of citizens is essential to creating any significant change. For bird conservation to be successful, in the face of escalating threats on many fronts, there needs to be a widespread, public appreciation of birds and the roles they play, both in the environment and in enriching our lives.
Effecting Change Via Private Action and Public Policy Better information and awareness alone will not prevent or reverse declines. Action needs to be taken at every level—by individuals, by private groups, and by local, state, national, and in some cases international governments. Maine has a strong record of public and private partnerships acting together on common causes. Bird conservation in Maine has seen many successes in the past 100 years, and many new initiatives are now underway. But the needs are greater than ever. Furthermore, Maine has an extra responsibility precisely because it still has so much habitat left in good condition. It is not the purview of this book to prescribe specific actions, but we wholeheartedly urge those who care about Maine’s birds to identify and act on strategies to address the threats posed by a changing climate, habitat loss, poor natural resource management, and the contamination of the environment with toxins and pollutants. The good news is that almost all actions taken for the sake of birds are likely to have benefits for other species (including humans), and almost all environmental protection measures will ultimately benefit birds.
67
Birds of Maine
Breeding Bird Survey Annual Trend Estimates 1966–2017 Trend (%)
Current % of 1966 population
2008–2017 Trend (%)
Wild Turkey
19
810,000
11
Tufted Titmouse
14
98,000
10
Canada Goose
13
46,000
11
Northern Cardinal
9.6
12,000
12
320
Year-round
Turkey Vulture
7.9
5,100
8.2
220
Short-distance
Bald Eagle
7.0
3,400
6.9
Hooded Merganser
6.7
3,000
6.5
Mixed
Wetland
Ring-billed Gull
6.7
2,900
6.5
Year-round
Coastal marine
Mallard
6.1
2,100
6.1
Year-round
Wetland
Red-bellied Woodpecker
6.0
2,000
6.1
Year-round
Carolina Wren
5.9
2,000
6.3
Year-round
Merlin
5.3
1,400
4.5
Pine Warbler
5.2
1,400
4.8
Philadelphia Vireo
5.1
1,300
4.2
Pileated Woodpecker
3.7
670
4.4
Mourning Dove
3.3
548
2.5
Year-round
Upland Sandpiper
3.1
500
3.1
Neotropical
Red-tailed Hawk
2.5
370
2.7
Mixed
Eastern Bluebird
2.5
360
6.7
Mixed
Osprey
2.4
350
2.4
Neotropical
White-breasted Nuthatch
1.9
270
2.7
Short-distance
Blue-headed Vireo
1.6
220
-0.7
Short-distance
Hairy Woodpecker
1.6
220
1.6
Year-round
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
1.5
220
2.6
Short-distance
American Crow
1.4
210
1.4
Year-round
Northern Parula
1.2
190
-0.2
Neotropical
Ovenbird
0.5
130
0.9
Red-breasted Nuthatch
1.1
6.1
180
Short-distance
Red-eyed Vireo
0.5
-1.7
84
Neotropical
Alder and Willow Flycatchers
-0.7
69
-0.6
American Robin
-0.8
67
-0.7
Mixed
Cedar Waxwing
-1.4
49
-0.1
Short-distance
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
-1.4
47
-1.6
Magnolia Warbler
-1.5
45
-6.2
53
Yellow-rumped Warbler
-1.6
44
-5.3
58
Dark-eyed Junco
-1.7
42
-3.1
Short-distance
Boreal forest
Northern Waterthrush
-1.7
41
-1.7
Neotropical
Boreal forest
Song Sparrow
-1.7
40
-1.2
Short-distance
Shrub/scrub
Common Yellowthroat
-1.7
40
-2.1
Neotropical
Shrub/scrub
Gray Catbird
-2.0
36
-1.3
Neotropical
Shrub/scrub
Savannah Sparrow
-2.0
36
-3.8
Mixed
Grassland/shrub
Chestnut-sided Warbler
-2.1
33
-1.1
Neotropical
Northern Flicker
-2.2
32
-2.5
Short-distance
Wilson’s Snipe
-2.2
31
-2.1
Neotropical
Black-and-white Warbler
-2.3
30
1.2
Neotropical
Purple Finch
-2.3
29
-3.9
Short-distance
Species Name
68
Current % of 2008 population
Migrant vs Resident?*
Comment**
Year-round 260
Year-round Year-round
Wetland
Mixed
Mixed 160
Short-distance Neotropical
150
Boreal forest
Year-round
Grassland
Wetland and coastal marine
Neotropical
Year-round
Boreal forest
Neotropical
81
Neotropical Neotropical
Wetland
Table 4. Breeding Bird Survey annual trend estimates, 1966–2017 and 2008–2017, for species with at least one statistically significant trend, from greatest increase to greatest decrease. Cells shown in green are statistically significant increases, while those in red are significant declines ( J. Sauer, pers. com.). *Migrant status from Wells 2011. **Habitat comments from VCES 2016.
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Breeding Bird Survey Annual Trend Estimates (continued) 1966–2017 Trend (%)
Current % of 1966 population
2008–2017 Trend (%)
Wilson’s Warbler
-2.4
28
Common Grackle
-2.5
27
Red-winged Blackbird
-2.6
26
-4.3
Great Blue Heron
-2.6
25
-2.6
Baltimore Oriole
-2.7
24
-5.3
Neotropical
Spotted Sandpiper
-2.7
24
-2.6
Neotropical
Bobolink
-3.0
21
-3.0
Cape May Warbler
-3.1
19
-2.9
Eastern Wood-Pewee
-3.2
18
-3.1
Olive-sided Flycatcher
-3.2
18
-3.5
Veery
-3.3
17
-3.3
Vesper Sparrow
-3.4
17
-3.4
Nashville Warbler
-3.4
17
-7.5
Green Heron
-3.5
16
-3.4
Brown Thrasher
-3.6
15
-2.9
Yellow Warbler
-3.6
15
-4.9
60
Neotropical
White-throated Sparrow
-3.6
15
-5.4
57
Short-distance
Shrub/scrub
Least Flycatcher
-3.6
15
-2.2
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Canada Warbler
-3.7
14
-3.8
Tennessee Warbler
-3.7
14
-8.1
Neotropical
Boreal forest
House Sparrow
-3.7
14
-4.9
Year-round
Urban
American Redstart
-3.8
14
-3.4
71
Neotropical
European Starling
-3.9
12
-4.6
63
Year-round
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
-4.0
12
-7.3
47
Short-distance
Boreal forest
Eastern Kingbird
-4.2
11
-5.2
58
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Tree Swallow
-4.5
9.1
-4.4
64
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Black-billed Cuckoo
-4.6
8.7
-1.3
Neotropical
American Kestrel
-4.8
7.7
-5.3
Short-distance
Chimney Swift
-4.9
7.4
-2.5
Herring Gull
-5.1
6.6
-5.3
Purple Martin
-5.1
6.5
-4.7
Eastern Whip-poor-will
-5.3
5.9
-5.3
Brown-headed Cowbird
-5.4
5.5
-5.4
58
Short-distance
Killdeer
-5.5
5.3
-6.1
53
Neotropical
Wood Thrush
-5.6
5.0
-3.1
Neotropical
Eastern Towhee
-5.8
4.5
-5.1
Short-distance
Shrub/scrub
Field Sparrow
-5.9
4.3
-6.1
Short-distance
Shrub/scrub
Horned Lark
-6.0
4.1
-5.8
Year-round
Grassland
Barn Swallow
-6.0
3.9
-5.4
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Blackpoll Warbler
-6.3
3.4
-5.4
Neotropical
Boreal forest
Evening Grosbeak
-6.7
2.7
-14.3
Year-round
Boreal forest
Cliff Swallow
-7.2
2.0
-7.2
47
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Eastern Meadowlark
-7.5
1.7
-6.8
50
Short-distance
Grassland
Great Black-backed Gull
-8.2
1.2
-8.1
43
Year-round
Coastal marine
Bank Swallow
-11
0.21
-11.4
30
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Increasing Significantly
27
6
Decreasing Significantly
62
26
Species Name
Current % of 2008 population
Migrant vs Resident?*
Comment**
-2.6
Neotropical
Boreal forest
-2.2
Mixed
Wetland
Year-round
Wetland
Mixed
Wetland
64
74
73
71
Neotropical
Grassland
Neotropical
Boreal forest
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Neotropical Short-distance
46
Wetland
Grassland
Neotropical Neotropical
Wetland
Short-distance
68
Neotropical
Neotropical 58
53
57
Urban
Aerial insectivore
Year-round
Coastal marine
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Neotropical
Aerial insectivore
Grassland/shrub
69
Birds of Maine
Christmas Bird Count Annual Trend Estimates 1966-2017 Trend (%)
2007-2017 Trend (%)
Eastern Bluebird
33.4
32.1
Wild Turkey
32.2
18.8
Red-bellied Woodpecker
16.1
24.0
Bohemian Waxwing
15.7
96.2
American Wigeon
13.6
12.3
Lesser Scaup
13.0
12.4
Tufted Titmouse
11.7
6.7
Northern Gannet
11.6
5.3
Carolina Wren
11.3
5.6
Ring-necked Duck
10.8
9.4
Mallard
10.1
7.0
Cedar Waxwing
10.0
20.6
Hooded Merganser
9.8
4.6
Cooper’s Hawk
9.6
8.6
Canada Goose
9.6
6.0
Ring-billed Gull
9.4
3.3
Peregrine Falcon
9.2
8.8
Green-winged Teal
8.9
8.9
Razorbill
8.3
5.1
Double-crested Cormorant
8.1
5.7
Northern Cardinal
8.0
8.0
Great Horned Owl
7.6
7.4
American Goldfinch
7.3
-3.2
Mourning Dove
7.0
3.0
American Robin
7.0
35.4
Harlequin Duck
6.9
6.9
House Finch
6.1
1.4
Ruddy Duck
6.0
-40.3
Bald Eagle
5.9
6.1
Snow Bunting
5.1
37.9
Northern Flicker
4.7
3.0
Savannah Sparrow
4.0
3.6
Northern Harrier
3.7
7.3
Merlin
3.4
3.6
Black Scoter
2.8
5.3
American Crow
2.5
2.4
Dark-eyed Junco
2.5
-1.4
Common Loon
2.4
2.3
Barred Owl
2.3
0.8
Red-tailed Hawk
2.2
2.0
Species Name
70
Table 5. Christmas Bird Count annual trend estimates, 1966–2017 and 2007–2017, for species with at least one statistically significant trend (Meehan et al. 2018). Cells in green indicate significant increases; red cells indicate significant declines, from greatest increase (top) to greatest decrease.
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Christmas Bird Count Annual Trend Estimates (continued) 1966-2017 Trend (%)
2007-2017 Trend (%)
Black Guillemot
2.2
2.5
White-breasted Nuthatch
2.0
7.3
Red-breasted Nuthatch
1.8
5.0
Red-throated Loon
1.7
2.0
Brown Creeper
1.3
3.0
Black-capped Chickadee
1.1
1.7
Blue Jay
1.0
9.3
Hairy Woodpecker
1.0
3.6
Golden-crowned Kinglet
0.7
-10.8
Northern Shrike
0.7
9.6
Downy Woodpecker
0.4
2.2
American Tree Sparrow
0.4
6.9
Common Raven
-0.8
-0.7
Yellow-rumped Warbler
-1.4
-15.2
Northern Goshawk
-1.4
-1.8
Horned Grebe
-1.6
-1.5
Glaucous Gull
-1.9
-1.8
Ruffed Grouse
-1.9
-4.0
Barrow’s Goldeneye
-2.0
-3.9
Dovekie
-2.2
-49.5
Common Goldeneye
-2.2
-2.2
Great Cormorant
-2.7
-2.0
House Sparrow
-3.0
1.5
Pine Grosbeak
-3.2
76.4
Herring Gull
-3.4
-3.4
Canada Jay
-4.1
-4.7
Greater Scaup
-4.3
-6.7
Great Black-backed Gull
-4.4
-6.2
Fox Sparrow
-5.1
3.2
King Eider
-5.8
-5.8
American Kestrel
-6.3
-6.5
Red-winged Blackbird
-6.4
-3.9
White-winged Crossbill
-6.7
-31.9
Common Grackle
-7.5
-7.7
Boreal Chickadee
-8.2
-5.5
Evening Grosbeak
-8.3
67.4
Ring-necked Pheasant
-8.3
-9.2
Brown-headed Cowbird
-17.8
-18.2
Increasing significantly
19
25
Decreasing significantly
23
12
Species Name
71
Birds of Maine
Major Historical Events Relevant To Maine Birds Time Period
Conservation/Societal Activities
Major Changes in Bird Populations
Habitat Condition/Change
PreEuropean Settlement
Native American hunting, fishing, small-scale agriculture, and burning. Small scale forest clearing.
1600s
Subsistence hunting by Wabanaki. First European settlers. Wabanaki population decimated by diseases brought by Europeans.
1700s
Widespread colonization of southern Maine. Hunting increases.
More forest clearing. First minor dams for small mills.
?
Maine becomes a state (1820).
Peak of agricultural clearing in southern Maine.
Extinction of Great Auk.
Forestland acreage reaches lowest point (1872, 64% of state). Extensive fires in northern Maine. Switch from pine to spruce-fir for pulp production. Growth of agriculture in Aroostook Co. Southern Maine farmland begins to revert to shrub and forestland. Access to spawning grounds for most anadromous fish effectively blocked.
Extinction of Labrador Duck, Heath Hen, and Passenger Pigeon.
Acadia National Park (1916), Baxter State Park (1931), and Moosehorn NWR (1937) established.
Recovery of waterfowl.
Northern townships surveyed; beginning of industrialization.
1800–1865
?
Egging on coastal islands.
Decline of waterfowl.
Market hunting for waterfowl and upland birds. Portland Society of Natural History founded (1843). Railroad to northern Maine. Journal of Portland Society of Natural History begun (1864).
1865–1900
Rumford and Millinocket paper mills open. Boom in river dam construction. Hunting season on caribou closed (1899).
Passage of Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918). Establishment of National Audubon Society (1905),
1900–1950
1950–1970
White Mountain National Forest, Acadia National Park, and Baxter State Park created.
Bald eagle population at lowest point due to DDT.
Marketable volume in Maine forests at lowest point (1933).
Growth of pulp and paper industry. Palmer’s Maine Birds published (1949).
Extensive fires in southern Maine and on Mount Desert I.
Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (1951), Natural Resources Council of Maine (1959). PSNH and Maine Audubon merge (1961).
Suburbanization of southern and coastal Maine begins.
Reintroduction of Canada Goose.
Rachel Carson NWR established (1966).
Increase in gull populations.
Most Maine Christmas Bird Counts initiated. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring published (1962).
72
Continued decline of waterfowl and many other bird species due to hunting for food and millinery trade.
Advent of factory trawlers in offshore waters leads to high discard of small fish by-catch.
Chapter 4 The Current Status and Conservation Needs of Maine Birds
Major Historical Events Relevant To Maine Birds (continued) Time Period
1970–1980
1980–2000
Conservation/Societal Activities
Habitat Condition/Change
Major Changes in Bird Populations
First Earth Day (1970); federal Clean Water Act, DDT banned (1972); federal Endangered Species Act (1973). River log drives end (1975).
North woods road network developed.
Recovery of Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons.
Spruce Budworm outbreak 1976–1981, with salvage clearcuts in response.
Re-establishment of Atlantic Puffins. Wild Turkeys reintroduced.
Maine Non-Game program initiated. Atlas of Breeding Birds of Maine (1978–1983).
Prohibition of untreated discharge from towns and food processing plants.
Population spike of some boreal budworm specialists.
Settlement of Indian Lands Claim and Public Lots cases lead to consolidation of northern forest ownerships and public lands.
Continued development and fragmentation in southern Maine.
Land for Maine’s Future funding established (1987). Breakup of some forest products companies, separation of mills and land.
End of clear-cutting; shift in forest practices. Decline in spruce-fir area following budworm salvage harvests.
Advent of timber investment by corporate owners with shorter time horizons. Significant land conservation. Forest Practices Act passed (1999).
Decline in old age class in northern forest due to harvests. Municipal open-burning dumps closed.
Red-necked Phalarope crash in Passamaquoddy Bay. Recovery of Piping Plovers, terns; decline in Herring and Great Black-backed Gull populations, Purple Martin colonies.
200-mile (320 km) offshore fishing limit enforced; end of foreign factory ships, reduction in by-catch; advent of domestic mid-water trawlers focused on herring. West Nile virus first detected in Maine birds. Conservation land comprises 4.1% of state (1987).
Dams removed on Kennebec and Penobscot rivers.
2000– present
Bald Eagles removed from federal Endangered Species list (2009).
Percent of forestland reaches near pre-settlement levels but sawlog harvest drops precipitously. Decline in spruce-fir acreage and patch size. Increased access by anadromous fish to spawning grounds, with 100-fold increase in Alewives. Warming of the Gulf of Maine documented. Conservation land grows to >20% of the state by 2018.
Bald Eagle population booms; Great Blue Herons, Great Cormorants, Common Eiders decline. Ospreys move inland. Impacts on boreal breeding birds from changes in forest practices unknown. Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers expand north. Canada Goose population expands to nuisance levels. Wild Turkeys expand to northern border of Maine.
Table 6. Timeline of Maine's history as related to the state's bird life and conservation.
73
74
5
Introduction to Species Accounts
W
e include accounts for each of the 464 species documented as having occurred in Maine as of 1 January 2019, which comprise the official list of the Maine Bird Records Committee (ME-BRC). These include species now extinct or extirpated. We also include accounts for 13 species whose occurrence in Maine is considered hypothetical by ME-BRC or are failed introductions. Names and taxonomic sequence follow the American Ornithological Society’s Check-list of North American Birds (American Ornithologists’ Union [AOU], 7th edition, 1998) as amended through the 60th supplement ( July 2019). For those species with relatively recent name changes, former names are noted.
The geographic boundaries of this book follow those of the state of Maine. However, we include sightings from Gulf of Maine offshore waters without respect to state versus federal jurisdiction; from Isles of Shoals, although Star Island in that archipelago is in New Hampshire; from Machias Seal Island, which is claimed by both Canada and the U.S. (see sidebar: Who Owns Machias Seal Island?, p. 29); from Lake Umbagog, straddling the New Hampshire border; and from the St. Croix River, which forms a section of the Maine and New Brunswick boundary.
Species Account Outline A brief overview of the bird families represented in Maine’s avifauna is followed by species accounts for that family. Each species account includes the following sections: Status in Maine: Summarizes the species’ current distribution and abundance in Maine and serves as an abstract for the account as a whole. We use the abundance and frequency of occurrence terms currently used by the American Birding Association: Rare: Occurs in low numbers but annually. facing page: Razorbills
Casual: Not recorded annually but with six or more total records, including three in the last 30 years, reflecting a pattern of regular occurrence. Accidental: Five or fewer records in Maine or fewer than three in the last 30 years. Maine Conservation Status: This section is included if the species is listed as endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). Historical Status in Maine: Summarizes what we know of the species from Palmer’s (1949) and Knight’s (1908) comprehensive surveys of Maine birds and other historical sources relevant to the species’ Maine residence, breeding or migratory status, abundance, distribution, and arrival and departure dates. In the case of species that experienced significant population changes in the years after Palmer was published, this section also summarizes records from 1950 to modern times. Unless otherwise noted, all references to Palmer and Knight in the species accounts are to the 1949 and 1908 publications. Global Distribution: Leads with the broad zoogeographic region, such as Cosmopolitan, Holarctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, or Palearctic, and provides a thumbnail sketch of breeding and wintering distribution. This section is also where the existence of other subspecies may be noted. Global Conservation Status: Status is only included if the species carries a status above “least concern” by global and national standards, including International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Partners In Flight (PIF), U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (USSCP, 2nd ed.; Brown et al. 2001), and North American Waterbird Conservation Plan (NAWCP; Kushlan et al. 2002). 75
Birds of Maine
Remarks: Does not appear in every account and is often anecdotal. In some cases, additional material of interest is in an associated text box. Seasonal records: We have generally assigned records from March, April, and May to spring; June, July, and August to summer; September, October, and November to fall; and December, January, and February to winter. However, the months included in the season may differ among species; in cases of some migrants through Maine, such as many shorebirds, the migration seasons do not neatly correspond to astronomical divisions of seasons and may more appropriately be thought of as northbound and southbound migration records. Except for accidental or casual visitors, in which case all relevant sightings are included, the seasonal records are not intended to be comprehensive but rather to provide examples to illustrate general patterns of distribution, abundance by season, and trends over time. Each spring section generally begins with arrival dates, then goes to maxima, both organized regionally. Summer describes breeding range in the state, if relevant, and often includes abundance and trends indicated by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS; referencing Sauer et al. 2017 unless noted otherwise) or MDIFW surveys. Fall follows a similar pattern as spring, starting with arrivals, buildup, and then departures of migrants, in chronological order. Winter includes records of overwintering, and frequency and maxima on Christmas Bird Counts (CBC, Sauer et al. 1996, National Audubon-maintained website [netapp.audubon.org/ cbcobservation]). With rare exceptions, we include records only through 31 December 2018. Both town and county are usually cited for observation localities; however, for places cited frequently, town or county may be omitted, and the reader is referred to the regional maps on pages xviii–xxi and the list in Appendix 1. For coastal locations and especially islands, see endpapers. Note that those islands shown in red are locations of coastal seabird nesting colonies. These are also shown on Map 18 with accompanying table on page 280. Readers will notice some localities are cited much more often than others. This uneven representation may be due to an actual frequency of birds, or to a concentration of birders (and thus records). Reports from some localities are included because of a long history of regular observation in that place allowing for comparison over time. Lake Umbagog serves that purpose in western Maine 76
because of William Brewster’s careful and consistent observations there from 1871 to 1909 (Brewster 1924, 1925, 1937, and Griscom 1938). There have been decades of bird banding on Appledore Island by David Holmes, Sara Morris, and others. Monhegan Island is cited frequently because of its high rate of vagrant sightings; it is a well-known migrant trap that attracts many birders, especially in fall and, with such consistent observation effort, records cover many decades (see Monhegan Island sidebar page 82). Scarborough Marsh, the state’s largest salt marsh and also within easy flight distance of Maine’s primary wading bird colonies, is a critical place for many resident, migrant, and accidental coastal birds. For this reason, and also its proximity to population centers on the southern Maine coast, it attracts many observers year after year. Seawall Beach in Phippsburg similarly provides a long-running record of shorebirds, particularly because of regular visits by Peter Vickery. Jody Despres’ many years of observations in a part of Maine much less birded helped put Turner on our map, and Bill Sheehan’s decades of devoted observation of the waterfowl of northern Maine highlight the importance of Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir (see sidebar, page 90). Regions of Maine: When distribution is described in the text we use the formal ecoregion name when referring to that specific area of Maine, especially Midcoast or Downeast. See Chapter 2 for a map and descriptions of all ecoregions. However, we frequently use “northern Maine” to encompass Northwest, Aroostook Hills and Lowlands, parts of Central and Western Mountains and Eastern Lowlands regions. Likewise, “eastern Maine” may include parts of Eastern Lowlands as well as Downeast Maine. Central Interior Region is often shortened to “central Maine,” and Central and Western Mountains to “western Maine.” Account and Sidebar Authorship: The author of each account is indicated below the account by initials. Unless otherwise noted, blue text boxes were written by the author of the accompanying species account. Co-authors: PDV, Peter D. Vickery; WJS, William J. Sheehan; JVW, Jeffrey V. Wells; CDD, Charles D. Duncan; CSW, C. Scott Weidensaul; BSV, Barbara S. Vickery. Editing and research assistants who drafted accounts: TE, Tamara Enz; RLP, Rachel L. Prestigiacomo; PD, Paul Dougherty; RVJ, Richard V. Joyce; IM, Isaac Merson; HF, Heidi Franklin; IC, Ian Carlsen. Authors of sidebars are similarly indicated, with the addition of Jeremiah Trimble and Sara Morris.
Introduction to Species Accounts
Range Maps For most species that reach a breeding range limit in Maine, a range map accompanies the account; those breeding species found throughout the state are not mapped. Range maps are are based on data from the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Maine 1978–1983 (ABBM, Adamus 1987); the first year of the current Maine Bird Atlas (2018–2022) survey effort; Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS); MDIFW records for tracked species; records cited in the account; eBird observations during appropriate breeding months; and the authors’ judgment based on personal experience and knowledge of Maine’s biogeography. For a few maps, we are indebted to published articles, which are cited in the species account text. A map of the coast on page 280 indicates breeding locations for colonial birds nesting on coastal islands based on information from USFWS and MDIFW. There is also one map of winter distribution: Purple Sandpiper. Like all maps, these represent approximations and generalizations based on current knowledge. As with any range map, it should be assumed that the bird is only likely to be found breeding within the range indicated in appropriate habitat and season. On some maps, we have further indicated the pattern of distribution within the range. “Local” shows that the species occurs in some but not all appropriate habitats and is usually found in the same localities most years but is not so confined to those few reliable locations that it would warrant using locality dots, as we do for Grasshopper Sparrow, for instance. Species where we use “Local” for all or part of the range include Field Sparrow, Fish Crow, Northern Mockingbird, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Vesper Sparrow. We used “Occasional” to indicate that the species occurs within this range spottily and not reliably in the same localities from year to year. The species may not be found even in appropriate habitat. Species for which we use this label include Cooper’s Hawk, Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, and House Wren. It should be noted that these maps do not reflect abundance within range. For some birds whose populations in Maine have declined, the maps do not reflect that change because their range within the state remains the same. We have tried to distinguish between confirmed breeding versus breeding season observations (mostly from eBird), which may imply, but do not confirm, breeding. Because the maps reflect range limits, they are likely to change both in the short and long terms. We
anticipate results from the ongoing, second Maine Bird Atlas will further improve and update the understanding of both breeding and wintering ranges for many species. When the information was available, we used it to show changes in the species’ range over recent decades. For species whose ranges are expanding, such as Tufted Titmouse, mapping colors are darkest where the species began its expansion and continues to be common, fading to areas most recently colonized. For species with contracting ranges, for example Rusty Blackbird, the colors are darkest where the species currently is found and lighter in previous range extents.
Migration Tracking Maps We also include maps of migration pathways for a sampling of individual birds tracked using technologies developed in recent decades. These new tracking approaches hugely augment the information we could once glean only through observation and the recapture of banded birds. (see Migration Tracking sidebar on p. 78.) These reveal astonishing feats of migration and the sometimes surprising ways birds link Maine to distant parts of the world.
Sources of Data
(see also History of Maine Ornithology chapter and Works Cited)
Data used for the species accounts come from many sources. For information about the species’ global distribution and status beyond Maine we frequently consulted Birds of North America Online. For waterfowl, Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America (Baldassarre 2014) was a regular general reference. Regional and national journals that provided Maine occurrence records include Bulletin of New England Birdlife, Records of New England Birds, Audubon Field Notes, American Birds, Field Notes, and most recently, North American Birds. Since the publication of Maine Birds (Palmer 1949), there have been 11 publications devoted to Maine bird records, as well as Field Cards maintained by Maine Audubon Society (see Table 2, p. 41), all of which were thoroughly combed for notable records. We did our best to confirm observer name or volume and page numbers for all records; in the case of journals for which we could find no local archive, and which are not available 77
Birds of Maine
TRACKING THE MOVEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL BIRDS The movement of individual birds has fascinated humans for centuries, and a variety of methods have been developed to track them. Recent technological developments, especially
requiring glasses or a hand lens), making this method
miniaturization, have allowed significant advances in
best for hunted species and those specifically targeted
our understanding of bird migration. Those in modern
for recapture. Data from recovered banded birds can
use are described here in approximate order from
tell us the point-to-point travel distance from banding
oldest to newest.
location to recapture site and the length of time since
METAL BANDS: This tracking technique was first used in Denmark in 1899. Researchers place an aluminum band (sometimes called a ring) on a bird’s leg. Bands bear an inscribed numerical code and sometimes contact information for reporting if found. The bird must be recovered to read the band (often
banding. Banding recoveries can sometimes determine a bird’s age, but the migration route taken cannot be known from banding data. Banding is still used, even for birds carrying any of the subsequent markers (see American Woodcock map). MARKED FLAGS: Small, inexpensive plastic leg tags, called flags, make it possible to identify marked birds with a spotting scope or telephoto camera. Fitted around one leg, usually above the “knee” (which is actually the ankle), the tag’s background color
GREENLAND
indicates the country of origin, and a unique 2- or 3-character code identifies the individual. This method is successful with shorebirds, which often return to certain locales in large flocks that are easily scanned.
Labrador Sea
For larger birds such as waterfowl, plastic collars may be used, while gulls, raptors, and other large birds are sometimes marked with wing tags. Observers can report flagged birds at bandedbirds.org to learn
LABRADOR
where the bird was tagged. SATELLITE AND GSM TELEMETRY: Platform transmitter terminals (PTTs) are fitted with a harness, in the form of a backpack, or implanted. NEWFOUNDLAND
Communicating with orbiting Argos satellites, PTTs provide latitude and longitude fixes. Some PTTs use a
MAINE Isle au Haut
data logger to store data until the bird is recaptured, while others transmit the data via satellite. GSM units communicate through the cellular network, storing data when out of cell range. Device weight should not exceed 3% of the bird’s weight; this limitation creates pressure to develop the smallest, lightest
Map 9: Harlequin Duck Migration Spring migratory routes of four male Harlequin Ducks (yellow) and a fall return migratory route of one of the ducks (red) as tracked by satellite transmitters implanted in the birds at Isle au Haut, ME, in April 2001. Males traveled to the coast of northern Labrador or Greenland in July to molt and remained there through the fall before migrating south again to winter at Isle au Haut (Robert et al. 2008).
78
PTTs possible. Currently, the most common small solar-powered transmitters weigh 0.34 oz. (9.5 g)– suitable for birds no lighter than a Rock Pigeon or small duck. Newer models weighing half that amount are expanding the possibilities of use (see Harlequin Duck, Great Shearwater, Hudsonian Godwit, Whimbrel, Snowy Owl, and Great Blue Heron maps).
Introduction to Species Accounts
LIGHT-SENSITIVE GEOLOCATORS: In a modern
Although by 2019 some 950 receiver sites had been
version of ancient navigational techniques, small
erected, the paucity of receivers poses a significant
sensors placed on a bird’s leg or back record light
challenge for tracking birds migrating through remote
levels every few minutes. From these data the
areas of the Arctic, for example, or the interior of
sunrise and sunset times, and thus daylength, can be
South America. Some towers may be intermittently
determined, allowing calculation of the corresponding
offline or even removed. Other challenges include
latitude. Moreover, since solar noon is midway
relatively low geographic precision unless the signal is
between sunrise and sunset, the longitude can also
simultaneously detected by multiple towers, allowing
be determined. While geolocators are light enough to
triangulation; reduced detectability for birds on the
use on small birds, they do not broadcast data—that
ground or in thick vegetation compared to those in
requires heavier batteries and additional weight. The
flight; and short battery life for units light enough to be
data, sometimes several years’ worth, are stored
put on the smallest birds.
onboard, requiring recapture for data retrieval; this
CDD
is a serious limitation. This method is less precise in constant daylight within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, on dates near the equinoxes when daylength is 12 hours at all latitudes, and in deep forests. But, as with PTTs, when all goes well we learn the bird’s location every day, without any bias from whether the location was visited by human observers (see Arctic
7/27/2010 7/21/2010
8/3/2010
5/14/2011
5/4/2011
5/1/2011
Tern, Red-necked Phalarope, and Willet maps).
4/26/2011
NANOTAGS: Tiny VHF radio transmitters, weighing as
8/6/2010
4/18/2011
4/24/2011
little as 0.01 oz. (0.2 g), can be placed on small birds. A thin antenna broadcasts individually distinctive radio
4/14/2011
pulse patterns every few seconds. Battery life is typically
8/9/2010
60–180 days, and up to three years with larger, heavier
8/13/2010
tags. For shorebirds, nanotags are generally glued to the
4/9/2011
back feathers, so are shed when the bird molts (typically twice per year), while most passerines are harnessed with leg loops. Solar-powered nanotags with potentially longer lives are currently being tested and are attached
8/17/2010 10/7/2010 9/2/2010 10/27/2010
9/3/2010
as a harness. For long-distance migrants, which put on prodigious amounts of fat as fuel, it is a challenge to fit
9/8/2010
10/30/2010
4/6/2011
3/20/2011 11/20/2010
1/19/2011
a harness for a nanotag or PTT properly. While the cost of a nanotag is similar to that of a geolocator, it has the advantage that the bird need not be recaptured (see “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow map). Receivers are as important as transmitters. Researchers participating in the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (“motus” is Latin for “movement”) have erected and maintain receiver stations with directional antennae across the Western Hemisphere (Taylor et al. 2017). When a bird is pinged (detected) by any receiver, the data are shared cooperatively across the network. Typical detection range is 10 miles (16 km).
Map 17: Arctic Tern Migration, Track of Single Bird The track of a single Arctic Tern (band #21269), one of 14 fitted with geolocators in 2010 by USFWS and National Audubon Society researchers on Eastern Egg Rock and Metinic Island, showing seasonal details. After being tagged, the bird made several lengthy forays to and from the breeding site (green tracks). Then, in late July it began southbound migration (red track), moving down the West African coast and crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the Patagonian Shelf off Uruguay and Argentina before continuing south to the coast of Antarctica where it spent the next five months (shown in blue). The northward trip to its breeding site in the Gulf of Maine took almost two months (yellow). (USFWS, unpublished data).
79
Birds of Maine
online, we noted "ref. unk." Peter Vickery relied heavily on his own bird journals as well as those of others, such as Bill Sheehan and Mark Libby. Records from Maine Audubon bird alerts (cited as fide the then-current editor), and more recently the Southern Maine rare bird alert (cited as fide D. Lovitch) were also included. We consulted BBS and CBC records extensively. More recent sightings largely come from eBird. Observations of accidental species are documented by ME-BRC on their website; the reports of their decisions are published in Bird Observer and are available through the MEBRC website. When a sighting was documented photographically and the photo is archived with ME-BRC, it is noted as “ph. archive.”
Observers cited by initials include the co-authors: Peter D. Vickery, PDV; Charles D. Duncan, CDD; Bill Sheehan, WJS; and Jeff Wells, JVW. Others so cited are Jan Pierson, JEP, and Liz Pierson, ECP, both members of the team that brought this book to publication; and Davis W. Finch, DWF, who, although a New Hampshire resident, earned the abbreviation for the frequency of his contributions to knowledge of Maine’s avifauna and the fact that he was Peter Vickery’s early mentor and regular birding companion for more than four decades.
MDIFW data used for several graphs of population trends was gathered with support from federal Pittman-Robertson and State Wildlife Grant programs, USFWS Section 6 funds, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, and the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund. Ultimately, this book is based on the observations of hundreds of birders who kept careful track of what they saw and shared their records with others. The advent of eBird has facilitated and amplified this process of crowd-sourcing and has magnified the benefits to collective knowledge.
Streamside wetlands, where Alder Flycatchers, Swamp Sparrows, and Northern Waterthrushes occur in summer, are typical of northern and Downeast Maine. Old Stream, Washington Co. (©Joshua Royte)
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Introduction to Species Accounts
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS USED AB
American Birds
MFN
Maine Field Naturalist
ABBM
Atlas of Breeding Birds of Maine
MFO
Maine Field Observer
AFN
Audubon Field Notes
MN
Maine Nature
ANP
Acadia National Park
m.ob.
multiple observers
AOS
American Ornithological Society— formerly American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU)
NAB
North American Birds
NAS
National Audubon Society
NAWCP
North American Waterbird Conservation Plan
N.F.
National Forest
NMAS
Newsletter of Maine Audubon Society
NWR
National Wildlife Refuge
PIF
Partners In Flight
Plt.
Plantation (a designation of some unorganized towns)
BBS
Breeding Bird Survey
BMAS
Bulletin of Maine Audubon Society
BoM
Birds of Maine (Knight 1908)
BSP
Baxter State Park
CBC
Christmas Bird Count
COA
College of the Atlantic
fide
according to, or reported by
FN
Field Notes
PMNH
Portland Museum of Natural History
HMANA
Hawk Migration Association of North America
RNEB
Records of New England Birds
ISS
International Shorebird Survey
SGCN
Species of Greatest Conservation Need
JMOS
Journal of Maine Ornithological Society
S.P.
State Park
KWWNM
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
SWAP
State Wildlife Action Plan
TMN
The Maine Naturalist
MAN
Maine Audubon News
TNC
The Nature Conservancy
MASFC
Maine Audubon Society Field Cards
Twp.
MB
Maine Birds (Palmer 1949)
Township (a designation of some unorganized towns)
MBL
Maine Bird Life
UMaine
University of Maine
MBN
Maine Bird Notes
unk. ref.
unknown reference
MCZ
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
USFWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USSCP
U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan
MDIFW
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
VCES
Vermont Center for Ecosystem Studies
ME-BRC
Maine Bird Records Committee
WMA
Wildlife Management Area of MDIFW
Standard two-letter abbreviations for states and provinces are used. NFLD, as opposed to NL, is used when the species is known to occur in Newfoundland but not in Labrador.
81
Birds of Maine
MONHEGAN ISLAND: A MECCA FOR BIRDS AND BIRDERS Monhegan Island—a speck in the Gulf of Maine, not quite halfway up the coast between Kittery and Lubec—has a long and rich history. Its fame, in broader circles, is due to its storied fishing
all of these. The island’s position, far enough out to sea
culture, particularly lobstering, and the undeniable
(a salty, watery desert for such species), yet close to
attraction of its stark beauty and stunning landscapes to
their normal migratory route, means that it can serve
artists for more than 200 years. On the low-lying western
as an important stopover. This is important enough
side of the island, the village, with its homes, yards,
under normal conditions, but in harsh and inclement
trees, and gardens, appears to blend directly into the
weather Monhegan becomes a life raft in a turbulent
sea and the surrounding woodlands. On the eastern and
and dangerous sea. Monhegan offers a variety of habitat
northern shores, the formidable headlands rise high out
types that cater to the island’s avian diversity, especially
of the ocean and create a constant chorus of crashing
in migration, including intertidal beaches, ponds, grassy
waves, an unforgettable landscape. Perhaps it was these charms that, in 1954, first attracted
meadows, marshes, open deciduous woodlands, and deep spruce forests.
Tom Martin, a 31-year-old tool-and-die maker from
Weather is an important factor when considering a
Manhattan, to the island, for it was not known as a
birding trip to Monhegan Island, because conditions
birding site. Tom soon began finding bird species
(especially wind direction) will determine the number
thought not to occur regularly in Maine, most famously
of birds that make landfall. In the spring, generally
Clay-colored Sparrow, but his reports were met with
southerly winds, especially with a westerly component,
skepticism by the New York City birding establishment.
are the best. Northbound migrants get pushed offshore
Tom’s excellent photos soon removed any doubt, and
and, with few other options, find Monhegan a suitable
the former skeptics began to visit for themselves.
stopover. If such conditions are accompanied by low
Tom’s warmth and enthusiasm endeared him to the
cloud layers or timely precipitation (i.e., after migrants
islanders and made this curious hobby of birdwatching
have already started their northward nocturnal flight),
acceptable. With those same traits, Tom welcomed
there is potential for large numbers of birds to be
virtually every birdwatcher who visited during spring or
grounded on Monhegan. In the fall, the weather is
fall over the next six decades of his life, enhancing the
generally less critical as southbound migration of
island’s attractiveness as a destination not only for birds
passerines (and some raptors) tends to be more coastal
but for birders. His yard became the island’s epicenter,
than in spring. Still, westerly and northwesterly winds
not only for birds but also for the dissemination of
generally deliver more birds to this offshore oasis.
bird knowledge. Dozens of Tom’s photos of birds on Monhegan were published in the Audubon Society field guides of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many of his photos still hang in The Monhegan Museum, informing visitors to the island of the important place that Monhegan is for birds and birding. Monhegan’s location, 10 miles (16 km) off the coast
In the spring, Monhegan’s many apple trees offer feeding opportunities for warblers, orioles, tanagers, and more. Their white and pink blossoms not only beautifully accent the picturesque village and contrast with the deep evergreen forests that cover most of the island, but also attract numerous insects. In the fall, birds are attracted to these same trees, along with the
of Maine, is on the migration route for thousands of
island’s many grasses, wildflowers, and fruiting shrubs
migratory songbirds every autumn and spring. Indeed,
that provide food and shelter.
during parts of May and September, the island’s trees, bushes, and rocky beaches seem to overflow with a remarkable variety of migrants. There are many reasons why Monhegan is so good for
Songbirds are not the only migrants that visit the island. Peregrine Falcons are a famous feature of the island, attracted by the abundant prey and rugged cliffs. Some fall days, 10 or more of these impressive hunters can
both attracting and viewing birds. For landbirds, food,
be seen soaring over the island or dotting the cliffs in
water, and rest are critical to their survival as they
search of their next meal. I fondly remember standing
undertake monumental migrations. Monhegan offers
on the eastward-facing cliffs of Monhegan one day in
82
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
October, as I watched 19 Peregrine Falcons, one by one,
southwestern quarter of Monhegan during a particularly
peel off their perches in pursuit of a single Red-breasted
good migration day. In just a few hours, a friend and I
Nuthatch that was migrating out over the ocean.
recorded 244 Northern Parulas, more than 120 Black-and-
Seabirds, including Northern Gannets, shearwaters, and
white Warblers, 100 American Redstarts, and 80 Magnolia
alcids (as well as ducks), can be prominent features in
Warblers. While we counted it as an exceptional birding
surrounding waters.
day, for these many birds Monhegan was an essential
Monhegan is well known for the diversity of avian rarities
respite on their way north.
that have graced its shores. Although more than 300
Species that undergo regular irruptions based on food
species of birds have been recorded on this small island,
abundance and productivity, such as Red-breasted
the many rarities on that list have drawn the lion’s share
Nuthatches, are another example of birds that make
of attention. Over the years, these have included Gray
Monhegan special. Wandering the island during an
Flycatcher, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Black-
irruption year of Red-breasted Nuthatches, an observer
headed Grosbeak, Corn Crake, Bell’s Vireo (four of the
feels surrounded by the constant, tiny tin horn-like calls
state’s seven records), and Virginia’s Warbler (four of
of this enigmatic species. Birders have recorded more
New England’s five records).
than 300 individuals during a single walk around the
The sheer number of birds that can be seen on
island during those irruption years.
Monhegan may be even more impressive. There are
The island is a barometer of migration. For all these
few places where one might see almost 200 Magnolia
reasons, Monhegan’s reputation as a migration hotspot
Warblers in a day, 800 Savannah Sparrows scattered
is well-deserved—and the community is welcoming of
across the island during a few hours’ walk, or more than
birders, too, providing the food, water, and rest that
1,000 kinglets (of both varieties) gleaning insects in the
human visitors need.
lilacs and apples. During late May 2018, I walked the
Jeremiah Trimble
Common Eiders, Monhegan Island
83
Species Accounts Order anseriformes
S pring :
Most recent record is only spring occurrence of
Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in ME. Flock of 6 ducks
ph. on n. end of Long Pond, Mount Desert I., 27 May 2013
Swans, Geese, and Ducks (Anatidae)
(S. Dugay and B. Hamor). A group conducting a bird-a-
From diminutive Green-winged Teal to commonplace
duck, found floating on the pond later that day (S. Benz), was
Mallards and massive swans, Maine is waterfowl-rich. Including dabblers and divers, 48 of this cosmopolitan family’s 146 species have been found in Maine’s varied fresh- and saltwater habitats. Desirable for meat, eggs, and down, this diverse group has attracted human attention for millennia.
thon independently relocated the flock the following day at
Mount Desert I. High School wastewater treatment ponds in neighboring town of Bar Harbor (R. MacDonald et al.). One
collected on 29 May 2013 by M. Good. It was subsequently
prepared as a specimen by L. Bevier and is currently housed
at Colby College, Waterville. The flock remained in the area through 30 May.
S ummer :
Flock of 5 on Sanford Lagoons on 24 Jul 2010 (P.
Moynahan and M. Zimmerman). L. Brinker ph. the birds later
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis A new accidental visitor
Status in Maine: Accidental. First recorded in Maine in 2010. There are now three accepted records of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks: single small flocks in both 2010 and 2013 and a single bird in 2012, totaling 12 individuals observed. Global Distribution: Neotropical. Resident of freshwater marshes from AZ through cen. and se. TX and into LA; also established in s. and cen. FL. Principal breeding range in U.S. is s. coastal TX. Population expanding north into the upper Midwest but withdraws from this area in winter. As populations increase and expand into s. cen. U.S., a corresponding increase in vagrancy occurs in the Midwest and East, including MO, OH, NC, SC, DE, and NJ. ME’s records fall well within the new pattern of vagrancy to New England states (MA, NH) and even the Maritime Provinces (NS). Most records in these areas are from late spring to midsummer and involve small flocks as often as individuals. facing page: Male Common Eider
that day; they were not seen again. This is the first record of this species accepted by ME-BRC.
On 19 Jul 2012, S. Faulkner observed a single Black-bellied
Whistling-Duck with Mallards in a small wetland in Boothbay
Harbor. Although the bird was observed only a short time, ME-
BRC accepted it as ME’s second record based on the excellent description. WJS
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna bicolor
A long-legged, long-necked southerner
Status in Maine: Accidental. One documented record of a flock and a sight record of two birds at Scarborough Marsh. A flock of 13–18 birds was seen from a blind on Maxwell’s Island in Merrymeeting Bay on 22 November 1963, “of which at least four were shot.” In a letter, James J. Carr wrote that he shot four individuals that were not Black-bellied WhistlingDucks as previously supposed: “We did shoot 4 Fulvous Tree Ducks several years ago. One went to the State of Maine Museum, another to 85
Birds of Maine
the Massachusetts Museum. My son has one stuffed at Brockton, Mass, and the other one was also stuffed by Buz Willis of Weston, Mass. They were shot from a flock of Pintail at my island blind. My son was guiding at the island at the time. Steve Powell saw the birds and I identified them . . . [The State] has the bird as they had it stuffed. We have not seen any more in Merrymeeting Bay and had not seen any for about 40 years I was at the bay. They are a very scarce bird up north.” The specimen at the Maine State Museum was relocated on 1 October 2002 (ph. arch.). J.A. Dorso, a member of the Carr hunting party, was the taxidermist. The following year, Dorso saw six Fulvous Whistling-Ducks from a ridge above Pleasant Pond in Richmond (12 Dec 1964); the birds were flying low toward the pond. Because he was in the hunting party the previous year, he recognized the birds as Fulvous Whistling-Ducks. In a conversation with D. Mairs, an active duck hunter at the time, Dorso mentioned the long neck and very long legs projecting behind. In addition, two birds were reported from Scarborough Marsh, 20 May 1972 (E. Thompson; AB 26: 738); no one else saw these birds, despite serious effort. Global Distribution: Primarily a southern species, commonly found from the s. U.S. to Argentina. Also, across s. Africa, Madagascar, and s. Asia. Remarks: Fulvous Whistling-Ducks have a clear pattern of vagrancy, flying north of their usual breeding grounds in FL and TX. Documented in all New England states except NH and recorded in NS and NB, but not NL. PDV
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
“Lesser,” “Greater,” and “blue,” several sizes and colors to choose from
Status in Maine: Snow Geese occur in Maine primarily as uncommon spring and fall migrants. Increasingly regular in recent years; there are records for all counties but they are more often encountered in western Maine. The species is also increasingly recorded overwintering along the southern coast (Mowbray et al. 2000). 86
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Snow Geese as numerous in spring on Merrymeeting Bay and uncommon to rare elsewhere. Knight called the species an occasional straggler. Global Distribution: Nearctic. N. Am. breeding extends from w. Greenland west across Canadian Arctic in NT and NU to AK and ne. Siberia (Wrangel I.). Geographically discrete breeding populations migrate south using restricted corridors and staging areas. In the West, winters in protected river estuaries in BC, WA, and OR, south to interior CA, AZ, and NM to Jalisco, Mexico. Mid-continent population winters along Missouri R. in NE, KS, IA, MO, and south to TX and LA Gulf Coast. Birds from Eastern populations pass through ME to winter along MidAtlantic coast, primarily NJ south to NC. Remarks: Palmer treated the Snow Goose as three taxa: “Lesser” and “Greater” subspecies of Snow Goose, and “Blue Goose” (then considered a separate species but now known to be a dark morph). All forms are treated here as Snow Goose. “Lesser” and “Greater” Snow Geese are currently recognized as subspecies, distinguished primarily for management purposes. Geographic variation in size of “Lesser” and “Greater” Snow Geese is the basis for subspecific distinction; however, considerable overlap in size suggests that these designations should be dismissed (Cooke et al. 1995). In 1949, Palmer reported that all Snow Geese occurring in ME in fall were believed to be the “Lesser” subspecies and almost all Snow Geese occurring in spring were considered to be “Greaters.” By 1976, Palmer had abandoned this assertion. The Eastern population (“Greater”) is primarily encountered in ME, but there are also ME records of the mid-continent population (“Lesser”) Snow Goose. Snow Geese also occur in two color morphs: a light (white) and dark (blue) morph. Until 1983, the AOU treated the “Blue Goose” as a separate species. Blue morphs occur most commonly in mid-continent (“Lesser”) populations, though they have occurred rarely in the Eastern population. Palmer listed only five “Blue Goose” records through 1949: two in fall, three in spring, all coastal, often in the company of Snow Geese. Today, the dark morph is rare but regularly associated with the more common white-morph Snow Geese in ME.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Snow Geese regularly migrate nocturnally and at high altitudes, reducing the detection of the species as it passes over the state. The migratory route between the Eastern population’s primary staging location on the St. Lawrence R. and its Mid-Atlantic wintering grounds is through w. New England and NY’s Champlain Valley. Westerly winds and unfavorable flying weather are contributing factors in migratory Snow Geese straying to ME. Although no Snow Geese have been banded in ME, nine banded birds were recovered in the state prior to 2007. Five were “Greater” snows banded on Bylot I., NU, and three were banded near primary Eastern-population staging area Cap Tourmente NWR on the St. Lawrence R., QC. These eight birds were recovered in n. Somerset and Aroostook Cos. A mid-continent population (“Lesser”) Snow Goose banded on nw. Hudson Bay, 1 Aug 1965, was recovered near what is now Rachel Carson NWR in Kennebunkport, 13 Nov 1965. S pring :
Snow Goose most commonly encountered in ME
in spring. Migration runs early Mar–mid-May, peak numbers
occur last week of Mar–first 3 weeks of Apr. Peak abundance
occurs 7–10 days later in n. ME. Northward movement not as
dependent on open water as with other waterfowl species.
Palmer listed earliest arrival records in early Apr with sight
reports as early as the last week of Mar. Recent records of
small numbers of Snow Geese arriving along sw. coastal ME
in early Mar and even late Feb. Some Feb Snow Geese may be
overwintering birds. Exceptionally early birds: 18 in Windham
(P. Cannell); 800 in Grand Isle, 23–26 Apr 2009 (R. LaPointe);
>700 Grand Isle, 18 May 1999 (WJS); >600 Clinton and Benton, Kennebec Co., 9 Apr 2002 (Mairs, PDV, et al.); >500 on Cross
L., Cross L. Twp., Aroostook Co., 24 Apr 2006 (G. Flagg); and
500 in Fryeburg, 7 Apr 1999 ( J. Preis). In recent years, flocks of 50 have been the norm.
Most Snow Geese depart ME by first week of May: 13
in Madawaska on 3 May 2011 (WJS, eBird); 5 on Hermit I.,
Phippsburg, 7 May 2011 (M. Fahay, eBird). Flock in Grand Isle
on 18 May 1999 was notable for size and late date (WJS). Latest
Snow Goose lingering in ME: an immature bird in Clinton, 31
May–2 Jun 1989 (W. and B. Sumner).
Palmer listed only 2 spring records for dark-morph “Blue
Geese” prior to 1949. In past 30 years, they are increasingly seen
in spring with >20 recent records totaling >50 birds. “Blue Geese” usually seen in flocks of white morphs and date range of peak
occurrence corresponds. High counts: 12 with >800 Snow Geese, Grand Isle, 18 Apr 2009 (WJS, PDV); 8 with 7 white morphs,
Scarborough, 31 Mar 2009 (D. Lovitch); 5, N. Fryeburg with
500 white morphs, 7 Apr 1999 ( J. Preis); and 5, Grand Isle, with
2,400 white morphs, 26 Apr 2007 (WJS). Subadult in Turner with 18 white morphs, 6 Apr 1995 ( J. Despres). Lone dark
morph in Fryeburg, 11 Apr 2005, apparently preyed upon by a
Bald Eagle the following day (B. Crowley). S ummer :
3 summer records: 1 in Bangor, 27 Jun 1989 (R.
Applegate; AB 43: 1289); 1 in Biddeford, 8 Jun 1999 (fide K.
Gammons, NAB 53: 364); 1 in Machiasport, 22 Jul 2001 (fide W.
Townsend; Guillemot 31[3]: 39). No known Aug records for this species in ME.
Recorded during all autumn months, Snow Geese
on 15 Feb 2013 (N. Perlut, eBird); 4 at Fore R., Portland, 23 Feb
F all :
Kesselheim, eBird). Another certain early migrant was a goose
migration. Generally uncommon south of Aroostook Co. before
Mar reports: 1 in Dunstan Landing, Scarborough, 2 Mar 1998
15 Oct 2000 (R. Eakin, fide K. Gammons). Early records: 1 in
(E. Raynor); 15 on Scarborough Marsh, 3 Mar 2004 ( J. Adams);
Biddeford, 14 Sep 2014 (M. Zimmerman, eBird); and 15 at Long
1998 (G. Neavoll); 27 at Popham Beach S.P., 28 Feb 2018 (C.
seen in Strong, Franklin Co., 25 Feb 1961 (MFO 6: 18). Earliest
(G. Carson); 1 off Rte. 1, Perry, Washington Co., 4 Mar 2006 2 in Hancock and Sullivan, Hancock Co., 7 Mar 1982 (fide
W. Townsend); 1 on Cape Neddick Harbor, 7 Mar 2009 (L.
Scotland); and 6 at Biddeford Pool, 8 Mar 2009 (L. Mooney). Earliest inland: 16 in Fryeburg, 15 Mar 2006 (B. Crowley);
several along St. John R., Allagash, Aroostook Co., 28 Mar 1979
(G. and S. Flagg); 900 in 13 flocks in Greenville, 29 Mar 1981
(S. Roy); “large” flock flying northeast over Bancroft, Aroostook Co., 30 Mar 2002 ( J. MacDonald); and 75 at Pittston Academy Grant, Somerset Co., 1 Apr 1981 (W. Noble).
Largest flocks tallied during spring migration (in descending
size): 2,400 in Grand Isle, 23 Apr–1 May 2007 (WJS); 1,500,
Winthrop, Kennebec Co., 29 Mar 1986 ( JVW); >1000 on
Merrymeeting Bay, 6 Apr 1954 (MDIFW); aforementioned
900 over Greenville; >800 on Scarborough Marsh, 16 Apr 1978
regularly seen individually and in small flocks during fall
early Nov, flock of 500 recorded at Gleckler Rd., Portland, on
Presque Isle on 9 Sep 1984 (M. Trombley); 1 at Old Town Rd., Sands in York, 15 Sep 2011 (D. Doubleday, eBird).
Flocks of several hundred occur infrequently: 300–400
Scarborough Marsh, 11 Oct 1987 (W. Howes, S. Frechette; AB
42: 232); 320 south of Ft. Kent, 2 Oct 1984 (G. Flagg); 240 on 4
Oct 1998 and >240 on 11 Oct 1999, both on Seawall Beach (both PDV); and 300 in Presque Isle, 28 Oct 2003 (WJS).
“Blue Geese” consistently recorded through fall months: 2
dark morphs, Thornhurst Farm, Scarborough, 1 Oct 2009 (L.
Seitz; ph.); early flock of 53 birds at Biddeford Pool included 1
“Blue Goose”, 8 Oct 1999 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons); and a
flock of 10 on Prout’s Pond, Scarborough, included 1 dark morph,
12 Oct 2000 (P. McGowan, fide K. Gammons). Five seen in
2001 in 5 separate sightings and locations. Three Yarmouth–N.
Yarmouth records in 2004 imply 2 adults spent ~2 weeks in area together: Rte. 115, Yarmouth, 26 Oct 2004 (A. Stackhouse, fide
87
Birds of Maine
K. Gammons); Rte. 115, N. Yarmouth, on 4 Nov 2004 and 11 Nov
2004 (both fide D. Lovitch); 1 adult blue and 3 white morphs,
Thornhurst Farm, Scarborough, 26 Nov 2008 ( J. and D. Lovitch, C. Governali).
W inter :
Wintering birds more regular since early 1990s, with
earliest migrants overlapping wintering birds in Feb. Most winter
records individual birds: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 24 Jan-7 Feb 2010
(L. Seitz, N. Lund, eBird). Notable flocks: 20 at Grondin Pond,
Scarborough, 1 Dec 2006 (E. Woodin); 30 at Spurwink Crossing, Cape Elizabeth, 30 Dec 2008 (D. Hitchcox); 20 at Spurwink
Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, 2 Jan 2009 (E. Hess); 43 at Broad Cove, Cushing, Knox Co., 4 Jan 2009 (G. Jenks, D. Reimer) 19 at
Winter Harbor, 4 Dec 2015 (M. Good). Uncommon inland in
winter: 6 in Bethel, 10 Dec 2016 (L. Charron); 1 at Harvard Turf
Farms, York Co., 13 and 25 Dec 2012 (A. Aldrich); 1 at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton , 14 Dec 2016 (L. Bevier et al.).
Dark morphs also recorded during winter months: 1 with
white morph, Thornhurst Farm, N. Yarmouth, 6 Dec 2008 (D.
Marquis et al.); 1 dark morph with a white morph, Grondin
Pond, Scarborough, 12 Dec 2006 (E. Woodin, fide K. Gammons).
Lone bird recorded in Samoset, Rockland, 7 Jan 1997 (A. Hopps, fide K. Gammons). One adult with a white morph, Parsons
Beach, Kennebunk, 14 Feb 2009 (T. Duddy). WJS
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in wet arctic tundra in cen. Arctic along coast of Hudson Bay, Baffin I., and n. NU, to Banks I. and coastal plain of NT. Disjunct breeding locations w. Hudson Bay, south to Akimiski I., James Bay, ON. Winters in cen. CA, cen. NM, se. CO, and n. Mexico, east to Gulf of Mexico, w. Lower Mississippi R. valley including OK, MO, AR, and w. LA. As population grows, increasingly seen on East Coast especially in MidAtlantic states. ( Jónsson et al. 2013). Remarks: Ross’s Goose overlaps with Snow Goose on both breeding and wintering grounds. As with Snow Geese, two color morphs are known; however, there is increasing evidence that dark (blue) morphs may be hybrids with “Lesser“ Snow Geese ( Jónsson et al. 2013). ME records of Ross’s Geese are all white-morph adult birds. Ross’s Geese reported in spring were found with Snow Geese flocks; autumn and winter birds were recorded with Canada Geese. S pring :
Found at Flood Brothers Dairy in Clinton, ME’s
first Ross’s Goose present 3–9 Apr 2002 (W. Sumner; ph.; NAB
56: 285). Following records part of widespread influx of western geese, including record numbers of Ross’s Geese, into e. New
England, spring 2009. Second ME record, Biddeford, 15–21 Mar
2009 (P. Moynahan, M. Zimmerman; NAB 63: 391), showed
Ross’s Goose
Anser rossii
North America’s most diminutive white goose, recently documented in Maine
Status in Maine: Casual. There are eight Ross’s Goose records from six Maine counties with photo documentation, as well as one sight report. The first Ross’s Goose was photographed with a flock of >600 Snow Geese in Clinton, 3–9 April 2002 (NAB 56: 285). Appearing again in 2009 and every year or two since, Ross’s Geese have been observed in Biddeford, Scarborough, Yarmouth, Winterport (Waldo County), Rockland, Limestone (Aroostook County), and Westbrook–Portland. The most recent sighting was on Puddledock Pond in Fort Fairfield, 28–30 September 2017 (WJS et al., eBird). Historical Status in Maine: Historically restricted to w. N. Am., Ross’s Geese have increased markedly since the 1960s and have wintered in the Mid-Atlantic region since the 1980s. There are numerous records for e. N. Am. including NB, VT, NH, and MA.
88
some characteristics that varied from a “typical” Ross’s Goose,
but record was unanimously accepted by ME-BRC. Third record:
1, possibly 2, Ross’s Geese photo-documented at Scarborough Marsh (L. Alexander). Goose/geese present 24–31 Mar 2009,
clearly different from Biddeford bird; accepted by ME-BRC. One reported in flying flock of 16 geese, including Snow
and Canada Geese, Yarmouth, 27 Mar 2009 (D. Akers) was not
considered by ME-BRC. F all :
First fall record: single adult present with Canada
Geese on Penobscot R., Winterport, 21–24 Nov 2010. Initially reported as a Snow Goose, bird was correctly identified by J.
Wyatt. Reviewed and accepted by ME-BRC (ph. BO 43: 23). One adult at Limestone, Aroostook Co., found with 1,600
Canada Geese in town mill pond, 29 Sep–5 Oct 2013 (WJS); accepted by ME-BRC. One adult with several hundred
Canada Geese off Stroudwater Ave., Westbrook, Cumberland Co., and along Fore R. in Portland, 30 Nov–28 Dec 2015 (P.
Moynahan). One adult with Canada Geese at Ft. Fairfield,
28–30 Sep 2017 (WJS et al.). W inter :
ME’s first winter record: adult found in Rockland, 30
Jan–4 Feb 2013. Initially identified as a Snow Goose, correctly identified the following day (D. Reimer).
WJS
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
The only New World gray goose
Status in Maine: An uncommon migrant, known from one record in Maine prior to 1960, Greater White-fronted Goose has occurred annually in recent years. Recorded in 13 Maine counties: Aroostook, Penobscot, Oxford, Franklin, Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York. Most records involve single birds but small groups (assumed family associations) have been seen as well. Nearly always observed with flocks of Canada Geese. Historical Status in Maine: Knight made no mention of Greater White-fronted Geese and Palmer listed only one record: one killed by an automobile in early Nov 1922, Wiscasset, Lincoln Co.
one adult hybrid at Berwick, York Co., 14 Oct 2015 (A. Aldrich, eBird); adult Greater White-fronted Goose with two hybrid young photographed at Limestone, Aroostook Co., 17–18 Nov 2015 (WJS, eBird). Potential exists for confusion of juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese with similarly plumaged domestic Greylag Geese. Several reports in ME were found to actually be of feral or escaped farm birds. S pring :
Most spring records latter part of Mar–first 3 weeks
of Apr. More widespread in spring than other times of year.
With exception of overwintering bird detailed below, earliest record: 1 adult at Laudholm Farm, Wells, 20–23 Mar 2017 (F.
Missud et al., eBird). Latest record: an adult and immature
at Washburn, Aroostook Co., 1 May 2012 (WJS). All spring
records, 1 bird each: Scarborough, 18–19 Apr 1967 (obs. unk.);
Woolwich, 19–23 Apr 1977 (H. and T. Holt; ph.), identified by
R. Palmer as race gambelli (now frontalis); Greenland subspecies
(A. a. flavirostris) described at Machias, 11–14 Apr 1991 (CDD, I.
Balodis; AB 45: 416); Farmington Falls–New Sharon, Franklin
Co., 1 Apr 2000 (C. Jack; NAB 54: 260); Greenland subspecies, Global Distribution: Holarctic. Nearly circumpolar Puddledock Pond, Ft. Fairfield, 2–3 Apr 2006 (WJS); E. in its breeding range with four subspecies described. N. Machias R., E. Machias, 22 Mar 2012 (C. Bartlett); Collins Am. population found in mid-continent and farther Pond, Caribou, 7–21 Apr 2013 (WJS); Green L. National Fish west. Mid-continent population, subspecies A. a. Hatchery, Ellsworth, 23 Mar 2018 (M. Good, F. Yost, et al.); frontalis (called A. a. gambelli by Palmer 1976), breeds Spurwink Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, 26 Mar–9 Apr 2018 (m.ob.). in Canadian Arctic from w. Hudson Bay westward High counts: 6 in Machias, 27 Mar 2007 (W. Otto) and 3 adults through AK and rarely occurs in ME. “Greenland” on Merrymeeting Bay, Bowdoinham and Brunswick 26 Mar–10 White-fronted Goose (A. a. flavirostris) nests in w. Apr 2018 (H. Heuer, D. Suitor, et al.; eBird). Greenland and winters predominantly in the British Isles. Summer: No summer records other than an early-fall migrant
Remarks: An increasingly regular species in ME. Fewer than 30 records from 1960 through 2008, 65 records from 2009 through 2018. Though at least one A. a. frontalis goose was documented in ME during this period, most ME records since 1990 were apparently individuals and family groups of the A. a. flavirostris subspecies. Though the population of “Greenland” Greater White-fronted Geese increased 1980s–early 1990s, numbers leveled off and may have declined marginally in recent years. The increase in ME and the East is not explained by a simple population increase. Fox et al. (1996) documented rapid colonization of Greenland by breeding Canada Geese late 1980s–present. Fox recently suggested an increasing number of “Greenland” birds associating with migrating flocks of Canadas and wintering in N. Am. instead of crossing the Greenland ice cap and Iceland to Europe (A. Fox, pers. com.). Apparent Greater White-fronted Goose x Canada Goose hybrids have been documented in ME:
in N. Fryeburg, Oxford Co., 25 Aug–19 Sep 2008 (B. Crowley). Fall:
Most ME records in fall. Records distributed
throughout Oct–Nov with peak occurrence second and
third weeks of Oct in north and early Nov in south. Most
fall records from agricultural locations in Aroostook and
Cumberland Cos. Earliest: 1 reported feeding with Canada
Geese off Flying Pt., Freeport, 6 Sep 2002 ( J. Twomey), and
N. Fryeburg goose noted above. Photographs showed early-
arriving Fryeburg goose to be subspecies A. a. frontalis. Early
arrival date supports subspecific identification: Bellrose (1980) noted, unlike other N. Am. goose species, mid-continent
Greater White-fronted Geese typically fly from breeding
grounds directly to staging areas without stopping and are first geese to appear in southern areas.
Typically linger on fall migration and, like hardy Canada
Geese, only allow severe weather to displace them if food supply is plentiful. Latest in the north, 1 adult A. a. flavirostris initially found with 2 other juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese
at Collins Pond, stayed well over a month in cen. Aroostook
Co. Bird associated with flock of Canadas, feeding in grain
89
Birds of Maine
WHY LAKE JOSEPHINE AND CHRISTINA RESERVOIR? Maine has thousands of natural lakes, so why are so many waterfowl drawn to Lake Josephine and Christina Reservoir in Aroostook County? Neither water body is natural nor pristine—far from
Muskie’s discomfort with the water quality controversy
it. The area is not managed, protected, or enhanced
that arose here. Lake Josephine was created as a lagoon
by any wildlife agency or conservation organization. It
to hold the wastewater and sludge from the processing
is far from any coastline and known flyway. And yet, it
facility. and its odorous water was used to irrigate crops.
is Maine’s (and New England’s) waterfowl production
This practice led to over-application on saturated soils,
capitol, as well as a major staging hub for migrant geese
and waste-contaminated runoff. By the late 1980s, the
and ducks in the Northeast. The answer to “Why?” is
streams and wetlands of the entire area had become
a coincidence of geographical location, accidentally
polluted, over-enriched by the nutrients from vegetable
beneficial regional and local land use, and poor practices
wastes, which caused green, slimy algal blooms and
that led to a concentration of nutrient resources. Christina Reservoir and Lake Josephine are the larger water bodies in a huge wetland complex that straddles the borders of Easton and Fort Fairfield in northeastern Aroostook County, mid-way between the St. Lawrence River mouth and the Gulf of Maine. There are few natural shallow lakes in the area and most of the lakes in the region are manmade impoundments. Flocks of migrating waterfowl encountering bad weather conditions or in need of a rest have few more desirable choices than these big ponds. Eastern Aroostook County is an area of low, rolling hills with deep till enriched by a wide swath of limestone bedrock. It is farm country, and most of the land around these wetlands is used to grow potatoes and grain during the short summer season. During the harvest, crop residues like spilled grain and off-grade potatoes are plentiful on thousands of acres of fields near Christina Reservoir and Lake Josephine. Barley stubble is often under-seeded with clover, which offers lush, lateseason grazing for geese and ducks. Small potatoes left in the fields are softened by frosts and thaws to become high-calorie meals for migrating waterfowl. Both impoundments owe their existence to an infamous sugar beet and potato processing facility in Easton built in the 1960s. Christina Reservoir, intended as the source for fresh water for the facility, was excavated out of wetlands at the headwaters of the Prestile Stream, one of the more politically controversial streams in Maine. A series of waste ponds was built and filled beyond capacity along the stream. The stench and fish kills downstream to Canada led to a public outcry that eventually spurred federal political action. Indeed, the roots of the Clean Water Act of 1972 can be traced to Maine Sen. Edmund
90
water undesirable for most human recreation or use. But it also led to huge populations of a variety of aquatic invertebrates which, in turn, provided abundant food for waterfowl and other species of breeding birds. The excess phosphorus and nitrogen were the building blocks for protein necessary for rapid egg and chick development, and the metabolic demands of feather replacement in molting waterfowl. The waterfowl and other breeding bird species moved in to take advantage of the resource and the vast area of prime nesting habitat provided by the many acres of wetland in the area. Waterfowl hunters, and soon birders and ornithologists, were quick to notice the abundance and diversity of ducks and geese using the area. American Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal and a burgeoning population of Mallards appeared in numbers, stayed and nested. Western duck species, drawn by the open farm country, extensive shallow water, and complex of wetlands, colonized. The area became one of the only breeding sites in the state for American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and Ruddy Ducks, and is the only site in New England where Redheads breed. The area also became an important summer staging and molting area for thousands of Ringnecked Ducks. They are joined by hundreds of Canada Geese that now nest and summer here. During fall migration, the area is an important stop for waterfowl. Thousands of geese, primarily Canadas, use the ponds to rest, drink, and bathe after feeding in the surrounding grain and potato fields. Rare goose species seen among the massive flocks here include Snow, Cackling, Greater White-fronted, Barnacle, and Pink-footed Geese. Brant occur in spring. Eurasian Wigeon and the Eurasian subspecies of Green-winged Teal have occurred more than once. In addition to
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
more than 40 species of waterfowl, more than 120 other
Though the area remains primarily in the control of local
species of birds have been observed around Christina
industry, public access is allowed. The location has been
Reservoir and Lake Josephine. Other uncommon
the setting for a number of environmental and waterfowl
breeders include Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls,
habitat studies and hundreds of waterfowl are trapped
Common Gallinules, American Coots, and Green Herons.
and banded here annually by the Maine Department of
Great Horned Owls, Pied-billed Grebes, American
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It is exceptional that such
Bitterns, and Common Loons also nest. Migrants
a historically, recreationally, and biologically significant
regularly seen include nearly 20 species of shorebirds,
location occurred by accident, that it remains accessible
along with Merlins and Peregrine Falcons that prey on
to recreationists and researchers, and is available and
these concentrations.
important to the birds of Maine. WJS
stubble and harvested potato fields, 22 Oct–1 Dec 2006, until
cold weather and deep snow forced it to move (WJS). Late
records (other than lingering overwintering birds detailed in
on Eastport CBC, 26 Dec 1981, described as N. Am. ssp. frontalis with pink bill (AB 36: 379); 1 reported off Rte. 127, Arrowsic,
Sagadahoc Co., 9 Feb 2002 (B. Lawson); lingering adult with
Winter below): 3 adults at Trafton L., Limestone, 21 Nov 2010
540 Canada Geese, Collins Pond, Nov–1 Dec 2006 (WJS);
in N. Yarmouth and Cumberland (A. Stackhouse, D. Lovitch,
(B. Crowley); adult in Vinalhaven, 12 Dec 2006 (K. Gentalen);
(WJS); adult present 2 Oct–5 Dec 2008 at Thornhurst Farm
adult A. a. flavirostris in N. Fryeburg, Oxford Co., 8 Dec 2006
et al.); and 1 at Berwick 28 Oct–5 Dec (K. Couture). Other
1 immature at Thornhurst Farm, 4–11 Dec 2012 (F. Mitchell,
Oct 1979 (W. Townsend, AB 34: 139); immature at Old Orchard
2012 (D. Hitchcox); adult at Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 4–6
Mount Desert Narrows, Trenton, Hancock Co., 11 Oct 1995
WJS
records: immature reported at Hancock, Hancock Co., 23–25
Beach, 22 Oct–9 Nov 1990 (S. Pollack, m.ob.; AB 45: 75); 1 at
eBird); 2 immatures at Saco R., Saco and Biddeford, 5–7 Dec
Dec 2013 (R. Speirs).
(C. Witt); 1 at Union, 17–21 Nov 2003 (PDV et al.); adult on
Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, 11 Nov 2012 (PDV); and one
flying with a flock of Canada Geese, Unity Pond, Unity, 12 Nov
Pink-footed Goose
2018 (L. Bevier).
Anser brachyrhynchus
group, identified as A. a flavirostris by A. Fox., seen with Canada
European vagrant only recently documented in Maine
High count: 5, including 1 adult and 4 juveniles in family
Geese on Puddledock Pond, Ft. Fairfield, 18 Oct 2008 (WJS). No records of banded Greater White-fronted Geese
recovered in ME, but waterfowl hunters have taken at least 5: 1
in Frenchboro, 22 Oct 1978, adult gambelli (now frontalis) shot
by local hunter, in S. Grierson collection; 1 adult flavirostris shot
and ph. on Sebasticook L., Newport, 29 Oct 1999 (fide D. Mairs,
NAB 54: 27); 2 others shot early Nov 2008 in Bridgewater (W.
Graves); and 1 shot in Grand Isle, 1 Oct 2013 (fide R. Mount).
W inter :
Rare but increasingly regular along southern coast
in winter. First overwintered in 2011–2012 in Cumberland Co.
during an exceptionally mild season. A wide-ranging adult
in Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth, and Cumberland from 26
Nov 2011 through at least 15 Mar 2012 (N. Gibb, R. Romano,
D. Hitchcox, m.ob.). May have been same adult observed at
Thornhurst Farm which lingered, with another immature whitefront, late Oct–6 Dec 2011 (R. Speirs). Another adult continued
in same Portland area through fall 2014 to at least 3 Jan 2015 (R.
Romano). An immature tallied on the Greater Portland CBC
on 18 Dec 2010 (N. Houlihan, E. Hynes) lingered in Falmouth through 22 Dec (R. Speirs). Other records: immature recorded
Status in Maine: A casual, but increasingly expected vagrant. There are 12–14 records of Pink-footed Goose in Maine. The first report occurred in 2009 and the species has since been documented in Aroostook, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Washington Counties. Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds on arctic tundra in Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard. Winters in nw. Europe. Remarks: Pink-footed Geese in ME are likely vagrants from the burgeoning Greenland breeding population (A. Fox, pers. com.). The recent increase in Pink-footed Goose records in New England, QC, Maritime Provinces, and NFLD is probably tied to the increase in population and colonization of Greenland by Canada Geese, which migrate to e. U.S. bringing occasional vagrants with them (Sherony 2008). 91
Birds of Maine S pring :
One adult Pink-footed Goose at Great Salt Bay Farm
Wildlife Preserve, Damariscotta, 25 May 2013 (M. Fahay). In
the days preceding this occurrence, large low-pressure system
off U.S. East Coast and Maritime Provinces produced strong
and persistent northeasterly winds. Bird possibly European or
United Kingdom migrant blown southwest of intended course.
Bird may also have been one of several that overwintered in
NY, NJ, and PA the previous winter, now returning northward. Juvenile in Rockland from 1–3 Apr 2017 (L. Parker, C. Todd)
thought to be one of pair noted in Winter below. Sight report of
1 at Readfield, Kennebec Co., 8 Apr 2017, not accepted by MEBRC due to lack of detail. F all :
Eight records from last week of Sep–Oct in north;
lingering to Dec at coastal locations. All records: 1 feeding with
flock of >300 Canada Geese and 2 blue-morph Snow Geese,
Thornhurst Farm, N. Yarmouth, 29 Sep 2009 (T. Persons).
Positively identified following day by D. Lovitch and seen by
m.ob. 30 Sep–1 Oct 2009. Accepted as ME’s first record (ME-
BRC #2009-01). Three birds, same location 2 weeks later, 14
Oct 2009 (R. Speirs, m.ob.). These geese, also associated with
Canada Geese, lingered through 6 Dec 2009. Wandered locally, foraging in hay fields and pastures in N. Yarmouth, Falmouth,
and Cumberland. Photographs determined this group did not include single goose seen earlier at same location. One with
flock of Canada Geese at Willey District Rd., Cherryfield, 5–27
Nov 2012 ( J. Wilcox, m.ob.). One adult, Collins Pond, Caribou,
19 Oct 2013 (WJS et al.). One adult, Puddledock Pond, Ft.
Fairfield, 13–15 Oct 2014 (WJS, J. Wyatt, J. Smith, C. Hardy),
with >100 Canada Geese in town park pond. Seen same day as a Barnacle Goose and Greenland-race Greater White-fronted
Goose, indicating an influx of geese from Greenland. One
adult with several hundred Canada Geese on small, in-town
impoundment, which provided refuge from hunters, Mars Hill
Pond, 28–31 Oct 2015 (WJS, K. Lima). A series of observations in early fall 2017 probably related to a single, widely-ranging
individual in Aroostook Co.: 26 Sept and 7 Oct at Collins Pond
(WJS); 4 Oct 2017 at Peterson’s Pond, Presque Isle (WJS); and
16 Oct 2017 at Mars Hill Pond (N. Houlihan, P. Moynahan). One on L. Josephine on 5 Oct 2018 (WJS).
W inter :
Three records: a late-fall/winter record, an adult
at Mill Cove, W. Bath, Sagadahoc Co., 14–15 Dec 2013 (R.
Robinson, M. Fahay, et al.). Found on salt water with Canada Geese during a CBC, initially identified as a Greater White-
fronted Goose. It was relocated and ph. the following day. One
adult seen with Canada Goose flock, Great Salt Bay, Nobleboro,
22–28 Dec 2014 (N. Graffam); and an adult and juvenile at
Rockland, 2 Jan–8 Feb 2017 with Canada Geese and a single
Snow Goose; juvenile lingered through 25 Feb 2017 (D. Reimer, ph., and m.ob.). WJS
92
Brant
Branta bernicla A small goose common as a coastal spring migrant
Status in Maine: Brant have been recorded in all Maine counties except Androscoggin and Waldo. However, they are most common as spring migrants on coastal waters. Occasionally, nonbreeders are found lingering through summer on offshore islands, and a small population overwinters along the southern coast. Brant are uncommon but regular inland, with records primarily along larger river valleys in spring and fall. All reports appear to be of the light-bellied “Atlantic” Brant (B. b. hrota) subpopulation. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer indicated that most Brant moved across the Gulf of ME to the Bay of Fundy during spring migration, mostly bypassing ME, and noted only one inland spring record. He also described Brant as abundant in fall but did not list the species as overwintering in ME. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds across N. Am. Arctic. Winters along both coasts. Some breed in Canadian high Arctic and winter in Ireland. Atlantic Brant found in ME breed in Foxe Basin of Canadian Arctic; winter primarily along Atlantic Coast, MA south to NC. A dark form, “Black” Brant (B. b. nigricans), nests in w. Canadian Arctic and AK; winters along Pacific Coast from AK to Baja California. Another population, “Dark-bellied” Brant (B. b. bernicla), nests in Russian Arctic and winters in coastal w. Europe, France, and Great Britain. “Black” Brant rarely found in East; records in MA, NY, and NJ but none of this form in ME. Remarks: It is evident that Brant have altered fall migration routes through ME since early 20th century. Smaller populations in mid-1900s are attributed to loss of favored eelgrass (Zostera spp.) beds in the 1930s, though it is unclear if eelgrass provided abundant food source along much of ME’s rocky coastline. Palmer noted that strong tidal currents in the Bay of Fundy prevented growth of eelgrass there. Sea lettuce (Ulva spp.) may provide a more significant food source in much of ME. There is little evidence that Brant were ever significantly sought by waterfowl hunters in ME and take by hunters appears incidental. As of 2003, five banded Brant, all banded in NU, had been recovered in ME, though none were recovered by hunters.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae S pring :
Moderate numbers of Brant found along ME coast in
spring with 2 apparent periods of peak movement. Early-spring
ME. Most fall records individuals or small groups. Recent large
flock, 150 at Hills Beach, Biddeford, seen week ending 21 Oct
movement occurs along e. ME coast including Washington and
2003 (P. Moynahan, fide K. Gammons). Inland records: 1 on
Mar with largest numbers passing during last half of Mar–early
flock, Damariscotta L., 22 Nov 1991 (obs. unk.); 1 bird on Unity
Hancock Cos. These migrants appear as early as late Feb–early Apr. High counts: 3,500 in Washington Co., Mar 1956 (MFO
1: 58); 4,000 in Lubec, 31 Mar 1968 (obs. unk.); 1,500–2,000 on Lubec Flats, 6 Apr 1980 (obs. unk.). Palmer indicated these
migrant Brant mostly passed offshore across Gulf of ME from
Cape Cod to Bay of Fundy, but some clearly follow coasts of ME,
NB, and s. Gaspé Peninsula of QC, then fly overland to James Bay. Second pulse of migrant Brant later in s. ME and Midcoast.
Few records of individuals appearing Downeast at this
time. Most of these later migrants turn inland taking more
direct overland route north toward James Bay. On 13 May
2000, L. Brinker reported flock of ~350 at Jones Creek Marsh, Scarborough, which he described as “way up high, heading
north.” Other late-spring flocks: >150 in Scarborough, 22 May
1963 (obs. unk.); >100 on Long I., Hancock Co., 23 May 1973 (obs. unk.); 283 at Appledore I., Isles of Shoals, 21 May 1999 (A. Borror and S. Mirick, fide D. Holmes); and 10 inland at
Cobbosseecontee L., E. Monmouth, 5 Nov 1982 (PDV); small
Pond, 27 Oct 2011 (T. Aversa, eBird). Migrant records appear well distributed Oct–Nov.
W inter :
Palmer did not list Brant as overwintering waterfowl
species in ME. Few late records show species lingering until
mid-Dec. Brant recently appear established as wintering species in s. coastal ME. Small numbers now annual winterers in areas
of Cumberland and York Cos. Higher counts: 33 at Willard
Beach, S. Portland, 26 Jan 1995 (S. Pollock); 20 near Martin’s
Pt., Falmouth, 13 Jan 2001 (B. Coullon, fide K. Gammons); 17 at Pine Pt., week ending 5 Feb 2001 (R. Harrison); 23 at Two
Lights, Cape Elizabeth, 14 Jan 2003 (B. Cash), and 20 seen
at Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 21 Feb 2009 (L. Alexander).
Recent Downeast record at Thunder Hole, ANP, 17 Jan 2013 ( J. Gilbert and E. Barber, eBird). WJS
Flagstaff L., Flagstaff Twp., 24 May 2002 (L. Savoy). All latespring records noted by Palmer located in s. coastal ME.
More than 15 spring inland records; Palmer noted 1 inland
Barnacle Goose
record. Most along major river valleys. Kennebec R. valley
Branta leucopsis
Brassua L., Somerset Co., on Moose R. (Kennebec R. tributary),
A bird with two identities, a rare vagrant and an occasional domestic escapee
records: 4 Brant in Richmond, 1 May 1956 (MFO 1: 58); 20 over
16 Mar 1957 (obs. unk.); 1 inland at w. outlet of Moosehead L., 20
Apr 1977 (obs. unk.). Penobscot R. records: 2 inland in Howland, Penobscot Co., 6 Apr 1984, and 1 ph. at Grand L., Matagamon, in T6R8 WELS, Penobscot Co., 20 May 2006 (both B.
Burgason). Aroostook Co. record: 10 on Collins Pond, Caribou,
10 Apr 2016 (WJS, eBird). Unusual Bradbury Mtn. sighting: 42 Brant on 17 Mar 2010 (S. Kolbe and D. Nickerson, eBird). S ummer :
More than 20 records of Brant in summer, all coastal
locations. Most lingering single birds or small groups, although
flock of 18 in Scarborough, 19 Jun 1950 (obs. unk.). Flock of 65 in N. Lubec, 22 Aug 2007, early migrants (S. and R. Mooney,
Guillemot 37[4]: 35). Summering Brant appear as nonbreeders
although individual remaining through summer and early fall at
Egg Rock off Winter Harbor in 2002 said to be “bonded with a female Common Eider” (Guillemot 32[5]: 44). F all : Though
Palmer described them as abundant in fall,
Brant now decidedly less common in this season. D. Mairs, a
waterfowler who hunted the ME coast 1960–mid-1990s never
saw a Brant in fall. Currently, most fall movement occurs west
of ME as Brant fly from staging areas in James Bay and move
directly overland to s. New England coast, Long I. Sound, and
Mid-Atlantic coast. More than 13 fall records since 1940s;
several were lingering, nonbreeding Brant that summered in
Status in Maine: A casual vagrant, there are 13 recent records of Barnacle Goose in Maine. Five of these have been accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee as wild vagrants. Several of Maine’s records are likely escapees. Usually found in association with migrating flocks of Canada Geese; there are spring, summer, and fall records. Several winter observations were reported via eBird in recent years. Historical Status in Maine: Audubon (1835) wrote, “Several old gunners on the coast of Massachusetts and Maine, who were Englishmen by birth, assured me that they had killed Barnacles there, and that these birds brought a higher price in the markets than the Common Brent Geese.” However, Palmer listed this bird as hypothetical, “T.M. Brewer (1875, 291) was confident that all New England records were of escaped captives” (Palmer 1949, 71). Global Distribution: Palearctic. Three widely separated breeding populations of Barnacle Geese worldwide. Large E. Baltic population nests on Russian islands of Novaya Zemlya and Vaigach and 93
Birds of Maine
winters in Netherlands and n. Germany. Smaller nesting population on Svalbard (Norway), wintering at Solway Firth, UK. Third breeding group nests in Greenland and winters primarily on Islay, Scotland, with smaller wintering sites elsewhere in Scotland and Ireland. Greenland breeding population, potentially source of vagrants along e. N. Am. coast, grew from 9,000–80,000, 1959–2013 (Mitchell and Hall 2013). Over the past century, Barnacle Geese were occasionally recorded across N. Am. but, due to popularity with aviculturists, considered likely escapees rather than wild vagrants (Palmer 1976, Sherony 2008). Recently, Barnacle Geese have an increasingly regular pattern of appearance in ne. N. Am. and many gained acceptance as natural occurrences. Most bird record committees in Northeast have accepted Barnacle Goose as additions to their area lists. These include CT (2002), MA (2002), NB (2004), and NY (2003). Most states now accept the species with no qualification. QC has >50 records since early 1980s. S pring :
An adult Barnacle Goose ph. in Phippsburg, 16–30
typically appear in n. and e. ME. These geese spend summer
in areas with good food availability and safe roosting sites to
undergo molt to eclipse plumage. It is conceivable that a young
Barnacle Goose wintered in the U.S. and continued traveling with Canada Geese through spring and summer. F all :
Seven records. Mostly in Aroostook Co. during Oct and
all in association with Canada Goose flocks. One ph. at Collins
Pond, Caribou, 11–13 Oct 2003, accepted as ME’s first record by ME-BRC (WJS ph. arch.). Color-marked Canadas found in
Caribou in mid-Oct shown to be breeders from Greenland, the nearest location where Barnacle Geese breed. One, Thornhurst
Farm in N. Yarmouth, 6 Oct–9 Dec 2008 (E. Slattery et
al.); 1 first found on Collins Pond, later ranged to Limestone,
Aroostook Co., intermittently, 5–26 Oct 2011 (WJS, R. Spiers,
et al.); one ph. on Limestone Pond, Limestone, 29 Oct 2013 (T.
Byrum); 1 on Christina Reservoir, 13–15 Oct 2014 (WJS, J. Smith, and J. Wyatt); 2, Collins Pond, 11–20 Oct 2016 (WJS et al.).
Later same pair relocated on L. Josephine, 26 Oct 2016 (WJS), and 3 on L. Josephine and Christina Reservoir on 10–12 Oct
2017 (R. Garrigus, WJS). W inter :
Two, possibly 3 records. In addition to Yarmouth
goose noted above, another goose first discovered in NH was
relocated in S. Berwick, York Co., and observed 15 Dec 2011–11
Mar 1986 (fide K. Gammons). The goose spent 2 weeks feeding
Jan 2012 (Hitchcox, m.ob.). On 29 Feb 2012, another Barnacle
B. Mactavish (AB 40: 443) considered this bird “quite possibly of
again on 6 Mar 2012 several mi. north in Wells (F. Mitchell).
in a tidal creek and marsh in association with >20 Canada Geese. natural origin.” Single bird in flock of Canada Geese flying over
Kennebunk Plains, 4 Jun 1985 ( JVW, AB 39: 886).
Six Barnacle Geese described in Bangor, 18 Apr 1991
(C. Holbrook; AB 45: 244, AB 45: 416). This record generally
considered one of many sightings of widely ranging escapee domestic waterfowl family group from flock at White
Goose was reported at nearby Ogunquit (Aldrich et al.) and
Adjacent locations and subsequent timing of later reports
suggest S. Berwick bird relocated. However, other Barnacle
Geese observed in New England during that mild winter
vacated overwintering locales by Feb. One of these could be
the individual seen Feb–Mar.
WJS
Head I. near Grand Manan I., NB (B. Dalzell, pers. com.).
J. Despres, MBN editor, detailed the Barnacle flock’s travels,
“A pair which raised four young at the New Brunswick site
Cackling Goose
in 1990 reportedly disappeared late that summer. All of the
Branta hutchinsii
to the same wayward family: Cape Sable I., Nova Scotia, early
A smaller look-alike of the more common Canada Goose
18 January–April 1991; Bangor, Maine 18 Apr 1991 and a one
Status in Maine: Records for Cackling Goose are rare but regular in Maine during the fall and occasional in winter and spring. Aroostook, Sagadahoc, Knox, Cumberland, and York Counties each have records (Mowbray et al. 2002).
following reports of six Barnacle Geese are thought to refer
September 1990 to 8 January 1991; Osterville, Massachusetts,
day appearance at Hopkinton, New Hampshire only two days later!” (MBN 5: 1).
S ummer :
One Barnacle Goose ph. at Middle R., Machias,
18 Jun–26 Sep 2004 (S. Davies, B. Southard, E. Raynor, et al.).
This bird, seen throughout summer, associated with flock of
nonbreeding Canada Geese, moving with them from river to
fields to feed. Bird not especially confiding and had no bands
or other marks indicating previous confinement. Present when
flocks of nonbreeding Canada Geese known as molt migrants
94
Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed the species, then known as Richardson’s Canada Goose (B. canadensis hutchinsii), as casual in ME, but Palmer considered most reports of Cackling Goose with
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
skepticism. According to Palmer, a Cackling Goose captured on Swan I., Sagadahoc Co., in 1947 was the only documented occurrence in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Nests on tundra, ranging from w. Greenland to NU, s. Baffin I. west across n. Canada to Aleutian Is. in AK. Winters primarily in w. U.S. from WA, OR, and CA, to AR, OK, TX, and LA. Of four subspecies identified, most records in e. N. Am. are nominate subspecies “Richardson’s” Cackling Goose (B. h. hutchinsii). This subspecies has easternmost breeding and winter ranges on the continent and is, expectedly, subspecies encountered in ME. Remarks: AOU historically treated Cackling Goose as a subspecies of Canada Goose. Acknowledging that these small geese are a separate species, based on mitochondrial DNA evidence, the AOU split Canada Goose into two species in 2004, naming the smaller, compact forms Cackling Goose (AOU 2004). Most Cackling Geese are observed associating with migrant flocks of Canada Geese with whom they move locally, feeding on grass and agricultural crop residue (potatoes, barley in n. ME) and returning daily to local refuges in town parks or more remote water bodies to loaf, drink, and bathe. Identification is difficult in the field. The Eastern breeding subspecies of Cackling Goose encountered in ME, “Richardson’s” cackling, is the least distinctive form when found in association with Canadas. Though these birds are clearly smaller than all forms of Canada Geese visiting ME, many erroneous reports of Cackling Geese in the state were identified based solely on this characteristic. Real and apparent variability of size of individual Canada Geese within a flock can lead to confusion. Other definitive characteristics (proportionately shorter neck, blocky head shape, steep brow, stubby bill, and silvery tone of mantle color) will confirm the identity as Cackling Goose. Though emphasized in some identification literature, breast color and presence of a white neck ring at the base of the black neck “sock” are reliable traits for some w. forms, but not for the “Richardson’s” subspecies. Palmer’s skepticism regarding reports of this species in ME was certainly well founded, but he may have been overly dismissive of ME reports in his earlier works. Accounts of distinctively smaller geese resembling
Canada Geese in ME are found as early as Audubon’s writings (1835). That waterfowl hunters referred to a smaller form with various local names (including “Hutchins goose,” “short-necked goose,” or “lesser Canada goose”) indicates a regularity of occurrence over time. spring:
Earliest record: 1, Seven Tree Pond, Knox Co., 29
Mar 2014 (S. Hall, eBird). Most spring records from Apr: 1 well-documented record and 5 sight reports. One captured
alive at Swan I., Perkins Twp., (e. of Bowdoinham), 20 Apr
1947, only record Palmer accepted. Goose was trapped with
Canada Geese during waterfowl banding operations, north
end of Merrymeeting Bay. Photo and measurements taken and
published in BMAS by A.O. Gross (1947). Bird released a week
later at Mere Pt., Brunswick. A single bird reported at Woolwich,
29–30 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 37). One reported feeding on park lawn
with 670 Canada Geese at Trafton L., Limestone, Aroostook Co.,
13 Apr 2010 (WJS). Older sight records listed by Palmer: 1 bird in Portland region on 12 Apr 1906 (Brownson 1903), and 3 or 4 birds reportedly seen at same time and location (Rich 1908). Knight
also listed spring record of 3 birds “received in the spring of 1899, from the vicinity of Portland.” Recent records, all via eBird: 1
at Great Pond, Cape Elizabeth, 9 Apr 2012 (N. Houlihan); 2
at Thornhurst Farm, N. Yarmouth, 3–5 Apr 2014 (S. Walsh, B.
Smith, PDV); 1, Shawmut Dam, Kennebec R., Kennebec Co., 11
Apr 2014 (B. Barker, B. Cole, J. Wyatt); 3 at Scarborough Marsh, Eastern Rd., 3 Apr 2015 (M. Iliff ). fall :
Fall records from late Sep in n. ME with birds lingering
through season in s. ME. Arrival and departures correspond
with southward movements of Canada Geese, with which
species always found. Of >14 fall records, most first recorded
in Oct. Single birds make up half of all records. Recent
records, fide eBird: 1, Great Salt Bay Farm Wildlife Preserve,
Damariscotta, 2 Oct 2014 (T. Green, K. Fiske, S. Zagorski); 2,
Witter Farm fields, Old Town, Penobscot Co., 31 Oct 2014 ( J.
Tengeres); and 1 at W. Franklin Rd., Franklin, Hancock Co., 23 Nov 2014 (M. Good).
Regular records from Collins Pond, Caribou. Early recent
records include 3 seen 22 Oct–8 Nov 2006 (WJS). Photo
documentation accepted by ME-BRC. Another ph. at Collins
Pond on 25–26 Oct 2009 (WJS), also reviewed and accepted
by ME-BRC. Cackling Geese particularly abundant at Collins
Pond in fall 2011 with 1–8 individuals seen and ph. 2–19 Oct 2011
(WJS, D. Hitchcox). Highest count: 15 at Collins Pond, on 30 Oct 2011 (WJS).
Thornhurst Farm in N. Yarmouth, Cumberland Co., also
hosts large numbers of Canada Geese in fall and is location of 3
Cackling Goose records in recent years: 3 seen 8–22 Oct 2007 (L.
Brinker, m.ob.), record accepted by ME-BRC (ph.); 1 lingering
95
Birds of Maine
individual 14 Oct–5 Dec 2009 (L. Seitz, ph.; m.ob.); and single
bird 8 Oct–23 Nov 2010 (Lovitch, ph.). Recent observation: 1 to
3 birds, Thornhurst Farm, Cumberland Co., intermittently 12–28 Nov 2012 (M. Viens, m.ob.; eBird).
winter :
Cackling Geese found in association with wintering
flocks of Canada Geese at coastal locations: 1 on Vinalhaven, 31
Dec 2004–20 Jan 2005 (K. Gentalen), accepted by ME-BRC (ph.); 1 at Biddeford Pool, Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC,
2 Jan 2011 (PDV et al.); and 1 at Biddeford Pool, Great Pond,
5–14 Dec 2012 (D. Rankin, m.ob.; eBird). Most recent record:
unrecorded number at Greater Yarmouth Goose Fields, 6 Dec
2017 (D. Lovitch). WJS
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Maine’s only breeding goose has been a bit too successful
Status in Maine: The Canada Goose is today a widespread and common breeder throughout the state. It was extirpated as a breeder in the 1800s but was reintroduced in the 1960s and has since increased to record levels in all seasons. An abundant migrant in early spring and fall, the species can number in the tens of thousands in preferred stopover locations at the peak of the season. It is commonly found wintering in coastal and southern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Canada Geese nested in ME during precolonial times but were extirpated as wild breeders by the 1800s due to near-constant hunting for sport and for meat and feather markets. Earliest evidence of breeding Canada Geese in ME was provided in an account by Rosier, the official chronicler of Captain G. Weymouth’s voyage along the coast of ME in 1605. As recounted by Palmer, Rosier stated Indians brought four goslings to the explorers for barter. These were undoubtedly Canada Geese and the date (2 Jun) is well within the typical period for juvenile geese to be present. J.J. Audubon (1835) referred to Canada Geese nesting in ME but offered no specific details. From early in the period of ME’s European settlement, migrant Canada Geese were trapped, wing-clipped, and kept in semi-domestication for meat, eggs, and as live decoys for hunting. These birds would occasionally escape and breed locally. Mendall (1945) reported his investigation of almost all reports of breeding Canadas 96
in s. cen. ME eastward to Washington Co.; he found that they pertained to intentionally released or escaped pen-reared birds. Mendall noted two exceptions that he thought were likely wild birds: a pair nesting along Pushaw Stream near Gilman’s Falls on the Penobscot R., Old Town, Penobscot Co., in 1939 and two broods of goslings seen at Chemquasabamticook L., Piscataquis Co., Jul 1944. The species was successfully re-established as a breeder through state-sponsored reintroduction programs, 1950–1990. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from w. Greenland west to Arctic coast of AK, south through Maritime Provinces, New England to VA, n. GA, n. cen. FL, west through n. TX, s. NM, and s. CA. Though most nest in Canada, species now nests in all 48 contiguous states (Rusch et al. 1995). Introduced and breeding in n. Europe including Great Britain and Scandinavia; established in New Zealand. Wintering range in N. Am. extends from s. Canada to s. cen. FL through cen. TX to s. CA. Remarks: Since the 1960s, Canada Goose abundance in ME has increased to record levels in all seasons. Early prohibitions against trapping, netting, and year-round hunting came after the species was lost as a breeder and allowed some protection for migratory flocks in spring. Reintroductions by MDIFW, 1950–1990, re-established the species as a breeder in ME. The species’ adaptability and tolerance of human disturbance has resulted in a burgeoning breeding population since. Likewise, changes in grain and potato cropping practices since the 1980s increased types and availability of crop residues as food sources for fall migrating geese in n. and cen. ME. Mild winters have led to increasing numbers of overwintering geese. S pring :
Among earliest spring-breeding waterfowl species,
locally breeding Canada Geese push inland in spring and
appear before most nesting wetlands and ponds are free of
ice. Following melt, and shortly after local breeders return,
flocks of northern-breeding subspecies pass through ME.
Numbers peak early Apr in s. ME and by mid-month in
the north. Larger flocks can number >1,000 birds: 1,250 at
Scarborough Marsh, 19 Mar 2011 (D. Suitor et al.); 1,500 at
Durham, Androscoggin Co., 7 Apr 2014; and 2,500 at Collins Pond, Caribou, 31 Mar 2012 (both J. Smith). Large numbers previously staged on Merrymeeting Bay in spring: 15,500
reported, 8 Apr 1949 (BMAS 5: 58), similar flocks documented
1940s–1970s. Recent spring high counts number 1,089,000 ha.) ofWood Duck breeding habitat in ME. Global Distribution: Widely distributed breeder in the East from s. ON and QC into NB, PEI, and NS west through e. MB and SK. This range extends south through FL and Gulf States to e. TX, and throughout Mississippi R. valley west to OK, e. KS, NE, and e. Dakotas. Winters through breeding range in East, retreating from northern tier. Winters south from cen. NY and MA through southernmost ON to s. WI, MN, and MI. Remarks: Commonly banded in ME, Wood Ducks are the second most commonly recovered waterfowl. More than half (1,467) of the 2,739 ME Wood Duck bands recovered were found outside of ME. Recovery data suggests wintering locations and illustrates wide fall and winter dispersal. ME-banded Wood Ducks were recovered in 36 states and provinces and as far away 102
as FL, LA, TX, OK, and MN. The primary states for recovery are SC (277), NC (266), GA (160), FL (105), and NJ (95). A hatch-year (HY) male banded near Howland, Penobscot Co., on 20 Aug 2004 was recovered >1,700 mi. (2,700 km) away on 12 Dec 2004 in Tyler Co., TX. An after-hatch-year (AHY) male banded on 27 Sep 1962 at Moosehorn NWR was shot east of Port-aux-Basques, NFLD, 13 Oct 1962, just 16 days later. Another AHY drake banded at Moosehorn NWR on 2 Sep 1993 was killed in NC on 17 Jan 2006, making the bird at least 12 years five months old at the time of recovery. Wood Ducks migrate at night and will, on occasion, cross salt water, making them rare but regular on offshore islands. Ten on Monhegan I., 13 Oct 2014 (L. Seitz et al.; eBird); one young of year on Matinicus I., 28 Sep 2010 (M. Fahay, eBird); two males, Seal I. NWR, 5 Jun 2006 (K. Gentalen); and one on Appledore I., 12 Sep 1988 (D. Holmes, M. Wright). S pring :
An early-arriving duck. Earliest recent records
for Wood Ducks, not suspected to have wintered, are: 2 in
Richmond, 1 Mar 1998 (PDV ); 1 male and 1 female in Wells, 2 Mar 2004 (L. Barra); a pair at Dam Cove in Bath on 2 Mar
2011 (M. Fahay); a pair on Kennebunk R., Kennebunkport, 2
Mar 2013 (D. Doubleday); 4 in Topsham, week ending 5 Mar
2002 (C. Jack, fide K. Gammons); and pair at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco, 3 Mar 2012 (C. Homler).
Wood Ducks generally migrate in pairs or small flocks and
typically arrive in ME already paired. Peak migration period
is end of Mar–third week of Apr. Wood Ducks congregate
in favored staging areas with good food resources and little
disturbance. In spring, ME’s largest flocks seen when inland ice and snow conditions delay continued movement and
dispersal. Record cold in Mar 2014 led to such conditions and produced extraordinarily high counts: 190 in Durham fields,
Androscoggin Co., 6 Apr 2014 (D. Nickerson); 97 counted on
Boom Rd., Saco, 5 Apr 2014 (N. Gibb); 116 near Abagadasset R. mouth in Bowdoinham, 7 Apr 2014 (R. Lambert, D. Hitchcox); and 80 in New Sharon fields, Franklin Co., 18 Apr 2014 (P.
Moynahan, M. Schoeller). Similar conditions in Mar–Apr
2015 also resulted in high counts: 285 on Androscoggin R. in
Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 3 Apr 2015 (Speirs). More typical peak counts: >80 on Kennebec R., Richmond, 12 Apr 1997
(PDV ), and 43 at Fryeburg Harbor, 22 Apr 2002 (B. Crowley). Migration ends statewide by mid-May, with most females
on nests at that time. Males do not raise young, leaving
incubating females to form small flocks. They move to favored
molting locations by late May. S ummer :
Most Wood Duck broods appear on wetlands in
Jun. Young leave the cavity within a day or 2 of hatching and are
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
moved by the hen to wetlands providing cover and abundant
Bay Pond, Gouldsboro, 29 Feb 1996 (fide A. Bacon).
to 15. Most Wood Duck hatchlings appear on wetlands in Jun,
injured during hunting season unable to fly more than short
macroinvertebrates. Broods are large and hatchlings can number
Wood Ducks remaining inland in winter are often birds
though earliest broods reported in s. ME in late May. Hen with
distances; they rarely survive the winter. ME’s northernmost
L. Brinker); hen with 10 chicks ph. at Erle R. Kelly WMA in
Danforth, Dec 1984–Mar 1985 (M. Gillis).
9 chicks observed in Eliot, York Co., 23 May 2009 (L. Seitz,
Dresden, 28 May 2013 (M. Viens); and another brood of 10 seen
overwintering bird was a male on Baskahegan Stream, WJS
on Kennebec R. in Skowhegan the next day (M. Taylor).
Drakes form flocks following breeding and by early summer
congregate in favored molting locations. Male prebasic molt
Garganey
begins late May and early Jun, most are in eclipse plumage
Spatula querquedula
through Aug–early Sep. Productive wetlands with abundant
A rare spring visitor from the Old World
by early Jul. Molt to alternate (breeding) plumage occurs
invertebrates to supplement feather growth and dense cover for protection during the short flightless period are favored.
Large groups of molting male Wood Ducks appear annually
on L. Josephine. Typical counts: 31, 27 May 2010; 34 males, 21
Jun 2011; 35, 21 Jul 2013; and 48, 5 Aug 2010 (all WJS, eBird). F all :
Migratory movement begins by late Aug. Highest counts
on L. Josephine: 96, 21 Aug 2006, and 87, 9 Sep 2010 (both
WJS). Wastewater treatment ponds in Unity Pond also have
regular high numbers: 140 and 175, on 27 Aug and 4 Sep 2014
respectively (T. Aversa), though lower counts are more typical. Peak migration occurs in Sep with numbers already
reduced in n. ME by early Oct when waterfowl hunting season begins. Favored by hunters, Wood Ducks comprise about 10%
of annual harvest in U.S. and rank first in Atlantic Flyway. In
2001, estimated harvest peaked at 15,100 and was the majority
Status in Maine: Accidental. This teal has been recorded only twice in Maine. A young male seen by multiple observers and carefully described in Belgrade, Kennebec County, on 20 June 1994 (D. Ladd et al.; MBN 9[2]: 37), and a male photographed at Weskeag Marsh, South Thomaston, 10–18 April 1999 (M. Libby; NAB 53: 258; ph. arch., D. Crockett). Global Distribution: Garganey occur throughout much of Europe and as far east as Siberia. Longdistance migrants, European birds generally winter in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a regular pattern of spring vagrancy in e. N. Am. and this species has been recorded in NB, NS, NFLD, VT, and MA. PDV
of the ME kill (Weik 2005).
Banding records show most Wood Ducks shot in ME are
locally reared. More than 80% of Wood Ducks harvested in ME
shot first 2 weeks of Oct. USFWS Wing Survey data show most shot in Penobscot, Kennebec, and Oxford Cos. Southbound
migration occurs quickly and after second week of Nov most band recoveries occur in southern wintering states.
W inter :
Most Wood Ducks leave ME by beginning of Dec,
few linger later depending on ice conditions and timing of
freeze-up. By end of Dec, remaining Wood Ducks capable of
flight move south to coast where they winter in tidal waters
and lower, ice-free reaches of large rivers. Few stay into early
winter but only occasionally overwinter. Most winter records for locales in York and Cumberland Cos., Androscoggin R.
downstream of Lewiston, and Kennebec R. below Shawmut
Dam in Fairfield–Benton, Somerset–Kennebec Cos.
Wood Ducks recorded on 17 ME CBCs on 35 different
occasions. Greater Portland over 5 years totaled 12 birds;
northernmost in Danforth, Washington Co., 1960, 1984, and
1986; inland away from rivers in Unity and Sweden, Oxford
Co.; easternmost 1 on Moose I./Jonesport CBC in 1990. Other
Downeast winter records: 1 off Rt. 92, Machiasport, week
ending 6 Feb 2001 (N. Famous) and 1 male on Lower West
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
A delightful dabbling duck
Status in Maine: Most numerous as a fall migrant, Blue-winged Teal are also fairly common in spring. Uncommon but regular summer breeders in northern and eastern Maine, they also occasionally breed in southern Maine, preferring open fertile marshes, including estuaries, for nesting. There are few breeding records for western Maine. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Widely distributed across N. Am. Breeds from New England north through NL, west to e. AK, south to n. CA, NV, UT, n. NM, and TX. Concentrated in prairie pothole region of upper Midwest, range also encompasses Great Ls. and areas of Atlantic Coast. Winter range extends from Carolinas west to cen. CA and south through Mexico, Cen. Am., n. S. Am., including both Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California, as well as Caribbean. 103
Birds of Maine
Remarks: Male Blue-winged Teal begin their prebasic molt into eclipse plumage as early as mid-Jun in ME. However, prealternate molt (to attractive breeding plumage) is an extended affair, lasting through autumn. Males retain a drab, basic body plumage as late as early winter and will appear similar to females and juveniles throughout summer and fall migration. This explains the dearth of birders’ reports of male Blue-winged Teal after Jun. S pring :
Slightly later spring migrant than most waterfowl.
Arrives in s. and coastal ME last week of Mar, peak
Recent annual harvests are minimal, usually totaling fewer than
200 birds (MDIFW 2017a).
Recovery records of Blue-winged Teal banded in fall in
ME show most migrants winter in Caribbean (Lesser Antilles,
Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and Dominican Republic) or in n. S. Am.
(Columbia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil). Though large numbers winter in Mexico, no recoveries of ME-banded
Blue-winged Teal from there.
Blue-winged Teal cover remarkable distances in a short
time and do not hesitate to cross open ocean. A hatch-year
female banded near Presque Isle on 25 Aug 1981, was shot on 23
Sep 1981 (less than 30 days later) in the Azores nearly 2,100 mi.
movement through Apr. Earliest arrivals: 1 shot on 8 Mar 1902,
(3,380 km) southeast.
Pond in Phippsburg, week ending 14 Mar 2003 (C. Dauphin); 1
banded in Canadian prairie provinces of MB, SK, ON, as
Rock–Glasheen Transect, Dresden, 16 Mar 2012 (M. Fahay,
male banded in MB on 1 Sep 1980 that was shot in Oakland,
Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co. (Spinney 1902); 1 female at Center in E. Machias, 15 Mar 1982; 14 (~7 male and 7 female) on Reed eBird); and 2 in Cape Elizabeth on 17 Mar 1962 (obs. unk.).
Arrives in n. ME by late Apr, most numerous in mid-May.
Earliest arrivals in Aroostook Co.: 2 birds seen 17 Apr 2002 on
L. Josephine and a pair arriving at Barren L., Caribou, on 18 Apr
2004 (both WJS).
Blue-winged Teal recovered in ME most commonly
well as ND and IA. Late date recoveries include hatch-year
Kennebec Co., 29 Nov 1980, and another young male banded in NB on 19 Aug 1966 was recovered on the Eastern R. in
Dresden, on 25 Nov 1966. WJS
Blue-winged Teal usually paired before arriving in ME
in spring and do not congregate in large flocks. Most spring
records for groups 36 Blue-winged
Teal seen in Brunswick on 23 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 38). S ummer :
Breeding records from all ME cos. but decidedly less
common in w. ME. Nesting initiated several weeks after arrival
and hens usually incubating by early Jun in s. ME and mid-Jun in northern parts of the state. Nesting may be delayed by cold
weather. Female flushed from nest with 11 eggs at Scarborough
Marsh on 11 Jun 1988 (R. Eakin). Most females appear with young by late Jun–early Jul in the north: hen with 11 young
at Presque Isle Airport, 26 Jun 2016 (N. Houlihan, eBird). A record listed in Palmer of a female with young at Mayfield
Pond, Mayfield Twp., Somerset Co., last week of May 1936, was exceptionally early.
F all :
Among earliest of autumn migrant waterfowl in
ME. Migrant flocks of Blue-winged Teal begin arriving in
ME in mid-Aug. Earlier records of mid-sized flocks: 40 on
Merrymeeting Bay on 11 Aug 1957 (obs. unk.); >25 at Collins
Pond, Caribou, and a similarly-sized flock on L. Josephine on
21 Aug 2005 (WJS, eBird). Larger flocks from western breeding areas arrive in favored locations by late Aug, with numbers
peaking by mid-Sep, fide eBird: 40 on Mars Hill Pond, Mars
Hill, Aroostook Co., 8 Sep 2012 (C. Kesselheim); 20 in Essex
Woods, Bangor, on 19 Sep 2016 ( J. Smith); and 12 on Eskutassis
Pond, Penobscot Co., 25 Sep 2017 (M. Sinclair). Most leave ME before waterfowl hunting season begins, giving this species an
advantage over other duck species passing through ME in fall.
104
Cinnamon Teal
Spatula cyanoptera
A spectacular dabbling duck that once strayed from its western range to Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single sight record of an adult male on Metinic Island, Knox County, 31 August 1982 (P. Merriam). This individual was seen in the company of seven Green-winged Teal. Global Distribution: A widely distributed species of w. N. Am. and S. Am. In the U.S., it breeds primarily in the Intermountain West and Great Basin, wintering on coastal marshes and wetlands in Mexico. Remarks: Cinnamon Teal are normally restricted to w. N. Am. but are common in captive aviary collections. Although there is thus a question of provenance for such occurrences in e. N. Am., there is a pattern of early fall vagrancy and Cinnamon Teal have been recorded in NS, NB, MA, and CT. In this case, with the Metinic I. observation on an offshore island, it seems likely that this individual was a genuine vagrant. PDV
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata
A distinctive filter-feeding duck with a long, spoonshaped bill
Status in Maine: The Northern Shoveler is an uncommon migrant and local breeder that rarely overwinters in Maine. There are records for all Maine counties. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Northern Shovelers rare transients that were never numerous in ME and not known to breed or overwinter in the state. He noted occasional flight years—1881, 1882, 1923, and 1928—when presumably more birds were seen and postulated that they did not occur in the state every year. However, he did mention an apparent increase in numbers in the 1930s–1940s but noted a lack of evidence that they were ever numerous in ME. Breeding in the state was first confirmed on L. Josephine in 1979. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., Northern Shovelers breed primarily in West, centered in prairie pothole regions of AB, SK, ND, and MT. Local breeder east of Great Ls. with small nesting populations in s. QC and n. and e. NB. Widely distributed in winter across s. U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, and Cen. Am. Winters north along coasts. Regularly overwinters north to BC on Pacific Coast and north to Long I., NY, and New England on Atlantic Coast.
S pring :
Northern Shovelers are later spring migrants than
most waterfowl and typically do not arrive until preferred
shallow waters remain ice-free. First appear on brackish waters
in s. coastal ME first week of Apr with numbers increasing by
mid-month. Arrival dates in n. ME are a few days to a week
later depending on ice conditions. Migrant shovelers recorded through mid-May.
Reported migrants are usually single drakes, pairs, or
unpaired hens with small groups of attending males. Earliest
records: 1 on Bass Harbor Marsh, Southwest Harbor, 10 Mar
2014 (R. MacDonald, eBird); 1 male seen in cove between
Petit Manan I. and Green I., off Milbridge, 19 Mar 1996 (B.
Benedict); male at Caribou Dam, Aroostook R., in Caribou, 25
Mar 2003 (WJS, eBird); 2 males at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport,
Remarks: The Northern Shoveler population has increased since 1950. Away from the coast, this species prefers small, muddy wetlands and ponds for migration stops and breeding and is rarely found on larger lakes or deep water. Migration occurs in small groups during day and night.
27 Mar 2010 (D. Lovitch); 2 males at Dunstan, Scarborough, 28
Northern Shovelers prefer shallow enriched waters with abundant invertebrates, on which they feed. Unlike other dabbling ducks, they do not feed out of the water. Wastewater treatment lagoons such as L. Josephine, Sanford Lagoons, and Unity Wastewater Treatment Facilities are favored locales. Early-spring migrants and overwintering birds almost exclusively found on brackish or shallow tidal waters.
2005, 27 on 4 May 2007 (all WJS).
Juvenile and molting hen Mallards occasionally mistaken for Northern Shovelers.
and nearby Christina Reservoir, Ft. Fairfield. Since 2002, breeding
Mar 1999 (G. Carson); and 1 male in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 30 Mar 1998 (D. Mairs).
Highest counts in spring recorded in vicinity of known
nesting locales: 6 at Scarborough Marsh, 19 May 2000 (PDV,
JEP, et al.). High counts on L. Josephine occur just prior to
nesting, late Apr–early May: 35 on 27 Apr 2004, 38 on 1 May
S ummer :
Northern Shovelers are found regularly throughout
summer near breeding locations in ME. Elsewhere in the state,
species is only occasionally encountered until late summer (mid-
to late Aug) when dispersing hatch-year birds begin to appear. Northern Shovelers first reported breeding in ME by Spencer
(MB 2: 43) when hen with single chick discovered on 12 Jul 1979 on L. Josephine. Species breeding annually since then at this location on Stratton I., Old Orchard Beach. First record at this location: broods of 7 and 4–5 chicks found on 31 Jul 2002 (fide S. Hall).
105
Birds of Maine
In Easton, Aroostook Co., hen Northern Shovelers are
quick to nest after arriving and begin incubating in mid-May
to early Jun. Females first appear with newly hatched chicks in
mid–Jun. Unlike other dabbling ducks, males remain in nesting
whose lawn was flooded with snowmelt” on Main St. and
Aldersea Rd., Bar Harbor, 6 Feb 2017 (R. MacDonald, eBird). Species appeared on 6 ME CBCs. Drake found in S.
Portland on Portland CBC, 28 Dec 2010, lingered until at least
area during their prebasic molt and will congregate in numbers
11 Jan 2011. Male at Marlboro Beach, Lamoine, Hancock Co.,
flightless period, males retreat into dense wetland vegetation
WJS
during early stages of the molt, late May–Jun. During their
13–17 Feb 2002 (K. Coe) was exceptional.
and are difficult to observe.
Other records of Northern Shovelers seen in ME during
breeding season include 3 in Palmyra, Somerset Co., 26 and 29
Gadwall
Jul 1968 (obs. unk.); 1 male in Norridgewock, 21 Jun 2000 (W.
Mareca strepera
Portage L., 23 Jun 2011 (WJS, B. Allen, D. D’Auria).
A dabbling duck primarily of the prairies
Sumner); and a pair seen in the “floating islands” section of Late-summer records for probable early migrants or
dispersing young Northern Shovelers: 1 female at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 23 Aug 2003 (R. Eakin); 1 female off
Eastern Rd., Scarborough, 28 Aug 2004 (L. Brinker); and 3 at Collins Pond, Caribou, 30 Aug 2008 (WJS). F all :
Uncommon fall migrant away from breeding areas.
Adult male Northern Shovelers among earliest fall waterfowl
migrants and usually depart ME breeding areas late summer–
first days of fall. Migration probably occurs prior to completing
prealternate molt and males may still appear female-like in their body plumage. Data from USFWS Waterfowl Parts Collection
Survey show no records for adult males harvested in ME during waterfowl-hunting season, which begins in early Oct.
Hatch-year Northern Shovelers disperse from natal ponds by
Sep and most fall records in ME are young birds in transitional plumage. As in spring, species travels as singletons or small groups of birds and does not congregate in large flocks.
Fall records for Northern Shovelers evenly distributed
throughout season with regular occurrences Sep to mid-Nov.
Rare but regular in fall at Sebasticook L. in Newport and
Sanford Lagoons. One hatch-year male Evergreen Cemetery,
Portland, 12–13 Sep 2011 (R. Speirs); 2 on Sebasticook L., 24
Sep 1977 (obs. unk.) and 2, possibly 3, on 10 Oct 2014 (T. Aversa, eBird); 4 at Sanford Lagoons, 5–8 Sep 2017 (m.ob., eBird) and 7
Nov 2000 (D. Tucker).
One banding record: hatch-year female banded near
Annapolis Royal, NS, 11 Aug 2002, shot near Upper Pleasant Pond, Bowdoin or Richmond, 5 Oct 2002.
W inter :
Northern Shovelers rarely overwinter in ME and
uncommonly linger through Dec. Most winter records in
southern coastal locales. Few records for Jan–Feb when even
shallow salt water may be ice covered. Notable: 6 on Sanford
Lagoons, 2–3 Dec 1998 (N. McReel, T. Duddy); young male
lingering at Sabattus Pond until 5 Dec 2011 (M. Fahay); 1 female
at East Pt., Biddeford, 14 Jan 2001 (M. Jordan, L. Brinker); 3
on Harbor Rd., Wells, 26–27 Feb 2017 (M. Zimmerman and
F. Missud, eBird); and 1 “feeding in the front yard of a house
106
Status in Maine: Gadwall, an uncommon and local breeder in Maine, appears to have been increasingly encountered during all seasons since the late 1980s. All 16 Maine counties have migration records. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer regarded Gadwall as a transient only, with a single spring record, only occasional in fall, and no summer or winter records. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds primarily in w. N. Am., range extends west across Russia, Europe, and Great Britain, and east to the Atlantic Seaboard where it nests locally. Core N. Am. breeding range cen. and s. Prairie Provinces, AB, MB, and SK, n. Great Plains to nw. MN and n. IA. Species nests west to e. Cascade Mtns., south to n. cen. CA, east through cen. NV, UT, CO, NE, and south to KS. Disjunct Eastern breeding localities exist from s. Great Ls. along lower St. Lawrence R. valley and other scattered locations in QC. Breeding record locations in East include Northumberland Strait, PEI; coastal NB; n. NS; se. MA; w. VT; and coastal CT and RI south along Atlantic Seaboard to NC. Small nesting populations found in coastal AK and CA south to San Diego, and in upper Rio Grande R. valley in NM. Gadwall generally winter across s. U.S. and throughout Mexico. Winter range extends along Pacific Coast north to Queen Charlotte Is., BC, and along Atlantic Coast to n. MA. Locally wintering individuals found in many parts of western breeding range including s. Great Ls. if open water is available. Remarks: This species is one of ME’s least common breeding ducks. Though not especially secretive, Gadwall prefer shallow ponds and marshes with tall emergent vegetation. Males are also among the
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
In n. ME, species now breeds on L. Josephine. Pairs first
seen at this location in May 2003 (WJS). Two hens with 14
chicks on 11 Aug 2006 first confirmation of nesting and 4
broods of Gadwall totaling ~30 chicks seen on L. Josephine
on 7 Aug 2013 (both WJS, eBird). High count of 122, including
brood of older juveniles and molting adult Gadwall found on 22
Jul 2012 (WJS, eBird).
Away from known nesting localities, summer records
uncommon. Most dates late Aug–early Sep; these records
probably represent dispersing breeders and early migrants.
Older records: 1 on Damariscotta L., 31 Aug 1951; 1 female and 2 immatures in Gorham, Cumberland Co., 24 Aug 1958; 5 males
and 4 females or young, seen in Biddeford, 8 Sep 1958, “reddish head, dark rumps, white speculum, clearly seen” (MASFC). F all :
As with many waterfowl, Gadwall decidedly less
commonly detected on fall migration than in spring. Records well distributed Sep–late Nov with later records occurring
mainly in southern counties. Species seems to migrate earlier
drabbest of ducks in breeding plumage. Species does not appear to migrate in large flocks or congregate in numbers at preferred locations during migration. These characteristics likely reduce its probability of detection. ME’s breeding population seems stable or increasing at localities where it is known to nest. S pring :
Most spring records for Gadwall in ME occur
late Mar–early May with peak abundance mid-Apr. Early
records: 1 male in Belfast Harbor, 19 Mar 1991 (E. Manning
Sears); unreported number at Scarborough Marsh, 1 Mar 2002
(G. Carson, fide K. Gammons); and 2 at Jones Creek Marsh,
Scarborough, 5 Mar 2004 (P. Doucette). Arrival dates in n. ME
breeding area on L. Josephine, 22 Apr 2004, 9 May 2005, 23 Apr
2006, 28 Apr 2007, and 20 Apr 2008 (WJS).
Spring Gadwall records are for singles, pairs, or small groups
of ducks. High counts: 10 at Jones Creek Marsh, Scarborough,
week ending 20 Apr 2004 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons) and 22
on L. Josephine, 30 Apr 2016 (WJS, eBird). S ummer :
Gadwall is now a local breeder in ME at scattered
locations along southern coast islands and one inland location in Easton, Aroostook Co. Species first confirmed breeding
on Appledore I., Isle of Shoals, in 1976 (AB 30: 928). ABBM
(1978–1983; Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding in a single
location near Camden but a pair of Gadwall were present in
Magurrewock Marsh, Moosehorn NWR, in Calais throughout summer 1982. Species nested on Stratton I. off of Old Orchard
Beach since 1999 (Project Puffin). Pairs of Gadwall also seen
regularly in summer at nearby Scarborough Marsh; pair with
9 young there, 10 Jun 2017 (M. Heraty, eBird). Two broods of
than other waterfowl. Timing of movements appears most
affected by freezing of preferred shallow ponds and wetlands.
High counts from recent fall records: 3 at Laudholm Farm,
Wells, 31 Aug 2017 ( J. Sender, eBird); 4 on Sebasticook L., 4
Nov 2012 (B. Cole, eBird); 5 at Capisic Pond, Portland, 14 Oct
1989 (K. Gammons); 6 on Chebeague I., Cumberland Co., 26 Sep 2017 (D. Eyster, eBird); and 7 in Cutler, 6 Sep 1995
(N. Famous).
Waterfowl hunters in ME do not specifically seek this
species and it appears to comprise a small fraction of the
annual harvest. A banded Gadwall shot in Scarborough in
Dec 2004, and another in Steuben, Washington Co., in Nov
2005, were banded near Amherst in ne. NS, in Sep of the
years they were recovered. A third Gadwall, taken by hunters
near Merrymeeting Bay in Dresden in Nov 2003, was banded
in Aug that year on southern shore of St. Lawrence R. near
Rivière-du-Loup, QC (USGS). W inter :
Occasional but increasing in winter: 22 seen on
13 ME CBCs 1988–2008. Most winter records from coastal
localities, Calais–York. Most winter records clustered in late
Dec due, no doubt, to increased efforts during CBC. Gadwall on Bailey I., Harpswell, 31 Jan 1971 (Gamble, MN 2: 54) and
another found in Portland on 22 Feb 2007 (BMAS) indicate that some individuals overwinter in ME. Recent inland
records, 1 bird each, fide eBird: Clinton, 29–30 Dec 2012 (P.
Blair); Sebasticook L., 5–6 and 12 Dec 2015 (R. Ostrowski, J.
Wyatt); and Penjajawoc Marsh, Bangor, 29 Feb 2016 ( J. Smith). Recent Aroostook Co. winter record in Presque Isle, single
bird seen 31 Dec 2016–1 Jan 2017 (WJS, eBird) and again 19 Jan
2017 (C. Kesselheim, eBird). WJS
approximately 15 ducklings on Stratton I., week ending 5 Jul
2004 (L. Brinker).
107
Birds of Maine
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
A rare Palearctic visitor
Status in Maine: A rare to casual migrant since the early 1900s, Eurasian Wigeon is more frequently found in spring than autumn and has been recorded in nine Maine counties. The majority of records are from Cumberland County, primarily Scarborough Marsh, and Aroostook County, where nine observations were recorded. Observations commonly of single drakes found with Mallards and American Wigeons. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Eurasian Wigeon as a transient, occasional in fall on the Midcoast and Washington Co., and with only one spring record. He further commented that records may have been missed by gunners who did not recognize it as different from American Wigeon. Global Distribution: Palearctic. This American Wigeon counterpart is a common and stable breeder across boreal Eurasia from Iceland and Scandinavia to Kamchatka. Winters widely from British Isles, across Europe through s. Russia and Japan, south to n. Africa, India, Malay Peninsula, s. China, and Philippines. In N. Am., rare but regular wintering duck along both coasts, most numerous along West Coast from Canada to CA. Although casual inland with records for nearly every state and province, there are no breeding records for N. Am. Nearest known nesting population is in Iceland. S pring :
In contrast to Palmer’s assessment, more than half
of Eurasian Wigeon records for ME occurred in spring, with
20 records involving 25 birds. Most frequently encountered in coastal localities late Mar–end of Apr. Few later records
(May) for Aroostook Co. Recent records: 1–2, Grondin Pond,
Scarborough, 14 and 19 Mar 2016 (m.ob., eBird); 1 in Columbia
Falls, Washington Co., 10 Apr 2016 (C. Johnson, eBird);
unknown number on Messalonskee L. on 12 Apr 2017 (D.
Lovitch); and 1, Pittsfield Water Treatment Division, Somerset Co., 28 Apr 2017 (L. Bevier et al.; eBird).
S ummer :
A drake in breeding plumage lingered until 16
Aug 2016 on Christina Reservoir and 2 other males seen on
L. Josephine 28 Jul 2014 and 27 May 2010 (WJS). Three to 4
Eurasian Wigeon at Capisic Pond in Portland, Aug 1962, are likely escapees (obs. unk.).
108
Fall:
10 records of 11 individuals. Temporally well-distributed
throughout season. Earliest record: hen shot at Swan I. in
Merrymeeting Bay on 20 Sep 1911 (Palmer 1949). Particularly
noteworthy: Eurasian Wigeon shot at Winnegance, W. Bath, on
8 Oct 1947, banded as a juvenile on 29 Jun 1947 at Varnilaekur in Borgarfjord, W. Iceland (MFN 12: 48). Recent records, all
fide eBird: 5, Mill Pond, Phippsburg, 13 Nov 2015 (H. Heuer); 1,
Pittsfield Water Treatment Division, 19 Nov 2012 (L. Bevier); 1
on Grondin Pond, Scarborough, 25 Nov 2010 (G. Smith); and 2, same location, 30 Nov 2014 (N. Gibb).
Winter:
Four winter records with no evidence of overwintering
individuals. Palmer noted 2 records of males shot in early Dec in 1923 in Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth. Four CBC records
including 2 on Mount Desert I. CBC, one a drake on 19 Dec
1981. Winter occurrence of single Eurasian Wigeon in ME
noted without further detail in Field Notes, Winter 1994–1995
(B. Nikula, FN 49[2]: 127). Recent records: 1 at Bass Harbor
Marsh, ANP, 19–26 Dec 2015; and 1–2 birds on Grondin Pond, Scarborough, 1 Dec 2014–4 Jan 2015 (both m.ob., eBird). WJS
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
One of the rarest breeding waterfowl in Maine
Status in Maine: A local breeder in central and northern Maine, American Wigeons are uncommon spring and fall migrants. Wigeons are rare but are increasingly overwintering on the southern coast and lower reaches of large rivers. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered American Wigeons uncommon migrants, but noted that they were occasionally seen in numbers along the coast and on Merrymeeting Bay in fall. Global Distribution: New World. Breeds primarily in nw. N. Am. with localized but increasing breeding in East. Also breeds at favored localities in NB, PEI, NS, and QC, and in small numbers in VT, MA, and CT. Winters from s. NS and s. New England (sporadic) across cen. U.S. west to s. AK, Pacific Coast south through Mexico and Cen. Am. to n. S. Am. Regularly winters along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to Yucatan Peninsula and into Caribbean. Remarks: This species will steal food from other feeding diving ducks. The highest counts of wigeon in ME were observed in association with midsummer
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae S ummer :
Local breeder in cen. and n. ME, occasionally
summering in south and along coast. Among latest-breeding
dabbling ducks in ME, American Wigeon documented
nesting in Aroostook, Penobscot, Somerset, and Washington
Cos. Broods typically appear last week of Jun–early Jul. First
documented breeding at Corinna Stream in Penobscot Co., 1976
(Spencer 1977), when hen and 5 young, 4 or more weeks old,
observed. Species confirmed nesting during first ABBM in 1979.
First nested in Washington Co. at Moosehorn NWR, Edmunds Unit, 1984 (MB 6[3]: 51), and documented with young near L.
Josephine in 1988 (M. Trombley, AB 42: 1268). Species breeds annually in Ft. Fairfield and Easton, Aroostook Co.
Other breeding records: Female with 6 young at Corinna
Stream, 6 Jul 1991 (WJS, N. Bagley); 4 broods totaling 36 birds
on Christina Reservoir, 8 Jul 1991 (WJS); hen with 8 young on L.
Josephine, 15 Jul 1991 (M. Trombley, AB 45: 1093); 3 females with broods of 10, 8, and 8 on L. Josephine, 21 Jul 2011 (all WJS); and
female “with chicks” at Pittston Farm, Pittston Academy Grant,
congregations of molting Ring-necked Ducks on Christina Reservoir, Ft. Fairfield. Wigeons were observed seizing vegetative material brought to the surface by diving ring-necks. S pring :
Arrive mid-Mar along coast and gradually move
inland as ice-out progresses. Typically at breeding areas in north by third week of Apr. Historically, early arrivals in the first days
of March in the south and immediate coast. More recently, earliest migrant pairs are seen in the last days of February.
Migrates as pairs or small flocks and occurs at brackish and freshwater locations. Most birds pass through southern
and central Maine by the end of April. Straggling migrants
Somerset Co., 29 Jun 2014 (P. Moynahan, M. Zimmerman).
Male American Wigeon and nonbreeding females molt on
Christina Reservoir and nearby L. Josephine. Wigeon numbers increase mid-Jul (when locally breeding females attend to
newly hatched broods) and concentrations continue through
late summer. High numbers indicate influx of apparent molt
migrants from other areas. Most years numbers reduce by late
Aug as males depart on migration. High counts: more than 280 on Christina Reservoir, 9 Aug 2008 (WJS); 250 at same locale,
12 Sep 1999 (M. Trombley); 100 mid-Jul 1993 (WJS, AB 47:
1089) and minimum 50 on 9 Jul 1994 (WJS, JEP), both also on Christina Reservoir; and 80 (mostly males) on L. Josephine, 4
Sep 2011 (WJS).
(typically unpaired individuals) observed into June.
Earliest records of apparent migrants: two at Wharton
Point, Brunswick on 28 Feb 2018
(G. Smith); two males at Back Cove, Portland on 6 Mar 1998
(T. Duddy); two in Portland on 6 Mar 2000 ( J. Dwight); a pair at Carrying Place Cove, Eastport
on 8 Mar 2016 (C. Bartlett); a
pair at Green Lake Fish Hatchery,
Ellsworth on 9 Mar 2018; 12 at
Sebasticook Lake, Newport 19
Mar 2016 (B. Barker) and a drake
at Caribou on 9 Apr 2016 (WJS). Highest spring counts: 68
at L. Josephine on 4 May 2010
(WJS); 50 at Abagadasset R. on
1 Apr 1999 (PDV) and 26 at
Wharton Bay, Brunswick on 22 Mar 2010 (M. Fahay).
American Wigeon
109
Birds of Maine F all :
Drake American Wigeon among earliest migrating
waterfowl in ME (along with Blue-winged Teal). Early
southbound migrants seen away from breeding areas by late
Aug: 1 at Taylor Bait Farm, Orono, 13 Aug 1994 (E. Grew); 1 at
Back Cove, Portland, 17 Aug 1979 (PDV); 4 at Sanford Lagoons,
20 Aug 1999 (L. Brinker); 4 at Dunstan Marsh, Scarborough, 25 Aug 1998 (G. Carson); 1 at Eastport on 25 Aug 2008 (C.
Bartlett); and 1 at Weskeag Marsh, 27 Aug 2004 (M. Libby).
Peak numbers pass mid-Sep to early Oct. Females increase in
Oct and young of the year dominate reported wigeon late Oct– early Nov. Inland, birds linger until ice-up. Late dates inland:
3 at St. Agatha, 21 Nov 2012 (D. Smith); 2 on L. Josephine, 15
Nov 2006 (WJS); 8 on Sebasticook L., 15 Nov 1978 (PDV); 1 ph. at Windham on 25 Nov 2017 (W. Bunn); and pair at Pittsfield
Wastewater Treatment Plant, 16 Dec 2011 (L. Bevier).
Three American Wigeon banded in ME recovered: hatch-
year female banded in Ft. Fairfield, 11 Aug 1983, shot in QC, Sep
1985; juvenile male banded in Ft. Fairfield, 24 Aug 1981, shot near L. Okeechobee, Glades Co., FL, 30 Nov 1981; hatch-year female banded in Easton, 10 Sep 1981, recaptured at Iroquois NWR,
NY, 24 Sep 1985.
Of 28 American Wigeon banded elsewhere and recovered
in ME, 17 banded in NB, 16 of these banded near Jemseg on St.
John R. in s. cen. NB. W inter :
Rare, but increasing, overwintering along southern
coast and lower reaches of large, ice-free rivers. Multiple
winter records at lower Kennebec R. (Shawmut to Winslow),
Damariscotta Mills, and Back Cove in Portland. Wintering records east of Penobscot Bay same birds year to year. Pair
overwintered at Somesville Mill Pond on Mount Desert I.,
2011–2013, with drake returning following winter 2013–2014 (M. Good, C. Kesselheim, J. Smith, et al.); 1 male seen at that site 4
Dec 2016 (R. MacDonald, eBird). WJS
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos The most abundant duck in North America, now all too common throughout Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. Originally ducks of the prairie states and provinces, Mallards were introduced for hunting in many places, including Maine. Now the most numerous and most heavily hunted duck in North America, Mallards are widely recognized, adaptable, and tolerant of humans. Nonmigratory Mallards inhabit most bodies of water big enough to waddle through and happily exist in many towns and urban parks. There were an 110
estimated 10.5 million Mallards in North America in 2017, an 11.8% increase over the 60-year average (USFWS 2018a). Mallards were not known to breed in Maine until 1949 and have since become a common nesting species throughout the state (Adamus 1987). Resident birds remain on open water inland or move to the coast during winter. The migrating population is widespread and numerous throughout Maine. Migrant numbers steadily increase from mid-February until the first week of April. After a small influx of birds in early August, southbound ducks arrive in several waves from the first week of September to mid-December. In winter, the population is concentrated on the coast and inland south of Orono wherever there is open water. A few hearty birds remain in Aroostook County through this season. Historical Status in Maine: “It is certain that the Mallard never was common in Maine since records began” (Palmer 1949, 76). According to Palmer, Loring shot thousands of game birds in Scarborough from 1842–1854 but listed only seven Mallards among them. Between 1892 and 1903, the Great Pond Club of Cape Elizabeth recounted killing two to three Mallards, and once five birds, per year. Two birds shot on Merrymeeting Bay on 5 Nov 1903 were considered “exceedingly scarce in Maine” (F. Noble, JMOS 6: 16). Palmer noted that the population gradually increased, especially after 1916, when there was a ban on spring hunting. Palmer specifically stated, “rare in summer, with no nests reported,” and, “the few summer records, which appear to be for wild birds, are for Penobscot and Washington Counties,” and noted that ~200 Mallards were raised at a state game reserve and released in ME in May 1940 (Palmer 1949, 75). Mallards were first reported nesting in Eddington, Penobscot Co., 8 May 1949. A second nest was found the following day (Coulter 1954). They are now the most numerous duck species in ME. Global Distribution: In N. Am., breeds from ME and Maritime Provinces across QC and ON south of Hudson Bay to NU, NT, YT, and AK, south to Baja California east across AZ, NM, and TX, to LA, north to SC. Winter range overlaps breeding range along Aleutian Is., se. AK, and from US–Canada border south, into coastal and cen. Mexico, Gulf Coast, and cen. FL. Also breeds in s. Greenland, across Europe and Asia, and n. Africa; introduced in Australia, New Zealand, S. Africa, and S. Am.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Remarks: There is some concern that since American Black Ducks and Mallards hybridize, the growing Mallard population could genetically swamp American Black Ducks. However, in ME (at least), the number of hybrids found in banding data is fewer than 5% (K. Sullivan, MDIFW; pers. com.). S pring :
“. . . migration occurs throughout April and to at
Contemporary numbers markedly higher, all fide eBird: 200,
Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 27 Dec 2017 ( J. Vassallo); 545, Mill Creek Cove, Cumberland Co., 28 Jan 2017 (Merrymeeting
Audubon); 52, Bass Harbor Marsh, ANP, 25 Feb 2016 (M. Good). Birds wintering inland primarily south of Orono, fide eBird: 46, Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, 14 Dec 2017 (G. Hodgkins);
62, ME Lakes Resource Ctr., Bangor, 13 Jan 2016 (L. Parker);
278, Shawmut Dam, Kennebec R., Kennebec Co., 6 Feb 2017 (M.
least May 8” (Palmer 1949, 75). Currently so ubiquitous that
Viens). Winter birds in Aroostook Co., fide eBird: 134, Collins
northern arrivals: 2, Christina Reservoir, Ft. Fairfield, 5 Mar 1990
2016; 77, Caribou sewage lagoons, 16 Feb 2013 (all WJS). First
fide K. Gammons); 3 at Winding Hill Rd., Crystal, Aroostook
in Danforth, Washington Co., Dec 1984–Mar 1985 or later (M.
2015 (O. Morales, eBird). High counts: 7,000 at Abagadasset R.
Isle, from an unknown date in 1990 to 28 Feb 1991 (WJS).
distinguishing between migrants and residents is difficult. Early (M. Trombley); 2, Ft. Kent, week ending 31 Mar 1998 (G. Flagg, Co., 11 Apr 2009 ( J. Getchell, eBird); and 8, Houlton, 15 Apr
mouth in Merrymeeting Bay, 8 Apr 2008, 600 on 16 Apr 2001,
and >350 at same locality, 1 Apr 2004 (all PDV); and 100 on L.
Josephine, week ending 23 Apr 2002 (WJS, fide K. Gammons). S ummer :
Breeds throughout ME, fide eBird: 14 (5 males, 1
Pond, Caribou, 12 Dec 2015; 39, Presque Isle Stream, 1 Jan
recorded northern and Downeast overwintering birds: drake
Gillis); and on Aroostook R. and Presque Isle Stream, Presque
Number of wintering birds declines mid-Jan to mid-Feb before spring arrivals begin and population climbs to spring migration
maximum.
TE
female, and 8 chicks) on Sabattus Pond, Androscoggin Co., 4
Jun 2016 (G. Jarvis); female with 9 chicks, 9 Jun 2014 (L. Parks and M. Good); female with 8 juveniles, Lincolnville Beach,
Waldo Co., 14 Jul 2017 ( J. Wyatt); female with 5 young, Owl’s Head S.P., Knox Co., 18 Jul 2017 ( J. Hutchens). F all :
Migration begins Sep, lingers into mid-Dec, with peaks at
end of Sep, early and mid-Nov, and again mid-Dec. Palmer (1949,
75) wrote, “. . . many Mallards have gathered on Merrymeeting
Bay, the first birds usually arriving about September 1, with last
departing by October 27. Not over 200 have been reported from there for any single day.” Typically in flocks minimum 100, fide
eBird: 38, Stover’s Pt. Preserve, Harpswell, 2 Sep 2013 (M. Fahay);
20, Chickawaukie Pond, Rockland, 30 Sep 2017 (P. Moynahan
and N. Houlihan); 12, Belfast Rail Trail, 8 Oct 2017 (S. Faulkner);
4, Mattanawcook Stream, Lincoln, Penobscot Co., 16 Oct 2014 (B. Way); 50, Sanford Lagoons, 3 Nov 2015 (F. Missud); 18, Nickerson Farm, Lincolnville, Waldo Co., 13 Nov 2011 (M. Viens); 8, Green L. National Fish Hatchery, Ellsworth, 29 Nov 2017 (F. Yost).
Total of 373 banded Mallards recovered in ME, including birds
from MT, ND, MN, WI, and SK, and as far south as NC. Duck banded in Sep 2002 on Castle Rock L., WI, recovered off ME
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
A large dabbling duck of eastern North America
Status in Maine: American Black Ducks are a common breeding species in Maine and are common along the coast in winter. Breeding and winter ranges overlap; many birds move short distances from coastal winter habitat to interior open water to nest. Newly created or reflooded beaver meadows are particularly important habitat inland. Large flocks sometimes mass on the coast on Merrymeeting Bay in spring and fall. Breeding Bird Surveys and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service winter waterfowl surveys show a relatively stable population in Maine, 1966–2015, although eastern North American breeding waterfowl surveys in 2017 recorded an estimated 0.5 million birds, a 12% decline from the 1990–2016 average population (USFWS 2017).
coast near Frenchboro, Oct 2011. Another bird banded near
Leismeister L., ND, Sep 2000, recovered 2 months later, ~1,700
mi. (2,700 km) away near E. Corinth, Penobscot Co., in Nov 2000.
The most numerous dabbling duck in the ME fall harvest with an average annual take of 7,750 birds 2014–2017 (MDIFW data).
W inter :
Winter population concentrates on coast, Mount
Desert I. southwest to Kittery. According to Palmer (1949,
75), “Small numbers occur regularly throughout this season on salt water at points along the coast into Washington County.
The entire population probably does not exceed 100 birds.”
American Black Duck
111
Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer stated that American Black Ducks were common summer residents except on some coastal islands. In winter, he considered them “abundant coastwise,” with some birds year-round residents (Palmer 1949, 77). Palmer also noted that they wintered at Back Cove, Portland, as early as the 1870s but not in numbers until the early 1900s. This reflected an increasing population also shown in hunting records at the time. Additionally, Norton identified a population increase after a 1916 ban on spring hunting that continued to the early 1930s. Severe winters prompted the creation of the “Black Duck Fund,” which was used to buy food for Back Cove’s hungry overwintering birds. Habitat loss and excessive hunter harvest have been implicated in a population decline since the 1950s. Since harvest restrictions were implemented in the U.S. in 1983, midwinter survey counts have stabilized. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from ME, QC, and NL, across ON to n. MB along s. Hudson Bay, south to MN, east to VA. Winters in southern breeding area, MI to coastal ME and NS, south along Atlantic Coast to cen. FL, west along Gulf Coast to LA and AR. S pring :
Some overwintering birds move inland as water
opens; others migrate north staying in ME as late as end of
Apr when local birds already on eggs. Birds wintering to south
include: 7 ducks, female with 6 ducklings, at Oosoola Park,
Norridgewock, 10 Jul 2015 (K. Brown); 10 adults and immatures, Green L. National Fish Hatchery, Ellsworth, 22 Jul 2017 (F.
Yost); 8 juveniles with adult female, 9 Jun 2014, Greenville (L.
Langstaff ); and 2 adult females with 5 chicks each, Down East Sunrise Trail, Machias, 30 Jun 2017 (D. Ely and J. Sender). F all :
Palmer noted an interesting migratory pattern: “Hagar
(1946a: 116, 124) concluded that many spring and fall transients take the direct route over water from Cape Cod to Nova
Scotia and vice versa, thus bypassing Maine” (1949, 77). High
counts on Merrymeeting Bay: 10,000, 16 Nov 1949 (G. Bennet,
BMAS 6: 13); 6,000, 5 Sep 1960 (MFO 5: 96); 3,000, 14 Nov
1972 (Guillemot 1: 31). Ducks banded as far away as n. Labrador, Hudson Bay, and NC recovered in ME. Most birds more
regionally banded and recovered. Bird banded in Jul 1932 in NJ recovered off ME coast in Oct 1953 (USFWS 2018b).
W inter :
Common to abundant in coastal areas and ice-free
sections of rivers. Increasing as an overwintering duck as far
north as n. ME. Trends from USFWS winter surveys as of
2015 show relatively stable wintering populations fluctuating
between 11,000 and 21,000 according to amount of open water
in the survey blocks (fide K.Sullivan, MDIFW). High CBC
counts since 2005: 291 on 2005 Bangor–Bucksport; 362 on 2008 Schoodic Pt.; 882 on 2012 Eastport; 1,122 on 2013 Biddeford–
Kennebunkport.
Six in Fish R., Ft. Kent, week ending 21 Dec 1998 (G. Flagg,
fide K. Gammons); 40 in Houlton, week ending 23 Dec 2003
arrive Mar–Apr. Early inland records: 2 on 8 Mar 1987, Abbot,
(L. Little, fide K. Gammons); and 45 in Presque Isle, 31 Jan 2016
Aroostook Co. (WJS, eBird); 10 on 12 Mar 2016, Caribou
BSP at Pogy Notch (WJS).
Piscataquis Co. (B. Piel); 14 on 16 Mar 2013 at Limestone,
Wastewater Lagoons (WJS, eBird); 4 on 23 Mar 2010, Stacyville,
(WJS). Male observed on 9 and 11 Feb 2003 in mountains of
TE
Penobscot Co. (C. Kesselheim, eBird); 9, Bucknam Bridge,
Minot, Androscoggin Co., 11 Mar 2016 (D. Nickerson, eBird).
High counts: 6,500 at Abagadasset R. mouth, Merrymeeting
Northern Pintail
Bay, 10 Apr 2008 (PDV, eBird); >800 in Bowdoinham, 28 Mar
Anas acuta
(PDV); 2,000, 16 Apr 2001 (PDV), and 600 and 800, 30 Mar
A dapper dabbler
1996 (PDV); >900, Abagadasset R., Bowdoinham, 25 Mar 2000 and 6 Apr 2004 (respectively; both PDV, fide K. Gammons), all
on Merrymeeting Bay. S ummer :
Common breeder along coast in salt marshes and
inland. Palmer stated American Black Ducks commonly nested in forests, often at a distance from fresh water. Saltmarsh
Habitat and Avian Research Program (SHARP) estimated 1,500 individuals breeding on salt marshes in ME, fourth highest in the Northeast, constituting 7% of Northeastern coastal marsh breeding population for this species (Hodgman et al. 2015b).
Early results (2018) from Maine Bird Atlas show confirmation
of breeding throughout the state in a pattern similar to those of
ABBM, 1978–1983. Recent inland breeding records, all fide eBird,
112
Status in Maine: Recorded in all Maine counties, the population of Northern Pintail has remained remarkably stable in the state, where it was and is a rare and local breeder. An uncommon but regular spring and fall migrant statewide, it is also uncommonly found wintering along the coast. It rarely winters inland. Historical Status in Maine: Apparently never common in ME, Northern Pintails have been consistently recorded throughout the state during migration. Knight called them rare migrants in most of ME but listed them as fairly common in
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Cumberland Co. Palmer described the “American Pintail” as an occasional to regular transient, and thought that “a few birds now winter occasionally east of Casco Bay . . .” (1949, 82). Neither author listed the duck as nesting in ME. Global Distribution: Holarctic, circumpolar. Most abundant Arctic-breeding dabbling duck and among N. Am.’s most numerous duck species. Core breeding area western provinces and n. Great Plains; smaller numbers breed in East. Winter concentrations primarily in CA, LA, and Mexico; few birds winter in North. In East, breeds in relatively small numbers in scattered locations along St. Lawrence valley, e. Maritime Provinces, and northward to NL and e. QC. East of Mississippi R., winters primarily in South with hardier individuals sparsely distributed along Eastern Seaboard to New England and Maritime Provinces. Remarks: Northern Pintails are most commonly found in large, open wetland complexes in ME. They generally avoid timbered and brushy wetlands and prefer sheltered, shallow waters with mud or sand bars. Merrymeeting Bay, Scarborough Marsh, and L. Josephine are the best locations to find this species. Often found in association with Mallards and, to a lesser degree, American Black Ducks, they occasionally feed in harvested grain fields (oat and barley stubble), especially if a puddle or watercourse is nearby. Though not specifically sought by waterfowl hunters, Northern Pintail is an uncommon but regular portion of the annual waterfowl harvest in ME. Pintails made up 1.2% of ducks examined by MDIFW from 1948–1957 (Mendall and Spencer 1961). These data were collected primarily at Merrymeeting Bay. Pintails made up a similar percentage in the 1970s but USFWS survey data estimated that they comprised only 0.5% of the 2007 ME duck harvest. Of ME Northern Pintails reported to USFWS Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey, 25% were shot in Sagadahoc Co., the location of Merrymeeting Bay. Cumberland and Kennebec Cos. were also significant sources of records for this hunter survey. More than half of the 37 banded Northern Pintails recovered in ME through 2007 were originally banded in QC or NB. Two recoveries from more distant banding locations: hatch-year female banded in AB, 12 Aug 1967, shot in n. Somerset Co., 12 Oct 1967; and after-hatch-year female banded at Mattamusket NWR, NC, 20 Jan 2004, shot on 6 Oct 2004 in Bowdoin, Sagadahoc Co.
Eleven Northern Pintails banded in ME recovered elsewhere. While most recovered in QC, New England, and Mid-Atlantic states, a few were significantly wider ranging. Notable among these: female banded 22 Sep 1961 near Turner shot on 22 Nov 1964 on LA coast e. of New Orleans. Another female, banded as a hatch-year bird, 21 Sep 1961, in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., was shot near Horicon NWR, WI, 15 Oct 1970. This bird was nine years old when it was recovered and was the longest-lived of banded ME pintails. S pring :
Early migrant waterfowl, movement coincident with
snowmelt. First arrivals usually appear mid-Mar in the south
and early Apr northward. Pair formation begins on wintering
grounds; expectedly, many spring records are for pairs or
groups of pairs. Some early Mar records certainly represent
overwintering birds. Early records thought to be transients: pair shot by E. Spinney in Phippsburg on 5 or 6 Mar 1901 (Palmer
1949); 4 in Damariscotta Mills, 4 Mar 1979 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Spruce Head, Knox Co., 6 Mar 1982 (obs. unk.); 1 on Carvers
Pond, Vinalhaven, 3 Mar 2015 (M. Fahay, eBird).
Peak northward movement earlier than most waterfowl
species in ME. High counts typically last week of Mar–early
Apr, numbers quickly diminish late Apr–early May.
Northern Pintails regularly congregate in spring at
Abagadasset R. mouth on Merrymeeting Bay, Bowdoinham.
Highest counts here >80 (48 males, >32 females) seen on 1 Apr
2004; 80, 8 Apr 2008; 59 on 11 Mar 2016; >55 on 4 Apr 2003 (all PDV); 43 on 10 Mar 2016 (H. Heuer, eBird); 42 males (only
males counted), 18 Mar 1991 (D. Anderson); and 30, 11 Apr 1958
(obs. unk.). Spring season high counts at other ME localities: 55
at Kennebunk Beach, 2 Apr 1966 (obs. unk.); 38 at Scarborough,
8 Apr 1973 (obs. unk.); maximum of 24 at Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, 30 Mar 1985 (S. Weston, A. Curtis); >24 at Scarborough Marsh, 31 Mar 1991 (L. Brinker); and 29 on
Pleasant Pond, Richmond, 10 Apr 2007 (PDV, WJS).
At breeding location near L. Josephine in Easton, 13 Northern
Pintails seen 30 Apr 2003 (WJS), a notable high count.
Later records for spring migrants in south: 9 May 1945, (H.
Mendall); >20 on Merrymeeting Bay, 23 Apr 1962 (obs. unk.);
and 1 drake, Collins Pond, N. Windham, Cumberland Co., on
17–18 Apr 2008 ( J. Scher). Later migrants away from nesting
sites in n. ME: drake at Frenchville, Aroostook Co., on 15 May
1994 (WJS); 2 in Masardis, Aroostook Co., on 3 May 1973 (obs. unk.); a pair at Barren L., Caribou, 30 Apr 2004 (WJS); and 5
males and 2 females with >300 other ducks, Grand I., 26 Apr
2007 (WJS). S ummer :
Rare breeder at single location: nests occasionally in
large wetland complex near L. Josephine. First breeding record: female with 6 young discovered 23 Jul 1991 by WJS and N.
Bagley. Confirmed following day by R. Hoppe (MBN 5[2]: 16).
113
Birds of Maine
Two broods, females with 9 and 4 young, seen at this location
(PDV), an unusually large wintering group. C. Bartlett noted few
number of birds as 17, describes locality as “Fort Fairfield” and
Co., winters 2006–2010. Bartlett found them “often hanging with
11 Jul 1993 (WJS). Record cited in AB 47: 1089 erroneously lists
“where last year’s first Maine nesting record for N. Pintail was
pairs overwintering annually in Eastport and Perry, Washington
Mallards wherever fresh water trickles over mud flats.” Recent
obtained.” Though young not seen at this location since, a pair
Washington Co. winter records, fide eBird: 1–2 on Half Moon Cove,
pair on L. Josephine, 21 Jun 2008 (WJS, eBird); 1 on Christina
Place Cove, Eastport, 20–21 Jan and 15 Feb 2017 (all C. Bartlett); 6
seen here 21 Jun 2008 (WJS). Recent summer observations:
Reservoir, 25 Jun 2016 (N. Houlihan, eBird); and 1 on Ship I., Hancock Co., intermittently 3–15 Jun 2015 (M. Baran, eBird).
17–18 Dec 2015; 1 on Boyden’s L., Perry, 20 Dec 2014; 2 at Carrying on marsh near Machiasport, 10 Jan 2015 (L. Seward). WJS
Single males in mid-Jun at Palmyra, Somerset Co., and
Brownfield Bog during field efforts of ABBM, 1978–1983
(Adamus 1987). However, evidence of breeding never detected
Green-winged Teal
during this time and atlas lists Northern Pintail among
Anas crecca
midsummer records listed in Palmer.
Maine’s smallest dabbling duck
“. . . species never documented breeding in Maine.” Three Northern Pintails also early southbound migrants and
vanguard regularly appears mid- to late Aug. Earliest records
of transient birds: 1 immature at Weskeag Marsh, 13 Aug 1992
(D. Reimer); 2 molting from eclipse plumage, Mars Hill, 24 Aug
2003 (WJS); and 3 in Durham, Androscoggin Co., 28 Aug 1970 (obs. unk.); 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 20 Aug 2012 (C. Caron,
eBird); and 3 at Simpson’s Pt. Landing, Brunswick, 22 Aug 2017
(G. Smith, eBird). F all :
Among earliest southbound migrants appearing by
late summer. In contrast to spring movement, fall migration
extended affair with migrants moving late Aug–late Nov. In
addition to Aug records listed previously, earliest fall record for s.
ME, 2 females in Back Cove, Portland, 2 Sep 1984 (R. Eakin).
Peak numbers typically mid–late Sep. Larger fall migration
groups: >15 on Merrymeeting Bay, 20 Sep 1959 (obs. unk.); 17 at
Sabattus Pond, 21 Sep 1960 (MFO 5: 96); >12 in Scarborough, 21 Sep 1962 (obs. unk.); and 36 on Merrymeeting Bay, 26 Sep 1970
(obs. unk.). More recent groups, all fide eBird: 27 at Green Pt.
WMA, Dresden, 24 Sep 2008 (M. Fahay); 16 at Camp Ellis jetty,
York Co., 20 Sep 2008 (M. Iliff ); 14 at Eastern Rd., Scarborough Marsh, 20 Sep 2017 (L. Fuller, G. Butcher, L. Blutstein); 7, Sanford Lagoons, 27 Sep 2013 (D. Rankin).
W inter :
Uncommon, but regular wintering duck along entire
coast. Rarely found inland from tidal waters in winter.
Status in Maine: Found throughout the year, Green-winged Teal regularly breed in the state and are common and locally abundant spring and fall migrants. They sometimes linger into early winter and occasionally overwinter. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported Greenwinged Teal as common in spring and even more numerous in fall migration. He reported occasional summer residents but only surmised breeding in Penobscot, Hancock, and Washington Cos. He found only two winter records. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Three subspecies worldwide, A. c. carolinensis treated here. Greenwinged Teal breed across n. N. Am. to tree line. Breeds throughout ME and Maritime Provinces; locally in VT, NH, and more commonly in MA; locally through s. Great Ls.; and south to NJ on Atlantic Seaboard. Southern breeding range n. CA and NV east to northernmost NM, and north through NE and IA. Winters in s. U.S. and Mexico south of breeding areas, Pacific Coast north occasionally to AK. In east, winters north to CT and MA, depending on seasonal severity.
First winter record: 15 Feb 1912 at Falmouth and Portland
(Norton 1912). Norton also noted increasing numbers
overwintering in Back Cove, Portland, starting 1927–1928. By
1930–1931, 85 on 1 Dec 1930 and “about 50” on 18 Jan 1931. By
mid-1950s, wintering numbers dwindled to ~10; single digits
seen at this location recently. Species recorded on almost every
coastal CBC but not annual on any individual count. Most
CBC records for singles or pairs. Highest counts regularly on
Freeport–Brunswick CBC with 48 birds on 2002 and 2003 counts. Drakes decidedly more common winterers in ME.
Twenty Northern Pintails behind Popham Beach on 21 Jan 2006
114
Green-winged Teal
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Remarks: Most migratory flights are made at night. Species will travel in large flocks up to several hundred ducks. ME’s smallest dabbling duck prefers shallow water and exposed mud for feeding. Best locations for observing large numbers in ME include larger tidal marshes such as Scarborough and Weskeag Marshes, and Merrymeeting Bay near the Abagadasset R. mouth, as well as lakes drawn down in fall such as Cobbosseecontee and Sebasticook Ls. Green-winged Teal are an important duck in ME’s waterfowl harvest when the species’ status is good and open season overlaps the early migration. Two-hundred and eleven Green-winged Teal banded in ME were recovered: 98 locally, remainder (113) encountered out of state. Of 412 banded birds recovered in ME by 2007, over 75% (313) banded out of state (USGS). Most banded in e. Canadian provinces: QC (138), NL (37), NB (26), NS (16), and PEI (11). Seventy-four Green-winged Teal recovered in ME banded at favored wintering areas in Mid-Atlantic states (VA, NC, and SC). Recovery locations most distant from ME include LA (6) and FL (10). Green-winged Teal show little wintering site fidelity (homing) and males, in particular, may wander widely between breeding seasons. Adult male teal banded in Easton, Aroostook Co., on 5 Aug 1979 was recovered in AR on 18 Nov 1979. Hatch-year male banded at Petit Manan Pt. on 29 Sep 1989 was shot 8 years later in sw. MB. Adult drake Green-winged Teal, banded at Agassiz NWR in Marshall Co., MN, on 25 Sep 2005, was recaptured and released by MDIFW waterfowl biologists in Easton on 12 Sep 2007. S pring :
First arrives in s. coastal ME early to mid-Mar;
highest numbers pass through in early Apr. Species common in coastal areas early Apr to mid-May. Moves inland with
spring thaw and as open water becomes available. Green-wings
typically appear in n. ME by third week of Apr.
Records for early coastal arrivals: 2 in Milbridge, 5 Mar
1984 (N. Famous); 3 males at Scarborough Marsh, 5 Mar 2000 (R. Eakin); and unreported number at Scarborough Marsh, 4
Mar 2004 (G. Carson). Earliest arrivals inland: 1 in Winthrop,
Though difficult to separate from locally breeding birds, latest
migrants linger through late May in n. ME. S ummer :
Nesting recorded in all counties except
Androscoggin. Green-winged Teal first documented breeding in ME in 1940s with breeding population in ME increasing
since. Date of first confirmed breeding is matter of confusion
in literature. Breeding first confirmed when 1 of a brood of 6 juvenile Green-winged Teal was collected on 25 Jul 1940 on
Dead Stream in Twp. 33 (now Great Pond) in Hancock Co.
(Mendall and Gashwiler 1941). However, it wasn’t until 1947 that a Green-winged Teal nest was discovered in ME at Moosehorn
NWR (presumably in Baring or Calais). Palmer cited Mendall
and listed the nest discovery date as 18 Jun 1947. Smith (BMAS)
noted the nest was first discovered by a game warden and refuge staff member on 16 Jun 1947.
F all :
Postbreeding dispersal and movement of local birds away
from natal locales occurs in early Aug. First migrants arrive
in n. ME by last days of Aug and in coastal areas by second
week of Sep. Numbers build rapidly through early autumn; peak abundance early Oct–early Nov from north to south.
Teal congregate in large numbers in localities with plentiful food during fall and particularly favor spots with extensive
areas of muddy shoreline. High counts number in hundreds:
140 at Cobbosseecontee L. in E. Monmouth on 2 Nov 1982
(PDV); 200 or more at Pine Pt., 5 Oct 1991 (L. Brinker); 200 at
Sebasticook L. in Newport, 10 Oct 1999 (D. Mairs); and >400 at Sherman Marsh, Newcastle, 9 Nov 2005 (PDV).
May travel offshore over open ocean during migration. Three
ducks >20 mi. offshore at Mount Desert Rock, 19 Sep 1999 (L.
Brinker et al.). Another individual at same location on 3 Oct
2006 (C. Whitney et al.).
Local flocks disappear overnight at inland locations as
preferred shallow water sites freeze. Most Green-winged Teal
depart northern portions of the state by late Nov. Latest record for n. ME: 2 on L. Josephine on 24 Nov 2003 (WJS).
Commonly hunted in fall and represented ~10% of all ducks
taken by hunters in 2007 ME hunting season. W inter :
Small numbers linger into early winter in ME,
increasingly in recent years. As of 2007, species found on 22
CBCs. Though some found inland near ice-free locations along
large rivers, most Green-winged Teal tallied on coastal CBCs in tidal waters.
Drake Green-winged Teal linger later into winter than
Kennebec Co., week ending 9 Mar 2004 (N. Famous) and pair
females. Two males wintered at Reid S.P. in Georgetown from
Species congregates in large flocks at preferred locations in
W. Elm St., Yarmouth, week ending 19 Jan 1999–week ending
in Mars Hill, 19 Mar 2010 (WJS).
spring. High counts: 300 in Scarborough Marsh off Eastern Rd.,
15 Apr 1997 (G. Carson); 150 on Abagadasset R., Merrymeeting
Bay, Bowdoinham, 16 Apr 2001 (PDV); and 310 on L. Josephine,
30 Apr 2002 (WJS).
Dec 1952–Mar 1953 (BMAS 9: 39–40). One male seen by m.ob. at
23 Feb (L. Woodard). Another male wintered inland at Fairfield, Somerset Co., 1988–1989 (W. and B. Sumner). WJS
115
Birds of Maine
“ E U RA SIA N ” G RE E N- WING E D T E A L (AN AS CRECCA CRECCA) Currently treated as a subspecies of the Green-winged
1 at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 28 Mar–22 Apr (M. Fahay,
rare but regular visitor to ME. The breeding range extends
at Shawmut Dam, Kennebec R., Kennebec Co., 10 Apr (L.
Teal by the AOS, the “Eurasian” Green-winged Teal is a
from northern Asia west through Europe and the United Kingdom to Iceland. Palmer listed only three records for
the state but the form has since been recorded in the state
PDV); 1 at Boom Rd., Saco, 5–13 Apr (D. Rankin et al.); 1 Bevier); and 1 very late on L. Josephine, 19 May (WJS, J. Saucier, R. Waikar).
Notable record for w. ME: 1 drake observed with 3 pairs
more than 30 times. Almost all known records occurred in
of “American” Green-winged Teal near the mouth of Meadow
flocks of “American” Green-winged Teal, which are typically
Johnson, DWF, and D. Green).
spring, primarily around ice-out and in association with migrating into the area at that time.
Though morphologically very similar to the North
American form, males are distinguished by a horizontal
white stripe along the scapulars, between the gray flanks and the back, and the lack of the vertical white line observed
Brook, Aziscohos L., Parkertown Twp., 21–27 Apr 2012 (A. Latest records in s. ME: 1 drake ph. at Wells Beach on
17 May 2017 (C. Kesselheim) and 1 at Scarborough Marsh,
lingering until 23 Jun 2010 (D. Lovitch, M. Fahay). Latest in north 19 May as noted above.
One winter record: 1 in Green Cove, North Brooksville,
on drakes of the native subspecies. Females are nearly
Hancock Co., 28 Dec 1971 (E. Thompson).
reported in the state.
winged Teal have been recorded in ME: 1 at Abagadasset
The subspecies was particularly widespread in 2013: up to 3
Pt., Dresden, 10 Apr 2011 (PDV); 1 at Abagadasset R., 20
indistinguishable in the field and, expectedly, have not been Most records from late Mar through the middle of Apr.
at Abagadasset R., Bowdoinham, 20 Mar–20 Apr (S. Walsh, PDV, et al.); 1 at Wharton Pt., Brunswick, 20 Mar (G.
Smith); 1 at Orrington, Penobscot Co., 27 Mar ( J. Smith);
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
A large diving duck, rare but widespread during migration
Status in Maine: Rare but regular during fall, winter, and spring along the coast of Maine west of Penobscot Bay, Canvasbacks prefer shallow bays and estuaries. While rare inland and Downeast, Canvasback records from 12 of the 16 Maine counties indicate it is relatively widespread in migration. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Canvasbacks as rare in fall, recorded only once in spring near Calais, and once in winter at Back Cove, Portland. Further, he noted in 1949 that there were no records at all since 1942 when 25 were seen on the St. Croix R. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Widely distributed in West during nesting season. Core breeding area AB and SK in w. and cen. Canada, extending north to AK, YT, and NWT, and southward into U.S. prairie pothole regions. Widely scattered in WA, OR, and nw. CA, south through n. NV, UT, and into cen. CO. 116
Intergrades of the “Eurasian” and “American” Green-
R., Bowdoinham, 4 Apr 2011 (D. Lovitch et al.); 1 at Green Apr 2013 (PDV); 1 on L. Josephine, 6 May 2014 (WJS); and another at Abagadasset R., 17 Mar 2016 (PDV, WJS).
Irregular breeding records from Central Valley, CA; Bosque del Apache NWR, NM; Cheyenne Bottoms NWR, KS; and east to se. MI along L. Erie and Montezuma NWR in cen. upstate NY. Winters along both coasts and throughout Mississippi R. basin. Concentrations in Puget Sound, WA, and San Francisco Bay, CA. On Atlantic Coast, winters from MA to FL, concentrating in Chesapeake Bay and coastal NC in Currituck and Pamlico Sounds. S pring :
Palmer reported 1 spring record for ME. Since 1940s,
50 or more spring records, majority from Cumberland Co. in
Portland and Scarborough areas. High number of records may be due to number of active birders in this area. Notable spring
records elsewhere: 1 female on Merrymeeting Bay, 4 Apr 1957
(obs. unk.); 1 in Boothbay Harbor, 18 Mar 1977 (obs. unk.); 1
drake at Frankfort Marsh near Penobscot R., Waldo Co., 9–21
Mar 1979 (G. Freese); 1 in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 8 Apr 1984
(P. Adamus); 3 males, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, 10–14 Mar
2008 (fide E. Hynes); 1 male, Meadow Dam, Sedgeunkedunk Stream, Orrington, Penobscot Co., 25 Mar–7 Apr 2008 ( J.
Smith); 1 on Royal R., Yarmouth, 11–12 Mar 2010 (m.ob., eBird);
1, Scarborough Marsh, 2 Mar 2012 ( J. Stevens, eBird); 1–2
Presumpscot R., Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 18–29 Mar 2014
(m.ob., eBird); and unknown number at Fortunes Rocks Beach,
York Co., 20 Mar 2017 (D. Lovitch).
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Most records 1–2 birds, some larger groups reported: 12 in
Scarborough, 6 Apr 1977 (obs. unk.); 6 (5 males, 1 female), Royal
R., Yarmouth, 14–22 Mar 2008 (M. Cempa); and 6, Presumpscot R. estuary, 4 Mar 2013 (C. Homer, eBird).
Most spring records within 6-week period Mar–early Apr.
Earlier records probably represent overwintering birds rather
than migrants. Dates correspond with peak departure periods
from wintering areas on upper and Mid–Atlantic Coast. In 1977
and 2008, Canvasbacks appeared in unusually large numbers in
ME in spring. F all :
Less frequently encountered in fall than spring. Only 21
autumn records since 1940s. Most occurrences in late fall, last
half of Oct–Nov. Inland fall records: 3 on Merrymeeting Bay,
22 Oct 1972 (obs. unk.); 3 on Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth,
Nov 1979 (obs. unk.); male inland at Sebasticook L., Newport, 5 Nov 1988 (W. and B. Sumner, AB 43: 62); female in Smithfield,
Somerset Co., 6 Nov 1996 (W. Sumner); 1, Sabattus Pond, 12–26
Oct 2014 (N. Gibb, eBird); 1, Unity Pond, 23 Oct 2014 (T. Aversa, eBird); and 1 on Trafton L., Aroostook Co., 19 and 22 Nov 2016
(WJS).
Due to scarcity, Canvasbacks not specifically sought by
waterfowl hunters in ME and records show few taken. Eleven
Canvasbacks examined during MDIFW hunter bag checks,
1948–1957 (Mendall and Spencer 1961). One shot on Kennebec
R., 29 Oct 1920, by E. Brooks now specimen in Museum of
Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, MA (MCZ #291383).
Another, a female, shot on Bagaduce R., Castine or Brooksville, Hancock Co., 26 Nov 1948 (Dr. Brawn), now at ME State Museum, Augusta (skin #517).
One banded Canvasback recovered in state, an adult male
shot near Skowhegan, 14 Nov 1983, banded in upper Chesapeake
Bay on Gibson I., MD, 22 Dec 1981 (USGS). W inter :
Rare, occasionally winters along coast and ice-free
lower reaches of major rivers. Sixteen Canvasbacks found on
12 ME CBCs 1949–2007 and 1 bird on 3 CBCs 2008–2016. Most at coastal locations, 1 inland on Androscoggin R. at
Lewiston-Auburn CBC in 1982 and another on Kennebec R. on
Waterville CBC in 1997. Records of apparently overwintering
birds: 1 female in Portland, 6 Dec 1956–13 Jan 1957 (MFO 2: 5),
male joined the female and both remained to 31 Jan 1957 (MFO
2: 15), male present through Feb 1957; 3 drakes in Damariscotta, through winter 1976–1977 (B. Thompson); and 1 male at Back
Cove, Portland, 11 Jan–4 Feb 2001 (D. Tucker, m.ob.). Inland
winter records: 1 bird on Christina Reservoir, 5 and 7 Dec, and
L. Josephine, 7 and 9 Dec 2011 (WJS and D. Hitchcox, eBird); 1,
Redhead
Aythya americana A rare migrant from the prairie potholes region
Status in Maine: Rare and irregular migrants in the spring and fall, Redheads have become more regular in recent years. This species may be more common in flight years and was recently confirmed breeding in northern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the Redhead as a rare and irregular fall transient with only one spring record. He noted that a decade passed without a Redhead record. He also cited possible evidence of breeding at L. Umbagog in 1867 and breeding near Calais in 1871 and 1903, but it is unclear if the actual location was ME or NB. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds primarily in the prairie pothole regions of s. Canada and n. U.S. Disjunct breeding populations east through Great Ls. and along St. Lawrence R. to s. QC. On irregular occasions, Redheads documented nesting in NB, PEI, and w. NS. Species winters throughout most of s. U.S., with areas of concentration along Gulf Coast. Wintering Redheads found in numbers along Atlantic Coast north to Long I., NY, and Nantucket I., MA. Remarks: An early record of a Redhead shot in Levant, Penobscot Co., 26 Oct 1896, was listed in Knight but the record apparently applies to a Canvasback. Palmer correctly attributed the record to Canvasback but did not note the error by Knight. Palmer described 1905 as a flight year in which unusual numbers were present in Oct and Nov on Merrymeeting Bay and at Portland. Fall 2005 was also apparently a period of unusual abundance for Redheads in ME. Redheads are nest parasites; females will lay eggs in the nests of other species of waterfowl. Redhead juveniles found in broods of Ring-necked Ducks in Easton, Aroostook Co., in 2010–2011. S pring :
Spring records well distributed throughout late
Sebasticook L., 5–20 Dec 2015 (m.ob., eBird)
Mar-–late May. Later records from n. and e. ME where this
Highest winter count: 5 males at Back Cove, Portland, 3–4 Jan
Feb 2006 (P. Sanborn, AB 60: 204) and 1 in Popham, 21 Feb 1960
WJS
overwintering birds.
As in other seasons, most winter records singles and pairs.
1991 (M. Thompson, R. Roy, K. Gammons).
species may breed. Nine Redheads at Scarborough Marsh, 26
(MFO 5: 19), appear to be exceptionally early arrivals rather than
117
Birds of Maine
High count of 12 Redheads observed on L. Josephine, 11
May 2004 (WJS). Two drakes and a hen lingered at this
location through 1 Jun 2004. Nine Redheads at Jones Creek,
Scarborough, 26–27 Feb 2006, with 8 lingering through at least
8 Mar and 1 until 1 Apr 2006 (NAB 60: 204). Most other spring records are of single birds or groups of 2 or 3.
Most spring records within a few mi. of coast. In addition
to Easton residents, inland records include 1 female at New
Sharon, Franklin Co., 26–29 Apr 1994 (W. Sumner); 1 drake at Madawaska L., T15 R6 WELS, 25 May 2004 (WJS); 1 at
Shawmut Dam, Kennebec R., Kennebec Co., on 11 Apr 2012 (H.
Wilson, eBird); and 1–8 birds intermittently on L. Josephine, 27
Apr–30 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird). S ummer :
Pairs of Redheads seen in Easton during summer
and suspected to nest since 2004; breeding not confirmed until
2008 (WJS). Female with 13 young ph. on 26 Jul 2008 in a small Easton pond. Twelve on L. Josephine, including “one female
with 6 very yellowish ducklings in small pond just south of lake,”
31 Jul 2013 ( J. Smith and J. Wyatt, eBird). Breeding has occurred here annually since, with records of 1–12 ducks on L. Josephine in Jun–Jul. F all :
Most recent records from apparent flight year in 2005.
Palmer noted most autumn Redhead records in ME occurred
mid-Sep to end of Oct with exceptionally late records in early
Nov. Most observations since then fall within this period but
Ring-necked Ducks may be found in flocks of more than 200. This species is a rare wintering duck on ice-free waters in southern coastal Maine. Historical Status: The Ring-necked Duck was a rarity in ME prior to 1920. Palmer (1949, 97) wrote, “. . . we have a picture of rare occurrence which, from the literature, appears to have been due to an actual scarcity of the species rather than to lack of competent observers.” Noble (1905) cautioned hunters seeking ring-necks, “As this is one of our rarest Ducks (in the Merrymeeting Bay area) gunners shooting Bluebills [Greater Scaup] should examine all drakes with great care.” The Ring-necked Duck’s breeding history in ME is less clear. G. Boardman indicated that the first confirmed breeding was in 1870 (Palmer 1949), reporting collection of “the old and chicks” along the St. Croix R. upstream of Calais. Boardman knew of no other breeding in New England. He later collected three sets of eggs in May 1874 and another in May 1876 from the Calais area, possibly in St. Stephen, NB, The species evidently nested along the ME border in proximity to what is now Moosehorn NWR’s Baring Unit, where Ring-necked Ducks now nest regularly.
observations as late as third week of Nov appearing more
frequently in recent years. Recent records, fide eBird: 7 on
Christina Reservoir, 22 Sep 2015 (WJS); 2 at Witch Hole
Pond, ANP, 27 Oct 2014 (R. MacDonald); 2 on Sabattus
Pond, intermittently 24–30 Oct 2015 (m.ob.); and 5 on Peaks I., Portland,, 27 Nov 2105 (M. LaCombe). W inter :
Four CBC records from Machias and Mount Desert
I. Recent late reports, fide eBird: 1 on Bridge St., Mars Hill, 9
Dec 2011 (D. Hitchcox); 1–2 on Sebasticook L., 11–12 Dec 2011 ( J. Mays et al., eBird); 1 at Mechanic St. Dam in Camden,
intermittently 22 Jan–21 Feb 2016 (m.ob.). Redhead does not
appear to overwinter in ME. WJS
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Once a rarity in the state, now a common breeder and migrant, and increasingly wintering
Status in Maine: The Ring-necked Duck commonly breeds in both northern and eastern Maine and is most abundant in the latter. It also nests locally in the state’s southernmost regions. Common in migration, 118
Not documented breeding in ME again until 6 Aug 1936 when Swanson and F. Uhler of the U.S. Biological Survey observed a female and brood at Grassy Pond in what is now BSP. On 17 Aug, H. Mendall, C. Aldous, and local game warden F.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Ring-necked Ducks
Roberts collected two young (Swanson 1937). That same summer Palmer, then a student at UMaine, Orono, observed a pair on Stillwater R. in Old Town, Penobscot Co. The following summer, the species was confirmed breeding at three lakes in Aroostook Co. (Eagle and Mud Ls., and Portage L., where 53 individuals were seen), and one in Crawford, Washington Co. (Mendall 1938). There are few winter records. Palmer cited one bird in Scarborough, Dec 1938, and there were occasional reports from s. ME and NH during Jan USFWS waterfowl inventories (Mendall 1958). Winter records are currently more common. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NL, Maritime Provinces, ME, and ne. NH south to Adirondack Mtns., west to n. MI, all but southernmost MN, n. and e. ND, west to se. AK. In West, breeds ne. WA to se. ID, nw. WY, nw. MT, and w. CO, locally south to ne. CA, ne. NV, and e. cen. AZ. Uncommon breeding records in PA and MA. Winters on Atlantic Coast north to s. New England. In West, winters from s. BC south to s. Mexico, Costa Rica, and throughout Caribbean. S pring :
Movement inland occurs as favored shallow ponds
and wetlands become ice-free. Peaks in Apr, as described by
Palmer, who noted earliest arrivals latter half of Mar; more
recent data show first birds arrive in s. ME early Mar and in n. ME by first week of Apr. Mendall noted earliest arrivals
typically singles or pairs, and vanguard of flocks typically smaller
courting groups with multiple pairs and numbers of males.
Earliest arrivals s. ME: 4 at Brandy Pond, Naples, Cumberland Co., 16 Feb 2013 (M. Jewett); 12 at Salt Bay, Damariscotta, 4
Mar 2000 (H. Wilson et al.); 7 in Woolwich, week ending 5
Mar 2002 ( J. Frank, fide K. Gammons); 1 male at Back Cove,
Portland, 7 Mar 1976 (R. Eakin); and 1 male on Presumpscot R.,
Falmouth, 8 Mar 2004 (L. Seitz). Earliest northern arrivals: 2
Apr 2002 on Puddledock Pond, Ft. Fairfield, and pair on 7 Apr
2004 at Mars Hill (both WJS). Unpaired birds, primarily males, comprise majority of peak migration flocks during second week
of Apr in s. and cen. ME and fourth week of Apr in north. Flock size uncommonly >150 birds at favored spring stopovers. High
counts: >900, Abagadasset R., Bowdoinham, 13 Apr 2005 (PDV);
450, L. Josephine, 30 Apr 2002 (WJS); 325, Messalonskee L.,
Belgrade, 10 Apr 2017 (L. Parker); 300, Palmyra, Somerset Co.,
23 Apr 1989 ( J. Hinds, AB 43: 449); 300, Corinna, Penobscot
Co., 30 Mar 2016 (L. Zamfirescu); 170, Cobbosseecontee L.,
Monmouth, 12 Apr 1984 (PDV). Latest migrants typically pairs. Movement ends early May in s. ME and mid-May in n. Me.
Stragglers linger into early Jun: pair at Stratton I. through mid-
Jun 2011 (S. Walsh). S ummer :
Breeds regularly in n. and e. ME, uncommonly in
s. cen. ME. Prefers shallow wetlands with plentiful emergent
vegetation and stable water levels. ME WMA water control
structures provide ideal nesting habitat. Confirmed nesting in
11 counties (Adamus 1987). Rarely breeds south of n. Penobscot Bay and n. Kennebec and cen. Oxford Cos. Nesting initiated later than other waterfowl, postponing egg laying until late
May–early Jun. Early broods appear last days of Jun–first week
Jul, most hatch mid-Jul to mid-Aug. Six broods (10, 9, 8, 6, 6,
and 5 ducklings) seen on L. Josephine on 11 Jul 2011 (WJS). Hen
with unusually large brood of 17 young (including one Redhead
duckling) observed on 6 Jul 2010, L. Josephine (WJS), indicates creches occasionally form. Redhead chick observed in early Jul
2010 remained with brood through at least 13 Aug. Redheads
are known to parasitize Ring-necked Duck nests when species
occur together, and Redhead young have been observed in
ring-necked broods on other occasions. Postbreeding assemblies
occur in n. ME. Christina Reservoir in Ft. Fairfield annually
119
Birds of Maine
hosts flock of 500 or more molting adult males and nonbreeders,
late Jul to mid-Sep. High counts: 156 on Chapman Pond,
Aroostook NWR, Limestone, Aroostook Co., 15 Sep 2017; 400, L. Josephine, 26 Jul 2008; and exceptionally low water in 2012 concentrated waterfowl on Christina Reservoir where 1,600 ducks recorded on 1 Aug 2012 (all WJS, eBird). F all :
Peak migration last week of Oct to mid-Nov. Peak
counts: 700, Cobboseecontee L., 9 Nov 2006 (PDV); 453,
Sanford Lagoons, 31 Oct 2006 (M. Iliff ); 250, Corinna Stream
impoundment, Corinna, 29 Oct 2017 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird);
180, Center Pond, Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 30 Oct 1982 (PDV);
118, Hamilton Pond, Bar Harbor, 28 Oct 2011 (M. Good); and 53, Pennamaquan R., Pembroke, Washington Co., 16 Nov 2017 (W. Gillies, eBird).
Most migrants gone by late Nov; stragglers through Dec
depending on ice-up. In north, most Ring-necked Ducks depart by early Nov, latest birds linger into early Dec. Latest record:
drake on L. Josephine until 6 Dec 2009 (WJS, eBird). In cen.
ME and Downeast, late migrants: 23 on Hamilton Pond, Bar
Harbor, 2 Dec 2016 (R. MacDonald); pair on Sebasticook L., 12
Dec 2015 (S. Benz); 7 on Somesville Pond outlet, Mount Desert
I., 16 Dec 2014 ( J. Smith, J. Wyatt); and 12, Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, 17 Dec 1983 (PDV).
W inter :
Small numbers regularly winter along s. ME
coast and rarely at ice-free inland locations. Ring-necked
Ducks overwintered near dams at Megunticook R., Camden; Damariscotta fish ladder, Nobleboro; Kennebec R., Winslow, Kennebec Co.; Presumpscot R. in Westbrook, Cumberland
Co., and lower Saco R. Some exceptional winter records: 10
on Narramissic R., Orland, Hancock Co., 27 Feb 2017 (C.
Kesselheim, m.ob.; eBird); drake at Somesville Mill Pond
continuing to ~9 Jan 2009 (C. Kesselheim); and in Washington Co., a drake in Princeton, 2 Feb 1978 (PDV), and 1 on
Pennamaquan R., 23 Feb 2018 (S. Cline, eBird). WJS
Tufted Duck
Global Distribution: Palearctic. The Tufted Duck is a rare vagrant in N. Am.; present mostly as a wintering species. It is regularly seen in AK but increasingly uncommon southward along the West Coast. Although rare along the n. Atlantic coast, there are 21 records from QC and the species is seen with regularity in NFLD. Breeding range is distributed across Eurasia from Iceland and the British Isles east to Kamchatka Peninsula. Initially expanded into the British Isles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the species is now an established breeder there. Winters regularly in the Mediterranean Sea east to s. Asia including Thailand and the Philippine Is. Remarks: Tufted Ducks are most commonly found on mid-sized lakes and ponds with abundant mollusk populations and typically in association with native divers, scaup, and Ring-necked Ducks. Will remain until freeze-up. Individuals are known to return to favored wintering locales from year to year. Apparent sex bias towards records of males in ME is probably due to difficulty in distinguishing female Tufted Ducks from female scaup rather than a true difference in sex ratios. A Tufted Duck at Sabattus Pond was observed eating Chinese Mystery Snails (Bellamya chinensis), an abundant invasive species. These snails are likely a common food source for Tufted Ducks in their native Asian wintering sites. The rapid spread of Tufted Ducks into Great Britain is attributed, in part, to the introduction and colonization of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) there in the early 1800s. This invasive mollusk is preferred food for Tufted Ducks in Europe and Asia. Zebra Mussels have not yet been found in ME, but clearly, Tufted Ducks are using other invasive mollusks here. Two spring records, both accepted by ME-BRC, 1
Aythya fuligula
S pring :
A small diving duck with golden eyes and a thin crest
(M. Fahay, ph.) and Sabattus Pond, 31 Mar 2016 (R. Speirs, D.
bird each, fide eBird: Abagadasset R., Bowdoinham, 6 Apr 2014
Smith, ph.).
Status in Maine: A casual recent addition to Maine’s avifauna, the Tufted Duck was first recorded in 1996. There are eight records totaling nine birds, all male: most on the Midcoast in late fall or winter, and two recent spring records.
Rockland, 24 Nov–19 Dec 1998 (NAB 53: 31 and 144); 1 male
Historical Status in Maine: Tufted Ducks were unknown in ME prior to 1996.
1999 (W. Townsend, NAB 54: 27, Guillemot 29[6]: 59). One male,
120
F all :
Two males and 1 possible female at Chickawaukie Pond,
at Mace’s Pond, Rockport, 13–20 Nov 1999 (M. Andrews, P.
McGowan, NAB 54: 27, Guillemot 29[6]: 59); an apparent adult molting into eclipse at Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 14 Nov–4 Dec Sabattus Pond, 12–30 Nov 2009 (M. Fahay, ph.).
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae W inter :
One male on 24–30 Dec 1996 (D. Reimer, MFN
51: 728) and 1 male in company of 4 Ring-necked Ducks,
Presumpscot R., Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 3 Jan–14 Mar
2009 (F. Paul et al.). WJS
Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
A circumpolar diving duck
Status in Maine: Greater Scaup are an uncommon spring and fall migrant in Maine but a regular, local winterer in sheltered shallow bays along the coast. An occasional visitor in summer, all Maine counties, with the exception of Franklin, have records for Greater Scaup. Palmer (1949, 100) remarked that this species has “. . . decreased markedly as a wintering bird in the past 30 years” (1920–1940s). This decline continues to the present. CBC data show winter Greater Scaup numbers in ME have declined significantly since the 1960s.
Remarks: Greater Scaup regularly found with Lesser Scaup at inland locations during migration; the two species are easily confused. Lessers are rarely found on salt water in ME and wintering scaup flocks along coast are almost entirely Greater Scaup. Overall, Greater Scaup migrate earlier in spring and arrive later in fall than lessers. One of two band recoveries for Greater Scaup in ME was from a second-year female banded in Barnegat Bay, Ocean Co., NJ, on 18 Jan 1969. The duck was shot on Sebago L., Casco, 18 Oct 1969. Another banded after-hatch-year female was recovered after being preyed upon by another bird at Monhegan I., 7 Apr 1978. This individual was banded near Calvert Cliffs S.P. on Chesapeake Bay, MD, 31 Jan 1973. S pring :
Early spring migrants. Peak numbers found along
coast in late Mar, most departing by mid-Apr. Late season
migrants found inland and stragglers occasionally linger into late May inland and at favored coastal wintering locations.
Congregations of several hundred birds typically found near
overwintering areas. As ice conditions allow, large flocks
occasionally found in lower, ice-free reaches of major rivers.
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Species departs en masse for Arctic breeding grounds; paucity of
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Greater Scaup as a “numerous to abundant” winter resident and likewise a numerous transient in fall and early spring in coastal counties.
5 Mar 2000 (S. Walsh); at least 300 over Orrington Marsh,
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Primarily a tundra breeder, Greater Scaup are most abundant as nesters in w. N. Am. Highest densities breed on Aleutian Is. and in w. AK, decreasing to n. YT. Scattered breeder across n. Canada east to Ungava Peninsula. Local nester south to Magdalen I., QC, and near St. John R. mouth in NB. Also found nesting on PEI and Anticosti I., QC. Winters primarily on marine waters along Pacific and Atlantic Coasts, from unfrozen waters off Aleutian Is. south to s. CA and rarely to Baja California. Winter concentrations found in shallow waters of Strait of San Juan de Fuca, WA; Strait of Georgia, BC; and San Francisco Bay, CA. Atlantic population winters from NFLD south to FL, majority from s. Cape Cod, MA, and NJ, centered on Long I. Sound. Since 1980s, Zebra Mussels in e. Great Ls. have supported small wintering population of Greater Scaup when open water is available.
spring records for large flocks on inland lakes in cen. and n. ME suggests a westward route that leaves the state quickly.
Reports of larger spring flocks: ~200 at Cousins I., Yarmouth,
Orrington, Penobscot Co., 15 or 16 Mar 2000 ( J. Smith); 300 or more on Penobscot R. in Frankfort, 10 Apr 1966 (obs. unk.).
Arrival dates in Aroostook Co. typically early May: 2 males
and 1 female, Christina Reservoir, 12 May 1993; 2 males and 1
female, L. Josephine, 4–6 May 2007; pair on north end of Long
L., St. Agatha, 9 May 2010; pair on flooded field by St. John R., Grand Isle, 3 May 2011; pair on L. Josephine, 4 May 2011 (all
WJS). Earliest Aroostook Co. arrival: 2 pairs on L. Josephine, 16
Apr 2006 (WJS).
Late lingerers found near favored wintering locales into
late May: 20 remaining in Frankfort, 20 May 1967 (obs. unk.);
1 female and 3 males, Cousins I., Yarmouth, 1 May 1996 (L. Brinker).
S ummer :
Few summer reports: single Greater Scaup at
Biddeford Pool, 11 Aug 1977 (PDV), possibly same bird reported as first-year male at Back Cove, Portland, 18 or 19 and 27–30
Aug 1977 (R. Eakin). Male at Parsons Beach, Kennebunk, 1 Jun 1989 ( JVW), and male at nearby Crescent Surf Beach,
Kennebunk, 3 Jun 1989, probably same individual ( JVW). Male ph. on L. Josephine, 19 Jun 2011 (Nims et al.), lingered through
30 Jun 2011 and began molt by latter date (WJS).
121
Birds of Maine F all :
Greater Scaup arrive in numbers in early Oct,
continuing through autumn, staging and feeding at favored
inland locations until ice-up in Nov and Dec. Numbers build
at coastal wintering areas during same time. Preferred ponds
offer shallow water with abundance of gastropods. Sabattus
Pond, Cobbosseecontee L., Unity Pond (L. Winnecook), and
Sebasticook L. dependably host staging scaup flocks in autumn. Earliest arrivals: 2 on L. Josephine, 4 Sep 2011 (WJS); 2 on
Sabattus Pond, 8 Sep 1990 ( J. Despres); 1 at Sandy Pt. Beach,
Yarmouth, 23 Sep 2007 (D. Lovitch); and 1 at Biddeford Pool, 23 Sep 2009 (B. Casey, eBird). Recent high fall counts on Sabattus
Pond in low hundreds: minimum 150 on 9 Nov 2000 (PDV et
al.); 130 on 16 Nov 2011 (L. Bevier); and 100 on Sabattus Pond,
26 Oct 1997 (N. McReel).
USFWS waterfowl harvest data show number of Greater
Scaup taken by hunters in ME since late 1980s has decreased. W inter :
Greater Scaup winter in large flocks in shallow
bays from York to Washington Cos. Largest numbers found in
Mount Desert Narrows/E. Bay and Taunton Bay in Hancock Co.
Flocks fluctuate locally depending on favored food (Blue Mussel;
Mytilus edulis) availability and ice conditions. Recent observation:
4 at Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 31 Dec 2017 (D. Lovitch).
Greater Scaup found on 25 CBCs in ME. Highest counts
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Lesser Scaup as transients seen commonly in fall and spring, chiefly along the coast. He noted that Greater and Lesser Scaup are “gregarious . . . The two scaups commonly associate with each other, forming sizable flocks or ‘rafts,’” and that the latter differs from the former primarily in its preference for fresh water (1949, 100). Spring birds were recorded from the early date of 14 Mar (1910) to 4 May (1947); Palmer reported 2 winter records. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from Labrador west to BC south of Hudson Bay, north to AK, south into the prairie potholes of ND and SD, also through most of MT and w. WY. Winters from MA south to FL, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean, west to CA, avoiding Appalachian Mtns. and coldest Midwest and Intermountain states; BC south along coast into e. WA and OR, CA to Cen. Am. Abundant in HI. S pring :
First migrants appear mid- to late Mar: Two
on Sebasticook L., 22 Mar 2016 (R. Ostrowski, eBird); 4
on Messalonskee L., 26 Mar 2012 (F. Mitchell, eBird); 1 at
Petit Manan Pt., 29 Mar 1989 (R. Widrig, AB 43: 449); 4 at
tallied on Mount Desert I. CBC: 3,000 in 1970, 2,612 in
Biddeford Pool, 29 Mar 2014 (D. Doubleday, eBird). Early
Bucksport in 1984; 174 on Freeport–Brunswick, 1997; 150 on
Biddeford, on 14 Mar 2014, and 1 in Wells Harbor, 9 Mar
1958, and 2,230 in 1975. Other CBC high counts: 175, Bangor– Bath–Phippsburg, 1994; and 125 on Calais in 1986. Other high
south coast migrants: female at Marblehead Boat Launch,
2017 (both J. Fecteau, eBird). Early northern arrivals: >10 in
counts: 500 at Burying I., Taunton Bay, Franklin, Hancock
Danforth, Washington Co., 18 Apr 1966 (obs. unk.); 1 male
Feb 2012 (G. Smith); 300 in Bucksport, 2 Jan 1966; 110 at Cape
Trombley); 2 males and 1 female on Christina Reservoir, 27
Co., 18 Dec 1987 (S. Perrin); 302 at Middle Bay, Brunswick, 11
Jellison, Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., 6 Feb 1987 (PDV); and 35 in Broad Cove, Eastport, 26 Dec 2008 (C. Bartlett, eBird).
WJS
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
A migrant with a mind of its own, rarely conforming to defined flyways
Status in Maine: Boreal forest breeders, Lesser Scaup are uncommon spring and fall migrants. Casual in winter along the coast and occasional inland; there is one known summer record. Most Lesser Scaup have moved north by the end of May, rarely lingering into early June. Fall migrants appear by late September, and peak in November. Since the 1930s, a handful of banded birds have been recovered in Maine, including one from northeastern Alberta and another from Louisiana. 122
and 1 female on Aroostook R., Ft. Fairfield, 19 Apr 1987 (M.
Apr 1988 (M. Trombley). Late northerly arrivals: 1 pair on L.
Josephine, week ending 1 Jun 2004 (WJS) and 1 bird at same locality on 3 Jun 2003 and 4 Jun 2014 (WJS; J. Smith and J.
Wyatt, respectively; eBird). S ummer :
One known summer record: single male in Winslow,
Kennebec Co., 23–30 Jun 1999, notably “out of season; may be
the same bird from last winter; may be injured” (W. Sumner).
F all :
Early fall birds, fide eBird: 1 on Sanford Lagoons, 30
Aug 2013 (D. Rankin); 1 in Unity, 10 Sep 2015 (T. Aversa); 8 on Golden Rd., BSP, 7 Sep 2014 (obs. unk.); 1 on Christina
Reservoir, 1 Sep 2013 (R. Lambert). High counts: Sabattus
Pond, 330 on 7 Nov 2009 (PDV ), 200 on 1 Nov 2016 (D. Suitor, eBird), 160 on 31 Oct 2015 ( J. Berry et al., eBird), 112 on 6 Nov
2017 (T. Foley, eBird), 55 on 14 Oct 2010 (D. Nickerson, eBird).
Five banded birds recovered in ME, most from Atlantic Coast.
Two notable birds: 1 banded north of Ft. McMurray, AB, in Sep 1939 recovered near Sabao L., Cherryfield, Hancock
Co., in Nov 1939 and second banded on Gulf Coast of LA,
Feb 1970, recovered Oct 1970 near S. Thomaston, Knox Co. (USFWS 2018b).
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae W inter :
Palmer noted specimens taken near Bucksport,
winter 1897, and 31 birds on 1938 “Christmas census” on Mount
Desert I. Numbers appear to diminish as winter progresses.
High counts: Sabattus Pond, 10 on 12 Nov 1999 (D. Mairs), 60 on 3 Dec 1998 (D. Mairs, fide K. Gammons), 67 on 3 Dec 2015
(M. Fahay, eBird), 45 on 10 Dec 2011 (R. Speirs, eBird); 7 at
Prout’s Pond, Scarborough, 16 Oct–25 Nov 1993 (L. Brinker);
5 males and 1 female at Scarborough Marsh, 28 Feb 1997 (K.
Gammons). Recent records, fide eBird: 4 on L. Josephine, 2 Dec
2006 (WJS); 6, Little Long Pond Loop, Mount Desert I., 4
Dec 2015 (R. MacDonald); 8, Grondin Pond, Scarborough, 20
Dec 2016 (S. and D. Stoddard); 5 at Old Town Dam, Penobscot Co., 11 Jan 2009 (P. Corcoran); 2, male and female, in Perkins
Cove, Ogunquit, 3 Jan 2015 (R. Speirs); 1 at Scarborough Marsh,
Dunstan Landing, 26 Feb 2017 (B. McKay); and 1 in Camden Harbor, 25 Feb 2017 (F. Kynd).
TE
Steller’s Eider
Polysticta stelleri
The smallest eider, typically found on Alaskan tundra ponds and coastal waters
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single historical record. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed a single record of an adult male shot at Scarborough, 3 Dec 1926. Palmer examined the specimen in 1947, but the current location of the mount is not known. Global Distribution: Nw. Nearctic and n. Palearctic. Steller’s Eiders breed from the North Slope of AK to n. Siberia. Wintering in AK along south side of Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Is., and in s. Bering Sea to Russia and Japan. Also winters above the Arctic Circle in Finland, Norway, and Russia. An accidental species in Greenland, Iceland, British Isles, and Spitsbergen (AOU 1998). Also accidental in e. N. Am.: 2 specimens, Godbout, QC, Feb 1898, and Pointede-Monts, QC, Mar 1898 (Todd 1963); 1 adult male in Scarborough, ME, 3 Dec 1926; 1 drake in Scituate, MA, 29 Mar–7 Apr 1977 (AB 31: 973); and Baffin I. (AOU 1998). Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable due to rapid population decrease in key Alaskan range. ESA: Threatened Alaskan breeding population PDV
King Eider
Somateria spectabilis Maine’s most ornate sea duck
Status in Maine: The King Eider is an uncommon but regular winter visitor to Maine’s coast. It is occasional in fall and spring, rarely lingering through summer. The species has been recorded in all coastal counties but inland only in Penobscot County. One of Maine’s larger marine waterfowl, the King Eider is one of the most northerly nesting and wintering waterfowl on the continent. Historical Status in Maine: There is no evidence of change in King Eider status in ME since historical times. Knight stated, “Though of general occurrence along the coast from December until late March . . . this species is usually quite rare with us” (1908, 110). Palmer called them “uncommon but probably regular on salt water” (1949, 120). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds throughout high Arctic in N. Am., Europe, and Asia. Eastern N. Am. population winters primarily at sea, NL coast north to Greenland, small numbers moving south to Gulf of St. Lawrence and Bay of Fundy. Occasional south to VA, NC, SC, and FL (Powell and Suydam 2000). Remarks: Unlike most other sea duck species wintering in ME, there are few records of occurrence inland, indicating preferred maritime migration routes. As with many species of less-common waterfowl (Donald 2007), adult and immature males dominate ME’s King Eider records. Apparent male prevalence may be due partly to the ease with which they are identified relative to similar species. Females are more difficult to identify at distances. However, the pronounced male-biased sex ratio of wintering birds on ME coast probably indicates that males are more prone to wandering or wintering farther from breeding areas (Howell et al. 2014). S pring :
Most overwintering adults depart by early Apr with
late records through end of May. Most late spring records
pertain to nonbreeding (immature) birds. Later spring migrants typically transient in any location. Recent late records: 1
immature male seen with White-winged Scoters, Timber Pt.,
Biddeford, 28 May 2014 (B. Harris); 1 immature male off Mile Stretch Rd., Biddeford, 25 May 2015 (C. Pavlos, S. Holmes); immature male, Biddeford Pool, 25 May 1998 (A. Gilbert):
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Birds of Maine
immature male ph. on Schoodic Pt., ANP, 19–20 May 2016 (C.
Dalton); and another differently plumaged immature male ph. at Seal I. NWR, 17 May 2016 (K. Yakola). An immature male first noted at Egg Rock in Frenchman Bay, 17 May 2004, persisted through at least midsummer (W. Townsend).
S ummer :
Occasionally lingers, rarely summers. Summering
(M. Fahay, ph.) and a drake seen with at least 1,000 Common
Eiders, Mount Desert Narrows off Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 30 Oct 2016 (R. MacDonald).
Since 1968, 6 King Eiders shot in ME by hunters during
waterfowl season (late Sep–mid-Jan) were reported to annual
USFWS Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey.
birds may be injured and unable to migrate. Flight-feather molt
W inter :
listed 2 summer records: 3 drakes, Shark I., Muscongus Bay, St.
usually found in association. Sometimes seen with Long-tailed
renders summering King Eiders flightless late Jul–Aug. Palmer
George, 15 Jun 1938 (A. Cruikshank et al.) and an exceptional inland record of immature male and 3 females on Duck L.,
Lakeville, Penobscot Co., 13 Jun 1918 (Kennard 1923). The male was collected, 1 female seen again following day. Since Palmer, there
Uncommon but regular along coast. Typically favor
same rocky headlands and ledges as Common Eiders and
Ducks and scoter species. Records are distributed throughout
season. Individuals may stay at single site for months. Immature
drake and hen observed in Portland Harbor from 6 Dec 2016–5
Mar 2017 (L. Starr) with drake continuing another month to
are >15 documented summer records: 2, Rachel Carson NWR, 8
8 Apr (D. Lovitch, B. Bunn). A hen wintered in Eastport, 10
Co., 9 Jun 2017 (D. Jones, eBird); 1 immature drake, Eastport,
Bartlett, pers. com.). Highest counts: 6, Monhegan I. CBC, 2
Southwest Harbor, 5–26 Jun 2006 (m.ob.); 1 drake that summered
5 on Portland CBC, 1 Jan 1973.
Jun 2014 (B. Harris, eBird); 1, Pott’s Pt. Preserve, Cumberland
17–30 Jun 2008 (C. Bartlett, ph.); adult drake, Seawall Beach, ANP, off Stratton I., Saco, 15 Jun–8 Aug 2006 (R. Lambert); immature
Nov 2009 (joined by an immature male 2 Dec–25 Mar 2010 (C. Jan 1997 (PDV, D. Mairs); 5, York, 20 Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 19); and WJS
male, Stratton I., 10 Jul 2004 (L. Brinker); 1 on Stratton I., Saco,
2 Jun 2000 (fide ME Audubon, NAB 54: 359); immature male,
Biddeford Pool, 14 Aug 1993 (L. Brinker, ph.); immature male,
Common Eider
Seal I. NWR, 19 Jun 1989 (M. Hartley, MBN 3[4]: 47); unknown
Somateria mollissima
male, Petit Manan NWR, 4 Jul 1988 (R. Widrig, AB 42: 1269); 1
This familiar, year-round Maine coastal diving duck may be in trouble
number, Seal I. NWR, 21 Jul 2010 (S. Walsh, eBird); immature
female, Crescent Surf Beach, Kennebunk, 10, 20, and 25 Jul 1988
( JVW, R. Eakin, PDV; AB 42: 1269 which gives date as 18–25 Jul);
1 male, Biddeford Pool Beach, 29 Jun 1986 (A. Wells, JVW); and 1 adult drake, Lubec, 1 Jul 1980 (P. Lehman, AB 34: 875).
King Eider drake paired with Common Eider hen nested
on Penobscot Bay island, summer 1976 (AB 31: 1111). Subsequent information in AB 34: 255 Corrigenda indicated nesting was unsuccessful: “An obviously paired male King and female
Common Eider were found by a nest but a second visit to the
island found the nest destroyed and the ad. birds nowhere in the vicinity. It should be emphasized that there was no doubt these
two birds were indeed a mated pair (A. Hutchinson, MDIFW).” F all :
King Eiders are (with Long-tailed Ducks) the most
northerly breeding waterfowl in N. Am. and as such, are also earliest to migrate south as ice formation begins. Typically
arrive along ME coast late Nov; nonbreeding birds may appear as early as Sep. Earliest records (late Sep) may represent
summering birds. Immature male seen on Appledore I., week
ending 10 Sep 2004 known to have spent summer in Isles of
Shoals (fide S. Mirick). Another present at E. Egg Rock mid-
Aug to 20 Sep 1980 (Project Puffin). Other early fall records: 1 female observed from Monhegan I. ferry, 24 Sep 1993 (PDV);
1 immature drake seen from MV Bluenose, Bar Harbor, 26 Sep
1978 (PDV); and 1, Monhegan I., 26 Sep 2000 ( J. Trimble). Late Oct records: 1 immature drake, Popham Beach S.P., 27 Oct 2006
124
Status in Maine: Though once almost extirpated as a breeding bird in the state, Maine and Massachusetts now have the only significant breeding populations of Common Eiders in the lower 48 states (Blumton et al. 1988; Allen, pers. com.). A colonial breeder with a preference for treeless coastal islands, Common Eiders are still common nesting and wintering ducks in most coastal areas from York to Washington Counties, although predation of ducklings is severe, and observers report a significant recent decline. More frequent inland during spring migration, they are especially abundant in fall, though rarely found inland at that time. Males are occasionally encountered inland in summer. Historical Status in Maine: Abundant wintering and breeding species at the time of first European settlement but accelerating exploitation for meat, eggs, and feathers through the 19th century led to nearextirpation by the early 1900s. According to some accounts, by 1907 the entire state breeding population had decreased to two nesting birds at Old Man I. off Cutler (Gross 1944a). Laws providing protection (including provisions specific to Common Eider in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918) provided relief
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
well to the north but winters uncommonly along coast late Oct–early Apr south to Cumberland Co. Forms distinguishable in the field by a combination of bill shape and color, extent of frontal lobe, plumage coloration in females, and head pattern in males. Intermediate forms of two also known from ME. Mendall (1980) reported 6% sampled harvested eiders (n=1,085) wintering in ME were either S. m. borealis or hybrid S. m. borealis x S. m. dresseri. S pring :
Dynamic. Significant movement northeastward along
ME coast Mar–Apr as flocks return from waters of s. New
England and locally overwintering birds move to breeding Common Eider
and allowed the species to slowly re-establish itself as a breeder. As of 1943, the species only nested east of Muscongus Bay (Cruickshank 1938) but recovered enough to allow some hunting. Fefer (1977) estimated that 20,000 pairs nested on 215 islands in ME in 1970. By 1999, that estimate increased to 29,000 pairs breeding at 320 sites (Allen 2000). More recently, continued sport hunting and predation on eider ducklings by Great Black-backed Gulls and, especially, growing Bald Eagle populations, have reduced the population to 1970s levels. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in large colonies from MA to ME, north and west along marine coasts across Canadian Arctic and archipelago, Hudson Bay to AK, Bering Sea, and e. Siberia, south to Aleutian Is. and Glacier Bay. Western population winters primarily in Bering Sea, occasionally south to BC, rarely WA; Eastern birds winter in available open water of Hudson and James Bays, Gulf of St. Lawrence, NFLD, and along Atlantic Coast south to NY; local to VA and rarely FL. Hudson Bay population primarily nonmigratory. Also breeds in Barents Sea and in n. Europe including Norway, Baltic Sea, North Sea, south to coastal France, westward to Iceland and s. Greenland. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened due to poor survival of ducklings, locally intense hunting pressure, and changing habitat due to climate change. Remarks: Two subspecies known to occur in ME: “American” (or “Atlantic”) Common Eider (S. m. dresseri), a year-round resident and breeder, and “Northern” Common Eider (S. m. borealis), which breeds
islands Downeast and farther up Bay of Fundy. Flocks typically tens to hundreds of birds; high counts include rafts numbering
in low thousands: 6,000 were seen in 5 hours migrating past
Petit Manan Pt., 15 Apr 1988 (R. Widrig, AB 42: 408).
In Apr–May some migrating Common Eider flocks turn
inland, moving up Kennebec and Penobscot R. valleys overland to northern breeding areas in Gulf of St. Lawrence; peak
passage third week of Apr. Eiders generally migrate overland at higher altitude (Goudie et al. 2000). Though evidently capable
of making overland trip in a single flight, unfavorable changes in weather will cause whole flocks to be grounded at available
open waters. Records of inland flocks in spring: >175 unpaired
females flying north at Newport on 21 Apr 1977 (fide PDV); 300
flying up Penobscot R., Winterport, Waldo Co., 29 Apr 1984 (B.
Bochan); 6 males at Greenville, mid-May 1985 (S. Roy); 700 on Penobscot R., Verona I., Hancock Co., 17 Apr 1987 (M. Lucey,
W. Arnold); 18 on L. Josephine, 6 May 1991 (M. Trombley); 10 on L. Josephine, 30 May 2004 (WJS); 14 flying up Aroostook
R., Washburn, Aroostook Co., 20 Apr 2008 (F. J. Gramlich); 12
on Aroostook R., Caribou, 22 May 2014 (WJS, eBird); and 33 on
Pushaw L., Orono, 3 May 2018 (S. Mierzykowski). Some reports of southbound flocks in river valleys indicate eiders return to
coast if weather conditions are unfavorable and inland waters remain frozen, precluding rest stops.
S ummer :
Common Eiders breed from Eastport to Isles
of Shoals; areas of greatest breeding abundance Jericho and
Penobscot Bay (as described by Palmer) and outer islands of
Sheepscot and Muscongus Bays. Breeding eiders initiate nesting in Apr, hatching begins May, continuing to midsummer. Most
eider eggs hatch early Jun; broods found through late Aug–Sep.
Broods aggregate (creching) and groups of pre-flight young number at least 50, though 20–30 more common (Palmer
1976). Females rarely leave nest to feed during incubation. As incubation continues, males congregate and begin molt at
coastal locations by mid-Jun (Palmer 1976). Flocks of flightless males can number in low thousands: 2,500 flightless drakes off
Mount Desert I., 22 Aug 1970 (E. Thompson).
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Birds of Maine
Palmer hypothesized some postbreeding males and older pre-
breeders undergo molt migration to Gulf of St. Lawrence using
an overland route. More recent records of eider flocks appearing inland mid-Jun to mid-Aug appear to support this. Common
W inter :
Winters along entire ME coast from Passamaquoddy
Bay to Isles of Shoals. Areas of concentration shift location
through winter season and year to year, though most abundant
along coast from Damariscove I. off Boothbay to Petit Manan
Eider inland in summer: 67 birds above Bangor Dam, 7 Jul 1967
I. as noted by Palmer. Common Eider high count on midwinter
L., 23 Jun 1984 (S. Roy); 12 males, Moosehead L., 13 Jul 1987 (W.
(USFWS). Low counts in ME in early to mid-2010s correspond
13 Aug 1988; 1 male at Lobster L. Twp., Piscataquis Co., on 15
significant decrease in Common Eiders 2007–2017. Possibly
(obs. unk.); 24 males at Cove Plt., Greenville area of Moosehead Noble); 15 Umbazooksus L., T6 R13 WELS, Piscataquis Co.,
Jun 1989 (W. Noble); 1 at Indian Pond, Sapling Twp., Somerset
Co., 1 Jul 1989 (W. Noble); 1 male at Plymouth Pond, Plymouth,
Penobscot Co., 14 Jul 1989 (W. Sumner); 80 males at Churchill L.,
T9 R12 WELS, Aroostook Co., first week of Aug 1999 (WJS); 2
females on S. Branch Pond, BSP, 23 Jun 2000 (PDV); 1 immature
male, Moosehead L., 25 Aug 2012 (C. Ansel); male identified as S.
m. dresseri at Number 3 Pond, T3 R1 NBPP, Penobscot Co., 7 Jul
2013 (D. Gordon, V. Mott); drake at Aroostook R., Ft. Fairfield,
on 13 Jul 2014 (WJS); 1 female, North Pond, Smithfield, Somerset
waterfowl survey ~40,000 in 2000 to low of 9,700 in 2012
with increased numbers off RI and MA. ME CBC data indicate because of warming of Gulf of ME waters, among other factors,
a major shift in the benthic community has occurred, which has
greatly reduced many important sea duck foods, notably Blue
Mussels (Cascade et al. 2016). This likely has influenced sea duck distributions profoundly along ME’s coast in winter.
A single inland record at Unity of a flock of 47 eiders flying
southeast on 19 Dec 2015 (D. Potter); they were likely late
overland migrants. WJS
Co., 21 Aug 2014 (D. Suitor); and 7 at Centennial Park, Brewer,
16 Jul 2018 ( J. Smith, eBird). F all :
Most abundant in state in fall with highest seasonal
Harlequin Duck
counts. Fall migration more protracted than spring. Movement
Histrionicus histrionicus
of Oct, peaking early Nov, and continuing through mid-
The most beautiful diving sea ducks, these lords and ladies 'squeak' along our coast
along coast beginning in Sep, most pronounced by third week
Dec. Inland southbound movement (of presumed Gulf of St.
Lawrence breeders) latter half of Oct–Nov following Chaudiere
R. in QC to Kennebec R. valley then southeast toward Penobscot Bay.
Locations of greatest abundance in waters around Mount
Desert I., outer Sheepscot Bay and off Monhegan I. Fall counts at these locations regularly number in low thousands. Highest
counts: 20,000 in waters of ANP, 22 Oct 1972 ( J. Berry); 15,000
off Monhegan I., 26–28 Sep 2000; 10,000 off Sand Beach, ANP,
11 Oct 1997 (M. Iliff et al.); 6,000 at Reid S.P., Georgetown,
Sagadahoc Co., 23 Sep 2005 (C. Caron); and 2,000 at Blue Hill
Falls, Blue Hill, on 31 Oct 2009 (C. Mosely).
Notable inland records: 130 over Brewer, 31 Oct 1988 (M.
Lucey, AB 43: 62); ~200 at Moosehead L., 21 Nov 1988 (W. Noble,
AB 43: 62); >100 over Moosehead L., 29 Oct 1984 (S. Roy); 575,
mostly males, on Unity Pond, 14 Oct 2013 (T. Aversa); 21 (8 males
and 13 unknown sex) at South Pond, Greenwood, Oxford Co., on
23 Oct 2013 (F. Mitchell); 13 (12 males, 1 female) ph. flying over Flagstaff L., Dead R. Twp., on 23 Oct 2017 (F. Kynd).
Common Eiders are one of the most popularly hunted
waterfowl in the state. In 2017, species ranked fourth in overall
waterfowl harvested in ME after Canada Goose, Mallard, and
Wood Duck (Raftovich et al. 2018). Band recovery and harvest rate data do not implicate harvest as a major cause of the
population decline (B. Allen, pers. com.) However, Atlantic
flyway-wide concerns led to a shortening of the season and reduction in daily bag limit in 2017.
126
Status in Maine: Harlequin Ducks winter along Maine’s rocky coastline with concentrations in outer Penobscot Bay and Jericho Bay near Isle au Haut; in the Sally Islands off of Steuben; in the Cutler region of Washington County; and in York County. Harlequins are rarely encountered away from favored locales as migrants to northern breeding grounds. There are Harlequin Duck records for all coastal counties in Maine and the inland counties of Kennebec and Penobscot. Notably, an estimated 50% of the eastern North American population winters along the Maine coast, primarily among smaller outer islands between southern Vinalhaven and Swan’s Island (Mittelhauser et al. 2002). In April 2001, eight male Harlequin Ducks wintering off Isle au Haut were fitted with satellite transmitters by Canadian Wildlife Service staff (Robert et al. 2008). Tracking data showed these birds traveled to the Gaspé Peninsula where two bred on rivers, two birds molted off the Labrador coast, and four migrated to southwestern Greenland and likely molted there. All returned to their original capture locations on the Maine coast the following winter (see Map 9). Unlike Maine’s other sea ducks, Harlequin Ducks do not regularly migrate over Maine’s interior. From 1880
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
to 2009 there are only 10 inland records, all but one of these along major rivers, close to the coast.
Harlequins’ small size and poor flavor assured they
Maine Conservation Status: Threatened.
habitats made them difficult and dangerous to hunt in
were not highly regarded as table fare and their favored
Historical Status in Maine: Harlequin Ducks were considered common “on the eastern coast” of ME in the early and mid-1800s but were described as being in serious decline by the end of the 19th century by both Knight and Norton (1896). Palmer also listed Harlequin Ducks as a “fairly common” winter resident; however, he mentioned only small flocks at a few localities, with the highest number a Norton record of 50 off Great Spoon I., Isle au Haut, 27 Dec 1919.
winter. Thus, harlequins were not specifically sought by
More recent assessments of overwintering populations show slowly increasing numbers at winter sites east of Mount Desert I. and stable numbers west of there. In 1988, Vickery estimated ME’s wintering population to be ~300 individuals based on surveys at Isle au Haut and CBC results (Vickery 1988). Harlequins were listed as a threatened species in ME and received protection from hunting in 1990. After intensive winter surveys of the ME coast in the late 1990s, Mittelhauser et al. (2002) estimated 1,150–1,300 wintering harlequins in ME. MDIFW conducted statewide surveys in 2008 and recorded 1,248 harlequins. During MDIFW annual winter surveys conducted at 10 sites between Cape Neddick and Portland Head Light, the total number steadily increased from 57 birds recorded in 2008 to 126 birds recorded in 2017.
1882, most collected from Isle au Haut and other islands
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Disjunct breeding areas from ne. N. Am., sw. Greenland, and Iceland, to nw. N. Am. and ne. Asia. In N. Am., species winters along both coasts. In East, smaller numbers winter
experienced waterfowlers. However, hunting pressure possibly increased in the late 1800s as collectors
sought to supply natural history collections with
specimens of this attractively plumaged duck. Reviews of larger museums’ ornithology collections show many
Harlequin Duck specimens from ME collected during this period. As reported by Palmer, M. Hardy, a fur dealer and bird collector located in Brewer, had 88
Harlequin Ducks delivered to him 28 Jan 1880–10 Nov in outer Penobscot Bay. Palmer indicated bright males
were collected nearly twice as often as females, but this
was no indication of population sex ratio, since gunners specifically targeted males.
along Atlantic shore from Gulf of St. Lawrence south to NY and NJ. Pacific Coast from Bering Sea and Aleutian Is. southward to n. CA. Some winter in open waters in inland states in nw. U.S. Global Conservation Status: Petitions for U.S. federal listing considered unwarranted based on lack of information. Disparate breeding populations across N. Am. and remote breeding sites complicate assessment (MDIFW). Remarks: Harlequin Ducks were known by several names in ME’s coastal vernacular. Norton (1896) noted that wintering ducks were called “sea mice” and “squeakers” for their unique vocalizations. Several narrow, steep-sided coves on exposed shores
Harlequin Ducks
127
Birds of Maine
of ME islands are known as Squeaker Guzzles, as these were favored localities for wintering harlequins. The ducks were likewise the namesakes of Squeaker Coves on Isle au Haut and Monhegan I. Harlequins were also referred to as “lords and ladies” for their dramatic plumage. S pring :
Harlequin Ducks apparently congregate prior to
migration; some of highest counts tallied at favored locations are in early spring just before first birds depart. Largest count noted by PDV during aerial survey around Isle au Haut and other
islands was 240 or more on 17 Mar 1983 (Vickery 1988). Highest
single day count in ME, 958 on 31 Mar 1999 (Mittelhauser et al.
2002), tallied in multiple locations along coast in Isle au Haut area from Swans I. to Vinalhaven.
Mittelhauser noted numbers decreasing in early Apr,
almost all birds gone by late May. Later May records: 1 bird in
Scarborough, 24 May 1959 (MFO 4[3]); 1 male at Prout’s Neck, Scarborough, 28 May 1977 (MAN Jul/Aug 1977: 4); 5 birds off
Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 23 May 1986 (Guillemot 15[3]: 23);
3 at Isle au Haut, 27 May 1976 (AB 30: 812); 5 at Schoodic Pt., 25 May 1986 (B. Hallet, AB 40: 443); 1 pair at Petit Manan I., 20
May 1992 (R. Eakin); 1 off Petit Manan I., 20 May 1993 (MBN
6[1]: 4); and 1 immature male at Otter Pt., Bar Harbor, 31 May 1996 (T. Perry).
Recent spring records, all fide eBird: 51 on Libby I., 24 Mar
2017 (C. Bartlett); 75 on Isle au Haut east shore, 21 Mar 2015 (M.
(Guillemot 25[15]: 45) and 13 Oct 1995 (P. Stevick, C. Witt, et al.);
2 at Isle au Haut, 7 Oct 1982 (Mittelhauser et al. 2002); 1 male
shot at Richmond I., Cape Elizabeth, 10 Oct 1924 (Palmer 1949);
1 off Little Duck I., Frenchboro, 10 Oct 1993 (M. Sharp). Female at Appledore I., 2 Sep 2006, may have been summering bird rather than exceptionally early migrant.
One banded harlequin recovered in ME: bird found dead
near Marsh I. in Muscongus Bay, Bristol, 21 Oct 2000, an aftersecond-year male banded near Gannet I., NL, on 31 Jul that same year.
Few inland records: male collected in Bangor, on 10 May
1880, (specimen in Chicago’s Field Museum); specimen
collected in Bangor on 24 Feb 1885 (now housed in Museum of
Comparative Zoology at Harvard University). Palmer reported
5, of which 3 were shot by hunters, fall 1891 or 1892, Pleasant Pt.,
Topsham, near Androscoggin R. mouth on Merrymeeting Bay. C. Miller (1918) noted one taken on Androscoggin R. “in early
spring” in the vicinity of Lewiston and Auburn, Androscoggin
Co.; 2 on Penobscot R. in Medway, Jan 1969; immature at
Bangor Dam on Penobscot R. on 11 Nov 1977 (obs. unk.);
mature drake on Kennebec R. in Waterville and Winslow,
Kennebec Co., 15 Nov 2006–10 Jan 2007 (W. Sumner et al.);
drake at McGrath Pond in Oakland, 23 Nov 2006, about 6.5 mi.
(10.5 km) west of another Kennebec R. location frequented by
harlequins (D. Mairs); drake observed in Messalonskee Stream near Kennebec R., Waterville, on 28 Oct 2009 ( J. Silver).
Harlequin Ducks prefer localities with rocky ledges,
Fahay); 18, Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 4 Apr 2013 (D. Hubbard);
Winter:
1 at Egg Rock, Hancock Co., 10 May 2016 (W. Townsend); 6 at
zones, comfortable foraging within breaking surf. Suitable
3 at Biddeford Pool, East Pt. Sanctuary, 21 Apr 2012 (R. Filgate); Dyer Pt., Cumberland Co., 5 May 2017 (R. Romano, J. Russo,
C. Burns, et al.). Eighty-five tallied between Cape Neddick and
Dyer Pt., 11 Apr 2018 (MDIFW unpublished data). Summer:
Mittelhauser et al. (2002) list 12 summer records,
all in regular wintering locations. Recent summer records, all
fide eBird: 10 on Metinic I., 8 Jun 2013 (Z. Pohlen); 1 on Seal
I. NWR, 27 Jun 2015 (A. Maizlish); 1 at Roque Bluffs, 19 Jul
2016 (D. Newhouse); and 1 at Vinalhaven, 29 Jul 2017 (P. Paul).
outcroppings, and exposed headlands. Feed in shallow intertidal habitat for wintering harlequins is distributed across much of
ME’s rocky coast and ducks recorded along entire coast from W.
Quoddy Head, Lubec, southwest to Isles of Shoals on southern
coast of York Co. However, wintering birds are highly faithful to
6 traditional sites. Regular highest concentration areas include the Bold Coast (Lubec to Cutler); Sally Islands in Corea,
Hancock Co.; outer Jericho Bay, Isle au Haut, s. Vinalhaven
and adjacent islands in outer Penobscot Bay; and Ogunquit to
Cape Neddick in York Co. (Mittelauser et al. 2002; Mittelhauser
Considering species’ preference for foraging in breaking surf at
2008).
are injured individuals unable to make spring migration north.
reported in AB in 1990s were erroneously attributed to Isle au
exposed locations, it is likely that summering Harlequin Ducks
As recorded in Palmer, M. Hardy noted harlequins had more
mended bone breaks than any other duck species he handled.
No verified records of breeding in ME. Nearest confirmed
breeding location n. NB on Charlo and Benjamin Rs. south of
Gaspé Peninsula, QC. F all :
Arrive mid-Oct to mid-Nov. Earliest fall records
last week of Sep 1999 when 8 birds seen at Isle au Haut
(Mittelhauser 2008). By mid-Oct numbers increased and males outnumbered females: 87 birds at Isle au Haut, 18 Oct 1989,
69% male. Early dates: 1 at Mount Desert Rock, 3 Oct 1995
128
Mittelhauser et al. (2002) noted seasonal high counts
Haut when numbers reported represented Harlequin Ducks
along a much broader survey area. Maximum winter count of
harlequins at Isle au Haut, 269 on 18 Jan 1999 (Mittelhauser et
al. 2002). Other high counts at locations reporting >80 birds include, fide Mittelhauser et al. 2002: 110 at Mason Ledge,
Hancock Co., 1 Feb 1998; 102 at Great Spoon I., Washington
Co., 25 Nov 1998; 101 on York I., Knox Co., 31 Mar 1999; 100 off
Seal I., 14 Dec 1966 (obs. unk.); 88 at Spirit Ledge, Hancock
Co., 24 Feb 1991; 86 at Little Spoon I., Knox Co., 15 Feb 1994; 84 at Heron I., Lincoln Co., 18 Jan 1999; and 80 at The Cow Pens,
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Knox Co., on 29 Nov 1998. High counts from southern coast: 54 at Ogunquit, winter 1999–2000 (fide P. Hunt, NAB 54: 155); and
72 at The Nubble, York, 31 Dec 2017 (D. Lovitch). WJS
Labrador Duck
Camptorhynchus labradorius The first North American endemic to become extinct
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. Extinct. Undoubtedly occurred in Maine but there are no specific records. Lacking any definitive specimen records, Labrador Duck is considered hypothetical in Maine by the Maine Bird Records Committee. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 107) wrote, “There seems [to be] no doubt but that the species formerly occurred as a winter bird along the Maine coast,” and noted an individual was taken from Grand Manan, NB, in Apr 1871. Palmer (1949, 115) reported, “No certain record of this bird [in Maine], extinct since about 1878, but there can be no reasonable doubt that it formerly visited our coast.” Palmer cited Audubon (1838), who stated it was found “along the coasts of Nova Scotia, Maine, and Massachusetts during the most severe cold of winter.” The last authenticated specimen was shot off Long I., NY, in the autumn of 1875 (Phillips 1926). Given the number of market hunters along the ME coast during the early and mid-19th century, the complete absence of Labrador Duck specimens for ME seems remarkable, especially since this species was thought to forage in shallow water near sandbars. It may be that this extinct species never lingered along the coast but made a fairly direct migration to MA and points south. They were commonly sold in markets in Boston, New York, Philadelphia (Meyer de Schauensee 1941), and as far south as Baltimore (Audubon 1840– 1844). Many extant Labrador Duck museum specimens were collected near Long I., NY (Dutcher 1894). The Labrador Duck’s vernacular name was “sandshoal duck,” suggesting this species had an inshore distribution, foraging on sandbars and in sheltered bays (Bent 1925). The genus, Camptorhynchus (literally “flexible beak”), refers to this duck’s flexible lateral bill-flaps; the species name, labradorius, refers to this species’ presumed breeding ground (Gruson 1972). It is not certain if the species ever bred in the region now known as Labrador.
Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Breeding ground unknown but thought to be Labrador and QC coasts, possibly as far north as Greenland. Wintered along coast from Maritime Provinces to NY and NJ. Remarks: There is a reference to a ME specimen in an ornithologist’s memoir, The Curse of the Labrador Duck (Chilton 2009). Hahn (1963) cataloged all the specimens in the 1960s. In his search, Hahn received notice from E. Greaton (ME Recreation Dept.) that a Labrador Duck specimen existed in the ME State Museum collection. Apparently, a search in the 1980s produced nothing. It is likely that this reference was a mistake as it is difficult to believe Palmer would not have known about this specimen if it existed. A modern claim that Labrador Duck was not a separate species but rather a hybrid between Common and Steller’s Eiders was soundly refuted with morphological and genetic data. Unless further research indicates otherwise, Labrador Ducks are an extinct species. PDV
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillata Maine’s most common summering scoter
Status in Maine: Surf Scoters spend most of the year feeding in shallow, nearshore salt waters. The species migrates inland to freshwater breeding locations in northern boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. Uncommon but regular in summer and common throughout the rest of the year on the Maine coast. Birds arrive on the coast by mid-April, most leave by mid- to late May, and return in October. Transmitter data show Surf Scoters moving north in a discreet band along the Atlantic Coast to New Brunswick before turning northwest to summer breeding grounds; whereas fall data show birds on a wider, more diffuse southbound path across New England and south to North Carolina (Meattey et al. 2015). Little research has been done on this sea duck but, like the other scoter species, populations appear to be declining. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer stated that Surf Scoters were uncommon on salt water in both summer and winter. He mentioned one possible breeding record and noted small numbers in mixed scoter flocks in summer, as did Knight. Winter flocks 129
Birds of Maine
Aroostook Co. arrival late Apr: mixed flock of Black and Surf
Scoters on Aroostook R., Caribou, 27 Apr 2004 (WJS); 4 males
and 4 females on 28 Apr 1988, Christina Reservoir (M. Trombley,
MBN 2[1]: 3); 3 in Mars Hill, 29 Apr 2003 (L. Little). Other inland records: 1 male on 30 May 1989, Christina Reservoir
(M. Trombley); fallout of hundreds of scoters after bad weather in Aroostook Co., “I’ve never seen these kinds of numbers
and diversity of species in the county,” 19 May 2006 (WJS,
eBird); 12–15 on Kezar L., Lovell, Oxford Co., 28 May 2005
Surf Scoter
larger than 20–30 were uncommon. As a migrant, it was “common to numerous in late spring and more numerous in fall on salt water and at Merrymeeting Bay, and uncommon inland” (Palmer 1949, 123). Spring migrants appeared mid-Apr, a week ahead of White-winged Scoters, and departed in late May, “the flocks going overland” (Palmer 1949, 123). Fall birds arrived in Oct and were gone by mid-Nov—later than White-winged Scoters. Palmer noted spring and fall migrant scoter flocks were mixed and estimated these proportions: 100 White-winged Scoters to 20 black to 10 surf. Brewster reported in the area of L. Umbagog in fall “at least two Surf Scoters to every Whitewinged Scoter, but not more than one of the former to every ten of American [Black] Scoter” (Brewster 1924, 182). “From incomplete data at hand, it appears that this bird once was nearly as abundant as the Whitewinged Scoter. Now it is relatively scarce” (Palmer 1949, 123). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from Labrador west across cen. Canada to YT and interior AK. Winters on Atlantic Coast to cen. FL; Gulf Coast, n. FL to e. TX; and on Pacific Coast, Aleutian Is. to cen. Baja California. In migration, scattered occurrences: New England, NY, and Great Ls.; St. Lawrence R. and Gaspé Peninsula; Hudson Bay; w. and e. AK, interior YT, cen. BC, and cen. AB; Arctic Ocean east from North Slope coast to w. NT. Rare in remaining areas of N. Am. S pring :
Common to numerous as described by Palmer.
Numbers increase Apr through early May. Migration route eastward up Bay of Fundy through Apr, but overland route
northward to St. Lawrence estuary used in late Apr and May
as inland waters thaw. Early arrivals, fide eBird: 6 seen from
Rockland–Vinalhaven Ferry, 11 Apr 2015 ( J. Mills and N.
(L. LaCasse); 2 males and 2 females on N. Shore Dr., North
Pond, Somerset Co., 22 Apr 2012 (L. Bevier, eBird); 2 at Taylor St., Lincoln, 28 Apr 2017 (B. Way, eBird). High counts: 1,200
total for 5 hours of observation at Petit Manan Pt., 15 Apr 1988
(R. Widrig, AB 42: 408); 400, Petit Manan Pt., 15 Apr 1989 (R.
Widrig, MBN 3[1]: 4); 300, off Roque I., Jonesport, 20 May 1995 (fide A. Bacon, MBN 9[1]: 4). S ummer :
As noted by Palmer, Surf Scoters uncommon
on salt water in summer; now regular and locally common
Midcoast. Most summering birds prebreeders (Palmer 1976).
Twelve at Seawall Beach, 2 Jun 2001 (PDV); 6 on Machias Seal I., 8 Jun 2015 (D. Krischke, eBird); 5 at Reid S.P., Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 22 Jun 2015 (K. Brown, eBird); 2 at Fortunes
Rocks Beach, York Co., 19 Jun 2013 (L. Bevier and M. Viens,
eBird); and 7, same locality, 3 Jul 2017 (M. Weber, eBird); 4 from boat, New Harbor, Lincoln Co., to E. Egg Rock, 11 Aug 2016
(D. Kibbe and M. Goldthwait, eBird); 1, East Pt., Biddeford, 24
Aug 2002 (M. Smith, fide K. Gammons). Most observations at least 6 birds, occasional flocks >10. High counts, fide eBird: 30,
Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 7 Jun 2012 (M. Good); 22 at Ft. Point
S.P., Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., 16 Jul 2016 (P. Rudman); 24
at N. Haven, 31 Jul 2016 (B. Swift); 147, Flake Pt. Bar, Jonesport,
8 Aug 2017 (W. Hutcheson); 100 and 40 at N. Haven, 4 and 24
Aug 2016 (B. Swift). Few inland records, fide eBird: 1 bird on
Sabattus Pond, 24 Jun 2014 (D. Nickerson) and 1 on L. Josephine,
30 Aug 2008 (WJS). F all :
Arriving in numbers mid- to late Sep, increasing through
mid-Oct: 128, Schoodic Pt., ANP, 26 Sep 2016 (S. Benz); 40,
Monhegan I., 26 Sep 1994 (PDV et al.); a raft of ~70 at Pine Pt.
Beach, Scarborough, 28 Sep 2004 (G. Neavoll); 35 birds at Dyer Pt., Cumberland Co., 30 Sep 2017 (I. Doherty, eBird); 46, Reid S.P., Mile Beach, 6 Oct 2016 (G. Presley, eBird); 62, Schoppee
Pt, Roque Bluffs, 12 Oct 2016 (D. Nickerson, eBird); 90 on
Ogunquit Beach, 14 Oct 2017 (S. Muhall, eBird); 31 on Fortune
Rocks Beach, 22 Oct 2017 (T. Foley, eBird); 250 on Mackworth I., Falmouth, 24 Oct 1992 (L. Brinker). Few inland records
before Oct: an early immature migrant, “young bird has been
present here for about a month” on L. Josephine, 30 Aug 2008
Houlihan); 15 at Biddeford Pool, East Pt. Sanctuary, 13 Apr 2017
(WJS, eBird); 11 and 9 in Alexander, Washington Co., 28 Sep
7 at Schoodic Pt., ANP, 22 Apr 2015 (I. Pratte and D. Cornier).
L., Aroostook Co., 9 Oct 1987 (WJS, MBN 1[3]: 28); 1 female
(S. Sphire); 14, Hermit I., Phippsburg, 14 Apr 2010 (M. Fahay);
and 10 Oct 1984, respectively ( J. M. Dudley); 6 on Molunkus
on Kennebec R., Clinton–Fairfield, Kennebec/Somerset Cos.,
130
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
13 Oct 1990 (W. and B. Sumner); 4 on Madawaska L., 24 Oct
2004 (WJS); 14 males on L. Josephine, 24 Oct 2006 (WJS and D. Abbot); 1 female on 30 Oct 1993 (L. Brinker), an immature male on 10 Nov 1999 (PDV), and 1 duck on 14 Nov 2002, all on Sabattus Pond (D. Mairs and PDV). Late inland birds: 1
female on Echo L., Presque Isle, 21–22 Nov 2006 (WJS) and 1
on Lake Shore Rd., Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 21 Nov 2013 (D.
Nickerson, eBird).
Four banded Surf Scoters recovered in ME: 3 banded in
Labrador, 2 in Natuashish, 1 in Cartwright (oldest bird, banded Jul 2007–recovered Oct 2010); 1 banded in Rivière-du-Loup, QC (USFWS 2018b).
W inter :
Common from Mount Desert I. south, occasional
in Washington Co., fide eBird: 28, Machiasport, 1 Jan 2011 (C.
Bartlett); 20, Mary Jim’s Shore Rd., Jonesport, 15 Feb 2014 (B.
Kelley); 12 at Roque S.P., 5 and 20 Feb 2017 (K. Holmes and M.
Burden, respectively). High counts: 1,200 at Ogunquit, 6 Dec
2000 (D. Tucker); 85, Skolfield Shores Preserve, Harpswell, 6
Dec 2015, and 72, Maquoit Bay Conservation land, Brunswick, 1 Jan 2015 (both G. Smith, eBird); 24 from Swans I. Ferry, 12 Jan
2014 (R. Speirs, eBird); 16, Spruce Head I., Hancock Co., 16 Jan
2017 (A. Boover, eBird); 46 at Stover’s Pt. Preserve, Harpswell, 4
Feb 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 35 at Biddeford Pool, Hills Beach, 6 and 13 Feb 2013 (D. Rankin, eBird).
Surf Scoters have appeared on every CBC since at least 1960.
Lowest counts of 16, 10, and 12 recorded in consecutive years,
1962–1964; last double-digit record in 1972. Despite sometimes
large annual fluctuations (e.g., 861 birds in 1994, to 467 in 1995),
overall count trend increasing. Lowest count in 2007–2017 was
602 birds on 15 circles in 2007; highest count, 1,798 on 16 circles in 2015. Atlantic Coast CBCs, 1955–1995, found no discernible trend in Surf Scoter wintering populations (Anderson et al. 2015).
TE
Christmas Bird Count data show only one year with a total count below 1,200 birds, and an outlier high year of 7,650. CBC data indicate a decline in early-winter numbers since 2000. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer wrote that White-winged Scoters were abundant late-fall and spring migrants on salt water and less common but regular on inland waters. Palmer (1949, 122) stated, “From about 1860 to 1916, this species declined steadily from over-shooting, but in recent decades apparently has recovered considerably in numbers.” Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in n. Europe and n. Asia. In N. America breeds from w. ON north through NU, NT, YT, and interior and n. AK, west to s. AB and e. BC. Winters on Atlantic Coast NFLD south to n. FL; and Gulf Coast from FL panhandle west to TXMexico border; on Pacific Coast, Aleutian Is. south to Baja California and n. Gulf of California; a small population winters on Great Ls. Remarks: “All the scoters are somewhat unwary, the present species being the least shy and noisy of the three” (Palmer 1949, 122). S pring :
White-winged and Surf Scoters follow similar
seasonal patterns in ME. Number of white-wings drops
mid-Feb, climbs again as southern wintering birds arrive third week of Feb. These birds move on again by mid-Mar. Most
birds depart by mid-Apr for breeding grounds in Canada and
Alaska. Late season increase begins early May before declining to summer residents. High counts: 300 at Stratton I., 7 Mar
2005 (D. Lovitch), and ~3,000 on 16 Mar 1995 (fide A. Bacon,
MBN 9[1]: 4), probably including both northbound migrants
White-winged Scoter
Melanitta deglandi
The noisiest and showiest scoter comes with white cateyeliner and ivory eyes
Status in Maine: Although found year-round in Maine, White-winged Scoters are not known to breed here. Common during winter months and sometimes abundant during peak spring and fall migration along the coast. Most birds depart by mid-April for breeding grounds on fresh water lakes and wetlands in the Canadian interior and Alaska; remaining summer residents are nonbreeding birds. In fall, the population grows steadily from early September to early November and peaks in December. From 1968 to 2000,
and overwintering residents; and >500, 18 Apr 1995, at Hadley
Pt., Bar Harbor (fide A. Bacon, MFO 7[2]: 28); 1,500 on Stratton
I., 18 May 2017 (Z. Smith, eBird); 200 on Appledore I., “Part of a fantastic northward migration of 4,300 mixed scoters about
halfway between Appledore I. and the mainland,” 22 May 1999
(A. Borror and S. Mirick, fide D. Holmes). Inland records: 50
on Somerset-Brassua L., Somerset Co., 17 May 2016 (A. Dalton, eBird); 6 males on Richardson L., 23 May 2002 and “small
flock” on Madawaska L., 29 May 2004 (both WJS); 4 at Poplar I. Campsite, Aroostook Co., 22 May 2014 (B. West, eBird); 70 on
Upper Richardson L., Oquossoc, Oxford Co., “Unusual. Moving thru [sic]. Only 2 hens,” 26 May 2015 (R. Lambert, eBird); and
20–25 white-wings with 10–12 surfs on Kezar L., 28 May 2005 ( J.
Suchecki). Aroostook arrivals: 16 on Madawaska L., 9 May 2010;
2 on Trafton L., 6 May 2011; and 2 on L. Josephine, 14 May 2005, continuing there another week (all WJS).
131
Birds of Maine S ummer :
After small mid-Jun rise in population, a few
summer nonbreeding residents until early Aug when first
influx of migrating birds arrives. Summer records: 5 in
Harpswell, 17 Jun 1957 (D. Morse et al., MFO 2[7]: 70); 15 on
Drakes I., Wells, 20 Jun 1990 ( JVW, MBN 4[2]: 15); 1 male,
East Pt., Biddeford, 10 Jul 1992 (L. Brinker, MBN 6[1]: 16); 1
7 Dec 2011 (WJS, eBird); 1–8 on Unity Pond, intermittently
2–17 Dec 2011 (T. Aversa, eBird). High counts: 1,500 in raft of
~3,000 mixed scoters, Ogunquit, 6 Dec 2000 (D. Tucker); 400 at Ogunquit, 2 Jan 2001 (B. Coullon, fide K. Gammons); 400
at Mount Desert Narrows, 11 Jan 2003 (W. Townsend); 180 in
Phippsburg on 17 Dec 1994 (PDV et al.); 170, Biddeford, 27 Dec
“had molted all flight feathers” at Parsons Beach, Kennebunk,
1959 (DeWindt, MFO 4[10]: 114); 120, Cliff House, York, 4 Feb
immatures” at Crescent Surf Beach, Kennebunk, 31 Jul 1988
high one year, low the next, never exceeding 1,000 birds until
25 Jul 1990 ( JVW, MBN 4[2]: 15); ~40 “most, perhaps all,
1999 (PDV). CBC data show variable numbers through 1960s,
( JVW, PDV, R. Eakin et al.; MBN 2[2]: 15); 6 at Crescent Surf
1968. The 1970 CBC was an outlier year with 7,650 white-wings
Great Wass I. Preserve, 4 Aug 2015 (T. Encelewski and Leslie
5,000 birds counted annually, in the 1990s numbers between
Beach, 18 Jul 2011 (K. O’Brien and L. Fenderson, eBird); 3 at
H., eBird); 3 at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth, 24 Aug 2005 (fide
D. Lovitch). Few inland records: 1 in Mooselook, Oxford Co.,
4 Jun 2015 (R. Lambert, eBird), and 1 on L. Josephine, 7 Jun
2016 (N. Hudak, eBird). High count: 175 from ferry between
counted. During the remainder of the 1970s and 1980s, ~1,500–
1,000–3,000. In 2001, count was down to 725 birds from 2,978 the year before; since 2001 counts have averaged 1,125 with a
high of 1,845 birds in 2010 (CBC 2018).
TE
Vinalhaven and Rockland on 26 Aug 2005 (fide ME Audubon). F all :
Numbers increase steadily 1 Sep–1 Nov, then level off and
drop, before building again in mid- to late Nov: 9 in Penobscot
Black Scoter
Bay, 4 Sep 1959 (MFO 4[6–7]: 82); 9 at Portland Head Light, 5
Melanitta americana
and Smuttynose Is., 9–11 Sep 2005 (S. Mirick et al.); 24, Great
This most vocal of scoters winters on both coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico
Sep 2014 (L. Ragusa, eBird); unreported number from Appledore Salt Bay Farm Wildlife Preserve, Damariscotta, 2 Oct 2014 (S.
Zagorski, K. Fiske, T. Green; eBird); ~2,000, Wells, 16 Oct 1957
(m. ob., fide C.M. Packard; MFO 2[11]: 113); “Up to 1,000 Whitewinged Scoter are seen daily around the bay” in Bar Harbor area, week of 17 Oct 2001 (W. Townsend); >200, Small Pt., 30 Oct
2005 (C. Jack); 1 at Deer Isle Causeway, Hancock Co., 23 Oct
2016 (F. Yost, eBird); 3 at Schoppee Pt., Roque Bluffs, 6 Nov 2016 (C. Todd, eBird); 100 at Prout’s Neck, Scarborough, 10 Nov 2016 ( J. Janis and D. Allen, eBird); 55 at Hulls Cove, Hancock Co., 12
Nov 2010, and 116, Hadley Pt., ANP, 19 Nov 2015 (both M. Good, eBird); 10 at Wells Beach, 23 Nov 2014 (M. Rockmore, eBird).
Inland records: 1 on Sebasticook L., 17 Oct 2004 ( J. Markowsky);
24 at Riley Rd., Sabattus Pond, 24 Oct 2005 (L. Seitz and D. Lovitch); juvenile on L. Josephine, 28 Oct 2003 (WJS); 2 on
Wesserunsett L., E. Madison, Somerset Co., 1 Nov 2017 (C. Todd, eBird); female in Smithfield, Somerset Co., 8 Nov 2000 (W.
Sumner); 2 on L. Josephine, 18 Nov 2003, and first-winter bird at
same locality, 16 Nov 2006 (both WJS). No known birds banded
or recovered in ME. W inter :
Winter population highest on coast mid-Dec from
Hancock Co. south. Few Washington Co. records, mostly
at U.S.–Canada border, fide eBird: 7 in Eastport, 8 Jan 2011
(C. Bartlett); 2 at W. Quoddy Head S.P., 20 Jan 2017 (M. and S. Bourque, S. Cline); 1 at Boot Head Preserve, Lubec, 13 Feb
2009 ( J. Mays). Numbers fluctuate through season; wintering
birds appear to leave mid-Feb, numbers subsequently rise and
fall until reaching lowest count mid-Apr. Inland records: 3 in
Smithfield, 5 Dec 2005 (W. Sumner); 4 on Christina Reservoir,
132
Status in Maine: Seen throughout the year in Maine, Black Scoters migrate across the state to and from breeding grounds in northern Quebec. Flocks of several hundred, sometimes thousands, of birds are common on the coast in spring. Scoters begin to reappear inland in late September. By December they are again concentrated on the coast and mostly absent inland. Commonly seen in mixed flocks of Surf and White-winged Scoters, Black Scoters appear annually on Christmas Bird Counts (see Map 10). Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 111) called the Black Scoter one of the “commonest and most generally occurring ducks” on the coast in spring and fall, “and quite often seen in winter.” Palmer (1949, 124) called Black Scoter the earliest scoter to arrive in ME in early Apr, indicating an absence in winter. Palmer considered summer and winter populations to be similar, stating, “It is unusual to see over 30 at one place, but Cruickshank saw over 100 throughout Jun 1941, in Muscongus Bay.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in 2 distinct populations: n. QC east of Hudson Bay, rarely n. ON and Labrador; and w. AK with scarce breeding on North Slope, east to YT and NT. Winters on Atlantic Coast to cen. FL and Gulf Coast from n. FL to TX. Western population winters from Aleutian Is., AK, to Baja California.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
departure . . . Many flocks of Black Scoters passed so close that their weird ‘whinny’
could be plainly heard in flight. Some flocks would land briefly in the water, where
Widrig); 3,000 at Simpson’s Pt. Landing,
!
! !
their whinnying could also be heard” (R.
!
!
!
Brunswick, on 18 Apr 2016 (M. Resch,
!
eBird); >1,500 at Vinalhaven, 17 Mar 2005
!
!
Pt., Cumberland Co., on 3 Apr 2005 (D.
!
!
!
!
(K. Gentalen, fide D. Lovitch); 886 at Dyer Lovitch, fide J. Suchecki); ~700 at Seawall
Beach, 14 Apr 2005 (C. Kesselheim); 600 off Stratton I., 7 Mar 2005 (D. Lovitch);
200, Schoodic Peninsula, ANP, 16 Apr 2014 (S. Benz, eBird); and 315 at Bailey I., Land’s
End, Cumberland Co., 5 May 2017 (G.
Smith, eBird). Inland, uncommon, flocks
typically overflying the state unless forced
down by bad conditions. Records from midto late Apr (corresponding with ice-out)
through May: 3 Black Scoters at Pleasant
Pond, Litchfield, Kennebec Co., on 17 Apr
2007 (E. Hynes); in Aroostook C, a drake
on 18 Apr 2007 was an early record in Mars
Hill (WJS); 1 “uncommon inland male” at McCrae Farm Flat, pair on L. Josephine,
and pair on Arnold Brook L., ( “Third water body with BLSC’s today!”) all 23 Apr 2016
(WJS, eBird). Heavy rain in Aroostook Co. week of 19 May 2006 brought sea
duck fallout: “I’ve never seen these kinds
of numbers and diversity of species in the
Map 10: Black Scoter Migration
county. Large mixed flocks (hundreds) of all
In the spring, Black Scoters migrate up the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Maine, then veer sharply northwest to cross Maine on their way to breeding lakes across the boreal forest region of Canada. (Sea Duck Joint Venture.).
three scoter species were seen yesterday and today on Portage Lake, Madawaska Lake
(T16 R4 WELS), Long Lake (St. Agatha),
Arnold Brook Lake (Presque Isle) and Lake Josephine (Easton). Most flocks seem to
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened due to apparent moderately rapid decline in both breeding populations. Remarks: “At Umbagog, this bird is called the Sleigh-bell Duck, from its musical note (Brewster, 1924, 171). This melodious whistling, which is not peculiar to this species of scoter, is a characteristic sound heard above the noise of the surf along our bleak winter shores” (Palmer 1949, 124). Migratory flocks found inland in
late fall are sometimes misidentified as Ruddy Ducks in winter plumage. S pring :
Common to abundant on coast
with peak numbers in mid-Apr. Less
have equal proportions of Surf and Black
Scoters with about 10–20% being Whitewings” (WJS).
S ummer :
Persistent through summer
common in e. Washington Co., reflecting
as single birds and small groups of
Midcoast waters, but numbers apparently
birds unable to migrate. Occasional
departures inland from southern and
move eastward up Bay of Fundy crossing
nonbreeders, likely immatures and injured
migrant flocks lingering through earliest
NB overland to Northumberland Strait.
Jun. High counts of over-summering
Petit Manan Pt. on 15 Apr 1988, during ~5
Kennebunk, 31 Jul 1988 ( JVW et al.; MBN
High counts: 22,800 Black Scoters at
hours observation: “Flight was in progress upon [my] arrival, still in progress upon
birds: 9 immatures, Crescent Surf Beach,
2[2]: 15); 14, Cutler Naval Communications Unit, Cutler, 14 Jul 1990 (CDD et al.;
133
Birds of Maine
MBN 4[2]: 15); 8, Camden Hills S.P., 7 Jul 2015 (A. Carriere).
Recent observations of late-spring migrants, fide eBird: 27 on
Long-tailed Duck
Cutler–Machias Seal I. boat trip, 2 Jun 2017 (E. Miller and M.
Clangula hyemalis
Ferry Beach, Saco, 7 Jun 2017 (M. Jacobson). One inland record:
A common wintering duck well known for its varied vocalizations
Weaver); 35 in Frenchboro, 2 Jun 2017 (B. McKay); and 35 at 2 birds at Telos Rd., w. BSP area, on 4 Jun 2014 (D. Shepler,
eBird). Recent records of summering birds, fide eBird: Cape
Split Beach, Washington Co., 17 Jul 2014 (G. Watkevich); 1 at Seapoint Beach, York, 22 Aug 2017 (D. Moulton). F all :
Most migrants arrive in small flocks on coast Sep–Oct,
movement tapering off Nov. Early-arriving flocks dominated by males. Earliest records of fall migrants: 15 at Deer Isle, 29 Aug
1957 (Hundley, MFO 2[9]: 91); 7 at Higgins Beach, Scarborough,
23 Aug 1995 (L. Brinker, R. Lambert; MBN 8[1]: 18); 68 on Pt.
Pond, Great Wass I., 26 Aug 2014 (W. Hutcheson); and 2 in Ft.
Fairfield, 8 Sep 1985 (M. Trombley, MBN 1[2]: 21). Recent early migrant records, fide eBird: 70, Schoppee Pt., Roque Bluffs, 3 Sep 2017 (S. Benz); 8, Dyer Pt., 17 Sep 2017 (I. Doherty); 51,
Schoodic Pt., ANP, 25 Sep 2014 (K. Ohmart); 127 on Monhegan
I., 9 Oct 2015 ( J. Trimble and J. Offermann); 6 at Folkingham
Cove, Great Wass I., 18 Oct 2015 (W. Hutcheson); 163, Dyer Pt.,
31 Oct 2017 (R. Garrigus); 80 in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, 11 Nov
2017 (A. Kallenbach); 7 at Long Pt. Preserve, Machias, 19 Nov 2016 (W. Gillies); and 3, Pendleton Pt., Islesboro, 28 Nov 2017
( J. Wyatt). Several flocks totaling ~1,500 birds at Schoodic Pt.,
Status in Maine: Abundant along the entire coast in late fall, winter, and spring, Long-tailed Ducks do not breed in Maine and are rare in summer. They are uncommon but regular inland in spring and fall. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer characterized Long-tailed Ducks, then called Oldsquaw, as abundant in spring, fall, and winter along ME’s coast. Midwinter waterfowl inventories by USFWS in the Atlantic Flyway showed a slight decline 1976–1997 for the Eastern wintering population. ME’s CBC data also show a slight decline during this time; however, the species remains common along the coast in winter. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Circumpolar breeding range. In N. Am. range extends through Arctic and subarctic sections of Labrador west across Canada to AK. Also nests along Greenland coast, in Iceland, n. Scandinavia, and Russia.
Long-tailed Ducks winter along both coasts and on Great Ls. Eastern winter range from coastal NL Nov: 2 on Snow’s Pond, Dover-Foxcroft, 23 Oct 2017 (C. Belaner, southward along coast of Maritime Provinces, New eBird) and 1 at Unity Pond same date (T. Aversa, eBird); 5 England, and Mid-Atlantic states to NC. Rare but young birds on Madawaska L., 6 Nov 2003 (WJS). Inland high regular south to n. Gulf of Mexico and along Atlantic counts, fide eBird: 110, in Greenwood, Oxford Co., 19 Oct 2014 Coast to FL.
17 Sep 2001 (W. Townsend). Regularly found inland Oct and
(F. Mitchell); 80 at Pine Tree Camp, Kennebec Co., 26 Oct 2015 (M. Viens); 75 on E. Grand L., Danforth, Washington Co., 25
Oct 2017 (W. Oellers-Fulmer); 60 at Shawmut Dam, Kennebec
R., Kennebec Co., 14 Oct 2016 (L. Bevier).
Only known banding record: bird banded off ME coast in
Mar 2010 recovered in same location Nov 2013. Winter:
Abundant winterer along the coast. Wintering
birds concentrate on coast south of Rockland and in water
around Mount Desert I. Single birds and small groups
reported Downeast: 1 at Boot Head Preserve, Lubec, 28 Dec
2014 ( J. and F. Marenghi, eBird); 8 at Roque Bluffs S.P., 5 Feb 2017 (K. Holmes, eBird). High counts: ~900 at Prout’s Neck,
Scarborough, 12 Dec 2004 (C. Fichtel); ~800–900 at Two Lights S.P., Cape Elizabeth, 6 Jan 2006 (D. Lovitch); 570 at Prout’s
Neck, 9 Nov 2014 (L. Bevier, eBird) and 250 at same locality, 10 Nov 2016 ( J. Janis and D. Allen, eBird). Inland record: 1 on L.
Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 3 Dec 2013 (D. Nickerson, eBird).
Low count of 22 birds on 4 CBCs in 1966 steadily increased to high of 3,543 birds on 13 CBCs in 2014.
TE
134
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable. Status was established based on 35% decline of wintering population in the Baltic Sea early 1990s– late 2000s. Rate of decline detected implies global population will drop a minimum of 30% before 2020. Remarks: ME’s most pelagic duck, the Long-tailed Duck tends to rest offshore, moving inshore to feed. Large roosting flocks break into smaller groups of 5–15 birds after entering bays. They do not normally associate with any other species of ducks and are among the noisiest ducks, especially in spring, their calls variously being likened to hounds bugling or people chattering. S pring :
As described by Palmer, numbers of Long-tailed
Ducks increase Mar–early Apr as birds that overwintered in more southerly locales arrive along the coast, joining ME’s overwintering population. By early Apr, numbers peak along
coast. High spring counts: 400 in Casco Bay, 6 May 1966 (obs. unk.); 1,000 in Frenchman Bay, 29 Mar 1967 (E. Thompson;
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
NMAS, Mar 1967); and 400 in Lubec, 22 Mar 1987 (CDD et al.). Nocturnal migration appears the norm in spring as ducks
Interesting to note 2 records of Long-tailed Ducks
summering on Flanders Bay, Sorrento, some 40 years apart. The
depart coast in late afternoon and evening. Flocks active
1953 bird was a female which was said to have nested, but this is
assemblages, numbering in the hundreds, circle to high elevations
nesting in ME.
as departure time approaches. Large flocks congregate and in a towering flight before turning northward for overland
migration. On 14 Apr 1991, a flock was heard overhead at 21:00 hrs. in Canaan, Somerset Co., ~35 mi. inland from nearest salt water
(W. Sumner). As spring migration continues, numbers dwindle rapidly along coast and most depart by late May.
Long-tailed Ducks are rare but regular at inland locales
late Apr–May. Typically encountered as singles and small
groups inland: 1 male and 2 females in Alexander, Washington
Co., 29 Apr 1984 ( J. Dudley); 1 male inland on Kennebec R. in Shawmut, Somerset Co., 29 Mar 1988 (W. Sumner); 11 in
Easton, Aroostook Co., 29 Apr 1989 (M. Trombley); and 1 male, Christina Reservoir, 11 May 2004 (WJS).
On 16–18 May 2006, migrating sea ducks, including Long-
tailed Ducks, encountered heavy rains in n. ME. Large flocks
were grounded for several days on lakes in n. Penobscot and cen.
Aroostook Cos.: 3 on farm pond, Mt. Chase, 18 May 2006 (T.
Sheehan); >20 Portage L., Portage, 18 May 2006; 14, Madawaska
L., T16 R5 WELS, 19 May 2006; and 11 on L. Josephine, 19 May
2006 (all WJS).
Later spring records: 6 Falmouth, 21 May 1987 ( J. Madeira); 2
Cutler, 22 May 1987 (CDD et al.); and 1 female, L. Josephine, 30
May 2003 (WJS). S ummer :
A few late migrants linger into early Jun, and
summering Long-tailed Ducks occur occasionally along
coast. Likely late migrants: 1 breeding-plumage male inland
unconfirmed. There are no documented records of the species
F all :
As described by Palmer, this species begins to arrive
along coast in numbers in mid-Oct and builds rapidly,
continuing into Nov and peaking by late Nov.
Fall migration route also predominantly overland; records
of Long-tailed Ducks inland rare but regular in fall: 80 in
Newport, 18 Oct 1972 (obs. unk.); 1 in Benedicta, Aroostook Co.,
3 Nov 1979 (obs unk.); 3 on Grand L., Seboeis, T7 R7 WELS,
Penobscot Co., 12 Nov 1979 (B. Burgason); 3 in Ft. Fairfield, 28
Oct 1984 (M. Trombley); 9 inland on Sabattus Pond, 16 Nov
1994 ( J. Despres); 3 inland on Sabattus Pond, 15 Nov 1996
(PDV); 2 females, L. Josephine, 30 Nov–2 Dec 2006 (WJS). We agree with Palmer’s assertion that records of Long-
tailed Ducks seen in ME prior to Oct are probably birds that
lingered along the coast through summer. Earliest migrant
record 6 ducks on Hog I. on Wood Pond, Attean Twp., near
Jackman, Somerset Co., 2 Oct 1944 (W. Foerster in Palmer). Other early records: 75 in Albany Twp., Oxford Co., 10 Oct
1972 (obs. unk.); and 5 in Roque Bluffs, 14 Oct 1987 (T. Preston Jr. and G. Preston, MBN 1[3]: 28).
Long-tailed Ducks are not specifically sought after by
waterfowl hunters in ME, but the species is regularly taken. In
1976, they (then listed as Oldsquaw) comprised 1.3% of annual waterfowl harvest in ME. Annual harvests generally 800 in Clark Cove, Bar Harbor, 6 Nov 1969 (Russell and Witt 2009);
at least 300 at Mackworth I., Falmouth, 2 Nov 2006 (N. Lund);
270 Cape Jellison, Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., 25 Oct 2008 (WJS); and 250 at Broad Cove, Cumberland, 2 Nov 2006 (S.
Walsh).
W inter :
Common to abundant along entire coast in shallow,
sheltered tidal waters with mud bottoms. Commonly found
on all coastal CBCs with exception of offshore islands. High
counts: 1,654 on 1976 Thomaston–Rockland CBC; 1,178 in
1980, Moose I.; 897 in 1986, Greater Portland; 872 in 1961 on
Mount Desert I. CBC; and 759 off Mount Desert I., 31 Dec 1966
(RNEB 22: 5). WJS
Subadults and nonbreeding migrants sometimes linger at
coast and inland into early Jun. S ummer :
Occasional in summer. Palmer (1949, 106) noted,
“Although it seems probable that this species has bred rarely in
Maine, there is no certain breeding record.” Hen with 4 young reported at Topsfield on 5 Jul 1999 (M. Bates). Most other
breeding reports lack detail or involved other waterfowl species
erroneously identified as Bufflehead.
Summer records: 1 female at a pond in T2 R9 WELS south
of BSP, 12 Jun 1977 (PDV); 3 at Dram Rock, Swan I. WMA,
Perkins Twp., Franklin Co., on 13 Jul 1970 (P. Adamus); 2 at
Upper New Meadows R. (Bath/Brunswick), 26 Jun 2008 (M.
Fahay); adult male seen at Simpson’s Pt. Landing, Brunswick,
29 Jun–7 Jul 2015 (G. Smith et al.); immature on Eagle L., ANP, 1 Jul 2003 (fide W. Townsend); female over-summered on L.
136
Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
A whistler losing ground to climate change
Status in Maine: A cavity-nesting duck of boreal forests, Common Goldeneyes (called “whistlers” for the sound of their wings in flight) are both migrants and residents in Maine, where they reach the southern limit of their breeding range. Goldeneyes will winter wherever there is open water and move north again as early as February. One of the last ducks to move south; fall migration is not evident until November when birds appear in numbers on the coast. The primary factor limiting breeding is availability of suitable
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Global Distribution: Circumpolar. Breeds from Maritime Provinces and NL south to n. ME, NY, and VT, Upper Peninsula of MI, n. MN, west to interior AK, inland south to U.S.–Canada border in BC. Winters from Maritime Provinces south on Atlantic Coast to VA and nw. GA to cen. FL, throughout U.S. interior to s. BC south to s. CA, Baja California, and Gulf of California, n. AZ, south into cen. Mexico, cen. TX to Gulf Coast, LA, MS, AL, and w. FL. Also breeds from Scandinavia to Kamchatka, Russia. Remarks: Forbush (1912) claimed that Common Goldeneye hens often carried their chicks away from danger by holding them in their feet and pressing the chick against their bodies. S pring :
Population concentrated on coast as winter birds linger
and migrants move north before turning inland to breeding
areas. Inland arrivals mid-Mar to mid-May: 1 at Somerset Rd.,
Somerset Co., 16 Mar 2017 (B. Way, eBird); 4, Christina Reservoir,
forest and nesting cavities. As goldeneyes primarily nest in taiga, climate change over the next 60 years is projected to diminish both the quantity of appropriate forest and quality of breeding habitat (National Audubon Society 2014). Historical Status in Maine: A decline in Common Goldeneyes in New England in the early 1900s was noted by Forbush (1912, 130), “. . . and like all our Ducks has been driven from its former haunts in the interior by incessant persecution.” He continued, “My correspondence with over three hundred gunners and other observers seems to show conclusively that the species has decreased greatly throughout the State [MA] within the thirty years prior to 1909” (Forbush 1912, 130). After the spring hunt was abolished in 1916, populations fluctuated through the mid-1900s: breeding range extended in 1928; regularly and then, less frequently, seen around Mt. Katahdin 1922–late 1940s; was increasing in Portland in winter, 1935–1941; then was noticeably declining in ME from 1943–1947 (Palmer 1949). At mid-century, Palmer found summer breeding birds were fairly common in unsettled inland areas and wintering birds, both local and long-distance migrants, common to abundant on the coast and on open water inland. Birds began massing in sw. coastal water Feb–late Mar and moved inland as water opened in late Mar–late Apr. He stated fall migration was “October 10 to November 20, the peak coming in early November” (Palmer 1949, 101) and inland birds moved to open streams and salt water as ice formed.
20 Apr 1987 (WJS); 12 on Thompson L., Pleasant St. Bridge,
Oxford Co., 20 Apr 2014 (D. Guzman, eBird); 1 on Eagle L., 23
Apr 2010 (WJS); 1, Four Ponds, Twp. D, Franklin Co., 8 May
2015 ( J. Stevens, eBird); 5, Allagash Waterway, 14 May 2013 (B. Blauvelt, eBird). Palmer noted weather conditions sometimes
created concentrated numbers, “. . . on March 17 of the same year [1925], thousands of Goldeneyes gathered in upper Casco Bay
( J.R. Wallace).” High counts since: 400, Brunswick, 7 Mar 1970;
600, Yarmouth, 31 Mar 1970 (MN 1[10]: 6); 250, Presumpscot R., Falmouth, 27 Mar 2004 (L. Seitz); >200, Phippsburg, 3 Apr 1957 (Poole et al.); 200, Merrymeeting Bay, 11 Apr 1957 (MFO 2[5]:
44); 200, Newcastle, 30 May 1959 (Buxton et al.); and 200 or more, Damariscotta Mills, 29 Mar 1987 (A. Wells and JVW). S ummer :
Nesting limited by availability of suitable cavities;
Common Goldeneyes use nest boxes but, unlike Wood Ducks,
do not nest away from water. Intraspecific brood parasitism
related to cavity availability, increasing occurrence when fewer
cavities available and especially prevalent in nest boxes; highest rate occurs in nests initiated early; presumably, cavity shortage
forces later-nesting birds to lay in already established nests
(Eadie et al. 1995). Interspecific brood parasitism also common, occurring in both natural and artificial cavities. Commonly
parasitized species: Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Merganser,
Bufflehead, Wood Duck, and Smew (Eadie et al. 1995). Nesting reported on King and Bartlett L., Somerset Co., Jun 1970
(Moulton et al. 1970) and in T1 R14 WELS, Piscataquis Co. on
4 Jul 1960 (Smith, MN 2[1]: 2). Confirmed breeding in all but southernmost counties, most frequent from cen. ME north
(Adamus 1987). Recent breeding observations: female with at
least 11 young, Mooseleuk Dam Camp, Piscataquis Co., 9 Jun
2014 (PDV and WJS, eBird); 41, 1 adult male, 3 adult females, 9
137
Birds of Maine
unspecified adults, 28 juveniles, “Three fresh broods with hen sighted. One with at least 10 young. Also group of apparent
non-breeding first year birds,” at Lt. Gordon Manuel WMA,
Aroostook Co., 10 Jun 2017 (WJS, eBird); 1 adult with 8 juveniles, Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins, Piscataquis Co., 3 Jul 2014 (B.
Blauvelt, eBird); 12 older juveniles, 1 hen, 6 second-year, molting,
of Aroostook River (below the dams) are still mostly open.
There are many small openings here and there on the area’s
smaller streams. . . . still a handful of Common Mergansers and
Common Goldeneyes feeding on crayfish below the Caribou
Dam on the Aroostook River in Caribou” (WJS).
TE
nonbreeding birds, L. Josephine, 10 Aug 2014 (WJS and G.
LeBaron, eBird). Notable s. ME breeding record: juvenile on
Pleasant Pond, Litchfield–Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 12 Aug 2006
( J. Suchecki). F all :
Few Aug–Oct observations. Based on dearth of inland
records at this season, breeding birds and young apparently
disperse but do not appear at coast until Nov, notably later than
Palmer stated. Early saltwater arrivals: 3 in Corea, Hancock
Co., 26 Sep 1970; and 3, Salisbury Cove, Hancock Co., 27 Sep
1970 (MN 2[3]: 22). First migrants arrive early to mid-Nov, south from Mount Desert I. and cen. ME; numbers build
later in month, fide eBird: 2, Schoodic Pt., ANP, 5 Nov 2015 (S.
Benz); 3, U.S. Rt. 1, Sullivan, 5 Nov 2016 (Z. Jakub); 1, Phillips
Cove, York Co., 6 Nov 2011 (L. Bevier, D. Suitor, and J. Berry);
3, Basket I. causeway, Cumberland Co., 9 Nov 2016 ( J. Fecteau); 50, Winslow Memorial Park, Cumberland Co., 14 Nov 2009 (P. McCormack); 16 on Sears I., 18 Nov 2017 ( J. Wyatt, J. Smith,
Barrow’s Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica
An uncommon winter duck usually seen in the company of Common Goldeneyes Status in Maine: An local winterer, Barrow’s Goldeneyes have been recorded in every county in Maine except Franklin. Fewer than 100 Barrow’s Goldeneyes are estimated to winter in the state annually, with midwinter concentrations primarily in the lower, ice-free sections of rivers, estuaries, and bays. The Maine hunting season for Barrow’s was closed in 2007 due to its declining population and status as a Threatened species.
and B. Barker); 76, Lincoln, 24 Nov 2013 (L. Bevier); 16 on
Maine Conservation Status: Threatened.
Wyatt); 35, Unity Pond, 29 Nov 2017 (T. Aversa). High counts:
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Barrow’s Goldeneyes as wintering in small numbers in Penobscot Bay, east along the coast of Hancock and Washington Cos., and in lesser numbers west to Scarborough. Rare on fresh water. Barrow’s spring departure and fall arrival dates are similar to Common Goldeneyes.
Hutchins I. and Marsh Preserve, Islesboro, 28 Nov 2017 ( J.
110, Penobscot R., Passadumkeag, Penobscot Co., 5 Nov 2000
( J. Markowsky); 80, Simpson’s Pt. Landing, Brunswick, 29 Nov
2014 (G. Smith); 70, Camp Truda, Otisfield, Oxford Co., 21 Nov 2012 (M. Barber); 46, Messalonskee L., 29 Nov 2017 (L. Parker).
Bird banded in Corinth, Penobscot Co., Jul 1964, recovered off s. ME coast, Nov 1976 (USFWS 2018b).
W inter :
Inland birds stay on open water wherever available
or migrate to coast at freeze-up. Wintering population
primarily south of Mount Desert I., few birds in Washington
Co., fide eBird: 18, Great Wass I. Preserve, 21 Dec 2016 (C.
Whitney); 8, Englishman R., Roque Bluffs, 28 Dec 2013 (R.
Oren); 4, Western Head Preserve, Cutler, 30 Dec 2014 ( J. and
F. Marenghi). Courtship displays begin Dec–Jan, becoming
more regular Feb–Mar, 100 Common Goldeneyes, “some were engaged in courtship activity,” Penobscot R., Orono, 10 Feb
2002 ( J. Markowsky). High counts: 725 at Simpson’s Pt. Landing, Brunswick, 28 Jan 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 400, Portland, 13 Feb
1957 (Poole, MFO 2[3]: 24); 201, Mackworth I., Falmouth, 29 Jan
2005 (South Coastal Maine Rare Bird Alert); 130, confluence Kennebec and Sebasticook Rs., Winslow, Kennebec Co., 11
Feb 2004 ( J. Suchecki). Late Aroostook Co. observations:
12 in Aroostook R., Caribou, 30 Jan 1985 and 2, Presque Isle
Stream, through Feb 1985 (both R. Holmes); week of 5–11 Jan
2005, “temps between the high 20s and -10s . . . Some parts
138
Global Distribution: Small eastern N. Am. population, ~4000 birds. Found breeding in Laurentian Highlands on north shore of St. Lawrence R. in QC in 1990s. Breeding in Ungava Peninsula and Labrador remains unconfirmed. Eastern population winters in St. Lawrence estuary. More than 90% of population found between N. Am. continental divide and Pacific Coast. Core breeding range AK south through YT, BC, and WA. Smaller breeding populations in OR, ID, WY, UT, and AB. Western population winters from Kodiak I., AK–Puget Sound, WA. Small resident population in Iceland and possibly Greenland occasionally strays into N. Europe and British Isles. Remarks: Though Bucksport on the lower Penobscot R. continues to be cited as an area of concentration for Barrow’s Goldeneye in ME (Eadie et al. 2000), the last dates for double-digit counts were in the late 1960s.
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
Basic (eclipse) Common Goldeneye drakes in mid- and late summer and in prealternate molt in early fall often show a partial cheek patch expressed as a white crescent in the lores. This often leads to misidentification as Barrow’s Goldeneyes. Four records of Common x Barrow’s Goldeneye hybrids recorded 1984–2005. The earliest record was in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co. (MBN 6[1]: 7); the most recent is from Winslow Park, S. Freeport (Guillemot 33[1]: 15). S pring :
Barrow’s Goldeneyes move north as soon as melting
ice and open water conditions allow. Most movement occurs in
Mar–early Apr; late birds linger through mid-Apr. Late dates: 2 remaining to 24 Apr 1963 in Bangor (obs. unk.); 1 in Lincoln, 24
Apr 1979 (PDV); 10 at Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 20 Apr 1997 (C. Witt); and 1 male, Stillwater R., Old Town, Penobscot Co., 21
Apr 1999 (E. Grew). Occurs through first week in May in n. ME. Latest date on L. Josephine, 8 May 2011 (C. Kesselheim).
As of 2007, only 3 Barrow’s Goldeneyes banded in ME:
after-hatch-year (adult) male banded by MDIFW in Dresden,
8 Apr 1949, shot following Nov on n. shore of St. Lawrence R. southwest of Quebec City in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Perade, QC.
Two other banded birds not recovered. S ummer :
One published summer record, an apparent eclipse
male described in Roque Bluffs, 14 Aug 1988 (T. Preston, J.
Anthony), although descriptions provided in MBN and AB do
W inter :
During winter, Barrow’s Goldeneye found primarily
in lower, ice-free sections of rivers, estuaries, and bays. Some
also known to winter in protected locations on coastal islands.
Areas of concentration include Harraseeket R. in Freeport, New Meadow’s R. in Bath and Brunswick, St. George R. below
Thomaston, Carver’s Harbor in Vinalhaven, Belfast Harbor,
Penobscot R., Bangor-Old Town, Englishman Bay off Jonesport, and St Croix R. in Baileyville–Calais. Surveys for wintering
Barrow’s conducted by MDIFW in 2008–2009 found species at
27 locations in ME. Most counts in single digits.
Barrow’s Goldeneyes found on nearly all coastal and some
inland CBCs in ME. On average, during 20 years prior to 2008–
2009 count, ME CBCs tallied 400 (80% male) observed on Kennebec R.,
Richmond, 25 Mar 2000 (PDV). S ummer :
Rare along coast and islands but regular inland
at small ponds and beaver flowages. Breeds nearly statewide
where natural cavities or nest boxes available. Between 1970
and 1986, Hooded Mergansers accounted for 38% of duck nests in boxes in 24 wetlands in cen. ME (Allen et al. 1990). An
early nester; most broods appear late May–late Jun. In n. ME,
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
2 fresh Hooded Merganser eggs found in nest box third week of Apr 2004 (F. Gramlich). Early broods observed in second
week of May in s. ME and by first week of Jun in north. Early broods: hen with 7 young in beaver pond at Green Pt. WMA,
Dresden, 16 May 2010 (M. Fahay); and a hen with 9 young on L. Josephine, 6 Jun 2011 (WJS). Late nest: hen still incubating
eggs in nest box at Brownfield Bog on 4 Jun 2009 ( J. Camuso).
Families seen as late as third week Aug: 2 hens with young on Christina Reservoir, 21 Aug 2005 (WJS). Independent juveniles seen in family groups as late as early Sep.
F all :
First fall migrants typically appear away from breeding
grounds by mid-Aug. Migration peaks mid-Oct to mid-
Nov with numbers decreasing though Dec. Highest counts
in Aroostook Co. in early Nov (all WJS): 280, Presque Isle,
11 Nov 2010; >220 on Christina Reservoir, 3 Nov 2007; 198, L. Josephine, 13 Nov 2014; 170 at Echo L., Presque Isle, 11 Nov 2010; 86 at Daigle Pond, New Canada, 26 Oct 2006;
79, Trafton L., 9 Nov 2013. Other regional highs: 150 seen at
Sebasticook L., Newport, 21 Nov 2017 (B. Barker); 120 at Salt
Bay, Damariscotta, 26 Oct 1991 (D. Reimer, AB 46: 62); 180 and
>119 at Sabattus Pond, 7 Nov 2009 (PDV ); and 21 Nov 1994
( J. Despres). Annual harvest of Hooded Mergansers in ME
water on large lakes and rivers and near shore in salt water. Common in river rapids, resident birds often remain on open water until forced to move by freezeup. Breeding Bird Surveys show a stable population trend for both the state and North America. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 127) stated Common Mergansers (at the time called American Mergansers) were common spring and fall migrants throughout ME, breeding from n. Cumberland Co. north and were “common to numerous (locally) on open rapids in streams and rivers and rather uncommon on fairly sheltered salt water.” Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in forested habitat, ME and NL west through ON, n. Great Ls., west to BC and AK, south to n. CA and in Rocky Mtns. to MT, WY, and CO. Scattered year-round populations in UT, AZ, NM. Winter range NC and VA west to s. BC, s. CA, AZ, NM, to cen. Mexico. Also breeds across Russia, Mongolia, and China; yearround and winter habitat scattered in cen. Asia, U.K., e. Europe, and e. China.
averages 600/year (Raftovich et al. 2018).
W inter :
Numbers dwindle through Dec when lingering
birds mostly confined to lower reaches of large rivers along
coast, inner bays, and sometimes in ice-free sections inland. Concentrate at good foraging locations below dams and
waterfalls where water remains ice-free into winter. High
counts at Damariscotta Mills: 75 on 3 Dec 1983 ( JVW ) and
116 on 12 Jan 1991 (D. Anderson, AB 45: 251). High counts
elsewhere, all eBird: 56, Robinhood Cove, Sagadahoc Co., 19
Dec 2009 (M. Fahay); 46, Calderwood Preserve, Freeport, 26 Dec 2011 (G. Smith); 35, Sanford Lagoons, 3 Dec 2009 (A.
Aldrich); 21, Pennamaquan R., Shore Rd., Washington Co., 2
Jan 2015 (W. Gillies). Recent inland high counts, fide eBird: 50
on 6 Dec 2016 on Sebasticook L. (P. Moynahan, N. Houlihan);
18 on L. Josephine, 5 Dec 2011 (WJS); and 20 at Ft. Halifax Dam, Waterville, 27 Dec 2013 (L. Benner). WJS
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
A duck of mountain streams and shallow ocean bays
Status in Maine: Cavity-nesting ducks of northern forest and coastal shallows, Common Mergansers are common across the state until freeze-up. Typically found near the coast in winter and inland in summer, they are commonly seen diving for fish in shallow
S pring :
Year-round residents remain on coast until mid-Apr
to early May before moving inland to breed. Migrants move
north mid-Mar to late Apr. Early migrants: Presque Isle, 5 birds
on 29 Mar 1987, 8 males on 3 Apr 1988, and 1 on Aroostook R.,
4 Apr 1992 (all M. Trombley); 2 on E. Machias R., Washington Co., 3 Apr 2013 (C. Bartlett, eBird); 3 in Moosehorn NWR,
Baring Division, 8 Apr 2017 (B. Way, eBird). High spring count: 800 birds on Kennebec R. seen from Richmond bridge, 25 Mar 2008 (PDV, eBird).
141
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Present but less concentrated on coast. Common
on inland lakes and rivers, especially in western and central
mountains. Often seen in flight along waterways and bobbing with young in river currents. Creches form regularly among
Common Mergansers: 1 female with 25–30 “very small young
in tow,” at Sebago L. S.P., 29 Jun 2014 (W. Tatro, eBird). Young evident Jun–Jul, all fide eBird: adult female and 5 chicks,
Kennebago R., Boy Scout Rd., Franklin Co., 28 Jun 2014
(G. d’Entremont et al.); adult female with 10 chicks, Clark
Cove, Sebec L., Bowerbank, Piscataquis Co., 23 Jun 2014 (S.
Mierzykowski); 7 juveniles unescorted, Lebanon, York Co., 5 Jul
2014 ( J. Hannafee). F all :
Less numerous in fall with small numbers in western
mountains and along coast. Interior birds forced to migrate by freeze-up. Longer distance migrants move into ME mid-Oct
to Nov. High counts, all on Sabattus Pond: 400, 28 Oct 1989 ( J.
Despres, AB 46: 62); at least 1,200, 16 Nov 1990 ( J. Despres et
al.); >1,400, 15 Nov 1991 (PDV, AB 46: 62); at least 2,200, 6 Nov
1995 (PDV); >2,500, 27 Nov 1998 (PDV, NAB 53: 31); 330, 7 Nov
2009 (PDV, eBird); 302, 16 Nov 2017 (H. Heuer, eBird); and 440, 18 Nov 2017 (G. Hodgkins, eBird). W inter :
Common Mergansers concentrate along coast during
winter months, primarily Mount Desert I. south to Kittery. Few
in the Gulf of ME. Although Knight, observing a decline, predicted in 1900 (JMOS 2: 7) that the species might soon cease to breed on ME’s coast, Palmer described it as resident and breeding commonly on coastal islands Downeast, and less commonly from Penobscot Bay west. He noted that the species was much less numerous than 50 years earlier although the breeding population had not changed in the previous decade. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Widely distributed across northern hemisphere. In N. Am., breeds from NL and Maritime Provinces west to w. coastal AK and Aleutian Is. Nests uncommonly from New England coast west to n. Great Ls. in MN, WI, and MI. Red-breasted Mergansers winter primarily in coastal waters in N. Am. Found on Atlantic shore from NS southward to FL, Gulf of Mexico, and along Pacific Coast from AK south to Baja California. Great Salt L., UT, and s. Great Ls. also host numbers of wintering birds. S pring :
Spring migration late Mar–early Jun. Little evidence
supporting overall pattern in movement of birds, though
numbers clearly increase in favored coastal locations Mar–
inland records, all fide eBird: 2 at Dead R. Bridge, Long Falls
Apr. Found regularly at inland locations during migration
Rangeley, 9 Dec 2006 ( J. Perry); 70, “large flock mid lake. Mostly
through ME, 1 each fide eBird: Sebago L. S.P., 1 Mar 2014 (obs.
Dam Rd., Somerset Co., 20 Dec 2016 ( J. Levy); 1, Town Landing, drakes,” in St. Agatha, 1 Dec 2013; and 10 at Caribou Dam, “four
drakes and 6 hen types. Unusual in midwinter,” 10 Jan 2015 (both
with pairs and unpaired males making up earliest movement
unk., eBird); County Woods Rd. Bridge, Corinna, Penobscot
Co., 28 Mar 2016 (R. Fogler); Skowhegan, 27 Mar 2017 (M.
WJS). High counts: 500 at 2 ponds in w. ME, 25 Nov 1988 (fide
Taylor). Pair formation can occur on wintering range; however,
in Kennebec R. at southern tip of Swan I., Richmond, 10 Dec
portion of spring migration and some pairing may occur near
CDD, AB 43: 62); 700 in Bangor, Feb 1967 (E. Thompson); ~1,000
1984 (E. Gamble, fide ME Audubon); 1,000 on Sebasticook L., 5
Dec 2011 (P. Moynahan and N. Houlihan, eBird); and 1,220 there
6 Dec 2016 (B. Cole, eBird). TE
numbers of unpaired females found regularly during latter breeding locales.
Records of high counts on coast: >260 Red-breasted
Mergansers in Brunswick, 26 Apr 1957 (MFO 2: 45). S ummer :
Uncommon but regular in small numbers along
coast in summer. Most summering birds in coastal locales
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
A low rider of sheltered bays
Status in Maine: A common wintering species in coastal areas, the Red-breasted Merganser is a rare and local breeder on coastal islands and occasionally lakes in northern and western Maine. It is occasionally found inland during migration. Historical Status in Maine: In 1616, this species, then known as Sheldrake, was noted by Capt. John Smith 142
nonbreeders.
Red-breasted Merganser is noteworthy as a late-breeding
duck in ME. Hens initiate nests through Jul and attend
juveniles into Sep. Brewer fur trapper and trader M. Hardy
reported finding broods of 6 and 4 on 26 Aug 1888, on
Caucomgomoc L., Piscataquis Co. (Palmer 1949). Nests on
the ground and prefers some structure such as a branch, log, or shrub over the nest. Small islands preferred for nesting sites at both inland and coastal locations in ME.
Currently rare breeder in ME. Echoing Knight, Palmer
described Red-breasted Merganser as a rather common
breeder on coastal islands from Penobscot Bay eastward;
however, no nests or evidence of breeding detected on this
Order Anseriformes • Family Anatidae
part of ME coast during 6 seasons of ABBM (1978–1983,
Adamus 1987), which documented 3 nests at coastal locales in
Ruddy Duck
Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln Cos. In past 20 years,
Oxyura jamaicensis
an adult seen in Muscongus Bay, 28 Jun 2000 (PDV, S. Kress).
A diving duck with a cinnamon body, blue bill, and spiky tail
few documented breeding records along coast: 2 juveniles and
Allen (MDIFW, pers. com.) is not aware of any recent coastal island nesting of this species.
Species occasionally nests at inland locations with records in
n. Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Oxford Cos. (Adamus
1987). Breeding reports at inland locations may be overstated due to confusion with Common Mergansers and possibly Hooded
Merganser. No known inland breeding records 2007–2017. Few documented nests or broods of young ducklings: 1 adult and
3 young at BSP, 26 Jul 1969 (MN 1[2]: 7). Nest reported on Chamberlain L. island in 1980s ( JVW). Fall:
Migrants begin to arrive along the coast in late Sep and
early Oct with numbers building quickly. Arrivals continue
through late Nov as ice-up occurs on inland waters. Migrants
found uncommonly inland mid-Sep through ice-up in late Nov– early Dec.
Not specifically sought by waterfowl hunters in ME; harvest
averaged 300 birds annually, accounting for 0.4% of total duck harvest (Weik 2005). No records of Red-breasted Mergansers either banded in or recovered in ME.
W inter :
Common in winter, preferring brackish and salt
water. Found regularly along entire coast, greatest numbers on
southern coast in Cumberland and York Cos. Generally found
in small groups; few concentrations reported, fide eBird: 34 on
Peaks I., Portland, 16 Dec 2017 (K. Ostemier); 30 in S. Harpswell,
27 Dec 2015 (E. Raynor); 24 at Seawall Picnic Area, ANP, 18 Dec 2010 (C. Kesselheim); 21 at Pine Pt., 1 Jan 2017 (N. Gibb); 18 at Seawall Beach, Phippsburg, 10 Jan 2010 (PDV); 10 at Roque
Bluffs, 28 Jan 2012 ( J.B. Gilet); 25 at Winnegance Bay, 25 Feb
2008 (M. Fahay); 8 on Little Long Pond loop, ANP, 21 Feb 2016 (R. MacDonald).
Inland reports, fide eBird: 45 on Sebasticook L., 9 Dec 2011
(R. Speirs); 6 at Kanokolus Landing, Waldo Co., 4 Dec 2012
(D. Potter); 2 n. Saco R. in Buxton, York Co., 23 Jan 2010 (obs. unk.); 3 near Eddington Salmon Club, Penobscot Co., 25 Jan
2009 (P. Corcoran).
ME CBCs tally 1,000–2,000 in late Dec–early Jan count
period. Highest counts: 670 on Greater Portland CBC, 16 Dec
2006; 496 on Biddeford–Kennebunkport, 28 Dec 1991; 460 in
Brunswick, 28 Dec 2002; 480 on York Co. CBC, 17 Dec 1990; and 243 on Mt. Desert I. CBC, 17 Dec 2005. WJS
Status in Maine: Recorded in all Maine counties, Ruddy Ducks are locally common migrants in fall and early winter but decidedly less so in spring. Maine has a small wintering population in estuarine waters and the species was recently documented breeding in Aroostook County. The Ruddy Duck population has increased substantially in ME (and the U.S. as a whole) since the 1940s and remains stable at this time. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer noted Ruddy Ducks as transients, very rare in spring and “regularly uncommon” in fall, although sometimes more abundant in fall, notably 1905, 1942, and 1944 (1949, 125). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Ruddy Ducks are widespread breeders in w. N. Am. from n. Canadian provinces southward into Mexico and irregularly in locations in the East. Scattered breeding records from NS, NB, QC, and New England. Species winters across the South and West. Remarks: Unlike most ME waterfowl, males of this species have a distinct winter plumage that is similar to that of juvenile and female Black Scoters. Though uncommon, large flocks of migrating Black Scoters are regularly seen in the fall at inland locations in ME. The timing of these congregations coincides with the period when Ruddy Ducks are concentrating and, due to the similarity of appearance and behavior, can lead to confusion when these flocks are viewed from a distance. S pring :
Most spring migration records occur late Mar,
Apr, and early May, though some stragglers seen into late
May. Palmer listed only 1 spring record: a bird in Cambridge, Somerset Co., 27 Mar 1942 (Weston). Other early dates are 2
birds in York, 28 Mar 1966 (obs. unk.); 1 in Scarborough Marsh,
1 Apr 1989 (S. Pollock); 4 in Bremen, Lincoln Co., 3 Apr 1967 (obs. unk.); pair at Biddeford, 8 Apr 1989 (Pollock); and flock
of 14 in Cutler, 14 Apr 1995 (fide A. Bacon). In n. ME, earliest arrival date at nesting locality in Easton, Aroostook Co., was
23 Apr, though early May is a more typical arrival time in most years.
Most early Mar records of Ruddy Duck appear to be related
to overwintering individuals rather than early migrants (see
Winter).
143
Birds of Maine S ummer : Most scattered summer records from across
northern interior of state appear as nonbreeders. Palmer
referenced observations by Mendall on Penobscot R. and on
Ruddy Ducks were overwintering in Penobscot Bay at Stockton Springs. By winter 1997–1998, 120 birds were staying in this
location (fide J. Despres; FN 52: 170). Report from 4 Jan 2007 of
Pemadumcook L. in Piscataquis Co. in 1941 and 1942. A female
140 Ruddy Ducks there (obs. unk.). Observations on 6 Mar 1982
1947 (W. Foerster). Another, an apparent young male, described at
month at this location.
observed and ph. on Wood Pond on Hog I. in Jackman, 6–16 Aug
Lower Richardson L., 28–29 Jun 1988 ( J. Chivers, B. Drake; MBN
and 14 Mar 1988 (both PDV) indicate birds linger well into the WJS
2[2]: 15). Three males and a female summered at the Sanford
wastewater lagoons in 2009 but breeding was not confirmed." In 2002, 6 male Ruddy Ducks summered on Christina
Reservoir and L. Josephine. The following year, 5 drakes were joined by a single female. Males were seen displaying but no
Order galliformes
other evidence of breeding was found. In Jun 2005, 2 pairs found
Quails (Odontophoridae)
seen with 6 downy young. Ph. on 25 Jul, this represents ME’s
Only one of North America’s 21 quail species is found in
successfully nested at this location annually through 2016.
state for hunting, as it has been nationwide, but remains
in wetlands adjacent to L. Josephine. On 19 Jul, one of the pairs
first breeding record (NAB 59: 572). A pair of Ruddy Ducks
Fall: Palmer stated most records for Ruddy Ducks in fall were
for early Oct to about 10 Nov. More contemporary records would
indicate Palmer’s late date is now the period when maximum
Maine. The Northern Bobwhite was introduced to the hypothetical as an established resident. The call for which this quail is named is becoming a memory as range-wide population declines continue.
concentrations appear at favored locations. Numbers of Ruddy
Ducks now linger at inland locations into Dec and freeze-up. Because small numbers of transient, nonbreeding Ruddy
Northern Bobwhite
Ducks are present in summer and early fall in ME, it is difficult to
Colinus virginianus
early-fall migrants include 7 at Holway Pt., Machias, 3 Sep 1995
This southern gamebird in decline occurs briefly in Maine wherever it is released by sportsmen’s groups
distinguish early arrival dates of fall migrants. Records of apparent
(E. Kindahl) and 5 in Farmington, 25–26 Sep 1979 (ob. unk.). In Aroostook Co., Ruddy Ducks remain on Christina
Reservoir and L. Josephine until freeze-up (typically late Oct–early Nov). Two late birds lingered until 21 Nov in 2006 (WJS, eBird).
Sabattus Pond in Sabattus, Sebasticook L. in Newport, and
Upper Penobscot Bay estuary off Cape Jellison in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., are areas of concentration during fall
migration. Numbers of ducks arrive at these locations by mid-
Oct. Sixty-four seen at Sabattus Pond, 15 Oct 1989 ( J. Despres,
AB 44: 56) and 160 at Fort Pt. Cove, Stockton Springs, 22 Oct 2007 ( J. Smith).
High counts at Sabattus Pond include 643 on 9 Nov 2007
(D. Lovitch) and >570 on 10 Nov 1999 (PDV); >500 reported
in Stockton Springs on 7 Nov 1999 (L. Leidwinger); and >380
at Sebasticook L., 22 Nov 2007 (WJS, eBird) are high tallies for these locations.
W inter :
Ruddy Ducks were not thought to overwinter in
ME during Palmer’s time. Two birds in Blue Hill on 2 Jan
1960 (MFO 5: 6) and 1 in Scarborough on 4 Jan 1963 (obs. unk.) appear to be lingering individuals.
First Ruddy Duck recorded on ME CBC was on 30 Dec
1972 on the Mount Desert I. count.
In 1980, when 33 individuals were seen on 1 Jan 1980 and
then 38 at the same locality on 22 Feb 1980, it became clear
144
Status in Maine: Introduced; hypothetical as breeder. There are no permanent native populations of Northern Bobwhite in Maine, but individuals may be seen following releases made by sportsmen and others, and released birds occasionally succeed in breeding. Released birds occur with greatest frequency in southern Maine, but observations of released birds have occurred in Washington, Oxford, and Penobscot Counties. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Northern Bobwhite as “never permanently established in Maine” and stated, “Among all records of occurrence of this bird, it is impossible to distinguish between natural invaders, believed to be occasional, and introduced birds and their progeny” (1949, 175). Releases of captive-bred bobwhite occurred as early as 1880 on Vinalhaven. Locations of releases 1881–1949 included Hermon, Penobscot Co.; the Portland area; Maneskootuk I. in Rangeley L.; and Jewell I., Cumberland Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident in MA south to FL and Caribbean Is., west to s. MI, s. SD, and e.
Birds of Maine S ummer : Most scattered summer records from across
northern interior of state appear as nonbreeders. Palmer
referenced observations by Mendall on Penobscot R. and on
Ruddy Ducks were overwintering in Penobscot Bay at Stockton Springs. By winter 1997–1998, 120 birds were staying in this
location (fide J. Despres; FN 52: 170). Report from 4 Jan 2007 of
Pemadumcook L. in Piscataquis Co. in 1941 and 1942. A female
140 Ruddy Ducks there (obs. unk.). Observations on 6 Mar 1982
1947 (W. Foerster). Another, an apparent young male, described at
month at this location.
observed and ph. on Wood Pond on Hog I. in Jackman, 6–16 Aug
Lower Richardson L., 28–29 Jun 1988 ( J. Chivers, B. Drake; MBN
and 14 Mar 1988 (both PDV) indicate birds linger well into the WJS
2[2]: 15). Three males and a female summered at the Sanford
wastewater lagoons in 2009 but breeding was not confirmed." In 2002, 6 male Ruddy Ducks summered on Christina
Reservoir and L. Josephine. The following year, 5 drakes were joined by a single female. Males were seen displaying but no
Order galliformes
other evidence of breeding was found. In Jun 2005, 2 pairs found
Quails (Odontophoridae)
seen with 6 downy young. Ph. on 25 Jul, this represents ME’s
Only one of North America’s 21 quail species is found in
successfully nested at this location annually through 2016.
state for hunting, as it has been nationwide, but remains
in wetlands adjacent to L. Josephine. On 19 Jul, one of the pairs
first breeding record (NAB 59: 572). A pair of Ruddy Ducks
Fall: Palmer stated most records for Ruddy Ducks in fall were
for early Oct to about 10 Nov. More contemporary records would
indicate Palmer’s late date is now the period when maximum
Maine. The Northern Bobwhite was introduced to the hypothetical as an established resident. The call for which this quail is named is becoming a memory as range-wide population declines continue.
concentrations appear at favored locations. Numbers of Ruddy
Ducks now linger at inland locations into Dec and freeze-up. Because small numbers of transient, nonbreeding Ruddy
Northern Bobwhite
Ducks are present in summer and early fall in ME, it is difficult to
Colinus virginianus
early-fall migrants include 7 at Holway Pt., Machias, 3 Sep 1995
This southern gamebird in decline occurs briefly in Maine wherever it is released by sportsmen’s groups
distinguish early arrival dates of fall migrants. Records of apparent
(E. Kindahl) and 5 in Farmington, 25–26 Sep 1979 (ob. unk.). In Aroostook Co., Ruddy Ducks remain on Christina
Reservoir and L. Josephine until freeze-up (typically late Oct–early Nov). Two late birds lingered until 21 Nov in 2006 (WJS, eBird).
Sabattus Pond in Sabattus, Sebasticook L. in Newport, and
Upper Penobscot Bay estuary off Cape Jellison in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., are areas of concentration during fall
migration. Numbers of ducks arrive at these locations by mid-
Oct. Sixty-four seen at Sabattus Pond, 15 Oct 1989 ( J. Despres,
AB 44: 56) and 160 at Fort Pt. Cove, Stockton Springs, 22 Oct 2007 ( J. Smith).
High counts at Sabattus Pond include 643 on 9 Nov 2007
(D. Lovitch) and >570 on 10 Nov 1999 (PDV); >500 reported
in Stockton Springs on 7 Nov 1999 (L. Leidwinger); and >380
at Sebasticook L., 22 Nov 2007 (WJS, eBird) are high tallies for these locations.
W inter :
Ruddy Ducks were not thought to overwinter in
ME during Palmer’s time. Two birds in Blue Hill on 2 Jan
1960 (MFO 5: 6) and 1 in Scarborough on 4 Jan 1963 (obs. unk.) appear to be lingering individuals.
First Ruddy Duck recorded on ME CBC was on 30 Dec
1972 on the Mount Desert I. count.
In 1980, when 33 individuals were seen on 1 Jan 1980 and
then 38 at the same locality on 22 Feb 1980, it became clear
144
Status in Maine: Introduced; hypothetical as breeder. There are no permanent native populations of Northern Bobwhite in Maine, but individuals may be seen following releases made by sportsmen and others, and released birds occasionally succeed in breeding. Released birds occur with greatest frequency in southern Maine, but observations of released birds have occurred in Washington, Oxford, and Penobscot Counties. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Northern Bobwhite as “never permanently established in Maine” and stated, “Among all records of occurrence of this bird, it is impossible to distinguish between natural invaders, believed to be occasional, and introduced birds and their progeny” (1949, 175). Releases of captive-bred bobwhite occurred as early as 1880 on Vinalhaven. Locations of releases 1881–1949 included Hermon, Penobscot Co.; the Portland area; Maneskootuk I. in Rangeley L.; and Jewell I., Cumberland Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident in MA south to FL and Caribbean Is., west to s. MI, s. SD, and e.
Order Galliformes • Family Phasianidae
CO, and south to TX and e. NM through Guatemala. There is also an isolated population in e. WA and OR. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. Because most agricultural and forestry uses make habitat less suitable for Northern Bobwhite, reversing their continued decline is likely only through purposeful land management (Hernández et al. 2013). Bobwhites have declined across their range, but most notably in the Mid-Atlantic, which once held the highest densities (Lohr et al. 2011). Remarks: In years when there is an open season on Northern Bobwhite, MDIFW generally applies the same hunting regulations to this quail as it does to Ruffed Grouse. In 2019, this consisted of a season from 1 Oct–30 Dec, a bag limit of four birds, and a possession limit of eight birds. As of 2017, hunting preserves that stock Northern Bobwhite (usually listed simply as “quail”) existed in Greenbush, Penobscot Co.; Chandler L., Aroostook Co.; Milo, Piscataquis Co.; and Burnham, Waldo Co. S pring :
Spring records of Northern Bobwhite likely hardy
released individuals that survived winter, often with feeding
by humans. Reports include 2 in Eustis, Franklin Co., 12 Mar
1985 (ME Audubon, fide W. Townsend); 2 at Gilsland Farm,
26 Mar 2000 ( J. Leandowski) and 1 there on 19 May 2000
(PDV); and 1 at a feeder in Southwest Harbor, 14 Apr 1993
(fide W. Townsend). D. Lovitch attributed the multiple reports of bobwhite in spring 2006 to a mild winter that facilitated survival of released birds.
S ummer :
Despite lack of self-sustaining populations,
Northern Bobwhite at least occasionally manage to raise broods, as evidenced by a female with 4 chicks seen at Pretty Marsh,
Mount Desert I., 9 Jun 1984 (A. Townsend, fide W. Townsend) and a female with 10 young at Gilsland Farm, 18 Jul 2000 ( J.
2 in Appleton, Knox Co., during the week of 27 Feb 2001 (A.
Hopps, fide K. Gammons); and an individual in Cumberland
that died from a window collision on 28 Feb 1991 after a period
of visiting a feeder. RVJ
Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys (Phasianidae) Terrestrial, primarily Old World birds. Three native, one introduced, one introduced but not established, one accidental, and one hypothetical (and now extinct) species in Maine. Inhabitants of open grassland and deep forest, these gamebirds are mostly sedentary and live throughout the state.
Chukar
Alectoris chukar A released Eurasian gamebird that has never quite taken hold in Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. First brought to North America in the late 1800s, almost 800,000 birds were released in the United States between 1931 and 1970 (Christensen 1996). Although Chukar have been repeatedly released for hunting in Maine, they have never established a breeding population. Regularly seen during, and for a few months following, hunting season, they do not normally survive the winter. Global Distribution: Native from the Mediterranean Sea across the Middle East and cen. Asia to the Yellow Sea. Widely introduced in N. Am., established throughout w. N. Am. from BC to s. CA. Also established in HI and New Zealand. TE
Walker, fide K. Gammons). F all :
Relatively high counts of Northern Bobwhite in autumn
may coincide with releases by sporting clubs: 10 in Falmouth week of 14 Sep 1999 ( J. Ashley, fide K. Gammons) and the
week of 28 Sep 1999 (fide K. Gammons); 3 visiting a feeder in Richmond, 21 Sep 2001 (PDV); and “as many as 27” in
Cherryfield, Jul to mid-Sep 2003 (C. DeVoe, fide W. Townsend). W inter :
Winter records of Northern Bobwhite (presumably
released): 1 at Industrial Park, Scarborough, 1 Jan 2002 (fide S.
Walsh); 10 in Holden, Penobscot Co., 1 Dec 2004–5 Jan 2005
(fide W. Townsend); 1 female visiting a backyard feeder in Hollis,
York Co., on 8 Jan 2003 and the preceding months (D. Dolan);
Gray Partridge
Perdix perdix
A popular European gamebird did not survive in Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. Gray Partridge were introduced several times in Maine in the early 20th century. Although they bred briefly, they never became established. Historical Status in Maine: Fifty pairs of Gray Partridge, also known as Hungarian Partridge, were 145
Birds of Maine
introduced in Cumberland County in 1909. Some bred successfully in Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough until at least 1912 and a few were reported in Cape Elizabeth as late as 1925. An introduction on Mount Desert I. around the same time has a similar history. In 1942, Howard Mendall, acting on behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Game, released 29 birds in Ft. Fairfield. At least one survived into early winter 1943 (Palmer 1949), but none have been seen since. Global Distribution: Native to Europe and w. Asia. Introduced in Canada, U.S., South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. BSV
Ring-necked Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
An exotic gamebird that survives best on islands without terrestrial predators
Status in Maine: Introduced. Ring-necked Pheasants are found regularly in southern Maine, Midcoast, and central interior, with patchier occurrence in Downeast, northern Maine, and central mountains. Releases of reared birds by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and private hunting clubs generally occur in late summer. Recorded from the offshore islands of Monhegan, Allen, Metinic, Matinicus, Isleboro, and Vinalhaven. The northernmost inland reports are from the Presque Isle vicinity. Ring-necked Pheasants prefer agricultural fields and early successional growth. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the status of Ring-necked Pheasants in ME as “introduced into at least eleven Maine counties, and restocked annually in various places; dependent on man for survival during severe winters” (1949, 177). Pheasants likely first appeared in s. ME in the late 1800s, either straying from release sites in MA or from in-state releases. The ME Department of Inland Fish and Game did not begin stocking pheasants until 1930, but by 1935 the state game farm was rearing them for mass distribution. Agency stocking coincided with the distribution of pheasant eggs by E.I. DuPont Company in 1930, which gave out almost 2,000 eggs in the Portland area. According to Palmer, the species “was introduced on Monhegan in the late 1930’s and subsequently nested there” (1949, 178). In 1947, more than 15,000 birds were released across the state, significantly more than the approximately 2,300 released in 2017. 146
Global Distribution: Native to Asia. Japan, Siberia, and Korean Peninsula to Georgia, and from Mongolia to Myanmar and Laos. Introduced in N. Am., s. NL, NS, NB, s. QC, to AK, south to SC, MD, s. OH, s. IL, n. OK, nw. TX, CA, and Sonora, Mexico. Remarks: Areas with sustained populations of Ring-necked Pheasant tend to be offshore islands with limited terrestrial predators and repeated stocking efforts, such as Monhegan I. MDIFW runs a pheasant release program funded through the sale of pheasant hunting permits. The 2018 pheasant hunt ran from 2 Oct–31 Dec, with ~2,300 birds released at ~20 sites in York and Cumberland Cos. Release sites were primarily on private farms but also at Scarborough Marsh WMA and Kennebunk Plains WMA (Lindsay 2018). Release days are generally on Sundays in late Sep–early Oct. Many private sporting camps and ranches across the state release pheasants for hunts year-round, including in Canaan, Somerset Co.; Greenbush, Penobscot Co.; Albany Twp., Oxford Co.; and Bridgewater, Aroostook Co. Limiting factors for survival are winter cold and snow cover, predation, and lack of grain crops for winter food (Lindsay 2018). S pring :
Spring sightings of Ring-necked Pheasants either
individuals that survived winter after release the previous summer
and fall or birds released at private hunting camps. In early spring,
pheasants often depend on food provided by humans to survive:
2 pheasants seen in Dennysville, the week of 5 Apr 1999 (fide M. Mills) were reported to be “living off several feeders.”
Pheasants in Aroostook Co. in springtime: 1 male in
Caribou, week of 30 Mar 2004 (WJS); 2 in Bridgewater, 16
Feb–1 Mar 2004 (WJS); an unreported number in Hodgdon
during undetermined spring dates in 1980 (fide S. Rooney); 1 in Caribou, week of 5 Apr 2005 (fide WJS); 1 in Washburn, week
of 4 May 2004 (fide WJS); and an unreported number during springtime in Wallagrass (G. and S. Flagg).
A possible northwesternmost sighting in ME occurred at
Nugents Camp, Chamberlain L., 2 Mar 2001 ( J. De Vries, eBird). S ummer :
Summer breeding records sparse. Although Ring-
necked Pheasants generally do not survive long enough to successfully breed in ME, there is evidence of nesting in a
few locations. Female pheasant with an unreported number of
chicks recorded on Monhegan I. on 8 May 2006 (K. Lindquist);
another with ~8 young spotted at Portland Jetport, 4 Jul 1988 (G.
Therrien). F all :
Pheasant abundance spikes in fall due to releases of
stocked birds late Sep–early Oct. According to H. Nielsen
(eBird), 40 pheasants released on Monhegan I. on 21 Sep 2005 were observed again following day.
Order Galliformes • Family Phasianidae
Ring-necked Pheasants reported from vicinity of Mt.
Katahdin likely released from sporting camps. Reports include:
1 along Golden Rd. near West Branch of Penobscot R., 8 Sep
2009 (K. Hare, eBird); unreported number in BSP, 27 Sep 2003 (A. Bragg, eBird); and 2 in Patten, 7 Oct 1989 (WJS). W inter :
Ring-necked Pheasants occasionally survive in
winter across much of ME, with records and reports including:
5 (3 hens and 2 cocks) on N. Haven I., 1 Jan 2007 (T. Sprague);
6 on Matinicus I., 4 Jan 2007 ( JVW); 1 in Presque Isle–Ft.
Fairfield on 20 Jan 2002 (L. Soucier); and 1 in Lincoln Ctr., 16 Feb 1976 (PDV, eBird).
At least some overwintering Ring-necked Pheasants in
ME survive by relying on food from humans. A male pheasant
reportedly was fed daily at Fogg Rd., Scarborough, 1 Oct 1995–5
Feb 1996 (R. Russell), becoming tame and habituated to human feeding. Similarly, another male visited bird feeders in Roque
Bluffs week of 19 Jan 2007 (fide ME Audubon). RVJ
were previously depleted by hunting, as on Roque I., Jonesport, in 1874 (Palmer 1949, 170). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident from NL to AK, south through Appalachian Mtns. to n. GA, MI, n. OH and IN, n. IL, ND, w. MT, UT, and n. CA. Isolated populations exist in s. IN and sw. SD. Remarks: Ruffed Grouse are a popular game bird, known colloquially as “partridge.” The hunting season in ME is Oct–Dec. A male Ruffed Grouse’s home range is less than 25 ac. (10 ha) and they may spend their entire adult lives within 600–900 ft. (183–274 m) of their favored drumming log. However, grouse can move several miles to find appropriate habitat (Weik and Allen 2001). The ME harvest rate (number harvested per estimated total population in any given year) is estimated at 0.16, a rate considered consistent with sustainable population management (Davis et al. 2018).
Ruffed Grouse
Bonasa umbellus
A common and widespread gamebird with an affinity for aspens
Status in Maine: Ruffed Grouse occur year-round throughout Maine, including on islands such as Isle au Haut, Cliff, and Orr’s in Cumberland County; Petit Manan and Great Wass Cross Islands in Washington County. Their abundance varies with the amount of prime habitat, mixed-age stands of aspen (Populus spp.) with some softwood cover. Following the abandonment of millions of acres of farmland, there was an abundance of such successional forest across the southern half of the state. In more recent decades, prime grouse habitat increased through expansion of forest harvesting. Currently, highest densities of Ruffed Grouse are found at the farmland/north woods interface. In 2018, the population was estimated in excess of 1.5 million (MDIFW). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Ruffed Grouse as ranging “from uncommon to very common” with considerable fluctuations in population size (1949, 166). Palmer did not link population changes directly to hunting pressure but did note populations were lower in areas of s. ME with a greater human population. Hunting pressure was intense in the late 1800s, with great numbers of snared birds being exported from the state. Ruffed Grouse were occasionally released in areas where they
Ruffed Grouse
S pring :
Drumming and fanning displays by male Ruffed
Grouse typically occur late Mar–early Jun. In Richmond, first-
of-year drumming heard on 21 Mar 1990 and on 29 Mar 1995
(PDV).
Farther north drumming typically begins later; first-of-year
drumming heard on 13 Apr 1980 in Alexander, Washington Co.
( J. Alexander); 13 Apr 1980 in Greenville (P. Johnson); and 27
Apr 1980 in Ft. Kent (G. and S. Flagg). S ummer :
Nesting can begin in late Apr (Palmer 1949),
continuing through end of Jun, with laying typically occurring
first week of May. Hen flushed from nest with 11 eggs, 1 Jun
2017, in Thorndike, Waldo Co. (L. Potter, eBird); the bird was
still incubating on 8 Jun 2017. Another flushed from a nest with
12 eggs at Merrymeeting Bay WMA, Sagadahoc Co., on 1 Jun
147
Birds of Maine
2014 (R. Joyce, eBird). Female with late clutch of eggs found
on 28 Jun 2005 in Ft. Kent (G. Flagg, fide K. Gammons). On
Spruce Grouse
5 Aug 1917, an exceptionally late clutch of 18 eggs found in
Falcipennis canadensis
these are “probably second layings after the first were destroyed”
An insouciant but uncommon resident of boreal forests
Scarborough (Palmer 1949). Palmer stated late clutches like
(1949, 166).
Ruffed Grouse chicks observed starting in early Jun. Records
of young: 1 female with chicks observed in BSP, 4 Jun 1987 (S.
Oliveri); 1 hen with a chick in Parsonsfield, York Co., 21 Jun
2016 (S. Wilcox, eBird); hen with 1 or more chicks ph. in BSP, 30 Jun 2016 (E. Lipton, eBird); hen doing distraction display with 2 chicks along Stony Brook Rd. in KWWNM, 25 Jun
2017 (L. Parker, eBird); adult grouse with 4 young ph. in Cutler,
Washington Co., 18 Jun 2004 (S. Davies, eBird); hen with ~11
chicks on 5 Jul 1988 in St. George, Knox Co. (M. Plymire); and
13 young grouse observed in Ft. Kent, 23 Aug 1999 (G. Flagg, fide K. Gammons). F all :
Palmer (1949, 171) reported that male Ruffed Grouse
could be heard drumming “for a period during warm days in the early fall,” but that drumming could happen during any season
when temperatures were warm enough. Even so, there are
records of drumming in cold weather and nocturnal drumming
is not an infrequent occurrence, especially on moonlit nights.
In Richmond, drumming was heard at 22:30 hr on a night of
almost full moon on 17 Oct 1997, as well as on several preceding nights, and again briefly 4 hours after sunset on 17 Nov 1997,
when the temperature was 38º F (PDV). Drumming was heard at 22:30 pm in Canaan on 28 Oct 1993, also when the moon
was almost full (W. Summer), and in mid-Nov in Freeport ( J.
Walker, fide K. Gammons). W inter :
Late-season drumming heard in Richmond, 11
Dec 1993 (PDV). In fall, Ruffed Grouse develop scales on the
Status in Maine: Spruce Grouse are year-round residents in spruce-fir forests Downeast and in central and western mountains of northern Maine. Regularly sighted in Washington County, this species no longer occurs in Midcoast Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported that Spruce Grouse were found in central and western mountains, nw. ME, and forested parts of Aroostook Co. Although Spruce Grouse were once found statewide except for York and w. Cumberland Cos., he stated that the species was quickly extirpated near areas settled by Europeans. Spruce Grouse were still shot in St. George, Knox Co., in the 1860s and near Portland in the 1880s. Palmer noted an absence of Spruce Grouse on large forested islands they formerly occupied, referring to “perhaps” [the] “last island record” on Mount Desert I., 29 Aug 1889 (Palmer 1949, 164). Although Spruce Grouse remain scarce and habitat-specific on Mount Desert I. (Russell and Witt 2009), since 1980 there have been regular, if infrequent, observations on the island (eBird; O’Connell et al. 1995). Other island records from the 2010s include Little Deer Isle (Hancock Co.), Great Wass, and Cross (Washington Co.) Is. (eBird).
sides of their toes to facilitate travel over snow. In deep snow,
they often seek shelter from cold and predators by burrowing
“snow caves” beneath the surface. “Locke and several others
have reported finding birds that had perished, probably from starvation, when imprisoned under a crust of frozen snow.”
(Palmer 1949, 167, citing Locke 1886). Often seen feeding on
swelling hardwood buds and catkins in late winter, birds may be lured close to houses by fruit trees or other food sources
provided by people. Ten Ruffed Grouse ph. feeding on apple
buds in Masardis, Aroostook Co., 18 Jan 2014 (WJS, eBird). One
ph. eating millet under a backyard bird feeder on 13 Feb 2014 in
Orrington, Penobscot Co. ( J. Smith, eBird). An individual was ph. eating salt from a road on the Hersheytown–Soldiertown line, Penobscot Co., 30 Jan 2016 (M. Viens et al.; eBird).
RVJ
Spruce Grouse
148
Order Galliformes • Family Phasianidae Fall:
Noteworthy: individual above treeline on Katahdin, 20
Sep 2003 (A. Van Keuren, eBird); Palmer cited Rich’s report of
drumming in early autumn; a 2-hour birding trip yielded 9 birds,
5 females and 4 males, in KWWNM, 30 Sep 2016 ( J. Wyatt and J. Smith, eBird).
Winter:
Spruce Grouse regular in small numbers on Machias
CBC; and recorded on 2 out of 43 ANP CBCs. Birds reported from Sangerville, Piscataquis Co., on 10 Jan 2000 (L. Cobb)
and Dexter, Penobscot Co., 3 Jan 2017 (B. Way, eBird). Winter
1994, grouse regularly observed eating gravel along roadside in Sullivan (fide A. Bacon). RVJ
Spruce Grouse Breeding Range
Willow Ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus
A bird of the far north known for its feathered feet and seasonal plumage variations
Global distribution: Nearctic. Breeds and winters NL to NT and AK, south to NH, NY, n. MI, n. WI, n. MN, w. MT, nw. WY, ID, and OR. Remarks: Unlike Ruffed Grouse, there is no open season for Spruce Grouse in ME. Though seasonal movements are rare and poorly understood, Spruce Grouse likely migrate vertically, venturing to higherelevation open areas such as heaths and barrens when berries and insects are abundant (Brewster 1925). There are Spruce Grouse reports from 3,400 ft. (1,036 m) on Mt. Katahdin (Palmer and Taber 1946). Spring:
Observed on multiple occasions in Apr–May in
Bangor City Forest and Orono Bog (2012–2014). This may
be where ME Spruce Grouse occur in closest proximity to
an urban area. Records from Rangeley in w. ME, 1–2 birds at
Wilson Mills Rd., 24–25 Mar 2012 (m.ob., eBird); east to W.
Quoddy Head S.P., in Washington Co., 1 on 22 and 24 May 2015
(C. Kubo, B. and R. Allen; eBird); and south to Mount Desert I.,
1 in ANP on 10 Apr 2017 (R. Domokos, eBird). Summer:
Nesting records from Palmer: nest in Upton, Oxford
Co., on 13 May, with egg-laying continuing at least 4 days
(Thayer); nest with 6 eggs in T4 R11, Piscataquis Co., on 14 Jun,
unstated year (W. Clayton). Hatchlings observed in Washington
Co., 22 Jun 1875. Modern records: hen with 3 chicks on 25 Jun
2011 on Kennebago R., Franklin Co. (A. Aldrich, eBird); hen
with 3 young, 17 Jun 2012, in Square L. Twp. (WJS, eBird); hen with 5 chicks in BSP, 27 Jun 2016 (A. Maizlish, eBird); female with 2 chicks ph. on 2 Jul 2016 on Great Wass I. (B. Kulvete,
eBird). On 24 Jul 1999, female observed with five “almost full
grown young” in Topsfield (M. Bates).
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are at least eight records in Maine, five with corroborating details. All but one of these occurred late April through mid-May, which suggests these birds made reverse migrations. Instead of migrating north in spring, these birds flew south. One was photographed on Bailey Island, Harpswell, 14 May 1977 ( JEP, ph. arch.; MAN Jul/Aug 1977: 4; AB 31: 972). A female caught alive in Brooks, Waldo County, on an unknown date was sent to a wildlife rehabilitator, where she died approximately two weeks later. The specimen, now in the Maine State Museum collection in Augusta, was discovered in a storage freezer in 1993 and photographed in 2002 (K. Kemper, ph.; Applegate 1996). Another bird was “observed at close range in mottled plumage in late April 1988 in a clearing at the north boundary of the refuge (Betty Denniston)” at Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge in April 1988 (Widrig 1989, and cited in Applegate 1996). Most recently, a bird was photographed on Great Chebeague Island, Cumberland County, 16 May–3 Jun 2000 (D. and B. Johnson; NAB 54: 26; ph. arch.). Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer (1949, 171) listed one record, “a male in winter plumage . . . shot on April 23, 1892, at Kenduskeag, Penobscot County,” initially reported by Merrill (1892). The AOU (1957, 131) listed this Kenduskeag record as L. l. albus, the subspecies of n. Canada. An apparent ptarmigan was captured on Grand L. Rd., T6 R7 WELS, Penobscot Co., on 19 May 1951, but the captor “valued the bird only as a pet and had no conception of the 149
Birds of Maine
value to an ornithologist” (Dolley 1951), so there are no corroborating details. Applegate (1996) reported a bird seen in Freeport, 6 Dec 1954, notable as the only report outside of Apr–May. Audubon (1834, 528) stated Willow Ptarmigan occurred in ME, mentioning that T. Lincoln shot a maximum of seven birds in one day in Dennysville. Palmer (1949, 171) disagreed, “No doubt this report, generally believed to be erroneous, furnished the basis for inclusion of this bird in the Maine fauna.” According to E. Smith, the birds to which Audubon referred were more likely “spotted” or “Canada grouse;” i.e., Spruce Grouse (Palmer 1949, 172). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds and is resident across all of n. Eurasia. In N. Am. resident in Maritime Provinces and NL through BC and into cen. AK. Breeds throughout NU, NT, YT, and n. AK. Winters from cen. QC to n. AB. There is one record from Sable I., NS, in Aug 1966, and the species was introduced on Scatarie I., NS, in 1968. There are no accepted records from NB or elsewhere in New England. Although a bird shot in Manchester, MA, on 10 May 1859, was originally thought to be an escaped straggler from a boat from Labrador, it was more likely a long-distance migrant from n. Canada (Townsend 1905, 202–203). Remarks: Some Willow Ptarmigan populations in Arctic and subarctic Canada are migratory. In the fall, many birds move from northern latitudes south to s. ON and QC, sometimes moving as much as 500 mi. (800 km; Höhn 1984). There are no fall records in ME for vagrants overshooting their southward migration. PDV
Greater Prairie-Chicken (Heath Hen)
Tympanuchus cupido cupido
This extinct subspecies was once abundant throughout its limited range
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. Extinct. Heath Hens probably once occurred in southern Maine, but there is no specific evidence to document their presence there. The subspecies was extirpated from its last stronghold on Nantucket in 1932. Its historic occurrence in Maine is considered hypothetical by the Maine Bird Records Committee.
150
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 172) reported that the Heath Hen’s “occurrence as far north as Maine is hypothetical . . . The scrub oak of York, northwestern Cumberland, and southern Oxford Counties may have been suitable habitat for the Heath Hen, but no evidence that it ever occurred there is known to exist.” Knight did not list the Heath Hen in ME. Most authors have dismissed Audubon’s (1842, 127) statement that Heath Hens were found near Mars Hill and on Mount Desert I. as inaccurate (Gross 1928). There is general agreement that Audubon probably meant Spruce Grouse which, as Palmer pointed out, occur “about the edges of ‘heaths’ or ‘barrens’ in eastern Maine, and known locally as ‘Heath Hen’” (1949, 172). Perhaps the most compelling evidence for the occurrence of Heath Hens in ME is that in 1876–1878, the 55th and 57th legislatures in ME formally protected the Pinnated Grouse from hunting 1 Jan–1 Sep (Gross 1928). “Pinnated Grouse” was a name used specifically for Greater Prairie-Chickens and would not have included Ruffed Grouse or Spruce Grouse. Pinnated Grouse was later introduced (or reintroduced) into ME, ca.1880 (Grinnell 1888). It seems unlikely that the ME legislature would pass a law to protect a prospective introduction that was initiated some 10–12 years later; the legislature was probably voting to protect the remnants of a dwindling Heath Hen population in s. ME, but this is conjecture (Applegate 1993). Global Distribution: Formerly Nearctic. Resident in limited coastal range of ne. U.S. from NH to VA ( Johnson and Dunn 2006). Global Conservation Status: IUCN: The subspecies T. cupido cupido is Extinct. (The nominate species Greater Prairie-Chicken T. cupido is Vulnerable.) PDV
Natural and human-induced fires, common on the
sandy soils in south coastal ME and MA (Patterson and Sassaman 1988), undoubtedly created patches of prairielike habitat now referred to as “sandplain grasslands” (Gawler and Cutko 2010; Vickery et al. 2005). These
grasslands support a wide assemblage of grassland birds, including some species that require large tracts of open spaces, such as Upland Sandpiper (Vickery et al. 1994). Other grassland species such as Grasshopper
Order Galliformes • Family Phasianidae
Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark also occur here. These open grasslands could have provided
habitat for Heath Hens. Several rare grassland-obligate plants are also found on s. ME sandplain grasslands,
suggesting that these habitats have existed in ME for
many years. Northern Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae), a rare grassland perennial of sandplain
grasslands, has a distribution from s. ME to NJ (Vickery 2002), a range that is remarkably consistent with the former range of the Heath Hen.
Remarks: Current distribution of Wild Turkeys in ME extends well beyond its historic range before extirpation in the 1880s. Snow depth was thought to be a limiting factor for survival (MDIFW) but the population continues to expand in even the northernmost counties. S pring :
Most larger wintering flocks disperse by late Mar
in south and cen. ME and by early Apr in the north. Strutting
displays by male Wild Turkeys begin mid-Mar, and can continue into early Jun: 23 birds, including “3 strutting, puffed up males”
observed in Holden, Penobscot Co., 22 Mar 2006 (K. Beale).
Two displaying males in a flock of 12 ph. at Gilsland Farm
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
A large native gamebird of deciduous forests, phenomenally successful at the northern edge of its range
Status in Maine: Following successful reintroductions in southern Maine in the 1970s, Wild Turkeys expanded their range and numbers across most of the state, only recently reaching borders of the state in northernmost Maine. They are now also found on many coastal islands from Casco Bay to Mount Desert Island. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer stated that during colonial times the range of Wild Turkeys in ME included York Co. and parts of Cumberland and Oxford Cos. The Wild Turkey was extirpated from the state in the early 1880s (MDIFW), the decline beginning considerably earlier in some areas. J. Josselyn wrote in 1672, “the English and the Indians having now destroyed the breed, so that ‘tis very rare to meet with a wild Turkie in the Woods” (Palmer 1949, 179). There were no regulations on hunting turkeys before 1955 (MDIFW 2017b). An unsuccessful attempt was made by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Game in 1942 to introduce 24 captiveraised Wild Turkeys to Swan I. in the Kennebec R., Sagadahoc Co. Successful reintroduction began with the relocation of 41 wild individuals from VT to the towns of York and Eliot, both in York Co., in 1977– 1978. Wild Turkeys were introduced by MDIFW to locations in n. Penobscot and Aroostook Cos. through the early 2000s. As of 2013, MDIFW relocation efforts were limited to Aroostook Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. NB, ME, s. QC, to s. BC, south to FL; TX; Michoacan, Mexico; and west to CA. Introduced in HI.
Audubon Ctr., 31 Mar 2016 (B. Blauvet, eBird). Twenty, including a puffed-up, fan-tailed male, observed at Fields Pond Nature
Ctr., Penobscot Co., 8 Apr 2015 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird). Other
records of displaying males: 2 in Richmond, 16 Apr 2001 (PDV);
1 ph. in ANP, 26 May 2014, along with a female and immature
male (M. Good, eBird); and 2 males displaying to 4 females ph. at Schooner Head Overlook, ANP, 2 Jun 2017 ( J. Cantor, eBird).
A male seen in Bancroft, Aroostook Co., on 20 Mar 1999 ( J.
MacDonald); and a hen reported from Grand Isle on 16 Apr
2014 (WJS, eBird).
Notably high counts in spring include 150 in Brunswick, 4
Apr 2000 ( J. Frank, fide K. Gammons) and 60 birds in Fryeburg, 20 Mar 2008 (B. Crowley, eBird).
Wild Turkey Range Expansion ! ( ( ! ( ! ( !
S ummer :
1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
Newly hatched Wild Turkey chicks observed
from late Jun through early Jul. Observations of hens with
young: 2 adults with 4 young at Brownfield Bog, 1 Jul 2006 ( J. Stevens); a hen with 12 young in Carmel, Penobscot Co., 5 Jul
2005 (B. Barker, fide K. Gammons); 2 females with 13 young
151
Birds of Maine
in Willowdale, Scarborough, 7 Jul 2003, (P. McGowan, fide
K. Gammons); a female with 6 chicks in Wells on 11 Jul 2006
(N. McReel, fide K. Gammons); a female with 9 chicks ph. at
KWWNM, 11 Jul 2017 ( J. Smith, eBird) and a hen with 5 flightcapable poults in Ashland, 16 Jul 2011 (WJS). Brood of the year stays with adult females in family groups throughout summer,
with multiple females often traveling together.
A gray morph hen was ph. with chicks in Perham, Aroostook
Co., on 31 Jul 2018 (WJS, eBird). FaLl:
Large aggregations of Wild Turkey less common in fall
than in winter and spring, but family groups occur. Observations
OR der
PODICIPEDIFORMES Grebes (Podicipedidae) Most closely related to flamingos, grebes are freshwater diving birds with lobed toes used for propulsion. All grebes can expel air trapped in their feathers to adjust buoyancy during dives. Six of the world’s 22 grebe species are found in Maine
of fall turkey flocks in Aroostook and Piscataquis Cos.: 5 on golf
course at Portage L. on 21 Sep 2013 (WJS, eBird); 19 birds on
Fox Hill Rd., Aroostook Co., 7 Nov 2013 (WJS, eBird); and 12 in BSP, 7 Nov 2015 (B. Moyer, eBird). W inter :
Wild Turkeys gather in large numbers in winter,
though high counts remain modest in Aroostook, n. Penobscot,
and Piscataquis Cos. High counts: 110 reported from Appleton,
Knox Co., on 16 Jan 2017 (G. Roberts, eBird); 129 Turkeys
counted and ph. in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 3 Feb 2017 ( J.
Smith, eBird); 100 in Pownal, 4 Feb 2007 (A. Stackhouse, fide K. Gammons); and a flock of ~97 ph. in Biddeford, 26 Feb 2017 ( J.
Fecteau, eBird). CBC trend data suggest the ME Wild Turkey population has increased 32% per year in the last few decades
(Meehan et al. 2018). RVJ
order
podicipediformes Grebes (Podicipedidae) Most closely related to flamingos, grebes are freshwater diving birds with lobed toes used for propulsion. All grebes can expel air trapped in their feathers to adjust buoyancy during dives. Six of the world’s 22 grebe species are found in Maine.
Figure 3. Wild Turkey Harvest Spring harvest of Wild Turkeys increased dramatically from nine individuals during the first hunting season in 1986, to 6,311 birds in 2005. Relatively flat harvest numbers after 2005 likely reflect a plateau in hunter interest since the population continues to rise (MDIFW). Similarly, CBC data show a steady increase between 1985, when four birds were recorded during the annual winter count, and 2012, when 3,501 turkeys were found (NAS 2019a).
152
Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
A shy breeder hiding among the reeds, heckling the locals
Status in Maine: Pied-billed Grebes are locally common but secretive nesters regular in large wetland complexes of northern and eastern Maine. The species is uncommon and local south of Augusta. The first spring migrants arrive in late March and early April when ponds and marshes thaw. This is approximately two weeks earlier than reported by Palmer prior to 1949. Late summer and early fall concentrations may number 20–50 individuals. The protracted fall migration takes place from September through November, and is somewhat dependent on ice conditions, with a few birds lingering until forced south by ice. Pied-billed Grebes are not known to winter in Maine but given the increasing number of December and January records, overwintering seems likely in the next few decades. Historical Status in Maine: Prior to 1949, Palmer reported spring migration 8 Apr–19 May, noting birds arrived on breeding ponds shortly after iceout. More recently, Pied-billed Grebes have been reported in Mar, and since 1989, migration has started approximately two weeks earlier than in the first half of the 20th century. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. In N. Am., breeds from NS, PE, s. QC, to AB, s. NT, WA, south to w. CA, AZ, UT, CO, NM, and Mexico. Winters from s. MA, RI, and CT, to s. MI, OK, WA, south to Mexico. Locally resident in Cen. Am., West Indies, and S. Am., especially Andean and Brazilian highlands. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern.
Birds of Maine
in Willowdale, Scarborough, 7 Jul 2003, (P. McGowan, fide
K. Gammons); a female with 6 chicks in Wells on 11 Jul 2006
(N. McReel, fide K. Gammons); a female with 9 chicks ph. at
KWWNM, 11 Jul 2017 ( J. Smith, eBird) and a hen with 5 flightcapable poults in Ashland, 16 Jul 2011 (WJS). Brood of the year stays with adult females in family groups throughout summer,
with multiple females often traveling together.
A gray morph hen was ph. with chicks in Perham, Aroostook
Co., on 31 Jul 2018 (WJS, eBird). FaLl:
Large aggregations of Wild Turkey less common in fall
than in winter and spring, but family groups occur. Observations
OR der
PODICIPEDIFORMES Grebes (Podicipedidae) Most closely related to flamingos, grebes are freshwater diving birds with lobed toes used for propulsion. All grebes can expel air trapped in their feathers to adjust buoyancy during dives. Six of the world’s 22 grebe species are found in Maine
of fall turkey flocks in Aroostook and Piscataquis Cos.: 5 on golf
course at Portage L. on 21 Sep 2013 (WJS, eBird); 19 birds on
Fox Hill Rd., Aroostook Co., 7 Nov 2013 (WJS, eBird); and 12 in BSP, 7 Nov 2015 (B. Moyer, eBird). W inter :
Wild Turkeys gather in large numbers in winter,
though high counts remain modest in Aroostook, n. Penobscot,
and Piscataquis Cos. High counts: 110 reported from Appleton,
Knox Co., on 16 Jan 2017 (G. Roberts, eBird); 129 Turkeys
counted and ph. in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 3 Feb 2017 ( J.
Smith, eBird); 100 in Pownal, 4 Feb 2007 (A. Stackhouse, fide K. Gammons); and a flock of ~97 ph. in Biddeford, 26 Feb 2017 ( J.
Fecteau, eBird). CBC trend data suggest the ME Wild Turkey population has increased 32% per year in the last few decades
(Meehan et al. 2018). RVJ
order
podicipediformes Grebes (Podicipedidae) Most closely related to flamingos, grebes are freshwater diving birds with lobed toes used for propulsion. All grebes can expel air trapped in their feathers to adjust buoyancy during dives. Six of the world’s 22 grebe species are found in Maine.
Figure 3. Wild Turkey Harvest Spring harvest of Wild Turkeys increased dramatically from nine individuals during the first hunting season in 1986, to 6,311 birds in 2005. Relatively flat harvest numbers after 2005 likely reflect a plateau in hunter interest since the population continues to rise (MDIFW). Similarly, CBC data show a steady increase between 1985, when four birds were recorded during the annual winter count, and 2012, when 3,501 turkeys were found (NAS 2019a).
152
Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
A shy breeder hiding among the reeds, heckling the locals
Status in Maine: Pied-billed Grebes are locally common but secretive nesters regular in large wetland complexes of northern and eastern Maine. The species is uncommon and local south of Augusta. The first spring migrants arrive in late March and early April when ponds and marshes thaw. This is approximately two weeks earlier than reported by Palmer prior to 1949. Late summer and early fall concentrations may number 20–50 individuals. The protracted fall migration takes place from September through November, and is somewhat dependent on ice conditions, with a few birds lingering until forced south by ice. Pied-billed Grebes are not known to winter in Maine but given the increasing number of December and January records, overwintering seems likely in the next few decades. Historical Status in Maine: Prior to 1949, Palmer reported spring migration 8 Apr–19 May, noting birds arrived on breeding ponds shortly after iceout. More recently, Pied-billed Grebes have been reported in Mar, and since 1989, migration has started approximately two weeks earlier than in the first half of the 20th century. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. In N. Am., breeds from NS, PE, s. QC, to AB, s. NT, WA, south to w. CA, AZ, UT, CO, NM, and Mexico. Winters from s. MA, RI, and CT, to s. MI, OK, WA, south to Mexico. Locally resident in Cen. Am., West Indies, and S. Am., especially Andean and Brazilian highlands. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern.
Order Podicipediformes • Family Podicipedidae
Fairfield, 6 Aug 1989 (M. Trombley); 15 individuals, including 4 broods, observed at Penjajawoc Marsh, Bangor, 14 Jul 1999 (D.
Mairs); 10 grebes seen on Daigle Pond, New Canada, Aroostook Co., 23 Aug 2005.
Gibbs, Longcore et al. (1991) found Pied-billed Grebes
preferred larger wetlands in e. and cen. ME; they did not occupy sites 24 ac. (10
Pied-billed Grebe S pring :
Nearly annual in late Mar, undoubtedly because
ha). Palmer listed the following egg dates from Portage L.,
Aroostook Co.: 4 eggs, 8 Jul 1939; 8 eggs, 19 Jun 1943; 5 eggs, 15 Jun 1945; sets of 4, 5, and 6 eggs, 20 Jun 1947.
inland lakes, marshes, and ponds now thawing at an earlier date.
Fall:
York, 29 Mar; and Danforth, Washington Co., 30 Mar. (obs.
migrate in late Sep–Oct when regularly found on small ponds
First Mar records reported in 1969, 1 each: Yarmouth, 28 Mar;
unk.). More recent mid-Mar reports, 1 each: Topsham, 18 Mar
1991 (D. Anderson); Freeport, 14 Mar 2007 (D. Lovitch); Warren, 19 Mar 2006 (D. Reimer); Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 19 Mar
Prolonged fall migration, starting in late Aug, continuing
until freshwater ponds and marshes freeze in Nov. Most birds
and streams where they do not breed. Late Aug–early Sep
aggregationxs appear to reflect successful local breeding and pre-
migratory flocking. Notable concentrations: 26 on Messalonskee
2006 (N. Famous); Penjajawoc Marsh, Bangor, 10 Mar 2012 (P.
L., 26 Aug 1978 (PDV); 50 in Easton, Aroostook Co., 20 Aug
Aversa, eBird). Pied-billed Grebes reported east to Orrington,
Trombley); 20 at same locality 23 Aug 2004, and 31 on 30 Aug
Corcoran, eBird); Lovejoy Pond, Kennebec Co., 27 Mar 2016 (T.
Penobscot Co., 30 Mar 1989 ( J. Hinds) and 2 on 27 Mar 2000( J. Smith), and on Pennamaquan R., Washington Co., 27 Mar 2011
(C. Bartlett, eBird). Exceptionally early records: 1 in Naples,
Cumberland Co., 21 Feb 1998 (M. Jordan); 1 on Presumpscot
R., Portland, 27 Feb and 7 Mar 1993, the latter certainly not
overwintering because it was not present in Jan (S. Pollock, pers.
com.). Widespread in breeding areas by Apr; usually appear in
1992 (AB 47: 62); 18 at Christina Reservoir, 12 Sep 1999 (M.
2015 (both WJS, eBird); 20 at E. Monmouth, Kennebec Co., 15 Sep 1984 (AB 39: 25); 12 on Cobbosseecontee L., Monmouth, 9 Sep 1999 (D. Mairs). At same locality, 12 birds on 6 Nov 1988
notably late (W. Howes). Uncommon on Monhegan I. in Sep–
Oct; observed on Appledore I. on only 2 occasions: 12 Sep 1990 and 19–29 Sep 1999 (both D. Holmes).
Pied-billed G.rebes rare in winter prior to 1956.
Aroostook Co. by third week of Apr. Earliest occurrences: 1 in Ft.
Winter:
14 Apr 2002; and 2 calling at ice-out on Christina Reservoir in
primarily along or near southern coast. Although there are no
Fairfield, 12 Apr 1981 (M. Holmes); 1 at Barren L., Caribou, on
14 Apr 2006 (both WJS); 1 in Houlton, week ending 17 Apr 2001
(L. Little); 1 at Puddledock Pond, Ft. Fairfield, 20 Apr 2008 (WJS, eBird).
S ummer :
Reclusive behavior and difficulty in accessing
Since 1956, occasional, occurring in varying numbers in Dec,
records of Pied-billed Grebes surviving winter in ME, this may
change in coming decades with moderating winter conditions.
Palmer listed a single winter record observed below Bangor
Dam, Bangor, 4 Jan 1943 (Weston). Second winter record from Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 7–8 Dec 1953 (obs. unk.). In Dec
appropriate habitat probably account for relatively small number
1956, 7 individuals reported along southern coast: northernmost
billed Grebes breeding at 18 sites spread throughout the state
2[3]: 24). Eastern records: 1 in Manset, Hancock Co., 14 Jan 1960
nesting in York Co., despite Palmer’s assertion that the species
1 in Danforth, 22 Dec 1970–3 Jan 1971 (MN 2: 47); 1 in Rockland,
of nesting records. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed Piedsouth to Cumberland Co. The ABBM was unable to confirm
bred there. Recent observations confirmed nesting in Lincoln and
Piscataquis Cos.: 1 adult with 3 half-grown young in Sheepscot,
Lincoln Co., 25 Jun 1992 ( J. Hamlin); and 6 grebes (3 adults, 3
in Augusta, 28 Dec 1956, and latest in Bath, 2 Feb 1957 (MFO
(MFO 5: 5); 1 in Lamoine, Hancock Co., 2 Jan 1970 (MN [8]: 6);
26 Dec 1971 (MN 4: 6); 1 on Danforth CBC, 1 Jan 1972; 2 on
Mount Desert I. CBC, 30 Dec 1972; 1 at Reid S.P., 1 Dec 2007
(B. Marvil, eBird); 2 on Schoodic Peninsula, ANP, 9 Dec 2013 (S.
juveniles), in Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis Co. (A. Larrabee). In
Benz, eBird).
Reservoir, about two-thirds juveniles of varying ages/sizes, on
(obs. unk.); N. Gorham, Cumberland Co., 31 Jan 1960 (MFO
Aroostook Co., 55 Pied-billed Grebes reported on Christina
30 Jul 2011 (WJS, eBird); and following year at same locality 62 grebes, “high count lots of juvies,” on 27 Jul 2012 (WJS, eBird).
Since 2012, regular counts of 1–9 Pied-billed Grebes recorded
there in Jul. Despite reclusive behavior, grebes common in large shallow wetland complexes: >10 pairs present, and 1 nest and 2
fledged young observed on Douglas Pond, Palmyra, Somerset
Co., 16 Jun 1978 (PDV); 9 grebes seen at Christina Reservoir, Ft.
Additional Jan records, 1 bird each: Windham, 6 Jan 1957
5: 5); Scarborough, 1 Jan 1966 (Anderson, MFN 2[(3]: 45);
Kennebunkport, 7 Jan 1966 (Reeve, MFN 22[3]: 45); Biddeford
Pool, 2 Jan 1970 (MN 1[8]: 6); Biddeford Pool CBC, 1 Jan 1973;
Scarborough, 6 Jan 1973 (MN, Jan 1973); Orono, 11 Jan 1977 (AB
31: 305); Yarmouth, 21 Jan 1998 (L. Brinker); Saco, 26 Jan 2002 (M. Jordan); Old Port Rd., Kennebunk, 1 Jan 2013 (L
153
Birds of Maine
Woodard, eBird); Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 5 Jan 2015 (R. Fogler, eBird). Three grebes reported in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co.,
17 Jan 1970, with 2 remaining through 7 Feb 1970 (MN 1[9]:
6). Additional Feb records: 1 in Bath, 2 Feb 1957 (Emery, MFO 2[3]: 24); 1 specimen in Brewer, 8 Feb 1967 (obs. unk.); and 1
in Presumpscot R., Portland, 27 Feb 1993 (B. Hosmer, fide S.
Pollock; MBN 6[2]: 34). Rare inland records: 1 on Brandy Pond,
Naples, 19 Jan 1997 (G. Carson, FN 51: 728); 1 in Naples, 21 Feb
1998 (M. Jordan). PDV
through cen. Canada to AK, south to ND and MT; nests rarely on Magdalen I., QC. Winters along Atlantic Coast, Gulf of ME, and NS to FL, also inland throughout South; on Pacific Coast from AK to Baja California. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable; NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
Occurs regularly in small numbers (3–15 birds)
along coast until late Apr; occasionally occurs in larger flocks,
>60–300 individuals, late Mar–Apr. Congregations appear
Horned Grebe
most frequently in s. ME in waters with sandy substrate. Large
counts: >350 at Biddeford Pool, 30 Mar 2000, diminished to
Podiceps auritus
52 birds by 25 Apr 2000 (N. McReel, NAB 54: 260); >300 in
Globally vulnerable Horned Grebes are seen in Maine throughout the year
Apr 1982 and >70 observed at same locality, 19 Apr 1996 (both
Status in Maine: Uncommon but regular inland, Horned Grebes are common spring and fall migrants along the coast, occasionally occurring in large flocks. They are occasional to rare summer residents in coastal Maine. There is one hypothetical breeding record from Somerset County in 1954 (A. and W. Foerster). Horned Grebes are common along the coast in winter, preferring protected bays, coves, and inlets where they congregate in small numbers (two to 12 individuals). Historical Status in Maine: Knight erroneously indicated Horned Grebes once bred in Washington Co. on the basis of Boardman’s (1903, 242) account of this species breeding in Milltown, NB: “The Horned and the Dab Chick [Pied-billed Grebe] are the most common, while a few Red-necked breed.” Palmer clarified this error, indicating that Horned Grebes were common to abundant transients in spring and fall, common in winter and rare in summer. Palmer’s statement remains generally correct, though these grebes may be less abundant in spring and fall than they were in 1949. There has also been a shift southward in the Horned Grebe winter population since 1975: CBC data indicate the species generally increased in s. ME and decreased from Mount Desert I. through Washington Co. at the same time (Figure 4). Reasons for the distribution shift remain uncertain. ME CBC counts, 1976–2017, range from 329 per year in 1989 to 1,344 in 2011. Three counts >1,000 since 2010. Recent counts returned to more typical range: 548, 451, and 454, 2015–2017, respectively. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in n. Europe, Russia, and Asia. In N. Am., primarily Hudson Bay 154
Brunswick, 15 Apr 1958 (MFO 3: 46); >65 off Seawall Beach, 11 PDV); >100 in Saco, 11 Apr 1998 (P. Comins); 164 at Indian
Pt. Blagden Preserve, Bar Harbor, 18 Apr 2009 (C. Kesselheim, eBird). In Blue Hill Bay, Moseley reported 118 on 17 Feb 2008,
28 on 25 Feb 2008, and 30 on 13 Mar 2008. In Washington
Co., largest flock numbered 36 birds at Machias Bay, 7 Mar
2000 (N. Famous). Late records: Biddeford Pool, 21 May 1994 (L. Brinker); Bar Harbor, 21 May 2001 (W. Townsend); Old Orchard Beach, 23 May 1998 (P. Comins); Parson’s Beach,
Kennebunkport, 6 Jun 1993 ( J. Dwight); Wonderland Trail, ANP,
3 Jun 2017 (M. Good, m.ob.; eBird); Camp Ellis jetty, Saco, 29
Jun 2014 ( J. Krasne, eBird). Few inland spring records: 2 in W. Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 29 Mar 1970 (obs. unk.); 1 at Locke
Mills, Greenwood, Oxford Co., 18 May 1983 (C. Gorman); 1 at
L. Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 26 Apr 1996 (M. Schuler); 8 on Unity Pond, 14 Apr 2012, and 1 there on 23 Apr 2017 (both T.
Aversa, eBird); 1 at McCrae Farm Flat, Aroostook Co., 28 Apr 2012 (WJS, eBird); and a late bird on L. Josephine, 14 Jun 2012 (WJS, eBird). S ummer :
Birds linger along coast until mid-Jun; occasional
to rare in late Jun–Jul. Two in Muscongus Bay all summer
1956 (A. Cruickshank); 1 at Crescent Surf Beach, Kennebunk,
Jul–Aug 1988 ( JVW et al.) and 25 Jul 2011 (K. O’Brien, eBird);
1 at Higgins Beach, Scarborough, 25 Jun 2002 (S. Bloomfield). Single birds observed at Parson’s Beach, Kennebunkport, on
4 Jul 1996, 26 Jun 1998, 28 Jun 2000 (all J. Dwight); 1 at Sand
Beach, ANP, 30 Jun 2013 (G. and J. Leavens, eBird); 1 in Wells,
18 Jul 2012 (F. Mitchell, eBird); and 3 at Biddeford Pool on 9
Jul 2013 ( J. Scott and B. Crowley, eBird). Only summer inland record: L. Josephine, 27 Jul 2004 (WJS).
Adult Horned Grebe and “one young almost as large as the
parent bird” on 2 Jun 1954 recorded from Hog I., Wood L., Attean
Twp., Somerset Co. On 5 Jun, the young grebe observed swimming alone (A. and W. Foerster, BMAS 10: 48). Birds not ph. or carefully
described leaves possibility that young bird may not have been a
Horned Grebe. Thus, breeding record viewed as hypothetical.
Order Podicipediformes • Family Podicipedidae F all :
Small numbers appear in Aug but unclear whether
species regularly undergoes annual fall molt migration similar
to Red-necked Grebes. At present, no evidence Horned Grebes
congregate at preferred sites during this period. Early records:
Coyle’s Beach, Cliff I., Cumberland Co., 5 Aug 2013 (M. Fischel, eBird); Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 15 Aug 2015 (D. and K. Lima,
eBird); 8 in Stonington, 22 Aug 1979, and 14 at Deer Isle, 21 Aug
1980 (both M. Hundley); 2 in Cutler, 25 Aug 1999 (D. Mairs);
1 off Bailey I., Harpswell, 26 Aug 2005 (fide ME Audubon); 2
at Eastern Bay, Bar Harbor, 4 Sep 1996 (C. Witt). Early inland records: 1 seen in Alfred, York Co., 18 Aug 2001 (D. Tucker); 1
on 24 Sep 2013 and 2 on 28 Sep 2015 at Windover at Great Pond,
Kennebec Co. (M. and K. Veins, eBird).
The main migration takes place in Oct when larger flocks
occur along the coast: >30 off Pine Pt., 3 Oct 2001 (PDV); >50
Figure 4. Horned Grebe on Christmas Bird Counts
27 in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., 10 Oct 2006 ( J. Smith); >50
Total number of Horned Grebes as counted on representative Maine coastal CBCs. While there was a slight increase in the overall number of grebes recorded, it was not uniform along the coast. Those counted on representative southern coastal CBCs increased (Biddeford– Kennebunk, Greater Portland, and Thomaston–Rockport; in blue), while counts on representative eastern coastal CBCs decreased (Mount Desert I., Schoodic Pt., and Eastport; in green) (NAS 2019a).
in Eastern Bay, Lamoine, Hancock Co., 3 Oct 1998 (D. Mairs); in Eastern Bay, Bar Harbor, 18 Oct 2006 (R. McDonald); >60
along Mount Desert Narrows, 5 Nov 2005 (S. Lewis, eBird); and
>400–600 at same locality in late Oct 2004; >100 off Pine Pt., 11 Nov 2007 (D. Lovitch).
Uncommon but regular inland at this season. Regular off
Hog I., Wood L., Attean Twp., Somerset Co., 1948–1954: 1 on 5
Aug 1949 and 1 on 18 Aug 1953 are early records; 1 ph. off Hog I., Wood L., 19–22 Sep 1946; 4 calling together on 28 Sep 1948; 1 on
7 Sep 1949; and 6 on 10 Oct 1953 was the latest record (all A. and
W. Foerster). In Smithfield, Somerset Co., W. Sumner observed 2 individuals on 16 Oct 1996, 4 on 17 Nov 1997, and 3 on 14 Nov 2001. In Franklin Co., 1 seen in Rangeley through Nov 1976
(obs. unk.). In Aroostook Co.: several pairs on Portage L., 2 Oct
1958 (obs. unk.); 1 on Madawaska L., T15 R6 WELS, 6–10 Nov
2003, and 1 on Long L., Sinclair, 6 Nov 2004 (both WJS). In n.
Penobscot Co.: “at Lee, Maine on October 18, 1958, I was shown the results of the morning’s shoot, and was shocked to find four
of the eight “ducks” were Horned Grebes” (MFN 14: 88). In
Androscoggin Co., Horned Grebes regular in small numbers at
Sabattus Pond since 1994: 1–7 individuals nearly annual from 27
Sep into Nov when ice covers the pond; 17 Nov 1998 is the latest
record (PDV, D. Mairs, L. Seitz et al.). A single bird observed in
Auburn, 21 Nov 2000 ( J. Suchecki). Large inland concentrations: 15 grebes on Lower Kimball Pond, Fryeburg, 17 Nov 1998 (R. Crowley); 9 in Auburn, 16 Nov 1991 (G. Therrien).
W inter :
Common in winter along coast. Rare inland except
for L. Auburn, where species recorded regularly on CBCs since
1984 with a maximum of 10 individuals recorded in 1996. Large
concentrations uncommon but reported primarily from southern coast: 163 at Scarborough, 11 Dec 1957 (MFO 3[1]: 6); 68 in Saco,
11 Dec 1957 (MFO 3: 4); 57 in Biddeford Pool, 27 Dec 1959 (MFO
4[10]: 114); 260 at ANP, 18 Jan 1987 (B. Milardo, AB 41: 254); 156
in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 15 Jan 1989 (PDV, AB 43: 283); 51
off Jonesport, 9 Feb 1999 (N. Famous). PD
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena
A large coastal grebe whose numbers are increasing
Status in Maine: Red-necked Grebes are common fall migrants; 80–140 individuals occur regularly at favored localities in open bays and outer headlands by mid- to late September. The species remains common along the coast through early January, but it appears to migrate farther south in late January and is less numerous in February and early March. The species is rare inland in winter. Spring migration occurs from mid-March through early May. Red-necked Grebes are uncommon to occasional along the coast in summer and are rare inland. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Red-necked Grebes uncommon to common in spring and fall on salt water. He cited spring dates between late Mar and early May; this migratory pattern has not changed appreciably since 1949. Rare inland in summer, with fall migration late Sep into Nov. Prior to the 1950s, Red-necked Grebes were regular in small numbers along the coast in winter; more recent observations reveal substantial increases since 1975 and suggest that the species clearly prefers several specific bays and coastal headlands. 155
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am. breeds primarily from cen. ON and MN west to AK, south to MT and e. OR. Winters in w. Atlantic Ocean from NL, Maritime Provinces, ME, south to NC; in e. Pacific Ocean from coastal AK to CA, also on Great Ls.
1 at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 8 Jul 1999 (NAB 53: 363); 1
Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: Moderate Concern.
Jonesport, 28 Aug 1995 (PDV, CDD et al.).
S pring :
In general, number of records and size of spring
concentrations not as large as flocks observed in fall. Numbers increase in Mar: >100 off Scarborough, 9 Mar 1966 (Perrys,
MFN 22[3]: 79); 91 off Mount Desert I., 29 Mar 1967 (E.
Thompson); 48 in Cape Neddick through Mar 1970 (MN 1[10]: 6); 18 at Nubble Light, York, 28 Mar 1989 (L. Phinney); 25 at Biddeford Pool, 25 Mar 2000 (L. Brinker); and 29 at same
locality on 7 Apr 2012 (S. Davis and L. Davis, eBird). Largest spring concentrations arrive in Apr: 35 at Pemaquid Pt., 18
Apr 2000, and 42 recorded at same locality, 1 Apr 2006 (both M. Libby); 22 at Blue Hill Falls, Hancock Co., 25 Apr 2014
(C. Moseley and T. Bjorkman, eBird). Off Biddeford Pool, 99
Jun 1996 ( J. Markowsky); 2 in Southwest Harbor, 11 Jun 1996
(A. Bacon), and 1 at same locality, 6 Jul 1994 (fide A. Bacon);
in Southwest Harbor, 9–16 Aug 1995 (E. Hastings); 3 at Petit
Manan Pt., 15 Aug 1995 (R. Widrig); 1 in breeding plumage at
Biddeford Pool, 27 Aug 1995 (W. Sumner); 2 near Mistake I.,
Generally rare inland in summer but recent records suggest
species more regular than previously reported: 1 in Bridgton,
20 Aug 1998 ( J. Preis, fide K. Gammons); 1 on Wassookeag L., Dexter, Penobscot Co., 1 Jul 1999 ( J. Markowsky); 1–4 individuals on Christina Reservoir, 6–27 Aug 1989 (M.
Trombley; AB 44: 55); 1 in Easton, Aroostook Co., 1–3 Jun 2007,
and another at same locality, 27 Jul 2007 (WJS); 1 in Ft. Fairfield,
8 Aug 2008 (WJS); 1 on Christina Reservoir, 3 Jun 2011 and 24 Jul 2015 (both WJS, eBird). F all :
Uncommon on inland lakes, but common fall migrants
along coast preferring outer headlands and open bays rather
than the inner protected bays and harbors favored by Horned
Grebes. First Red-necked Grebes appear locally in Frenchman
observed on 15 Apr 1999 (AB 46: 394) and 118 seen on 24 Apr
Bay and Penobscot Bay in Aug. Early migrants arrive in
Apr 2004 (T. Allen); 200 off Stratton I., Saco, 11 Apr 1998 (P.
inland records in Aug may indicate these early birds make
42 off Dyer Pt., 23 Apr 2006 (D. Lovitch).
west in Canada. Species regular at Mount Desert Narrows,
1999 ( J. Preis, S. Pollock); 2 at Camp Truda, Otisfield, Oxford
1986 (K. Jones, AB 41: 53); 225 in same area, 4 Sep 1996 (C. Witt,
6 May 1997 (WJS); 1 at N. Shore Dr., North Pond, Somerset Co.,
Additional early records: 1 in Muscongus Bay, 8 Aug 1952 (obs.
1995 (S. Pollock). Other concentrations: 75 at Reid S.P., 4
Comins); 130 off Mount Desert I., 18 Apr 2003 (O. Barden); and Occasional to rare inland in spring: 3 on Long L., 17–20 Apr
Co., 28 Apr 2017 (M. Barber, eBird); 2 in Caribou, week ending
10 May 2013 (L. Bevier, eBird); 7 in Smithfield, 11 May 1994 (W. Sumner). Brewster reported a pair in breeding plumage on NH side of L. Umbagog, 21 May 1897 (Brewster 1924).
S ummer :
Occasional to uncommon as individuals or small
groups along coast. s. and cen. ME: 2 birds on Stratton I., Saco,
26 Jun–6 Aug 1993 (S. Benz, T. Gaine); 4 in Falmouth, 15 Jun
1988 (AB 42: 1268); 6 in Rockport on 16 Jun 1990 (AB 44: 1112) and 3 at same locality, 22 Jun 1991 (AB 45: 1092); 1 off Popham
Beach, 17–26 Jun 2006 (PDV); 3 nonbreeding birds in Rockland,
19 Jun 1993 (AB 47: 1088); 1 at East Pt. Sanctuary, Biddeford
Pool, 19 Jun 2013 (L. Bevier and M. Viens, eBird); 2 off York, 30
Jun 1991 (D. Abbott); 2 in Camden, 8 Jul 2008 (D. Reimer, ph.);
3 in Falmouth, 11 Jul 1995 (FN 49: 907); 1 in breeding plumage at Prout’s Neck, Scarborough, 15 Jul 1990 (W. Sumner, AB 44:
1112); 2 in Cape Elizabeth, 18 Jul 2008 (PDV, JEP); 1 in breeding plumage at Biddeford Pool, 21 Jul 1991 (AB 45: 1092), 1 at same locality on 19 Aug 1990 and on 21 Jul 1991 (both W. Sumner);
1 at Curtis Farm Preserve, Harpswell, 23 Jul 2016 (G. Smith, eBird); 1 in breeding plumage in Ogunquit, 2 Aug 1991 (AB
46: 61). Farther east, 1 off Isle au Haut, 1 Jul 1919 (Palmer 1949); 2 birds at Mount Desert Narrows, Trenton, Hancock Co., 3
156
breeding plumage and molt into winter plumage. Paucity of
nonstop flights from Great Ls. and breeding grounds farther separating Bar Harbor and Trenton: >100 individuals, 31 Aug
FN 51: 23); and as many as 250 on 26 Oct 1995 (FN 50: 20). unk.); 2 in Rockport, 13 Aug 1989 (W. Sumner).
Widespread and common along coast Oct–Nov. Typically
large concentrations: 357 at The Bluffs, Bar Harbor, 29 Nov 2015
(M. Good, eBird); 250 off Hadley Pt., Bar Harbor, 26 Oct 1995 (FN 50: 20) and 50 on 18 Sep 2011 (M. Good, eBird); 160 in
Biddeford, 12 Nov 1988 (AB 43: 61), and 102 at same locality, 18 Nov 1997 (FN 52: 29); 87 at Petit Manan NWR, 16 Nov 1988
(AB 43: 61); 98 in Cutler, 25 Nov 1988 (AB 43: 61) and 119 at same
locality, 11 Nov 1989 (AB 44: 55); 150 at Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 28
Nov 2004 (C. Fichtel); and >200 at Reid S.P., 29 Nov 1999 (D. Mairs).
First fall inland record collected at L. Auburn, Androscoggin
Co., 8 Oct 1899 (JMOS 2: 32). Uncommon to occasional inland
since 1990 where it occurs in small numbers: minimum 8 records
of 1–6 birds at Sabattus Pond, 1990–2008, the latest a single bird
on 16 Nov 1990 ( J. Despres). In Aroostook Co., single birds seen in Ft. Fairfield, 1 Oct 1989 (M. Trombley), and latest observed
on Arnold Brook L. in Presque Isle, 21 Nov 2006, and at Long
L., 15 Nov 2015 (both WJS, eBird). In Somerset Co., 1 on Moose
R., 12 Oct 2014 ( J. Kauffman, eBird), and 4 birds reported in Smithfield, 6 Nov 1996 (W. Sumner).
Order Podicipediformes • Family Podicipedidae W inter :
Long-term coastal CBCs show increase in winter
counts 1975–2017 (Figure 5). Since 2000, several coastal CBCs
Eared Grebe
regularly record 130 individuals: Bath area (232 in 2006),
Podiceps nigricollis
Damariscotta (164 in 1996), and Schoodic Pt. (135 in 2005).
Dazzling red eyes and unique facial feathers make this coastal visitor stand out
Biddeford (171 in 1998), Machias Bay (414 in 1998), Pemaquid– Reid S.P. long recognized as concentration area with at least
100 individuals recorded annually. Large counts: 185 birds on 18 Feb 1977 (AB 31: 304); 156 on 15 Jan 1989 (PDV, AB 43: 283); 265 on 12 Jan 2001 (M. Libby); >220 on 23 Dec 2007 (D. Lovitch);
218 on 19 Dec 2009 and 207 on 17 Jan 2011 (both M. Fahay,
eBird); 105 at Griffith’s Head, Reid S.P., on 12 Dec 2014 (M.
Ostrowski and R. Ostrowski, eBird); and 241 on 19 Dec 2016
( J. Berry, eBird). Also concentrate around Mount Desert I., not only in early fall but also in Dec: >300 observed on 14 Dec 1998
(W. Townsend) and >300 recorded near One Squeak Harbor, Schoodic Pt., 12 Dec 2006 (C. Moseley). Concentrations
diminish by late Jan. Red-necked Grebes become numerous as winter progresses; it appears species makes an early to
midwinter movement south of the Gulf of ME.
Occasional to rare inland in winter. Aroostook Co. winter
records: 1 dead in Ft. Fairfield winter 1929–1930, picked up on
the ice (BMAS 5: 44) and 1 in Presque Isle, 2 Dec 2006 (WJS).
Only Somerset Co. winter record found in Smithfield, 2 Dec
1992 (W. Sumner). Single birds observed on Augusta CBC in 1985 and 1997 and an individual was seen in Auburn, 16 Dec
2006 (Guillemot 36[6]: 53). PDV
Status in Maine: Eared Grebes are casual visitors on the coast, usually in the winter. There are fewer than 10 records since 1977. Historical Status in Maine: There were five records for this species 1965–1977, all of which occurred in winter. The first state record was at Wells Beach on 31 Dec 1965 (AFN 20: 400); another was observed off Stonington, Deer Isle, on 24 Dec 1968 (E. Thompson, AFN 23: 448). There are three reports of single birds from Schoodic Pt.: 2 Feb 1969 (AFN 23: 448 and MASFC), 14 Jan 1973, and 6 Mar 1977 (all W. Townsend). All of these were seen by one observer, and none were photographed. Global Distribution: Global. Complex regional distribution in N. Am. Breeds from MN and MB west to e. BC and south to CA, CO, and n. TX. Winters from sw. BC along coast to CA and TX through much of Mexico, with isolated populations in Southeast U.S. Species reported from NS, NB, CT, VT, MA, RI, and NH. S pring :
Unusual spring records: 1 described off Rt. 179,
Waltham, Hancock Co., 14 May 2001 (K. Emerson, NAB
55: 274); more recently, 1 seen in Roque Bluffs, 9-13 Apr 2005 ( J. Markowsky, F. Marenghi). “The angular head shape (like a Lesser Scaup, not the rounded head shape of a Greater
Scaup/Horned Grebe type), straw yellow feathers in a fan shape eliminating [sic] from the red eye made this bird
unmistakable . . . ” (D. Chaffin). SUMMER:
Single bird summer at Sanford Lagoons, May-Sep "
2009 and again in 2010 (m. ob., eBird). F all :
Few fall records: 1 at Sanford Lagoons, intermittently,
2–10 Sep 2006 (L. Brinker)), and 1 at Simpson’s Landing,
Brunswick, intermittently, 16 Sep–7 Oct 2012 (L. Bevier, m.ob.;
Figure 5. Red-necked Grebes on Christmas Bird Counts Red-necked Grebe records increased across representative coastal CBCs with a notable high count of 937 in 2011. CBCs included: Biddeford–Kennebunkport, Eastport, Greater Portland, Mount Desert I., Schoodic Pt., and Thomaston–Rockport (NAS 2019a).
eBird).
W inter :
Four winter reports in past 30 years; first remains
hypothetical, 1 at Sprague Neck, Cutler, 16 Dec 1993 (N. Famous,
fide PDV). Other records: 1 at Long Wharf, Portland, week
ending 17 Feb 1998 (G. Neavoll, fide K. Gammons); 1 at Wells
Harbor, 11 Jan 2003 (C. Dorsey). An astonishing 34 Eared
Grebes were recorded on the 1991 York Co. CBC without accompanying comment.
RDP
157
Birds of Maine
Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis This snappy-looking grebe is North America’s largest
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine, with nine carefully documented records since 1981. Reports are usually single birds, although two birds were reported together in 1981, 1982, and 1989. With the exception of a record from Roque Island, Jonesport, in November 1996, all are from southern Maine. Additionally, there are seven undocumented reports from the southern Maine coast. Reports occur throughout the year but are most common in winter. Recent reports, all fide eBird: Portland Head Light, 20 January 2017 (R. Garrigus); Sears I. on 26 January 2017 ( J. Wyatt); Owl’s Head Harbor, Knox County, on 11, 17, and 19 February 2016 (M. Fahay, S. Hall, and N. Houlihan); Simpson’s Point Landing, Brunswick, 17–24 April 2016 (m.ob.); and Saco Bay, 9 November 2007 (B. Pfeiffer). Historical Status in Maine: First recorded in ME when two birds were seen during the Bath CBC at Reid S.P. on 18 Dec 1977. Remarkably, one of these birds returned for 17 consecutive winters. Usually appearing the last week of Nov, it was reported as early as 6 Nov in 1982. Typically staying through Mar, it remained until 18 Apr in 1993. The fact that it was not seen in the winter of 1994–1995 was noted in Field Notes: “Georgetown, ME’s venerable W. Grebe failed to appear after 17 consecutive winters” (FN 49: 126). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds inland through w. N. Am. from WI and MN to WA, including MB west to BC, south to CA. Winters along coast, s. BC to Mexico, with resident populations in cen. Mexico. Documented in NB, NS, and all New England states. PDV
Clark’s Grebe
Aechmophorus clarkii
The classic grebe of the West finds New England
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one record in Maine, a single bird seen and photographed off Owl’s Head Light State Park, Knox County, 4–22 March 2005 (K. Gentalen, PDV, D. Lovitch; BO 35: 155). This was the first New England record. Historical Status in Maine: Not previously recorded in ME. Third Atlantic Coast record for this species: 158
an individual returned several years, 2000–2005, to the Chesapeake Bay mouth in VA, and one bird was seen along Outer Banks, NC, in Mar 2003 (both Fiala and Carlson, eBird). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in w. U.S. and s. Canada from SK to NE west to WA, OR, NV, and CA. Resident in CA, parts of AZ, and cen. Mexico. Remarks: The Owl’s Head individual was first reported as a Western Grebe, but the bright yelloworange bill and sharply defined white supraloral face pattern were consistent with Clark’s Grebe instead. Photographs that document this individual’s identity are on file (ph. arch.). PDV
order
columbiformes
Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae) This worldwide family of 310 species includes the extinct Passenger Pigeon, once an extraordinarily abundant migrant to Maine’s deciduous forests, where even the earliest European explorers noted its staggering numbers. Five other species of this agile and fast-flying family have been recorded in the state, two of them introduced.
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
Perhaps the most ubiquitous and well-known bird in the world
Status in Maine: Introduced. This domesticated species was first introduced to North America in the early 1600s and is now an abundant resident near cities, towns, and farms, where their chief competitors are House Sparrows. Although included in BBS and CBC records, and in complete checklists uploaded to eBird, this ubiquitous species is most frequently noted as an object of prey for raptors. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported that Rock Pigeons were feral and numerous residents in Portland since at least 1858 and that the population may have decreased somewhat in the preceding 20 years. As with House Sparrows, their decline in the
Birds of Maine
Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis This snappy-looking grebe is North America’s largest
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine, with nine carefully documented records since 1981. Reports are usually single birds, although two birds were reported together in 1981, 1982, and 1989. With the exception of a record from Roque Island, Jonesport, in November 1996, all are from southern Maine. Additionally, there are seven undocumented reports from the southern Maine coast. Reports occur throughout the year but are most common in winter. Recent reports, all fide eBird: Portland Head Light, 20 January 2017 (R. Garrigus); Sears I. on 26 January 2017 ( J. Wyatt); Owl’s Head Harbor, Knox County, on 11, 17, and 19 February 2016 (M. Fahay, S. Hall, and N. Houlihan); Simpson’s Point Landing, Brunswick, 17–24 April 2016 (m.ob.); and Saco Bay, 9 November 2007 (B. Pfeiffer). Historical Status in Maine: First recorded in ME when two birds were seen during the Bath CBC at Reid S.P. on 18 Dec 1977. Remarkably, one of these birds returned for 17 consecutive winters. Usually appearing the last week of Nov, it was reported as early as 6 Nov in 1982. Typically staying through Mar, it remained until 18 Apr in 1993. The fact that it was not seen in the winter of 1994–1995 was noted in Field Notes: “Georgetown, ME’s venerable W. Grebe failed to appear after 17 consecutive winters” (FN 49: 126). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds inland through w. N. Am. from WI and MN to WA, including MB west to BC, south to CA. Winters along coast, s. BC to Mexico, with resident populations in cen. Mexico. Documented in NB, NS, and all New England states. PDV
Clark’s Grebe
Aechmophorus clarkii
The classic grebe of the West finds New England
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one record in Maine, a single bird seen and photographed off Owl’s Head Light State Park, Knox County, 4–22 March 2005 (K. Gentalen, PDV, D. Lovitch; BO 35: 155). This was the first New England record. Historical Status in Maine: Not previously recorded in ME. Third Atlantic Coast record for this species: 158
an individual returned several years, 2000–2005, to the Chesapeake Bay mouth in VA, and one bird was seen along Outer Banks, NC, in Mar 2003 (both Fiala and Carlson, eBird). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in w. U.S. and s. Canada from SK to NE west to WA, OR, NV, and CA. Resident in CA, parts of AZ, and cen. Mexico. Remarks: The Owl’s Head individual was first reported as a Western Grebe, but the bright yelloworange bill and sharply defined white supraloral face pattern were consistent with Clark’s Grebe instead. Photographs that document this individual’s identity are on file (ph. arch.). PDV
order
columbiformes
Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae) This worldwide family of 310 species includes the extinct Passenger Pigeon, once an extraordinarily abundant migrant to Maine’s deciduous forests, where even the earliest European explorers noted its staggering numbers. Five other species of this agile and fast-flying family have been recorded in the state, two of them introduced.
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
Perhaps the most ubiquitous and well-known bird in the world
Status in Maine: Introduced. This domesticated species was first introduced to North America in the early 1600s and is now an abundant resident near cities, towns, and farms, where their chief competitors are House Sparrows. Although included in BBS and CBC records, and in complete checklists uploaded to eBird, this ubiquitous species is most frequently noted as an object of prey for raptors. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported that Rock Pigeons were feral and numerous residents in Portland since at least 1858 and that the population may have decreased somewhat in the preceding 20 years. As with House Sparrows, their decline in the
Order Columbiformes • Family Columbidae
early 20th century possibly corresponded to the shift from horses to cars and the increase in regular refuse collection leading to a decrease in grain and other available food on the streets. Global distribution: Native to Europe, n. Africa, and Near and Middle East, now has spread north and east in much of Eurasia, Australia, and many Pacific islands. In the New World, pigeons occur in all but Arctic N. Am and all of S. Am. Remarks: Bird observers frequently note pigeons as an object of prey for raptors, as one taken by a Gyrfalcon in n. Aroostook Co., 22 Feb 1994 (Guillemot 24[1]: 4), and remains found in owl pellets. S ummer :
Notable for its location far from any town or farm
field is the 1984 record labeled “roughing it” of 1 sitting on the roadside, Smith Brook Rd., T8 R13 WELS, Piscataquis Co.,
(near Allagash Wilderness Waterway; D. Basley, D. Boucher). W inter :
At least one record of winter breeding: 2 nests found
in Portland, 16 Feb 1966; 1 nest had 2 eggs, the other nest had
a newly hatched nestling (MFN 22: 65). Palmer reported that,
on 4 Jan 1922 in Portland, an ice storm injured many pigeons by freezing their feet to their perches and icing their plumage.
Rock Pigeons reported on 24 of 43 CBCs on Mount Desert
I. 1954–2006; maximum number was 225 in 1996, median 15
(Russell and Witt 2009). BSV
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. PDV
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Introduced from Europe in the 1970s, this species is expanding across the U.S.
Status in Maine: Accidental. Introduced to Bahamas, spread rapidly throughout much of North America to southern Alaska. Accidental in Maine. There are only two recent records for this species in Maine: one photographed in Falmouth, 28 May 2013 (C. Kent et al.), and one sight record from Kennebunk Beach, 4–5 June 2006 ( J. Ficker). Given this species’ rapid expansion across North America, it seems likely that this dove will become an increasingly regular visitor to Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 2006. Global Distribution: Originally Palearctic. Introduced to Bahamas in 1970s and now spreading throughout much of the U.S. and s. Canada. Reported from CT, MA, and VT but not yet in RI and NH. Also reported in NB and NS. PDV
Band-tailed Pigeon
Patagioenas fasciata
Blown or flown astray from the West, these vagrants ended up on our islands
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are three records for Maine: the first was photographed on Southport Island, Lincoln County, 25 April–2 May 1980 (AB 34: 754–757). The second and third records were found and meticulously described on Monhegan Island on 19 September 1990 (L. Bunten; MBN 4: 25, AB 45: 77) and 24 September 1994 (PDV, m.ob.; MBN 8: 8, FN 49: 23). Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded prior to 1980. Global Distribution: Western Hemisphere. Breeds from s. BC along Pacific Coast through CA and mountains of CO, NM, AZ, and w. TX, south through highlands of Mexico, Cen. Am., and Andes Mtns. in S. Am. to n. Argentina. Winters within same range. Species observed in NH, MA, CT, NS, NB, and QC.
Passenger Pigeon
Ectopistes migratorius
Formerly present in famously unfathomable numbers, this species is now extinct
Status in Maine: Extinct. This species has not been recorded in Maine since 1904, when a single Passenger Pigeon was collected on Mount Desert Island, probably near Bar Harbor, and was mounted by a Bangor taxidermist (JMOS 10: 54). This appears to be the last known record for Maine. Historical Status in Maine: “In July 1605, on the coast of Maine . . . [in the vicinity of Biddeford], Champlain saw on some islands an ‘infinite number of pigeons,’ of which he took a great quantity” (Forbush 1927, 56). Knight (1908, 210) noted “of the hordes of Passenger Pigeons which formerly passed through the State in large flocks and nested abundantly within the 159
Birds of Maine
memory of scores of people now living, none remain now. . . . While practically the last birds disappeared somewhere about 1885.” A few pigeons were occasionally taken later; one of the last ME specimens was collected at or near Dexter, Penobscot Co., by F. Rogers, 16 Aug 1896 (Knight 1908). Palmer (1949, 298) stated that the Passenger Pigeon was a “former summer resident and transient, abundant as late as 1817, and numerous enough to provide good netting and shooting until the early 1850s.”
a minute” (Wilson 1812, 108) for four hrs., totaling 240 mi. (384 km) in length. He assumed “each square yard . . . comprehended three pigeons” (Wilson 1812, 108). Based on these estimates, Wilson calculated the flock contained 2,230,272,000 pigeons, which he believed to be far below the actual number. This was a single flight; it is impossible to know how many other flights existed at that moment.
Blockstein (2002) identified two factors largely responsible for the decline of Passenger Pigeons, “habitat destruction and direct exploitation by Global Distribution: Nearctic. Formerly breeding in humans for food. It is likely that the interplay of eastern deciduous forests from s. QC, Maritime Provinces, these factors, with habitat destruction reducing west through s. Canada to AB, south to e. TX and FL. opportunities for nesting, and shooting [reduced the The core of this species’ breeding range appeared to population size] . . . Every Passenger Pigeon colony include s. ME, New England, west to WI, south to that was accessible to humans was exploited.” In KY and WV (Blockstein 2002). Wintered primarily addition, as the breeding population of these colonial from AR, MO, and NC south to n. FL and TX. nesters declined, it is possible numbers present were insufficient to induce gonadal development, Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Extinct. preventing Passenger Pigeons from developing into Remarks: Passenger Pigeons once occurred in vast reproductive condition (Bucher 1992). numbers, possibly 3–5 billion individuals (Schorger 1955). Migrations were so vast that numerous observers S pring : Palmer’s (1949, 298) suggestion that spring migration “probably occurred in April” was generally consistent with spring reported the day darkened as these incredible flocks arrivals in other northern states (Blockstein 2002). literally blocked out the sun. A. Wilson’s (1812, 109) comments typify these remarkable flights: “I was S ummer : Little was known about the Passenger Pigeon’s suddenly struck with astonishment at a loud rushing breeding ecology in ME according to Palmer. Species clearly roar, succeeded by instant darkness, which, on the first preferred deciduous forests and appeared to nest in areas where moment, I took for a tornado.” S. Pokagon wrote (1895, there was a significant mast from the previous year (Blockstein 202): “I have seen them move in one unbroken column 2002). In N. Bridgton, Cumberland Co., Mead (1910) noted this for hours across the sky, like some great river, ever species was present through the summer of 1877 and thought varying in hue; and as the mighty stream sweeping they nested in a nearby pine grove. on at sixty miles an hour, reached some deep valley, it would pour its living mass headlong down hundreds F all : Fall migration “occurred chiefly in September, and into of feet, sounding as though a whirlwind was abroad early October” (Palmer 1949, 299), with a bird in Portland on 8 in the land. I have stood by the grandest waterfall Oct 1872 the latest recorded. This is consistent with Blockstein’s of America and regarded the descending torrents (2002) view that the migration in northern states began in late in wonder and astonishment, yet never have my Aug and peaked the first half of Sep. astonishment, wonder, and admiration been so stirred PDV as when I have witnessed these birds drop from their course like meteors from heaven.” Several attempts were made to estimate the number of pigeons in a passing flight. In about 1806, Wilson (1812, 106) observed a flight near Frankfort, KY, “from right to left as far as the eye could reach, the breadth of this vast procession extended; seeming everywhere equally crowded,” and passed as “a living torrent” for over five hours. He estimated the column was a mile in breadth and believed it to be “much more” (Wilson 1812, 107), passing at the rate of “one mile in 160
White-winged Dove
Zenaida asiatica
This Southern dove reaches Maine almost every year
Status in Maine: White-winged Doves were unrecorded in Maine prior to 1973. The first documented state record was photographed in Lincolnville Beach, Waldo County, 18–28 December 1973 (AB 28: 613). However, the AOU (1975, 261) listed
Order Columbiformes • Family Columbidae
a single previous but undated record from Lincoln. After three additional records, the species was not seen from 1983 to 1997, when it became nearly annual, and, since 2005, annual in small numbers. There are at least 40 documented state records distributed fairly evenly across seasons. Though these doves are usually reported from southern and Midcoast Maine, they have been seen in northern, eastern and inland parts of the state, as well. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight nor Palmer reported White-winged Doves as occurring in ME. Global Distribution: Primarily Nearctic. Breeds from FL and Caribbean, TX to s. CA, south through Mexico and Cen. Am. Winters largely within breeding range. S pring :
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
One of our most common species, especially at feeders in winter
Status in Maine: Mourning Doves have steadily expanded their range north and now are a common breeding bird in all but the unpopulated north woods. They are reliable winter residents often seen in large numbers foraging on the ground at bird feeders. In winter, they are most often cited in bird reports as the prey item for a raptor rather than for anything remarkable about their location or numbers. Winter high counts of 20–50 are regular. A notably northern high winter record is 60 in Caribou, 2 December 2002 (WJS).
A single bird ph. in Falmouth, 1–7 May 1983 (S. Heald,
PDV; AB 37: 847); another ph. on Monhegan I., 30–31 May 2003
(fide L. Brinker); 1 at Seal I. NWR, 18 May 2017 (W. Kennerley and K. Yakola, eBird). Single bird in Crystal, Aroostook Co., 3
May 2005 (fide WJS) was a notable northern record. S ummer :
Second state record from Kennebunk, 8–9 Jun 1978
(AB 32: 1139). Additional records, 1 bird each: Seal I. NWR, 18
Jun 2016 (I. Brofsky and K. Yakola, eBird); Kennebunk Beach,
26 Jun 1998 ( J. Ficker, FN 52: 436); Bangor, 25–29 Jul 2003 (M. Pojasek, J. Markowsky); Medomak, Bremen, Lincoln Co., 28
Jun 2006 (S. Weidensaul et al.). Eastern summer records, 1 each: Machias Seal I., intermittently 28 Jun–5 Jul 2018 (A. Aleksieva
et al.; eBird); Winterport, Waldo Co., 25–28 Jul 2014 ( J. Wyatt);
Matinicus Rock, 27 Jul 2018 (C. Lane, eBird); Bar Harbor, 31 Jul
2010 (E. Hawkes et al.; ph.). F all :
A White-winged Dove on Mosquito I., St. George,
Knox Co., in mid-Sep 1982 was likely the same individual ph. on Monhegan I. a few days later, 20 Sep–6 Oct 1982 (DWF, PDV, et al., ph.; AB 37: 157). Molting adult observed on Monhegan
I. on 23 Sep 1983 and found dead 10 Oct probably the same
bird (DWF, PDV, et al.). One at 77 Pleasant St., Blue Hill, 20
Sep 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird). Another appeared on Monhegan
I., 2 Oct 1997 (FN 52: 31). 1 ph. in Kittery Pt., 27 Nov 2003 (L.
Brinker). Eastern records: 1 in Steuben, 23–24 Sep 2010 (fide E.
Hynes); 1 in Winterport, 2–5 Nov 2012 (M. Veins, eBird). In cen. Penobscot Co., 1 was seen in Lincoln, 30 Aug–4 Sep 2014 (fide
D. Hitchcox). W inter :
After nearly 14 years without a report, doves were
seen in Ellsworth, Jan–Mar 1997 (H. Spencer, ph.; Guillemot 27:
6). Recently, 1 ph. in Prospect, 1–13 Dec 2015 (F. Kind, ph.). PDV
Mourning Dove
Historical Status in Maine: Nineteenth-century reports of Mourning Doves in ME cite them as rare in southernmost counties, but by the early 1920s, the species was common in York and Cumberland Cos. Palmer reported Mourning Doves as common summer residents in southern and Midcoast ME in 1949, but rare Downeast and in the northern half of the state, although extending their breeding range slowly northward. The first recorded winter occurrence was in Pownal in 1910, and the most easterly winter records are from Sagadahoc Co. in 1944–1945 (A.O. Gross and S. Powell, fide Palmer 1949). Global distribution: Year-round resident in N. America from NS to WA, south into Mexico. Summer visitor to s. Canada. Winters in Cen. Am. Remarks: Mourning Dove is the most widespread, abundant, and frequently hunted bird in the U.S. 161
Birds of Maine
Annual take by hunters can be more than 20 million, but the U.S. population estimate remains 350 million (N. Am. Bird Conservation Initiative 2014). There is no open season currently in ME. Spring:
Palmer reported most migrating birds seen in last
two-thirds of Apr. More recently, spring arrival dates are as early
Warren (N. O’Brien). There is also a report of a Cooper’s Hawk taking a Mourning Dove in Warren the following spring on 19
May 2006 (D. Reimer). Winter feeding census-takers reporting high numbers of doves often note the absence of accipiters in their area.
BSV
as 4 Mar 2004 (B. Dalke) and 2 on 16 Mar 2016 in Whitefield,
Lincoln Co. (H. Nielsen, eBird); as early as 9 Mar 2016 (D.
Smith, eBird) and 23 Mar 1982 in Greenville (S. Roy). An early
report of cooing by overwintering birds in Southwest Harbor, 23
Feb 2006 (C. Kesselheim). A Mourning Dove taken by an adult Northern Goshawk, 6 Jun 2007, in Litchfield, Kennebec Co.
(C. Hynes). Summer:
Breeding usually begins in early May; most pairs
raise 2 broods. Indication that breeding may begin earlier is
provided by report of a full-grown fledgling caught by a cat in Brunswick, on 17 Apr 1983 ( JEP and ECP). Species lists
submitted to eBird in summer usually report only single birds
or number not recorded. Exceptionally high numbers for
summer: 25 in Brunswick 25 May 1958 (Beane, MFO 3[6]: 60);
25 on Monhegan I., 25 May 1987 (S. Tingley); 30 in Cumberland,
Cumberland Co., 13 Jun 1957 (Fobes et al.); and 32 at Kennebunk
Plains, 27 Jun 2006 (R. Heil). Fall:
Land-based fall migration is difficult to notice. However,
doves seen in fall far from any breeding site include an
individual banded on Appledore I., 28 Sep 1995 (D. Holmes);
10 seen between Monhegan I. and Port Clyde, 23 Sep 1982;
and again 10 seen from same ferry, 29 Sep 1995 (both DWF).
Individuals seen from waters near Mount Desert Rock, 6
Oct 2006 (L. Brinker), and 22 Oct 2004 (W. Townsend). An
individual seen from the MV Scotia Prince, 15 Oct 1998, was >10
mi. (16 km) offshore (D. Nickerson). Seasonal high count: 220 in
Unity/Thorndike on 26 Oct 2012 (T. Aversa, eBird). Winter:
Mourning Doves are gregarious at feeders in winter.
By far the majority of counts >20 occur in late fall and winter.
High count of 100 reported on 26 Dec 2000, in Phippsburg (M.
Dauphin, fide K. Gammon). A single Mourning Dove found
a feeding station that was operational for 4 years in Tomhegan
Twp., Somerset Co., where “the nearest ‘feeder island’ is located miles away via land or water across Moosehead Lake” in Mar
2006 (N. Famous).
Most records of Mourning Doves being chased or taken by
raptors occur in winter. Examples: 1 chased by Peregrine Falcon,
10 Feb 2006, in Augusta (N. Famous); 1 taken by a juvenile
female Merlin, 26 Mar 2008, in Caribou (fide WS); 1 taken by
Northern Goshawk, 14 Mar 2001, in Richmond (PDV and G.
Vickery); 1 by Sharp-shinned Hawk, 21 Feb 1991, in Cherryfield (G. Hazelton); 1 by Cooper’s Hawk, 24 Nov 2001, in N.
Berwick; and another taken by Cooper’s Hawk, 4 Dec 2005, in
162
order
cuculiformes
Cuckoos (Cuculidae) Cuckoos belong to a cosmopolitan family that includes approximately 140 mostly tropical species. Along with the Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos found in Maine, the family is also represented in North America by Groovebilled Ani and Greater Roadrunner. Cuckoos are retiring and uncommonly seen but unmistakable when heard.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
A characteristic “kowlp-kowlp-kowlp” announces this local summer breeder in southwestern Maine
Status in Maine: Yellow-billed Cuckoos are fairly regular and local summer residents in southwestern Maine north and east to Bangor; Old Town, Penobscot County; and Mount Desert Island. The species is generally rare farther north and east along the coast and is not known to breed in Aroostook County. Spring migrants arrive in late May and early June and fall migrants appear between late August and October. Yellow-billed Cuckoos occasionally appear in large numbers in fall. The largest recorded flight occurred in 1954 when many hundreds of cuckoos were seen in Maine (BMAS 11: 13). Although the BBS reported a steep annual increase of 6% between 2005 and 2015, the change in population from 1966–2015 is essentially zero (0.02%). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 266) stated that this species was “a very rare summer resident of the southwestern part of the State and elsewhere occurs as a mere straggler.” According to Palmer,
Birds of Maine
Annual take by hunters can be more than 20 million, but the U.S. population estimate remains 350 million (N. Am. Bird Conservation Initiative 2014). There is no open season currently in ME. Spring:
Palmer reported most migrating birds seen in last
two-thirds of Apr. More recently, spring arrival dates are as early
Warren (N. O’Brien). There is also a report of a Cooper’s Hawk taking a Mourning Dove in Warren the following spring on 19
May 2006 (D. Reimer). Winter feeding census-takers reporting high numbers of doves often note the absence of accipiters in their area.
BSV
as 4 Mar 2004 (B. Dalke) and 2 on 16 Mar 2016 in Whitefield,
Lincoln Co. (H. Nielsen, eBird); as early as 9 Mar 2016 (D.
Smith, eBird) and 23 Mar 1982 in Greenville (S. Roy). An early
report of cooing by overwintering birds in Southwest Harbor, 23
Feb 2006 (C. Kesselheim). A Mourning Dove taken by an adult Northern Goshawk, 6 Jun 2007, in Litchfield, Kennebec Co.
(C. Hynes). Summer:
Breeding usually begins in early May; most pairs
raise 2 broods. Indication that breeding may begin earlier is
provided by report of a full-grown fledgling caught by a cat in Brunswick, on 17 Apr 1983 ( JEP and ECP). Species lists
submitted to eBird in summer usually report only single birds
or number not recorded. Exceptionally high numbers for
summer: 25 in Brunswick 25 May 1958 (Beane, MFO 3[6]: 60);
25 on Monhegan I., 25 May 1987 (S. Tingley); 30 in Cumberland,
Cumberland Co., 13 Jun 1957 (Fobes et al.); and 32 at Kennebunk
Plains, 27 Jun 2006 (R. Heil). Fall:
Land-based fall migration is difficult to notice. However,
doves seen in fall far from any breeding site include an
individual banded on Appledore I., 28 Sep 1995 (D. Holmes);
10 seen between Monhegan I. and Port Clyde, 23 Sep 1982;
and again 10 seen from same ferry, 29 Sep 1995 (both DWF).
Individuals seen from waters near Mount Desert Rock, 6
Oct 2006 (L. Brinker), and 22 Oct 2004 (W. Townsend). An
individual seen from the MV Scotia Prince, 15 Oct 1998, was >10
mi. (16 km) offshore (D. Nickerson). Seasonal high count: 220 in
Unity/Thorndike on 26 Oct 2012 (T. Aversa, eBird). Winter:
Mourning Doves are gregarious at feeders in winter.
By far the majority of counts >20 occur in late fall and winter.
High count of 100 reported on 26 Dec 2000, in Phippsburg (M.
Dauphin, fide K. Gammon). A single Mourning Dove found
a feeding station that was operational for 4 years in Tomhegan
Twp., Somerset Co., where “the nearest ‘feeder island’ is located miles away via land or water across Moosehead Lake” in Mar
2006 (N. Famous).
Most records of Mourning Doves being chased or taken by
raptors occur in winter. Examples: 1 chased by Peregrine Falcon,
10 Feb 2006, in Augusta (N. Famous); 1 taken by a juvenile
female Merlin, 26 Mar 2008, in Caribou (fide WS); 1 taken by
Northern Goshawk, 14 Mar 2001, in Richmond (PDV and G.
Vickery); 1 by Sharp-shinned Hawk, 21 Feb 1991, in Cherryfield (G. Hazelton); 1 by Cooper’s Hawk, 24 Nov 2001, in N.
Berwick; and another taken by Cooper’s Hawk, 4 Dec 2005, in
162
order
cuculiformes
Cuckoos (Cuculidae) Cuckoos belong to a cosmopolitan family that includes approximately 140 mostly tropical species. Along with the Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos found in Maine, the family is also represented in North America by Groovebilled Ani and Greater Roadrunner. Cuckoos are retiring and uncommonly seen but unmistakable when heard.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
A characteristic “kowlp-kowlp-kowlp” announces this local summer breeder in southwestern Maine
Status in Maine: Yellow-billed Cuckoos are fairly regular and local summer residents in southwestern Maine north and east to Bangor; Old Town, Penobscot County; and Mount Desert Island. The species is generally rare farther north and east along the coast and is not known to breed in Aroostook County. Spring migrants arrive in late May and early June and fall migrants appear between late August and October. Yellow-billed Cuckoos occasionally appear in large numbers in fall. The largest recorded flight occurred in 1954 when many hundreds of cuckoos were seen in Maine (BMAS 11: 13). Although the BBS reported a steep annual increase of 6% between 2005 and 2015, the change in population from 1966–2015 is essentially zero (0.02%). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 266) stated that this species was “a very rare summer resident of the southwestern part of the State and elsewhere occurs as a mere straggler.” According to Palmer,
Order Cuculiformes • Family Cuculidae
Yellow-billed Cuckoos were rare summer residents in York, Cumberland, and s. Oxford Cos., and along the coast east to Washington Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from cen. ME, s. QC west to MN and SD, south to LA, TX, locally west to CA, n. Mexico, Yucatán Peninsula, and Greater Antilles. Winters in n. S. Am. Global Conservation Status: USFWS: Although the distinct western population segments are listed as Threatened, in the East the species appears secure.
S ummer :
Breeds locally in alder (Alnus spp.) swales and
deciduous forests with open clearings in sw. ME north to
s. Somerset Co. (Canaan), s. Penobscot Co. (Bangor, Orono,
Milford), and east to Hancock Co. (Mount Desert I., Ellsworth;
Adamus 1987). Irregular and occasional to rare in n. Somerset
Co.: Lexington Twp., 17 Jun 2003 (H. Wilson); Greenville, 19
Jun 1993 (H. Wilson); Lower Shin Pond, Penobscot Co., 29 Jun
1948 ( J. Bond); Millinocket, 25 Jun 2012 (D. Gascoigne).
An adult carrying nesting material at Brownfield Bog, 18
May 2001 (R. Crowley) was notably early. Cuckoos appear
as summer visitants on several largely barren outer islands; 1
bird each, fide eBird: E. Egg Rock, 17 Jun 1981 and 23 Jun 1988
(Project Puffin); Matinicus Rock, 11–12 Jun 2006, 27 Jun 2006, and 8 Jul 2008 (Project Puffin); Seal Island NWR, 23–29 Jul
2006 (S. Walsh, Project Puffin); Outer Green I., 26 Jun 2006 (Project Puffin). No change in breeding numbers 1966–2015;
BBS registered annual increase of 6%, 2005–2015. F all :
Most fall migrants reported mid-Aug to early Oct,
peaking mid-Sep through early Oct. Regular fall migrant on
Appledore I., 23 Aug–21 Sep; maximum of 7 birds banded in Sep 1999 (S. Morris, D. Holmes, NAB 54: 29). Occasionally undertake major fall incursions, usually in Oct. In 1954, an
extraordinary fall flight involved thousands of birds in ME, New
England, and Maritime Provinces, 28 Sep–25 Oct (Griscom and
Snyder 1955, Veit and Petersen 1993): >100 at Petit Manan I., 3–4
Oct 1954; >100 in Fairfield, Kennebec Co., 12 Oct 1954 (BMAS
10: 68–69, BMAS 11: 13). Flight was probably a result of two Yellow-billed Cuckoo Breeding Range
hurricanes that passed through New England that year (Carol
on 31 Aug and Edna on 11 Sep 1954).
Other remarkable ME counts: In 1979, a sizeable flight
of 21 reported in ME, primarily in Oct: C. Rimmer reported
S pring :
Generally, arrive 20 May–early Jun, often detected
by distinctive calls. Apr reports: 1 collected in Bar Harbor,
4 “sitting exhausted with drooping wings on two submerged wave-pounded rocks” in Kennebunk, 9 Oct 1979. Latest
reported from Schoodic Pt., 16 Nov 1979 (W. Townsend). In
15 Apr 1884 (Palmer 1949); 1 on Monhegan I., 26 Apr 1998
1991, a flight of >20 throughout s. ME, 20 Aug–20 Oct 1991
May reports, 1 each at Kennebunk Plains, 4 May 2006
(PDV ), and latest at Biddeford Pool, 30 Oct 1991 (L. Brinker).
(FN 52: 306); 1 in Orono, 22 Apr 2006 (S. Smith). Early
(L. Eastman); Green’s I., Vinalhaven, 1–6 May 2008 (K.
Gentalen); at Washington St., Bath, 8 May 2017 (H. Heuer,
(AB 46: 65): max of 4 birds on Monhegan I., 22–23 Sep 1991
In 2005, 33 or more individuals observed 23 Aug–28 Oct, latest seen from a boat cruise off Long Porcupine I., 28 Oct 2005
eBird); and Bell Marsh–Hooper Swamp, York Co., 11 May
(C. Whitney). In 2007, >16 reported from ME, including 7
sometimes resident on Monhegan I. through summer, there
(M. Fahay). In 2011, a major flight (>45 individuals) reported
on Matinicus Rock, 11–12 Jun 2006 (Project Puffin, eBird).
(L. Seitz). Notably late Yellow-billed Cuckoos: Corea Heath,
2012 ( J. Mays, eBird). Interestingly, although the species is
are only a handful of May reports. A late migrant observed
Single birds on Outer Green I., 26 Jun 2006 and Matinicus
Rock, 27 Jun 2006 (both Project Puffin, eBird) likely summer wanderers rather than migrants.
between 14 Oct–3 Nov, the last in Phippsburg, 3 Nov 2007
along coast 3 Oct–14 Nov, including 11 at Cape Neddick, 3 Oct
Petit Manan NWR, Gouldsboro, 8 Nov 2017 (D. Lima, eBird);
Lubec, 7 Nov 2015 (W. Schlesinger and L. Dellwo, eBird);
Kittery, 2 Nov 2010 (P. Augusta). Latest was a freshly dead bird in Kittery, 14 Nov 2011 (P. Augusta)
PDV
163
Birds of Maine
Black-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
A slender and shy woodland breeder with a wellknown call
Status in Maine: Black-billed Cuckoos breed regularly through southern and central Maine, becoming more local in northern and eastern Maine. This distribution has not changed appreciably since 1949. Cuckoos are late spring migrants, generally arriving between mid-May and early June with three late April records. Fall migration takes place August through mid-September with small numbers found into mid-October and few November reports. The BBS has documented a significant 4.4% annual decline. Historical Status in Maine: Knight stated that Black-billed Cuckoos occur in summer throughout the state. Brewster (1925) noted that this species was regular in open lowlands around L. Umbagog. Cuckoos were regular but variable north to cen. Penobscot Co. according to Palmer and were “decreasing to rather rare (perhaps absent in some years) in most of Aroostook County” (Palmer 1949, 301). Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Breeds from Maritime Provinces, ME, s. Canada to AB, south to NC, MO, and east of Rocky Mtns. to WY. Winters in ne. S. Am. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
caterpillar densities since the species is known to consume large numbers of big caterpillars, notably Eastern Tent Caterpillars
(Malacosoma americana), Gypsy Moths (Lymantria dispar), and
Fall Webworms (Hyphantria cunea). Black-billed Cuckoos can be numerous in some years: J. Ficker counted >30 individuals
on a York Co. BBS from Biddeford to Shapleigh, 19 Jun 1981;
maximum 8 cuckoos heard in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 29 Jun
1987 (B. Barker); and 12 reported from Brownfield Bog, 28 May
2000 (R. Toochin). BBS reported an annual decline of 4.4%, 1966–2015, and for the decade 2005–2015. F all :
Fall migration takes place Aug to mid-Sep with
small numbers found into mid-Oct. Species not numerous in
migration; daily high counts on Monhegan I. in Sep do not
exceed 2 individuals. On Machias Seal I., 4 birds seen 22 Sep
2005 (R. Eldridge). Usually departs n. ME by late Aug: 1 on
Rte. 205 Pond, Aroostook Co., 13 Aug 1995 (WJS, eBird). Birds may linger into Sep: in cen. Piscataquis Co., 1 seen in Lily Bay
S.P., Greenville, 27–28 Sep 2013, and 3 observed nearby at Burnt
Jacket Mtn., 28 Sep 2013, (D. Lebbin, eBird). Notably late
migrants: 3 reports on 20–21 Oct 1976 from Enfield, Penobscot Co.; St. George, Knox Co.; and Brunswick (ref. unk.). 1 bird
each at Dragon Fields, Portland, 7 Oct 2017 (B. McKay, eBird);
Monhegan I., 19 Oct 2014 (G. Carter and T. Mazerall, eBird);
Biddeford Pool, 25 Oct 2011 (B. Marvil); Bar Harbor, 26 Oct 2011 (M. Good, eBird); Cape Elizabeth, 29 Oct 1987 (K. Gammons);
Portland, 2 Nov 2003 (R. Eakin); 1 found dead, Portland, 15 Nov
1965 (H. Perkins). Recently, 1 on Mount Desert I., 3 Nov 2015
(M. Good) and another (possibly the same bird) on 10 Nov 2015 (R. MacDonald). PDV
Black-billed Cuckoos are late migrants, generally
appearing 12 May–early Jun when their familiar cooo-cooo-
cooo calls reveal their presence in deciduous shrubs and open
woodlands. The species is never numerous at this season: high
counts on Monhegan I. never >2 birds. Early reports, 1 each:
Lewiston, 29 Apr 1967 (C. Packard); Bar Harbor, 29 Apr 1998
(FN 52: 306); Augusta, 29 Apr 2007 (N. Famous); Kennebunk,
5 May 2002 ( J. Ficker); Cape Elizabeth, 4 May 2004 (P.
McGowan). Early eastern reports, 1 each via eBird: W. Quoddy
Head S.P., 28 May 2017 (S. Merrill and S. Harrow); and Cooper,
Washington Co., 29 and 31 May 2016 (K. Holmes). Summer:
Occupies forest edges, thickets, and clearings in
mixed or deciduous forests. This species’ status has not changed appreciably since Palmer. It is equally uncommon and local
in western mountains of Piscataquis, Somerset, Franklin, and n. Oxford Cos. More regular in less forested parts of e. ME, especially bordering large blueberry barrens of Washington
Co. Annual variability is likely attributed to fluctuations in
164
Black-billed Cuckoo Breeding Range ! ( Regular ! ( Occasional
Order Caprimulgiformes • Family Caprimulgidae
O rder
caprimulgiformes
! !
!
!! !
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae)
! !
Three of the eight North American goatsucker species
!
are found in Maine. Despite an almost global distribution,
!
!!
their cryptic patterns and primarily nocturnal behavior
!
keep most of the 80+ family members out of sight. The
! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! !!!! ! !
!
insectivorous and ground-nesting habits of these birds
!
!
make them vulnerable; most populations worldwide appear
! !
to be in decline.
! !! ! ! ! !!
!
! !
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
This Maine breeder has been in decline for more than a century
Status in Maine: Common Nighthawks are fairly regular in summer in eastern Maine, especially near blueberry barrens and open woodlands. The species is also regular along the Penobscot River north to Old Town, Penobscot County. Nighthawks are local throughout the rest of Maine, and it is unclear whether they still breed in southern Maine. Populations have diminished greatly in the past 120 years. Brewster (1937) noted and reported this decline as early as 1900. The decline persists; the BBS reported an annual decline in New England and MidAtlantic Coast of 3% between 1966 and 2017, although data are too few to be significant for Maine itself. Late spring migrants, Common Nighthawks typically arrive in late May and early June, but there are at least 10 April reports and an exceptional late March report. Fall migrating nighthawk numbers peak in late August and early September. Historically, a thousand or more migrating birds were occasionally reported at single locations; contemporary high counts usually involve 100–200 individuals. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered this species common throughout ME but absent from coniferous forests and most islands. He noted that Gross (in Bent 1940, 211) thought this species “has been increasing in Maine for the past 25 years. Actually, however, the increase is only apparent, for more birds have nested on roofs in the last few decades, and thus were the more conspicuous in
!
! ! !
! ! ! !!! !
! ! ! !
! !! ! !
!
! !
! !
Common Nighthawk Breeding Range ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2018 June-July Records
centers of human populations. Elsewhere, as a matter of fact, the species has been decreasing gradually throughout the state over a long period” (Palmer 1949, 325). Brewster (1937, 468–469) stated that nighthawks were “formerly an abundantly represented summer resident; now comparatively seldom seen, except at seasons of south-bound migration . . . Nighthawks bred regularly and very numerously throughout the Umbagog Region when I first visited it in 1871, and for some fifteen or twenty years later . . . Indeed, it was not before the year 1900 that we fully realized to what extent the Nighthawks had diminished locally.” Global Distribution: Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds from s. NL and Maritime Provinces, west through cen. Canada to YT, south throughout most of U.S., Mexico, and Cen. Am. Winters in S. Am. south to Argentina. Global Conservation Status: Not a listed species in ME but Threatened or Species of Special Concern in Canada and much of New England. S pring :
Common Nighthawks are late migrants; largest
counts occur 20 May–early Jun: 41 over Falmouth, 30 May 1954 and 109 the next day (R. Payne, V. Robinson; BMAS 10: 51);
20 in Brunswick, 22 May 1959 (MFO 4: 47); >50 over Swan I.,
Bowdoinham, 27 May 2006 (D. Ladd); 100 in Cape Neddick, 26
May 2007 (L. Scotland); 40 in Falmouth, 1 Jun 2007 (E. Hynes);
25 on Monhegan I., 30 May 2013 (M. Lambert). At least 10 Apr sightings, most in last 10 days of the month; early Apr records:
1 in E. Hebron, Oxford Co., 11 Apr 1903, and 1 in Ellsworth,
165
Birds of Maine
14 Apr 1913 seen by Cordelia Stanwood (MFN 13: 86); 1 in
Richmond, 19 Apr 1987 (PDV). In Aroostook Co., a nighthawk
Chuck-will’s-widow
in Ft. Kent on 6 May 1905 was early (Palmer 1949), as were 2 in
Antrostomus carolinensis
Mar 1998 (R. Lambert), was extraordinarily early, apparently
On its rare visits to Maine, this species is more often heard than seen
Wade, 14 May 2008 (WJS). A calling nighthawk in Portland, 31 related to a strong warm front (80°F [27°C]).
S ummer :
Nests in variety of dry habitats in sand barrens,
gravel bars, dry pastures, recently burned forest openings,
and rock ledges: 7 along south ridge of Cadillac Mtn., Bar
Harbor, 12 Jul 1999 (fide W. Townsend). Since the beginning of the 19th century, nighthawks have nested on flat, usually gravelly rooftops of buildings in Portland, Bangor, Orono, and elsewhere (Knight 1908) but have disappeared from a
number of these sites in recent years. However, nighthawks
were present at Brunswick High School until 2011 (S. Walker) and continue to nest on rooftops in Orono (S. Smith). The
ABBM (Adamus 1987) revealed they were common breeders
only in e. ME, particularly in proximity to blueberry barrens.
This species was uncommon and local in s. and cen. coastal
ME. The ABBM did not confirm nesting along coast between
York and Knox Cos. Review of Jul eBird records supports
this general pattern: a large proportion of reports come from
Washington, Hancock, and Penobscot Cos. F all :
Migration begins early Aug with majority of birds
moving in late Aug–early Sep. There are approximately 12 early
Oct reports with 2 late records: 2 in Solon, Somerset Co., 24 Oct
1958 (MFO 3: 118); 1 in Hancock, Hancock Co., 13 Oct 2012 (C.
Hill). A remarkably late bird observed and carefully described at Pine Pt., 6 Nov 2005 (R. Harrison et al.).
Counts of 20–80 fairly common in late afternoon and early
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine with at least 17 reports since 1974, most in spring. All but two of these were on offshore islands, seen offshore, or close to the coast, often near the southern tip of peninsulas. The first Maine record was found at midday in Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, 24 May 1974 (W. Russell). Historical Status in Maine: Unreported in ME prior to 1974. Global Distribution: Southeast Nearctic. Breeds from coastal MA (rare) and CT south to cen. FL, MO, and e. TX. Winters primarily in Caribbean and Mexico, south through Cen. Am. to Colombia. Chuck-will’s-widow has occurred as a vagrant in NH, NB, and NS. S pring /S ummer :
An audio recording of the second ME
occurrence was made in Harpswell, 4 Jun 1974 (C. Huntington), and another was recorded there on 12 May 1979 (fide C.
Huntington, AB 33: 753), but neither of these recordings still
exists. In Midcoast ME, 1 heard in Lincolnville Ctr., Waldo Co.,
late Jun–early Jul 1979 (fide J. Cadbury, AB 33: 846); in Camden,
Knox Co., 1 called 20–30 times on 5 May 2010 (R. DeGraaf );
and 1 was heard 18 May 2000 (G. Jenks, fide A. Hopps). More recent records: 1 recorded on repeated nights mid-Jun 2018 in
evening. Larger counts occasionally number into hundreds,
Orland, Hancock Co. (m.ob., eBird); and 1 recorded 2 Jul 2018
of migrants in Aug. Large count of 1,000–2,000 individuals
1 in Cherryfield, 11 Jun 1987 ( J. Bush, Guillemot 16: 25); 1 female
period, 23 Aug 2004, late afternoon (R. Foley). Other large
37–38, FN 48: 925); on Petit Manan I., 1 female seen for several
rarely into thousands. Knight reported seeing many thousands
passed over Westbrook, Cumberland Co., during a 30-min.
counts, all 20th century: 300 north of E. Machias, 9 Aug 1951
(obs. unk.); >300 in Farmington, 18 Aug 1960 (MFO 5: 85); 200 in Ashland, 23 Aug 2009 (C. Small); 300 between Newport
and Bangor, 24 Aug 2009 (S. Rooney); >200 in E. Sebago,
in Kennebunk (T. Persons, eBird). Records for Washington Co.:
on Great Wass I., Beals, 3 Jun 1994 (R. Eakin et al.; MBN 9:
days prior to 23 May 1988 when the bird was found dead: “buffy throat, 216 mm (8.5 in.) wing, 18 mm (0.7 in.) tarsus, and tail
feathers of Chuck-will’s-widow” (R. Widrig, D. Folger; MBN
2[1]: 6, AB 42: 409), and 1 on 21 May 1996 ( J. Markowsky; MBN
Cumberland Co., 27 Aug 1961 (MFO 6: 88); 150 in Littleton,
9: 21, FN 50: 256).
1980 (G. Carson); >150 in Cushing, Knox Co., 29 Aug 1990 (B.
Monhegan I., 23 May 1991 (verified by L. Brinker and JVW); 1
Portland, 31 Aug 1998 (G. Wallace); >175 in Carmel, Penobscot
27). Two individuals were banded on Appledore I.: 1 female on
Nickerson). In the 2009–2018 decade most counts were 300 over Pine Pt., 27 Aug Cadbury); >250 at Kittery Pt., 30 Aug 1961 (MFO 6: 88); 137 in Co., 5 Sep 1956 (MFO 1: 107); 127 in Freeport, 5 Sep 2009 (D.
exception was 83 seen 18 Aug 2016 in Wesley, Washington Co.,
(PDV, eBird). PDV
Offshore island records: 1 calling bird recorded on
singing on Isle au Haut, 25 May 1991 (L. Nelson, Guillemot 21:
30 May 1994 and a second individual on 19 May 2004 (S. Morris lanes,” 12–14 May 1995 (fide D. Holmes). Inland records: 1 in
Lower Enchanted Twp., Somerset Co., 20 May 1986 (T. Skaling;
MBN 1: 23, AB 40: 444); 1 calling in Jefferson, Lincoln Co., heard twice in mid-May and on 28 May 2012 (fide K. Lindquist).
166
Order Caprimulgiformes • Family Caprimulgidae F all :
A most unexpected occurrence: an individual circled a
pelagic trip southeast of Mount Desert Rock, 4 Oct 2004 (Z.
Klyver, Guillemot 34: 47). Klyver reported that the bird “was
flying just above the water in a straight line over the ocean and repeatedly turned and flew right up to the boat and circled us
five or more times. It was very cinnamon in color and big. I have seen a lot of nighthawks and this bird was much bigger and I
know the Whip-poor-will is often more gray and about the size
of a nighthawk.” PDV
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
The definition of onomatopoeia
Status in Maine: The Eastern Whip-poor-will is now irregular and rare in southern Maine. It was widespread throughout the state in the early 1900s. Less numerous in Aroostook County, it largely disappeared from northern Maine by the 1940s. There is widespread agreement that this species is declining markedly throughout Maine and North America. Given its cryptic nature, its migrations are largely detected by the presence or absence of singing males. Whip-poor-wills generally arrive in May, with a few April reports. They depart mid- to late August and September, rarely in October, with the latest report on Barnes Island, 24 Oct 2006 (P. Donahue). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: In 1906, J. Morin stated, “Whip-poor-wills, which were uncommon in [Aroostook Co.], so say guides, lumbermen, and old trappers, are getting to be quite common . . . .I haven’t heard any in the St. John River valley, though it has been reported that one was heard in St. John Plantation, ten miles above Fort Kent, during the summer of 1903” (JMOS 8: 51–52). In 1921, F. Kilburn stated that there were “a few in the heavily wooded sections of the Aroostook Valley. Very common north of Machias, Washington County, sometimes a dozen or more can be heard calling at once” (TMN 2: 117). In 1949, G. Chamberlain considered this species a summer resident in Aroostook Co. (BMAS 5: 43–58) and Palmer stated that this species was “common in young hardwood forests in most of the southern twothirds of the state, decreasing to fairly common farther northward” (1949, 322).
Eastern Whip-poor-will Breeding Range ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 Observations
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from NS (local) and NB (local), cen. ME, west through s. Canada to SK, south to GA and AR. Winters from FL, to Gulf Coast, Mexico, and Cen. Am. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List because of population declines and moderate to high threats in five different categories. S pring :
Migrates north throughout May, but arrival dates
vary considerably between years. In 1967, earliest birds heard on
15 May (Waldoboro, Lincoln Co.) but in 1979, numerous birds reported on 9 May, and in 1995, the first birds reported on 21
May, Wilton (ref. unk.) and 25 May, Richmond (PDV). Notable early records: 1 in Farmington, 30 Apr 1976 (D. Willard); 1
in Turner, 24 Apr 1980 ( J. Despres); 1 in Corinth, Penobscot
Co., 22 Apr 2007 (B. Burdin); 1 in Kittery, 18 Apr 2012 (PDV,
DWF); 1 at Norwood Rd., Southwest Harbor, 18 Apr 2017 (W. Helprin, eBird); 3, Kennebunk Plains, 30 Apr 2016 (T. Duddy, eBird); and 1, New Gloucester, Cumberland Co., 29 Apr 2017
(N. Hazlett, eBird). Late migrants heard on Stratton I., 22
May 1994 (Project Puffin); on Monhegan I., 1 Jun 2004 (W.
Boynton); in Washington Co., 6 seen in Moosehorn NWR, Edmunds Division, on 25 May 2014 (B. Bowers, eBird); and
3 in Moosehorn NWR, Baring Division, on 28 May 2016 (M. Burden and T. Dunn, eBird). S ummer :
Nests in a variety of forest habitats, especially dry
Pitch Pine, deciduous and mixed forests with little underbrush. Prefers open areas with small clearings and forest borders for
foraging. Territorial Whip-poor-wills in s. coastal ME north to
167
Birds of Maine
s. Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, and Penobscot Cos.
(Adamus 1987). Also regular in Washington Co., especially along borders of large blueberry barrens, less frequent in Midcoast
ME. Fewer than 15 reports from western mountains and n. ME, with 2 possible reports from s. Aroostook Co. (Adamus 1987).
order
apodiformes
Limited data suggest this species lays a clutch of 2 eggs in Jun.
Swifts (Apodidae)
Co., on 15 Jun 1904 and on 19 Jun 1915. In Turner, J. Despres
Accomplished aerial acrobats commonly heard twittering
Palmer reported complete clutches in Westbrook, Cumberland observed a female with 2 downy young on 24 Jul 1986, and in
Kennebunk, PDV observed a displaying male with 2 juveniles, 31 Jul 1984.
Clear consensus that species has declined substantially in
e. N. Am. and ME. BBS measured 5.3% annual decline in ME
1966–2017 ( J. Sauer, pers. com.). Formerly common in preferred
and clicking overhead throughout summer, swifts are found on all continents except Antarctica. Three of the four North American species are Western; only Chimney Swifts regularly occur in the East. Like hummingbirds, some swift species can enter torpor to endure the cold.
habitats: minimum 12 at Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 22 Jun
1973 (DWF); 24 males at Kennebunk Plains, 6 Jun 1984 (PDV). More recently, 8 reported from Wells Barren, 25 May 2011 ( J.
Mays); at Kennebunk Plains, 9 males heard 23 May 2009 (L.
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Seitz); 7 recorded 27 Jun 2015 (G. Smith, eBird); and 5 on 16
This Maine breeder spends most of its life on the wing
western mountains: in Aroostook Co., 1 in Eagle L., 8 Aug 1998
Status in Maine: Though declining, Chimney Swifts remain common summer residents in many villages and cities throughout Maine. They are less common in the wooded parts of the state but do occasionally nest in large, hollow trees. Swifts arrive in late April and early May and depart south by late August and early September. On at least two occasions, swifts were reported in late October and early November, associated with late-season tropical depressions or hurricanes. BBS data show the species declined in Maine by 4.9% annually 1966–2017.
Jun 2017 (G. Jarvis, eBird). Few recent reports for n. ME and
(T. Quetchenbach et al.) and 1 in Hersey, 3 Jun 2013 ( J. Mays).
In Piscataquis Co., 2 males at BSP, 18 Jun 2005 (A. McKinnon) and 1 on 26 Aug 2014 (S. Hardy); 2 in T3 R11 WELS, 18 Jun
2011 (N. Bonomo). In Somerset Co., 1 in Canaan, 22 May 1996 (W. Sumner); 1 in Jackman, 3 Jul 2012 (T. Auer). In Franklin
Co., 1 in Strong, 13 May 1979 (G. M. Stadler); 1 in Wilton, 23
Aug 1996 (W. Howes); and 3 in Kingfield, 1 Jul 2008 (A. Bragg). In n. Oxford Co., 1 in Newry, 3 Jul 2011 (P. Hackett) and 1 in Magalloway Plt., 16 Jun 2012 (W. Lewis). F all :
Inconspicuous migrants primarily late Aug–Sep,
stragglers lingering into Oct. Rarely seen on offshore islands;
however, an early migrant observed on Stratton I., 2 Aug
2007 (Project Puffin, eBird). Only reported fall occurrence
for Monhegan I. seen 5–7 Sep 1980 (PDV). Whip-poor-wills
call regularly, if briefly, through fall; thus, absence of nocturnal
calls is good indicator the species has departed. Final dates for
calling Whip-poor-wills in Turner varied, 20 Aug 1986 (earliest
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Chimney Swifts common in settled areas and fairly common elsewhere.
1–10 Sep ( J. Despres). Reports consistent with final calling dates
Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Breeds from Maritime Provinces, s. Canada to e. SK, south to FL and s. TX. Winters in n. S. Am.
Sep 1982 (PDV). In Lower Enchanted Twp., Franklin Co., late
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable.
departure date)–late date of 23 Sep 1984, and final calling dates, in Richmond; last calling birds at both localities heard on 20
birds heard on 23 Sep 1987 and 21 Sep 1988 (T. Skaling). Notably
late dates for migrants: in Portland, 1 Oct 1925 and 6 Oct 1935
(Palmer 1949); in Freeport, 29 Sep 1965 (C. Smith) and 4 Oct
1967 (T. Owens); in Limington, York Co., 29 Sep 2003 (D.
Mozden); in Harpswell, on Barnes I., 24 Oct 2006 (P. Donahue). PDV
S pring :
Generally, arrive last week of Apr–first half of May.
Most spring counts 2–40 individuals; large numbers sometimes appear in early May: 100 in Augusta, 2 May 1983 (S. Oliveri);
100 in Bangor, 2 May 1998 (N. Famous). Unusually early arrivals: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 11 Apr 2015 (W. Brooks, eBird); 2 at Cooks Corner, Brunswick, 11 Apr 2017: “I was quite surprised to see them” (H. Heuer, eBird); 1 in Portland, 14 Apr 1998 ( J.
168
Birds of Maine
s. Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, and Penobscot Cos.
(Adamus 1987). Also regular in Washington Co., especially along borders of large blueberry barrens, less frequent in Midcoast
ME. Fewer than 15 reports from western mountains and n. ME, with 2 possible reports from s. Aroostook Co. (Adamus 1987).
order
apodiformes
Limited data suggest this species lays a clutch of 2 eggs in Jun.
Swifts (Apodidae)
Co., on 15 Jun 1904 and on 19 Jun 1915. In Turner, J. Despres
Accomplished aerial acrobats commonly heard twittering
Palmer reported complete clutches in Westbrook, Cumberland observed a female with 2 downy young on 24 Jul 1986, and in
Kennebunk, PDV observed a displaying male with 2 juveniles, 31 Jul 1984.
Clear consensus that species has declined substantially in
e. N. Am. and ME. BBS measured 5.3% annual decline in ME
1966–2017 ( J. Sauer, pers. com.). Formerly common in preferred
and clicking overhead throughout summer, swifts are found on all continents except Antarctica. Three of the four North American species are Western; only Chimney Swifts regularly occur in the East. Like hummingbirds, some swift species can enter torpor to endure the cold.
habitats: minimum 12 at Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 22 Jun
1973 (DWF); 24 males at Kennebunk Plains, 6 Jun 1984 (PDV). More recently, 8 reported from Wells Barren, 25 May 2011 ( J.
Mays); at Kennebunk Plains, 9 males heard 23 May 2009 (L.
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Seitz); 7 recorded 27 Jun 2015 (G. Smith, eBird); and 5 on 16
This Maine breeder spends most of its life on the wing
western mountains: in Aroostook Co., 1 in Eagle L., 8 Aug 1998
Status in Maine: Though declining, Chimney Swifts remain common summer residents in many villages and cities throughout Maine. They are less common in the wooded parts of the state but do occasionally nest in large, hollow trees. Swifts arrive in late April and early May and depart south by late August and early September. On at least two occasions, swifts were reported in late October and early November, associated with late-season tropical depressions or hurricanes. BBS data show the species declined in Maine by 4.9% annually 1966–2017.
Jun 2017 (G. Jarvis, eBird). Few recent reports for n. ME and
(T. Quetchenbach et al.) and 1 in Hersey, 3 Jun 2013 ( J. Mays).
In Piscataquis Co., 2 males at BSP, 18 Jun 2005 (A. McKinnon) and 1 on 26 Aug 2014 (S. Hardy); 2 in T3 R11 WELS, 18 Jun
2011 (N. Bonomo). In Somerset Co., 1 in Canaan, 22 May 1996 (W. Sumner); 1 in Jackman, 3 Jul 2012 (T. Auer). In Franklin
Co., 1 in Strong, 13 May 1979 (G. M. Stadler); 1 in Wilton, 23
Aug 1996 (W. Howes); and 3 in Kingfield, 1 Jul 2008 (A. Bragg). In n. Oxford Co., 1 in Newry, 3 Jul 2011 (P. Hackett) and 1 in Magalloway Plt., 16 Jun 2012 (W. Lewis). F all :
Inconspicuous migrants primarily late Aug–Sep,
stragglers lingering into Oct. Rarely seen on offshore islands;
however, an early migrant observed on Stratton I., 2 Aug
2007 (Project Puffin, eBird). Only reported fall occurrence
for Monhegan I. seen 5–7 Sep 1980 (PDV). Whip-poor-wills
call regularly, if briefly, through fall; thus, absence of nocturnal
calls is good indicator the species has departed. Final dates for
calling Whip-poor-wills in Turner varied, 20 Aug 1986 (earliest
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Chimney Swifts common in settled areas and fairly common elsewhere.
1–10 Sep ( J. Despres). Reports consistent with final calling dates
Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Breeds from Maritime Provinces, s. Canada to e. SK, south to FL and s. TX. Winters in n. S. Am.
Sep 1982 (PDV). In Lower Enchanted Twp., Franklin Co., late
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable.
departure date)–late date of 23 Sep 1984, and final calling dates, in Richmond; last calling birds at both localities heard on 20
birds heard on 23 Sep 1987 and 21 Sep 1988 (T. Skaling). Notably
late dates for migrants: in Portland, 1 Oct 1925 and 6 Oct 1935
(Palmer 1949); in Freeport, 29 Sep 1965 (C. Smith) and 4 Oct
1967 (T. Owens); in Limington, York Co., 29 Sep 2003 (D.
Mozden); in Harpswell, on Barnes I., 24 Oct 2006 (P. Donahue). PDV
S pring :
Generally, arrive last week of Apr–first half of May.
Most spring counts 2–40 individuals; large numbers sometimes appear in early May: 100 in Augusta, 2 May 1983 (S. Oliveri);
100 in Bangor, 2 May 1998 (N. Famous). Unusually early arrivals: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 11 Apr 2015 (W. Brooks, eBird); 2 at Cooks Corner, Brunswick, 11 Apr 2017: “I was quite surprised to see them” (H. Heuer, eBird); 1 in Portland, 14 Apr 1998 ( J.
168
Order Apodiformes • Family Apodidae
Thereafter an egg was laid every other day with the fifth egg !
laid on July 1.” Swifts will occupy large hollow trees as nesting
! !
!!
! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!!! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! !! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! !!!! ! !! ! ! !!!! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! !!! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! !!! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! !! ! ! !! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! !! !! !!!!! !! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! !!!! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! !!! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ( > 100 Birds !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ( 30-100 Birds !! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ( 10-30 Birds !! ! !
Chimney Swift May-July 2008-2018 ! ( < 10 Birds
sites. At BSP, PDV observed swifts descending into large Yellow
Birches near Roaring Brook Campground, Jun 1976. Sadly, the
number of large trees suitable for nesting in ME is substantially
diminished because of forest practices.
Large summer concentrations: 120 at Christina Reservoir,
27 Jul 2004 (WJS); 75 in Augusta, 6 Jun 2008 (M. Smith);
500 going to roost in Bangor, 16 Jul 2009, diminished to 150 individuals by 29 Jul 2009 ( J. Mays). F all :
Migrate south mid-Aug to early Sep; diminishing
numbers through mid-Sep. Species increasingly uncommon
late Sep–early Oct. Prior to migrating south, swifts often
congregate into migratory flocks, frequently near roosting
sites, early–late Aug. In Brunswick, 100 swifts seen at roost
on 1 Aug 2009; count diminished to 75 on 4 Aug and 25
on 5 Aug 2009 (S. Walsh). Other migratory flocks: 37 in
Sanford, 7 Aug 1999 (L. Brinker); 100 in York, 16 Aug 2005
(B. Coullon); 30 in Richmond, 12 Aug 1997 and 30 on 21 Aug
Suchecki); 1 in Falmouth, 17 Apr 2004 (L. Seitz); 1 in Dixmont,
1987 (PDV ); 100 in Bangor, 19 Aug 1989 (M. K. Lucey); 40
21 Apr 1911 (Palmer 1949); 12 in S. Berwick, York Co., 22 Apr 1957
Portland, 3 Sep 2004 (D. Lovitch). On Appledore I., migrants
Penobscot Co., 20 Apr 1979 (M. Scott); 1 or more at Kittery Pt.,
(MFO 2: 46); 3 in Bar Harbor, 23 Apr 2011 (M. Johnson); 1 in W.
Bath, 24 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 40); 1 in Pownal, 24 Apr 2011 (PDV).
in Hampden, Penobscot Co., 23 Aug 1999 (B. Barker); 77 in
reported on 17 Aug 1991 (1 bird), 31 Aug 1995 (12), 7 Sep 1998
(1), and 4 Sep 1999 (3; D. Holmes et al.). At Mt. Agamenticus,
In Washington Co., early swifts observed in Cooper, 23 Apr 2011
York, 1 bird observed migrating south on 18 Aug 1989 and 35
Apr 1982 (1 bird; both N. Famous). In Aroostook Co., 2 swifts
Aug; 1 in Monticello, 23 Aug 1974, unusually late (W. Neily).
Presque Isle, 4 May 1993 (WJS).
28 Sep 1956 and 2 on 30 Sep 1956 (MFO 1: 107); on Monhegan
occasionally recorded in NH (>1,000 individuals along major
30 Sep 1997 and 21 on 2 Oct 2004 (both J. Trimble), 5 on 24 Sep
(2 birds, K. Holmes); E. Machias, 28 Apr 1983 (2 birds) and 30
notably early in Ashland, 23 Apr 1984 (G. M. Stadler), and 1 in ME does not experience large spring counts as
noted 2 Sep 1989 (L. Phinney). Departs Aroostook Co. early
Occasionally observed late Sep–early Oct: 6 in Bar Harbor on
I., 1 on 26 Sep 1981 (PDV ), 1 on 24 Sep 1984 (M. Plymire), 2 on
river corridors). Notable ME counts: 270 at Brunswick roost,
2007 ( J. Scott), 1 on 26 Sep 2007 (K. Lindquist). Late reports
(T. Allen); 100 in St. Francis, Aroostook Co., 19 May 1981
Brinker); 1 in Portland, 16 Sep 1998 (R. Eakin); 1 in Weskeag,
in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 18 May 2006 (A. Wells); 77 in
Portland, 31 Oct 2017 (D. Hitchcox, eBird).
(C. Homler). Late migrants reported from Monhegan I.: 20
Chimney Swifts recorded late Oct–Nov. Single swift in Port
May 2014 (L. Seitz); at Seal Island NWR: 2 on 25 May 2008
Region, 7–13 Nov 1985, following severe weather system over
23 May 2008 (S. Walsh) and 400 at that locality, 29 May 2009 ( J. Gibson); 100 in Yarmouth, 25 May 1992 (L. Brinker); 80 Biddeford, 22 May 2008 (C. Homler); 77 in Saco, 18 May 2009 on 28 May 1983 (S.Tingley), 8 on 30 May 1983 (PDV ), 3 on 30
elsewhere: 1 in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 24 Sep 1993 (L.
Knox Co., 23 Sep 2012 ( J. Trimble); and 1 at Danforth St.,
Following late-season tropical depressions or hurricanes,
Clyde, 8 Nov 1985, one of 9 reports from Northeastern Maritime
(K. Gentalen), 1 on 13 Jun 2003 and 6 Jun 2009 (both Project
Mid-Atlantic states (AB 40: 258). In 2005, Hurricane Wilma
(Z. Pohlen).
Provinces, where thousands were reported: 200 observed in
Puffin Data, eBird); on Metinic I., 1 on 10 Jun 2013 S ummer :
The ABBM confirmed nesting in every county,
displaced numerous swifts into e. ME and especially Maritime
Lubec, 20 Oct 2005 (obs. unk.). PDV
though less common in western mountains and n. ME (Adamus
1987). Most common in suburban and urban areas in s. cen. ME, nesting in chimneys, as the name suggests, and less frequently
barns. In T5 R8 WELS, Penobscot Co., R. Chapman reported
“one pair nesting inside hay barn. Nest built on inside wall
about 6 1/2 ft. above floor. First egg was laid on June 23 [1967].
169
Birds of Maine
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) Four members of this diverse New World family have been found in Maine, including a Mexican Violetear visiting from the tropics. Only Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed in the state, but a rising number of western hummingbird species reported in the East implies Maine’s roster is likely to grow.
Mexican Violetear
Colibri thalassinus
An iridescent accidental from the Neotropics
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single wellphotographed record from Mount Desert, Mount Desert Island, 18–19 August 2007 (R. MacDonald, D. Hawkes, ph. arch.). This is the first record for Maine, New England, or the Maritime Provinces, though the species has been reported in Ontario. The late-summer date aligns with most other records, suggesting reverse migration (Howell et al. 2014). Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in Maine prior to 2007.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 303) considered this species “generally distributed throughout the state in wilderness and even on the very outer wooded islands of the coast,” and noted it was common in gardens. Palmer reported spring migrants usually arrived in sw. ME by May 15, with May 6 as the earliest date; arrival in n. ME was by the end of the month. He noted that migrant hummers could be seen in numbers in mid-Aug on coastal islands, in forest clearings, and in gardens. He cited the latest occurrence as a bird that lingered to 5 Oct 1945 in Brunswick. Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds from extreme sw. NL (newly established) west across s. Canada to AB and e. BC, south through cen. Great Plains to e. TX and FL. Winters primarily from s. Mexico to w. Panama. Rare but increasing in winter along Gulf of Mexico and se. Atlantic coast. Remarks: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are well known for feeding at Yellow-bellied Sapsucker pits in trees, even following sapsuckers and hovering nearby while they drill.
Global Distribution: Largely Neotropical. Breeds and is resident in shrubby and wooded highlands from e. and cen. Mexico to Nicaragua. Known to make elevational and some southerly movements after the breeding season. The Mexican Violetear has also been recorded in QC, MI, MN, MO, NJ, south to NC and TX and west to CA. Remarks: Formerly Green Violetear, from which it was recently split. PDV
Ruby-throated Hummingbird S pring :
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
A familiar and fearless backyard species, and the only breeding hummingbird in Maine
Status in Maine: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are common to abundant summer residents on the mainland and larger islands, where they are easily observed at feeders and in gardens. The species is poorly sampled by traditional surveys, but evidence from counts of birds in passage suggests significant population increases in the Northeast since 1990 (Weidensaul et al. 2013, Probst et al. 2017). 170
Peak arrival usually 10–15 May across s. and cen.
ME and a bit later in the north. A few (mostly males, which are usually the vanguard) may arrive in s. ME in late Apr
of unusually mild years. Peak arrival is ~5 days earlier than
the typical arrival window mentioned by Knight (1908, 303),
“occasionally arriving . . . as early as May 10, the more usual date is about May 20.” This suggests a recent advance in migration timing. Early records: 1 trying “to get at a flowered curtain
pattern in a window” in Bar Harbor, 8 Apr 2004 (W. Townsend,
Guillemot 34: 15–16); a “weather-beaten and exhausted” individual in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 19 Apr 1981 (fide R. Thomas); hummingbird records in Augusta (N. Famous); Plymouth,
Penobscot Co.; and E. Newport (both A. Dilon) on 19 Apr 2007 were associated with a powerful storm.
Order Apodiformes • Family Trochilidae
High counts: 30 on Monhegan I., 25 May 1983 (S. Tingley);
difficult to know if a vagrant western Selasphorus species like
“20–30 at the same time” visiting blooming Pin Cherry (Prunus
Rufous Hummingbird was ruled out in all cases. Late individuals
Guillemot 34: 16); 12 in Woodland, 30 May 2004 (WJS); 12 on
Kennebunk Beach, 16 Oct 2000 ( J. Ficker); Gilsland Farm, 16
1982–2016, 275 captured in spring migration on Appledore I.;
Fahay); and Kennebunk Beach, 29 Oct 2000 ( J. Ficker). Number
pensylvanica) in Bar Harbor, 17 May 2004 (W. Townsend,
Monhegan I., 30 May 2013 (M. and R. Lambert). Between
max counts 53 (2013), 46 (2003), 44 (2011). Average 17.7/year,
1982–2003, 29/year 2005–2016 (S. Morris). Severe spring weather poses risks; Brewster (1937, 430) reported significant declines
reported from Cape Elizabeth, 15 Oct 2016 (D. Hitchcox);
Oct 2014 (D. Lovitch, D. Hitchcox); W. Bath, 23 Oct. 2015 (M. captured in autumn on Appledore I. 1982–2016 dramatically lower than in spring migration, 113 vs. 275 (S. Morris).
CSW
near L. Umbagog following storms in 1879. Seeping sapsucker
wells provide an emergency early-season food source when
flowers are scarce. S ummer :
Common throughout ME, especially in wooded
areas with clearings, yards, and gardens where they most easily
find food. Though strongly attracted to flowers with nectar, and famously to anything red, tiny arthropods actually constitute
the bulk of their diet. Males are polygynous and play no role in
chick-rearing; the female builds a small, astoundingly well-
camouflaged nest of spiders’ silk, plant down, and lichen on the upper surface of a down-sloping branch. The pliable nest often
stretches to accommodate the chicks (almost invariably two) as
they grow.
There is little reliable data on relative abundance and
distribution away from populated areas; hummers were detected
on 45% of ABBM blocks 1978–1983, and BBS data (admittedly a poor indicator for this species) suggest slight declines in s. ME
and significant increases in the northern half of the state, 1966–
2015. Southward migration of adult males begins in early Jul, and by late Jul adult males become scarce, as noted by Palmer, with
most vacating the state by mid-Aug. Migration of females and immatures peaks mid-Aug to mid-Sep (see Fall). High counts
for early migrants: 16 at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, 17
Aug 1998 (fide J. Junker); 15 in Turner, 25 Aug 1997 ( J. Despres);
15 at BSP, 7 Aug 1998 (D. Marquis); and 10 in Cape Elizabeth, 24
Aug 2005 (D. Lovitch); 10 at Goose Rocks Beach, 30 Aug 2005
(fide J. Junker). One migrant spotted 10 mi. (16 km) southeast of
Portland during a pelagic birding trip, 19 Aug 2006 (L. Brinker). F all :
Migration of immatures and females continues
through mid-Sep, after which numbers drop off quickly. While
hummingbirds will feed on many blooming flowers, they
show a particular attraction to Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens
capensis), which blooms during peak migration. The effect on
hummingbirds of the native’s displacement in many areas by an
invasive Asian jewelweed (Himalayan Balsam, I. glandulifera) is unknown.
High counts for later migrants: 10 in Bar Harbor, 6 Sep 2005
(fide ME Audubon); 25 on Monhegan I., 17 Sep 2013 (PDV). A few individuals linger into early Oct in southern and Midcoast
ME, exceptionally to 10 Oct 2012 in Skowhegan (M.Taylor). Some Oct records simply refer to “hummingbird,” so it is
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
A small but hardy western vagrant, increasingly regular in the Northeast
Status in Maine: Accidental. This vagrant’s frequency in Maine is increasing in lockstep with rising numbers of autumn and winter reports for more southerly Northeast locations in recent decades. Three of the five accepted state records were adult males, the age/sex class most easily distinguished from Allen’s Hummingbird and thus most likely to be conclusively identified: one in Fairfield, Somerset County, July 1996 (PDV, MBN 9[2]: 44–45); one in Standish, Cumberland County, August 2001; one in Biddeford, 16–19 Aug 2007. The remaining records were an immature female at Old Orchard Beach, December 2001, captured, identified in the hand and later released in DE (NAB 56: 1), and an immature male in Phillips, 25 September–31 October 2006 (NAB 61: 39). The total of five accepted records undoubtedly underrepresents the occurrence of this species in Maine, given the extreme difficulty in separating Rufous Hummingbird from its congener Allen’s Hummingbird in juvenile and female plumages, except in the hand. For that reason, more than a dozen other reports of Selasphorus (or Selasphoruslike) hummingbirds in Maine cannot be ascribed with certainty or even a high degree of confidence to species. Based on the large proportion of eastern Selasphorus that prove to be this species, however, odds favor rufous in most cases. Historical Status in Maine: The first accepted state record is from 1996; however, the species may have visited ME as early as 1957. There are 11 records currently under review by the ME-BRC; the earliest of these is a male, presumably rufous, seen in Orono, 171
Birds of Maine
Jul 1957 (MBN 4[3]: 19). If any of these are accepted, the species would no longer be considered Accidental in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. cen. AK to nw. WY and s. OR. Traditionally winters in w. and cen. Mexico, now commonly along Gulf of Mexico and se. Atlantic coast. Increasingly common Sep–Dec in s. New England, Mid-Atlantic States, and Carolinas. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. CSW
Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
A diminutive hummer from the western mountains
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two photo records and a single sight record for Maine. The species was first observed and photographed on Monhegan Island, 6 October 2005 (M. Iliff, NAB 60: 38). In 2007, a bird was seen and heard in New Harbor, Lincoln County, on 6 October but could not be photographically documented (DWF). In 2008, a young male was present in Blue Hill 23 Oct-1 Nov (L. Clapp), where it was photographed, measured and banded by A. Hill. He reported that the bird had a wing chord of 1.56 in. (39.7 mm), tail length of 0.8 in. (20.5 mm), and exposed culmen length of 0.58 in. (14.8 mm). All these measurements are average for young male Calliope Hummingbirds. Grooves over the proximal 60% of the bill indicated that it was a hatch-year bird, and rufous coloring at the base of the inner rectrices confirmed it was male (A. Hill, pers. com.).
O rder GRUIFORMES Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae) Members of a cosmopolitan family, these often-elusive birds of wetlands and dense vegetation are surprisingly common vagrants, even to remote islands, where several hundred species are thought to have become extinct after human colonization. Nine species representing seven genera have been found in Maine.
Yellow Rail
Coturnicops noveboracensis A small and extremely elusive Species of Special Concern in the state
Status in Maine: Yellow Rails are secretive; little is known about their distribution, movements, or abundance in Maine. Although sometimes seen in open habitats (large grass meadows, hay fields, and marshes) during migration, they breed in sedge (Carex and Scirpus spp.) or freshwater marshes with dense cover, 20 ac. (eight ha) or larger (van Dam et al. 1993). Migratory patterns are poorly known, but hunting in the early 20th century suggests that the species was regular and occasionally quite numerous along the southern coast in fall. Yellow Rails may breed in eastern, central, and northern Maine (Gibbs, Shriver et al. 1991), but this is not confirmed. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 142) said, “The exact habits of this most secretive and retiring Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded prior to 2005. little bird are rather unknown because of its very faculty for evading observation.” Palmer (1949, 186) Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds primarily in concurred, saying the Yellow Rail’s status was “not well montane regions of BC, AB, south to WY, UT, CA, known except rare in fall in Washington, Penobscot, and Baja California. Winters in w. Mexico. Knox, Lincoln, and York Counties, and occurring Calliope Hummingbirds reported along Mid-Atlantic regularly but in variable numbers in Cumberland [County].” Little has changed in 100 years. coast in Oct–early Dec since 1990s. More recently, species reported in MA and CT. There are at least 11 Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS, NB, records from NJ, NY, CT, and MA 1996–2007. and perhaps ME through Great Ls. region to ND, PDV
172
west across s. and cen. Canada to s. NT and AB and south to OR and CA. Winters in se. coastal U.S. from VA to FL and along Gulf Coast to TX.
Birds of Maine
Jul 1957 (MBN 4[3]: 19). If any of these are accepted, the species would no longer be considered Accidental in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. cen. AK to nw. WY and s. OR. Traditionally winters in w. and cen. Mexico, now commonly along Gulf of Mexico and se. Atlantic coast. Increasingly common Sep–Dec in s. New England, Mid-Atlantic States, and Carolinas. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. CSW
Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
A diminutive hummer from the western mountains
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two photo records and a single sight record for Maine. The species was first observed and photographed on Monhegan Island, 6 October 2005 (M. Iliff, NAB 60: 38). In 2007, a bird was seen and heard in New Harbor, Lincoln County, on 6 October but could not be photographically documented (DWF). In 2008, a young male was present in Blue Hill 23 Oct-1 Nov (L. Clapp), where it was photographed, measured and banded by A. Hill. He reported that the bird had a wing chord of 1.56 in. (39.7 mm), tail length of 0.8 in. (20.5 mm), and exposed culmen length of 0.58 in. (14.8 mm). All these measurements are average for young male Calliope Hummingbirds. Grooves over the proximal 60% of the bill indicated that it was a hatch-year bird, and rufous coloring at the base of the inner rectrices confirmed it was male (A. Hill, pers. com.).
O rder GRUIFORMES Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae) Members of a cosmopolitan family, these often-elusive birds of wetlands and dense vegetation are surprisingly common vagrants, even to remote islands, where several hundred species are thought to have become extinct after human colonization. Nine species representing seven genera have been found in Maine.
Yellow Rail
Coturnicops noveboracensis A small and extremely elusive Species of Special Concern in the state
Status in Maine: Yellow Rails are secretive; little is known about their distribution, movements, or abundance in Maine. Although sometimes seen in open habitats (large grass meadows, hay fields, and marshes) during migration, they breed in sedge (Carex and Scirpus spp.) or freshwater marshes with dense cover, 20 ac. (eight ha) or larger (van Dam et al. 1993). Migratory patterns are poorly known, but hunting in the early 20th century suggests that the species was regular and occasionally quite numerous along the southern coast in fall. Yellow Rails may breed in eastern, central, and northern Maine (Gibbs, Shriver et al. 1991), but this is not confirmed. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 142) said, “The exact habits of this most secretive and retiring Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded prior to 2005. little bird are rather unknown because of its very faculty for evading observation.” Palmer (1949, 186) Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds primarily in concurred, saying the Yellow Rail’s status was “not well montane regions of BC, AB, south to WY, UT, CA, known except rare in fall in Washington, Penobscot, and Baja California. Winters in w. Mexico. Knox, Lincoln, and York Counties, and occurring Calliope Hummingbirds reported along Mid-Atlantic regularly but in variable numbers in Cumberland [County].” Little has changed in 100 years. coast in Oct–early Dec since 1990s. More recently, species reported in MA and CT. There are at least 11 Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS, NB, records from NJ, NY, CT, and MA 1996–2007. and perhaps ME through Great Ls. region to ND, PDV
172
west across s. and cen. Canada to s. NT and AB and south to OR and CA. Winters in se. coastal U.S. from VA to FL and along Gulf Coast to TX.
Order Gruiformes • Family Rallidae
Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
Limited records suggest Yellow Rails are later
migrants than Soras or Virginia Rails. Gibbs, Shriver et al. (1991)
in Longmeadow (Griscom and Snyder 1955). Veit and Petersen
(1993) reported 5 winter records, supporting Rich’s contention that this species is quite hardy and occurs late into fall.
PDV
first found this species calling on 2–3 May 1990 at Gouldsboro.
Appears to be early, given migration in QC is generally 8–29
May (Bookhout 1995). Additional migrant records from Gibbs, Shriver et al. (1991) from freshwater marshes east and north of
Bangor: 1 bird, Gouldsboro, 2-3 May, 1990; 2 birds, Codyville
! (
Plt., Washington Co., 27–28 May 1990; and 2 birds, Milford,
28–29 May 1990. One–2 birds in Milford appeared territorial
for ~10 days, until 7–8 Jun, but no birds were heard at these ME sites after this date (Gibbs, Shriver et al. 1991). Records on salt
! (
marshes in s. ME: 1 flushed at Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, mid- to
! ( ! (
late May 1977 (obs. unk.); 1 calling at Scarborough Marsh, 29
May 1986 ( JEP, pers. com.). This species was heard and flushed
at Brownfield Bog, 6 Jun 2001 (S. Hall, eBird), and 1 was calling
!
! (
in the Sebasticook Watershed, Cambridge, Somerset Co., 14
Jun 1993 ( J. Pinchbeck et al, AB 48: 924). It appears these Jun
records predominantly involve migrants, as birds were not heard
!
calling at these localities later that month. S ummer :
!
Knight (1908, 143) said Yellow Rails nested
King Rail & Yellow Rail Breeding Season Records
! King Rail Breeding Locations ! ( Yellow Rail Observations
in Washington Co.: “Mr. Boardman found it nesting in
Washington County, the nest being placed on the ground in
marshes in similar situations to that of the Sora.” Palmer (1949,
186) appeared to discount the possibility of nesting, saying there
Corn Crake
were “no definitive records” for spring. Gibbs, Shriver et al. (1991),
Crex crex
single bird calling at Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 6–15 Jun 1994
A secretive species of the Palearctic that appears as a rare vagrant in the Northeast
reported 1 bird in Passadumkeag, Penobscot Co., 8 Jun 1990. A
(FN 48: 924) may have been on breeding territory. Yellow Rails are known to nest in NB and the Gaspé Peninsula, QC. F all :
Yellow Rails were regularly shot by hunters in early
20th century. Brownson (1903) reported, “the little Yellow Rail,
usually so rare, has been here in unusual numbers. Several have
been shot at the Dike marsh [Falmouth] and one or two shot at
Pine Point” (W.H. Brownson, JMOS 7: 42). In 1908, Rich (1908,
237–238) said, “from my own experience I should say it is more common here [Falmouth] than the Virginia Rail, for within the last three years I have known of the capture of possibly
fifty specimens of the Yellow Rail near Portland, Me, and have myself taken at least half that number, while the Virginia rails
scarcely twenty have been killed in the same time… The writer
has shot them when there had been severe cold for November
and after a snowfall of three or four inches.” More recently, 1
was collected on N. Haven I., 11 Oct 1955 (H. Lockwood) and
1 was seen in Scarborough Marsh, 17 Oct 2008 (L. Brinker, R. Lambert, PDV).
Yellow Rails migrate through MA in Sep and Oct (Veit
and Petersen 1993) but were collected as early as 26 Aug 1913
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one specimen record collected in Falmouth in 1889. A second record is an immature crake photographed at Monhegan Island, on 5 Oct 2014 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). The bird was initially misidentified as a juvenile Sora but was later correctly identified by L. Seitz. The record was accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee as the state’s second record. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported, “A bird was shot on October 14, 1889, in the Dyke marsh at the mouth of the Presumpscot R., Falmouth, Cumberland County . . . This specimen is now part of the Brock collection in the Portland Society of Natural History. Another bird, shot at the same time but too mutilated to save, was identified as this species by the gunner who shot it . . . ” (Palmer 1949, 188). PDV examined the collected specimen on 3 Oct 1985 at UMaine, Orono. The label reads, “Falmouth, Maine, 14 Oct 1890.”
173
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds throughout n. Europe to e. Siberia. Winters in s. Africa. Remarks: Corn Crakes have a pattern of accidental appearances in northeastern North America: NL, NS (Oct 1899), RI, CT, NY, NJ, and MD (AOU 1983, 151). The American Birding Association Checklist notes the following for this species: “[F]ormerly casual, now accidental, a total of 20 records from Baffin Island to Maryland, but the majority are from the 19th Century. All are of single individuals, all but one with known dates are from the fall (mostly late fall)” (American Birding Association 2009, 77). The paucity of 20th century records is presumably because w. European breeding populations have diminished substantially. PDV
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds as far north as MA, south through NJ, resident from DE to FL and Gulf Coast, in parts of Mexico and Cen. Am., and throughout Caribbean. Clapper Rails along Atlantic Coast generally restricted to salt marshes. Rare as a ME vagrant, species breeds north to Newburyport (Plum I.), MA, and has been reported in every New England state, QC, NB, NS, and NL. Remarks: The 1966 report of two adults with eight young seen through Jul 1966 at Dover-Foxcroft is certainly incorrect (MFN 22: 134). It is unclear whether these birds might have been King Rails, or more likely, Virginia Rails. S pring :
1 in Scarborough, 21 May 1968 (MASFC).
S ummer :
1 in Manset, Aug 1950, specimen identified as Rallus
longirostris crepitans, in private collection, thought to be sixth
Clapper Rail
Rallus crepitans
Seen on the Maine coast only once in the last 40 years
Status in Maine: Prior to 1976, Clapper Rail was casual in late summer, fall, and winter, with only one spring record. There is one known Clapper Rail record in Maine since, a bird observed intermittently 20 September–6 October 2015 at Pine Point (L. Smith, m.ob.; eBird). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed four records (three of which are specimens), occurring 1874–1900 and no records, 1901–1948; but there were 13 new records (14 individuals) 1949–1976. Sixteen of 17 birds with known dates occurred late summer (Aug) through winter ( Jan), with seven reported in Sep. All were found on the immediate coast from York east to Manset, Hancock Co. (see seasonal records below). Given their proximity as breeders in MA, it is surprising there are so few recent records in ME. It is also noteworthy that few Clapper Rail records exist from 1860–1920, when at least eight King Rails were collected in s. ME. Clapper Rails were rare north of NY historically and began increasing in s. New England in the 1930s–1940s. Breeding was first recorded in MA in 1955 (Rush et al. 2018, Veit and Petersen 1993). An inland record at Sabattus Pond in 1874 is exceptional.
174
state record (BMAS 7: 14).
F all :
1 in New Harbor, Lincoln Co., 7 Sep 1952: “One of the
fishermen reported that there was a strange bird on the roof ridge of a fish house in the harbor. The bird proved to be a
Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris). When I arrived in the harbor, he had flown from the roof ridge into one of the empty lobster traps stacked up on the pier. As we watched, he retreated
into the ‘parlor’ or rear compartment of the trap, causing the
fishermen to remark that he would never get out of that trap.
I left the pier for about ten minutes, and when I returned the rail had disappeared from the trap. After a search we
located him in another lobster trap in the bottommost tier of
a pile of traps about 75 feet from the first trap. The fishermen
considered it most remarkable that he had been able to free himself from the trap. One of the fishermen extricated him from the second trap, and the bird was carefully studied in
hand. When set free, he flew across the harbor and was lost to sight” (C. Packard, BMAS 9: 14).
A specimen in Portland, 16 Sep 1957 (AFN citation unk.); 1
in Kittery Pt., 2 Oct 1961, specimen taken (W. Spinney, MFO
6: 109); 2 birds on Vinalhaven, 22 Sep 1962 (obs. unk.); 1 at
Pemaquid Pt., 13–27 Sep 1962, seen on 4 occasions (MASFC);
1 in York Beach, 15 Sep 1962 (MASFC); 1 found dead in York
Beach, 15 Sep 1966 (W. Spinney, MASFC); 1 at Biddeford Pool,
21 Nov 1976 (F. Cyr); 20 Sep–6 Oct 2015 at Pine Pt. (L. Smith, m.ob.; eBird).
W inter :
1 specimen in Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 13 Dec 1949
(W. Taber, MASFC), Boston University collection; 1 on Blue
Hill CBC, 1 Jan 1966 (MFN 22: 25); 1 on York Co. CBC, 1 Jan
1973 (D. Abbott, DWF; AB 27: 551). PDV
Order Gruiformes • Family Rallidae
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Globally rare and at risk, this species seldom ventures to Maine
Status in Maine: This species is rare to casual in Maine in spring and summer. There are three likely breeding records: Messalonskee Lake in 1995; Scarborough Marsh in 2002; and Wells, 2016–2018. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered this species a “rare visitant,” listing nine records with an additional four probable occurrences. Of the confirmed records, eight were collected by hunters in fall, 8 Aug–17 Dec, 1864–1918. All but one were shot in s. ME between Falmouth and Scarborough, including five taken in Falmouth 1893–1916. The 1916 specimen is in the ME State Museum collection. A single bird was collected on the Midcoast in Bucksport, 22 Nov 1909. Palmer accepted the sight record of three individuals at Corinna Stream, Penobscot Co., 8 Aug 1939 by H. Mendall, a research biologist and avid hunter at UMaine, Orono, who reported he “watched three King Rails for nearly an hour, at times at distances of less than 15 feet” (Palmer 1949, 183). A waterfowl biologist, Mendall had extensive experience in wetlands and was an experienced, careful observer. We concur with Palmer’s view but regret that no detailed written account appears to be extant. It is conceivable that this was a family group, but this is unclear. Other than the 1939 Mendall record, King Rails were not reported in ME 1918–1953, which likely reflects that fewer hunters were targeting rails. Given the number of records after 1953, it is unlikely that the species was absent from ME during this period. King Rails were again reported in 1953, and there are at least 21 records since then. Most records (18) come from Southern and Midcoast ME. Unlike 1864–1916 records, 15 of these were reported in spring and summer, 12 Apr–31 Jul; the remaining records occurred in fall (three, late Aug–Oct) and winter (three, Nov–Jan). Three more recent inland records include a specimen (not preserved) from Greenbush, Penobscot Co., 13 Jul 1956 (MASFC); a bird at the Abbagadassett R. mouth, Bowdoinham, 23 Sep 1976 (D. Mairs); and an adult calling and seen at Messalonskee L., 28 May 1995 (D. Mairs, D. Ladd). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from CT to Great Ls. except in Appalachian Mtns. west into e.
ND and south to TX. Resident along coast CT to FL, along Gulf Coast to inland TX, AR, and TN, and in e. coastal Mexico. Species recorded in every New England state, QC, NB, NS, and NFLD. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
One in Saco, 2 May 1962, present for a week (MASFC);
1 in Kittery Pt., 24 Apr 1973 (D. Helm, AB 27: 749); 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 9 Apr 1997 (S. Walsh, eBird); and 1 at Jones Creek Marsh, Scarborough, 12 Apr 1997 (E. Woodin, FN 51: 846).
S ummer :
Three documented records provide compelling
evidence of nesting in ME. In Jul 1995, J. Sullivan (fide D. Mairs) saw an adult King Rail, “about the size of a Bantam rooster,” and
6–8 chicks crossing Rt. 27 at Messalonskee. L. Jackson stopped his vehicle and observed these birds for more than a minute before
they slipped into the grass. This observation was within 0.6 mi. (1
km) of the 28 May 1995 sight record of a male “strutting on a log and then disappearing into the cattails” in Messalonskee Marsh
(D. Mairs, D. Ladd). The second occurrence is a carefully described juvenile King Rail observed at Dunstan’s Landing, Scarborough, 31
Jul 2002 (D. Mairs). The full description is provided:
“This was a large rail, much larger than a Virginia [Rail]
but slightly smaller than the adult King that David Ladd
and I saw at close range in the Messalonskee marsh on
28 May 1995. The bill was stout and decurved with dark culmen, lighter on the lower mandible than the upper,
with both shading to dark gray at the tip. The crown was
dark and there was a pale straw-colored supraloral, much
paler than the supraloral of the abovementioned adult. The throat was pale with slight extension upward behind the
postauricular region. In lateral aspect, the breast was a dark,
mottled brownish-gray; when the bird faced us, however,
the center of the breast was grayish-white with intrusions
and splotches of the mottling on the sides of the breast.
Perhaps the most striking plumage feature was the very
bright (one is tempted to say brilliant) chestnut color of
the folded wing coverts. The scapulars were black-centered
with broad, bright buff edges, creating a very ‘orderly’
appearance. The flanks displayed the typical vertical rail striping, broad black and narrow white alternating; this
pattern was very sharp and crisp. The legs were gray, with faint tan highlights visible when the bird was in the sun.
“Although I purposely didn’t open Sibley [field guide],
until I had completed my notes, the illustration of the
juvenile King is a pretty good representation of our
bird, except that the flank striping on our critter was
‘adult’-sharp; it was almost as though the bird was in
the process of moulting from the posterior forward. I
think the splotchiness of the breast is probably also an
175
Birds of Maine
indication of moult. My take is that we probably had a juvenile moving into adult feather.
“My presumptive ID of King rather than Clapper is
based primarily on the color and pattern of the coverts
and scap[ular]s, which were much brighter and sharper than on any Clapper I have seen, in either Atlantic or
Gulf populations.
“The date was 31 July 2002, and the observation was
made at Dunstan’s Landing, Scarborough, Cumberland
County, Maine, at about 1420 hrs. The bird was standing/ walking in the paved path leading out onto the marsh
from the Dunstan’s parking lot. The conditions included
hazy sun that gave us excellent viewing of the bird at a
distance of 7–8 meters, for ~80 seconds.”
A third possible breeding record: 2 birds seen together 9
Jun–14 Jul 2016 (m.ob., ph.; eBird) at Webhannet Marsh in
Wells, 1–2 birds observed consistently from 26 Apr–28 Sep 2017 (m.ob., ph.; eBird) at same location, and 2 birds seen, ph., and
recorded 2–19 Jun 2018 on Eldridge Rd. in Wells in appropriate
habitat adjacent to Webhannet Marsh (A. Aldrich et al.; eBird). Other summer records, 1 each unless noted: heard at Grassy
Pond, Penobscot Bay, 6 Jul 1953 and another at N. Islesboro, 12
Jul 1953 (both Hebard 1960); adult in N. Edgecomb, Lincoln Co.,
24 Aug 1958 (A. Cruickshank); Cape Neddick, 19 Aug–5 Sep
1968 (H. Card; AB 23: 18); Ellsworth, 11 Jun 1967, ph. (MASFC); Kennebunk Beach, 19–30 Jun 1969 (AB 23: 639); heard and seen
at Scarborough Marsh, 8–9 Jun 1985 (MBN 1[2]: 22, AB 39: 886);
Scarborough Marsh, 13–16 Jun 1993 (MBN 6[2]: 59, AB 47: 1090);
Jones Creek Marsh, Scarborough, 11 Jun–7 Jul 1996 (FN 50: 928);
Dunstan Landing, Scarborough, 20–29 Jun 1998 (P. Comins, L.
Brinker, G. Carson et al.; FN 52: 435); Webhannet Marsh, Wells,
25 Jun 2010 (R. Lambert, eBird). F all :
One caught in trap on Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert
I., 8 Nov 1968 (AB 23: 18). PDV confirmed identification at UMaine, Orono, 3 Oct 1985.
W inter :
One found dead and ph. at Back Cove, Portland, late
fall 1971 or Jan 1972 (obs. unk.); 1 in Ocean Park, York Co., 24–26
Dec 1974 (AB 28: 611). PDV
These rails arrive in late April and May and depart in September and October, although the fall migration is poorly documented. There are more than 20 reports of Virginia Rails in winter, primarily in December. The majority of these birds likely perish, but there are a few reports of rails in mid-February. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Virginia Rails to be uncommon in summer throughout the state. Global Distribution: Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds in wetlands, Maritime Provinces west through s. Canada, south to NC and IL, somewhat locally through Great Plains to WA, CA, Mexico, and Guatemala (rare and very local), also in S. Am. N. Am. birds winter from s. New England to FL, coastal TX to Mexico, also s. coastal BC to CA and Mexico. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: Moderate Concern. Remarks: As with Soras, Virginia Rails in cen. and e. ME have been observed adding additional nesting material to completed nests when water levels increase, thus preventing eggs from flooding. This behavior increases nesting success because higher water levels also deter predators (Robertson and Olsen 2015). S pring :
Appear at known breeding sites in s. and cen. ME late
Apr to mid-May: 3 in Leeds, Androscoggin Co., 25 Apr 1982 (S.
Weston). Early arrivals at Scarborough Marsh, all 16 Apr: 1 in 1997 and 2002 (K. Gammons and G. Carson, respectively), 2 in 2000
(L. Brinker, D. Mairs), and 1 on 18 Apr 2014 (N. Gibb). Additional early records: 1 in Gray, Cumberland Co., 10 Apr 2010 (D. Smith, eBird); 1 in Saco, 11 Apr 2012 (P. Miliotis); 1–2, Sanford Lagoons,
13 Apr 2016 (A. Aldrich, m.ob.; eBird); 1 at Weskeag Marsh, 14
Apr 2011 (C. Bartlett); 2 in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 15 Apr 2013 (G. St. Laurent); 1 each, all on 16 Apr, in Falmouth in 2006 (C.
Governali), in Augusta in 2010 (D. Suitor), and at Messalonskee
L. in 2011 ( J. Mays); 2 on Monhegan I., 18 Apr 2012 (D. Hitchcox);
1 in Portland, 19 Apr 2012 (R. Speirs, eBird); 1 in Portland, 18 Apr
2006 ( J. Honeth, eBird). Occasional in Aroostook Co. in early May, but more regular later in month; early reports, both 4 May: 1 at L.
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
Distinctive vocalizations are the calling cards of this secretive wetland species
Status in Maine: Virginia Rails breed commonly in a variety of freshwater wetlands and salt-marsh margins, preferring habitat with cattails (Typha spp.). 176
Josephine, 2008, and 6 at same locality, 2009 (both WJS). Large
numbers of territorial males regular by mid-May: 5 in W. Bath, 10
May 1981 ( JEP); 6 at Messalonskee L., 14 May 1983 (PDV); >4 in
New Gloucester, Cumberland Co., 9 May 1998 (L. Brinker); >4 in Gray–New Gloucester, 8 May 2004 (T. Hayward). Latter end of
migration is poorly known. S ummer :
Commonly breed in variety of freshwater emergent
wetlands, also frequent along margins of salt marshes. Often
Order Gruiformes • Family Rallidae
territorial into mid-Sep. At a known breeding locality in
Medomak, Lincoln Co., males responded to playback on 18 Sep
2012 and 15 Sep 2014 (PDV et al.); and similarly, at Taylor Bait Farm, Penobscot Co., 18 Sep 2017 (R. Garrigus, eBird). Eleven migrants seen and heard while rail hunting on Scarborough
Marsh, 5 Sep 2007 (G. Gavutis, PDV). Other obvious migrants:
1 bird walked into banding net on Appledore I., 9 Sep 1991
(AB 46: 62); 1 flushed from large swath of wild rice (Zizania
spp.) in Merrymeeting Bay at Green Pt., Dresden, 11 Sep 2012
(PDV); 1, Arnold Pond, Franklin Co., 14 Sep 2015 (L. Parker, eBird); individual flushed from dry hillside being mowed in
Martinsville, Knox Co., 27 Sep 1988 (M. Plymire). Virginia Rails reported on Monhegan I. into Oct; latest 2 on 22 Oct 2011 (D.
Hitchcox et al.; eBird). Virginia Rail Breeding Range
W inter :
Palmer did not report winter Virginia Rails, but
more than 20 observations since 1952, nearly all on immediate
coast. Unlikely that these birds survive ME’s winter. At least
13 reports in Dec, most recent on Portland CBC, 19 Dec 2009.
Three Jan reports: 1 in York Harbor, 20 Feb 1952 (H. Card); 1 numerous in larger wetlands: at least 8 at Douglas Pond,
caught in Nobleboro, 28 Jan 1954, reported to be in excellent
Moosehorn NWR, 16 Jun 2002 and 22 Jun 2003 (M. Bates); and
Jellison). Three Feb reports: 1 in Bar Harbor, 16 Feb 1966, “ran
Palmyra, Somerset Co., 16 Jun 1978 (PDV); 12 and 10 at
condition (BMAS 10: 31); 1 from Mount Desert I. in Jan 1969 (C.
10 birds observed at Sandy Pt. WMA, 21 Jun 2017, “some calling
across the road, was following a small open-flowing brook from
grunting” (T. Aversa, eBird). Species known to more frequently
within 15 feet” (MFN 22: 63); 1 in Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert
unsolicited with kek calls, probably tending young; others
occupy large wetlands rather than small ones. Presence
correlated with shoreline length, presumably for feeding
opportunities (Gibbs, Longcore, et al. 1991). Gibbs, Longcore, et al. also considered area of emergent and ericaceous vegetation
a stubble field into alder [Alnus sp.] cover [and] approached
I., 17 Feb 1971 (MN 2: 62) and 1 stayed at same locality late Dec
1979–13 Feb 1980 (C. Jellison). Only inland observation from
Wilton, 27 Dec 1960 (MFO 5: 133). PDV
important habitat features in freshwater marshes (though
ericaceous vegetation is not important to rails in brackish and saltwater habitats).
Broods with downy young observed in early June near the
coast: adults and young at Scarborough, 8 Jun 1985 (PDV); at
Moosehorn NWR, 12 Jun 2002 (M. Bates); in Warren, 17 Jun 1997
(A. Hopps); 6, 1 adult with 5 downy chicks, Scarborough Marsh,
Eastern Trail pannes, 4 Jul 2016 (“an adult with five downy chicks appeared across a narrow portion of the panne: the[y] proceeded to walk across the panne toward the bank in front of me… the
chicks timidly followed—needing to swim—and all disappeared into the shoreline vegetation;” M. Zimmerman, eBird). In n.
ME, broods observed from early Jul through mid-August. Late
broods at Scarborough Marsh indicate multiple broods: 2 adults,
1 juvenile, and 5 downy young, 5 Aug 1989 (K. Gammons); and 1 adult and 2 young, 24 Aug 1999 (K. Gammons). Adult with immature bird in Old Town, Penobscot Co., 11 Sep 1998 (E.
Grew) also indicates late breeding. F all :
Fall migration poorly documented; appears rails leave
breeding areas early Sep to mid-Oct. Latest record north:
one at Christina Reservoir, 17 Sept 2007 (WJS). Some remain
Sora
Porzana carolina Find this shy bird with a yellow bill and upturned tail in cattail marshes
Status in Maine: Though less widespread than Virginia Rails, Soras are spring and fall migrants and local breeders throughout Maine. Soras and Virginia Rails often coexist, preferring freshwater marshes with emergent vegetation, especially cattails. Merrymeeting Bay appears to be an important fall migration area; a hunter reported taking the then-bag-limit of 50 in a single September high tide in the 1960s while seeing twice that many fly away (D. Mairs, pers. com.). Currently, the combined daily bag limit for Sora and Virginia Rail is 25. There is one winter record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight reported that Soras occurred locally throughout ME. Palmer (1949, 185) concurred with Knight’s view, stating the species 177
Birds of Maine
was “rather rare at scattered points throughout most of the state but perhaps more common in parts of eastern Washington County.” “Merrymeeting Bay is a staging area for southbound Soras. I hunted them there in the [19]'60s, during
September, and there were large numbers present. Bag limits were liberal then, and our take would usually
reach double digits in a high tide cycle. We would push
a canoe through the rice beds on a high moon tide, with
the ‘poler’ and the ‘shooter’ alternating positions. We only took flying birds but didn’t miss many. Very few people were hunting rails, and we were almost always the only
hunters on the whole bay. On one occasion, we took our
limit of 50 Soras, and saw probably twice that many that
we just watched as they flew away. The birds were fat and
full of wild rice and were delicious browned in butter and braised in homemade hard cider!” D. Mairs pers. com.
S ummer :
More local than Virginia Rails, Soras confirmed
breeding in 13 blocks (Adamus 1987). Species absent from
York Co. and from Central and Western Mountains. Summer
observations scattered but regular: 1, ANP (ANP; F. Izaguirre; eBird) and Viles Arboretum, Augusta (S. Barnes, eBird), both
5 Jun 2015; 2, Dead R., Stratton, Franklin Co., 11 Jun 2017 (M.
Viens, eBird); 1, L. Josephine, 25–26 Jun 2016 (WJS, m.ob.;
eBird); 2 at Sanford Lagoons, 14 Jul 2017 (K. Couture, eBird).
Sora presence positively correlated with total wetland area and percentage emergent vegetation (Gibbs, Longcore, et al. 1991).
Breeding confirmed in following localities: L. Josephine, Jul
2009 (WJS); Anson, Somerset Co., Jul 2009 (G. McElroy);
Great Salt Bay Farm, Damariscotta, 27 Jun 2013 (PDV et al.);
Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 17 Jul 1996 (A. Simmons); Stratton
I., Jul 2009 (S. Walsh). Large counts: 12 maximum at Douglas
Pond, Palmyra, Somerset Co., 30 May 1982 (G. and L. Ball); 15
at Moosehorn NWR, 16 Jun 2002 (M. Bates); 10–12 heard in Ft.
Fairfield and Easton, 1 Jun 2004 (WJS). In Penobscot Co.: Pond Farm WMA, Howland, on 28 Jul 1978 (PDV); in Old Town, 5
Jul 1998 (E. Grew); at Essex Marsh, Bangor, Jul 2009 (D. Lima)
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from Maritime Provinces and sw. NL across Canada, south to MD, upper Midwest to NM and AZ, locally in CA. Winters from DE and s. NJ along coast to FL, Gulf Coast, TX, AZ, coastal OR and CA to Mexico, Cen. Am., n. S. Am., and Caribbean.
and Jul 2014 (M. Viens).
Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. Remarks: As with Virginia Rails, Soras in cen. and e. ME were observed adding nesting material to completed nests when water level rose thus preventing eggs from flooding. This behavior increased nesting success since higher water levels also deterred predators (Robertson and Olsen 2015). S pring :
Most arrive and heard on territory during early May.
Palmer reported an exceptionally early Sora banded at Otter Creek, Mount Desert I., 17 Mar 1937. Early Apr reports: at
Scarborough Marsh, 1 each on 3 and 17 Apr 2000 (D. Gilpatrick, G. Sharpe, respectively), and at Capisic Pond, Portland, 11 and 16
Apr 2002 (R. Eakin, D. Gilpatrick, respectively). In Skowhegan, recorded arrival dates: earliest 30 Apr 2004 and latest 8 May
1998 (W. Sumner). In Aroostook Co., 2 Soras at Christina
Reservoir, 5 May 2004 (WJS) and 2 on 13 May 2016 (WJS, eBird). Late-spring migration poorly understood but individuals seen
on Monhegan I., 24–25 May 1997 (L. Brinker), 25 May 2013 (D.
Hitchcox), and 31 May 2014 (N. Gibb) were likely migrants, as species not reported there in Jun. Sora on E. Egg Rock, 6 Jun
1998 (Project Puffin, eBird) certainly a passage bird.
Sora F all :
Appear south of breeding grounds early to mid-Aug
(Cruickshank 1950a), continuing through Sep, diminishing
numbers through Oct. Brewster (1925) reported migrants arrive
at L. Umbagog in early Sep, with mid-Sep peak. Early Sora
banded on Appledore I., 17 Aug 1988, and another, at more usual
time, on 5 Sep 1998 (D. Holmes et al.). At Scarborough Marsh,
2 migrants flushed 29 Aug 1987 (PDV), and 1 shot, 5 Sep 2007
(G. Gavutis, PDV). Monhegan I. migrants reported regularly in
early Sep: 1 each, 7 Sep 1980, 10 Sep 1982, 11 Sep 1983, and 12 Sep
1980 (all PDV); a late Monhegan I. bird recorded 12 Oct 2015
(L. Seitz, eBird). In Oct, Brewster (1925) collected single Soras at L. Umbagog on 20 Oct 1882 and 30 Oct 1884. Other late
migrants: 1, Penjajawoc Marsh, 7 Oct 2016 (R. Ostrowski, eBird);
1 on Peaks I., Portland, 10 Oct 2015 (S. Wainwright, eBird); 1
Cloudmarch, Lincoln Co., 14 Oct 2015 ( J. Cherry, eBird); 1 in
178
Order Gruiformes • Family Rallidae
Orono, 31 Oct 2004 ( J. Markowsky); and 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 25 Oct 2010 (PDV et al.). Though not reported in Nov, likely a few individuals occur in late fall, as Brewster’s observations suggest.
W inter :
Although Soras reported irregularly on coastal
CBCs in NH and MA, there is only 1 known winter record for
ME: a Sora observed for 3 days, 26–28 Dec 1973, prior to the
Thomaston–Rockland CBC, not located during count. PDV
Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio martinicus
A vibrant visitor from southern locales
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine, with seven records in the past 30 years. Palmer listed 13 occurrences, most along the coast in spring and fall. Since 1949, there are 16 records (one involving two birds) following that pattern. A surprising number of observations and specimens were collected far out of range in late fall 2013 and winter 2014 (L. Bevier et al.; eBird). Three occurred in Maine: one at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge on 17 November 2013 ( J. Roushdy, J. Drury); one in Trenton, Hancock County, on 8 January 2014 (M.J. Good); and one long-dead specimen at Kettle Cove, 29 January 2014 (fide R. Jones, G. Armistead). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer noted that records prior to 1949 fell into two periods: late Mar– late Apr (five records) and late Sep–mid-Dec (six records). More recent reports support this pattern, but spring occurrences continue into May (three records) and Jun (two records). All spring reports are birds in adult (alternate) plumage. Recent fall reports occur in Oct (two reports) and Nov (two) and are birds in immature plumage. Additionally, there are six winter records, Dec (two) and Jan (four). A single adult at Bar Harbor, Mount Desert I., 10–15 Aug 1979, did not fit this pattern. Global Distribution: Primarily Neotropical. Breeds along coast from SC to FL and Gulf Coast; resident in FL, Caribbean, coastal Mexico, and most of S. Am. Despite southern breeding distribution, species has long history of wandering north to New England and e. Canada. Reported from all New England states except VT and all Canadian provinces. PDV
Common Gallinule
Gallinula galeata
This threatened waterbird would be better named Uncommon Gallinule
Status in Maine: Common Gallinules are uncommon and local breeders, nesting regularly at several localities in southern and central Maine. The species is an uncommon to rare spring and fall migrant primarily along the coast, except in Washington County, where the species is casual and not known to breed. There are no winter records. In 2011, the former species known as Common Moorhen (G. chloropus) was taxonomically split into the Common Gallinule (G. galatea) in the New World and Common Moorhen (G. chloropus), which has not occurred in Maine, in the Old. Maine Conservation Status: Threatened. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 145) reported this species appeared to “straggle along in spring and fall” in ME. He listed two spring and two fall records but noted the species was sometimes “brought into the taxidermist shops.” Palmer (1949, 189) listed this species as a “visitant or transient, rare in spring and fall, usually near the coast; two summer records, one of breeding.” He noted four spring records (two known dates, 3 May 1925 and 5 May 1883), and eight fall records (20 Sep–26 Oct). All are coastal records, including two fall records from Merrymeeting Bay. The single breeding record cited by Palmer was reported by H. Mendall, who observed an adult with young in the summer of 1938 at a tributary of Sebasticook L. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds from MA through NY, into s. QC and ON, Great Ls. to MN, and south to OK and TX. Resident along East Coast from MA to FL, Gulf Coast, and Southwest U.S., including most of CA. Also, resident through Mexico, Cen. Am., and much of S. Am. Winters primarily in Mexico and Cen. Am. Remarks: Common Gallinules are uncommon on outer islands (two records for Appledore I. and ~10 records for Monhegan I.) and often found in unusual circumstances: one “stumbled across the road” on Monhegan I., 2 Oct 1983 (B. Nikula). On another occasion, an adult was observed departing Monhegan I. in a southerly direction only to be pursued by ~80 179
Birds of Maine
large gulls. The gallinule quickly alit on the ocean, some 650 ft. (200 m) from shore, and then swam back towards the island, constantly rebuffing aggressive attacks by the gulls. When it was within 160 ft. (50 m) of the island, it took flight, gulls in pursuit, and disappeared among some White Spruce (Picea glauca) (PDV).
nesting at this locality in 1988, northernmost breeding site
for this species in New England. Since 1987, found at several
additional localities, and regularly at 2 of these sites: Stratton
I., Old Orchard Beach (1991–2004); and Penjajawoc Marsh,
Bangor, where listed as probable breeders in ABBM (Adamus
1987). Intermittent observations at Penjajawoc Marsh continue:
Aug–Sep 2009–2010, including 1 adult and 1 juvenile recorded 18 Sep 2009 ( J. Smith, eBird) and a recently fledged juvenile
5 Aug 2014 ( J. Smith, eBird). Two juveniles on Alder Stream
Pond, Corinna, 3, 5, 7 Aug 2016 (S. Mierzykowski et al.; eBird). Probably regular at several other sites, Douglas Pond, Palmyra,
Somerset Co. Other nesting locations: Hampden, Penobscot Co., in 1977 (M. Lucey); Great Pond, Cape Elizabeth in 1991 ( J. Berry,
!
AB 45: 1094); and Brewer in 2005 ( J. Markowsky). All these sites are large wetland complexes with extensive cattail stands and
large areas of open water. Birds usually resident at nest sites until late Aug–Sep: 1 in Easton 7 Sep 1999 (M. Trombley, NAB 54:
! ! !! !! !
Fahay, eBird). Recent observations, fide eBird: 1, Machias Seal I.,
Common Gallinule Known Breeding Sites ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2010-2018 Records
S pring :
intermittently 1 Aug–14 Oct 2009 (m.ob., eBird), including 2
15 Jun 2017 (M. Baran) and 1, Sebasticook R. Reservoir, Corinna
!
!
at same locality, 9 Sep 2000 (D. Mairs). One to 8 birds observed juveniles with “horizontal stripe developed” on 10 Aug 2009 (M.
!
!
27); 4 at Penjajawoc Marsh, 17 Sep 1996 ( J. Markowsky); and 4
Earliest arrive mid- to late Apr: 1 on Monhegan
I., 18–30 Apr 1960 (MFO 5: 34); 1 in York, 25 Apr 1968 (obs. unk.); 1 on Pennamaquan R., Washington Co., 25 Apr 2011
(C. Bartlett, eBird). Found at known breeding sites by late
Bog, 16 and 22 Aug 2017 ( J. Fecteau, L. Bevier, and T. Aversa; eBird).
F all :
Unclear whether fall records constitute southerly
migrations or dispersal from south and west. Appear
mid- to late Sep: Sabattus Pond, 17 Sep 1985 ( J. Despres, P.
McWilliams); Appledore I., 19 Sep 1998 (D. Holmes et al.);
Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 26 Sep 1967 (obs. unk.). Continue
to arrive through mid-Oct: 1 in Phippsburg, first week of Oct
1984 (P. Donahue); 2 at ANP, Mount Desert I., 6 Oct 1985 (fide
Apr–early May. At Penjajawoc Marsh: 1 on 27 Apr 1990 (S.
W. Townsend, AB 40: 256); 1 on Monhegan I., 2 Oct 1993 (B.
(E. Grew), 1–2 on 4 May 1996 (E. Grew, fide A. Bacon), 2 on
1 at same locality, 17 Oct 1997 (R. Eakin); 1 bird in Penjajawoc
Hedges, fide J. Hinds), an unreported number on 2 May 1995
9 May 1998 (E. Grew); and in Easton, Aroostook Co., 29 Apr
1990 (M. Trombley, AB 44: 396). Other migrants usually coastal, recorded throughout May: 1–10 May (8 reports), 11–20 May
(6 reports), 21– 31 May (6 reports). Possible breeders: 1–2 birds,
6–11 May, Alder Stream Pond, Corinna, Penobscot Co. (m.ob.,
Nikula); 1 at Capisic Pond, Portland, 16 Oct 1993 (L. Brinker); Marsh, 5, 9, and 21 Oct 2009 (P. Corcoran, eBird). A single bird on Long I., Casco Bay, 12–13 Nov 1972 (MN, Dec 1972) was unusually late.
PDV
eBird). Noteworthy occurrences: 1 adult in Ft. Fairfield, 9 May
2000 (WJS); adult in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 31 May 1954
(D. Morse, BMAS 10: 60). High counts: 9 and 11 on Sebasticook L., 28 Jul 2012 and 27 Jun 2014 (both R. Lambert, eBird). Recent
reports: 1–2, Alder Stream Pond, Corinna, 6–11 May 2017 (m.ob.,
eBird); 1, Mount Desert I., 25 May 2017 (S. Benz, R. MacDonald,
and D. Lima; eBird); and Mount Desert I. High School, 26–29
May (m.ob., eBird). S ummer :
Confirmed breeding at 4 localities (Adamus 1987).
Common Gallinules first observed in Easton in 1987; confirmed
180
American Coot
Fulica americana
This distinctive but rare spring migrant is locally numerous in the fall
Status in Maine: Most abundant in southern Maine, American Coots are rare spring migrants and local, although sometimes numerous, fall migrants. Uncommon local breeders, coots are occasional in winter along and near the coast.
Order Gruiformes • Family Rallidae
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 146) reported that American Coots were not known to breed in ME and were generally seen in Oct and Nov but “very seldom indeed in April and May.” Knight also noted that Spinney considered this species common in fall in Sagadahoc Co., presumably because they occur regularly in Merrymeeting Bay. Palmer (1949, 190) stated this species was “transient, rare in spring and rather common in fall, occurring mostly near the coast; rare in summer (may breed) and winter.” Palmer noted that the species formerly was much more numerous than in 1948, when he finished his volume. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS through Canada to s. NT and YT, south through cen. U.S. to CO, KS, and MO. Resident in s. cen. U.S. from AR and LA to West Coast, including BC, and south through Mexico to Nicaragua and Caribbean. Winters on East Coast from MA to FL and Gulf Coast states. West Coast from s. coastal AK to Cen. Am. S pring :
Rare spring migrant recorded along coast late Mar:
!
!
!
! ! !
!
!
American Coot Known Breeding Sites ! ( 2008-2018 Records
Occasional large flocks at favored migration sites: at
Chickawaukie Pond, Rockland, 34 on 11 Nov 1985 (obs. unk.);
35 on 3 Nov 1990 (M. Plymire, AB 45: 76), 48 on 8 Nov 2005 (M.
Libby, eBird), and largest concentration reported in ME, 860 on
Mercy Pond, Portland, 13 Mar 2012 and Falmouth, 26 Mar
29 Oct 2011 (M. Iliff, eBird). Other records: 69 at Merrymeeting
Apr 1968 and 1 in Biddeford, 28 Apr 1961 (obs. unk. for both).
1966 (RNEB 22: 7). Generally, 2–20 reported on Sabattus Pond,
Harbor, Knox Co., 2014 ( J. Smith); Dover-Foxcroft, 1963, found
and 387 birds, 16–21 Nov 1994 (FN 49: 21).
1977, 1 each (obs. unk.). More regular in Apr: 6 in York, 25
Exceptionally early migrants, 1 bird each, all on 7 Mar: Camden dead 11 Mar and taken to UMaine, Orono.
S ummer :
Although observed in appropriate nesting habitat
in many localities, few confirmed breeding records. In Palmyra,
Somerset Co., 2 nests at Douglas Pond, May 1978, appear to be
first confirmed records (Adamus 1987). In Easton, Aroostook Co., adult coots observed “carrying grass to a cattail hillock three times on 28 June 1988” (M. Trombley, AB 42: 1269).
Northernmost ME breeding record 3 adults and 3 young, 3–20 Jul 1988 (M. Trombley, AB 42: 1269). Pair observed with 3
partially grown young in Benton, Kennebec Co., 22 Jul 2005 (L.
Bevier). One bird through breeding season on Stratton I., 14
Jun–30 Jul 2013 (Project Puffin Data) apparently did not breed. F all :
Annual fall migrants generally uncommon and locally
distributed in s. cen. ME. Regular at Sabattus Pond (Sabattus and
Wales), Merrymeeting Bay, Chickawaukie Pond (Rockland and
Rockport), Sebasticook L., and Corinna watershed area (Penobscot Co.). Irregular elsewhere. Migration protracted: first birds appear late Aug–Sep, 1 each: Stratton I., 3–6 Aug 2013 (Project Puffin
Data, eBird); York, 24 Aug 1967 (obs. unk.); Penjajawoc Marsh,
10 Sep 2015 (R. Ostrowski, eBird). Largest concentration: 6 at
Christina Reservoir, 24 Sep 2004 (WJS). Main migration occurs
Oct–Nov, flocks generally number 7 records), except for 1 at Moosehorn NWR, Baring, 8
181
Birds of Maine
Jan 1972 (obs. unk.), and ~22 birds in Rockland through 31 Jan
1991 (B. Cadbury, AB 45: 251). Two known Feb records, both
eBird: 1, Narramissic R., Orland, Hancock Co., 7 Feb 2013 ( J.
Smith) and 1 in Camden Harbor, 22 Feb 2014 (T. Duddy and L.
Woodard). Lingering birds either fly south or succumb to harsh
winter conditions, as there are only 2 Feb reports: 1 “caught alive in slush ice by small boys on February 1, 1924, in Back Cove,
Portland, and brought to Norton who released it” (Palmer 1949,
190); 2 individuals in Camden, 6 Feb 1952 (obs. unk.). PDV
Cranes (Gruidae) Fifteen species of cranes are found on five continents, including two in North America. The Whooping Crane, never recorded in Maine, plummeted to the brink of extinction in the 1940s and remains endangered. Sandhill Cranes, known for their elaborate mating dances and spectacular migration through the Midwest, now breed in Maine’s central Interior.
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Direct from America’s heartland, this species is a recent addition to Maine’s avifauna
Status in Maine: Sandhill Cranes were first confirmed nesting at Messalonskee Lake in July 2000 (Melvin 2002); the first breeding record in New England. They remain uncommon migrants and rare breeders in open wetlands in central Maine. While the species sometimes lingers into fall, it has successfully overwintered only once. Historical Status in Maine: Although Palmer knew of no 20th century records, he considered Sandhill Cranes hypothetical in ME because of good evidence that this species occurred prior to European settlement. Knight ignored this species, and simply included Sandhill Crane as part of his account for Great Blue Herons; presumably he felt there was confusion over historical records for cranes. The first modern record appeared in Brunswick, 9 Oct 1961, with three additional records in fall 1966. Since 1966, the species has become annual, with >40 reports of one to two birds from numerous localities in s. and cen. ME. The first crane record for Aroostook Co. was a bird photographed in Ashland (and Masardis and Scopan Twp.) in summer 1967 (E. Searway, J.S. Greenlaw, ph.). There are three records (one spring, two fall) for Washington Co. and two for w. ME. 182
Global Distribution: Nearctic, Neotropical, and Palearctic. Breeds throughout Canada from ON and NU to AK and BC, in U.S. from Great Ls. to MT, WY, CO, UT, NV, and OR. Winter range more limited, including FL, TX, CA, and AZ into n. Mexico. Resident in parts of FL and Cuba. Observed in all New England states, NB, NS, NL, and QC. (Gerber et al. 2014). Remarks: Palmer (1949, 181) cites ([Reprint] 1887, 103) who surveyed the Georges Is., Knox Co., 19 May–16 Jun 1605. Rosier recounted: “Upon this Iland [? Allens Island], as also upone the former [Monhegan], we found (at our first coming to shore) where fire had beene made: and about the place were very large egge shelles bigger than goose egges, fish bones, the bones of some beast. Here ere espied Cranes stalking on the shore of a little Iland adjoyning [? Benner Island]; where we after saw they used to breed.” Palmer accepted the validity of these crane observations because Rosier had distinguished between cranes and herons in his list of birds, although Palmer questioned whether cranes nested on these islands and thought it more likely that these were nesting Great Blue Herons. He noted there are only three types of birds that lay eggs notably larger than a goose: swans, Great Auk, and cranes. Swans were not known to nest in ME, certainly not on coastal islands, and it seems equally unlikely that Sandhill Cranes nested along the coast, leaving the possibility and likelihood that “these very great egge shelles” were more probably those of the Great Auk (see Great Auk account, pp. 253-254). S pring :
Southern and cen. ME arrival 15–30 Apr (more than
11 records) and 1–15 May (at least 5 records). Earliest reports: 4 in Hallowell, Kennebec Co., 31 Mar 2007 ( JVW, E. Wells); 6, Mt.
Agamenticus, 3 Apr 2017 (A. Aldrich, eBird); 2 in Smithfield, Somerset Co., 8 Apr 2004 (W. Sumner, fide D. Mairs); 3,
Fields, Hancock Co., 8 Apr 2014 (R. MacDonald, eBird); 1 in Durham, Androscoggin Co., 9 Apr 2001 (B. Pearson); and 2
in Winthrop, Kennebec Co. 10 Apr 2004 (S. Turney). Fewer
birds reported in latter half of May (3 records) and early Jun (3
records). No migrants reported in Mar. Washington Co. spring record: 1 in Perry, 30 Apr 1977 (AB 31: 974). Arrival dates in n.
ME somewhat later: 1 in Medway, 26 Apr 1997; 1 in Eagle L.,
Aroostook Co., 3 May 1984 (LeBoueff, fide S. and G. Flagg); 2 in T17 R5 WELS, Aroostook Co., 12 Jun 2004 (WJS); 2 in
Winthrop, 3 Apr 2007 (B. Skapa); and 1 observed in Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 23 Apr 2007 (C. Moseley).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Recurvirostridae
(Dec. 8) North Pond is frozen, and all the ducks have gone”
(W. Sumner). At least four fall records in e. ME: late Oct and early Nov. Latest fall record for n. ME, 2 birds in Sherman,
Aroostook Co., mid-Oct 1995 (FN 50: 21). Four adults seen at
Loud Rd., and 2 adults and 1 juvenile on Small Rd., Plymouth, Penobscot Co., 6 Sep 2016, possibly breeding on Plymouth
!
Pond (B. Barker). High counts, all eBird: 29 in Norridgewock,
!
20 Nov 2014 (L. Bevier, eBird); 27 in Smithfield, 8 Nov 2017 (L. Bevier); 21 in Fryeburg, 3 Nov 2017 (B. Crowley); 19 in
! ! !!! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! !!! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !!! ! !! ! !! !
Fryeburg, 30 Oct 2017 (R. Steber, B. Crowley, and J. Keator); and 19 in N. Leeds, 28 Oct 2017 (K. Pfeiffer).
! ! !
!
Sandhill Crane Range Expansion
! ( May-July Records Through 2010 ! ( May-July Records 2011-2018
W inter :
Single Sandhill Crane wintered successfully in ME,
arrived at Kittery Pt. on 12 Sep 1967 and remained through mid-
Mar 1968 (MASFC). An individual settled at Scarborough on
25 Oct 1966, lingered to 27 Jan 1967 but was not seen thereafter
(NMAS, Nov 1966). Sandhills in cen. ME appear to remain into Nov and early Dec. Few winter reports, all eBird: 2, Big Panne, Cumberland Co., 5 Dec 2013 (R. Lambert); 2 in ANP, 9 Dec
2013 (S. Benz); 3 at each location, all 31 Dec 2016, Oak Ridge S ummer :
First breeding record for New England: confirmed
nesting at Messalonskee L., Jul 2000 (Melvin 2002). A nest
and 1 juvenile observed at same locality in 2001, pair breeding
there annually since. Typically cranes produce 1 chick; in 2002,
2 adults and 2 chicks seen into mid-Aug. Sandhills possibly nested occasionally in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., since 1992
(Melvin 2002).
Records suggestive of local breeding: Oct 1994, at least 6
Sandhill Cranes (4 adults and 2 juveniles) frequented corn
fields in Sidney, Kennebec Co., 500 at Biddeford Pool, 30 May 1945 (BMAS 1: 69); 1,250 in St. May 1984 (S. Oliveri); 800 at Weskeag Marsh, 28 May 1985 (D. 400 in Scarborough, 22 May 2008 (M. Resch). At Seawall Beach: 900 on 24 May 2008, 400 on 27 May 2008, and 300 on 28 May
(22 plovers) at Sebasticook L., 15 Oct 2011 (B. Cole, eBird).
eBird). First inland migrant reported in Turner during Despres’
observed Oct–Nov. Latest Aroostook Co. record: 1 at Christina individuals at Sabattus Pond, 14 Nov 2002 (PDV, D. Mairs).
187
Birds of Maine W inter :
Small numbers regular but not annual along
south coast Dec–Jan: 1–3 reported from favored sites such as
Biddeford Pool, Scarborough Marsh, and York; 12 in York, 29 Dec 1967 (obs. unk.) unusually large number. Highest Dec
record: 9 at Biddeford Pool, 5 Dec 2012 (D. Rankin, eBird). Only
known overwintering: 2 birds there, 24 Jan; 18, 22, and 28 Feb;
and 4 Mar 2012 (m.ob.). Other late records: in Scarborough, 4
on 24 Jan 2006 (E. Hynes) and 1 on 27 Jan 1991 (R. Eakin); and 1 in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 31 Jan 2009 (D. Suitor).
PDV and CDD
European Golden-Plover
Pluvialis apricaria
Larger and heavier than our more routinely observed plovers
Status in Maine: Accidental. One adult was photographed and carefully documented (L. Brinker, R. Lambert, PDV, et al.) at Scarborough Marsh, 9–12 October 2008 (ph. arch., BO 37: 292). Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds in n. Europe, Russia, west to Iceland, and in small numbers in e. Greenland. Winters in England, France, south to n. Africa. Remarks: Species is nearly annual in spring in NL, and occurs, although less regularly, on the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, south of NFLD. Other than records cited here, few fall and one spring record south of NFLD: single birds reported at Hartlen Pt., Halifax Co., NS, 15–21 Oct 1988, 7 Aug 1989, and again 23 May 1990 (AB 43: 56, eBird); and singles at Leipsic, DE, 14 Sep 2009; at Pittstown, NJ, 20 Jul 2014 (M. Hiotis, eBird); and at Edwin Forsythe Refuge, NJ, 3 Aug 2016 ( J. Amesbury, R. Risher, eBird).
mid-August through October, and they are casual in November with almost 30 records. The largest flocks are generally found at inland locations in fall, where they are regular in preferred habitats like open fields, grasslands, lake margins, and flats. Historical Status in Maine: Prior to 1880, the species was common. Palmer reported that flocks of 20–60 were prevalent and on rare occasions, flocks numbered as many as 200. Numbers diminished rapidly during heavy market gunning; Palmer noted a single hunter shot 705 golden-plovers in Scarborough 1842–1854. At L. Umbagog, Brewster (1925) considered this species regular in fall and noted it was once common but was greatly diminished by 1895. Knight (1908, 188) also acknowledged the golden-plover was “formerly” more abundant; thus, he considered the species a regular but uncommon fall migrant, although quite regular at inland localities. Palmer described major flight years when migration paths deviated to ME’s coast in 1853, 1870, 1877, and 1878. The late-summer 1853 flight was “such as has never since been witnessed here, and which resembled a flight of [Passenger] pigeons. For days the air was clouded with the incessant passage of flocks of these birds, and great numbers were killed” (Smith, quoted in Palmer 1949, 197). Palmer stated, “even under protection [1928], however, recovery has been very slight.”
An astonishingly long-distance migrant that is more of a grassland species than a "shore" bird.
Since 1950, American Golden-Plovers arrive in midto late Aug with main flight occurring in Sep–Oct. Small numbers (1–3 birds) occasionally linger into early Nov but this is not annual. On these occasions, they are often seen at several locations, indicating a widespread movement. Larger species counts usually recorded at inland agricultural fields. In the 1960s and 1970s, extensive agricultural fields in Bangor, now the Bangor Mall, regularly attracted large numbers of golden-plovers: 150 on 8 Sep 1967 (G. Freese) and 160 on 4 Oct 1970 (E.V. Thompson). J. Despres’ observations in Turner 1987–2005 demonstrate goldenplovers are annual and sometimes numerous in preferred habitats. High counts this century: 33 at Ft. Fairfield, 31 Aug 2013 (WJS, eBird) and same number 2 weeks later near ME’s southern border, 14 Sep 2013 ( J. Mundy et al.; eBird).
Status in Maine: Once common, American GoldenPlovers are now casual spring migrants with at least two dozen records since 1973. They occur primarily in May, with just one report from June and two in early July. In fall, they are annual migrants, occurring
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in Arctic Canada from Devon I. to Churchill, MB, west to AK, sparingly in ne. Siberia. Winters primarily on grasslands in s. S. Am., from s. Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile; rarely in s. U.S.
PDV and CDD
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica
188
Order Charadriiformes • Family Charadriidae
Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern. Threats include loss of habitat to agricultural expansion and conversion to other uses as well as exposure to pesticides (Clayet al. 2010). S pring :
Unreported prior to 1973; now occasional in spring
(~20 records). Biddeford Pool: 21 May 2005 (PDV and JEP,
eBird). Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 5 Apr 1991 ( J. Despres, AB 45:
417), 1 on 6 Apr 1994 (L. Brinker, FN 48: 276), 1 near-alternate adult on 23 May 1998 (L. Brinker, FN 52: 305), 1 on 26 and 2
on 27 May 2013 (m.ob., eBird). Phippsburg: 3 at Seawall Beach,
14 May 1995 (PDV ). Popham Beach: 1 on 15 May 2006 (S.
Walsh), 1 on 23 May 2008, likely same bird at nearby Seawall Beach next 2 days (all eBird). One in Atkins Bay, Sagadahoc Co., on 14 May 2009 (M. Fahay). Georgetown, Sagadahoc
Co.: 1 on 27 May 1973 (E. Gamble), 1 on 17 May 1987 (AB 41:
402). Brunswick: 1 on 23 May 1980 (C.E. Huntington), 1 on 28 May 1983 ( JEP). Elsewhere along southern coast: Appledore
I., 17 May 2013 (W. Nichols, eBird); Stratton I., 18 May 2013
(R. Lambert, eBird); 3 along Royal R., Yarmouth, 31 May 1997 (R. Humphrey); 1 at Ft. Foster, Kittery, 14 Nov 2010 (L. Seitz et al.). Rare inland, 2 records: 1 in Turner, 8–11 Apr 1991 ( J.
Despres, AB 45: 417); 1 in Clinton, 18 May 2005 (W. Sumner et al.). Midcoast: Seal I., 23 and 31 May 2015 (L. Berigan and K.
Yakola, eBird). S ummer :
Biddeford Pool: 25 Jun 2013 ( J. Stevens and N.
McReel, eBird). Two early Jul records, both at Morse R. mouth,
Phippsburg: 1 bright male in full alternate plumage at Seawall
Beach, 4 Jul 1995 (PDV, FN 49: 908) and 1 adult at Popham Beach, 3 Jul 2011 (E. Hynes). F all :
Unusually early migrants: Rachel Carson NWR, 19
Jul 2015 (B. Harris, eBird); Weskeag Marsh, 20 Jul 1984 (ISS,
Pacific Golden-Plover
Pluvialis fulva
Nonstop transoceanic migrations from Alaska and Siberia offer room for navigational error
Status in Maine: Accidental. One specimen, welldescribed but perhaps no longer extant. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 198) noted an “adult female shot on September 11, 1911, at Scarborough, is in the Norton collection, now in the Portland Society of Natural History.” Palmer remarked that he “failed to find this specimen in a hurried search in July 1947.” Similarly, the present authors were unable to locate this specimen at either the ME State Museum or the UMaine, Orono, holdings. In his unpublished notes, Norton listed the measurements, which are close to average for adult females; the color notes also fit this P. fulva well. Dr. J. Dwight concurred with Norton as to the identity of the specimen. It is interesting to note that Rand (1947) reported three specimens of this species from Greenland. Global Distribution: Primarily w. Palearctic. Breeds east to n. AK. Winters primarily in s. Asia and Australia, with small numbers in CA. Twice reported from MA (Apr–May 2002 and Jul 2013). PDV and CDD
Killdeer
eBird). Phippsburg: 1 at Popham Beach, 24 Jul 2015 (M. Fahay,
Charadrius vociferus
10 additional records on eBird in late Jul. Similar number of
The onomatopoeic voice of spring on grassy fields and suburban parking lots
eBird) and 1 there 26 Jul 1967 (A. Cruickshank). More than
records in Aug: 1 at Seawall Beach, 1 Aug 2007 (L. Brinker).
Scarborough Marsh: 1 adult on 6 Aug 1993 (R. Humphrey), and an unusual 7 adults on 19 Aug 1982 ( JEP, PDV, P. Donahue).
Annual in Sep: 64 in Lamoine, Hancock Co., early Sep 1976
(W. Townsend); 22 on 21 Sep 1999 (Guillemot 29: 46). Regular in Oct with large counts: 40 in Turner on 15 Oct 1988 (AB 43:
63); also in Turner, 58 on 15 Oct 1989 and 41 on 12 Oct 1992, and 31 lingering until 25 Oct 1989 (all J.Despres). No counts this
century have approached these totals. Notably late records: 1 in
Turner on 30 Nov 1991 ( J. Despres); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 27 Nov
2012 (N. McReel, eBird); 1 juvenile at Biddeford Pool 14–26 Nov 1992 (L. Brinker, S. Pollock); and 1 at Ft. Foster, Kittery, 10 Nov
2010 (L. Seitz, eBird). PDV and CDD
Status in Maine: Killdeer are common but sharply declining breeders in a variety of open habitats throughout Maine. They are less numerous in forested areas of northern and western Maine (Adamus 1987, eBird). While some early migrants appear by late February, most arrive in March. Fall migration begins in July, with large flocks found inland from August– October. While Killdeer occasionally winter along the coast they are casual inland with just two records. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 189) said Killdeer did not breed in ME, stating, “Though breeding to the north, west and south of us this species does not now breed in Maine, if it ever did. It seems to occur very rarely in September and October, 189
Birds of Maine
and of late years along the coast only.” Brewster (1925) had a similar opinion and only reported a single observation at L. Umbagog, 2 Oct 1894. But by mid-20th century, Palmer considered this species a fairly common summer resident, especially along the southern coast. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL, s. QC, s. Hudson Bay to e. AK, south through s. U.S., cen. Mexico, and Caribbean. Winters along Atlantic from coastal MA, south to Cen. Am., Caribbean, and n. S. Am.; along Pacific Coast, BC to interior WA and OR, through s. U.S., Mexico, and Cen. Am. to Chile. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern. Remarks: Palmer (1949, 196) reported a winter flight of Killdeer into ME: “On November 25, 1888, in the wake of a violent northerly storm, Killdeers began to occur on the coast, increasing in numbers the next few days until hundreds were present. This unusual flight was noted from the Isle of Shoals and points eastward to Grand Manan, the birds being seen at many lighthouses along the coast. Their numbers decreased steadily through December, the last certain ME record being three birds shot on December 25 at Cape Elizabeth. They lingered at the Isles of Shoals until the last week of February.” Forbush (1925) said this flight covered the entire New England coast. S pring :
First wave of migrants generally appears mid- to late
Mar when small numbers widespread throughout s. and cen.
ME. In milder winters, Killdeer occasionally arrive in Feb. In
Turner, J. Despres recorded first arrivals over 25 years, 1976–2000,
1 in Greenville, 22 Mar 1982 (W.R. Noble). Franklin Co.: 1 in
Farmington, 3 Mar 2004 (W. Sumner) and 8 on 25 Mar 2000
(G. Tillman, eBird); 1 in Strong, 28 Mar 1980 (G.M. Stadler);
2 in Jay, 9 Mar 2002 ( J. Dwight); in Wilton 1 bird each on 19
Mar 2002, 10 Mar 2010, and 1 on 13 Mar 2011 (all J. Dwight). Somerset Co.: 1 in Canaan, 13 Mar 2002 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Fairfield, 20 Mar 2016 (M. Veins, eBird); and 1 in Norridgewock,
26 Mar 1996 (W. Sumner). S ummer :
Common but declining breeder in s., cen., and e.
ME. BBS data show annual 5.2% decline in ME, 1966–2015, and
5.4%, 2005–2015. In other words, current population is 3,000 in
Harrington, 24 Aug 1982 (PDV, N. Famous; eBird); 1,200 at Petit Manan NWR, 30 Aug 1988 (R. Widrig); >1,000
in Franklin, Hancock Co., 11 Aug 1994 (MDIFW, eBird);
850 in Addison on 17 Aug 2016 (W. Hutcheson, eBird). At
Scarborough Marsh: 1,000 on 11 Aug 2008 (N. Lund, eBird),
800 on 11 Aug 2005 (D. Lovitch), again on 16 Aug 2014 (L.
Corriveau, eBird), and 630 on 14 Aug 2008 (D. Lovitch). At
Seawall Beach: 1,200 on 13 Aug 2009 and 900 on 12 Aug 2006
(both M. Fahay, eBird). Biddeford Pool: 550 on 11 Aug 2007 (M.
Fahay, eBird) and >500 on 29 Aug 1957 (MFO 2: 92).
Juveniles arrive in late Aug, usually predominate by end of
month. At Seawall Beach in 1998: 80% adults on 15 Aug; 50% adults on 23 Aug; only 10% adults on 7 Sep 1998 (PDV). At
same locality, 450 individuals on 17 Sep 2009 nearly all juveniles
192
Piping Plover
Order Charadriiformes • Family Charadriidae
Maine Conservation Status: Endangered. Low population size, disturbance, and predation are the primary issues. Management tools include exclosures, symbolic fencing, extensive educational outreach, and predator control. These efforts helped plover numbers recover from a recent low of six pairs in 1983 to 64 in 2017, which may allow MDIFW to downlist the species to Threatened. Historical Status in Maine: Boardman (1862) described Piping Plovers breeding in Jun on islands in the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. Palmer doubted the species bred regularly there given the lack of sandy beaches but did acknowledge sightings on Penobscot Bay islands and speculated that as the species recovered it might be found breeding on small sandy spots of e. ME. Knight (1908, 191–192) considered Piping Plovers as previous breeding birds in s. ME but stated, “now occurs only as a rare migrant.” Piping Plovers were nearly extirpated in the 1890s as a result of unlimited shooting for subsistence and the millinery trade, but by 1949 the species had largely recovered. Palmer also reported nesting was confirmed as early as 1911 in Scarborough. In 1971, fewer than 35 plovers were seen regularly in Wells Harbor, and ~100 individuals were thought to be in s. ME (MN 3: 14). However, over the following decades, the population again declined as a result of disturbance and predation. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Atlantic subspecies, C. m. melodus, breeds on beaches along Atlantic Coast from NFLD to NC; interior subspecies, C. m. circumcinctus, in n. Great Plains from s. cen. Canada to ND, SD, CO, and IA. Winters along Atlantic Coast, s. New England (rarely) to FL, TX, and Mexico, also in small numbers in Cuba and Bahamas. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened because of small population with significant declines gradually being reversed. ESA: Threatened. S pring :
First arrivals along sand beaches in s. ME, 13–31 Mar,
where regular in small numbers. Earliest migrants: single birds
on 13 Mar 2013 at Parsons Beach, Kennebunk (obs. unk., eBird)
and same day in 2006 at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport ( J.
Junker); 4 at Popham Beach on 19 Mar 1983 (fide W. Townsend)
and 4 at Goose Rocks Beach on 18 Mar 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird).
Numbers build through Apr, highest counts: Seawall Beach,
where migrant flocks numbered 17 on both 22 Apr 1984 and 19
Apr 1997, 15 on 23 Apr 1995 (all PDV), and 13 on 28 Apr 2017
(L. Zitske, eBird); Goose Rocks Beach, 10–14 birds, 8–22 Apr
2006 ( J. Junker); >12 at Wells Beach on 1 Apr 1973 (obs. unk.) and 15 on 1 Apr 2003 (N. McReel). Casual Downeast: 1 in
Cutler, 27 May 1980 (M. McCollough); 1 at Petit Manan Pt. on
2 Jun 1996 (fide A. Bacon) and 1 on 21 Apr 2007 (S. Smith and
J. Webb, ph.). Rare away from coast in all seasons; single plover
8 mi. (13 km) inland at Kennebunk Plains, 26 May 1994, was extraordinary (PDV, FN 48: 276). 150
Fledglings
120
Breeding Pairs
90
60
30
0 1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 6. Piping Plover Nesting Pairs and Fledglings The number of Piping Plover pairs (blue) and fledglings produced (green) grew steadily, 1981–2003. In 1986, the Piping Plover was listed as a state endangered species (vertical green line). A combination of factors including predation, human disturbance, and, finally, destruction of habitat during the April 2007 Patriot’s Day Storm, led to a sharp decline, 1995–2008, before active conservation efforts helped to reverse the trend. (MDIFW).
S ummer :
Breeding range limited to southern beaches from
Ogunquit to Reid S.P., 23 beaches being active in 2010s. As
of 2018, 68 pairs fledged 128 young, a record number, at 17 sites.
Ogunquit, Wells Beach, and Western Beach in Scarborough
produced the most young (data from ME Audubon; see Figure 6). Mirroring statewide patterns, Piping Plovers declined
substantially despite active protection at Seawall Beach,
beginning in 1985. Nine pairs reported in 1985 and 1986, 10 pairs
in 2001, diminishing to 5 pairs by 2003 (MDIFW). One to two
pairs observed on territory at this site 2007–2011 (PDV) before rebounding to 7 pairs in 2016 and 6 in 2017. Conversely, plovers
increased at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, where 4–7
pairs nested since 1990s ( J. Junker); 27 adults and young on
25 Jul 2008 (fide A. Colvin) despite major storm in 2007 that
destroyed much beach habitat. Latest reported nest observed
at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, 18 Jul 2000 ( J. Junker),
perhaps second nesting attempt after loss of earlier nest. F all :
Plovers start congregating on southern beaches in
Aug; these small flocks likely include migrants from e. Canada. Among larger groups: at Phippsburg, Palmer noted 20 birds
at Popham Beach in early Aug 1938 (Palmer 1949); 20 were at
Kennebunk on 19 Aug 2012 (C. Winstanley, eBird); 14 juveniles
193
Birds of Maine
at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, on 29 Aug 2006
( J. Junker). Twelve plovers at Seawall Beach on 5 Aug 1997
dwindled to 8 birds on 21 Aug 1997 (PDV); 11 juveniles observed on 6 Aug 2001 (PDV). Depart ME beaches by mid-Sep, with
few Oct–Nov records. Late records, in Scarborough: 1 on 2 Oct
1940 (Palmer 1949), 2 on 10 Oct 2009 (L. Brinker), and 1 on 3
Nov 1949 (G. Webb); 1 on 9 Oct 2003 at Goose Rocks Beach,
Kennebunkport ( J. Junker); 1 on 5 Nov 2008 at Popham Beach
R. mouth, Kennebunk and Wells, 3–8 Jun 1992 (A. Wells, JVW, m.ob.; AB 46: 1120). F all :
1 at Columbia Falls, Washington Co., 2 Sep 1993 (G.
Wilhelm et al.; MBN 7: 5, AB 48: 88); injured bird picked up by M. Quint-Rose at Scraggly Pt., St. George, Knox Co., 11
Sep 1996. Identified by R. Palmer and released at same location following day (MBN 10: 6, FN 51: 25).
(M. Fahay, eBird).
PDV and CDD
Wilson’s Plover
Charadrius nivosus
PDV and CDD
Charadrius wilsonia
A southerly breeding plover with an apparent penchant for the Midcoast
Status in Maine: Wilson’s Plover is casual in Maine with eight records over the past 50 years, six in spring, and two in fall. Five of the spring birds were found in a six-mile section of Midcoast beaches. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed this species as hypothetical based on “an unconfirmed report of one seen in September 1933, at Old Orchard Beach, York County, by W. Deane.” (1949, 194–195). In 1953, Werner and Mayberry reported a Wilson’s Plover at Wells Beach, 25 Aug (BMAS 9: 86); another was observed at Ocean Park, York Co., on 6 Sep 1968 (Scammons, MASFC). Global Distribution: New World, primarily tropical and subtropical. In N. Am., breeds along Gulf and Atlantic Coasts from VA to FL and TX. Known to wander north to New England and Maritime Provinces. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Greatest Concern for breeding wilsonia subspecies. Remarks: Three published reports from 1960 are possible misidentifications and should be viewed with skepticism: one at Thomaston Flats, Lincoln Co., on 16 Aug (F.V. Hebard, I. and L. Merrill, in AFN cit. unk.), five at same location, 5–6 Sep (AFN, cit. unk.), and three in W. Scarborough on 26 Jul (m.ob., MASFC). S pring :
At Seawall Beach: 1 ph. 21–22 May 1983, first so
Snowy Plover
One of the most northerly occurrences ever for this small ground-nester
Status in Maine: Accidental. A 2017 record was accepted as Maine’s first by Maine Bird Records Committee. A male in breeding plumage was discovered and photographed associating with Piping Plovers on Half Mile Beach at Reid State Park, Georgetown, on 13 June 2017 (Z. Fait, M. Edmunson, et al.). A Snowy Plover was seen in Newport, Rhode Island, two months earlier. Global Distribution: Breeds along Pacific Coast of Mexico to WA; interior from CA to UT and NM to NE, also at scattered interior sites, AZ north to SK; along Gulf Coast, FL to Veracruz, Mexico; in cen. Mexico; and Caribbean. Winters along se. Pacific and Gulf Coasts south to Cen. Am; cen. Mexico and Caribbean. Occurs as vagrant on Atlantic Coast north to Cape Cod, MA; Newport, RI; Lunenberg, NS; and n. L. Ontario. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; ESA: Threatened; USSCP: Greatest Concern. Remarks: Snowy Plover (C. nivosus) was split from Kentish Plover (C. alexandrinus) of Eurasia and Africa in 2011. PDV and CDD
Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) A diverse family of waders, sandpipers run the gamut of body size, bill length, and breeding habits from diminutive
documented in ME (PDV, ph.; R. Muskat); male ph. 9–10 Jun
Least Sandpipers to large curlews. Unique combinations of
1999 (PDV, B. Vickery; NAB 5: 259); 1, 22 Jun–11 Jul 2016 also at
multiple species to forage together without competing.
S.P., 19–21 May 2010 (m.ob., eBird). Elsewhere, female at Little
have been recorded in Maine.
1985 (PDV, ph.; AB 39: 886); male at Seawall Beach on 9 May
Seawall Beach (L. Zitske and m.ob., eBird). One at nearby Reid
194
bill shape and length, leg length and feeding habits allow More than a third of the world’s 90+ sandpiper species
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda
An observer of Upland Sandpiper chicks remarked he was seeing ‘downy uppies’
Status in Maine: Although reduced in number since the mid-19th century, Upland Sandpipers (known to birders as “uppies”) are uncommon and local breeders on large agricultural fields, blueberry barrens, and even airports throughout much of Maine. While absent from the Western Mountain region of Somerset and Franklin Counties, they are common Downeast in Washington County and since the 1970s have increased along with the expansion of blueberry agriculture. Spring migrants arrive mid-April to midMay and fall birds generally depart by late August or early September. Maine Conservation Status: Threatened because of small populations, regional population declines, and diminishing habitat in the Northeast. Historical Status in Maine: Upland Sandpipers experienced serious population declines in the late 19th–early 20th centuries because of extensive market hunting in N. Am., Argentina, and other parts of S. Am. For example, in 1890, two game dealers in Boston received more than 9,000 Upland Sandpipers for sale (Mackay 1891) and some 50,000–60,000 Upland Sandpipers were shipped annually from New England from the late 1870s to 1890 (Houston and Bowen 2001). Knight (1908, 178) noted this decline, “though this species formerly occurred commonly during the migrations and was not rare as a summer resident of various portions of the State, it is now decidedly less common and the number of breeding birds which occur in the State are very few.” Palmer (1949, 212) stated, “by 1912, the species was rare in the Portland–Scarborough area . . . The records for the state were few indeed from then until after 1920.” Brewster (1925) did not record Upland Sandpipers in the L. Umbagog region. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds NB, w. NS, and ME, locally throughout New England to s. QC and ON, west through MI, MN, s. SK, MB, and AB, south to PA, NJ, w. VA (scarce), IN, IL, KS, ne. CO. Separate population nests in AK and NT, also rarely in OR. Winters in S. Am. primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Suriname. Migrates north mainly through mid-continent; southerly migration more easterly.
Upland Sandpiper
Remarks: Blueberry barrens provide essential habitat for Upland Sandpipers in Midcoast and e. ME, largely because they provide extensive open areas that are critical for this species’ breeding (Vickery et al. 1994). In Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo Cos., the only known regular Upland Sandpiper breeding sites have been on blueberry barrens at Clarry Hill, Union, where three to six pairs nested regularly from 1982 to at least 2000 (M. Libby and PDV ), and on Appleton Ridge, Appleton, where two to three pairs were reported, Jun 1989 (PDV ). Likely small numbers have nested on other large barrens in this area; J. Smith reported a pair in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., in 2008 and 2009. In Hancock Co., Upland Sandpipers breed on blueberry barrens on Blue Hill Peninsula, in Sedgwick (C. Moseley), Surry (PDV ), and probably elsewhere. With more and larger blueberry barrens east of Ellsworth, Upland Sandpipers are now common throughout these barrens. In Washington Co., the species has increased substantially since 1970. ME’s 2006 species assessment found the number of breeding pairs in ME in the 1990s (the latest data they cite) probably exceeded 160 pairs “although the exact 195
Birds of Maine
number is unknown and undoubtedly varies annually” (MDIFW 2006; Shriver et al. 2005a). By 2008, N. Famous estimated >500 pairs in e. Hancock and Washington Cos., 50 in Columbia on 8 Jul 1997 and 13 Jul 1999; 40 in T25 MD BPP on 30 Jun 1998 and 9 Jul 2002. However, many locations in mid-ME that once supported breeding Upland Sandpipers no longer do. S pring :
!
Arrival 15 Apr–15 May, but dates vary annually.
From 1982–2005, J. Despres reported 81% of Upland
! ! !
Sandpipers first appeared in Turner 25 Apr–10 May with
!
earliest arrival 20 Apr 2005 and latest on 18 May 1986. In
!
!
! ! !! ! !! !! !
Somerset and n. Kennebec Cos., first migrants consistently
arrived 27–30 Apr from 1995–2000, earliest arrival in Clinton,
!
21 Apr 2009 (W. Sumner). In Aroostook Co. birds arrive
early to mid-May: 7 Sandpipers in Limestone, 16 May 2009
!!
(WJS). Exceptionally early: 1 in S. Thomaston, 26 Mar 1983
Upland Sandpiper Breeding Sites 2018
(M. Libby); 1 in Portland, 29 Mar 2000 (R. Eakin); 2 birds in
Bangor, 6 Apr 1980 (fide W. Townsend); 1 on E. Egg Rock, 6
Apr 1984 (S. Kress). Migrants continue until late May: single birds on Monhegan I., where rare, on 23 May 1997 (L. K.
Brinker) and 28 May 1989 ( JVW ). S ummer :
Since 1950s, Upland Sandpipers have diminished
across s. and cen. ME, and are currently restricted to limited
number of breeding sites except in Hancock and Washington
Cos. In York Co., sandpipers bred regularly in Dayton until late
1970s: 13 reported, 20 Jul 1969 (MN 1: 7) and maximum of 22
noted on 24 Jul 1971 (MN 3: 14). Adult reported from Windham,
Cumberland Co., 13 Jun 1966 (MFN 22: 135). Species has been breeding at Kennebunk Plains for decades; regular censuses
since 1984 counted 6–12 pairs at this site. Similar grassland
bird inventories recorded Upland Sandpipers at Wells Barren
(1–3 pairs), although breeding since 2007 is doubtful ( J. Mays), and 1–5 pairs also recorded at Sanford Airport (PDV, JVW, L.
Brinker, et al.). Upland Sandpipers present at Portland Jetport from late 1970s, when it was considered a possible nester
(Adamus 1987), to late 1990s; at least 2 reported at this site in
1995 (L. Brinker) and 1997 (PDV).
In Cumberland Co., 5–6 pairs recorded nesting along
runways at Brunswick Landing (formerly Brunswick Naval
Air Station), Brunswick, 17 Jul 1985 (PDV and P.K. Donahue),
where they may remain, although midsummer records are few;
one pair reported in aerial display, 12 Jun 2015 (M. Fahay, eBird).
On territory in blueberry barrens along Maquoit Rd., Brunswick,
3–4 pairs also found Jun–Jul 1988 (PDV and G. Therrien).
However, it appears they no longer breed at this site because a
high school was constructed on the barren. One pair along Rt.
During ABBM period, 1978–1983, this species not reported
in Oxford and Franklin Cos., and was found at few localities in s. Somerset and Piscataquis Cos. (Adamus 1987). In s.
Somerset and n. Kennebec Cos., Upland Sandpipers bred in Canaan, Skowhegan, Norridgewock (2 adults and 1 young
in Norridgewock, 9 Jul 1966; MFN 22: 135), Mercer, Clinton,
Benton, Waterville, and Sidney in 1970s (Adamus 1987) with
birds persisting to 1990s (W. Sumner, D. Mairs). As of 2010,
they continued only at Waterville Airport and in Benton and
Clinton (L. Bevier and W. Sumner).
In Penobscot Co., Upland Sandpipers bred in Corinth,
8 Jun 1966 (G. Freese) and most consistently at Bangor
International Airport, from ~1982 ( JVW) to present (M.
Lucey, J. Markowsky, B. Barker et al.). It seems likely this
species once bred in agricultural fields northwest of Bangor in
Dexter and Charleston, as well as the area now occupied by
the Bangor Mall shopping centers built in 1977 ( J. Wells, pers.
com.). In Aroostook Co., the old Loring Air Force Base, now
Aroostook Co. NWR, in Limestone, is only site where they
still nest regularly: 20 on 15 Jul 1997 and 7 adults on 16 Jun 2012
(both WJS). Species may have nested in hayfields at Christina
Reservoir, Ft. Fairfield, as well as Presque Isle and Houlton airports but these sites vacant in recent years (WJS).
In Washington Co., Upland Sandpipers are seen in multiple
blueberry barrens, all fide eBird: 10 in Columbia, 5 Jun 2017 (M.
Longabaugh); 8 in Columbia Falls, 1 Jun 2014 (P. Trueblood); and 8 in Deblois, 30 Jun 2017 (S. Surner). F all :
No conspicuous fall migration pattern with large flocks
201 in n. Topsham, Jun 1988, present for a few years (PDV), and
concentrating at predictable staging areas; some birds depart
years (D. Nickerson).
Small pre-migratory aggregations, 15–25 birds, seen at large
1–2 pairs in Pownal, 16 Jul 1995, did not return in subsequent
196
nesting areas by mid-Jul while others linger into early Sep.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
breeding areas, particularly in Washington Co. where species
is most abundant: 40 in Deblois early Aug 1986 (AB 41: 56).
Earliest migrants along coast: 1 at Isles of Shoals–Appledore I. on 3 Jul 2016 (L. Berigan, eBird); unspecified number at
Machias Seal I. on 8 Jul 2005 (H. King, eBird); 1 at Sprague
Neck, Cutler, 22 Jul 2009 (fide E. Hynes); 1 at Otter Pt, ANP,
on 23 Jul 1985 (A. Guarente, eBird); and 1 at Popham Beach S.P. on 27 Jul 2016 ( J. Curd, eBird). Species uncommon at coastal shorebird sites mid-Aug to early Sep.
In Turner, J. Despres found last date for Upland Sandpipers
ranged from 14 Aug (2 years)–19 Sep 1991, an extremely late date.
Last dates in most years (67%) fell 16 Aug–4 Sep. Unusually late departure dates in Turner: 10 Sep 1983, 10 Sep 1986, and 19 Sep
1991 (all J. Despres). These findings are consistent with departure dates at Kennebunk Plains (PDV et al.), with exception of
single bird observed on remarkably late date of 26 Oct 1995
(R. Eakin). In Aroostook Co., Upland Sandpipers depart by
mid-Aug, latest records: 3 birds at L. Josephine, 17 Aug 2003
(WJS) and single bird in Limestone, 16 Sep 1997 ( J. Lortie). In
Washington Co., 12 Upland Sandpipers unusually late in T26
ED BPP, 11 Sep 1999 (N. Famous). Casual on outer islands in
fall: 1 on Monhegan I., 4 Sep 1981 and 5 Sep 1983 (both PDV);
and 1 at Seal I. NWR on 8 Sep 2017 (F. Mayer, eBird).
Two exceptionally late fall records lacked substantiating
details and should be disregarded: 1 in Scarborough, 16 Nov 1960
(MFO 5: 121); and 1 immature in Bar Harbor, 3–12 Dec 1995 (FN
50: 21–22, FN 50: 148). PDV and CDD
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus Anyone who sees a Whimbrel roll a blueberry down its long, curved bill will never forget it
Status in Maine: Whimbrels are rare spring migrants along the coast between late April and early June, and regular coastal migrants in fall from July to late September, becoming rare again by October. This status has not changed substantially in the past 100 years. In fall, Whimbrels are most common in Washington County, with regular counts of 40–100 birds. While generally casual inland, they occur regularly, and in numbers, in Washington County blueberry barrens.
regarded Whimbrels as rare spring migrants and regular to “occasionally common in fall coastwise and very rare inland.” Brewster’s (1925) only record was a female taken on the NH side of L. Umbagog, 18 Sep 1888. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. in 2 distinct populations: w. Hudson Bay in Canada and nw. Canada and AK; Old World range Iceland and Scotland to n. and cen. Russia. New World Whimbrels winter on coast in NC, Gulf Coast states, and Caribbean, and from coastal CA to Mexico south to s. S. Am. (see Map 11). Remarks: Subspecific identification of white-rumped Whimbrels in the field is difficult. Both N. p. phaeopus (nesting in Iceland and mainland Europe) and N. p. alboaxillaris (breeding in s. Russia) have a white lower back and rump. N. p. variegatus (e. Siberia) has a brown back and barred white rump. An Old World subspecies of white-rumped Whimbrel, that is, either N. p. alboaxillaris or N. p. variegatus, was observed among 31 Whimbrels at Biddeford Pool, mid-Aug 1978 (R. Skully, AB 33: 155) Fall Whimbrel numbers in s. ME variable year to year but suggest decline since 1950s–1960s. Counts of 25–35 regular to 1981; high count: >50 at Scarborough, 2 Aug 1981 (PDV, eBird). Thirty-one at Scarborough Marsh, 10 Sep 2006 (E. Hess); in past decade, counts at Scarborough have not exceeded 10. However, on Stratton I., which was not censused before 1987, high counts up to 100 on 18 Jul 2005 (S. Hall, eBird) and 24 on 26 Jul 2012 (Project Puffin, eBird). Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern for Alaskan and Canadian breeding populations because of high threats and population declines. S pring :
Very rare. Although Palmer listed only 3 spring
occurrences, 1 or 2 individuals reported nearly annually since
1980, earliest at Weskeag Marsh, 13 Apr 2000 (D. Mairs and D. Reimer). Unusually large early counts: 10 in Small Pt.,
Phippsburg, 5 May 1979 ( JEP) and a remarkable estimate of
200 migrants between Gouldsboro and Steuben, 5 May 1983 (N. Famous). Records are slightly more frequent from 23 May to
early Jun. Largest count during this period: 11 in Cape Elizabeth,
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
24 May 1996 (K. Gammons).
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered this species a spring migrant, here only in May, and a fall migrant from late Jul–late Sep. Palmer (1949, 207)
one in Medomak, Lincoln Co., by A. Cruickshank on 8 Jun 1942
S ummer :
At least 12 records 10–22 Jun hard to classify as either
late northbound or early southbound birds. Palmer considered
a late-spring migrant.
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Birds of Maine
Whimbrels
F all :
First fall migrants generally
appear in small numbers by first week of
Jul, but there are ~12 late Jun records, all coastal (m.ob., eBird). Numbers quickly increase; by mid-Jul adults common
along coast. Large counts, presumably
Mackenzie Delta, NWT
adults, on Stratton I.: 100 on 18 Jul 2005
(ISS); 68 on 11 Aug 1990 ( J. Skinner, AB
45: 76); 65 on 1 Aug 1998 (ISS); 51 on 6
Aug 2003 (eBird, Project Puffin); and 50 on 22 Jul 1991 (Project Puffin, eBird).
Most numerous in Washington Co.
where counts of 40–100 birds regular
1980s–1990s: 41 in Jonesport, 18 Aug
1980; 30 in Little Machias Bay, Aug 1980;
>60 in Milbridge and Harrington, early
Aug 1980; 30 in Trescott, early Aug 1980 (all N. Famous). Other large counts in
Washington Co.: 200 in Cherryfield, 15
Eastern Shore, VA
Aug 1992 (AB 47: 64); 150 in Cutler, 16
Aug 1997 (N. Famous); 150 in Machias Bay, 8 Sep 1998 (N. Famous); 125 in
Jonesport, 1 Aug 2003 (N. Famous).
More recently at Flat Bay, Harrington,
fide eBird: 127 on 22 Jul 2016 (M. and
A. Archie) and 38 on 3 Aug 2015 ( J.
Turner and L. Starr). Large Sep counts,
presumably juveniles: “hundreds . . . heard
St. Croix, USVI
overhead just after midnight” in Roque
Bluffs, 6 Sep 1988 (T. Preston, AB 43:
63); 150 in Machias Bay, 8 Sep 1998 (N.
Famous); 80 at Little Machias Bay on 1
Sep 1991 (MDIFW, eBird); 35 on Roque
I., Jonesport, 3 Sep 1998 (N. Famous).
Most depart by late Sep but at least
24 Oct records, latest: 1 in Eastport, 8
Oct 2006 (N. Famous); 1 at Biddeford
Pool 7–10 Oct 2016 (m.ob., eBird.); 1 on
Penobscot Mtn., Mount Desert I., 11 Oct
2010 (L. Gray); 1 south of Dover-Foxcroft,
198
Map 11: Whimbrel Migration Satellite transmitter tracks of a female Whimbrel nicknamed “Hope” from 2009–2012 (spring, yellow; fall, red). She bred in the Mackenzie River Delta, NT, Canada, and wintered each year at Great Pond, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean. In 2009 and 2012, the shorebird’s southbound route crossed Maine. Researchers removed the transmitter in the winter of 2012. The bird was seen on St. Croix after surviving Category 5 Hurricane Irma in August 2017 but was not seen after Hurricane Maria, also Category 5, which struck two weeks later. (F. Smith, Center for Conservation Biology, pers. com.)
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
12 Oct 1898 (Knight 1908); adult at Scarborough on 19 Oct 2008 and another on same date following year (both R. Lambert,
eBird); 1, Biddeford Pool, 24 Oct 2006 (fide D. Lovitch); 1 on
Hermit I., Phippsburg, 26 Oct 2006 (M. Fahay).
(Smith); in 1879, during a September gale, ‘thousands’ alighted about a pond in South Portland (S.D. Rummery) . . .” (Palmer 1949, 209–210).
N.C. Brown described an 1877 flight in N. Yarmouth in an unpublished letter to R. Deane, dated 5 Sep 1877: Washington Co., where species is regular: 110 in Deblois, 2 “On the 27th day of August, word was brought to one of Aug 1987 (PDV) and 150 in same area 11 Aug 1987 (CDD); our sportsmen that many large plover were flying about and 60 from Epping to Schoodic L., 14 Aug 1990 (CDD). a field in North Yarmouth. . . . The gentleman took his More recently, MDIFW and Stantec survey of Washington gun and repaired to the field, in expectation of getting Co. barrens found 108 near Schoodic L. on 27 Jul 2017 and 50 some Upland Plover [Sandpiper] shooting. To his there a week later, the same day 60 were recorded in Jonesboro surprise, however, he found a large flock of Esquimaux (MDIFW, pers. com.). Elsewhere, species casual inland: Knight Curlew, and after bagging fourteen birds he returned reported 1 shot south of Dover-Foxcroft, 12 Oct 1898, and to town and notified five of his friends. . . .On the Palmer reported 1 in Brewer, 15 Aug 1945. More recently: 1 at morning of August 28th upon reaching the ground, an Sebasticook L., 18 Aug 2012 (A. Higgins, eBird); 1 in Augusta, 5 undulating stretch of ‘grassland’ about a mile and a half Sep 1984 (S. Weston); 2 at Clarry Hill, Union, 11 Sep 1992 (D. long and three-quarters of a mile wide, they discovered Reimer); 1 in Richmond, 6 Sep 1992 (PDV); 1 in Sanford, 13 Sep the curlew feeding in a patch of clover, their numbers 2004 (R. Crowley). In Aroostook Co., 2 at Christina Reservoir, swelled by fresh arrivals since the day before, and now Ft. Fairfield, 12 Sep 1999 ( J. Greenlaw and M. Trombley, NAB 54: 28) and 7 at same locality, 23 Aug 2009 (WJS); 1 in Woodland, aggregating several hundred individuals. . . . Another immense flock of birds appeared in the N. E., passed 23 Aug 2009 ( J. Belanger, ph.). over the gunners’ heads and with slight hesitation PDV and CDD alighted in the grass . . . And this was but the vanguard. All day great masses of birds kept coming from the N. E., circling over the fields and only withdrew after Eskimo Curlew they had been repeatedly shot at. I have spoken of the Numenius borealis birds generally as curlew, and nine tenths of them were Esquimaux Curlew (N. borealis) . . . The ground was Once a common migrant, last seen in Maine in 1929, revisited the following day but only a few birds were and last reliably recorded anywhere in 1963 found” (Palmer 1949, 209–210). Status in Maine: Extinct. Prior to the late 19th century, the Eskimo Curlew was a regular, occasionally Brewster (1925, 268) recorded a single Eskimo Curlew in Upton, Oxford Co., on 11 Sep 1880: “[A]n Eskimo locally abundant, fall migrant. However, there are no Curlew that we saw on the mud-flats near the mouth confirmed records in Maine after four were shot in of Cambridge River, while beating for snipe, made 1929. Other known 20th century records: one female several short flights and uttered a note which was shot on 23 September 1901 (Forbush 1912), a few shot absolutely different from that of the Hudsonian on 9 September 1905, and a flock of 14 on 3 September Curlew [Whimbrel]. This, with its small size, served 1907 (Pillsbury), all in Scarborough (Palmer 1949). to identify it satisfactorily.” Palmer included this Historical Status in Maine: Eskimo Curlews were record as an example of a rare inland occurrence but regular fall migrants through the Gulf of ME prior added the bird was not identified beyond doubt. to 1880s, with large numbers observed on land By 1908 Knight considered the species rare. Palmer primarily following northeast storms or hurricanes (1949, 208) reported it was “formerly an abundant (Smith 1882). The main passage occurred late Aug to mid-Sep but there were also late records in Oct–Nov fall transient across the Gulf of ME and irregularly common to abundant along the coast and rare (Palmer 1949). Palmer cited reports from various inland; one spring record.” Palmer clarified the last market gunners, providing an account of conditions known record for ME as follows. In 1939, Norton that brought major flights to ME: “In 1878, after a received a letter from Paul F. Eckstorm that four southeast wind and heavy rain all day on August Eskimo Curlews were apparently shot near Schoodic 25, the weather cleared in the evening and a great Pt. sometime around 1936. Eckstrom wrote: “My flight came to Scarborough, Pillsbury and I. Crocker informant took one, his boatman the other three. He shooting 31 birds with four shots, but when many knows shorebirds and knows the Hudsonian Curlew.” gunners went out the next day, the flight had passed Few inland records except on large blueberry barrens of
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Birds of Maine
Palmer was able to trace this incident and learned that the birds were shot at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, on 28 Aug 1929. Palmer wrote, “A competent student of birds who must remain anonymous, the informant dined with others on these small curlews. On becoming curious as to the identity of the birds, he examined the wings, which had been tossed out with garbage, and established that at least some of the wings were from Eskimo Curlews. Considering the illegality of taking any species of curlews at that time, it is easily understandable why the evidence was destroyed” (Palmer 1949, 209). Although this may not be an unimpeachable record, it seems likely to be correct. Although it is impossible to determine the former
size of the Eskimo Curlew population, the species was
sufficiently abundant—and delectable—to be shot in vast numbers, as recounted by the following: Carroll (1910)
told how 25–30 men shot up to 2,000 Eskimo Curlews in a single day in Labrador; Forbush (1916) noted that
in a single day, 7,000–8,000 birds (curlews and plovers)
were shot on two small islands in Massachusetts and $300 worth of curlews sold retail for $0.06 each (i.e., 5,000 birds); in Nebraska, 1866–1868, hunters filled wagons
to the sideboards with curlews shot during northward
migration (Swenk 1916). By 1890, large numbers were still being killed in Nebraska and shipped to Boston markets by the “barrels full” (300 curlews per barrel; Mackay
1891); other markets where curlews were sold included
Halifax, Montreal, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Omaha, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Wichita, and San Francisco.
Global Distribution: Formerly Nearctic. Breeding range from n. NT. Neotropical winter range, primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered; ESA: Endangered USSCP acknowledges this ESA designation. It is thought hunting was a primary factor driving the species toward extinction but there was no recovery after hunting was outlawed in 1916. Conversion of prairies to agriculture and attendant suppression of wildfires may, in fact, have been the decisive factor. The later conversion of S. Am. pampas to intensive agriculture hindered possible recovery (IUCN 2018). Last confirmed record was an individual shot in Barbados in 1963 (Roberts et al. 2010). PDV
200
Long-billed Curlew
Numenius americanus
A large, striking shorebird unreported in Maine in modern times
Status in Maine: Long-billed Curlews have not been reported in Maine since 1939. Historical Status in Maine: It seems likely Longbilled Curlews were regular coastal vagrants in ME in small numbers prior to 1850, given that they were occasionally common fall migrants in MA (Hill 1965). Palmer noted only four certain ME records and few additional reports of occurrence. There are fewer than 10 20th century records in MA (Veit and Petersen 1993). Knight said Long-billed Curlews were rare in Aug in Sagadahoc Co. He reported a single bird shot at Scarborough, 2 May 1886. Palmer added three fall records for Scarborough: 1 shot on 15 Aug 1866, another on 13 Aug 1869, and an observation of two by C. Nichols on 2 Sep 1939. Palmer wrote that Loring, who kept a careful shooting journal, “made a distinction between curlew, Jack Curlew (Hudsonian), and Dough bird (Eskimo Curlew). It is likely that at least some of the 15 birds he listed under ‘Curlew,’ and which he shot at Scarborough between 1842 and 1854, were Long-bills” (Palmer 1949, 206). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in prairie regions ND, SD, s. MB, and AB, SK, south to KS and e. CO, to NM and ne. CA. Winters primarily from CA, coastal TX, and FL through Mexico. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern because of significant threats and steep population declines. Long-billed Curlews have declined substantially during the past 150 years, particularly on the East Coast. Formerly a common migrant along the Atlantic Coast from MA south, it is now rare. Market gunning and loss of breeding habitat were responsible for these declines (Dugger and Dugger 2002). Remarks: Finch reconsidered a reported Long-billed Curlew at Biddeford Pool, 7 May 1968 (AFN 22: 586–590) and now recommends that it be ignored (DWF, pers. com.). PDV
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single confirmed record of an adult, photographed at Pine Point, 31 August–8 September 1978 (M. Spears et al.; AB 33: 156). The grayish wing linings indicated this individual was of the race L. l. baueri, which breeds in Alaska and eastern Siberia. Subsequently, there was a sight record of an adult closely observed at Scarborough, 31 August 1980 (S. Weston, AB 35: 158; MBL 2: 51).
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 171) was uncertain about the Hudsonian Godwit’s abundance, saying, “seemingly this species occurs only as a rare fall migrant along the coast.” Brewster (1925) did not observe this species at L. Umbagog. However, Spinney (JMOS 2: 33) contended this species was “not rare” at Popham Beach in 1900. Palmer (1949, 233–234) considered the species “occasional” in fall, mentioning “about 40 individuals seen or shot between Aug 9 and about Oct 30, from 1842 to 1940, and…mostly from Scarborough.” He noted there were no records 1940– 1949, when MB was published. Godwits are conspicuous along the coast, and it appears that this species was less regular from the mid-19th century to 1949.
Global Distribution: Primarily Palearctic. Breeds in n. Scandinavia east to n. Siberia and n. and w. AK. Widespread winter range from Atlantic coast of Europe to Africa, s. Asia, Pacific Is., Australia, and New Zealand. In ne. N. Am., reported from NY, CT, MA, ME, NS, NFLD, and QC. Only two (of five) forms known to occur in N. Am.: nominate lapponica of w. Europe is a vagrant to e. N. Am.; baueri breeds in AK and is a casual vagrant to Pacific Coast, rarely ne. N. America.
From 1950 to 1969, one to eight Hudsonian Godwits were regular in fall, primarily at Biddeford Pool and Scarborough Marsh. Between 1970–1989, the species increased substantially, with maximum counts at Scarborough regularly exceeding 30 birds. Since 1990 godwits have been more unusual and counts rarely exceed 10 individuals. The pattern in ME is reflected on a regional scale. Bart et al. (2007) found a 3.5% annual decline in Hudsonian Godwits in e. N. Am. over the past 35 years.
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; USSCP: subspecies, L. l. baueri Greatest Concern.
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeding range partially known: Hudson Bay, ON, and MB; n. NT and AK. Winters in S. Am., restricted to coastal marshes and mudflats of s. Argentina and Chile, smaller numbers north to Brazil and Peru. Northern migration primarily west of Mississippi R.; southbound migrants usually fly nonstop James Bay to S. Am. with small numbers at stopover sites along Atlantic Coast, primarily MA south.
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
An Old World visitor to the Maine coast
Remarks: The report of a Bar-tailed Godwit at Over Spit Cove, Petit Manan NWR, 21 Nov 1987 (MBN 1: 30, AB 42: 234) should be disregarded. Details of the observation do not eliminate the possibility of a late dowitcher. PDV
Hudsonian Godwit
Limosa haemastica
Extraordinarily long-distance migrants, many Hudsonian Godwits fly nonstop over Maine
Status in Maine: The Hudsonian Godwit is a casual spring transient in late May and early June, and a rare fall migrant from early July into November. There are few records exceeding 10 birds in this century; in most years, the high counts range from one to four birds. This godwit is occasional to rare inland, with most records occurring in October, typically on lakes that are drawn down for water-quality management.
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern; USSCP: High Concern because of species’ “small range or population size,” rather than threats or population declines. S pring :
Casual spring transients, 6 records: 1 at Scarborough
Marsh on 17 May 2016 earliest recorded. Others there, 1 bird
each: 24 May 1988 (AB 42: 409) and on 7 Jun 2005 (PDV, JEP);
Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, 26 May 1982 ( JEP, ph.); Lamoine,
Hancock Co., 30 May 2009 ( J. Smith et al., ph.); and Stratton I.,
9 Jun 1997 (ISS, eBird). F all :
First adult migrants arrive 28 Jun–first week of Jul. Early
records in Scarborough: 2 on 28 Jun 1988 (K. Disney), 2 on 29
Jun 1997 (G. Carson), 3 ph. on 30 Jun 1989 ( J. Despres), 5 on 30 Jun (L. Brinker), 1 on 30 Jun 1984 (PDV, JVW), 1 and 2 on 29 Jun and 2 Jul 1990 ( J. Despres), 2 on 3 Jul 1992 (L. Brinker), 3
201
Birds of Maine
on 4 Jul 1996 (G. Carson). On Stratton
I., all fide eBird: at least 1 on 1 Jul 1992
(E. Kershner), 2 birds on 1 Jul 1997 (ISS),
Mackenzie Delta, NWT
increasing to 3 on 4 Jul 1997 (Project
Puffin and ISS), and 1 on Jul 2000 (Project Puffin); 7 birds, 5 Jul 1990 (Project Puffin)
and 4 same date in 1997 (Project Puffin and
ISS). Elsewhere: 3 at Reid S.P., 30 Jun 2007
(M. Mahnke); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 4 Jul
1995 (L. Brinker); and 1 over E. Egg Rock,
5 Jul 1950 (A. Cruickshank).
Since 2000, peak occurrence beginning
of Aug. Recorded 1–5 times each Oct, particularly at Biddeford Pool and
Scarborough Marsh. Nov records since
Orinoco Basin, Venezuela
2000 include Scarborough Marsh, all
fide eBird: 1 on 1 Nov 2011 and 2 next day
(both D. Hitchcox); 1 on 2 Nov 2013 (R. Lambert); an adult from 3–12 Nov 2007
(S. Walsh). Elsewhere: 2 at Biddeford
Pool on 1 Nov 2015 ( J. Fecteau, eBird); 1
exceptionally far east in Machias, 2 Nov
2002 (B. Southard); 1 in Thomaston, 5 Nov 2002 (M. Libby); 1 at Popham Beach, 6–7 Nov 2015; 1 at Sebasticook L., 6–11 Nov
2014. Latest reported: Wells, 23 Nov 2003
(L. Brinker), and S. Portland, 25 Nov 2002 (P. McGowan).
Inland records: at Cobbosseecontee
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
L.: 1 on 12–20 Oct 1984 (S. Weston), 1 on
23 Oct 1986 (PDV, eBird), and 2 on 22
Oct 1986 (W. Howes). At Annabessacook
L., Monmouth, Kennebec Co.: 1 on
10–12 Oct 1984 (S. Weston), 1 on 8 Oct 1986 (W. Howes). Sabattus Pond: 4 (1 adult, 1 juvenile, 2 unaged) on 19 Oct
1986 and 1 on 27 Oct 1989 ( J. Despres, P.
McWilliams). Sebasticook L.: 1 on 19 Oct
1996 (W. Sumner, FN 51: 25), 1 on 24 Oct
2002 ( J. Smith), and 1 on 6–11 Nov 2014
(B. Barker, L. Bevier, and B. Cole; eBird). Christina Reservoir: 1, 6–10 Oct 2010
Map 12: Hudsonian Godwit Migration While Hudsonian Godwits are occasionally seen in Maine on their southbound migrations, many simply fly right over the state. A male nicknamed “Kendall,” tagged with a satellite transmitter, left its breeding grounds in the Northwest Territory’s Mackenzie River Delta in mid-July 2013 to stage for two weeks along Hudson Bay. From there it flew almost 4,000 miles (6,500 km) nonstop in five days, passing over Maine on 5 September 2013, and ultimately landed in Venezuela. After several months, it continued to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina (Watts and Smith 2014; F. Smith, pers. com.). A similar route was taken by one of the 26 Hudsonian Godwits tagged in Alaska with light-sensitive geolocators in 2009–2012 (not shown; Senner et al. 2014).
(WJS, C. Kesselheim, and W. Helprin; eBird). Clinton, 1 from 14–18 Sep 2015
(m.ob., eBird). One at Greene, 19 Oct 2017
and total of 17 at Biddeford Pool
1988 (W. Sumner, AB 43: 63). Biddeford
Oct 2015 (m.ob., eBird).
1963, MFN 19: 122–123). Increased counts
15 on 13 Aug 1988 ( JVW), 17 on 18 Aug
(DWF, AB 27: 27), 31 on 15 Aug 1980 (AB
1990–2000: 20 on Stratton I., 18 Aug 1990
(S. Hatch, eBird); 3 at Sanford Lagoons, 14 Counts show historical fluctuation.
Maximum counts 1950s–1960s: 5 in
Phippsburg, 16–20 Aug 1950 (obs. unk.); 8
at Scarborough, 22 Aug 1959 (obs. unk.); 9 at Scarborough, 10 Aug 1969 (MASFC);
202
throughout fall migration, 1961 (Gobeil
1970–1990: Scarborough, 32 on 11 Aug 1972 35: 158), >30 on 18 Aug 1982 (AB 37: 156),
>30 on 11 Aug 1984 ( JEP), 32 on 7 Aug
Pool: 19 on 15 Aug 1986 ( JVW, AB 41:57),
1989 (R. and P. Kane). Decreased counts
( J. Skinner, AB 45: 76); 18 in Biddeford, 14
Aug 1994 (L. Brinker); 8 in Scarborough,
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
17 Jul 1995 (PDV); 10 in Biddeford, 5 Aug 1995 (L. Brinker); 20
for the species” (MBN 3: 6); 1 at Old Orchard Beach, 28–29 May
in Biddeford, 19 Aug 1997 (P. Comins); 12 on Stratton I., 1 Aug
2000 (G. Carson et al., NAB 54: 261); 1 at Reid S.P., 10 Jun 2004
Continued decline in 2000s; highest counts: 10 at S. Portland,
(D. Lovitch et al.; ph.).
1998 (L. Brinker); 7 in Biddeford, 10 Aug 1999 (P. Moynahan). 4 Oct 2011 (M. Viens and A. Perko, eBird); 8 in Biddeford, 3
Aug 2000 (P. Moynahan); 6 on Stratton I., 1 Aug 2002 (Project Puffin, eBird); 6 at Scarborough Marsh, 26 Sep 2003; and 5 in
Biddeford, 21 Aug 2005 (P. Moynahan). PDV and CDD
( J. Adams et al.; Guillemot 34: 25); 1 in Yarmouth, 2 May 2009 F all :
Rare annual fall migrants along coast, total of 1–4 birds,
sometimes present for weeks, at preferred areas at Scarborough,
Biddeford Pool, Wells, and Phippsburg beaches. High counts: 5
at Scarborough, 25 Aug 1862 (Palmer 1949), and, more recently, 4 at Lubec, 5 Sep 2010 (PDV, eBird). Single godwits exceptionally
early at Reid S.P. on 13–15 Jul 2017 (D. Lovitch) and at Biddeford
Marbled Godwit
Limosa fedoa
A large, striking shorebird with an even more striking upturned bill
Status in Maine: The Marbled Godwit is a strictly coastal species in Maine, a casual transient in spring and an uncommon, but regular, fall migrant east to Camden, Knox County. It is occasional farther east in fall. There are two winter records, one in Portland and one, lingering from late summer, in Biddeford. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 171) considered this species a “rare fall migrant,” and listed only four specimen records taken at Scarborough in Aug–Sep and 1 collected in Phippsburg, 13 Sep 1900. Palmer listed two spring records and considered the species rare in fall in Cumberland and York Cos., and very rare in Lincoln and Piscataquis Cos. He also listed a single inland record, now considered doubtful (see Remarks). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in central prairies of MB; SK; e. AB; to James Bay, ON; w. MN; south to ND; SD; and MT. Winters along Atlantic Coast from NC to FL, TX, and Mexico; on Pacific Coast, from WA and OR (local), CA, Mexico to Panama. Remarks: The only inland record is dubious, “one seen at close range on September 10, 1944, on the tableland on Mt. Katahdin (M. Linton, fide Palmer 1949, 233).” The bird was not carefully described and may have been a Short-billed Dowitcher. A spring record from Steuben, 10 May 1991 (AB 45: 417) should be disregarded. S pring :
Casual spring vagrant: ~6 records, 4 since 1989. Palmer
reported 2 from Scarborough Marsh: 1 taken 20 Apr 1865
and 1 collected late May 1884. Additional spring records: 1 at
Scarborough Marsh, 22 May 1989 (W. Howes et al, AB 43: 450), inaccurately described as “apparently Maine’s first spring record
Pool, 25 Jun 1961 (MFO 6: 62). Ten records 20–31 Jul. Notably, 3
from seabird nesting islands: 1 adult at E. Egg Rock, 24 Jul 1991
(B. North); 1 on Stratton I., 30 Jul 1993 (T. Gaine, fide S. Benz) and another there 29 Jul 2017 (Z. Smith, eBird). Regular along southern coast Aug to mid-Sep. Three seen by Cruickshank
on W. Egg Rock, Lincoln Co., 6 Aug 1947 considered unusual
(Palmer 1949). Less frequent in Hancock and Washington Cos. In Lubec, reported 22–29 Aug 1983 (PDV and P. Weld, fide
W. Townsend); 14–26 Aug 1999 (D. Crockett, NAB 54: 28); one on 9-10 Oct 2008 (C. Bartlett, ph.); as well as 2010 high count
given above. Additional Washington Co. reports: Milbridge, 16
Aug 1995, and Cutler, 1 Aug 1998 (N. Famous). Casual in late
Oct–Nov: 1–2 at Pine Pt., 28 Oct 1996 (G. Carson, FN 51: 25); 1
at Back Cove, Portland, 3–4 Nov 1960 (D. Edgarton); 1 at Wells
Harbor, 21–23 Nov 2003 (F. Pratt and L. Brinker).
Migration timing in ME inadequately known, appears adults
comprise early migrants. First positively identified juveniles reported 7–12 Aug 1994 at Scarborough Marsh (L. Brinker,
PDV, et al.) and 7 Aug 2010 at Seawall Beach (G. Smith, eBird).
Juveniles probably make up most records after 15 Aug, but not
studied carefully. Latest known record: adult reported at Biddeford
on 29 Aug 2013 lingered until at least 13 Sep 2013 (ISS, eBird). W inter :
2 records: 1 at Back Cove, Portland, 1 Jan 1974 (G.
Sharpe, ph.; MAS, Jan 1974); and an immature at Biddeford, first seen 26 Aug 2016 and reported almost daily until 15 Dec of that
year (L. Eastman, m.ob., eBird). PDV and CDD
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
A shorebird that avoids mudflats in favor of rocky and sandy beaches, overturning pebbles and seaweed with its unique, upturned mandible
Status in Maine: Ruddy Turnstones are common spring migrants, arriving in early to mid-May and remaining until early June. Regular but rare in summer on offshore seabird-nesting islands; elsewhere, summering appears to be irregular, but this warrants 203
Birds of Maine
further investigation to distinguish between migrant and resident birds. Southbound migrants appear, albeit rarely, as early as late June; most birds, and the largest flocks, are seen in August. Numbers decrease through the end of September. Turnstones are rare in winter along the coast, although regular at Biddeford Pool. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered this species a common spring migrant in s. ME and abundant along the coast in fall. This has not changed appreciably since 1908, although Ruddy Turnstones appear to be less numerous fall migrants since the 1980s, mirroring the species’ overall decline. Neither Knight nor Palmer mentioned turnstones wintering in ME.
S pring :
Earliest arrive late Apr–early May with 2–70 along
York Co. coast: 20 at Biddeford Pool, 16 Apr 1982 ( JEP)
increased to 70 by 26 Apr 1982 (PDV); 70 at Biddeford Pool on
26 Apr 2012 (PDV, eBird) and 32 there 22 Apr 2008 (N. McReel, eBird). Spring high counts usually last week of May–early Jun:
308 and 257 at Stratton I. on 30 May 2011 and 26 May 1996,
respectively (both Project Puffin Data, eBird); 300 at Biddeford
Pool on 4 Jun 1961 (MFO 6: 62) and 175 there on 22 May 1968
(obs.unk.); and 200 at Scarborough Marsh, 22 May 2008 (M.
Resch). Only large spring turnstone numbers in Washington
Co. reported from Great Wass I., were 40 birds on 22 May 1983 and 35 on 27 May 2006 (both N. Famous). Ruddy Turnstones
remain into first 2 weeks of Jun: flock of 54 birds notable at Reid
S.P., 5 Jun 2006 (fide D. Lovitch). Accidental inland in spring, 2 records: 18–21 at Lower Richardson L., Twp. C, Oxford Co., 31
May 1987 ( J. Chivers) and 1 ph. at Plymouth Pond, Penobscot Co., 2 Jun 2005 (B. Bagley).
Ruddy Turnstones and Red Knots
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. in high Arctic from n. Canada to coastal AK; also n. Greenland, n. Europe, and Russia. Broad winter range: w. Atlantic from NS, s. ME, and MA to FL, Caribbean, Cen. Am. and S. Am. to Tierra del Fuego; on Pacific Coast from n. CA (locally in WA), to Mexico, Cen. Am., and S. Am. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern because of significant threats and population declines, the latter estimated at more than 80% since 1970s (L. Niles, pers. com.). 204
S ummer :
Rare on rocky offshore islands, especially Stratton I.
and E. Egg Rock, fewer than 10 each year in late Jun. Elsewhere,
challenging to distinguish summering birds from late-spring and early-fall migrants, since spring migrants seen until 10
Jun and fall migrants appear in late Jun. Actual frequency of summering birds probably underestimated.
F all :
Common along coast Jul–Aug, most birds departing by
late Sep. Few birds linger Oct–Nov and rarely Dec at limited
preferred sites along southern coast (Scarborough, Biddeford
Pool, Kittery Pt., Stratton I.). Juveniles appear mid- to late
Aug–Sep.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Several records of early migrants late Jun: 3 adults on
Stratton I., 24 Jun 1995 (PDV); 2 at same locality, 30 Jun 2009
(D. Hitchcock); and 3 adults at Seawall Beach, on 29 Jun 1999
York I., 17 Mar 2005 (K. Gentalen); and 3 on islands off Sorrento, Hancock Co., on 12 Jan 2004 (ISS, eBird). PDV and CDD
(PDV and R. Ridgely). Peak fall arrival early to mid-Aug in reduced numbers since 1980s. Intertidal bar off Bar Harbor supported large numbers of turnstones 1970s–1980s: 530 on
Great Knot
17 Aug 1977, 400 on 16 Aug 1977 and on 6 Aug 1980, 300 on 3
Calidris tenuirostris
S. Weston; MBL 2: 50). Since then fewer observed here with
An unprecedented visitor and a globally endangered species
Sep 1978 (all ISS), and >1,000 on 14 Aug 1980 (M. Lucey and unusual maximum of 200, 10 Aug 2002 (W. Townsend).
Other large autumn counts: several hundred annually at
Stratton I. and at E. Egg Rock, maxima of 570 on 6 Aug 2003 at former and 500 on 4 Aug 1995 at latter; 300 at Seal I. on 4 Aug
2002 (all Project Puffin Data, eBird); and same number from
Seawall Beach, on 20 Sep 2016 (R. Lambert and K. McOmbre, eBird) and at Petit Manan NWR, 4 Aug 1991 (R. Widrig, AB
46: 63); 250 off Stonington, 11 Aug 1998 (ISS, eBird); and 180 at
Herrick Bay, Brooklin, Hancock Co., on 29 Jul 1994 (MDIFW, eBird).
Unusual late-fall records away from Biddeford Pool: 22 at
Jenny I., Harpswell, 28 Nov 1983 (obs.unk.); 15 at Wells on 4 Nov
2008 (K. O’Brien, eBird); and 2 at Pemaquid Pt., 1 Nov 2000 (M. Libby). In Hancock Co., all fide eBird: singletons at ANP on
4 Nov 2016 (R. MacDonald) and 29 Nov 2017 (E. Ripma), and
at Bar Harbor on 12 Nov 2015 (R. MacDonald). In Washington
Co., 3 at Oak Pt., Harrington, 6 Nov 2016, and 2 same day at
Evergreen Pt. Rd., Jonesboro (both C. Todd, eBird).
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single record of an adult in alternate plumage photographed on Seal Island, Criehaven Township, 23 July 2016 (K. Yakola et al. BO 45: 96). Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 2016. Global Distribution: Largely eastern Palearctic. Breeds primarily in ne. Russia. Winters mainly in Australia but also other countries in Southeast Asia. One other record for e. N. Am. photographed in Winfield, WV, 13–14 Aug 2007 (Fazio and Wiltraut 2008). Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered. PDV
Notably rare inland. Brewster (1925) listed 3 fall occurrences
at L. Umbagog, all birds shot: 1 on 2 Sep 1880, 1 on 8 Sep 1880, and 2 young birds on 27 Aug 1896. At Clinton, one bird each:
Red Knot
28–30 Aug 2011, and 2 on 9 Sep that year (L. Brinker, eBird); 11
Calidris canutus
In Penobscot Co.: 1 at Enfield on 22–23 Aug 2016 ( J. Heuschkel
Our largest “peep,” a long-distance migrant now much reduced in numbers
Aug 2012 (R. Speirs, eBird); and 11–25 Aug 2017 (m.ob., eBird). and T. Giberti, eBird); 1 at Costigan on 10 Sep 1986 (PDV,
eBird). Aroostook Co records: 1 at L. Josephine, fall, early 1990s
(WJS); 2 at St. Agatha on 2 Aug 2014; an immature at Trafton L., 19 Aug 2012;, and 1 at Christina Reservoir on 28 Aug 2016
(all WJS, eBird). W inter :
Six birds were first recorded wintering in ME at
Biddeford Pool, 22 Feb 1958 (MFO 3: 27). Gobeil (1963) regularly observed several at this site in 1961; 16 reported on 13 Feb 1966
(RNEB 22: 7). First noted on Biddeford CBC in 1973; nearly
annual since, maximum of 30 observed 21 Dec 1980. Irregular
elsewhere in s. ME: at Seapoint Beach, Kittery Pt., since 1984;
wintered there in 2008 and 2009, maximum of 22 birds, 11 Dec
2008 (P. Augusta). One at Maquoit Bay, Brunswick (Freeport–
Brunswick CBC) on 30 Dec 2006; 5 in Freeport, 15 Jan 2014 (R.
Timberlake, eBird); Reid S.P. (Lower Kennebec R. CBC): 1 on
20 Dec 2008 (M. Fahay); 3 in Friendship, Knox Co., on 27 Dec 2008 (fide J. Gray). Since 2003, up to 12 turnstones occurred in
Jan in Boothbay Harbor ( J. Morse). Farther east: 20 on White
Horse Ledge, Isle au Haut, 28 Feb 2003 (ISS, eBird); 5 on nearby
Status in Maine: Red Knots are rare to uncommon northbound migrants on Maine’s coast in spring and uncommon southbound migrants in fall. They are rare in summer and exceptionally so in early winter. There are no recent inland records. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: First recorded mention of “Knotes” in ME is from Josselyn in 1674. Palmer pointed out that both Boardman (1897) and Knight commented that the species had already become scarce around the turn of the 19th century. Palmer considered the species rare in spring and summer and uncommon in fall along the coast, as well as rare inland in fall (one on unspecified date in 1935 in Somerset Co.). Knots were hunted in ME until 205
Birds of Maine
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Spring adults were known as “robin-snipes” and fall birds, mostly immatures, were “gray-backs.” Palmer cited one hunter who shot 10 in the 1896 season.
May 2009 (D. Lovitch, eBird); and 35 in Biddeford Pool, 29 May 1985 (PDV and JVW, eBird). S ummer :
Summering knots infrequent from mid-Jun to Jul,
typically 1–4 birds along s. coast. The 26 on E. Egg Rock, 23
Global Distribution: Circumpolar breeding. Each of the six Red Knot subspecies has its own migration route along the world’s coastlines. Migrants to ME, subspecies C. c. rufa, breed in Canadian low Arctic and winter in se. U.S., Caribbean, coastal ne. Brazil, and Tierra del Fuego in southernmost S. Am. Other subspecies winter along coasts of w. Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Tunisia, W. Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Jul 1993, were exceptional (Project Puffin, eBird) and possibly
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; ESA: Threatened.
Basket I., Biddeford, 7 Sep 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird). General
southbound migrants.
F all :
Numbers increase beginning late Jul, showing 2 peaks,
for both frequency and abundance, in eBird data. Expectation
is that first peak, approximately third week of Jul, corresponds to migrating adults; second, ~6 weeks later, overwhelmingly juveniles. No age data available to test hypothesis for ME.
Highest recent counts from s. ME: 48 in Biddeford Pool, 5
Sep 2011 (L. Bevier, D. Mairs, and D. Hitchcox; eBird); 40 at population decline of rufa Red Knots began ~2000 (Morrison et al. 2019, in press), before then, maximum 1-day counts
higher in ME: 225 on Stratton I. on 15 Aug 1990 ( J. Skinner,
There are two records of Red Knots in ME wearing
individually coded leg “flags,” one orange (indicating an
Argentine banding site), and one red (Chile). These were banded 100 mi. apart, on opposite sides of border that runs through Tierra del Fuego, 6,800 mi. (10,944 km) south of where they were recorded in ME.
The orange-flagged bird was banded as an adult
on 10 Nov 2006 at Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego,
Argentina, and sighted there again in 2008, 2011, and
2012 (P. González, pers. com.). The same bird was seen on Delaware Bay in May 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. On 3 Aug 2013 it was in James Bay, ON, and a week
fide J. Despres) and 100 on Lubec Flats on 9 Sep 2003 (N.
Famous, fide J. Despres). W inter :
Small numbers, typically fewer than 10, seen
Nov–early Dec but not annually. More frequent before species’
population decline: 10 in Biddeford Pool, 7 Dec 1998 ( J. Dwight,
fide J. Despres). Two on Richmond I., Cape Elizabeth, 17 Dec
2005 (fide J. Despres) were a remarkable CBC record. One
in Biddeford Pool, 4 Mar 1984 (P. Cook, fide J. Despres) also
remarkable whether a wintering bird or an uncommonly early
migrant.
CDD
later was photographed, molting from breeding to basic plumage, on Stage I., off Cape Porpoise, York Co. ( J.
Winstanley, eBird; Ontario Shorebird Resighting Project
and Delaware Bay Shorebird Resighting projects, unpubl.
Surfbird
Calidris virgata
2017 data; BandedBirds.org).
A one-time visitor from the West Coast
Tierra del Fuego, Chile, on 1 Jan 2008 and photographed
Status in Maine: Accidental. A Surfbird was discovered associating with Ruddy Turnstones along the rocky easternmost headland at Biddeford Pool on 21 March 2015, remaining until 18 April 2015 (C. Lewey et al.; ph.). Observed actively feeding on barnacles (Balanus spp.), this bird was photographed by many observers during its stay. This report, two Florida records, and one Lake Erie account are the only known eastern United States visits.
The red-flagged knot was banded at Bahia Lomas,
at Popham Beach on 12 Jun 2012. It was not recorded elsewhere.
No green-flagged birds (U.S. banding sites) have
been recorded in ME, despite being more numerous in the overall population than those from other countries in the flyway.
S pring :
Arrival typically begins second week of May, earliest
8 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird) with reports peaking at month’s end. Most sightings total fewer than 20; 354 on Stratton I. during
ISS on 25 May 1995 highest ever recorded in ME (L. LaCasse,
eBird). Other high counts: 59 on Ferry Beach, Scarborough, 29
206
Global Distribution: W. Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds on mountain slopes in AK and YT. Winters along the immediate rocky coast from AK south to s. Chile. One observed on L. Erie shore at Presque Isle S.P., Millcreek, PA, 18 Aug 1979 (AB 33: 859); one at
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Sanibel, FL 27–28 Oct 2001 (m.ob., eBird); and one at Smyrna Dunes, FL, on 10 Apr 2005 (D. Robbins, eBird). Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern for its high vulnerability to climate change. PDV
records: 3 at Reid S.P., 1 May 1983 (R. Palmer); 3 at Scarborough
Marsh on 6 May 1990 (AB 44: 398), 2 on 28–29 May 1994 (FN
48: 277), and 2 on 2 Jun 1994 (L. Brinker).
Species now less regular, with 4–5 occurrences in past 24
years: 1 alternate-plumage male at Biddeford Pool 1–26 May
2004 (m.ob., fide W. Townsend; Guillemot 34: 26); 1 reported
8 mi (13 km) away at Scarborough Marsh on 22 May of same
year (H. Nielsen, eBird), and female at Saco, 19–21 May 2007.
Ruff
A male at Weskeag Marsh on 19–20 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird)
is easternmost spring record. Only spring inland records from
Calidris pugnax
Turner, 6 Apr 1983 ( J. Despres) and male at Penjajawoc Marsh,
The cryptically patterned female is called the Reeve, while the striking and variably patterned male is the Ruff
F all :
Status in Maine: The Ruff is a casual spring and fall vagrant with >60 records since 1959. The species is reported primarily on large coastal salt marshes, especially Scarborough Marsh. Spring migrants reported predominantly in south coastal Maine; fall records are more widespread. The species is accidental inland, both in spring (two records) and in fall (three records). There are fewer records since the mid-1990s, especially in spring. Historical Status in Maine: Brewster (1925) collected the first ME record, a Reeve, near the mouth of Cambridge R., L. Umbagog, 8 Sep 1874. Knight listed two other specimens from ME: one taken at Scarborough Marsh, 10 Apr 1879; and one collected in Camden, Knox Co., 14 Sep 1906. Palmer added an additional record: one collected at Scarborough, 16 Oct 1912. Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds in wet meadows and tundra from n. Europe, including Great Britain and Russia, east to Siberia, rarely in AK. Winters in s. and cen. Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, s. Asia, and Australia. The species has a record of vagrancy with numerous reports on both N. Am. coasts and, to a lesser degree, in the interior.
13 May 2014 (B. Rolek, eBird).
Prior to 1994, >37 records with >20 at Scarborough
Marsh. Unlike spring, these cover coast east to Washington
Co. Occurrence dates protracted, Jun–Oct, majority in Jul (16).
Earliest fall Ruff appeared at Scarborough Marsh, 12 Jun 1986
( JVW), and latest observed in Scarborough, 24 Oct 1972 (MN Nov 1972). Only observations involving >1 individual reported from Scarborough: 2 males, Jul 1960 (MFO 5: 72); 2 females,
28 Jul 1961 (MFO 6: 75); 2 males and a female, 27 Jun 1983
(PDV et al.). Ruff ph. on Foster’s I., Machias Bay, 24 Aug 1984, particularly unusual offshore occurrence (PDV et al.).
Six records since, all single birds: Columbia, Washington Co.,
18 Aug 2001 (ME Audubon, fide W. Townsend; Guillemot 31: 37); female at Eastern Rd., Scarborough, 27 Jul–3 Aug 2002 or later
(L. Brinker); female at Weskeag Marsh, 1 Sep 2006 (D Reimer); male in Saco, 9 Sep 2006 (S. Pollock); Scarborough Marsh, 3 Jul
2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); and another there 30 Jun–3 Jul 2016 (m.ob., eBird).
Only 2 contemporary inland records: male in Bangor, 18–19
Jul 1971 (AB 25: 834), and 1 in T18 MD BPP, Washington Co., 18
Aug 2001 (N. Famous, Guillemot 31: 37). PDV and CDD
Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
Maine lies east of the normal migration route for this distinctive shorebird
Remarks: An adult male in breeding plumage in Wells, 21 May 1992, “was traced to a research facility in Status in Maine: Stilt Sandpipers are rare spring Kingston, Ontario, where it had escaped 12 days earlier” migrants in coastal Maine and uncommon but regular fall migrants in southern coastal Maine east to South (Perkins, AB 46: 395). Thomaston. Although there are approximately a S pring : Prior to mid-1990s, an occasional spring vagrant along dozen inland records, most since 1997, they are rarely southern coast with more than 28 records, nearly all 15 Apr–end reported inland or in eastern Maine. These recent of May. Earliest: female at Scarborough Marsh, 26 Mar 1994 records suggest that this species is casual to rare and (FN 48: 277); and latest, alternate-plumaged male and female may be overlooked inland. at Scarborough, 2 Jun 1994 (L. Brinker). Most records from
favored sites, including Biddeford Pool, Wells, and especially
Scarborough Marsh (12 reports 1982–1994). Multiple-bird
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 160) considered this species a “rare local migrant along 207
Birds of Maine
the coast in late summer, occurring from late July to early October.” Palmer reported that this species was uncommon in autumn in Casco Bay and that as many as 10 were collected by N. Brown at Scarborough, 30 Jul 1879. Palmer also noted two records from Muscongus Bay by Cruickshank. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from AK, n. Canada, and Hudson’s Bay, MB. Winters from SC (local and uncommon), FL, TX, Mexico, and Cen. Am. to S. Am. (primarily Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina). Spring and fall migrations primarily through cen. U.S., but broader in fall, small numbers regularly reaching ne. N. Am. S pring :
Not reported in spring prior to 1990; since then,
casual but somewhat more regular, primarily at Scarborough
Marsh. First observation at Scarborough, 21–22 May 1990 ( J.
Despres, AB 44: 398). Single adults at same locality seen on
following dates: 21–22 May 1995 (W. Sumner, L. Brinker, ph.;
FN 49: 229); 27 May 1995 (S. Pollock); 2–3 Jun 1998 (L. Brinker, FN 52: 436); 9 Jun 1999 (L. Brinker, NAB 53: 365); 30 May 2006 (E. Hess, ph.); and 2 May 2012, earliest of any (D. Hitchcox and P. Miliotis, eBird). In Midcoast, adult closely observed at Weskeag Marsh, 30 May 2006 (M Libby), and one was
Downeast at Hamilton Pond, Trenton, Hancock Co., 13–15 May
2018 (eBird, m.ob.) Species increasingly regular in spring in MA
Stilt Sandpipers uncommon to rare by late Oct; late records
at Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 29 Oct–5 Nov 1989 ( J. Despres), 2
on 10 Nov 1991 ( J. Despres and G. Carson), 1 on 7 Nov 2005
(D. Lovitch). Additional late records: 2 in S. Thomaston, 5 Nov
2005 (D. Reimer); 4 in Wells, 11 Nov 2005 (D. Chaffin); 1 in
Benton–Clinton, 30 Oct–6 Nov 2008 (D. Lovitch et al.); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 9 Nov 2008 (L. Brinker). One at Bagaduce
R., Penobscot, Hancock Co., 16–19 Dec 2014 the latest of all by a full month (Z. Holderby and m.ob., eBird). Stilt Sandpipers reported from coastal Washington Co. twice: 2 (1 adult, 1
juvenile) in Perry on 10 Aug 1978 (PDV) and 1 in Machiasport,
11 Aug 2005 (N. Famous).
Inland records: 3 at Sebasticook L., Newport, 4 Oct 1997
(W. Sumner, FN 52: 30) and 1 on 10 Oct 2005 (M. Iliff and
A. McDonald, eBird); 1 in cranberry beds in T26 ED BPP,
Washington Co., 11 Sep 1999 (N. Famous); an unusual flock
of 15 in Fryeburg, 31 Aug 2005 (and 1 bird alone following two
days), and 1 there 10 Oct 2007 (R. Crowley); 1 on River Rd.,
Benton–Clinton, 30 Oct–6 Nov 2008 (D. Lovitch et al.), 1 at
Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 23–25 Jun and again 31 Aug 2017 (m.ob., eBird); 1 at Bangor 21–26 Aug 2017 (m.ob., eBird). One
to 7 at Sanford Lagoons 1–17 Sep 2017. In Aroostook Co., single
birds at Eagle L., 4 Aug 1978 ( J. Gibson, eBird); at L. Josephine,
23 Sep 2003; and at Christina Reservoir, 19 Sep 2015 (both WJS, eBird).
PDV and CDD
(Veit and Petersen 1993). S ummer :
At least 6 Jun records, all individuals: Sanford
Curlew Sandpiper
Lagoons, 10 Jun 2015 (P. Miliotis, eBird); Scarborough on 27 Jun
Calidris ferruginea
Hitchcox, eBird); Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 23–25 Jun 2017,
While its rust-red breeding plumage and down-curved bill are striking, juveniles and winter adults are a lesson in identification caution
1983 (PDV, eBird), 9 Jun 1999 (L. Brinker), and 20 Jun 2013 (D. and Weskeag Marsh, 22–30 Jun 2006 (both M. Libby). Those after ~20 Jun perhaps early-fall migrants, though a paucity
of early Jul records suggests otherwise. More likely they are nonbreeders that never reached nesting grounds.
F all :
Stilt Sandpipers occur in small numbers (1–10) through
fall, most frequently at Scarborough Marsh. Adults occur casually early Jul at Scarborough Marsh: 1 adult on 3 Jul 1996 (PDV), 1
on 11 Jul 1988 (K. Disney), 1 on 11 Jul 2008 (E. Hess), and 1 on
15 Jul 2005 (D. Lovitch). Two adults reported from Wells, 14 Jul
1988 ( JVW). Adults regular in small numbers after mid-Jul and
Status in Maine: The Curlew Sandpiper is a casual spring and fall transient along the coast, with five spring and 11 fall records. Nearly all observations involve adults; there are three juvenile records. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer reported a single juvenile specimen, collected at Pine Pt. on 15 Sep 1881.
16 in Biddeford, 31 Aug–2 Sep 2005 (D. Lovitch et al.) and 15 in
Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds from ne. Siberia, rarely east to AK. Winters primarily in Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. This species has occurred in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and ON.
generally appear 20–31 Aug, remain into Oct, and usually actively
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened.
2001 (D. Tucker) exceptionally early.
Remarks: Several sight reports are not included in this account because they lack adequate
occur through mid- to late Sep. High counts include Scarborough
Marsh: 40 on 10 Aug 2003 (L. Brinker), 23 adults on 20 Aug 1987
(PDV, eBird), 17 on 24 Jul 2012 (I. Davies and L. Seitz, eBird),
and again 8 Aug that year (D. Hitchcox et al.; eBird). Elsewhere:
Fryeburg on 31 Aug 2005 (see inland records below). Juveniles
molting by late Aug–Sep. Single juvenile at Scarborough, 5 Aug
208
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
documentation. These most likely involved Dunlins or Stilt Sandpipers, which are easily confounded with Curlew Sandpipers in basic and juvenile plumages. S pring :
At least 5 spring and early-summer records: 1 adult ph.
at Seawall Beach, 2 Jun 1984 (PDV, AB 38: 968; ph. arch.) and
23–26 May 2008 (PDV, ph. arch.). Additional records: 1 adult at Biddeford Pool, 2 Jun 1990 (B. Humphrey; AB 44: 1114); at
Scarborough Marsh, 1 adult on 9 Jun 1991 (S. Pollock, ph.; m.ob.;
AB 45: 1094); and 1 adult on 29 Jun 1991 (Guillemot 21: 28). F all :
Rare fall migrant along coast: 9 adult and 2 juvenile
records. Species reported 19 Jul–14 Oct, with more than 3
records at Biddeford Pool: 1 adult in breeding plumage, 19 Jul
1977 (R. Thompson); 1 “in eclipse plumage” 3 Aug 1957 (MFN 13: 84); 1 “in changing plumage. It was still quite reddish in
color, the red being noticeable on the breast and belly,” 19 Aug
1960 (MFN 16: 85). Other records: 1 in Lubec, 8–9 Aug 1970
(MN 2[1]: 14); 2 in full alternate plumage in Kennebunkport, 5
Aug 1980 ( J. Ficker; MB 2: 51); 1 in Scarborough, 1 Sep 1986 (E.
Woodin); 1 at Petit Manan NWR, 29 Aug 1989 (R. Widrig); 1 in
Wells, 14 Oct 1998 (S. Walker); 1 adult in basic plumage, Seal I., 7 Oct 2006 (R. Podolsky). Juveniles: 1 specimen collected at Pine Pt., 15 Sep 1881 (Knight 1908, Palmer 1949, Veit and Petersen
Historical Status in Maine: Not reported from ME prior to 1977. Global Distribution: Virtually restricted to East Asian–Australasian Flyway, breeds primarily in Siberia and n. Russia, nesting rarely in w. AK. Winters in s. China, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Eleven records from coastal MA and one from CT since 1980; none from NB or NS. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened based on population declines, largely from loss of key stopover sites in the Yellow Sea region of China. Remarks: An adult stint was briefly observed and described at Pine Pt., 13 and 21 Aug 1988. It was considered to be either a Red-necked or Little Stint, Calidris minuta. “Descriptions suggest adult Rufousnecked Stint in alternate plumage. However, the bird allowed little time for scrutiny, and particularly, no critical view of the back. Available details leave open the possibility of a heavily marked Little Stint.” (MBN 2: 25–26). PDV
1993); 1 fresh juvenile in Thomaston, 3–5 Oct 2002 (M. Libby,
L. Brinker, et al.; ph. arch.); and another there 24 Sep 2005 (M. Libby, eBird). PDV and CDD
Red-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis
A tiny shorebird, almost unimaginably far from home
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two reports of this Old World stint, formerly known as Rufousnecked Sandpiper: an adult in breeding plumage photographed in Biddeford Pool, 16–22 July 1977 (AB 31: 1112), and a well-described sighting of a juvenile from Seawall Beach, 10 September 1995 (Vickery 1996a). Neither report has yet been reviewed by Maine Birds Record Committee. The sight report from Seawall Beach distinguished this bird from Semipalmated Sandpiper by its bright rufous-edged scapulars and mantle; the contrast of the pale gray median coverts with the lower scapulars; the dark-centered lower scapulars with sub-terminal blackish “drops”; and the finer, perhaps shorter, bill. The color of the mantle was considered to be warmer than that of juvenile Western Sandpipers.
Sanderling
Calidris alba
“One has only to consider the life force packed tight into that puff of feathers to lay the mind wide open to mysteries.” (Matthiessen 1967, 22)
Status in Maine: Sanderlings are common spring migrants in southern coastal Maine in May and early June, with a few apparently remaining through June. They are less regular in eastern Maine and unreported inland in spring. Fall migrants appear in numbers in late July and counts of 1,000–2,000 have been reported at Seawall Beach and Scarborough in September and October. Small numbers of Sanderlings regularly winter in southern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 169) said Sanderlings were “very rare” in spring, common in fall, and “exceedingly rare inland.” Palmer considered this species a rare spring migrant, common to abundant in fall, rare inland, and rare in winter. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in high Arctic, in N. Am. primarily on islands of Canadian high Arctic Archipelago, also in n. Greenland, Spitsbergen, and Russia. Expansive wintering range, from s. ME and BC to s. Argentina and Chile. 209
Birds of Maine
Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern because of high climate change vulnerability. S pring :
Flocks of 6–20 migrants, easily distinguished from
pale, basic-plumaged wintering flocks, arrive on s. ME beaches early to mid-May. Highest numbers occur late May–early Jun:
160 at Biddeford Pool, 2 Jun 2004 and 150 there on 3 Jun 1988 (ISS and J. Lortie, respectively; eBird); 70 at Kennebunk, 24
May 1983 (R. Ficker, eBird); 54 at Wells on 22 May 2016 and
50 there on 23 May 2013 (A. Aldrich and S. Olson, respectively; eBird). At Seawall Beach: 60 on 4 Jun 2002; 40 on 4 Jun 1986,
on 31 May 1995, and again 40 on 24–27 May 2008 (all PDV,
L., 12 Sep 1873. This century, eBird records of >1 Sanderlings occurring inland Aug–Oct almost annually, north to south:
Christina Reservoir; L. Josephine; Lily Bay, Moosehead L.;
2 at Moosehorn NWR; Cupsuptic L., Rangeley Ls.; Taylor
Bait Farm, Orono; Plymouth Pond, N. Fryeburg; Unity Pond; Sabattus Pond; Sanford; and Lyman. Unusually large inland
flocks: 30 on Sebasticook L. on 20 Oct 2009 and 2 on 17 Nov
2017 ( J. Smith and B. Barker; eBird,).
While rare in fall on offshore islands, Sanderlings reported
almost annually from islands with regular observers; e.g., Seal I. and E. Egg Rock (Project Puffin data, eBird).
Small numbers occur in winter along southern
eBird). Uncommon in e. ME in spring: flock of 60 particularly
W inter :
MacDonald).
Pool 1960–1961 and 1961–1962 (obs. unk.). Since then, 2–60
unusual at Hell’s Half Acre, off Stonington, 23 May 2009 (R. There are no inland records for Sanderlings in spring.
S ummer :
Quite rare but may occur on virtually any day of Jun
and hence impossible to distinguish late-spring migrants from
summering birds from early southbound fall migrants. All fide
eBird: 8 at Seawall Beach on 15 Jun 1982 (PDV) and 6 there 17 Jun
2016 (G. Smith); 25 at Popham Beach 19 Jun 2015 (Z. Fait, eBird). F all :
Most fall migrant Sanderlings arrive mid- to late Jul.
Consistent surveys at Morse R. mouth, Phippsburg (including
beaches since 1960, when flock of 10 birds observed at Biddeford
occur nearly annually. Larger winter flocks, all fide eBird: 250
at Wells on 14 Dec 2015 (A. Murray and A. Aldrich), 165 on 23
Dec 2016 (K. Janes), and 120 there 7 Dec 2015 (F. Missud); 145 at
Biddeford Pool on 2 Dec 2017 ( J. Fecteau); 150–220 at Ogunquit each Jan 2014–2017 (m.ob.).
PDV and CDD
Dunlin
Popham and Seawall Beaches): 2 adults on 29 Jun 1991 (L.
Calidris alpina
21 Jun 2009 (M. Fahay). Adult numbers increase through Aug;
The little dun-colored shorebird with a long, droopy bill
Brinker), 1 adult on 29 Jun 1999 (PDV and R. Ridgely), 11 on
flocks of 100–200 regularly reported from south coastal beaches. Largest concentrations consistently at several beaches
Aug–Oct: at Seawall Beach, 2,500 on 10 Aug 1986 (PDV and B. Vickery); 1,800 on 16 Oct 2008 and 1,700 on 15 Oct 2000 (both PDV); and 1,430 on 10 Aug 2017 (WJS, eBird); 1,200 on 5 Aug
2008 (PDV, eBird). By 7 Oct 2000, flock of 1,100 composed of
99% juveniles; 1,700 on 15 Oct 2000; and 1,800 on 16 Oct 2008
(all PDV, eBird). High counts at Pine Pt. Beach, Scarborough:
1,000 on 19 Sep 1992 ( J. Despres) and 1,000 (99% juveniles) on
27 Oct 1996 (L. Brinker); at Biddeford Pool: 1,100 on 15 Sep
2009 (D. Lovitch), 1,000 at Fortune’s Rock on 3 Oct 1967 (obs. unk.), and again on 16 Sep 2006 (P. Moynahan). High counts
elsewhere: 500 at Ogunquit Beach, 23 Oct 2000 (S. Cronenweth);
and 1,500 at Moody Beach, Wells, 24 Oct 2000 (N. McReel).
Sanderling numbers diminish rapidly in Nov: 630 at Biddeford
Pool on 7 Nov 2017 and 289 there 4 days later on 11 Nov (G.
Smith and J. Fecteau, respectively; eBird). Other Nov counts, all
fide eBird: 250 at Moody Beach on 6 Nov 2011 (L. Bevier, J. Berry,
D. Suitor) and 150 at Fortune Rocks, Biddeford, on 11 Nov 2017 (D. Prima); 240 at Seawall Beach on 1 Nov 1992 (PDV).
Rare to casual inland. In Oxford Co. over 30-year period,
Brewster (1925) reported Sanderlings at L. Umbagog on 3
occasions, all in Sep, largest congregation of >100 on 16 Sep
1880. He also reported a single bird collected at Richardson
210
Status in Maine: In spring, Dunlin are locally common in south coastal Maine, occasional in eastern Maine, and rare inland. The species is occasional to rare in summer, and initiates its fall migration by mid-August, becoming more common with flocks of 5–40 after mid-September. Southbound migration is later and more extended than for many other peeps. Peak numbers occur late September–late November with unusual maxima of 300–500 birds. The species is regular in small numbers inland in fall. However, one of the highest recorded counts in Maine occurred inland: >450 carefully estimated at Sabattus Pond on 14 November 2002 (PDV, D. Mairs). Dunlin linger along the coast into mid-December. The species is seen on more than half of the Biddeford–Kennebunk, Freeport, and Bath area CBCs. It is irregular in winter, though sometimes numerous, along the southern coast and only occasional in Washington and Hancock Counties. Recently, the number of sites with Dunlin overwintering annually has increased. Most Dunlin recorded in Maine are presumably of the Canadian breeding subspecies, C. a. hudsonia, but this needs further study.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Dunlin local migrants in spring and Oct. He noted they were rare inland. Palmer (1949, 227–228) said this species was “rare in spring and common in fall in Cumberland and York Counties, and at the latter season, rare farther eastward on the coast and a few inland occurrences in the Umbagog region. . . . Judging from more frequent records in the past few decades, this bird appears to be increasing gradually in numbers.” Brewster (1925, 250) had a more precise assessment, noting, “these birds occur [in the L. Umbagog region] regularly and rather commonly, if only sparingly in autumn, chiefly during the month of Oct.” Global Distribution: Holarctic, with as many as nine subspecies. In N. Am., breeds from sw. Baffin I., NU, n. ON along Hudson Bay, NT, n. and e. AK; elsewhere from Greenland, Iceland, n. Europe south to n. Great Britain, to Siberia and Russian Far East. Winters in N. Am. primarily along coast from NS, NB, ME to FL, TX, to Mexico, along Pacific Coast from s. AK to cen. Mexico. Rare in Caribbean. The hudsonia subspecies, constituting the majority of ME records, winters on Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from ME rarely, and more commonly, MA to Mexico. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern for hudsonia subspecies. S pring :
Generally uncommon or locally common spring
migrant along south coast; normally found in small numbers
(3–30). Species appears occasional in Washington and Aroostook Cos. Some Dunlin now overwinter in ME, difficult to
distinguish arriving migrants. However, it seems likely migrant
Dunlin begin in Apr, widespread by mid-May, with scattered late migrants lingering into early Jun. Early Apr presumed
migrants: 16 at Wells Beach 1 Apr 2016 (F. Missud, eBird); 75
at Biddeford Pool, 10 Apr 2007 (N. McReel); 45 there 10 Apr
2017 (G. Jarvis, eBird), and 50 following day ( J. Fecteau, eBird); 20 at Freeport, 7 Apr 2012 (N. Gibb, eBird); 2 in Bar Harbor, 14
Apr 2003 (W. Townsend); 8 at Weskeag Marsh, 16 Apr 1985 (D. Spaulding), and 2 at same locality 19 Apr 2009 (D. Reimer); 20
in Phippsburg, 19 Apr 1982 (P. Cross). Occasional in Washington
Co.: 7 at Lubec Flats, 23 Apr 2013 ( J. Wyatt, eBird); 1 at Petit
Manan Pt., 28 Apr 1994 (A. Bacon); 1 in Machiasport, 10 May
1983 (N. Famous); 5 in Lubec, 25 May 2009 (R. Duchesne), and unusually high count of 24 at same locality, 27 May 2009 (B.
Southard). Occasional far inland: 12–15 at Lower Richardson L.,
Oxford Co., 26 May 1987 ( J. Chivers); in Aroostook Co., 2 at L.
Josephine, 30 May 2003 (WJS) and 1 there 27 Apr 2009 (WJS).
Largest spring concentrations at Scarborough: 50–100 birds often reported (M. Resch and D. Lovitch), and at Biddeford, fewer
than 100 birds (19 May 2004; M. Libby, eBird). Count of 350 at
Pine Pt., on 22 May 2017 (M. Fahay, eBird) was exceptional and the highest spring count for ME.
S ummer :
Occasional in summer: 1 adult on Stratton I., 24 Jun
1995 (PDV); 1 in Biddeford, 9 Jul 2002 ( J. Suchecki); 6 at E. Egg
Rock, 10–12 Jul 2008 (Project Puffin Data, eBird); 1 at Seapoint Beach, Kittery, 27 Jul 1989 (L. Phinney). Washington Co.: 1 at
Cutler, 12 Jul 1986 (CDD, eBird); 1 in Machiasport, 21 Jul 1996, and another there 27 Jul 1999 (both N. Famous). Single inland record: 1 adult ph. in Orono, 23 Jun 2003 (S. Smith).
F all :
Southward migration mid-Aug to mid-Dec. Widespread
and common in late Sep–early Nov. Numbers diminish after late
Nov. First migrants: 1 in Orono, 3 Aug 2003 (S. Smith); 2 on 8
Aug 2015 at Popham–Seawall Beaches (M. Fahay and D. Suitor, eBird); 1 in Scarborough, 11 Aug 1996 (G. Carson); and 1 on 11
Aug 2009 (G. Carson). Slight increase by late Aug, maximum
of 14 at Popham Beach, 28 Aug 2009 (M. Fahay). Larger flocks
(5–40) widespread by late Sep, with maxima of 210 at Weskeag
Marsh, 27 Sep 2008 (D. Reimer). High counts Oct–Nov: 549 on
11 Nov 2013 at Scarborough Marsh (R. Lambert, eBird), 400 on
4 Nov 2007 (L. Seitz) and again 7 Nov 2013 (m.ob., eBird), and
300 on 29 Oct 2009 (D. Lovitch); 400 at Biddeford Pool, 30 Oct 1993 (L. Brinker); 300 at Lubec Flats, 8 Oct 1984 (CDD).
Small groups (2–10) found inland Sep–Oct: nearly annual
at Aroostook Co. lakes, early record of 2 at L. Josephine, 12 Sep
2010. Earliest at Christina Reservoir: 1 on 23 Sep 2007 and 2
juveniles on 24 Sep 2004; maximum 9 on 12 Oct 2007, and late
observation of 3 on 3 Nov 2007 (all WJS). Few Nov records inland: 15 at Sebasticook L., 1 Nov 2004 ( J. Smith), and 1 at same locality, 22 Nov 2007 (WJS). Remarkably, one of the
largest counts for Dunlin in ME was inland at north end of
Sabattus Pond: >450 carefully estimated on 14 Nov 2002 (PDV,
D. Mairs), and observed with late juvenile American Golden-
Plover, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Sanderlings, and a Long-billed
Dowitcher. Large Dunlin concentrations not reported among
other large inland counts of shorebirds: at Cobboseecontee L.
on 14 Oct 1984, 24 Dunlin on flats among a concentration of at
least 330 Pectoral Sandpipers, 40 White-rumped Sandpipers, 45
Greater Yellowlegs, and 60 Common Snipe (PDV).
Most reports do not specify age, but juveniles appear
late Aug, continuing through fall. Early juvenile records at
Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 23 Aug 2000 (L. Brinker); 1 on 29
Aug 1993 (L. Brinker and R. Humphrey); 1 on 31 Aug 2008
(D. Lovitch); 1 on 13 Sep 2009 (PDV); 4 on 14 Sep 2005 (L.
Brinker). Early juveniles elsewhere: 1 in Biddeford, 3 Sep 1997 (L. Brinker); 1 in Addison, 4 Sep 1994 (L. Brinker). Inland juvenile
reports: 2 at Christina Reservoir, 24 Sep 2004 (WJS); 3 at Flood
Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 10 Oct 2008 (PDV, eBird), and 2 there
12–14 Oct 2015 (m.ob., eBird); 4 at Sebasticook L., 12 Oct 1997 (M. Iliff ); 4 at Sabattus Pond, 25 Oct 1993 (D. Reimer).
211
Birds of Maine W inter :
Flocks of 10–50 often linger along southern coast
through mid-Dec, occasionally into mid-Mar when they may
overlap with earliest migrants. High counts: 70 in Scarborough,
5 Dec 1997 (K. Gammons); 95 in Biddeford, 28 Dec 1998
(T. Duddy); 108 in Freeport, 4 Dec 2004 (D. Lovitch); 73 at
Phippsburg, 11 Dec 2006 (M. Fahay, eBird). Normally gone
from Washington Co. by late Nov, unusual late observations: 3
in Cutler, 22 Dec 1995 (fide A. Bacon); 10 at same locality, 5 Dec
1996 (N. Famous); and 2 lingering to 1 Jan 1996 (fide A. Bacon).
Species uncommon and irregular on most CBCs, but since 2000, found on >50% of counts in Biddeford–Kennebunkport (9 of 17;
average 14, with a maximum of 76 on 29 Dec 2006), Freeport–
Brunswick (10 of 16; average 20, maximum of 73 on 1 Jan 2012), and Bath area (11 of 17; average 5). Notably rare in winter in
Hancock and Washington Cos. Thus, a single bird in Brooklin, Hancock Co., 17 Jan 2009 (C. Moseley) was noteworthy.
Not known to overwinter in ME prior to 1953 when 7
reported in Biddeford, 24 Jan 1953 (BMAS 9: 40) and 1 in
Harpswell, 1 Jan 1956 (BMAS 12: 54). Scattered reports over next several decades: 1 in Biddeford, 4 Mar 1984 (P. Cross); 8 at Back
Cove, Portland, 23 Jan 1985 ( JVW), and 4 at same locality on
15 Jan 1991 (K. Gammons); 5 in Martinsville, Knox Co., on 19
Jan 1985, unusual for the locality (M. Plymire). Observed more consistently in York and Cumberland Cos. since 1996: 30 in
Yarmouth, 3 Jan 1998 (L. Brinker); 49 in Biddeford, 26 Jan 1999 (N. McReel), and 73 at same locality, 13 Jan 2007 (S. Pollock);
85 in Biddeford, 23 Mar 2007 (fide D. Lovitch); 30 in Freeport,
24 Feb 2008 (L. Seitz). Striking increase in report frequency
since 2011, now numerous Jan–Mar records annually. Maxima
(all eBird): Jan: 80 on 15 Jan 2014 (M. Fahay), Rockland to
Vinalhaven; Feb: 105 on 21 Feb 2012 at Wells Beach (N. Gibb);
Mar: 50 at Biddeford, 26 Mar 2007 ( J. Scott). Other wintering sites include Winslow Park, Freeport (60 on 4 Feb 2012);
Cape Porpoise, York Co. (16 on 2 Jan 2012); and Wharton Pt.,
Brunswick (7 on 26 Jan 2017). PDV and CDD
into November. Less common along inshore bays, they occur occasionally on beaches with rock ledges nearby, especially in late spring. Purple Sandpipers are casual in summer from mid-June to mid-July. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Purple Sandpipers common in winter along the coast. Palmer also noted more than 37 reports for Aug. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in high Arctic of Canada, Greenland, n. Iceland, Europe, and Siberia. Winters in N. Am. from NL, Maritime Provinces, ME, and coastal New England to SC, rarely FL. Reported from all New England states, including VT, where rare. Phylogeographic and morphometric data suggest birds wintering in ME nest in Canadian high Arctic, s. Hudson Bay, Greenland, and Iceland. (Le Blanc et al. 2017, Mittelhauser et al. 2006). Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern because of “small population or range” for the Canada-breeding populations of subspecies C. m. maritima and C. m. belcheri. Remarks: Although not designated by MDIFW as even a Species of Special Concern in 2011, more recent surveys led to Purple Sandpiper being highlighted as a Priority 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (MDIFW 2016a). MDIFW surveys conducted in Midcoast and Downeast regions, 2014–2017, suggest ME’s wintering Purple Sandpipers may have declined 49–60% since 2004 (L. Tudor, MDIFW, pers. com.). Surveyors found that favored high-tide roosting sites are too far offshore to be readily seen from the mainland, making CBC counts less reliable than boat surveys. In any case, CBC data, corrected for observer effort, do not show any statistically significant trend from 1966–2017 (Meehan et al. 2018).
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritima
The shorebird with the most northerly and maritime winter range
Status in Maine: Common from October through early May, Purple Sandpipers are largely restricted to coastal rocky headlands and especially offshore islands. Coastwide surveys from 2002–2007 estimated Maine’s wintering population to be 14,000–17,000, including approximately 7,000 in the Midcoast (Mittelhauser et al. 2013). Birds typically arrive from high Arctic breeding grounds in early October; numbers increase 212
Purple Sandpiper
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae F all :
First southbound migrants, possibly
adult females, appear on islands late
Jul–Aug: several in Muscongus Bay, 25–28 Jul 1938 and 23 Jul 1940 (A. Cruickshank);
! ! !! ! !
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!!
!
! ! !! ! !
!
!! !! !
Purple Sandpiper Wintering Distribution ! 100-250 birds
!
250-500 birds
! 500+ birds
!
annual at E. Egg Rock in Jul, with 10 there exceptional high count on 20 Jul 2007
(Project Puffin, eBird); 12 seen from MV
Bluenose, 4 Aug 1989 (CDD, PDV; AB 44: 57). Earliest onshore: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 5 Aug 1984 (P. Lehman); 1 in Muscongus Bay, 10 Aug 1951 (A. Cruickshank); 1 at
Biddeford Pool, 15 Aug 2004 (L. Brinker), and 21 Aug 2005 (Guillemot 35: 36); 2 off
Seal I., 16 Aug 2009 (S. Small and J. Drury). Curiously few reports in Sep, perhaps from lack of coverage on offshore islands.
Becomes widespread along coast in
Oct, numbers increase through Nov. Large
Purple Sandpiper Wintering Distribution
Nov counts at Isle au Haut: 450 in several
Purple Sandpipers winter along the length of the Maine coast, but they are most numerous on particular offshore rocky islands and ledges (MDIFW).
groups on south end of island on 23 Nov
2001; 230 at Moore’s Harbor, 16 Nov 2002,
and 150 there on 13 Nov 2001 (all MDIFW,
eBird). Elsewhere: 150 at Cliff House, York,
S pring :
Common along coast with
protracted departure northward Apr–May.
Flock size diminishes 1–15 May. Large
counts: 700 at Halfway Rock, Casco Bay, on 30 Mar 2007, building to 1,200 there
300 on 27 Nov 2006 (fide D. Lovitch), 200
May 2001 (PDV); 35 at Pemaquid Pt., 22
100 on 30 Nov 1997 (P. Comins); 100 on
(L. Tudor, ISS). Thirty in Scarborough, 21 May 2006 (M. Libby); 30 in Boothbay, 20
May 2008 ( JVW); 60 at Reid S.P., 22 May
by 11 Apr (L. Tudor, ISS; eBird); 400 at
1988 (K. Disney, AB 42: 409). Two hundred
ISS; eBird); 350 on 5 May 2003 at Shabby
birds) reported during boat trip from
Petit Manan NWR, 8 May 2004 (H Gibbs,
19 Nov 1988 (L. Harper); at Biddeford Pool
(F. Mantlik); and Metinic I. 25 May 2004
birds in numerous small flocks (~25–30
on 18 Nov 2017 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); and
Vinalhaven, 5 Nov 2008 (K. Gentalen); and 100 in Kittery, 27 Nov 2008 (D. Lovitch).
Accidental inland: 1 ph. at Long L., St.
Agatha, 19 Nov 2016 (S. Morneault, eBird). Common to abundant on
I., off Stonington, and 330 on Scraggy
Stonington, Deer Isle, past Isle au Haut, to
W inter :
year (both L. Tudor, ISS, eBird); 170 in
Few dozen records of late migrants into
coastal headlands are an underestimate
168 at Biddeford Pool on 9 May 2017 ( J.
on offshore islands. Maxima: 15 at E. Egg
Distribution map). Most coastal CBCs
Ledge, Knox Co., same date following Deer Isle, 14 May 1980 (M. Hundley);
Seal I. NWR, 20 May 2007 (B. Duchesne).
Jun, generally up to 5 birds and mostly
outer islands; numbers reported from ME of true offshore populations (see Winter
Rock on 2 Jun 2004 and 6 there on 3 Jun
register an average 30–141 birds; annual
ANP on 3 Jun 2003 were unusual onshore
on many factors that have more to do
as 60 birds: 60 at Reid S.P., 2 May 1988 (K.
Matinicus Rock, 7 Jun 2007 (E. Hynes et
observations rather than actual populations.
on offshore islands. Maxima, all fide eBird:
(fide D. Lovitch); 1 at Popham Beach, 12
Fecteau, eBird). Unusual because of beach locale: 60 at Seawall Beach, 10 May 1998
(PDV). During second half of May, large counts typically 15–25, reaching as many
Disney, AB 42: 409). Counts often higher 350 on Green I., Washington Co., on 25
May 2004, falling to 230 a week later, and
an exceptional 75 of these lingering to 3 Jun
2004 (all L. Tudor, ISS, eBird); 155 at Petit
Manan I., 24 May 1997 (M. Sharp); 100 at
each site: E. Egg Rock on 18 May 2015 (Z.
Smith); near Swans I. on 20 May 2016 (M.
Nicodemus); on Monhegan I., 23 May 2013
2014 (both Project Puffin, eBird). Four at
on this date (N. Simpson, eBird). One on
totals vary substantially depending
with visibility from mainland count
al.); 3 on Heron I., Phippsburg, 8 Jun 2007
Largest CBC numbers from Moose
Jun 2002 (M. Smith).
censuses of outer islands (N. Famous), with
S ummer :
Casual in summer on offshore
islands, mid-Jun to mid-Jul at E. Egg Rock:
1 on 25 Jun 1979 (S. Kress); 2 on 17 Jul 1952; 1 regularly 4 Jun–8 Aug 1990 and 1 (rarely 2)
6 Jun–3 Aug 1992. On Matinicus Rock, 2 on 19 Jul 1993 (AB 47: 1090).
I.–Jonesboro CBC usually found on boat
exceptionally high counts of 1,576 birds in
1978, 1,014 birds in 1984, and 1,346 birds in 1987.
Individual flocks of 20–100 birds
common; flocks 120–200 birds less so.
Winter counts >250 reported at least once at 5 sites in s. ME. Maximum: 600 at
213
Birds of Maine
Richmond I., Cape Elizabeth, 7 Mar 2006 (fide D. Lovitch).
unprecedented 23 reported from ME in 1989 (AB 441: 57).
Twenty-three sites Midcoast, maxima: 1,500 from boat-based
Earliest juveniles arrive last days of Jul, all fide eBird: 2 at
Markowsky, AB 42: 409); 1,000 on Isle au Haut, 17 Mar 2005
Beach same day (M. Fahay); 1 on Stratton I., 27 Jul 2016
1998. Maximum recorded Downeast: 650 on 8 Jan 1990 at
and 1 at Seawall Beach, 31 Jul 2016 (PDV ). Observations
count in Isle au Haut area, 20 Mar 1988 (R. Milardo and J.
(K. Gentalen); 900 at Brimstone I., Isle au Haut Bay, 25 Nov
Egg Rock, Milbridge. Thirteen other sites have at least once
reported ≥ 250 individuals (G. Mittelhauser, L. Tudor, and B.
Connery 2013). PDV and CDD
Scarborough Marsh, 20 Jul 2010 (m.ob.), and 1 at Popham
(m.ob.); 1 at Popham Beach, 29 Jul 2014 (D. Hitchcox);
increase steadily through Aug, peaking by month’s end (>57 records), then falling through Sep (eBird). Oct records: 1 in
Scarborough, 1 Oct 1997, and 1 in Falmouth, 1 Oct 2002 (both
L. Brinker); 1 at Rachel Carson NWR, 2 Oct 2014, and 1 at
Scarborough Marsh next day (M. Zimmerman and N. Gibb,
Baird’s Sandpiper
Calidris bairdii
A long-winged migrant from the Arctic to the Andes, usually via the Central Flyway
Status in Maine: Rare transients with 20 to 30 juveniles occurring annually between late July and late September. Most reports are from coastal areas. The species is less frequent inland, occurring in agricultural fields, along lake edges, and in other open habitats. There is an approximate total of 15 documented records of adults, all coastal and all between mid-July and late August. Historical Status in Maine: Brewster (1925) observed Baird’s Sandpipers on six occasions 1874–1896 at L. Umbagog, ME and NH, including six to seven individuals on 4 Sep 1880. His observations and collections occurred 1–25 Sep, and more than three of these occurred in ME. Palmer (1949, 225) considered this species “rather rare in fall, chiefly coastwise.” Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds in n. Canada and n. and coastal AK, also ne. Siberia and w. Greenland. Winters primarily in S. Am., common in Andes Mtns. from Ecuador to Argentina; also, in lowlands from Paraguay and Uruguay to s. Chile and Argentina. Migrates through cen. N. Am. in spring, more widespread in fall, with juveniles occurring on both coasts. Remarks: While the species is known to stage at high altitude lakes (IUCN 2018), W. Taber’s report of a single Baird’s Sandpiper feeding in an “alpine garden” near the summit of Hamlin Peak, Mt. Katahdin, at an altitude of 4,750 ft. (1,448 m), 23 Aug 1946 (Palmer 1949, 225) is unique in ME. F all :
Most observations coastal: 9 reported with 1 or 2
juveniles at Seawall Beach, 3 Sep 2016 (PDV, eBird); and
214
respectively; eBird); 1 at Seawall Beach, 3 Oct 1987 (PDV,
eBird); 1 in Brunswick, 6 Sep 1950 (C.Packard, BMAS 6[4]: 53);
1 at Seawall Beach, 8 Oct 1995 (PDV ); 1 in Benton–Clinton,
9 Oct 2008 (D. Mairs); 1 (possibly 2) in Wells, 12 Oct 2013
(C. Winstanley, eBird), and 1 there 14 Oct 1972 (DWF and
D. Abbot); 1 at Rachel Carson NWR, 13–26 Oct 2012 (m.ob., eBird); 1 in Kennebunkport, 21 Oct 2003 ( J. Junker); 3 in
Ellsworth, 23 Oct 1976 (N. Famous). Nov records: 1 female
collected in Bangor, 1 Nov 1881 (Knight 1908); 1 in Wells, 6
Nov 2005 (L. Seitz).
Inland reports: 2 in Augusta, 1 Sep 1984 (S. Weston); 1
in Norridgewock, 25 Aug 1993 (W. Sumner, AB 48: 88); 3 in
Ellsworth, 23 Oct 1976 (N. Famous). Single birds in Benton– Clinton, 9 Oct 2008 (D. Mairs) and 4 Sep 2009 (L. Bevier
and D. Mairs). In Aroostook Co.: 1 juvenile at Collins Pond,
Caribou, 11 Sep 2003 (WJS). Christina Reservoir: 1 on 14 Aug
2014; 2 following day (WJS); and 1 on 12 Sep 2002 (M. Libby, eBird); 3 at L. Josephine, 12 Sep 2009 (WJS, eBird). Other
records: 1 at Moosehorn NWR, 28 Aug 2007 (PDV, eBird);
1 at Taylor Bait Farm, west of Orono, 5 Sep 1992 (E. Grew, eBird). Earliest record at Flood Brothers Dairy (north of
Fairfield), 2–16 Aug (2015); and latest here 1 on 8 Nov 2015
(m.ob., eBird). Maximum count of 4, 30 Aug–4 Sep 2011 (all eBird). Annual reports in Fryeburg: mid-Aug to 1st week of
Sep 2010–2016.
Adult records: 1 at Popham Beach, 29 Jun 2016 (eBird),
exceptionally early; 3 in Scarborough 17 Jul 1939 (Norton, fide
Palmer 1949); 1 on Hog I., Bremen, Lincoln Co., 19 Jul 1938 (A. Cruickshank); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 25 Jul 1960; 1 on Stratton I.,
21 Jul 1998 (D. Derosher and R. Lambert); 1 at Seawall Beach,
29 Jul 1989 and again 31 Jul 2016 (PDV); 1 at Harpswell, 1 Aug 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 2 Aug 1989
(R. Eakin and J. Dunn, AB 44: 57); 1 at Weskeag Marsh, 8 Aug
2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 at Biddeford Pool Beach, 9 Aug 2009
(B. Bartrug); 7 at Popham Beach, 15 Aug 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird);
2 at Petit Manan I., 17 Aug 2016 (eBird); 1, Popham–Seawall Beach, 20 Aug 2016 (G. Smith, eBird); 1 at Higgins Beach,
Scarborough, 21 Aug 2017 (eBird); and 1 at Scarborough Marsh,
29 Aug 1987 (PDV and D. Abbott). PDV and CDD
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
The world’s smallest shorebird, the quintessential “peep”
Status in Maine: Least Sandpipers are common, locally abundant spring migrants, widespread along the coast and at inland ponds and marshes. They arrive in early May, with peak numbers occurring midmonth; they remain until the first week of June. They are among the earliest fall shorebird migrants, with adults appearing in late June–early July. By mid-July, Least Sandpipers are abundant and widespread with many migrants regularly reported inland as well as along the coast. Least Sandpipers diminish rapidly through September and become rare by mid-October. The species is casual in November, and there is only one winter record. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Least Sandpipers to be regular to common spring migrants and common to abundant during fall migration. Brewster (1925) observed Least Sandpipers irregularly at L. Umbagog, but he noted that he was an infrequent visitor there in Jul and Aug. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds along sedge wetlands, bog and pond margins and in coastal dune islands from NL, NS, e. QC, across n. Canada to AK and BC. One MA breeding record (see Remarks). Winters from NJ to FL, across southern states to CA, along coast to s. BC, also throughout Cen. Am., Caribbean, and much of S. Am. Remarks: Least Sandpipers breed regularly on Sable I., NS, and are reported nesting at other localities in the province. The species bred in 1979 on Monomoy I., MA (Veit and Petersen 1993), and a Least Sandpiper was observed in courtship flight near Wharton Pt., Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, 14–15 Jul 1983 (Adamus 1987). No further evidence of nesting was observed; this may have been a residual behavior from the breeding grounds. S pring :
Least Sandpipers arrive and are widespread along
coast and inland ponds and marshes first half of May. Earliest birds occasionally appear in Apr. Peak numbers recorded in
mid-May. Early records at Scarborough: 2 on 15 Apr 1973 (MN,
May 1973); 2 on 21 Apr 1995, 3 on 24 Apr 1996, 2 on 24 Apr 2008
(E. Hess); 9 on 26 Apr 2009 (D. Lovitch); 3 on 28 Apr 2000
(G. Carson); 6 on 28 Apr 2017 and 24 there the following day (G. Jarvis and D. Hitchcox, respectively; eBird). Apr records
elsewhere: 1 at Belgrade L., 15 Apr 1973 (MN, May 1973); 1 in
Wells, 22 Apr 1985 (L. Phinney); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 25 Apr
2017, and 7 there 5 days later (m.ob., eBird); 1 bird each date at
Weskeag Marsh, 26 Apr 2007 (N. Famous), 28 Apr 1991, and
28 Apr 1992 (both D. Reimer, eBird); 2 at Petit Manan NWR,
28 Apr 1988 (R. Widrig); 3 at Biddeford Pool, 28 Apr 2000 (G.
Carson); 1 at Gilsland Farm, 28 Apr 2011; 1 at Popham Beach S.P.
on 29–30 Apr 2017; unspecified number on Outer Green I., 30
Apr 2008; and 2 at Timber Pt., Rachel Carson NWR, on 30 Apr 2017. Highest spring counts second half of May; Scarborough:
>300 on 19 May 1993 (PDV); >400 on 21 May 1993 (L. Brinker); 215 on 17 May 2009 (E. Hess, eBird); and 200 on 10 May 1982,
15 May 1983 (both eBird), and 22 May 1997 (PDV). Elsewhere,
200 each observation: Weskeag Marsh on 25 May 1991 and same date 1992 (D. Reimer, eBird); Stratton I., 30 May 2013 (Project
Puffin Data, eBird); and Sanford, 22 May 2008 (M. Resch).
Count of no more than 141 at Fairfield, 17–23 May 2017, unusual inland. Late migrants occur regularly in diminishing numbers
until ~10 Jun with few large counts: 30 in Kennebunkport, 7 Jun
1998 (P. Moynahan); 15 there on 7 Jun 2016; and 15 in Addison, 9 Jun 1998 (N. Famous). S ummer :
Reports of species 15–25 Jun are few and probably
summering nonbreeders. Max of 8 at Popham Beach S.P., 23 Jun
2006 (D. Hollie, eBird). F all :
Arrival dates for Scarborough Marsh provide pattern
of fall movements. In 1989, J. Despres saw 25 birds on 30 Jun, numbers increasing to 100 by 4 Jul 1989. Additional late Jun
reports at this site include: 1 on 24 Jun 1993 (L. Brinker), 1 on
28 Jun 2007 (D. Lovitch), 1 on 30 Jun 1998 (G. Carson), and 3
on 30 Jun 2016 (T. Fennell, eBird). At nearby Biddeford Pool: 2
early migrants on 27 Jun 2006 (N. McReel) and 1 on 29 Jun 2017
( J. Fecteau, eBird). Earliest inland migrants in Turner: 1 on 1 Jul
1997, 2 on 2 Jul 1998, 1 on 3 Jul 1999 ( J. Despres). Early reports in
Aroostook Co.: 3 in Ft. Kent, 26 Jun 2006 (WJS); 6 at Eagle L.,
30 Jun 2017 (K. Cawley, eBird); 2 in Portage L., 3 Jul 2005; 2 at L. Josephine, 6 Jul 1996 and 8 Jul 1991 (WJS, eBird).
Numbers increase rapidly Jul–Aug when first juveniles
appear. Annual counts 50–200 common at preferred feeding
areas along coast. Occasional coastal counts of >300 sandpipers:
2,000 at Addison, 13 Aug 1967 (Randall, NMAS Aug 1967). At Lubec, 1,650 on 19 Aug 2010 ( J. Multhopp); 1,000 on 10 Aug
2008 ( J. Mays); 700 on 17 Aug 2015 (K. Tanquist and P. Coy, eBird); and 500 on 5 Sep 2009 (L. Deilwo, W. Schlesinger,
eBird); 600 at Weskeag Marsh, 20 Aug 2009 (ISS data, eBird);
500 at Martinsville, Knox Co., 30 Jul 1989 (M. Plymire); 350 in Lamoine, Hancock Co., 30 Aug 2004 ( J. Smith). High inland
counts: 2,000 at Swan I., Richmond, 6 Aug 1970 (P. Adamus);
575 at Sanford Lagoons on 10 Aug 2007 and 400 on 23 Aug
2007 (L. Seitz and L. Brinker); 400 near Bath on 22 Aug 2007;
260 at Clinton on 11 Aug 2017; 240 at L. Josephine, 13 Aug 1995
215
Birds of Maine
(WJS, eBird); and 125 at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 13 Sep 2009
S pring :
rare mid- to late Oct. Casual in Nov: 6 in Eastport, 26 Nov 1970
most shorebirds, widespread in some springs but local and
(PDV). Numbers diminish rapidly through Sep and species
(W. Townsend, MN 2: 38); 1 at Scarborough, 21 Nov 1990 (L.
Brinker; MBN 4: 24); 1 in Thomaston, 5 Nov 2002 (M. Libby);
1 in Wells, 18 Nov 2003 (S. Richardson); 1 at Weskeag Marsh, 9 Nov 2005 (PDV); 1 in Addison, 21 Nov 2005 (M. Lovit). Late
inland records: 5 at Sebasticook L., 24 Oct 2002 ( J. Smith), and
Small numbers regular along coast 15 May–15 Jun.
Most records 1–6 birds. Spring migration more variable than reported from few areas in other years: no spring White-
rumped Sandpipers reported in 2004. Reports of moderate to
large spring flocks rare: >50 at Biddeford Pool, 27 May 1978 (P.
Cannell); 10 in Lubec, 27 May 1988 (CDD); 10 at Scarborough,
11 Jun 1988 (R. Eakin); 40 in Phippsburg, 2 Jun 2001 (PDV), and
1 immature bird there, 28 Oct 2006 (PDV); 1 in Sanford, 22 Oct
30 at same locality, 5 Jun 2001 (PDV); 12 in S. Thomaston, 22
and 1 at Clinton 24 Oct 2016 (T. Aversa, eBird).
in Scarborough, 27 Apr 1912 (Palmer 1949). Other early records:
2006 (A. Aldrich); 1 at Christina Reservoir, 24 Oct 2006 (WJS); W inter :
There is a single winter record: J. Lortie carefully
identified a Least Sandpiper in Wells, 16 Jan 1987 (AB 41: 255).
PDV and CDD
May 2008 (D. Rimer). Earliest record: 1 male shot by Norton
1 in Biddeford, 2 May 1992 (S. Pollock); 1 in Brunswick, 3 May
1981 ( JEP); 1 in Scarborough, 7 May 1999 (G. Carson). Inland, species casual in spring: 5 at Sanford Lagoons, 15 Jun 2016 ( J.
Fecteau and A. Aldrich, eBird), and 2 there 30 May 2018 (m.ob., eBird); 2 birds at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 18 May–2 Jun
White-rumped Sandpiper
2017 (m.ob., eBird), and 1 there 13 Jun 2018 (m.ob., eBird). Other single birds at Sabattus Pond on 25 May 2015 (G. Jarvis, eBird);
Calidris fuscicollis
Loring runway, Aroostook Co., 26 May 2010 (WJS, eBird);
A bird that weighs an ounce and a half makes one of the longest migrations of any animal
Unspecified number at Moosehorn NWR on 23 May 2008 (M.
Status in Maine: White-rumped Sandpipers are regular spring migrants, occurring in small numbers along the coast between 15 May and 15 June. They are casual inland in spring. The first adults arrive as fall migrants in late July and remain until September. Juvenile birds appear in mid-September and can be seen through mid-November. Fall migrants occur in a wider variety of habitats than spring birds and can be seen along inland lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed this species as rare in late spring and common in fall along the coast from late Jul to late Nov. Palmer considered it rare in spring and common in fall along the coast. He noted a single summer record from Hog I. on 28 Jun 1939 (A. Cruickshank). Brewster (1925) observed small numbers regularly in Oct on L. Umbagog. There was a huge flight in 1900, when thousands of White-rumped Sandpipers were reported by Pillsbury at Scarborough, 14 Oct 1900 (Palmer 1949). Global Distribution: Western Hemisphere. Breeds in Arctic Canada, from Baffin Is. and n. Hudson Bay to n. AK. Winters primarily east of Andes Mtns. from s. Brazil to southernmost Tierra del Fuego. Spring migration primarily through cen. N. Am.; fall migration along East Coast. Species known to make long, nonstop flights from e. N. Am. to n. S. Am. (Suriname, Guyana); these flights cover 2,500 mi. (4,000 km) and can take >45 hrs (Parmelee 1992). 216
and Foss Pond, Piscataquis Co., 28 May 2010 ( J. Kelly, eBird). and A. Perko, eBird).
S ummer :
Occurs irregularly along southern coast in
small numbers (typically 1–6) 15 Jun–10 Jul. Most records
from Biddeford, Scarborough, and Phippsburg. Presumably,
individuals are late migrants or possibly summering nonbreeders.
Largest flock recorded: 8 birds at Stratton I., 4 Jul 2017 (Z. Smith, eBird). F all :
Numbers increase after 10 Jul indicating arrival of
southbound adults along coast, and by early Aug, adults
(2–12) widespread and fairly common. Flocks of 30–70 adults
recorded annually, larger flocks occasionally reported. Highest
counts frequently from Washington Co.: 250 in Cutler, 23 Sep
1993; >200 in Lubec, early Sep 1978; and 200 there on 8 Sep
1999 (all N. Famous, NAB 54: 28); 130 adults on 27 Aug 2010 at
Harrington (MDIFW, eBird); >125 in Steuben, 19 Aug 1994 (R.
Widrig, FN 49: 22); and 120 adults at Little Machias Bay on 24
Aug 1982 (PDV, eBird).
In s. ME, 270 found during complete inventory of
Scarborough Marsh on 22 Aug 2009 ( J. Woodruff et al.); 200 at
Biddeford Pool, 19 Sep 2006 (P. Moynahan), 100 there on 17 Sep
2005 (M. Zimmerman), and again 4 Sep 2001 (P. Moynahan).
Adults occasional to rare inland during early-fall migration. In
Aroostook Co.: 1 on Madawaska L. on 3 Aug 2017 (M. Burden, eBird), 1 on Eagle L. on 4 Aug 1978 ( J. Gibson, eBird), 1 at
Caribou on 9 Aug 2014 (WJS, eBird), and 1 on L. Josephine, 13
Aug 2008 (WJS).
Juveniles arrive at end of Aug, peak numbers occurring
late Sep–Oct. Three exceptionally early at Higgins Beach,
Scarborough, on 21 Aug 2013 (L. Bruen-Morningstar, eBird).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Occurs in small numbers to mid-Nov. Late adults at Seawall
Beach, 8 Oct 1995 (PDV), and in Benton–Clinton, 8 Nov 2008,
exceptionally late (L. Bevier, ph.). Large flocks of late migrants:
56 at Kittery Pt., 23 Oct 1972 (H. Card); 50 in Thomaston, 9 Nov
2002 (M. Libby); >24 in Scarborough, 9 Nov 2008 (E. Hess); 17
in Scarborough, 21 Nov 1990 (L. Brinker); and again 15 Nov 2013
(PDV, eBird). Latest of all: 5 at Scarborough on 27 Nov 2013
and singles at Biddeford on 28 and 30 Nov 2017 (all J. Fecteau,
eBird); and at Schoodic Peninsula, Hancock Co., on 8 Dec that same year (S. Benz, eBird).
Juveniles appear inland more regularly than adults, along
lakes and ponds and wet margins. Brewster (1925, 245–246)
recorded small numbers (1–9) regularly at L. Umbagog in Oct, noting, “Once (October 26, 1883), I found nine of them near
the mouth of Cambridge River, two days after the entire region
had been covered with snow to a depth of seven inches.” In
Somerset Co., 3 birds in Fairfield, 29 Oct 1997 (W. Sumner),
locally rare. In Aroostook Co., 1 on Long L., St. Agatha, 13 Oct
2008 (WJS); Christina Reservoir, on 6 Sep 2009 and again 31 Oct 2015 (both WJS, eBird); 7 at L. Josephine, 10 Nov 2003,
“seen during a snowstorm when the lake was largely covered
with ice,” and 1 at same locality, 16 Nov 2009 (WJS). Reported
regularly in Orono, Newport, and Sabattus in Oct and early Nov.
Large inland flocks: >40 at Cobbosseecontee L., 21 Oct 1984
(PDV and JVW), and 150 birds at Sabattus Pond, 27 Oct 1989 ( J. Despres and P. McWilliams). PDV and CDD
County despite suitable habitat and extensive surveying (WJS, pers. com.). Indeed, there are no records north of Orono. Historical Status in Maine: Buff-breasted Sandpipers were more common in ME before 19th century market hunting substantially reduced the population. There are no records of small flocks 1915–1940. Knight was unfamiliar with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper but said that Brown considered it a regular fall migrant in the Portland area Aug–Sep, having shot as many as four in a single day. Palmer apparently gave little credence to Brown’s observations and ignored them, reporting only 23 records (15 collected, 8 sight records), Aug–Sep 1845–1940. He did recognize as valid Norton’s observation of six together in Portland, 20 Aug 1940. Baird et al. (1884), relying on Boardman’s comments, said Buff-breasted Sandpipers were found in the Calais area in spring and fall. That spring status seems mistaken as there are but a handful of recent spring records in the entire northeast U.S. and none in NB and NS. Global Distribution: Breeds in high Arctic Canada, AK, and far e. Russia. Winters in s. S. Am., primarily pampas of coastal se. Brazil, cen. Argentina, and Uruguay (Lanctot et al. 2010); migrates north and south primarily through cen. N. Am. with fewer migrants regular along Atlantic Coast in fall.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; USSCP: High Concern.
A distinctive “grasspiper” and an especially longdistance migrant
Remarks: At the end of the 1800s, the population was estimated from hundreds of thousands to more than one million. The current population estimate for Buff-breasted Sandpipers is 35,000–78,000 (Wetlands International 2019). This indicates a massive decline from the end of the 1800s to the present.
Calidris subruficollis
Status in Maine: The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a rare fall migrant occurring in small numbers (usually one to six birds) from late August–late September along the coast and occasionally inland to central Maine. Single birds are typically found associating with American Golden-Plovers, yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers, and occasionally in small intraspecies groups of two to six birds. The species is commonly found on sandy beaches and short grassland habitats such as wet hay fields, stubble fields, athletic fields, golf courses, airports, and turf farms. It also occurs irregularly at shorebird roosts such as Sprague Neck in Cutler. Buff-breasted Sandpipers are rarely seen on salt marshes and tidal mudflats, but occasionally on gravelly Lubec Flats. Rare inland, they are sometimes seen at turf and dairy farms. The species has not been observed in Aroostook
S pring :
A bird well-ph. and videotaped at Clinton, 22–23 May
2017, is the only spring record (eBird). S ummer :
3 records, all adults: 1 ph. on Popham Beach, 26–29
Jul 2011 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 ph. at Fryeburg Harbor, 6 Aug
2017 (A. Robbins, eBird); and one in S. Portland, 12 Aug 1995
(L. Brinker, FN 50: 22). All birds seen after 20 Aug are bright juveniles.
F all :
Juveniles regular and nearly annual in small numbers
along coast during fall migration: 1–6 usually late Aug–third
week of Sep. Maximum in one season: 30 in 2011, including 11 n.
of Berwick, York Co., on 10 Sep 2011. Main migration 21 Aug–20
Sep, peak ~1 Sep. Earliest fall juveniles observed at Scarborough
217
Birds of Maine
Marsh, 18 Aug 1984 ( JVW) and 18 Aug 2001 (P. Moynahan, eBird). Latest fall migrant: 20 Oct 1990 at Biddeford Pool
(S. Pollock). Sightings of multiple birds: in Cutler, 3 on 28–30
Aug 1985 (CDD, PDV), 4 on 4 Sep 1994 (L. Brinker), 4 on 7
Sep 2009 (B. Southard); 3 in Lubec, 28 Aug 1983 (CDD); 3 in
Steuben, 10–14 Sep 1989 (R. Widrig); in S. Portland: 4 on 2 Sep
1995 (L. Brinker), 4 on 28 Sep 2006 (L. Brinker), 3–5 on 4–5
Sep 2011 (L. Bevier, B. Cole, and D. Hitchcox; eBird); 3 at Reid S.P., 26 Aug 2005 (fide ME Audubon); 4 at Winding Brook
Turf Farm, Lyman, 8 Sep 2006 (B. Southard); 6 at Moody
Beach, York Co., 7 Sep 2006 (K. Jones); 3 at Falmouth H.S.
fields, Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 14 Sep 2007 (L. Seitz);
3 at Scarborough Marsh, 2 Sep 2012 (eBird). Inland: annual
late Aug–early Sep at Berwick, Clinton, and Fryeburg. Others:
5 in Bangor, 29 Aug–2 Oct 1970 (G. Freese et al.); 4 at Little
Falls, Cumberland Co., 7–9 Sep 2017 (T. Fennel et al.; eBird); 1 in Orono, 18–21 Sep 1976 (N. Famous et al.; ph.); 1 in Turner, 3
Sep–7 Oct 1994 ( J. Despres et al.); 2 in Gray, Cumberland Co., 6 Sep 2006 (obs. unk.); 2 at Sebago L. S.P., 12 Sep 2006 obs. unk.);
2 in Gray, 12–14 Sep 2007 (fide E. Hynes); 1 on Clarry Hill, Union, 12 Sep 2007 (PDV). PDV and CDD
species rare in spring and common to abundant in fall, particularly along the coast, and irregular inland. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in Arctic from Hudson Bay west through n. Canada to n. and w. AK, and n. Russia. Winters primarily in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, also in Australia and New Zealand. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern because of high threats and population declines. Remarks: Pectoral Sandpipers were called “creakers” by 19th-century gunners for their “cr-rr-rr, cr-rr-rr” flight notes (Brewster 1925). S pring :
Rare but annual in past decade with curious exception
of 2010, occurring in small numbers (1–8) late Mar–early Jun.
Most spring records 15 Apr–15 May. At least 8 records 25–30
Mar: earliest at Scarborough, 25 Mar 2008 (R. Lambert) and,
notably because inland, 2 in Augusta, 26 Mar 1999 (R. Spinney).
In 2006, migration was generally earlier than usual with reports from Sanford (1 on 1 Apr, A. Aldrich), Buxton, York Co. (1 on
2 Apr, R. Harrison), and Scarborough (9 on 6 Apr, D. Lovitch).
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotos
Late-spring migration records at Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 30 May 2006 (E. Hess), 1 on 1 Jun 2008 (D. Lovitch), and 2 on
5 Jun 1957 (MFO 2: 71). Later records, all from seabird islands,
A long-distance migrant of the Central Flyway whose numbers in Maine vary greatly from year to year
possibly nonbreeding birds: 7–9 Jun 2002 at Seal I. NWR and 1
Status in Maine: Although their main migration passes through central North America, Pectoral Sandpipers are regular spring migrants in Maine. They arrive in small numbers in spring, primarily between mid-April and mid-May, and are more frequent along the coast than in fall when they are common to locally abundant. The first fall migrants arrive in mid-July with numbers increasing into September and October when flocks of 30–50 birds are occasionally reported. They are more numerous on inland lakes and ponds during the fall.
highly variable. No ME reports in spring of 1987, 1989, 1990,
Historical Status in Maine: Knight reported that, as now, Pectoral Sandpipers were regular fall migrants, common at Sabattus Pond in Oct of 1897 and 1899, where the species remains common in season to the present. At L. Umbagog, Brewster (1925) considered Pectoral Sandpipers to be common to abundant fall migrants in late summer and fall. He reported small numbers of adults in Jul–early Aug and larger numbers of juveniles Sep–Oct, when he saw up to 100 birds at a time. Similarly, Palmer considered the 218
at E. Egg Rock, 19–21 Jun 2011 (Project Puffin, eBird).
Spring occurrence of Pectoral Sandpipers on East Coast
1994, and 2000. Unprecedented flight in 1981 brought >1,000
to Newburyport, MA, 20 Apr 1981, and large flocks observed
elsewhere in s. New England (R. Heil; Veit and Petersen 1993).
Unusually large numbers in ME that year (1981): 23 in Orono on 7 Apr (B. Bochan); 15 in Wells, 11 Apr (obs. unk.); 10 in
Kennebunk, 9 Apr ( J. Ficker); 10 in Trenton, Hancock Co., 9
Apr (W. Townsend); 9 in Whiting, Washington Co., 23 Apr (N. Famous). Other large spring counts: 27 at Scarborough 27 Apr
1986 and 14 there on 26 Apr 1982 (both PDV), and 12 at same locality, 16 Apr 2006 (E. Hess).
Fewer records for eastern counties than coastal s. ME:
in addition to N. Famous records above, 7 birds particularly
unusual in Roque Bluffs, 7 Apr 1979 (T. Preston, Jr.). Casual
inland: 5 observed in Brownfield Bog, 23 May 1984 (P. Richards);
1 seen in Orono, 8 May 1984 ( J. Markowsky). Rare in n. and w.
ME, with few Franklin Co. records: 1 in New Sharon on 1 May
1996 (obs. unk.); in Clinton: 1 on 8 May 1996, 1 on 16 May 2002,
and 1 on 3 May 2003 (obs. unk.); 1 in Farmington on 5 May 1997
(W. Sumner); 1, Fryeburg, 20–21 May 2013 (B. Crowley, J. Scott,
eBird). Although Palmer, citing Kilburn, considered this species
a rare spring migrant on Aroostook R., there is only one spring
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
report for Aroostook Co., 1990–2017: 3 in Presque Isle, 26 May
2013, “My first ever in northern Maine in spring” (WJS, eBird). F all :
Regular fall migrants, generally common to abundant
late Aug–Oct. First adults appear in small numbers (1–6) along
coast 9–12 Jul: 1 at Scarborough 2 Jul 1984 (PDV), and 1 at
E. Egg Rock, same date in 2010 (Project Puffin, eBird). One at Scarborough Marsh, 21 Jun 1992 (L. Brinker), probably
exceptionally early-fall migrant, and 13 birds at same locality,
12 Jul 2005, an unusual number for the date (fide D. Lovitch).
Largest concentration of adults: 50 birds in Scarborough, 9 Aug
2002 (L. Brinker). Adult Pectoral Sandpipers less common
inland in fall, as noted by Brewster (1925). Unusual observations:
1 at L. Messalonskee, 10 Jul 1884 (R. Spinney); 1 in Clinton on
27 Jul 2005 (W. Sumner); and 1 in T5 ND BPP, Washington Co.,
6 Aug 2002 (N. Famous). Adults sometimes linger into Sep or
later: 13 at Sebasticook L, 1 Oct 2014, an exceptional number for
the date. Latest recorded adult: Clinton on 7 Oct 2013 (B. Barker,
m.ob., eBird).
First juveniles mid- to late Aug when they co-occur with
adults: in Scarborough, 1 adult and 1 juvenile, 14 Aug 2007 (L.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla
How does a bird whose head is smaller than a human thumb find its way from the Arctic to South America and back annually?
Status in Maine: Semipalmated Sandpipers are common spring and abundant fall migrants along the coast, although in greatly reduced numbers from 30 years ago. Spring migrants arrive in early to mid-May and may remain through the first two weeks of June. Fall migrants arrive in late June and July, become abundant through July and August, and diminish substantially by October with a few birds occasionally lingering into early November. Inland, the species is casual in spring and regular but rare in fall. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Seitz); and 1 adult and 2 juveniles, 31 Aug 2008 (D. Lovitch).
Late coastal records: 6 at Weskeag Marsh, 15 Nov 2005 (D.
Reimer); 1 at Perry, Washington Co., 16 Nov 2017 (C. Bartlett,
eBird); 8 at Scarborough, 17 Nov 2013, with 1 there 2 days later
(R. Lambert, and WJS and PDV, respectively; eBird); 1 in
Bristol, 23 Nov 2005 (M. Libby). Late inland records: 25 in E.
Monmouth, Kennebec Co., 11 Nov 1984 ( JVW); 1 in Augusta, 16
Nov 2002 (N. Famous); 1 in Orono, 20–21 Nov 1999 (E. Grew);
1 at Sabattus Pond, 21 Nov 1990 ( J. Despres); 2 at Sanford
Lagoons, 18–23 Nov 2015 ( J. Fecteau and A. Aldrich, eBird); in
Aroostook Co., 7 in Limestone, 28 Oct 1997 ( J. Lortie).
Number of fall migrants varies annually: Palmer (1949)
reported a market gunner in Scarborough ~633 birds 1864–1892,
killing 141 birds in 1867 but 280 on 21 Oct
1984 (PDV, AB 39: 27) declining to 25 on 11 Nov 1984 ( JVW); at Sanford: 39 on 22 Oct 2001 (D. Tucker), 36 including 1
injured adult, 26 Oct 2001 (L. Brinker), 30 on 30 Oct 2001 (P.
Moynahan); in Orono, 33 at Taylor Bait Farm, 23 Oct 1988 (ISS,
eBird); 76 in Clinton, 22 Oct 2011 (M. Fahay and P. Blair, eBird);
60 in Eustis, Franklin Co., on 23 Oct 2017 (F. Kynd, eBird). PDV and CDD
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Semipalmated Sandpipers regular fall migrants along the coast with a few spring migrants. Palmer called them common spring transients, abundant fall migrants along the coast, and regular in small numbers in summer. Brewster (1925, 252) considered this species to be abundant in fall in the early 1870s but they “diminished steadily and unmistakably” in the L. Umbagog region after then, “doubtless because they have ceased to be ignored by gunners.” Similarly, in Cumberland Co., Palmer (1949, 231) noted, “In the period from 1891 to 1911, Pillsbury shot 1,933 sandpipers, mostly of this species, his largest bag being 467 in 1891. After 1900, when he shot only one, he never killed more than 77 a year.” Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds from n. coastal Labrador, QC, Hudson Bay, to n. and w. AK and ne. Siberia. Winters primarily from n. S. Am., 219
Birds of Maine
Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil, south to Uruguay and Argentina, also uncommonly in the Caribbean and on the Pacific, from Costa Rica and Panama to Chile. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; USSCP: High Concern because of “high threats and population declines.” Remarks: The total population of Semipalmated Sandpipers appears to be declining, with disproportionately severe declines among the longbilled, eastern-breeding birds (Hicklin and Chardine 2012). Greatly reduced numbers since the 1970s in e. ME during southbound migration reflect these changes in the eastern population, as seen also at the Bay of Fundy stopover. This population may have been declining at 5% annually for more than 30 years, meaning the current population is just 20% of what it once was. This magnitude of decline is corroborated by ~80% declines seen in key wintering areas in n. S. Am. (P. Smith, pers. com.). S pring :
Semipalmated Sandpipers arrive beginning 2nd
week of May with peak by start of 3rd week. Northbound
migration over by end of 1st week of Jun. Early records: a dead
bird found on Seguin I. on 20 Apr 1895 (fide Palmer 1949), and
one seen in the Portland area, “probably Scarborough,” 6 May
1879 (N.C. Brown in Palmer, 231). Other early records (Project Puffin, eBird): 3 on Outer Green I, 2 May 2009; 1 at Seal I, 4
May 2010; and 2 at Stratton I, 5 May 2011. Inshore: 1 on 5 May
2011 at Kennebunk (K. Janes, eBird). Nine at Weskeag Marsh, 7 May 1985 (ISS data, eBird); 1 on Appledore I., 7 May 1997
(fide D. Holmes). A count of 150 in Cutler on 11 May 1980 (M.
McCollough) was unusual for both the date and the number of birds. Early arrival dates at Biddeford Pool: 4 May 1991, 7 May
1994, 8 May 1992, and 8 May 2002 (all S. Pollock).
Highest spring counts were before 2000: 1,400 at Mill R.,
Harrington, 24 May 1980 (N. Famous); the same number at
Small Pt., 29 May 1983 (ISS data, eBird); 1,200 in Biddeford
Pool, 22 May 1968 (obs. unk.); 900 at Seawall Beach on 25 May
1986 (ISS data, eBird); and 600 at Biddeford Pool on 25 May 1985. More recently: 560 at Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, on 28
May 2014 (G. Smith, eBird); 450 at Seawall Beach (PDV et al.;
eBird); 400 there on 29 May 2009 (MDIFW, eBird); and 300 at
Biddeford Pool on 23 May 2012 (A. Aldrich and D. Doubleday, eBird), all favored locations with repeated occurrences.
Occasional inland in spring with records at 20 or so locales.
Only Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, has more than two
spring records: 1–3 individuals 18–28 May 2012, 2013, 2015, and
2017. Highest inland counts, each of 6 birds, at the following:
Brownfield Bog, 14 May 2006 (B. Crowley, eBird); First Roach
220
Pond, Piscataquis Co., 25 May 2013 (W. Laverty, eBird); Lower
Richardson L., Oxford Co., 26 May 1987 ( J. Chivers); Bangor, 11 May 1984; and Orono, two days later (both J. Markowsky).
S ummer :
With fewer records between 10–20 Jun, it appears
the species does not regularly summer inshore along the ME
coast. There are, however, annual reports of small numbers (1–8) from the offshore seabird islands, Seal I., E. Egg Rock, and
Stratton I., which may represent over-summering individuals.
Occasionally higher counts: 30 at E. Egg Rock on 13 Jun 2015 decreased to 10 the following day and just 1 two days later
(eBird), suggesting these were birds on the move rather than summer residents. Counts of 168 at Seawall Beach, on 13 Jun
2013; 27 at Scarborough on 13 Jun 2013 and 25 at Ogunquit on
14 Jun 2016 also surely represented migrating birds, though in which direction it would be difficult to say. F all :
Fall migration starts with adults arriving in late
Jun–early Jul. Adult numbers peak in late Jul and early Aug.
Juveniles typically arrive in mid-Aug so 40 immatures with 320 adults on 16 Jul 2012 at Popham Beach (M. Fahay, eBird) was remarkable. At Seawall Beach, the following ratios of adults
to juveniles were reported: 15 Aug 1995: 3,500 individuals, 10%
juvenile; 17 Aug 2008: 3,000, 10% juvenile; 18 Aug 2000: >1,500,
25% juvenile; 8 Sep 2009: 600, 99% juvenile (all PDV). Juveniles reach a maximum by late Aug. Numbers diminish rapidly in
Oct, with the last birds lingering into the first part of Nov.
Exceptionally late records: 450 inland at Sabattus Pond on 14
Nov 2002 (PDV, D. Mairs). Perhaps coincidentally, 100 observed the same fall on Sebasticook L., 24 Oct 2002 ( J. Smith). One at
Back Cove, Portland, 22 Nov 1989 (obs. unk.); 1 near Mackworth
I., Falmouth, 25 Nov 1989 (R. Eakin); and, notably, 113 at Jenny I. on 28 Nov 1993 (Project Puffin, eBird).
Enormous concentrations traditionally occurred in
Washington Co. but numbers have declined substantially since the 1970s. Consistent counts at the E. Lubec Bar in the 1970s
and 1980s regularly reached 25,000–35,000 with an astonishing
maximum of 100,000 birds, 9 Aug 1985 (AB 40: 256). Large
counts elsewhere in Washington Co. from that period: 65,000 in Eastport, 11 Aug 1979 (N. Famous and M. McCullough);
in Harrington: 40,000 between 30 Jul and 18 Aug 1979, 15,000
on 12 Aug 1980, 5,000 juveniles on 3 Sep 1980, and >7,500 on
15 Aug 1999 (all N. Famous); 20,000 at Petit Manan Pt., 28 Jul 1982 (N. Famous); and 15,000 adults in Milbridge, 24 Jul 1980 (NAB 54: 28). Since 1986, reported maxima have declined by
60–80%: 7,000 individuals on 18 Aug 1995 (FN 50: 22); 6,400
92% juveniles, at Milbridge on 14 Sep 2011, and 5,836 there on 10 Sep 2013 (both MDIFW, eBird); 2,500 on 30 Aug 2003 (WJS); and 5,000 on 20 Aug 2010 (R. Marvil).
Although the species was never as numerous in Midcoast
as Downeast, Midcoast numbers seem not to have declined
as acutely as those Downeast. While the all-time maximum is
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
10,000 in Thomaston, 12 Aug 1967 (RNEB 23: 10), high counts
Spring:
Accidental in spring, with no physical documentation.
of 2,000 were more typical in the 1980s and 1990s. Similar
Palmer (1949, 232) reported that Norton saw several birds “which
eBird). Similarly, counts at Seawall Beach 1976–2010 have not
26 May 1933. Single modern sight record of adult in breeding
counts reported into this century: 2,000 on 18 Aug 2005 (ISS,
revealed a decline at this locality, where daily maxima of 2,500–
6,000 birds are recorded almost annually: 6,000 on 12 Aug 1992,
he believed were of this species” at Scarborough Marsh on
plumage at Scarborough Marsh, 10 May 1982: “bill shape
indicated female . . . nearing full breeding plumage; bright orange
5,500 on 31 Jul 2008, 5,000 on 12 Aug 1977 and the same date the
crown, orange scapulars, coverts black and broadly tipped white
again on 30 Jul 2007 (all PDV).
Two additional spring reports lack documentation and should be
inland river and lake margins, occurring nearly annually at
(Morse, MFO 2: 57), and 1 in Bass Harbor, Tremont, Hancock
following year, 5,000 on 14 Aug 1991, 4,000 on 20 Aug 1991 and Small groups (2–8 birds) are regular but not common along
preferred sites such as L. Josephine, with notably large counts
of 110 on 12 Aug 2010 and 100 on 13 Aug 1995 (both WJS); and
at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, with a high count of 110 on 25
Aug 2011 (R. Speirs, eBird). PDV and CDD
and orange . . . bill thin, and decurved at tip” (PDV, MB 4: 26).
viewed with caution: 3 in Brunswick, 19 May 1957, with no details
Co., 22 May 1985 ( J. Markowsky and N. Famous). F all :
While small numbers (usually 1–4) occur along coast late
Jul–late Oct, and casually into Nov, most reported 16 Aug–15 Sep. Adults less numerous than juveniles. First adults arrive
along coast 15–31 Jul, although casual at this time (100 females (unknown male count) in
Harrington, 7 Sep 1980 (N. Famous). W inter :
One winter record: juvenile observed with 4 Dunlin
at Biddeford Pool on 7 Dec 1997 (L. Brinker) and later on 27
Dec 1997 (PDV and D. Mairs, FN 52: 2). Bird was in first-
basic plumage with 3–4 retained bright juvenile upper scapular
feathers; long droopy bill suggested it was female.
PDV and CDD
Short-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus griseus
Try explaining this name to a beginning birder who sees one for the first time
Status in Maine: Short-billed Dowitchers are regular spring migrants in south-central coastal Maine, usually arriving in numbers by mid-May. They are less regular in eastern and inland Maine at this season. Small numbers remain through the summer. Southbound migration starts early with the first migrants arriving in late June and early July. Flocks occasionally numbering many hundreds are regular 221
Birds of Maine
through July and early August, with a second smaller wave in early September. The species is less common by mid-September and rare later in the season. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 159) stated correctly that Short-billed Dowitchers appear in spring along the coast “about the last of May in fair numbers.” However, his view that “in the fall migration the appearance is uncertain or irregular, but when seen at all it is from late July or August until well into October” was inaccurate. Manasseh Smith (1874, 245) better understood the fall migration, stating that in Scarborough, “male birds are back here on their way south as early as July 4th, but usually not until the 15th. Females and young arrive the first of August.” Palmer (1949, 228–229) indicated that dowitchers were common spring migrants along the southern coast but were “in diminishing numbers to rare east of Penobscot Bay.” He also said that fall migrants were “numerous west of Penobscot Bay, common farther eastward, and very rare inland.” At L. Umbagog, Brewster (1925) recorded this species once in fall: four individuals on 14 Sep 1900. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Three subspecies breed allopatrically: eastern, L. g. griseus, in cen. QC and w. Labrador to e. ON (Hudson and James Bays) and NU; central population, L. g. hendersoni, in n. ON, MB, s. NU west to AB; western population, L. g. caurinus, in BC, NT to coastal se. AK. Both griseus and hendersoni presumably winter on Atlantic Coast from s. VA and NJ south to FL, Gulf Coast to Mexico, Cen. Am., and Caribbean; caurinus winters along Pacific Coast from CA to Panama, Columbia, to n. Peru. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern because of high threats and population declines Remarks: Manasseh Smith (1874, 245) reported an almost inconceivably large spring flight of Shortbilled Dowitchers at Pine Pt.: “May 25, 1868 was the largest flight I ever saw. They extended from horizon to horizon, and the flight lasted over three hours six miles out at sea (at right angles to their course). From where I was the same sight presented itself. The body of birds must have been 12 or 15 miles wide and at least 100 [miles] long. They did not ‘darken the air,’ but were in bunches from a dozen to several hundred and were visible in all directions” (in Palmer 1949, 228). Such a flight must surely have involved hundreds of thousands of individual birds, perhaps even exceeding the population of griseus at that date. Given the 222
observing distance, estimated at six mi. (10 km), it seems likely other species were involved. The cen. Canadian breeding subspecies, L. g. hendersoni, is apparently accidental in spring and casual to rare in fall in ME. There is a single spring record of an individual ph. in Scarborough, 17 May 2009 (L. Alexander, ph.). There are at least five fall records, all from Scarborough Marsh: more than one on 25 Jul 1987 ( JVW, MBN 1[3]: 31); one or more on 6 Aug and 24 Aug 2006 (L. Brinker); 23 Aug 2007 (D. Lovitch, E. Hess; ph.); three birds photographed on 23 Jul 2012 (I. Davies and L. Seitz, eBird). This subspecies is likely annual or nearly so in fall but generally overlooked. Distribution and abundance of juvenile hendersoni is unknown because this age class cannot be reliably identified in the field. S pring :
Generally, arrive along coast in mid-May with flocks
usually of 3–80 birds. Early arrivals: 1 at Scarborough on 13 Apr
1987 (K. Gammons); 1 at Back Cove, Portland, on 23 Apr 1984 (PDV), and 1 same day in Martinsville, Knox Co. (P. Koelle, fide M. Plymire); 1 in Wells, 23 Apr 1985 (L. Phinney); 2 at
Scarborough Marsh on 26 Apr 2009 (E. Hess, eBird), 1 there on
27 Apr 1999 (K. Gammons), and 9 there on 27 Apr 1986 (PDV); 3 at Biddeford Pool on 30 Apr 2017 (m.ob., eBird); and 2 at Biddeford Pool, 30 Apr 2000 (L. Brinker).
Counts rarely >150 birds, occasional exceptions: 845 at Stratton
I. on 24 May 1996 (L. LaCasse, eBird); 500 at Pine Pt. on 22 May
2017 ( J. Berry, eBird); 400 at Stratton I., 24 May 2006 (fide D. Lovitch); 359 at Wharton Pt., 20 May 2013 (G. Smith, eBird). Uncommon and somewhat irregular spring migrants in
Hancock and Washington Cos.: flocks of 57 at Ship I., Jericho
Bay, 20 May 2015 (M. Baran, eBird), and of 52 at Machias, 23
May 1987 (T. Preston, Jr., eBird) largest reported for Downeast.
Uncommon inland with ~30 records since 1982, occurring 17
May–3 Jun. Notable records (from n. to s.): Aroostook Co.: 90
at Washburn Flats, 21 May 1978 (ISS, eBird); >80 at L. Josephine,
21 May 2009 (WJS); 45 in Caribou, 20 May 2004 (WJS); 15
in Easton, 25 May 1991 (M. Trombley and J. Greenlaw); 28 at
Trafton L., Limestone, 27 May 2011 (WJS, eBird). Piscatisquis Co.: 35 in Greenville, 25 May 1982 (W. Noble). In Franklin Co: 100 on Dead R., 21 May 2013 (G. Sorenson, eBird). In
Penobscot Co., 100 at Taylor Bait Farm, Orono, 29 May 2003
(eBird, E. Grew). In Oxford Co.: 20 on Upper Richardson
L., Richardson Twp., 21 May 1982 ( J. Chivers), and 12 south of
Hastings on 28 May 2000 (B. Crowley, eBird). In Kennebec Co.:
47 overhead at Augusta on 21 May 2013 (D. Suitor, eBird) and 34 at Clinton, 22 May 2013 (M. Viens, eBird). In Lincoln Co.: 25 at
Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 20 May 2009 (D. Suitor). Inland in Cumberland Co.: 75 in Pownal, 24 May 2006 (D. Lovitch) and
60 at Sanford Lagoons, 26 May 2010 (D. Doubleday, eBird).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Regular, and occasionally numerous, on offshore islands.
at Sprague Neck, 11 Sep 1991, and 201 at nearby Whiting,
Inter alia: 15 at Machias Seal I., 20 May 2015 (A. Aleksieva,
Washington Co., same day (both N. Famous, eBird); 75 at Pine
Metinic I. on 22 May 2013 (Z. Pohlen, eBird); 25 at E. Egg Rock
(I. Bruen-Morningstar and N. Smith, eBird). More than 40
on 28 May 2005 (L. Brinker) and 8 on 15 May 2011 (T. Magarian,
Pool, Brunswick, and Scarborough Marsh. Highest: 30 at
eBird); 60 at Seal I., 22 May 2017 (K. Yakola, eBird); 115 on
on 20 May 2015 (Z. Smith, eBird). Monhegan I.: 35 flying over eBird); 48 at Outer Green I., 18 May 2017 (K. Sawyer, eBird);
on Appledore I., 70 on 24 May 1998 (fide D.W. Holmes) and 15 seen 22 May 1999 (A. Borror); Stratton I., in addition to those
above, 135 on 18 May 2017 (E. Johnson and Z. Smith, eBird). S ummer :
Since 1990, small numbers of drab, nonbreeding
Short-billed Dowitchers reported almost annually summering
Pt., 10 Sep 1993 (MDIFW, eBird), and 74 there 4 Sep 2013
Oct records, 1–11 birds, primarily from Stratton I., Biddeford Stratton I. on 7 Oct 2004 (MDIFW, eBird) and 20 at Wells
(K. O’Brien, eBird). Latest single birds at Jenny I., 28 Nov 1993
(Project Puffin, eBird); Biddeford Pool, 1–3 Nov 2017 ( J. Brown and J. Fecteau, eBird) and also 30 Oct 1994 (L. Brinker); and
Scarborough on 27 Oct 2007 (T. Bronson). PDV and CDD
in ME, primarily on offshore islands and Scarborough Marsh.
Although late-spring migrants remain along coast until first
week of Jun, observations of 1–18 birds in worn basic plumage in mid- to late Jun may indicate summering birds rather than
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
early-fall migrants, which are in bright breeding plumage. At
Often overlooked and under-reported
Jun, and 1 bird on 18 Jun (L. Brinker) undoubtedly summering
Status in Maine: Long-billed Dowitchers are uncommon, annual fall migrants from mid-August to mid-November. While they were rare in Maine until the middle of the 20th century, reports have increased in number since 1967 and especially in the past 20 years. Small numbers are typically found at coastal shorebird sites, such as Scarborough Marsh and Biddeford Pool. An exceptional total of at least 80 individuals was found in 2005. Long-billed Dowitchers are apparently casual inland, but perhaps the species is overlooked on lake margins and river flats in late fall. Long-billed Dowitchers are casual in spring, with two records, both from the 1970s.
Scarborough Marsh in 1996, 4 birds on 8 Jun, 20 birds on 11 birds; many records lack plumage details but likely include
nonbreeding birds. Other notable summer records: 1 in
Biddeford, 3–10 Jun 2007 (P. Moynahan); 27 on Stratton I., 8 Jun 1987, 14 there on 10 Jun 2006, and 1 that remained 14–20
Jun 1993 (S. Benz); 7 at Weskeag Marsh, 8 Jun 1991 (D. Reimer).
Downeast: 1 in Addison, 9 Jun 1998 (N. Famous), and 2 in Steuben 11 Jun 2016 (m.ob., eBird). F all :
First bright fall migrants arrive 24–30 Jun. Early
migrants usually in small flocks (5–11); unusually high count:
24 at E. Egg Rock, 29 Jun 1980 (Project Puffin, eBird). In
Scarborough: 18 reported 29 Jun 1983 (PDV, eBird), 16 on
same date 1997 (G. Carson); remarkable 150 on 30 Jun 1984
with 5 possible L. g. hendersoni. (PDV, eBird); and >100 on
Scarborough Marsh, 2 Jul 1984 unusual for date (PDV). In
Machiasport, 20 seen 30 Jun 1999 (N. Famous).
Migrants increase through Jul, peaking last 2 weeks with
flocks of 30–80 common. Larger flocks (150–400) found at
favored locations: Stratton I., Biddeford Pool, Scarborough
Marsh, Weskeag Marsh, and Machiasport. Jul maxima: 1,500 at
Falmouth, 21 Jul 1970 (MN 2[1]: 6); 850 at Stratton I. on 9 Jul
2005 (Project Puffin, eBird); 740 at Scarborough Marsh on 17
Jul 2017 (I. Davies and L. Seitz, eBird); >700 at Thomaston Flats,
29 Jul 2001 (M. Libby); 700 on 26 Jul 2001 in Machiasport, 500 there 20 Jul 1996 and on 6 Aug 1995 (all N. Famous); 700
at Stratton I. on 18 Jul 2005 (Project Puffin, eBird); >650
in Phippsburg on 31 Jul 2008 (PDV). Aug maxima: 850 at
Scarborough Marsh, 11 Aug 2005 (D. Lovitch); 650 at Stratton I.
(Project Puffin, eBird); and same number at Machiasport on
8 Aug 1994 (MDIFW, eBird).
Most adults have migrated south of ME by late Aug. First
juvenile birds appear 10–20 Aug. Larger counts in Sep: 400
at Morse Mtn. Marsh, 1 Sep 2008 (MDIFW, eBird); 400
Historical Status in Maine: Long-billed Dowitcher was not documented in ME until 1912. N.C. Brown (Palmer 1949, 229) wrote “I am confident that the western race scolopaceus visits us occasionally, although I have never met with it myself.” Knight acknowledged Brown’s supposition but listed the species as hypothetical. Palmer listed two fall records in ME, both shot at Scarborough Marsh: one on 14 Oct 1912 and one on 19 Sep 1913. Perhaps because of difficulties in distinguishing it from the more common Shortbilled Dowitcher, the Long-billed Dowitcher was not recorded again until 1960 when one was observed at Scarborough, 18–24 Sep 1960 (MFO 5: 98). Global Distribution: Primarily Nearctic. Breeds in n. NT, n. and w. AK to e. Siberia. Winters on Atlantic Coast from NC to FL, TX, and Mexico; on Pacific from s. BC to Mexico and Costa Rica. Spring migration more westerly; fall migrants along Atlantic appear from ME through MA south. 223
Birds of Maine
Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern. S pring :
Casual in spring with 2 records: 1 in Wells, 25–28 Apr
1974 (H. Card, DWF, ph.), and 1 in Southwest Harbor, 24 Apr 1978 (W. Russell et al.). F all :
Small numbers (1–5) reported annually along coast
in fall, primarily Sep to mid-Nov (eBird). First migrants
to arrive are adults: 5 at Scarborough, 10 Aug 1972 (DWF).
Beginning in 1990s, more adults appeared earlier in summer
and became regular migrants 15–31 Aug at Scarborough Marsh and Biddeford Pool. Trend for earlier arrivals continues: in
Scarborough, 1 adult on 9 Aug 1999 (D. Mairs), 2 on 1 Aug
2006 (D. Lovitch), and 2 worn adults, 6 Aug 2007 (E. Hynes).
Unusually late adult arrival record: 7 in S. Harpswell, 25 Oct 1970
(AFN 2: 30).
First juveniles appear second week of Sep; earliest at Maquoit
Bay, Brunswick, 10 Sep 2013 ( JEP, N. Wheelwright, eBird). At
Scarborough Marsh, sample first dates for juveniles include: 1 on
11 Sep 1992, 1 on 12 Sep 1995, and 1 adult and 5 juveniles on 19 Sep 1998 (L. Brinker). Notably late records; 4 birds in Wells, 28 Nov
2005 (D. Lovitch); 1 at Biddeford, 28–29 Nov 2017 ( J. Fecteau and D. Doubleday, respectively; eBird); 1 in Scarborough, 19 Nov 1989 ( J. Despres); 7 there on 19 Nov 2013 (M. Zimmerman, eBird), and 4 at same locality, 18 Nov 1990 (L. Brinker).
Since 1967, records have increased in both number and
frequency: fewer than 18 reported in ME in fall 1998 (NAB 52:
32) with 9 at Scarborough Marsh, 20 Oct 1998 (L. Woodard). Largest flight occurred in 2005, when >80 Long-billed
Dowitchers reported along coast 7 Oct–28 Nov. High counts
that year: 19 in Addison, 21 Nov (M. Lovit); 18 in Scarborough,
6–7 Nov (D. Lovitch et al.); 13 at Lubec, 5 Nov (N. Famous); 13
in S. Thomaston, 9 Nov (PDV); 7 in Bristol, 23 Nov (M. Libby). Since 1982, ~dozen or so inland records, often molting
juveniles: 1 first-winter at Cobbosseecontee L., 28 Oct–1
Nov 1982, 28 Oct–2 Nov 1984, 22 Oct 1985 (all PDV); 1–2 on
Sebasticook L., 11–12 Oct 1997 (L. Brinker, M. Iliff ), and 1 there
29 Oct–4 Nov 2017 (m.ob., eBird); 1 at Clinton on 5 Oct 2011 (T.
Aversa, eBird), 13 Sep, and 23 Oct 2015 (both L. Bevier, eBird),
and 20–21 Jul 2017 (m.ob., eBird); 1 in cranberry beds in T26 ED
BPP, Washington Co., 11 Sep 1999 (N. Famous); 1 first-winter
bird at Sabattus Pond, 14 Nov 2002 (PDV, D. Mairs); at Sanford
Lagoons: an unspecified number, 14 Oct 2006 (A. Aldrich,
eBird), 1 each on 26 Sep 2014 (M. Zimmerman, eBird) and 3
Aug 2017 (D. Sibley, fide D. Lovitch, eBird). W inter :
Remarkably, a single first-winter dowitcher was ph.
at Machiasport, 29 Dec 1981 (N. Famous). A single dowitcher at
Scarborough, 1 Jan 1960 (MFO 5: 5) was most likely a Longbilled Dowitcher.
PDV and CDD
224
American Woodcock
Scolopax minor
“Peenting” calls and twittering wings announce the arrival of the timberdoodle, an otherwise cryptic upland shorebird
Status in Maine: The American Woodcock is a common to abundant spring migrant in wetland edges, alder (Alnus sp.) swales, wet meadows, and forest clearings. Summer residents throughout Maine, most arrive in mid-March to early April. Fall migrants depart through October into November, few linger into December. Woodcock and snipe are the only shorebirds legally hunted in Maine. Both MDIFW and the National Wildlife Refuge system, especially Moosehorn NWR, actively manage lands to promote early successional habitat favoring woodcock (Weik 2001). On 50 singing-ground survey routes in Maine, there was a 1.6 % annual decline 1968–2018 (a 55% population decline overall), similar to the 1.2% annual decline for the USFWS Eastern Management Region over the same period (Seamans and Rau 2018). There was also a decline in Maine harvest rates, dropping from a peak of approximately 210,000 birds in 1973 to roughly 10,400 birds in 2014 (B. Allen, MDIFW, pers. com.). Despite this, Maine continues to have more singing birds per route than any other eastern state, although fewer than NB or QC. Historical Status in Maine: Knight, citing local authorities, indicated that American Woodcock were regular throughout the state, usually arriving in Apr and departing in late Sep. Palmer considered this species a summer resident most common in Washington and Hancock Cos., a common spring and fall migrant, and an occasional winter resident. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed nesting throughout the state, especially in those counties. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from sw. NL, Maritime Provinces, s. QC, ON west to SK, south through New England, irregularly to FL, AL, MS, and TX. Winters primarily from CT to s. AK, FL, and TX. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern, based on high threats or population declines, but included on the list parenthetically because it is sport-hunted in the US.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Six woodcock fitted with GPS tags during the breeding
F all :
Disperse widely from nesting areas in late summer;
found in a variety of wetland and forest habitats in fall.
season in e. ME—five at Moosehorn NWR—wintered
Palmer (1949, 201) said, “largest southward movements occur
1 in CT (Fish et al. 2018). Two of 12 birds satellite-
not substantially changed since. Fall woodcock surveys at
in 6 distinct locales: 2 in VA, 1 in w. MD, 2 in PA, and
from very early Oct to about Nov 10–17;” this has probably
tagged out of breeding season in Louisiana’s section of
Moosehorn NWR, Baring, provide reasonable picture of species’
grounds in ME (Moore 2016). These findings reinforce
30 on 6 Nov, and 10 on 20 Nov (M. Mills). Across other years at
the Mississippi Alluvial Plain were tracked to breeding the results from recovery of metal bands, mostly by
hunters, showing the variety of wintering areas for ME-
diminishing abundance as fall progresses. In 2001: 40 on 9 Oct, same locality: 80 on 5 Oct 2004, 70 on 6 Sep 2005, 9 on 24 Nov
1998 (M. Mills). N. O’Brien reported 44 in S. Thomaston, 26 Oct
breeding woodcock (see Map 13) and have implications
2003.
Krementz 2017).
into Dec along coastal and s. ME with few records inland.
for USFWS’s regional management system (Moore and
S pring :
Generally, arrive after the first week of Mar; dates
vary by as much as a month. Some years (e.g., 2012 and 2017)
several reports by end of Feb; in other springs, woodcock first
reported 23–24 Mar. Few Feb records from coastal and s. ME:
1 in Kittery, 21 Feb 2012 (D. Garceau and D. Hitchcox, eBird); 1 each in N. Berwick and Sanford Lagoons, 23 Feb 2012 (P.
Miliotis and A. Aldrich, respectively; eBird); 1 in Scarborough,
23 Feb 1977 (G. Carson); 1 at Rachel Carson NWR, 26 Feb 2016 (E. Edwards, eBird), and another at Kennebunkport, 26 Feb
2017 ( J. Fecteau, eBird); 1 in York, 27 Feb 2002 (S. Cronenweth); 1 in Old Orchard Beach, 28 Feb 2002 (fide J. Walker); 1 on
Vinalhaven, 28 Feb 2010 (P. Gasperini); 1 at Bar Harbor, 28 Feb 2017, and 1 on same day near Gouldsboro (A. Swann
Under favorable conditions, woodcock occasionally linger
Coastal: 1 in Southwest Harbor, 27 Dec 1959 (MFO 4: 115); 1 in Small Pt., 17 Dec 1988 (PDV and JVW), and another at
same locality, 17 Dec 2005 (PDV and JEP); 1 in Cumberland,
Cumberland Co., 22 Dec 2001 (L. Brinker); 1 in Freeport, 30
Dec 2001 (L. Brinker and D. Ladd); 1 in Scarborough, 18 Dec
2010 (fide E. Hynes). Two rare inland records: 1 in Bethel, 12
Dec 1977 (C. Gorman), and 1 in Waterville, 28 Dec 1989 (A. Van Keuren). Woodcock readily fly over ocean during nocturnal migration and occasionally seen coming to land from open
ocean in morning, as observed at Seawall Beach, 26 Oct 2006
(PDV) and at Biddeford Pool, 25 Oct 2010 (D. and J. Lovitch). Species occasionally engages in nuptial displays in fall: 1 male
heard and seen in full flight display in Richmond, 15 Oct 1985 at
18:00 hours (PDV).
and G. Mittelhauser, respectively; eBird). Early reports for
Aroostook Co.: 1 in Island Falls, 26 Mar 2010 (D. Ladd, PDV, et al.); 1 in Crystal, 26 Mar 2011 (WJS, D. Suitor, and J. Mays, eBird); 1 in Big Reed Pond, T8 R10 WELS, 27 Mar 2010
(WJS and D. Ladd); 2 in Frenchville, 30 Mar 2007 (WJS).
Palmer (1949, 201) reported first migrants “usually arrive in early Apr,” 3–4 weeks later than present migrants.
S ummer :
Male display flights begin shortly after arrival
mid-Mar, occasionally early Apr: ~125 displaying males in
Jonesboro area, Washington Co., 24 Apr 2007 (N. Famous).
Most nests found in late Mar–early Apr: female with 4 eggs in Jay, Franklin Co., 29 Mar 1990 (P. Cross); females re-nest if first nest fails. Females with young found over broad
period: female and 4 young in Machias, 30 Apr 2006 (M.
Pinsky); female and 3 young, Long Pond Twp., Somerset Co., 15 May 1981 (P. Johnson and S. Roy); female with 4
young, Scarborough, 7 Jun 1999 (P. McGowan); female
with 4 young, Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 10 Jun 1997 ( J.
Frank); female and 2 chicks, Windham, Cumberland Co., 8
Jul 2000 (L. Seamans). Several displaying woodcock regular on Lane’s I., Vinalhaven, but no males displayed 2010;
apparently a Great Horned Owl resided in immediate area
(K. Gentalen).
American Woodcock
225
Birds of Maine W inter :
Palmer reported that woodcock
occasionally and irregularly winter on coast.
Since then, only Jan records are 2 at dusk
#
in Topsham, 24 Jan 1987 (PDV), and 1 at
# ## ### # # ## # # # ## #
Wiscasset, 18 Jan 2019 (G. Shute, Maine Birds Google Group). PDV and CDD
!
Wilson’s Snipe
Gallinago delicata
!! !
One of two legally hunted shorebirds in Maine
! !
! !
Status in Maine: Wilson’s Snipe is a local to common breeder in Maine wetlands. Arriving in mid-March, it is a common migrant in wet areas and meadows until mid-April. It breeds regularly in eastern and northern Maine and locally in southern and coastal Maine. Fall migration is protracted, starting in late August and continuing through November in south coastal Maine. Snipe are occasional in December and rarely attempt to overwinter, usually in wet areas that do not freeze. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Wilson’s Snipe a common spring and fall migrant. Palmer also noted that it was a more common breeder in e. and n. ME than in the rest of the state and that it rarely wintered in the state. Nonetheless, he pointed out that the species had not been able “to maintain its numbers in the face of heavy gunning,” and in response, the season was closed for the first time in 1942 (Palmer 1949, 205). While recovery had begun, numbers were still low at the time of his writing. He also listed several winter records: one in S. Portland, 7 Dec 1921; three to four in Portland, late Feb 1930; one found dead in Eliot, York Co., 28 Feb 1946; and one in Presque Isle, 5 Mar 1934, possibly a very early spring migrant. 226
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Map 13: American Woodcock Migration Recoveries from 55 American Woodcock banded on their Maine breeding grounds (black triangles) have occurred in 11 states as far south and west as Texas. Fifteen of these (27%) were recovered from the Central USFWS Management Region (west of the orange line) where the species’ wintering and breeding areas overlap. The largest black triangle is Moosehorn NWR, where the most recovered birds were first banded (USGS Bird Banding Laboratory 2018).
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds widely from NL, Maritime Provinces, ME, n. New England, and NY, west through cen. Canada north to Hudson Bay and AK, south through mountains of CO to n. NV and CA. Winters from s. New England, s. NS, along St. Lawrence R. in QC and ON, s. WI, west to
WA, s. AB through s. U.S., Mexico, Cen. Am., Caribbean, and n. S. Am. Remarks: In 2014, the most recent year with reliable data, hunters harvested 600 snipe in ME, compared to some 10,400 woodcock (Raftovich et al. 2018).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Spring: Arrive mid-Mar; main flight occurs Apr–early May.
late Oct, latest in Presque Isle, 22 Oct 2003 (WJS). Late records
Co.: 1 in Canaan, 30 Mar 1991 (W. Sumner). Penobscot Co., 2 in
1 in Clinton, 25 Nov 1997 (D. Mairs). Numbers diminish along
Farther north, early migrants appear ~2 weeks later. Somerset
Orono, 17 Mar 1990 ( J. W. Hinds). Aroostook Co., 1 at Christina
Reservoir, 11 Apr 1987 (M. Trombley). Peak counts occur mid-
Apr, typical counts 7–20. High counts: 60 at Upper Cathance
R., Sagadahoc Co., 12 Apr 2011 (M. Fahay, eBird); 60 in Saco, 13
Apr 2001 (S. Pollock); 38 in Brunswick on 15 Apr 2018 (G. Smith, eBird); and 37 on Kennebec R., Richmond, on 8 Apr 2015 (PDV, eBird). High counts in Aroostook Co.: 30 along Realty Rd., 18
May 2005; >20 in Musquacook area, 11 May 1995; 14 in Presque
Isle, 30 Apr 2008, and again in T11 R12 WELS, 11 May 2009 (all
WJS). High counts in s. ME: 19 at Kennebunkport, 16 Apr 2015 ( J. Fecteau, eBird), and 14 at Sanford Lagoons, 18 Apr 2015 (M. Zimmerman, eBird). S ummer :
Breed in variety of wetland habitats including
freshwater marshes, bogs, wet meadows, and shrublands, and
along marshy fringes of ponds and rivers. Most common in e.
and n. ME but breeds locally throughout state (ABBM 1987) and
can be heard winnowing until early to mid-Jul. High breeding season count: 15 at Portage L., Aroostook Co. (WJS); 25 birds
reported at Plymouth Pond, Penobscot Co., 1 Aug 1989 (WJS),
may have included early migrants or postbreeding dispersers.
for n. Kennebec Co.: 1 in Benton, 19 Nov 1997 (W. Sumner) and southern coast through Nov.
W inter :
Occasionally linger into Dec, rarely attempt to
overwinter. Since 1975, more than 17 Dec reports with 12 of
these along the southern coast. Notable Dec inland occurrences:
Turner, 6 Dec 1994 ( J. Despres); 1 in Bangor, 11 Dec 2000 (M. Lucey); and 1 in Farmington, 26 Dec 2009 (T. Persons). Several records 1950s–1970s of snipe attempting to
overwinter: 1 in Brunswick, Nov 1952–4 Jan 1953 (BMAS 9: 15);
1 in Stonington, 3 Jan 1970 (MN 1[8]: 6); 1 in Bar Harbor, 10
Jan–Feb 1958 (MFO 3: 15, MFO 3: 27); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 10 on
31 Jan 1967 (obs. unk.); 2 on Mount Desert I., 10 Feb 1967 (obs. unk.); 1 in Gray, Cumberland Co., Feb–9 Mar 1967 and 8–19
Feb 1968 (both D. Mairs). Recently, 2 apparently successfully
overwintered in Orono: observed 9 Dec 2017, 24–27 Jan, 17 Feb, and 3 Mar 2018 (eBird, m.ob.).
Four Jan records: 1 on Monhegan I., 4 Jan 2007 (PDV)
and again there 3–4 Jan 2015 (D. Hitchcox et al.; eBird); 1 at
Cape Elizabeth, 20 Jan 2002 (L. Brinker), 1 at Winslow Park,
Freeport, 14–15 Jan 2017 (D. Nickerson, m.ob., eBird). Other
records possibly early migrants: 1 at Cape Elizabeth, 7 Feb 2016
(B. McKay, eBird); 1 in Sanford, 20 Feb 1967 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Scarborough, 27 Feb 1984 (K. Gammons); 1 in Salisbury Cove,
Mount Desert I., 29 Feb 1968 (M. Stocking); and 1 on Mount
Desert I., 1 Mar 1982 (W. Russell). PDV and CDD
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius Wilson’s Snipe F all :
Fall migrants arrive in s. ME late Aug when species
becomes regular in small numbers at favored sites, Scarborough
and Weskeag Marshes. Main flight occurs late Sep–Oct.
Consistent observations at Taylor Bait Farm, Orono, in 1998
revealed an increase from 6 birds on 12 Oct to maximum of 13
on 18 Oct, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining to 1 Nov
(E. Grew). Snipe often gather in numbers along muddy fringes of marshes and lakes in late afternoon; 1980s high counts not equaled since: 120 at Cobboseecontee L., 28 Oct 1984 (PDV,
eBird); >100 in Monmouth and E. Winthrop, Kennebec Co.,
18–19 Oct 1986 ( JVW, AB 41: 57). High recent counts: 32 at
Cobboseecontee L, 21 Oct 2015 (M. Viens, eBird); 14 at Green
Pt. WMA, Dresden, on 25 Oct 2005 and again same date 2007
(M. Fahay, eBird). Last snipes depart Aroostook Co. mid- to
A familiar sandpiper with distinctive flight, a tailshaking walk, and a song of sharp double “tweet” notes
Status in Maine: Spotted Sandpipers are common in summer throughout Maine, on lakes and ponds, emergent marshes, rivers, streams, and coastal islands, though numbers appear to be decreasing somewhat. These vociferous, polyandrous sandpipers arrive in early May, although there are several April records. The fall migration is protracted, starting in mid-July and continuing into late September–October. There are few confirmed winter records. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered this species a common breeder throughout ME. Palmer (1949, 214) studied Spotted Sandpipers in Orono in 1936 and 1937 before it was widely understood that this species’ mating system 227
Birds of Maine
is an example of sequential polyandry, in which females arrive first and then compete vigorously for arriving males. Thus, his remarks on spring arrival are particularly interesting: “[T]he first birds to arrive, usually May 2 to 4, are females and the numbers increase for over a week thereafter. The first males arrive about May 8 to 10 and reach their peak numbers about a week later. After about May 20, the population decreases slightly, indicating that transients have departed, and breeders remain.” Palmer listed a single winter report from Long I., Casco Bay, 17 Feb 1930.
28 May 2016 (M. Baran); and Seal I. NWR, 28–30 May 2005
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds throughout much of temperate N. Am. to NC, IA, NM, AZ, and CA. Winters from SC, Gulf states, Caribbean, Mexico, and Cen. Am, S. Am., and coastal CA north to BC.
9–10 Jul 2006; E. Egg Rock, 18 on 12 Jul 1982 and 16 on 10 Jul
Remarks: An “unconfirmed report” of a Spotted Sandpiper in Martinsville, Knox Co., 18 Jan 1986, lacked any description and should be ignored (B. Nikula, AB 40: 254). S pring :
Earliest migrants usually arrive mid-Apr. Species
widespread throughout ME in early to mid-May, simultaneously arriving at inland and coastal areas. Unusually early records: 1
each on 3 Apr 1980, 4 Apr 1982, and 8 Apr 1981, in Georgetown,
Sagadahoc Co. (all R. Thomas); 2 at Machias Seal I. on 7 Apr
and again 27 Apr 2006 (R. Eldridge, eBird). One in Bridgton,
11 Apr 2006 ( J. Preis); 1 in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 14
Apr 1904 (Norton, in Palmer 1949); 1 in Gardiner, Kennebec
Co., 19 Apr 1933 (Palmer 1949); 1 in Freeport, 19 Apr 2007 (fide
(Project Puffin). S ummer :
Small numbers (1–4 birds) usually reported; larger
congregations occasionally found in preferred habitats: 24 at
Bethel on 3 Jul 2003 (B. Crowley, eBird); 20 along watercourses of T18 R11 WELS, Aroostook Co., 9 Jul 1983 (PDV, eBird); 17 along 5 mi. (8 km) of Sebasticook R., 18 Jun 2013 (T. Aversa,
eBird); and 14 at Taylor Bait Farm, Orono, 26 May 1988, with 13 still present on 16 Jul 1988 ( J. Hinds). High counts on offshore
islands, all eBird (Project Puffin except as noted): Seal I., 57
on 30 Jun 2017 (K. Yakola et al.), 20 from 5–9 Jun and again
2010; Matinicus Rock, 10, 20 May–8 Aug 2004. Substantial
decline at Seawall Beach, where once abundant: >10 individuals
representing several family groups with young seen 31 Aug 2002,
one reproductive group reported each year since (PDV). On
Saco R., R. Crowley reported nest with 4 eggs, 29 May 2006;
nest with 4 eggs reported from T5 R8 WELS, Penobscot Co., 25
Jun 1967 (obs. unk.); and 8 adults and 2 downy chicks reported from Popham Beach, 9 Jul 2005 (L. Seitz). F all :
Onset of fall migration difficult to determine because
species does not usually concentrate in conspicuous flocks
and migration appears protracted. Brewster (1925, 267)
asserted “many, if not most, of these [adults] depart from it
[L. Umbagog] altogether on southbound migration before the
middle of July.” Counts on offshore islands seem to confirm
Brewster’s observations that fall movement is underway by
mid-Jul and continues through late Aug. Large counts, all fide eBird: Seal I., 42 on 6 Aug 2016 (K. Yakola and I. Brofsky)
D. Lovitch); an unspecified number at Scarborough Marsh (D.
and 40 on 19 Jul 2014 (L. Santana, A. VanNorstrand, and J.
Gibb, eBird). Early interior records, 1 each unless noted: 2 in
14 Jul 2005 (S. Hall), 25 on 21 Aug 1998 (ISS). In Aroostook Co.
(WJS); Ft. Fairfield, 26 Apr 2009 (WJS); Orono, 24 Apr 1993 (E.
2006; 14 along ME shore of St. John R., 25 Aug 2010; 27 in cen.
Smith, eBird) on 19 Apr 2011 and 2 at Falmouth same day (N.
Ft. Kent, 22 Apr 1982 (G. and S. Flagg); Mars Hill, 22 Apr 2005 Grew, eBird); Bangor, 27 Apr 1980 (C. Whitney); Sebasticook
R. Reservoir, Corinna Bog, Penobscot Co., 27 Apr 2017 (S.
Mierzykowski, eBird); Farmington, 24 Apr 1973 (P. Cross);
Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 24 Apr 2015 (K. Brown, eBird); 3
at Sanford Lagoons, 27 Apr 2011 (A. Aldrich and K. Rodgers, eBird); Unity, 27 Apr 2013 (T. Aversa, eBird). Early records in
Washington Co.: 1 in Whiting, 22 Apr 1997 (M. Mills) and 1 in
Alexander, 25 Apr 1980 ( J. Dudley).
Not gregarious. Spring migrants generally observed in small
numbers (1–4) except at preferred locales including offshore
seabird islands. Larger counts: 31 at Sanford Lagoons, 23 May
2013 (B. Crowley and J. Scott, eBird) and 20 there on 24 May 2017 (A. Aldrich and K. Janes, eBird); 24 at Seal I. NWR, 21
May 2015 (K. Yakola, eBird); 23 at Rachel Carson NWR on 26
May 2016 (M. Zimmerman, eBird); 20 at Small Pt., 31 May 1983
(R. Muskat, eBird). Reports from eBird: 20 at Metinic I., 22 and
228
McGowan); Stratton I., 50 on 17 Jul 2002 (Project Puffin), 35 on large counts mid-Aug to early Oct: 10 at L. Josephine, 15 Aug
Aroostook Co., 18 Sep 2006 (all WJS). In Lincoln Co., 42 at
Sherman L. on 17 Aug 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 22 along Sears I.
Rd., Searsport, 24 Aug 2009 (P. Corcoran). Remaining common in small numbers Sep–late Oct. Unusually high counts
Downeast in 1999: 17 at Columbia Falls, Washington Co., on 9
Sep; in Hancock Co., 15 at Tremont on 2 Sep and 14 at Flanders
Bay, also on 9 Sep (all MDIFW, eBird). Late inland records: 1
in Orono, 17 Oct 1998 (E. Grew), another in Orono, 7 Nov 1999
(A. and J. Kelly); 1 at Sabattus Pond, 17 Oct 1999 (D. Danforth), and 2 at same locality, 25 Oct 2010 (R. Spiers). One at Sanford
Lagoons, 18 Oct 2010, and 2 at same locality, 21 Oct 2000 (both
A. Aldrich); 1 at Kezar Pond, Fryeburg, 21 Oct 1937 (Palmer
1949); 1 in Shawmut, Kennebec Co., 25 Nov 1993 (W. Sumner).
Late coastal reports: 1 at Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 27 Nov 2008 (F. Mantlik), and 2 at Jenny I., 28 Nov 1993, the only Nov report of more than a single bird.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae W inter :
Casual in winter, 3 reliable modern records: 1 at Cliff
House, York, 6 Jan 1985 (D. and S. Abbott); 1 carefully described on Peak’s I. CBC (Portland) on 14 Dec 2014 (D. Nickerson,
m.ob.); and 1 at Biddeford Pool repeatedly from mid-Nov 2016 to end of Jan 2017 ( J. Fecteau et al.; eBird).
PDV and CDD
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
An elegant migrant shorebird of inland waters
Status in Maine: Solitary Sandpipers are common spring and fall migrants, occurring in a variety of freshwater habitats, including wet meadows, marshes, the edges of ponds and lakes, and less frequently, salt marshes. Spring migrants appear in late April; the species is common in small numbers (one to five) in May, with a few birds lingering into June. Fall migrants appear in early July, but the species is more numerous in August and early September. Late migrants stay into mid-October. Solitary Sandpipers are not confirmed breeders in Maine; however, the species breeds in New Brunswick in habitats similar to those of Maine, suggesting the possibility that the species nests in Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered this species a common spring and fall migrant. Knight believed he found recently fledged young in ME, but Palmer rejected this assertion (see Remarks). Brewster (1925) considered Solitary Sandpipers an abundant spring and fall migrant at L. Umbagog and discovered territorial adults in Franconia Notch, NH, in 1866. Species was apparently more common in 19th century, when Brewster (1925, 261) reported, “upwards of one hundred birds. . . . I saw them literally in ‘swarms’ on May 20 1880, when, as we advanced by way of the River on the boat, they were ceaselessly rising and flitting on ahead, uttering their peet-weet calls…Thus driven they sometimes alighted, one after another, on some muddy point, until as many as seven or eight had assembled within the space of a few square feet.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NB, QC, including Gaspé Peninsula, and NL, west through boreal Canada to BC and cen. AK. Winters from TX, Mexico, larger Caribbean islands, south through Mexico, Cen. Am., and S. Am.
Remarks: Knight (1908, 174–175) said, “No nests have yet been found in spite of very careful search by the author and others… the evidence of newly hatched young… unable to fly is proof positive of their breeding in Maine…” Palmer considered Knight’s observations erroneous, pointing out the field characters noted by Knight did not accurately describe the juvenal plumage of Solitary Sandpipers but were more consistent with the juvenal plumage of Spotted Sandpipers. Knight’s observations of juveniles are insufficient to determine which sandpiper might have been involved, and it is surprising that he did not mention any adults, which are typically very territorial around juveniles. In Jul 2010, R. Lambert described broken-wing distraction displays by an adult Solitary Sandpiper at Elbow Pond near Mt. Katahdin, which suggested nearby young or a nest. “The bird was clearly agitated by my presence and never flew more than 30 meters from me calling the whole time and always returning to where I first encountered it.” Lambert observed the bird for 20 minutes but found no nest or young bird. Nonetheless, since this species is known to nest east and north of ME in NB and QC, it will be surprising if this graceful shorebird is not confirmed as a breeder in ME in the near future. S pring :
First migrants arrive on coastal and interior
freshwater ponds and wet meadows last half of Apr and first 10
days of May. Peak migration occurs mid-May when small flocks of 1–5 become widespread in s. and cen. ME. Earliest records, 1 bird each: Monhegan I., 8 Apr 1987 (W. Boynton); Brewer, 10
Apr 1962 (obs. unk.); Winthrop, Kennebec Co., 11 Apr 2002 (R. Spinney); Freeport, 17 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 39); and Sabattus, 18
Apr 2012 (R. Lambert, eBird). Regular until late May but casual in Jun; notably late records of single birds: Dover-Foxcroft, 9
Jun 2010 (A. Larrabee); Capisic Pond, Portland, 9 Jun 2016 (C. Sanchez, eBird); Scarborough Marsh, 10 Jun 1992 (F. Mitchell, eBird); Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 10 Jun 2009 (M. Fahay);
L. Josephine, 11 Jun 2010 (M. Fahay); Penjajawoc Marsh, 11 Jun
2010 (P. Corcoran); and Scarborough Marsh, 12 Jun 2013 (S.
Andersen, eBird).
In the last 50 years, rare to see more than 10 individuals
together. Recent high counts: >31 at Clinton on 18 May 2013
and 21–22 there, 14–18 May 2012 (all L. Bevier, eBird); and 26 at
Capisic Pond, 12 May 2016 (N. Gibb, eBird). F all :
First fall migrants arrive in cen. and s. ME first week
of Jul. Early records, single birds: Corinna, Penobscot Co., 1
Jul 1989 (W. Sumner) and BSP, 4 Jul 2008 (T. Allen, eBird). At
229
Birds of Maine
Scarborough Marsh: 1 adult on 2 Jul 1995, 1 on 3 Jul 1992, (both obs. unk.), and 1 adult on 5 Jul 1990 (L. Brinker). Single adult
particularly early at Biddeford Pool, 28 Jun 2005 (N. McReel).
Widespread and most abundant Aug–Sep, when 1–6 birds
common in wet meadows, along lake and pond margins, and to a lesser degree, on salt marshes.
Numbers diminish in Oct, and last Solitary Sandpipers
linger mid- to late Oct. Most late reports from inland locations,
Global Distribution: Palearctic and Indo-Malayan. Breeds in n. cen. and ne. Siberia. Winters in coastal areas of Taiwan, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia to New Zealand. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. BSV
all single birds: Bangor, 5 Nov 1965 (obs. unk.); Sebasticook L.,
30 Oct 2015 ( J. Wyatt, eBird); Searsmont, Waldo Co., 29 Oct
2015 (F. Kynd, eBird); Weskeag Marsh, 27 Oct 2005 (D. Reimer); Taylor Bait Farm, Orono, on 24 Oct 1992 and same date in 2004 (both E. Grew, eBird); Clinton, 23 Oct 2015 (L. Bevier, eBird). In late 19th–early 20th centuries, Brewster (1925) regularly
recorded large numbers of Solitary Sandpipers on L. Umbagog, reporting >100 birds along Androscoggin R., 2 Aug 1873. Flock
size has diminished since Brewster’s observations. Species often
more numerous in fall than in spring; largest congregations
this century consistently at Flood Brothers Farm, Clinton: 37
on 22 Jul 2015 (K. and M. Viens, eBird) and 33 there 8 Aug 2014
(L. Bevier, eBird). High counts elsewhere: 26 in Smithfield,
Somerset Co., 16 Aug 2007 (fide E. Hynes); 25 at L. Josephine
(WJS, eBird); 25 at Taylor Bait Farm and 17 there on 16 Aug
1986 (both ISS data, eBird); 21 at Freedom, Waldo Co., 20 Aug
2017 (L. Bevier, eBird); 19 each at Caribou (WJS, eBird) and at
Bath, 20 Aug 2016 (H. Heuer, eBird); and 18 at Unity, 4 Sep 2013 (T. Aversa, eBird). Late flock records: 9 in Brunswick on 4 Oct
2017 (H. Heuer, eBird), and 12 in Indian Twp., Washington Co., on 21 Sep 2005 (N. Famous). PDV and CDD
Gray-tailed Tattler
Tringa brevipes
To 19th century hunters, birds of this genus, whose alarm calls warned other birds, were “tattlers”
Status in Maine: Accidental. A Gray-tailed Tattler was observed flying past Matinicus Rock on 14 August 2017. Remarkably, the observer, E. Johnson, took photographs and, together with his description of the diagnostic two-note call, confirmed the identification; it was accepted by the ME-BRC in 2017. Another report from Seal Island in August 2017 (D. Lovitch) is not confirmed but may have been the same tattler seen at Matinicus Rock earlier that month. This is the fifth record for this Old World shorebird in the U.S. outside of Alaska, and only the second in the East, after a sighting on Nantucket in October 2012 (Howell et al. 2014, Swick 2012). 230
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Lesser in stature but not loquacity
Status in Maine: A spring and fall migrant through Maine, Lesser Yellowlegs are regular in small numbers in spring in southern Maine and on the Midcoast but uncommon to casual Downeast. The main arrival is mid-April to May; lingering birds often occur into June. A common to abundant fall migrant, widespread through most of ME but less regular in the Western Mountains and less numerous in the east and inland. Fall migrants arrive in early July; the species is common and widespread until early September. Late individuals are reported from southern Maine into November. This species generally prefers the pannes on the upper sections of salt marsh and is frequent along quiet pond and lake fringes, wet meadows, and freshwater marshes. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight believed the species occurred in ME as a fall migrant only. Palmer felt this species was an uncommon spring and abundant fall migrant. Brewster (1925) said yellowlegs were common in fall, with a maximum of 100 individuals seen 6 Sep 1896. This species was shot in great numbers for the market trade in the 19th century. Palmer noted that C. Loring shot 4,093 individuals 1842–1854, and similar numbers were shot by other hunters. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from nw. QC, Hudson Bay, n. ON, SK, MB, AB, to NU, and cen. AK. Winters along Atlantic Coast from s. NJ to FL, TX, and Mexico; along Pacific Coast from CA, Baja California, also Cen. and S. Am., and Caribbean. Spring migration primarily through Mississippi Valley whereas fall migration more easterly; species is common in fall along Atlantic Coast. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Small flocks (5–15 birds) usually widespread by second
week of Jul and larger concentrations regular at preferred
migratory stopover sites such as Scarborough and Maquoit
Bay, Brunswick. Higher adult counts at Scarborough: 400, 19
Aug 2009 (R. Crowley and J. Scott, eBird); 300 on 15 Jul 1985
and 220 on 20 Aug 1987 (both PDV); and 220 again, 24 Jul 2011
(L. Seitz, eBird). In Maquoit Bay concentrations more than
100 once occurred regularly late Jul–Aug. For unknown reasons, no reports of this magnitude in past 10 years (D. Lovitch, pers.
com.). Previous high counts: 150 on 31 Jul 2006 (D. Lovitch), 150
on 3 Aug 2007 (E. Hynes), and 204 on 6 Aug 2005 (D. Lovitch).
Lesser Yellowlegs S pring :
Fairly common but not numerous spring migrants;
counts usually 1–8. Earliest spring migrants last days of Mar–early
Apr. Early records from Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 26 Mar 2000
(L. Brinker); 1 on 1 Apr 2000 (H. Nielsen, eBird); 2 on 2 Apr 2000 (N. Famous); 4 on 4 Apr 2012 (D. Doubleday, eBird); 1 on 4 Apr
2003 (D. Lovitch); 1 on 5 Apr 1991 ( J. Despres); and 2 on 7 Apr 1991 (PDV, eBird). Early records elsewhere: 1 in Biddeford, 28
Mar 2009 (fide E. Hynes); 2 in Wells, 4 Apr 2005 (D. Tucker); 3 in Bath, 5 Apr 2008 (S. Walsh); 1 at Kennebunkport, 6 Apr 2015
(R. Spiers, eBird); 1 in York, 7 Apr 2007 (A. Magosci). Notably
early inland records: 1 in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., 2 Apr 2000 (D.
Mairs); 2 in Sanford, 1 Apr 2006 (D. Lovitch); 1 in Buxton, York Co., 10 Apr 2005 (R. Crowley). Jun records, at Scarborough: 1
on 11 Jun 1996 (L. Brinker), 1 on 9 Jun 1998 (G. Carson), 1 on 4
Jun 2010 (E. Hess); 4 at Addison, Washington Co., on 7 Jun 2015, and 3 at Popham Beach on 11 Jun 2015 (T. Krull, eBird). All-time spring maxima: 300 at Weskeag Marsh, 7 and 21 May 1985 and
90 in Phippsburg, 11 May 1996 (PDV). Few counts since 2000
>12 birds, most notably: 15 at Bath, 29 Apr 2017 (H. Heuer and
M. Fahay, eBird); 35 at Clinton, 4 May 2017 (M. Veins, L. Bevier,
eBird); 25 at Capisic Pond, Portland, 14 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird);
22 at Scarborough, 30 Apr 2017 (N. Gibb, eBird); 17 Downeast at Machias, 9 May 2009 (R. Bard, eBird); 14 at Weskeag Marsh, 21
Two mi. (3.2 km) away, 97 at Middle Bay Cove on 14 Aug 2017
was highest in recent years (eBird; G. Smith, pers com.). Other
high counts: 180 (15% adults, 85% juveniles) at Scarborough on 4
Sep 1997 (PDV); 160 at Weskeag Marsh, 11 Aug 1981, and 150 on
25 Jul 1979 (both PDV, eBird); 150 on 23 Jul 1991 and same date
1992 (both D. Reimer, eBird); 100, 2 Aug 2003 (M. Smith); and
130 on 11 Aug 2006 (D. Reimer); 100 in S. Portland, 9 Aug 2008 (M. Jordan). Brewster’s (1925) report of 100 at L. Umbagog, 6 Sep 1896, was an unusually large inland concentration.
Numbers dwindle Sep–Oct, scattered reports in Nov in
s. ME. Notably late records in e. ME, 1 each: Machiasport, 17
Nov 1998 (N. Famous); Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 20 Nov 2002
(C. Moseley); Boothbay Harbor, 15 Nov 2003 ( J. Morse). Latest records for s. ME: Scarborough 26–27 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox,
eBird) and 29 Nov 1998 (P. Comins). Late migrants inland: 1 at
St. Agatha on 4 Nov 2017; 4 at L. Josephine on 28 Oct 2003 and
2 there 2 days later (all WJS, eBird). In Somerset Co., 2 birds on Sebasticook L., 2 Nov 2008 (WJS), and 10 at St. Albans, 22 Oct
2011 (C. Mitaly, eBird).
Juveniles arrive late Jul–early Aug, earliest seen at
Scarborough on 30 Jul 1998 (L. Brinker). Proportion of juveniles
increases through Aug; at Scarborough: 15 adults and 15 juveniles together, 14 Aug 1998 (PDV); 6 adults with 13 juveniles on 18
Aug 2009 (E. Hess); and of 180 birds observed on 4 Sep 1997, 85% were juveniles (PDV). PDV and CDD
May 2010 (D. Reimer) Notable inland records: 19 at Clinton, 18
May 2008; 12 in Fryeburg, 2 May 2007 (R. Crowley); 12 at Sanford
Lagoons, 11 May 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird); and 7 in Brownfield, Oxford Co., 4 May 2002 ( J. Preis). S ummer :
It is unclear whether Lesser Yellowlegs seen in mid-
Jun are late migrants or summering birds: Scarborough Marsh,
1 injured bird on 18 Jun 1990, likely a failed spring migrant ( J. Despres); 2 on 13 and 14 Jun 1993 (S. Pollock and J. Despres). F all :
While earliest fall migrants appear on southern coast last
10 days of Jun, most arrive early Jul, peaking mid-Aug. Earliest
of ~12 late-Jun records at Scarborough, all fide eBird: 1 on 19 and
20 Jun 2013 (M. Viens and L. Bevier, D. Hitchcox, respectively);
1 on 21 Jun 2005 (G. King); 1 on 23 Jun 2017 (B. Cole, eBird); and
5 there 3 days later (R. Garrigus).
Willet
Tringa semipalmata Once very rare, two subspecies of this striking shorebird are now regular in Maine
Status in Maine: Willets were rare in Maine from the early 20th century until the 1960s, when the species began recovering from late 19th and early 20th century market hunting. The eastern subspecies, T. s. semipalmata, now breeds in salt marshes along the coast, most commonly in southern Maine. Spring migrants arrive in late April and May when the 231
Birds of Maine
species’ distinctively raucous calls carry over marshes. Eastern birds migrate south from mid-July to early August. The western subspecies, T. s. inornatus, is a regular fall migrant, occurring in small numbers from mid-July into late September and more rarely, October–December. There are four winter records. Historical Status in Maine: It seems probable Willets nested along the ME coast prior to their extirpation in the 19th century. Market hunting and egging reduced Atlantic Coast populations and, by the 1890s, only a remnant population in sw. NS existed north of SC (Tufts et al. 1986). Knight regarded Willets as stragglers in ME and Palmer considered the species a rare spring and uncommon fall migrant, reporting small numbers shot in the late 19th–early 20th centuries. Breeding population recovery along the Atlantic Coast was slow, beginning in NB and NY in the 1960s and in ME, MA, and CT in the 1970s (Lowther et al. 2001). Inland, Brewster (1925) listed one probable record represented by a mounted specimen taken at L. Umbagog a few years prior to 1880 when the species was more common. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Populations from two disjunct breeding ranges are recognized as two subspecies: eastern subspecies (“Eastern” Willet, T. s. semipalmata) nests along Atlantic from NL (local), NS, PE, e. NB, ME south to FL and TX, also nests on several Caribbean islands; inland subspecies (“Western” Willet, T. s. inornatus) breeds in MB, cen. SK, AB, ND, SD, MT, n. CO, NV, and CA. Winters along Atlantic from NJ south to FL, TX, Caribbean south to Mexico, Cen. and S. Am.; on Pacific from n. CA south to Mexico, Cen. and S. Am. “Eastern” Willets occur in ME as spring and fall migrants and breeders. Western subspecies occurs as later summer and fall migrant. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: High Concern for both subspecies due to population trends, abundance and distribution, and breeding and nonbreeding season threats. S pring :
All spring occurrences refer to “Eastern” Willets,
T. s. semipalmata. Largely absent in first half of 20th century,
reappearing as spring migrants in 1950s–1960s. Considered rare
at the time: 1 at Scarborough, 2 Jun 1951 (obs. unk.); 2 at Pine Pt.,
8 May 1955 (obs. unk.); and 1 at Back Cove, Portland, 6 May 1961 (Edgerton, MFO 6[5]). By 1970s, reported more frequently and in greater numbers on salt marshes and mudflats, arriving late
Apr–early May: 10 at Scarborough Marsh, 5 May 1979 (R. Cote); 25 at Back Cove, 21 May 1982; and 35 in Falmouth, 21 May 1982
(both R. Libby). Now regular in small numbers (1–5) along coast
232
and especially common in south coastal ME. Found in variety
of coastal habitats during migration, including islands, especially
Monhegan I., where recorded nearly annually since early 1990s. Apr reports increased after 2000; appears species is
arriving ~10 days earlier than in 1980s–1990s. Early records: 1
in Scarborough, 22 Apr 1973 (obs. unk.); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 9
Apr 2013 (N. McReel and J. Stevens, eBird) and another on 11
Apr 2006 (P. Sanborn); 2 in Scarborough Marsh, 18 Apr 2017 (R. Lambert, eBird); and 1 in Portland, 18 Apr 2010 (D. Lovitch).
Unusually early for Washington Co.: at Petit Manan NWR, 1 on 27 Apr 1988 (R. Widrig) and 3 on 26 Apr 1996 (MDIFW, eBird); 2 birds in Steuben, 29 Apr 2006 (E. Raynor).
S ummer :
Gobeil’s assertion that “there are no indications that
Willets ever nested in Maine” (1963, 109), probably seemed true in first half of 20th century, but it is more likely this species
bred in ME in historical times. In late 20th century, territorial behavior suggestive of breeding first observed at Marshall’s
Pt., Kennebunkport, Jun 1967, but not reported until 2 adults and a small chick at Granite Pt., Biddeford, on 8 Jul 1971
constituted first modern nesting record for ME, and the first in the Northeast in a century, (AB 25: 833, MN 3: 1 and 9). In 1972,
2 pairs at Marshall’s Pt. and 1 pair at Goose Rocks Marsh, both in Kennebunkport, and 1 pair at Granite Pt. (Littlefield 1973).
By 1973, 5 pairs thought to nest in Kennebunkport–Biddeford area ( J. Littlefield); in 1975, a pair seen on Morse R. Marsh,
Phippsburg (PDV).
Willets persist at these locations and continue to expand
into salt marshes along coast. Found breeding in notably
unusual habitat in a sphagnum bog in Corea, Hancock Co., 13
Jun 1987, when nest with 4 eggs found under small spruce tree
(Wells and Vickery 1990). Rare inland; 3 summer records, 1
bird each: Swan L., Swanville, 4 Jun 1982 (PDV ); “in interior
sedge meadows” at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, 11 Jun 1996 ( J.
Markowsky, FN 50: 929); and at Messalonskee L., 11 Jun 2015
(M. Fahay, eBird). F all :
“Eastern” Willet notably early-fall migrant. Most birds
pass through ME mid- to late Jul, smaller numbers remaining
into Aug. By Sep, uncommon to occasional. First large migrant
flock reported in Biddeford Pool in 1986: 75 on 18 Jul ( JVW).
Numbers at Biddeford Pool have generally increased since: 100 on 28 Jul 1991 and 125 on 18 Jul 1992 (both L. Brinker); 120 on
20 Jul 1997 (K. Gammons); 171 on 18 Jul 2008 (D. Lovitch); 300
on 19 Jul 2008 (fide E. Hynes). Large congregations of roosting birds reported annually on Stratton I., highest: 420 on 19 Jul
2005 (S. Hall, eBird) and 285 on 21 Jul 2006 (Project Puffin,
ebird). In Phippsburg, 57 reported from Atkin’s Bay, 30 Jul 2006
(M. Fahay).
Most “Eastern” Willets depart last half of Jul; difficult to
determine precise dates for lingering birds because “Western”
Willets appear in increasing numbers by mid-Jul to Aug
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
appears occasional in Washington Co.
Earliest report for “Western” Willet of
Rachel Carson NWR ! ( Arrived Departed 5/6/2012 7/28/2011
single juvenile at Biddeford Pool, 9 Jul
1993 (L. Brinker). Reports of 1–3 birds
of this subspecies reasonably widespread
in Aug with occasional higher counts: 12
!
at Scarborough, 2 Sep 1993 (PDV); 27 at
Biddeford Pool, 7 Aug 2005 (D. Lovitch).
!
!
! !
Washington Co. records of W. Willet
probably incomplete: 2 in Lubec, 20 Sep
1998 (N. Famous); 1 in Robbinston, 28 Aug
!
!
2007 (PDV, ph.).
The few reports that separate “Eastern”
and “Western” Willets indicate they co-
4/23/2012 5/2/2012
occur mid-Jul to early Sep: 171 "Eastern"
! !
and 1 "Western" at Biddeford Pool, 18
Jul 2008 (D. Lovitch); 11 “Eastern” and 1
“Western” on Little Stratton I., York Co., 8
!
Aug 2006 (R. Lambert); 6 “Eastern” and 2
!
!
“Western” Willet juveniles, 14 Aug (PDV, yr.
!
!
unk.); 2 “Eastern” and 1 “Western” Willet
!
juveniles, 7 Sep 2000 (L. Brinker). Appears
“Eastern” Willets become uncommon by
! !
mid-Aug and most late Aug–Sep records
7/31/2011 - 8/15/2011
pertain to "Western" T. s. inornatus. Latest
documented “Eastern” Willet: adult in alternate plumage, reported on 22 Sep
!
8/16/2011 4/17/2012
!
! (
!
!
2010 (PDV, JEP, ph.). Other reports of late “Eastern” Willets at Scarborough:
18 on 24 Aug 2010 (D. Hitchcox and N.
Lund, eBird), 12 on 4 Sep 2010, and 2 on
12 Sep 2010 (both D. Lovitch). Careful
Map 14: Willet Migration
observations that identify Willets to
Fall (red) and spring (yellow) migration tracks of one of the three Willets tagged with lightsensitive geolocators at Rachel Carson NWR in 2011 and 2012. All three left during the third week of July, making nonstop, over-water flights of more than 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to northern South America where they wintered. In April, the bird depicted here flew inland across n. South America, while the other two tracked more along the Venezuelan coast. They then spent several weeks at various sites in the Caribbean and along the Florida coast. (The oval suggests a likely range, as it was not possible to refine the location of these stopovers precisely.) All three returned to their breeding sites within three days of one another in early May (K. Regan, Biodiversity Research Institute, pers. com.).
subspecies or more tagging studies of ME-
breeding birds would help clarify this issue. One contemporary inland fall
record: single bird seen in T18 MD BPP,
Washington Co., 25 Aug 2006 (N. Famous). W inter :
4 winter reports, none
identified to subspecies: 1 in Rockland, 1
Jan 1987 (AB 41: 255); 1 in Machias, 11 Dec
and most reports do not distinguish
Nov 1953 (obs. unk.); 12 recorded in E.
first recognized in ME when 8 birds
unusually high number (obs. unk.); 2
between subspecies. “Western” Willet
identified in Wells, 8–16 Sep 1972 (DWF);
likely several late-fall records 1953–1970
pertain to subspecies: 2 in Biddeford, 8
1991 (R. Hunt, Guillemot 20: 58); 1 at Pine Pt., 4 Dec 2004–9 Jan 2005 or later ( J.
Sullivan, Hancock Co., 16 Oct 1967, an
Adams); and 1 at same locality on 13 Dec
in Trenton, Hancock Co., 29 Sep 1970
PDV and CDD
2007 (fide E. Hynes).
(obs. unk.). “Western” Willet regular in small numbers along s. ME coast but
233
Birds of Maine
Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
Common, widespread, and surprisingly little-studied
Status in Maine: Greater Yellowlegs are common spring and fall migrants in a variety of wetland habitats. The species typically arrives by early April and remains through early June. A few yellowlegs appear to remain through the summer, but this is difficult to determine with certainty because migrations for spring and fall nearly overlap. Fall migrants appear by early July with the largest numbers recorded from late July through September. Greater Yellowlegs are found regularly in small numbers into November, and there are five winter records. With few exceptions, high counts in the past decade have not equaled older ones. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 172) suggested that Greater Yellowlegs bred in ME, saying “there seems no reason to doubt that it does nest in small numbers in the Woolastook Valley [Aroostook County] where I have observed it in early July.” Knight came to this conclusion by assuming, incorrectly, that early Jul was too early for fall migrants. He also failed to describe any breeding behavior, which is notably conspicuous in this species. Palmer disagreed with Knight, contending that the species did not breed in ME; he considered it a regular spring and fall migrant that was regular inland. He reported a flock of 50 at Merrymeeting Bay, 13 Apr 1933. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in muskeg and wet boreal habitats from n. NS, NL, and QC, n. ON, cen. SK, MB, AB, BC, to s. and cen. AK. Winters on Atlantic from NY to FL, TX, and Mexico; and along Pacific, from WA (local) to s. OR, CA, Baja California; also Mexico, Cen. and S. Am., and Caribbean. Remarks: Palmer reported that a single gunner shot 999 Greater Yellowlegs, 1842–1854. A single Greater Yellowlegs at the tarn atop Tumbledown Mtn., Twp. 6, north of Weld, Franklin Co., 6 Jul 1990, was not in typical habitat (D. Reimer). S pring :
Greater Yellowlegs appear early Apr generally in
flocks of 2–12; occasionally many more. High counts: 200 at
Weskeag Marsh, 15 May 2000 (Z. Smith, ISS), and 92 there on 7 May 1985 (ISS, eBird); 110 at Scarborough Marsh on 2 May
234
1983 and again 30 Apr 1985 (both PDV, eBird); and 59 birds in Phippsburg, 6 May 2009 (M. Fahay).
Common on coastal marshes, in wet fields, and along inland
lakes Apr–May, occasionally lingering into early Jun. Evidence this species arrives earlier than historical records, 19th to mid-
20th century. Since 1970, at least 10 records, all coastal, March
24–31, whereas Palmer cited 7 Apr. as earliest date for Scarborough. Inland, species recorded annually mid- to late Apr in past decade. Historically, arrived in n. and w. ME early May. Recent first
Aroostook Co. records demonstrate now regular last week of
Apr, all fide eBird: 6 at Mattawamkeag L. on 23 Apr 2010 both earliest and highest count of 9 records in Apr. for Aroostook
Co. ( J. Getchell); 1 in Presque Isle, 24 Apr 2008 (WJS); and 3 in
Ft. Fairfield, 28 Apr 2009 (C. Kesselheim). These observations
approximately 1 week earlier than M. Trombley’s reports of first
arrivals from late 1980s: 2 in Ft. Fairfield, 4 May 1987, and 2 there
on 1 May 1988. Other early inland records, 1 each: Bethel, 25 Apr
1980 (P.A. Cross); Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., 20 Apr 1997 (B.
Barker); Clinton, 23 Apr 1997 (W. Sumner); in recent years dozens of inland Apr records (eBird).
S ummer :
Numerous records 1–10 Jun may represent late
migrants northbound or summering birds that failed to migrate farther north. Few records last half of month, likely of latter
category, possibly including earliest of southbound migrants, which are likely birds with failed nesting attempts. Late Jun
records at Scarborough Marsh: 6 on 15 Jun 2003 (C. Marantz);
1 on 20 Jun 2004, 5 on 19 Jun 2005, 1 on 18 Jun 2006, 2 on 28 Jun
2007, 1 on 15 Jun 2010, and 3 on 20 Jun 2010 (all D. Lovitch).
Additional summer lingerers: 1 in St. George, Knox Co., 21 Jun
1988 (M. Plymire), and 2 at Weskeag Marsh, on 23 Jun 2007 (D.
Reimer). F all :
eBird data show numbers rising by early Jul as
southbound migrants arrive. Widespread by mid-Jul. Highest
numbers typically at preferred roosting areas mid-Jul to mid-
Sep: Spirit Pond, Phippsburg, 107 on 4 Aug 2017, 100 on 28
Jul 2010, 94 on 16 Aug 2016, 89 on 2 Sep 2009 (all M. Fahay,
eBird); at Weskeag Marsh, 200 on 25 Jul 1979 (PDV), 100 on
14 Aug 2001 (C. Ogan, eBird), and 85 on 12 Aug 2009 (ISS
Data, eBird); at Scarborough Marsh, 150 on 13 Aug 1984 (PDV),
115 on 17 Sep 1999 (L. Brinker), and 100 on 29 Aug 2000 (R.
Crowley). Downeast: 75 at Hog Bay, Franklin, Hancock Co., 31
Jul 2005, and 98 at Hog Bay, 2 Sep 2006 (M. Good, S. Perrin);
Machiasport: 100 on 17 Sep 1995 and 80 on 27 Jul 1999 (both N.
Famous); Milbridge, Back Bay: 100 on 8 Aug 1994 (MDIFW,
eBird); Whiting, Looks Cannery, Washington Co.: 95 on 5 Oct
1994 (MDIFW, eBird). Other large counts: 200 at Sherman L., Newcastle, 13 Nov 2005 (M. Mahnke); 120 at Stratton I. on 19 Jul 2005 (S. Hall and Project Puffin data, eBird).
Common in Oct, declining numbers into mid-Nov when
still regular in small numbers along southern coast. Notably
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
late records: 6 in Bar Harbor, 21 Nov 1970 (W. Townsend); 12
in Scarborough, 9 Nov 1970, 1 remaining to 25 Nov 1970 (MN
2[5]: 38); 14 at Pemaquid, Bristol, 23 Nov 2005 (M. Libby); 1 in
S. Thomaston, 27 Nov 1991 (D. Reimer and M. Libby, AB 46: 63);
1 in Scarborough, 29 Nov 2009 (D. Lovitch); at least 1 record
each year, 20–30 Nov, 2010–2017, except 2015 (eBird). Late inland
records: 1 in Orono, 9 Nov 2003 (S. Smith); 1 in Penobscot, 19
Nov 1989 (W. Sumner). W inter :
Five winter records, 1 each: Brandy Pond, Naples,
Cumberland Co., 2 Dec 1993 (L. Brinker); Harpswell, 29 Dec
1970 (E. Gamble, MN 2: 47), and 5 Dec 2012 (M. Fahay, eBird); Machiasport, 3 Jan 2006 (N. Famous); and 9 Dec 2015–1
Jan 2016, possibly later, near Nonesuch R., Scarborough (A. Hancock, eBird). PDV and CDD
Andes Mtns. from Peru south to Argentina and Chile. Species expanding its breeding range in eastern states and provinces, and also west in AK. Remarks: As with many shorebirds, it is difficult to distinguish between late-spring migrants, summering individuals, and early-fall migrants. Late-spring migrants may linger until 10 Jun but do not remain in the same area. Similarly, early-fall adult migrants can arrive by mid-Jul, with juvenile birds appearing early to mid-Aug. S pring :
Accidental in spring until 1960s. Apparently, no
spring records 1941–1961, until 1 female observed in Kenduskeag,
Penobscot Co., 8 Jun 1961 (G. Freese). Reports increased
1961–1982, including several inland records, much like Brewster’s early observation: 1 in Glenburn, Penobscot Co., 18–19 May 1971
and 1 in Ashland, 26 May 1973.
Wilson’s Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
A bird of western potholes and saline lakes, recently a regular visitor in Maine
Status in Maine: Prior to 1960, Wilson’s Phalaropes were accidental in Maine, with four (or perhaps five) records. Since then, this species has become more common in south coastal Maine and is now regular there both in spring and fall annually. Wilson’s Phalarope has summered irregularly at Scarborough Marsh since 1988 and was confirmed nesting on the marsh in 2002. This species remains rare inland and in eastern Maine. There are no winter records. Historical Status in Maine: Accidental. Knight (1908, 150) considered Wilson’s Phalarope to be “a very exceptional straggler” with two records: three together with one collected on Scarborough Marsh, 9 Jun 1881, and one shot at Sabattus Pond in “September or October” 1906. Palmer added two records: an adult female above Middle Dam on Lower Richardson L., Twp. C, Oxford Co., 20 May 1881 (Brewster 1925), and one he saw at Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, on 24 Aug 1941. Palmer also mentioned Brewster’s “probable” inland record of four birds together at the Cambridge R. mouth in Upton, Oxford Co., 28 Aug 1873. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. QC and ON, west throughout prairie states and provinces north to AB and s. NU, south to n. CA, UT, and CO. Since 1970, also irregularly and locally nests from NB, ME, MA, and NY. Winters primarily in cen.
Coastal records 1961–1982: 1 on Little Green I., Knox Co.,
29 May 1967; 1 at Biddeford, 15 May 1973; 1 in Wells Harbor, 2
Jun 1973 (obs. unk.). Since 1982, Wilson’s Phalaropes annual or
nearly annual along southern coast, particularly at Scarborough
Marsh. Observations of multiple birds similarly increased here since 1983: male and female, 2–11 May 1983 (PDV); 3 birds on
25 May 1985 (fide ME Audubon); 5, all-time maximum, on 31
May 1985 (ISS, F. Cyr; eBird); 2 on 4 Jun 1988 (K. Disney); and
2–4 birds reported regularly at Scarborough Marsh since 2001.
Species now arrives in ME 15 May–1 Jun; earliest record: single bird in Wells, 30 Apr 1988 (K. Disney, J. Lortie).
Elsewhere along coast: Cumberland Co. (other than
Scarborough); 1 at Maquoit Bay, 6 May 1984 ( JEP). Sagadahoc
Co.: 1 female at Popham Beach S.P. on 14 May 2016 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 female in Phippsburg, 16 May 1982 (PDV); and 1
female in Georgetown, 27 May 2000 ( J. Frank). Multiple spring records at Weskeag Marsh, the first a female on 7 May 1984
(PDV); since 1999, Wilson’s Phalaropes regular and nearly
annual at this site (L. Bevier, D. Reimer, M. Libby et al.). In
Washington Co.: 1 at Petit Manan NWR, 19 May 1989 (R.
Widrig); 1 in Machiasport, 1 May 1996 (P. Donahue, FN 50: 255), and 2 in Machias, 5 Jun 2008 (B. Southard).
Casual on offshore islands: Appledore I., 1 on 20 May 1997
(fide D.W. Holmes) and adult female, 19–31 May 2012 (m.ob.,
eBird). Reports of single birds from Stratton I.: 11–12 Jun 1994
(ISS and L. LaCasse, eBird); and 25 Jun–1 Jul 2012 (Project
Puffin, eBird). At Seal I. NWR, 1 on 18–19 May 2017 (K. Yakola and W. Kennerley, eBird). Inland, single phalaropes observed
in Aroostook Co. at L. Josephine on 15 May 2009 (WJS) and at
Washburn Wastewater Lagoons on 31 May 2012 (WJS, eBird); at Penjajawoc Marsh, 11 May 1993 ( J. Markowsky, N. Famous); at
Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, males seen on 26 May 2016 and on 16 May 2017 (m.ob., eBird).
235
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Documented throughout summer at Scarborough
Co., 14 Aug 1980 (fide PDV); 1 in Easton, Aroostook Co., 28 Jul
Marsh in 1988, 2–4 birds seen regularly early Jun–Aug. Four
1991, earliest of any inland records (M. Trombley); 1 in Newport,
Jun 1988 (K. Disney) and it appeared birds were nesting on this
Sumner, AB 43: 64).
birds, 2 males and 2 females, observed in courtship flights on 23
marsh. Juvenile observed 13 Aug 1988 ( JVW) and an adult with
1 Oct 1988 exceptional both for date and inland locality (W. PDV and CDD
2 juveniles noted 17 Aug 1988 (PDV); no more specific evidence of nesting noted.
Summering females observed at Scarborough Marsh in 1996,
Red-necked Phalarope
1997, and 1998 (various observers), when juvenile on 1 Aug 1998
Phalaropus lobatus
present daily at Scarborough Marsh in 1999, reported 2 males
Once abundant in Maine waters, but where are they now?
appeared too early to be a fall migrant (L. Brinker). G. Shriver, and a female regularly 16 Jun–early Aug 1999 and observed
behavior suggestive of breeding; however, no juveniles observed.
First nesting confirmed by L. Brinker in 2002 when he flushed
incubating male and found nest with 3 eggs along Jones Creek,
14 Jun 2002. A second nest with 4 eggs found approximately 100
meters from first, 21 Jun 2002 (L. Brinker, PDV). Male observed attending juvenile in central Scarborough Marsh, 1 Aug 2002,
probably represented a third breeding effort (S. Hall, L. Brinker).
Multiple adults in 2005 and 2006 possibly represented additional
breeding attempts. One or more phalaropes observed sporadically
through summer at Weskeag Marsh in 2008 and 2009. This
marsh may provide second breeding locality in ME, although no subsequent summer records.
F all :
First fall migrants appear in coastal s. ME marshes
mid-Jul; species regular by mid- to late Aug. Impossible to
distinguish migrants from residents unless phalaropes absent
for majority of Jun. Earliest unambiguous fall migrants reported from Atkin’s Bay Marsh, Phippsburg, 1 Jul 2004 (PDV), and
at Weskeag Marsh on 2 Jul 2008 (D. Reimer) and 25 Jul 1979
(PDV). Jul migrants at Scarborough Marsh: 2 adults on 16 Jul
1992 ( JVW), 2 females on 17 Jul 1995 (PDV), 1 on 26 Jul 1998 (D.
Abbott), and 2 on 27 Jul 2003 (L. Brinker).
Numbers peak 10 Aug–15 Sep; species regular in smaller
numbers through ~20 Sep after which few records. Scarborough
Marsh: 1 on 23 Sep 1962 (obs. unk.) and 1 on 25 Sep 1992 (S.
Pollock); 1 on 26 Sep 1996 (G. Carson); 1 from 18–22 Sep 2013
(m.ob., eBird). One reported without further description
or documentation on 30 Oct 2006 was the latest by far (M. Goldfarb, eBird).
Despite regularity in coastal s. ME, species occasional to rare
in fall in Washington and Hancock Cos., with 2 million individuals. After the early 1980s, these enormous concentrations declined to the point of complete disappearance (Duncan 1996b), most likely from “severely reduced abundance of [their main prey] the zooplankton species, Calanus finmarchicus, in surface waters during the time phalaropes migrate through the area” (Brown et al. 2010). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 149) had a rudimentary knowledge of Red-necked Phalaropes and provided little evidence to support his assertion that this species was “not rare along the coast from September to November and in April and May, occasionally also in late winter.” Norton (1907, 81) described “thousands feeding” between Deer Island and Campobello I., NB, just a few mi. from Eastport. Palmer (1949, 238–239) described phalaropes as “transient, in spring, abundant in offshore and inshore waters of the Maine–New Brunswick boundary, straggling inshore farther westward, and rare inland, and in fall, a similar status except that more stragglers come ashore to the westward and inland.” He characterized them as regular from the third week of Jul to 22 Sep with several hundred thousand present at W. Quoddy Head. At L. Umbagog, Brewster (1925) observed this species once in spring and on at least eight occasions 1874–1898.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
The enormity of the Red-necked Phalarope spectacle in eastern ME and the speed with which it disappeared in the late 1980s are hard to grasp. Finch et al. (1978, 282) reported annual occurrences in late summer and early fall in lower Passamaquoddy Bay “where up to three million have been estimated in late August. . . similarly immense numbers gather in areas of
upwelling around Mount Desert Rock, where more than two million birds have been estimated in early
September.” In an earlier draft of this account, PDV
wrote, “Having witnessed some of the remarkable Rednecked Phalarope concentrations in the 1970s, I can
attest to the size of these huge flocks. It was essentially impossible to accurately count the numerous vast
flocks that shifted back and forth with the tides. The
dizzying spectacle of uncountable flocks of phalaropes and thousands of Bonaparte’s Gulls at The Old Sow
was one of the most remarkable avian events in e. N. Am.” While the enormous one-day numbers of the
1970s must be considered coarse guesstimates, Mercier and Gaskin (1985) made careful, systematic population estimates in 1981 and 1982. Their estimate of the total passage population for Passamaquoddy Bay for all of
1982 came to 1 million. Numbers started to decline in the early 1980s: only 100,000 reported on the single
day 1 Aug 1982 (N. Famous), and 300,000 phalaropes in mid-Aug 1983 was considered a low count (AB 38:
177). CDD visited these waters regularly in subsequent years, eventually almost daily; his one-day maxima
were 20,000 in 1985, 8,000 in 1986, 2,000 in 1987, 200 in 1988, just 20 in 1989, and none the following two years (Duncan 1996b). None were reported in 1991 (AB 46: 63–64) and no counts have exceeded 500 individuals since 1991.
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Circumpolar breeding distribution. Nests from s. Labrador, Greenland, Baffin I., west to n. ON, across n. Canada to nw. AK; also in Siberia, n. Scandinavia, n. Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland. Winter distribution in Atlantic not well known; small numbers off GA and FL. Fennoscandian and Russian breeders migrate overland to the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean while those from Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland migrate over ocean through the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of ME, crossing over s. Cen. America to Pacific Humboldt Current off S. Am., south to Chile. Notably, they are the only nw. Atlantic seabird that does so (see Map 15).
While the migratory routes for Nearctic (Alaskan or Canadian) breeders remain unknown, it is likely that, as for the palearctic phalaropes, there is a “migratory divide” where more westerly breeders move directly south along the Pacific Coast while those to their east make a stopover in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of ME. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern for steep population declines. S pring :
Common—previously abundant—spring offshore
migrants. Most numerous and regular on offshore waters
Monhegan I. to Mount Desert Rock, east to Eastport.
Although previously routine to see 100–500 off Monhegan I. in late May, highest count this century is 12, on 20 May 2011
(D. Hitchcox, eBird). High counts: 5,000 on 24 May 1985
(S. Surner, AB 39: 271) and 1,500 on 27 May 1973 (M. Libby).
Farther east: >750 in Penobscot Bay off Matinicus Rock, 31
May 1985 ( JEP); 50,000 off Mount Desert Rock, 24 May 2008
(C. Propst and T. Schottland); in Washington Co., 40,000
observed near Head Harbor Passage, off Eastport, 26 May 1980
(N. Famous). Observations for coastal York and Cumberland
Cos. usually limited to 1–12, smaller numbers along immediate
coast: 11 off Dyer Pt., Cape Elizabeth, 26 May 2005 (D.
Lovitch); and 150 total off Outer Green I., Casco Bay, 25
May 2005, unusually large flock (R. Lambert). Rare inland in
spring: 2 on L. Umbagog, 20 May 1881 (Brewster 1925); 1 ph. at
Douglas Pond, Palmyra, Somerset Co., 28 May 1977 (G. Ball);
3 at Weskeag Marsh, 13 May 2006 (M. Libby, D. Reimer); 2
at Scarborough Marsh, 14 May 2006 (E. Hess); 5 at Sanford
Lagoons, 19 May 2011 (A. Aldrich, eBird), and 1 female ph. there 23 May 2017 (m.ob., eBird); 1 at L. Josephine, 28 May
2012 (T. Day and L. Seitz, eBird). One male and 1 female at Seawall Beach, 27 May 1976, unique for being on the beach
(PDV, eBird).
Red-necked Phalarope
237
Birds of Maine
Almost all spring records 15 May–10
Jun. Earliest confirmed record: 1 shot in
Milo, Piscataquis Co., 3 May 1897 (Palmer
1949); 4 off Monhegan I., 7 May 1981, also
notably early (M. Libby). Count of >75 off
Matinicus Rock, 9 Jun 1957 (M. Libby)
!
!
unusually high for early date.
S ummer :
More than 12 reports, 3 or
fewer birds (when number is specified),
off coast in last half of Jun. Too late to be
considered spring migrants and unlikely
to be early-fall migrants. Reports onshore
at Scarborough Marsh on 22 Jun 1984 ( J.
unusual.
F all :
!
Jun 2017 (L. Harlan, eBird) are particularly
!
James, eBird) and Ferry Beach, Saco 29
Prior to population collapse,
flocks of 40–200 commonly observed
offshore beginning in Jul. Early reports:
5 from MV Bluenose ferry, 4 Jul 1978
(PDV, eBird); 3 on Bar Harbor whale/
pelagic trip, 4 Jul 2015 (D. Hollie, eBird);
11 at W. Quoddy Head, Lubec, 8 Jul 1984 (A. Farnsworth, eBird); 46 off Mount
Desert I., 14 Jul 1989 (B. Agler); 70 on
Bar Harbor whale/pelagic trip, 14 Jul
2017 (T. Graves, eBird); 25 off Monhegan I., 18 Jul 1960 (MFO 5: 72). Species
remains in Gulf of ME through mid-
Sep, uncommon into early Oct. Large
concentrations, routinely hundreds of
thousands of birds, occurred historically
in Eastport–Lubec area, Washington Co.,
and off Mount Desert Rock, Hancock
Co., but no longer found (see boxed text).
Extraordinarily large counts: 2 million
birds estimated on 21 Aug 1977 (DWF,
Map 15: Red-necked Phalarope Migration Generalized migration routes of three Red-necked Phalaropes fitted with light-sensitive geolocators on their breeding grounds in Shetland, Scotland (one bird in 2012 and two in 2016). After leaving Shetland in midsummer, each migrated westward (red line), arriving at the Bay of Fundy in mid-August, where they stayed for three to five days before flying to Florida. Continuing south, they crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean by mid-September and went on to the coast of Ecuador by early October, where they remained (blue lines) until the first week of May, when they returned to Scotland (yellow line). Rednecked Phalaropes from the eastern Canadian breeding population, which once staged by the millions in Passamaquoddy Bay, are believed to follow the same track to the Pacific (Smith et al. 2018a, 2018b).
PDV, AB 32: 176); >500,000 between
Eastport and Deer I., NB, 19 Aug. 1979
(N. Famous and M. McCollough); and 1
Piscataquis Co.: 2 at Carpenter Pond, T7
18 Oct 2010 (A. Aldrich, eBird). Dozens
Penobscot Co.: 1 in Orono, 24 Aug 2003
8 birds at Scarborough Marsh on 17 Oct
million on 13 Aug 1980 (PDV, AB 35: 158).
R11 WELS on 14 Aug 1988 (S. Ray, ph.).
Brewster (1925) observed this species on
( J. Markowsky); and 1 at Sebasticook L.
2015 (T. Hannah, Z. Loman; eBird) and 1
occasions 1874–1898. Inland records:
York Co.: Sanford Lagoons: 5 on 2 Sep
Lovitch).
(MN 2[3]: at L. Josephine, 1 on 3 Sep
Couture and A. Aldrich, eBird), and 1 on
Occasional to rare inland, though
L. Umbagog, Oxford Co., on 8 or more
Aroostook Co.: 1 in Houlton, 8 Sep 1970 2010 and 2 on 3 Aug 2014 (both WJS).
238
on 26 Aug 2017 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird).
2006 (L. Brinker), 1 on 19 Sep 2015 (K.
of records along immediate coast. Latest:
on Passamaquoddy Bay, 20 Aug 2017 (D. PDV and CDD
Order Charadriiformes • Family Scolopacidae
Red Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
The most pelagic of the phalaropes—a shorebird that seldom comes ashore
Status in Maine: Rare along the coast, Red Phalaropes are common spring migrants in far offshore waters. Spring migration is brief, 15 May–early June with just a few reports through the rest of the month. Conversely, theirs is “the most extended fall migration period of any shorebird, remaining in the Gulf of Maine until December” (Finch et al. 1978, 281). This species is most common at sea off eastern Maine, where sightings of 100–500 individuals are common and sometimes reach more than 1,000. This species lingers regularly into October, with small numbers remaining until November and occasionally into early December, though currently perhaps not as much as Finch’s statement suggests. A handful of sightings in July may have been early southbound migrants or, less likely, birds summering in the Gulf of Maine. The best long-term offshore dataset for pelagic birds, including Red Phalaropes, in the Gulf of Maine is from observers aboard commercial ferries. The MV Bluenose and MV Bluenose II conducted daily round trips from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, NS, from 1955– 1997, and the MV Scotia Prince traveled from Portland to Yarmouth, NS, from 1982–2004. Many of the MV Bluenose observations were summarized by Finch et al.
(1978). Since those ferries ceased operation, offshore observations of phalaropes have been infrequent, especially lacking in spring. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 148) considered this species “primarily a bird of the open ocean except during breeding season, and it is mainly found far out from our coast.” Palmer (1949, 236) wrote, “transient, in spring, rare in outer inshore and probably common in offshore waters, and in fall, uncommon but regular in outer inshore and common to numerous in offshore waters, straggling inshore mainly at the latter season (when it is rare inland).” Brewster (1925) recorded Red Phalaropes in fall on L. Umbagog on at least five occasions (see Fall). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Circumpolar breeding distribution, nests largely in high Arctic from w. Greenland, Arctic Canada south to w. Hudson’s Bay, n. and w. AK, n. Siberia to n. Iceland. Winter range poorly known. In w. Atlantic, from NC south, perhaps to Caribbean, also off west coast of Africa; in e. Pacific from CA to Peru, also in w. Pacific. Abundant along continental slope off New England (Veit and Petersen 1993), which probably explains much of this species’ distribution in ME. Global Conservation Status: USSCP: Moderate Concern for Canadian and Alaskan breeding populations (allegedly because of steep declines in population, but such have not been documented by other sources).
Red Phalaropes
239
Birds of Maine S pring :
Palmer’s assessment (1949, 236) that Red Phalaropes
Early, presumed fall migrants: 1 in Muscongus Bay, 13 Jul 1938
are “transient, in spring, rare in outer inshore and probably
(A. Cruickshank, in Palmer 1949); and an adult at Biddeford
briefly in offshore waters of Gulf of ME, primarily in second
Bluenose: 12 on 14 Nov 1968 (E. Thompson) and 1 on 11 Dec 1975
2000 (H. D’Entremont). Early reports: Scarborough Marsh on
2014 (M. Fahay), and 6 on Eastport CBC, 26 Dec 2007 (fide E.
common in offshore waters” remains accurate. Species appears half of May: 300 reported from MV Scotia Prince, 25 May
remarkably early date of 6 Mar 2008 (C. Governali), and 1 shot
off Great Head, Bar Harbor, 1 May 1923 (Palmer). Remaining records occur 3 May to mid-Jun. Small numbers reported
regularly off Monhegan I., notably >60 on 27 May 1984 (W.
Townsend, AB 38: 885). An unusually large congregation of
>1,500 individuals seen off Port Clyde, Knox Co., 19 May 1989
Pool Beach, 23 Jul 1992 ( JVW). Notably late reports from MV
(Finch et al. 1978). Recently: 1 off Jaquish I., Harpswell, 12 Dec Hynes).
Casual away from open ocean with with 3 modern records: 1
at Salt Pond, Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 17 Oct 2004 (C. Moseley);
1 ph. in Skowhegan, 7 Sep 2014 (M. Taylor; eBird); and 1 at
North Pond, Somerset Co., 31 Aug 2004 (L. Bevier). Historically,
Brewster (1925) recorded species at L. Umbagog, Oxford Co., on
(AB 43: 450), where “widely scattered small flocks, mostly less
5 or more occasions: 3 on 15 Sep 1880, 1 on 29 Sep 1888, 2 on 2 Oct
Late-spring migrants: 1 at Jeffreys Ledge, 11 Jun 1978 (PDV
Somerset Co., 17 Oct 1893 (Knight 1908); 1 collected in Westbrook,
than 50 birds” observed east and north of Burnt I. (M. Plymire).
and D. Abbott, eBird). As Palmer noted, this species is rare along immediate coastline and inland. Noteworthy inshore
records: 85 in Machias Bay, 27 May 2004 (N. Famous); 1 female
off Ft. Williams, Cape Elizabeth, 13 May 2006 (D. Lovitch); and inland, an adult female on Pennamaquan R., Pembroke,
Washington Co., 12 Jun 1947 (M. and J. Dudley in Palmer 1949); 2 at L. Cochnewagan, in Monmouth, Kennebec Co., 13 May
2006 (S. DeOrsey). One or 2 at Sanford Lagoons in May 2011, reported as female on 19 May (m.ob., eBird); male ph. on 23
May (D. Hitchcox, eBird) and seen again on 24 May (M. Fahay, eBird).
1888, 2 on 22 Sep 1889, and 3 on 2 Oct 1896. Additionally: 1 shot in Cumberland Co., 26 Sep 1904 (JMOS 7: 47). PDV and CDD
Skuas and Jaegers (Stercorariidae) Highly pelagic birds related to auks (and only more distantly to gulls, which they resemble), five of the world’s seven skua and jaeger species have been documented over the Gulf of Maine, including South Polar Skuas, which breed near Antarctica and migrate to the North Atlantic. Excellent fliers and aggressive thieves, skuas and jaegers commonly
S ummer :
Few records close in timing impossible to classify
make a living off of other birds’ hunting skills.
as late northbound migrants, over-summering birds, or
exceptionally early southbound transients: unspecified number
at Machias Seal I., 18 Jun 2003 (E. Plage, eBird); 2 off Cutler, 23
Jun 2001 (P. Lehman, NAB 55: 413); 1 or more off MV Bluenose,
25 Jun, year unstated (Finch et al. 1978). F all :
Common fall migrant in offshore waters of e. ME, south
to Mount Desert Rock, 25 mi. (40 km) south of Mount Desert
I.; often more common in e. Bay of Fundy, especially around
NS. Not recorded in enormous flocks of Red-necked Phalaropes that once occurred near Eastport. Pelagic trips off Washington
Co. occasionally record large numbers: 2,000 on 2 Sep 1997
(FN 52: 30) and 5,196 off e. ME, 14 Sep 2008 (E. Hynes et al.);
trips off Mount Desert Rock regularly reported 50–500 in Aug
1987 (W. Townsend, AB 42: 234). No similarly large counts off southern or Midcoast ME; largest count 500 north of Seal I.
NWR, 6 Aug 1991 (R. Taylor).
Recorded on 100% of MV Bluenose crossings (including NS
waters) Aug–Sep summarized by Finch et al. (1978) with typical
counts of ~500 per crossing and maximum count of 3,500 on
29 Aug 1968 (R. Smart). Counts vary within years and between
years at given dates: in 1970, 1,188 birds on 5 Aug, 559 on 22 Aug,
and 94 on 27 Sep (all E. Thompson). Compare last with 2,270 on same date in 1978 (PDV et al.).
240
Great Skua
Stercorarius skua
An offshore denizen of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean
Status in Maine: Records indicate that Great Skuas are rare to uncommon in Maine waters. This may be due to a lack of opportunity for offshore observation, especially in winter months. Unrecorded in Maine prior to 1965, Great Skuas were reported on 80% of MV Bluenose voyages between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, June–September 1973–1978 (Finch et al. 1978), although it is unknown whether sightings were in Maine or Canadian waters. A maximum count of 11 on 2 August 1974, has not been equaled since; nine were seen during a pelagic birding trip across the Gulf of Maine, 12 September 2015 (m.ob., ME Audubon). More recently, four Great Skuas found during a whale-watching trip on 19 June 2003 are the earliest reported in Maine; three were seen from Mount Desert Rock on 4 October the
Order Charadriiformes • Family Stercorariidae
same year. Individuals also reported late August to mid–October. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 242–243) reported no records in “inner offshore waters” (roughly corresponding to Gulf of ME outside the three-mile limit) but noted that the species likely occurred there based on three historical observations from offshore waters of MA north of Boston. Global Distribution: Breeding range of Great Skuas restricted largely to islands of e. N. Atlantic from Iceland (34% of breeding pairs) to Faroe Is., Scotland (60%), and nw. Russia. Infrequent survey data suggest Scottish breeding population tripled, 1969–2000. World population estimated at 16,000 breeding pairs or 48,000 individuals including nonbreeding juveniles. Great Skuas winter at sea in temperate and tropical Atlantic Ocean, often scavenging from fisheries. The marine area from Grand Banks, NFLD, to Georges Bank, MA, is known to be important to adults from Icelandic colonies and to subadults from Scottish colonies, particularly Oct–Mar. Subadults often winter in tropical waters from Caribbean to W. Africa. CDD
South Polar Skua
Stercorarius maccormicki
An Antarctic breeder that spends its winters in the North Atlantic
Status in Maine: South Polar Skuas are regular summer visitors in offshore waters although the lack of systematic pelagic surveys limits our understanding of their abundance and movements. The earliest seasonal record is 11 June 2010 (Z. Klyver et al.), the latest 25 September 2010 (Maine Audubon, m.ob.). Most reports are of individuals. In the Gulf of Maine, the highest count of five Skuas in four sightings over the course of an hour was reported from the MV Bluenose ferry outside of Maine waters, 6 September 1987 (CDD). Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight nor Palmer mentioned this species as occurring in ME’s waters. Global Distribution: As the name suggests, breeds on coasts of Antarctica and the S. Shetland Is. In boreal spring, summer, and fall, ranges at sea in the Pacific Ocean from Mexico north to Gulf of AK,
and in Atlantic Ocean to New England, NL, and Greenland. Although it was not recognized in e. US waters until 1977, it is now understood to be a regular, if scarce, summer visitor well offshore from FL to Bay of Fundy. Whether these N. Hemisphere records pertain to all age classes or just juveniles is unknown. The possibility has been suggested that adults may remain in Antarctic waters. Remarks: Unidentified skua species recorded as early as 13 Jun (2008, C. Bartlett) and as late as 5 Oct (2012, T. Johnson and D. Vander Pluym). South Polar Skuas arrive on their Antarctic breeding grounds late Oct to mid-Dec. CDD
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinus
The largest jaeger and a persistent bully, chasing even large shearwaters and gulls
Status in Maine: The most common jaeger in the Gulf of Maine, Pomarine Jaegers are regular in small numbers, most commonly far offshore. While they occur from June to November, they are far more likely to be seen in fall than spring or summer, presumably as they migrate south (Powers 1983). Three inland records imply stragglers find their way onshore, albeit rarely. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer describes Pomarine Jaegers as common in offshore fishing grounds in spring and fall and rare nonbreeding residents in summer. Although he states that this species is the only jaeger found “with any regularity” in inshore waters, especially after storms, most authors give that distinction to Parasitic Jaeger (e.g., Nisbet et al. 2013). Regardless, inland records of Pomarine Jaegers are historically few: one shot in Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., 23 Oct 1883, and one late Oct at unspecified locality (Knight 1908, cited in Palmer). Global Distribution: Circumpolar breeder on coastal tundra. Winters offshore in tropical Pacific waters: near HI, n. CA to Peru and Galapagos Is., to e. Australia. In Atlantic south to S. Africa and n. S. Am. in w. Atlantic. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of FL, perhaps north to NC, are especially important wintering areas.
241
Birds of Maine
pelagic bird trips than Pomarine or Long-tailed Jaegers. Earliest birds occur in May; latest sight records are December. Midsummer birds are likely nonbreeders, while September and later sightings include southbound migrants. In a compilation of regular observations from the MV Bluenose ferry 1973–1978, Parasitic Jaegers were found on 75% of summer crossings (Finch et al. 1978). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer mentions a specimen taken off Port Clyde on 23 May 1901.
Pomarine Jaegers
S pring :
Regularly reported in offshore waters from end of
May (Palmer 1949). Three recent May records, all fide eBird:
1 bird each, Stratton I., 19 May 2001 (Project Puffin, eBird);
Cutler, 27 May 2011 (C. Bartlett); and from Monhegan I. Ferry,
31 May 2011 (W. Nichols). S ummer :
Commonly reported offshore along entire coast.
Single inland record since Knight: 1 near U.S. Rt. 1, east of
Ellsworth, 4 Jun 2012 (P. Miliotis and D. Hitchcox). F all :
Most reports are 1–7 birds. Maximum counts: 21 on
whale-watch from Bar Harbor, 24 Sep 2010 (P. Corcoran), and
28 on whale-watching trip from Boothbay Harbor, 10 Oct 2017 (D. Lovitch). Four in Jordan Basin, 11 Nov 2010 (M. Good). W inter :
1 seen from Dyer Pt. after a storm, 3 Dec 2009 (B.
Marvel and N. Lund, eBird); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 14 Dec 2012
(D. Rankin, eBird); 1 at Reid S.P. on 15 Dec 2007 (M. Fahay,
eBird); and 1 on Monhegan I., 3 Jan 2013 (PDV, W. Nichols).
There are no other records from Jan–Apr. CDD
Parasitic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
An aggressive and acrobatic flier always in pursuit of another’s dinner
Status in Maine: Parasitic Jaegers are regular in the Gulf of Maine from June through September, and more commonly recorded on whale-watching and 242
Global Distribution: Circumpolar. Similar breeding range as Pomarine Jaeger with addition of both coasts of Greenland, Hudson Bay south to James Bay, northernmost AK, and Pacific Coast south to AK peninsula and Aleutian Is. Arrival at colonies late May (Greenland), Jun at more northerly colonies. Winters offshore in temperate waters, S. Hemisphere, Gulf of Mexico, and coastal FL, GA, and Carolinas. Small numbers reported in winter north to Cape Cod. S pring :
Earliest spring date: 1 dark morph in breeding
plumage seen from Pine Pt., 19 May 2011 (L. Seitz and E.
Hynes).
S ummer :
Numerous sightings from midsummer reasonably
assumed to be nonbreeding individuals. Highest counts: 11
at offshore area called “The Ballpark” roughly 20 mi. (32 km)
southeast of Bar Harbor, 9 Aug 1997 (M. Sharp), and 10 east
of Cranberry Isles, 22 Aug 2013 (C. Hill). These and other
Aug occurrences could represent either southbound migrants from breeding colonies or summering nonbreeders. Rare
inland record: 3 at Unity Pond, 28 Aug 2011 (T. Aversa, eBird).
Recent reports: 1 at Petit Manan NWR, 4 Jun 2016 (W. and K. Sanders and T. Evans, eBird); 1, outer Rockland Harbor, 25 Jul
2015 (m.ob., eBird); unknown number off Dyer Pt., 25 Jul 2017 (D. Lovitch). F all :
Sep birds are likely migrants; sightings almost
nonexistent by end of Sep. Rare inland observation: 3 at Clarry
Hill, Union, 16 Sep 2016 (m.ob., eBird). W inter :
Late records: 2 on Monhegan I., 1 Oct 2016 (m.ob.,
eBird); 1 each, Otter Pt., ANP, 22 Oct 2015 (S. Benz, eBird);
offshore of Cape Elizabeth, 30 Oct 2010 (D. Hitchcox);
Schoodic Pt., ANP, 12 Nov 2016 (A. Vilag, eBird); ANP, 15
Nov 2011 (W. Townsend); Great Cranberry I., 26 Nov 1997
(R. Buchsbaum); Eastport, 10 Dec 2003 (N. Famous, fide J.
Despres); and at Small Pt., the same date in 2006 (D. Lovitch, fide J. Despres).
CDD
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
Long-tailed Jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudus
Auks, Murres, and Puffins (Alcidae)
The smallest and most pelagic of the jaegers
While the six extant species of North Atlantic auks occur
Status in Maine: Long-tailed Jaegers are casual wanderers in the Gulf of Maine, primarily late summer and fall, although there are two May records. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 242) mentioned only two sightings: one “some miles at sea off Lincoln County,” 31 Jul 1941 (A. Cruickshank), and one collected off Peaks I., Portland, 30 Aug 1908, once in the Portland Society of Natural History collection. The contents of this collection are now dispersed with many specimens lost (Eastman 2006). Global Distribution: Circumpolar breeder on coastal and alpine tundra in high Arctic, south to Hudson Strait and w. Greenland. Arrival at colonies in May later than Pomarine Jaegers and similar to Parasitic Jaegers. Aug departure from colonies earlier than other jaeger species. Migration farther offshore than other jaeger species and sightings from land or inshore waters most rare. Exception is ~12 eBird sightings in May and Sep in Gulf of St. Lawrence, QC. Winters offshore in temperate waters of S. Atlantic and S. Pacific Oceans. W. Hemisphere breeders winter south to Patagonian Shelf of e. S. Am. and along w. African coast south to S. Africa.
in Maine, fossil evidence suggests once-greater diversity within the family. Maine’s most famous member, Great Auk, was driven to extinction in the mid-19th century, and other species apparently succumbed to repeated ice ages. Two Pacific auks are accidental in the state.
Dovekie
Alle alle
Our smallest alcid is a flying, diving, black-and-white football
Status in Maine: Dovekies occur annually offshore in fall and winter, beginning in late October. Found less regularly in inshore waters but occasional flight years occur where they are common for short periods. Dovekies are sometimes “wrecked” inland, often following northeast gales in November and December. They appear to depart the Gulf of Maine in late February and March and are accidental in summer.
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer’s (1949, 287) description of Dovekie’s status in ME as of 1949 matches our understanding of the species today: a transient and winter resident usually offshore S pring : 23 May 2004 at Wells Harbor (D. Lovitch, fide J. and varying in numbers, especially in its inshore Despres) and 26 May 1988 off Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert “incursions.” Palmer linked movement to inshore I. (B. Bowman, fide J. Despres). waters to prolonged periods of bad weather driving plankton to deeper waters, forcing Dovekies to move S ummer : Singletons seen 10 Jun 2016 from Bar Harbor pelagic trip (C. Ortenzio, C. Brown; eBird; ph.); 13 Jul 2018 (M. Ostrowski, inshore to find food. He distinguished these events from storms that sometimes wrecked Dovekies far eBird); 15 Jul 2011, offshore from Casco and Saco Bays (L. Seitz, inland. J. Delcourt; eBird; ph.); vicinity of Seal I. NWR 21 and 29 Jul, and 5 Aug 2017 (m.ob., eBird; ph.); 1 on 28 Aug 2018 at Mount
Desert Rock (N. Dubrow, eBird; ph.) and Portland (A. Hodgkins, G. Hodgkins; eBird; ph.); and 3 in offshore area known as The
Ballpark east of Seal I., 21 Jul 2017 (K. Lima, eBird; ph.). F all :
From >80 MV Bluenose Gulf of ME crossings 1965–1978,
Finch et al. (1978) reported single sighting on 20 Aug 1966. All
other contemporary records from MV Bluenose, ME Audubon’s annual pelagic trips, or other pelagic/whale watch trips out of
Bar Harbor, in a narrow seasonal window: 1 bird each date, 19 Sep 2004 (S. Hall, D. LaPuma); 14 Sep 2008 (C. Bartlett, J.
Mays); and 10 Sep 2011 (m.ob., eBird). At Seal I. NWR, 2 birds on 10–11 and 13 Aug 2017 (I. Brofsky and K. Yakola, eBird; ph.) and 1 on 19 Aug 2017 (I. Brofsky, eBird).
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in high Arctic, sometimes in colonies of tens of millions in nw. Greenland, and also Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen, to n. Iceland, west to Bering Strait, off AK. Winters from Greenland to NFLD, especially on Grand Banks, less abundantly to Gulf of ME and south rarely to FL. Remarks: Fishing offshore east and south of Monhegan I. from late 1950s–1980s, M. Libby reported that he saw Dovekies annually in late fall and winter. He thought the species was less numerous by late 1980s.
CDD
243
Birds of Maine
Dovekies
S pring :
Few records. Season’s earliest: 1, Kettle Cove, Cape
Elizabeth, 6 Mar 2008 (C. Governali, eBird); unrecorded
Numbers appear to decline late Jan–Feb, but inadequately
documented. In 1960, M. Libby reported 2–50 per day from
number on Mount Desert Rock, 14 Mar 2006 (W. Townsend);
Pemaquid Pt. to Monhegan I. and offshore waters but noted all
record, unrecorded number, Monhegan I., 1 Apr 1997 (W.
early 1963, M. Libby reported 1–15 birds off Monhegan I. daily
1 on Machias Seal I., 21 Mar 2007 (R. Eldridge, eBird). Latest Boynton, fide K. Gammons). S ummer :
Accidental in summer. Specimen evidence of 2 birds
collected by A. Norton between Cross and Machias Seal Is., 15 Jul
1911 (Palmer 1949). Three reliable sight records; several Jul–Aug
records probably misidentified juvenile Razorbills, which cannot
fly and are similar in size to Dovekies, especially when recently
fledged. Some sight records specifically noted birds appeared to be unable to fly, again suggesting Razorbills. Palmer listed 3 summer
records: 1 regularly off Matinicus Rock, 1910; male and female
collected between Cross and Machias Seal Is., 15 Jul 1911 (A.
Norton); 1 off Ogunquit, 30 May 1937. Adult in breeding plumage reported from Pleasant Bay, Addison, 14 Jul 1989, observed as
close as 10 ft. (3 m; T. Goettel, AB 43: 1290). Recent record: 1 bird,
Matinicus, Knox Co., 6 Aug 2011 ( J. Wilson, eBird).
An adult “flew past a whale watch boat 25 mi. (40 km) south
of Bar Harbor,” 11 Jun 2003, quite certainly not a Razorbill since
fledgling Razorbills, which might be mistaken for Dovekies, cannot fly at that season (Z. Klyver, Guillemot 33: 26). F all :
Dovekies generally arrive in Gulf of ME late Oct–
early Nov, regularly seen offshore. One–20 individuals daily
off Monhegan I. through Nov 1961 (M. Libby, MFO 6: 119).
Monhegan I., early report: 1, 29 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, eBird). W inter :
Dovekies most common in winter on s. Grand Banks,
southwest of NFLD, particularly close to continental shelf
edge, and to a lesser degree, along shelf edge east of NS (Brown
1986), where frequently associated with plankton concentrations, especially copepods. Often found near sea ice (Montevecchi and
Stenhouse 2002). Thus, occurrence in Gulf of ME approaches southwestern periphery of range and it is not surprising
numbers vary considerably from one year to next.
244
birds disappeared by 20 Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 20). In late 1962 and
until 25 Jan 1963, when birds abruptly disappeared.
Bay of Fundy CBC recorded Dovekies annually from MV
Bluenose ferry on 100 mi. (161 km) crossing between Bar Harbor, ME–Yarmouth, NS, all six years (1967–1972) the count was
conducted. Numbers varied from low of 31 in 1973 to maximum of 311 in Dec 1971 (MN 4: 2), and 320 birds in Dec 1967. A ferry
crossing from Yarmouth, NS, to Portland, ME, on 28 Jan 1979
recorded only 13 Dovekies (DWF, PDV), suggesting birds may sometimes depart Gulf of ME in late Jan and Feb. Monhegan
I. CBC, 7 mi. (11 km) from mainland and thus at outer edge of inshore waters, has recorded 1–3 Dovekies on approximately
60% of counts, with 2 counts registering >3: 11 birds on 27
Dec 1987 and 43 birds on 27 Dec 1982. Recent Monhegan I.
CBCs recorded 1 Dovekie in 2006 and 2007; 2 in 2009; 1, 2012.
Eastport CBC: 2 in 2000 and 3 in 2003. In 2010, 5 CBCs tallied a total of 11 birds.
Dovekies appear irregularly in inshore littoral waters. Palmer
listed major inshore flights: 1871, many inshore in mid-Nov;
1878, many in Portland Harbor in Dec; 1901 “more abundant
in mid-November than ever before about Seguin” I. (Spinney);
1902, many about Seguin I., 7 Dec; 1913, many in Washington
Co., late Dec; 1931, Portland Lightship “covered” with Dovekies in mid-Nov, Nov 1931–Jan 1932; 1932, many inshore from 12–18
Nov; 1936–37, many inshore Dec–Jan; 1945, small flight in s. ME in early Dec. In 1959, more than 22 Dovekie reports along coast, starting with 30 in Bar Harbor, 25 Oct 1959 (MFO 4: 102); 152 seen from Pemaquid Pt., 24 Nov 1982 (S. Higginbotham). In
1971, 2,725 Dovekies reported on Eastport CBC, 23 Dec (MN 4:
4). Earliest fall record “picked up alive in Gorham” (Cumberland Co.) after a gale, Sep 1869 (Palmer 1949). Other early records
include: 1 at Bailey’s Mistake, Trescott Twp., Washington Co., 12
Oct 2007 (N. Famous); 19 seen from Port Clyde–Monhegan I.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
ferry, 13 Oct 1982 (PDV, AB 37: 157); 3 off Cape Elizabeth, 15 Oct
1955; and 1 injured bird in Machias, 19 Oct 1990 (AB 45: 77).
Fewer inshore Dovekie reports in Feb, almost all counts of 1–5
individuals: 1 from Cliff House, York, 14 Feb 2017 (D. Lovitch);
only exception, 43 birds seen 5 mi. (8 km) east of Petit Manan,
28 Feb 1970 (MN, 1[9]: 6). Generally absent by Mar–Apr with exception of small flights along s. ME coast in 1997, 1998, and
2001. Monhegan I., late report 1 on 15 Apr 1997 (fide B. Boynton). Dovekies occasionally found “wrecked” on inland roads and
ponds, usually after major northeastern storms. Most birds
emaciated and too weak to return to sea under their own power; undoubtedly many perish. M. Libby reported picking up 5 or
more Dovekies near Pemaquid in 1972, pocketing them, and
finding many other locals releasing Dovekies at New Harbor
dock (Lincoln Co.). Major inland wrecks: 1949, number blown
inland, including 1 that struck car window near Lincoln (MAB 5:
9); 1950, hundreds blown inland during a major northeast storm, 25–26 Nov, some as far as 75 mi. (120 km) inland (BMAS 7: 15); 1963, singles in Milo (Piscataquis Co.), 2 Jan, and Charleston (Penobscot Co.), 4 Jan 1963, and after a Dec 1963 storm: 1 in
Bangor, 1 in Hermon (Penobscot Co.), 2 in Milo, 1 in Warren, 1 in Franklin (Hancock Co.), 1 in Ellsworth; 1966, many reports
of numerous individuals inland, including Lovell, Norway, W.
Paris (all Oxford Co.), New Gloucester (Cumberland Co.),
Bar Mills (York Co.), Lexington (Somerset Co.), Kokadjo
(Piscataquis Co.), Dover-Foxcroft; 1970, inland reports as far as
T11 R7 WELS west of Ashland, Aroostook Co., late Nov 1963 (R. Holmes); also Katahdin and S. Branch Pond, Piscataquis
Co., Nov 1970, also in Rumford, 12 Nov, and Farmington, 17 Nov
1970; 1976, 1 in Kezar Falls, Oxford–York Cos., 27 Nov, and 1 in
W. Peru, Oxford Co., 20 Dec. In 1988, 1 was picked up 10 mi. (16
km) inland in Whitneyville, Washington Co., 29 Oct (AB 43: 65), and in 1990, 1 was found ~100 mi. (161 km) inland in Howland,
Penobscot Co., 4 Dec 1990 (B. Burgason, fide WJS). PDV
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered this species to be rare offshore in winter and only a “straggler” inshore. He said there were no recent records, having dismissed several sight records. Palmer agreed that Bryant probably was correct that Common Murres were then “abundant on the coast of Maine,” in winter, noting it once bred off s. NS, NB, and probably in ME (Palmer 1949, 285). Norton (1923) also reported that murres bred on the Green Is. in w. Penobscot Bay prior to 1870. Between 1900 and the 1960s, Common Murres were uncommon in ME in summer. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds in w. Atlantic Ocean from s. Greenland, NFLD, Gulf of St. Lawrence, south to Yellow Murre Ledges, NB; formerly Green I., Penobscot Bay, ME. Winters largely within breeding range, south to ME, MA, and rarely to VA. In Pacific Ocean, breeds from AK and Russia to CA. Winters within breeding area, occasionally south to Mexico. Remarks: NFLD is the breeding center for Common Murres in w. Atlantic. Most of these birds winter in waters near or somewhat south of breeding grounds, shifting south in Dec in response to developing sea ice and migrating to the Scotian Shelf, Bay of Fundy, and New England (Brown 1986). Found regularly offshore from Cape Cod, MA (Veit and Petersen 1993), and since 2002, have increased substantially at Cape Ann, MA, high count: 420 individuals, 12 Dec 2002 (R. Heil). Number of NFLD Common Murres in Gulf of ME in winter remains unclear. S ummer :
Common Murre
Uria aalge
Since 1966, small numbers of Common Murres
present on Machias Seal I. and were confirmed breeding
once more on Yellow Murre Ledges, NB, Jun 1981; >400 birds
present on Machias Seal.I. summer 2001 (Ronconi and Wong
A large, slender alcid of the north
2002); 3,000 on 17 Jun 2014 (R. Eldridge, eBird); 500 on 21
Status in Maine: Since the 1960s Common Murres have increased in Maine with as many as 50 individuals now breeding at seabird colonies on Matinicus Rock and Machias Seal Island; they are often seen at colonies such as Seal Island and Petit Manan. The species remains occasional in southern Maine, but it is likely sightings will continue to rise. Still uncommon in winter; Common Murre status this time of year is poorly known.
and cen. ME coast at same time; first recent summer record in
May 2017 (K. Leary, eBird). Murres started appearing along e.
Penobscot Bay, 23 Aug 1961 (MFO 6: 88); followed by sighting on Matinicus Rock, 18 Jun 1967, (NMAS) several sightings
from MV Bluenose in 1971 and 1972 (Finch et al. 1978); and 1 bird off Little Green I., York Co., late May 1973 (obs. unk.).
Murres subsequently reported 5 mi. (8 km) south of Little
Duck I., Cranberry Isles, 4 Aug 1988 (AB 43: 65); Seal I. NWR, summer 1989 (M. Hartley); and near Mount Desert Rock, 7
Jul 1989 (B. Agler et al.). Since 1996, increasing numbers seen
almost annually, primarily near Mount Desert I. and Downeast
245
Birds of Maine
on Matinicus Rock; Petit Manan I.; Steuben; and more
recently Seal I. More than 50 individuals off Petit Manan I., 29
Jun 2004 (W. Townsend); >35 Murres counted on Matinicus
Rock, 7 Jun 2007 (PDV, JEP) but only 8 on 9 Jul 2007 (PDV ); and 45 on 30 May 2017 (F. Mayer, eBird). As many as 40
murres observed annually on Petit Manan I.; although both
courtship behavior and copulation observed, no confirmed nesting (L. Welch, pers. com.). In 2018, first successful
Common Murre nesting effort in ME in more than 130 years
confirmed on Matinicus Rock (NAS and USFWS) when 8
pairs of murres successfully raised 5 chicks. Although still rare,
Common Murres appear to be increasing in coastal s. ME.
Usually single birds but sometimes up to 4 or 6 off E. Egg
Rock in Jun and early Jul, annually (eBird); 1 seen Pemaquid Pt., 18 Jul 2005 (fide PDV ); and Cape Elizabeth, 5 Jul 2004
(D. Lovitch). F all :
Since 1996, Common Murre movements Aug–early
Oct probably involve local birds summering in Gulf of ME
on Machias Seal I., Yellow Murre Ledges, Petit Manan I., and
Matinicus Rock. Most observations of 1–6 birds reported from Mount Desert I. east to Lubec. Since 1997, 6 records from
Monhegan I. southwest along coast, most unusual: Ogunquit,
5 Sep 2000 (G. Taylor); Reid S.P., 23 Sep 2005 (G. Caron);
and Monhegan I., 25 Sep 1998 ( J. Walker). Given increase of summering murres, reasonable to expect more future coastal
records Sep–Oct. Single Common Murres at Cape Elizabeth, 15
Oct 1955 (obs. unk.), and in Penobscot Bay, 23 Aug 1961 (MFO 6:
88), particularly rare and notable. W inter :
Winter status of Common Murres in ME poorly
Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia
This alcid spends only its winters in Maine waters
Status in Maine: Thick-billed Murre is a regular winter visitor in offshore waters, where it is occasionally quite numerous. These murres arrive in late November and December and depart in late March and early April. The species is irregular in small numbers in inshore waters. It is now casual in summer although prior to 1951 there were no confirmed summer records. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer’s understanding of Thick-billed Murres as transient and sometimes numerous winter residents in offshore waters mirrors present status. He added that individuals were sometimes found far inland, driven ashore by storms (1949). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. from Ellesmere I. south to NFLD and Gulf of St. Lawrence, also in AK and BC. Winters near breeding grounds south to NS, ME, and MA, occasionally to NY, rarely farther south. S ummer :
Casual summer visitors with ~15 records. First
confirmed summer observation ph. off Hog I., Knox Co., 29
Jun–5 Aug 1951 (A. Cruickshank, BMAS 7: 71). Since 1973, single birds reported along coast from Wells Beach, 26 May 1973 (D.
Abbott), to Eastport, 30 Jul 1976, and Lubec on 3 Aug 1989 (AB
understood. Presumably, species fairly regular offshore
44: 58), where it appears somewhat more regular. Twenty birds
recorded single Common Murres on 2 of 6 counts, and only 6
More recent report from Seawall Beach: 1 bird in basic plumage
NS, to Portland, 28 Jan 1979 (DWF and PDV ). Common
of 1949) summer record that he dismissed as questionable but
in Gulf of ME but few reliable data. Bay of Fundy CBC
Common Murres recorded on ferry crossing from Yarmouth,
Murres rare on coastal CBCs, 3 counts recorded >1 individual:
2 on Monhegan I., 27 Dec 1994; 4 on Biddeford CBC, Dec 1999; and 10 on Eastport–Campobello I. CBC, Dec 2003.
Between 2008–2017, murres recorded on 4 CBCs, with high
total count of 11 birds in 2015. Since 1990, at least 24 reports
of 1–2 along outer coastal headlands Jan–Feb. Northward
migration takes place Mar–Apr (Brown 1986). Winter records:
4 at Griffith’s Head, Reid S.P., 15 Dec 2014 (M. Ostrowski and R. Ostrowski, eBird); 1 at Schoodic Pt., ANP, 23 Dec 2016 ( J. Cherry, eBird); 2 from Rockland–Vinalhaven Ferry, 30 Jan
2017 (M. Fahay and J. Fecteau, eBird); 2 at Seal I. NWR, 3 Feb 2014 (R. Harris Podolsky, eBird); and 8 in Cutler, 19 Mar 2006 (E. Raynor). PDV
off Eastport, 24 Jul 1999, were exceptional (WJS, NAB 53: 365). on 5 Aug 2008 (PDV, eBird). Palmer mentioned a recent (as provided no details.
W inter :
Status in ME unchanged since 1949 when Palmer
(1949, 286) described the species as “fairly common to
occasionally numerous in offshore” waters and “uncommon in
inshore waters.” Pelagic species that usually remains in offshore
waters with relatively few birds seen along the immediate coast.
Typically arrives in late Nov–Dec remaining through Mar into
Apr. Earliest fall migrants reported on Cape Elizabeth, 4–9 Nov 1984 (ph., MB 6: 69), and off Scarborough, 5 Nov 1909 (Palmer 1949). Birds depart ME in late Mar–Apr. Late records, 1 each: Mount Desert I., 19 Apr 2003 (O. Barden); Pemaquid Pt., 20
Apr 1998 (M. Libby); Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 26 Apr 1995 (A. Bacon). Exceptionally late records, fide eBird: 1 observed from Monhegan I. ferry on 5 May 2017 (D. Hitchcox); 1 in
Piscataqua R., York, on 8 May 2012 (E. Masterson); and 2 birds on Parsons Way, Kennebunkport, on 13 May 2017 ( J. Fecteau).
246
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
with a maximum of 23 birds, Dec 1972. High count of 129 birds
and March, they are uncommon to occasional in spring until reappearing near breeding colonies. There is a single inland record.
Thick-billed Murres are irregular on coastal CBCs from Mount
Maine Conservation Status: Threatened.
The Bay of Fundy CBC covers >80 mi. (129 km) of offshore
waters and recorded an average of 9 individuals per crossing
recorded from the MV Bluenose, 29 Jan 1975 (Finch et al. 1978).
Desert I. to York Co. Recorded on 6% (3 of 53) Mount Desert I. CBCs with maximum of 2 individuals, Dec 1987. On 16% (5
of 31) Portland area CBCs with maximum of 5 birds, Dec 1976.
Interestingly, species is more regular in York and Washington Cos. York Co. CBC recorded Thick-billed Murres on 28% (11
of 39) of counts, maximum of 20 in Dec 1994. Nearly annual
on Eastport–Campobello I. CBC with average of 7.5 birds per
count, maximum of 64 birds, Dec 1977. Irregular on Monhegan
I. CBCs, but 90 individuals on 4 Jan 2007 was exceptional.
Irregular in small numbers on inshore waters along coast. Thickbilled Murres recorded on 8 CBCs, 2008–2017, with a high
count of 6 in 2008. Numerous reports Jan–Mar 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2005, but few observations of >10 individuals: 10 on Small
Pt., 18 Dec 1999 (D. Mairs); 15 in Hancock Co., 8 Feb 2005 (fide S.Pollock and K. Gammons); 10 at Reid S.P., 6 Feb 2010 (D. Suitor, eBird).
There are no inland records since 1918. Knight recorded the
following inland records: 2 found dead in Bridgton and 2 dead in
Otisfield, Oxford Co., prior to 1908; 1 shot at Norway L., Oxford Co., late fall 1905; 2 taken in Penobscot Co. (Knight); 1 shot at
Sebec L., 23 Nov 1899; 1 dead on ice near Pittsfield, Somerset Co.,
31 Dec 1896. Palmer (1949, 286) remarked, “of the many inland
occurrences… most reports for birds inland have been for single
individuals. Kilburn’s mention of a ‘small flock’ in December 1908, in an open brook at Fort Fairfield, and another at Presque Isle in
January 1918, are very unusual” (Kilburn, TMN 2: 116). PDV
Razorbill
Alca torda
Another alcid that has made a comeback in the Gulf of Maine
Status in Maine: Razorbill populations in the Gulf of Maine declined substantially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of excessive hunting. The species has increased since the 1960s, when it was rare in summer and infrequent in fall and winter. Razorbills have bred in Maine since at least the 1970s and are now locally common in summer near the four to six breeding colonies along the central and eastern coast. They are rare to casual in southern Maine. In fall and winter, Razorbills are common Downeast in Washington and Hancock Counties, and more regular, sometimes numerous, along the southern coast, where hundreds are occasionally reported. Rare in February
Historical Status in Maine: In the early 19th century, Razorbills nested along the ME coast south to Knox Co., including Metinic and Little Green Is., and probably to W. Egg Rock (Norton 1923). By the late 19th century, the species disappeared from the ME coast, almost certainly due to hunting. Norton, who investigated ME breeding colonies 1894–1923, recorded no Razorbills (Palmer 1949); the species also did not breed on Machias Seal I. in the early 20th century. In 1947, Palmer reported small numbers of Razorbills frequenting the island but without clear evidence of nesting. Since the 1960s, Razorbill populations have increased in summer. In 1967, 12 adults on Matinicus Rock were considered unusual and the first egg was discovered that year by Carl Buchheister (S. Kress, pers. com.). By 1978, 22 adults were reported on the island (C. Bartlett). A thorough survey of ME seabird colonies, 1976–1977, recorded Razorbills breeding on two ME islands: 15 pairs at Matinicus Rock and 10 pairs on Old Man I., Cutler (Erwin and Korshgen 1979). In 1981, 60 birds were seen in Machias Bay–Cutler, 8 May 1981 (S. Fefer) Matinicus Rock colony had grown to 425 nesting pairs by 2016 (P. Shannon, pers. com.). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Restricted to n. Atlantic. Breeds from NL, and w. Greenland, south to NS, NB, and ME, and in Iceland, Faeroes, Great Britain, France, to nw. Russia. Winters in w. Atlantic from NFLD, Gulf of ME, and MA, south to MD and VA. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. Population declines in Europe and crashes in food sources may be contributing factors to the species’ status. Remarks: Razorbills congregate near nesting islands late Mar–Apr, remaining near the colony for weeks before nesting late Apr–early May. A single egg is incubated for ~35 days. Chicks remain on the nesting islands for ~18 days and are flightless when they tumble or parachute onto the water, weighing ~6 oz. (~160 g), ~20–30% of adult body weight. Because Razorbill chicks are so small when they enter the water in late Jun–Jul, they are frequently misidentified as Dovekies, a species that is accidental in the Gulf of ME at that time of year. However, young Razorbill 247
Birds of Maine
chicks are accompanied by their fathers when they depart the breeding colonies, and usually the adult birds can be seen floating near the chicks. S pring :
Generally uncommon to rare Mar–Apr in both
inshore and offshore waters until congregating near breeding
colonies in outer Penobscot Bay, e. ME, and Machias Seal I. In s.
ME southwest of Pemaquid Pt. and Monhegan I., most reports
1–3 individuals; maximum of 5, seen from Cape Elizabeth, 14
Apr 2001 and 23 Mar 2003 (obs. unk.); and 6 birds in York, 18 Mar 1998 (D. Mairs). During this period 3–24 individuals
off Eastport, 24 Jul 1999 (WJS). Since 2000, 10 or more Jun
Razorbill records from coastal York and Cumberland Cos., fide
eBird: 1 at Rachel Carson NWR, Timber Pt. Trail, 6 Jun 2017 (S.
Riffe); 5 in Casco Bay, 29 Jun 2017 (R. Nunley). As recently as
2018, as many as 7 adults regularly seen on land or in the water around E. Egg Rock during Jun, associating with puffins, but none have nested—yet (S. Kress, pers. com.).
F all :
Razorbills seen in fall along ME coast vary substantially
between years but generally have increased since late 1980s.
Migrants seen late Aug to mid-Oct probably local within Bay of
reported, and >25 on Pemaquid Pt., 21 Apr 2001 (M. Libby).
Fundy. Species is widespread in scattered numbers off Hancock
Cutler mid-Mar to Apr. Prior to population increase in 1980s, 35
Famous), with dispersed birds regularly off Mount Desert Rock
23[3]: 11) and ~60 individuals seen off Cutler, 8 May 1981 (S.
10 Sep 1999 (N. McReel), 16 Sep 1995 (L. Brinker), 20 Sep 2012
19 Mar 2006 (E. Raynor), similar numbers reported off Roque I.,
Smiley, and L. Bevier; eBird), and 29 Sep 2006 (B. Nikula).
Razorbills become more numerous from Matinicus Rock to
seen from MV Bluenose ferry, 29 Mar 1967 (Thompson, RNEB
Fefer). More recently, >300 individuals reported off Old Man I., Jonesport, during this period (N. Famous). High count of 3,000 off Machias Seal I., 27 May 2016 (T. Dunn, eBird).
Prior to 1990, Razorbills were rare in s. ME in May–early
and Washington Cos.: 75 at Quoddy Head S.P., 12 Sep 1998 (N.
since 1980. More recently, observed off Monhegan I., 1 bird each:
(F. Mantlik and D. Hitchcox, eBird), 23 Sep 2017 ( J. Trimble, R. Depending on the year, Razorbills start appearing along s. ME
coast in mid-Nov: 12 in York, 16 Nov 2000 (D. Mairs, M. Libby);
11 at Cape Elizabeth, 20 Nov 2003 (L. Brinker); and 97 there on
Jun. Since 1990, scattered individuals reported from mainland
28 Nov 2004 (D. Lovitch). Numbers usually increase into Dec–
regularly off Monhegan I.: 5 on 21 May 2000 (L. Brinker, D.
clearly exceeds the Gulf of ME breeding population, it seems
promontories such as Cape Elizabeth. Since 2000, 1–5 observed
Ladd). Presumably these records are nonbreeding birds.
Inland record of adult in breeding plumage collected on a
pond in Winthrop, Kennebec Co., 31 May 1910 (Palmer 1949). S ummer :
By 2007, at least 6 islands supported nesting
Jan before diminishing in Feb. Because the number of migrants clear these winter birds come from NL and the nw. Atlantic.
W inter :
6 CBCs recorded from MV Bluenose ferry, 1967–1972,
averaged 54 individuals with a high of 150 birds, Dec 1967. A Bay
of Fundy crossing, from Yarmouth, NS, to Portland, ME, on 28
Razorbills. In 1984, 12 pairs reported from Freeman’s Rock,
Jan 1979 did not record any Razorbills (DWF, PDV).
on Pulpit Rock, Jonesport (N. Famous). In 2006, 179 adult
increased since 1980. Monhegan I. CBC recorded Razorbills
Jonesport (PDV, CDD), and in early 1990s, ~10 pairs nesting
Size and frequency of these early-winter flights have
Razorbills present on Petit Manan I. although only 1 pair
on ~80% of its counts and demonstrates this increase: 5-year
pairs were found breeding on Seal I. (USFWS), while as of
1989), and 499/year (1990–1994). Razorbills recorded annually
population increased substantially on Matinicus Rock at this
2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. Largest occurred in 2002, when 4
adults and 314 nests in 2007 (USFWS), and in 2018 >400 nests
16 birds in York, 26 Nov (B. Crowley); and 55 off Cape Elizabeth,
on Machias Seal I. (USFWS) and in 2017, population expanded
2002; more than 1,300 of these were observed flying east from
Machias Seal I.: 6,000 on 17 Jun 2014 (R. Eldridge, eBird),
Co., 182, Dec 2000, and 234, Dec 2002; Biddeford, 132, Dec 2002.
nested there in 2007 (USFWS) and 3 pairs in 2018. In 2007, 7
2018 there were 59 pairs there (USFWS and NAS). Nesting
time; USFWS censuses: 212 pairs in 2005, 291 pairs in 2006, 720
counted (USFWS and NAS). In 2004, 560 pairs were counted to >2,850 pairs (University of NB). Recent high counts at
4,500 on 5 Jul 2015 (D. Ely, eBird), and 2,500 on 3 Jul 2017 (D.
Ely, eBird). Many birds disperse from nesting islands late Jul–
Aug, where 100–300 individuals are often observed near nesting colonies (W. Townsend).
Summer observations of Razorbills away from nesting
islands also increased since 1985. Starting in late Jul, small
averages increased from 8/year (1975–1979) to 157/year (1985–
in s. ME since 1999. Major flights along southern coast in 1994,
were first reported from Cape Elizabeth, 20 Nov (B. Crowley);
14 Dec (L. Brinker). Bath area CBC recorded 1,380 on 15 Dec
outer Casco Bay (PDV, JEP). Other CBCs recorded >100: York By Feb, Razorbills move offshore; in 2002, only individuals
seen from coast at Pemaquid Pt., 11 Feb (M. Libby), and Port
Clyde, 23 Feb (C. Fichtel). Since 2002, more common along
southern coast in Feb, regularly seen alone or in small groups,
fide eBird: 7 at Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 12 Feb 2016 (A.
Robbins); 6 at Rachel Carson NWR, 10 Feb 2013 (D. Rankin);
numbers (1–8), often adults with young, recorded east of Mount
6 at Portland Head Light, 28 Feb 2017 (G. Smith); 3 at Hermit
and Duck Is. (B. Agler, Z. Klyver, et al.). More than 50 birds
S.P., Freeport, 25 Feb 2013 ( J. Cuomo).
Desert I., near Mount Desert Rock, and off Cranberry Isles
248
I., Phippsburg, 17 Feb 2011 (M. Fahay); 1 at Wolfe’s Neck Woods PDV
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
Great Auk
Pinguinus impennis An extinct, flightless species of open ocean waters
Status in Maine: Extinct. Historic presence in Maine evidenced by midden remains. Historical Status in Maine: There is substantial debate about the seasonal status of the Great Auk on the ME coast. It is unclear whether this extinct auk occurred in summer or winter, or if it was resident year-round. Knight said, “It is exceedingly probable that the Great Auk formerly was a winter visitor along our coast of somewhat general occurrences.” Palmer, relying heavily on Norton’s Knox Co. notes (1924), felt the Great Auk “probably was resident, but the only definitive records are for late spring.” Although presence of auk bones in ancient Native American shell middens was well established by the 19th century, these bones were thought to be the result of birds captured during fall migration. Hardy (1888) pointed out that most auk bones were likely the result of summer foraging by Native Americans on coastal waters and islands, indicating that Great Auks were present during summer months. Subsequent research on middens has confirmed this view (Spiess and Lewis 2001). Midden Records: Great Auk bones have been found in Native American middens along the ME coast, north to NFLD and south to FL (Montevecchi and Kirk 1996). The Turner Farm archeological site on N. Haven, Penobscot Bay, is the best-studied Indian settlement in ME. It produced a significant number of auk bones found through midden layers dated to >4,000 years old (Spiess and Lewis 2001). Nearly all were found in summer shell middens (May–Sep). “The great auk is a significant part (7–15%) of the identified avifauna at the Turner Farm site. It is possible that it was a winter as well as summer resident, and that it bred locally on inshore and offshore islands during the summer. Recovery of two immature great auk bones . . . may be evidence for the proximity of a breeding colony, although we do not know how far fledgling birds might have migrated before their growth was complete. However, the total sample of fragmented great auk bones was examined for medullary bone [found in females ready to lay eggs] deposits and none were discovered, so the Turner Farm site hunters probably did not have direct access to a breeding colony” (Spiess and Lewis 2001, 127).
While there does not appear to be conclusive evidence that Great Auks bred in ME, the >4,000-year history of this auk along the ME coast in summer suggests this species may have nested here. In mid-May 1605, the English ship Archangell landed on Monhegan I., then in waters off Port Clyde, before mooring off Burnt I., where it remained until mid-Jun. J. Rosier, a member of the crew, kept a detailed record of events during this voyage. He was primarily interested in recording interactions with Native Americans but was also reasonably attentive to natural resources that would be of interest to future English colonization. While on Burnt I., he reported the following: “[W]e found (at our first comming to shore) where fire had beene made: and about the place were very great egge shelles bigger than goose egges, fish bones, and as we [j]udged, the bones of some great beast” (Morey 2005). The question of whether these “very great egge shelles bigger than goose egges” represented Great Auk shells warrants careful consideration. Norton pointed out that “very few North American birds produce eggs of that size, hardly half a dozen genera, including the present bird [Great Auk], the swans and cranes” (1924). Eggshell measurements for auks average 124 long x 76 mm wide (4.9 x 3 in.; Montevecchi and Kirk 1996); the eggs of Canada Goose average 84.6 x 58.3 mm (3.3 x 2.3 in.; Bellrose 1980); Sandhill Crane, 93.1 x 59.1 mm (3.6 x 2.3 in.; Gerber et al. 2014); Tundra Swan, 105.7 x 67.9 mm (4.2 x 2.7 in.; Limpert and Earnst 1994); Great Blue Heron, 50.7–76.5 x 29.0–50.5 mm (2–3 x 1.2–2 in.; Butler 1992). Ecological conditions along the ME coast are completely unsuitable for nesting swans (Limpert and Earnst 1994) or Sandhill Cranes (Gerber et al. 2014). Palmer noted that although Burnt I. and surrounding islands were wooded, and thus not suitable for nesting auks, the islands in the Matinicus archipelago were covered with low grasses and vegetation. Matinicus Rock and Seal, Wooden Ball, and Metinic Is. all provided potential auk nesting habitat, as did the south end of Monhegan I. Rosier’s 1605 observations made no mention of Great Auks or “Penguins” on Monhegan I. or in the immediate environs of Burnt I. But he also failed to mention “Penguins” on the Grand Banks when the Archangell stopped there for several days to gather cod for the return voyage to England. The concentration of Great Auks on the Grand Banks was widely known by mariners as an indicator of position, meaning the species was abundant in this area because it was the species’ primary feeding area from NFLD (Nettleship 249
Birds of Maine
and Evans 1985). Rosier did list “Penguins, Cranes [herons], and Swannes” as some of the fowl present in sufficient numbers to be profitable during the short period of the Archangell’s stay along the ME coast but it seems likely this was an embellished list used to encourage further English exploration and colonization. Unfortunately, Rosier’s account, though suggestive, is inadequate to resolve this question.
types” (Nettleship and Evans 1985). Known breeding sites included: Magdalen I. in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, QC; Funk I., NFLD; several islands off s. Iceland; several islands off n. Scotland; and probably islands off sw. Greenland (Montevecchi and Kirk 1996). “The southern limit of the Great Auk’s range coincided with that of the Razorbill” (Nettleship and Evans 1985). This would include the Maritime Provinces and ME, where Razorbills both historically and currently nest.
Causes of Extinction: The frequency and abundance of Great Auk bones in middens in NFLD, the ME coast, and n. Europe make it clear that this species The winter range appeared largely restricted to low coexisted with humans for thousands of years. The Arctic and southern boreal waters, possibly including fact that this large auk was flightless, often foraged in parts of the cool subtropical zone, occurring from s. shallow waters, and nested in dense colonies made it Greenland to s. Spain (historically) and New England particularly attractive for human exploitation. Forbush (Nettleship and Evans 1985). The Grand Banks was (1912) cited Davis’s account in the history of Wareham, recognized by mariners as a center of concentration. MA, saying that Indians in MA trapped auks with “[I]n less than 100 years, the Great Auk went from weirs spread across the mouth of inlets, killing the being sufficiently numerous and widespread on the birds once the tide receded. Newfoundland Grand Banks to be used by sailors as an ‘indicator of position’ to not being seen again by The expansion of European fishing fleets to N. Am. anyone” (Nettleship and Evans 1985). in the 16th and 17th centuries placed new pressures on Great Auks because they were easily captured on Great Auk fossil records were found in Gibraltar, nesting islands where they were used for food, oil, Spain, ~60,000–90,000 ybp (Greenway 1967). and bait. Dozens of ships stopped annually at Funk Paleolithic cave paintings of auks have been found I., NFLD, to collect adults and eggs. In the mid-18th near Marseilles, France, dated ~18,500 ybp, indicating century, Great Auks were also exploited for other this auk was found in the Mediterranean Sea (Clottes economic purposes: adult birds were collected for et al. 1992). Auk bones found in Norwegian middens their feathers for quilts and mattresses (Nettleship date from ~12,000–1,500 ybp (Montevecchi and Kirk and Evans 1985). During this period, crews camped on 1996); NFLD, 5,000–4,000 ybp; and FL, 3,000–7,000 Funk I., the largest breeding colony in N. Am., killing ybp (Brodkorb 1960). large numbers of auks and other seabirds: “It has been Remarks: Great Auks were thought to forage in customary of late years for several crews of men to relatively shallow inshore and offshore waters such live all summer on that island, for the sole purpose as the Grand Banks, but the species could probably of killing birds for the sake of their feathers: the destruction they have made is incredible” (Cartwright, forage at depths >75 meters (246 ft., Birkhead 1993). Stable isotope ratios from bone collagen suggest that quoted in Townsend and Grenfell 1911, 318–319). Birds auks fed on a range of trophic levels, from crustaceans were herded into stone corrals and killed. Fires, fueled to piscivorous and benthic fishes (Hobson and with fat-laden auk carcasses, heated large cauldrons Montevecchi 1991). In ME, Norton reported strong to facilitate feather removal and oil extraction evidence that auks often fed along the bottom in (Montevecchi and Kirk 1996). As Great Auks became shallow waters (1923). He noted the more pelagic increasingly rare in the early 1800s, interest in and alcids present in the summer were generally absent demand to collect auks for museums and private from middens that had auk remains. Great Auks collections increased the pressure on this already rare consumed Shorthorn Sculpins (Myoxocephalus scopius) bird. In 1844, the last two Great Auks were killed on and Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) (Fabricius 1780), Eldey I., off sw. Iceland (Nettleship and Evans 1985). both of which are common in shallow waters along Global Distribution: “The Great Auk can be the ME coast. described as a bird of low-Arctic and boreal waters, PDV concentrating in summer for breeding mainly at locations along areas of mixing of these two water 250
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
Black Guillemot
Spring: Counts around Great Duck I. in May 1991 and 1992
indicate both the large numbers at that island but also the
Cepphus grylle
challenge of counting guillemots, in 1991: 1,800 on 24 May, 1,535
Conspicuous on the water with its bright red mouth and legs, but notoriously difficult to census
on 22 May, and 2,765 on 24 May (D. Hayes and R. Butler). Other
Status in Maine: Black Guillemots are common to abundant residents along the Maine coast, foraging for fish and invertebrates in shallow nearshore waters and breeding in crevices on about 150 islands. They are common from Pemaquid Point and Muscongus Bay east to Lubec and are regular, but less numerous, west to the Isles of Shoals. The species is not migratory but large flocks gather in fall, and to a lesser degree at other seasons, possibly in response to abundant food resources. Guillemots are notoriously difficult to survey accurately and there have been few reliable coastwide estimates of population. The most recent estimate was 12,341 adults around nesting islands in 1995 (Allen et al. 2012). However, repeated surveys on Great Duck Island, known to have been Maine’s largest breeding colony in 1977, suggest there has been a two-thirds decline on that island in the last 35 years ( J. Anderson, pers. com.). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Black Guillemots common residents along the coast, especially from Muscongus Bay east. Norton surveyed the ME coast several times 1903–1931 (Palmer 1949). In 1903, he found ~150 guillemots nesting on 14 islands. In 1931, he found ~600 guillemots nesting on 24 islands, with >100 individuals at Little Duck I. and 150 adults at Matinicus Rock, but it is not clear these two surveys were comparable in effort, geographic coverage, or approach. In 1938, Cruickshank estimated that 75 pairs bred in Muscongus Bay and by 1947 believed the population had increased to 200 (Palmer 1949). In 1948, Palmer estimated ~250 pairs bred in ME, but this was not the result of field investigation and is certainly a substantial underestimate. In 1977, a comprehensive survey of all seabird-breeding colonies along the Atlantic Coast estimated ~2,700 pairs of Black Guillemots on 115 ME islands with Great Duck I. the largest colony, where 400 pairs were estimated (Erwin and Korschgen 1979). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. from n. Labrador, Greenland, and Hudson Bay, south to Isles of Shoals, NH, and also in n. AK. Winters largely within breeding range south to MA.
on 25 May, and 1,847 on 26 May; in 1992 3,059 on 21 May, 2,805
large spring counts: at Roque I., Jonesport, 200 on 27 May 2004
and 450 on 2 Jun 2006 (both N. Famous); and at Matinicus Rock,
fide eBird, 1,247 on 31 May 2014, 978 on 18 May 2010 (both Project
Puffin), and 880 on 17 May 2017 (F. Mayer). Additionally, ~300 off Petit Manan I., 21 May 1992 ( J. Markowsky). S ummer :
Black Guillemots breed in crevices on many
coastal islands. Unlike other alcids breeding in the Gulf of
ME, guillemots typically lay 2 eggs each year. Nearly 2,700
pairs of guillemots found breeding on 115 ME coast islands,
southernmost on Smuttynose I. (3 pairs), Isles of Shoals (Erwin
and Korschgen 1979). The largest nesting colonies (>100 pairs)
primarily on the central coast: 400 pairs Great Duck I.; 250 pairs Little Duck I.; 200 Wooden Ball I.; 200 Seal I.; 175
Matinicus Rock; 150 The Brothers I.; 100, No Man’s Land I., Matinicus; 100 pairs, Old Man I.
Estimates reported in Allen et al. (2012) based on counts of
individual birds done in the 1990s at those islands: 749 birds
on Great Duck I.; 198 birds on Little Duck I.; 570 on Wooden
Ball I.; 1,995 individuals at Seal I. NWR; 600 Matinicus Rock;
only 10 at The Brothers I.; 330 at No Man’s Land I., Matinicus;
and 125 at Old Man I. E. Egg Rock is the largest, southernmost
colony with about 100 pairs.
During breeding season large aggregations, many presumably
nonbreeders, reported: 500, Matinicus Rock, summer 1978 (C.
Bartlett), 854 on 3 Jun 2011, and 390 on 30 Jul 2012 (both Project Puffin, eBird); >220 E. Egg Rock, 9 Jul 2005 (L. Seitz), and 345 on 28 Jun 2017 (T. Dimarzio, eBird). Fall:
Major Black Guillemot concentrations occur primarily
in Hancock and Washington Cos., most frequently in late summer and fall. N. Famous repeatedly observed 300–500
guillemots off Roque I., Sep–Oct, maximum >500 on 30 Sep
1999 (N. Famous). However, high count there was only 178 in
fall 2017 (eBird). Guillemots appear to come into Englishman’s
Bay, Jonesport, after fledging from breeding colonies. Additional concentrations: >300 birds off Swan I., Hancock Co., 21 Sep
1994 (MFN 49: 23); 250 off Petit Manan I., 15 Aug 2003; >350 between Bar Harbor and Petit Manan I., 10 Aug 2002; >200
off Gouldsboro, 25 Oct 2002 (all W. Townsend); and 116 from
Rockland–Vinalhaven ferry, 11 Oct 2013 (M. Fahay, eBird). The southwestern limit of these large aggregations appears to be
Muscongus Bay. Notable counts: 275 Maple Juice Cove, Cushing,
Knox Co., 3 Sep 1984, and 300 off Pemaquid Pt., 3 Nov 2006
(M. Libby). By contrast, largest count southwest of Kennebec R.
only 56 individuals off Outer Green I., 19 Aug 2007 (D. Lovitch).
251
Birds of Maine W inter :
CBCs reveal a clear pattern of relative abundance
along the ME coast in winter that persists throughout the
year. In s. ME, the York, Biddeford, and Portland Area CBCs averaged 11–15 individuals/count, whereas on the Midcoast
the number of guillemots increased to 22–31 birds/count at
Pemaquid–Damariscotta, Thomaston–Rockland, and Monhegan
MA (four reports); 1 in Leesport, PA 8 Nov 1992 (PA Ornithological Records Committee data, eBird); Ponce Inlet, FL, 15 Dec 2009 (Kratter and Brothers 2010). There is a single record from Great Britain, 27 May 1990 (Gaston and Shoji 2010). PDV
I. Farther east, guillemot counts on Mount Desert I. averaged
31 individuals/count (high of 155), 19 on Schoodic Pt. CBC, and
28 on Eastport CBC. In the 1970s the Penobscot Bay CBC,
Atlantic Puffin
conducted on the ferry crossing from Rockland to Vinalhaven,
Fratercula arctica
an average of 371 guillemots recorded annually on 10 CBCs,
Once nearly extirpated, conservation efforts returned this colorful alcid to coastal islands
averaged 128.5 individuals/count. Over the decade, 2008–2017,
maximum of 633 in 2010.
Maximum winter count off Roque I. smaller, with >140 birds,
9 Feb 1997 (N. Famous). PDV
Ancient Murrelet
Synthliboramphus antiquus
A surprising vagrant from the Pacific Coast
Status in Maine: Accidental. Ancient Murrelets are vagrants with two records in Maine. The first is a single bird that appeared at three seabird colonies in Maine and New Brunswick in May and early June 2016. An adult in alternate plumage was first photographed off Seal Island, Vinalhaven, 13 May 2016 ( J. Drury, K. Yakola). Presumably, the same individual was photographed off Petit Manan Island, Milbridge, 22 May 2016 (M. O’Connor and J. Tengeres), and later off Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick, 27 May 2016 (T. Dunn, ph.). It was re-sighted off Petit Manan Island on 1 June 2016 (N. Magnusson, ph.) and again off Seal Island 6 June (K. Yakola). This is the first Maine sighting accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee (#2016-007). An Ancient Murrelet was seen and photographed at Matinicus Rock 24 May 2017 ( J. Drury) and there is an eBird record from Machias Seal Island on 21 May 2017 (m.ob., eBird), likely the same bird. Global Distribution: N. Pacific distribution. Breeds along the n. Pacific rim from China, Russia, AK (numerous on Aleutian Is.) to BC. Winters within much of its breeding range with some individuals migrating south to cen. CA. Species has a history of vagrancy and has been reported in e. N. Am. from the Great Ls. (numerous reports); near Montreal, QC, 25 Oct 1998 (P. Bannon); Sherburne Pond, Chittenden, VT, 17 Apr 2014 (B. Frank and E. Hall); 252
Status in Maine: The Atlantic Puffin breeding population was nearly extirpated by 1900 but has increased in the Gulf of Maine since the early 20th century; at least 1,147 pairs nested on six islands in 2018 (USFWS 2018c). The species is common in summer near the nesting islands, notably in Hancock and Washington Counties and in Muscongus Bay, Knox County. Puffins typically disperse from nesting areas in mid-August and can be seen in small numbers in offshore waters. They are less frequently observed after October as they migrate northward and then winter mostly at the edge of the continental shelf (Fayet et al. 2017). Maine Conservation Status: Threatened. Still recovering from 19th-century overharvesting and introduced predators, Atlantic Puffins have recolonized several islands through intensive management. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the Atlantic Puffin as a resident and a numerous breeder on Matinicus Rock and Machias Seal I., noting in addition historic nesting at W. and E. Egg Rocks in Muscongus Bay, and Big Green I. and Matinicus Seal I. in outer Penobscot Bay. He noted that some birds from “distant points” were winter residents in “our waters” by which he apparently meant Gulf of Maine, but offshore. Global Distribution: Arctic. North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. In N. Am., from NU, NL, NS, NB, and ME; also, in Greenland, Spitsbergen, Norway, Russia, south to England and France. Winters in n. Atlantic Ocean, generally far offshore; distribution at sea poorly known. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable. Red List due to rapid decline in primary population across its European range.
Order Charadriiformes • Family Alcidae
Remarks: The report of a single Atlantic Puffin on Wilson Pond, Wilton, 7 Oct 1988 (MBN 2: 28, AB 43: 65) should be viewed with substantial caution. The observer described a bird that “. . . looked to me like a duck with white on either side of his head, a black stripe over its crown, and a beak like a parrot’s.” It was tentatively identified by the observer’s wife as an Atlantic Puffin. Atlantic Puffins do not retain their bright parrot-like bill into the fall but shed the bright, outer, horny plates soon after breeding (Lowther et al. 2002). By Oct, the bill is typically dark brown with a dull, orange-toned tip, and the cheek is a dull, dark gray, not white. It seems more likely that the bird in question was indeed a duck, possibly a male Common Eider, which would have a dark crown, white on the side of the face, and a bright bill.
usually laid early to mid-May (Lowther et al. 2002).
E. Egg Rock and W. Egg Rock, Muscongus Bay: These
islands formed the southern breeding range for Atlantic Puffins.
Palmer cited Norton (1923) who reported “considerable numbers” there in late 1870s. Species ceased breeding on these islands by
1897 but was reintroduced to E. Egg Rock by chick translocation from NFLD, 1973–1986, with first breeding in 1981 and 90 pairs
by 2007 (Project Puffin, USFWS). Rare prior to reintroduction,
a single puffin seen in Muscongus Bay, 22 Jun 1952 (R. Jones).
There were 178 pairs breeding on E. Egg in 2018 (USFWS 2018c). Matinicus Rock, Criehaven Twp: One of the largest nesting
colonies on the ME coast, puffin numbers diminished after
the construction of the lighthouse in 1827, apparently because
they were consumed for food (Palmer 1949). Absent from the
island 1865–1875, they returned by 1886 (Palmer 1949). There were
only 2–4 pairs nesting in the early 1900s; 6 birds seen summer
Atlantic Puffins
S pring :
Puffins appear to migrate toward breeding colonies
Mar–early Apr. A single bird off Biddeford Pool, 9 Mar 1982
( JEP, PDV), and 16 individuals observed from MV Bluenose, 29 Mar 1967 (obs. unk.) probably reflect this spring movement.
S ummer :
Atlantic Puffins presently restricted to five breeding
1905 (JMOS 7: 51–52). By 1930, 45 adults were on the island,
probably representing as many as 75 to 100 birds. In 1937, Palmer saw 45 adults and was informed by the lighthouse keeper that
approximately 40 pairs were nesting on the island. Population increased to 72 pairs, 13–16 Jul 1957 (MFO 2: 82); in 2006, 310
pairs were confirmed breeding (USFWS); and by 2018 >355 pairs
sites in ME: E. Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, Seal I., and Petit
(USFWS 2018c).
breed in large numbers on Machias Seal I.
the largest breeding colony in ME but noted in the 1850s that
Manan I., and most recently on Great Duck I. Puffins also
Adult Atlantic Puffins arrive at breeding colonies in the Gulf
of ME mid-Apr. Puffins congregate near these nesting islands for several weeks before nesting. Six puffins reported near E.
Egg Rock, 4 Apr 1984 (S. Kress), were among first to arrive. In
1967, 6 puffins arrived at Machias Seal I., 15 Apr. Single egg
Seal Island, Vinalhaven: Norton (1923) considered this island
local fishing parties would land on the island at dusk and spread herring nets to catch birds in the morning. There must have
been many birds present to make this effort worthwhile. By 1886,
the colony was reduced to 25–30 pairs and continued hunting
eliminated the population soon thereafter. No puffins nested on
253
Birds of Maine
Seal I. 1890–1991. Reintroduced to the island by translocation of
1–40 birds reported annually. Species more local and less
confirmed in 1992. In 2006, 335 pairs were counted (USFWS),
period. Puffins then appear south of breeding grounds by Oct–
chicks from NFLD 1984–1989 (USFWS); the first breeding was and in 2018, >550 pairs (USFWS 2018c).
Petit Manan I., Steuben: It is unclear whether Atlantic
Puffins bred on Petit Manan I. historically, but it seems likely
this would have been the case. In 1984, the NAS and USFWS
initiated a gull control program to re-establish a large tern
colony extirpated from the island (see Arctic Tern account,
pp. 277–278). Atlantic Puffins benefited from gull removal and
started nesting on the island in 1987. In 2007, 55 pairs of Atlantic
Puffins were confirmed breeding on the island (USFWS). As of
2018, there were 62 pairs (USFWS 2018c).
Machias Seal I., NB: On the U.S.–Canadian border, Machias
Seal I. supports the largest Atlantic Puffin nesting colony in the
Gulf of ME. In 1883, ~60 adults were seen on the island (Palmer
1949). Palmer reported that in 1922 Norton observed 33 adults but was informed by the lighthouse keeper that ~300 adults
were present. In 1932 and 1935, Pettingill (1939) estimated ~400 pairs on the island on each occasion. In 1939, the population
had increased to ~700 pairs (Palmer 1949). In 2004, ~3,500 pairs
were nesting on the island (USFWS) and as of 2016, there were
5,400–6,100 pairs (USFWS 2018c).
Great Duck I., Frenchboro: In 2018, 2–4 pairs of puffins were
found nesting on Great Duck I. (USFWS 2018c).
Since 1995, small numbers of Atlantic Puffins have been
reported in summer in waters off York and Cumberland Cos., south of Muscongus Bay. These recent observations likely the
result of increased populations on breeding islands. Recent
records: 1 off Cape Elizabeth, 5 Jul 2004 (D. Lovitch); adult at
Jeffreys Ledge, 9 Jul 1995 (FN 49: 909); 1 in offshore waters of
York Co., 12 Jul 2011 (A. Aldrich, eBird); 15 on Boothbay Whale Watch, 24 Jul 2013 ( J. Sender, eBird); 2 off Outer Green I., 10
Aug 2004 (S. Thompson); 2 at ledges southeast of Portland, 13
Aug 2011 ( J. Delcourt, eBird); 1 off Stratton I., 21 Aug 2006 (R.
numerous in Muscongus Bay and off Monhegan I. during this early Nov: 3 on Jeffreys Ledge, 29 Oct 1992 (E. Phinney, AB
47: 66); 1 off Dyer Pt., 30 Oct 2011 (A. Burdo, eBird); and 2 at
Monhegan I., 9 Oct 2015 ( J. Trimble and J. Offermann, eBird).
Winter:
Only small numbers remain in the Gulf of ME Dec–
Feb. Bay of Fundy CBC ferry crossing from Bar Harbor, ME–
Yarmouth, NS (1968–1973), recorded 2–22 individuals, averaging 6.6 birds annually. Only 4 puffins were observed on the same ferry crossing on 28 Jan 1979 (DWF, PDV).
Inshore, Monhegan Island CBC recorded 1–3 Atlantic
Puffins on 33% of counts conducted. In 2002, puffins were
reported from Bath area CBCs (1 at Cape Small, 15 Dec 2002),
Pemaquid–Damariscotta (3 birds), and York (3 birds). Four birds also reported from Bath area CBC, 18 Dec 2004. At
least 5 observations of single birds in outer Muscongus Bay
between Monhegan I.–Pemaquid Pt. and Port Clyde, and a
single bird seen from Biddeford Pool, 9 Mar 1982 ( JEP, PDV).
In e. ME, species reported on Schoodic Pt. CBC (1 bird, Jan
1981); on 2 occasions on Eastport–Campobello I. CBC (2 and
1, respectively); 1 recorded on Jordan Basin CBC, SeaBC, west
of Mount Desert Rock, 29 Dec 2013 (M.J. Good, eBird); 4 east
of Petit Manan I., 28 Feb 1970; and 2 near Mount Desert Rock,
19 Feb 2004 (W. Townsend). One off Biddeford Pool, 25 Nov
2003 (N. McReel); 1 at Cape Neddick Light, 20 Dec 2012 (D.
Hitchcox, eBird); and 1 at Thunder Hole in ANP, 8 Jan 2014 (R. MacDonald, eBird).
Palmer did not list any inland winter occurrences but since
1979 there have been 2 documented inland records: immature
birds reported from Hebron, Oxford Co., 20 Jan 1979 (R. Ray,
ph.), and from Stacyville, n. Penobscot Co., 21 Jan 1987
( J. Elwell, ph.). PDV
Lambert); 1 off Kennebunk, 22 Aug 1998 (T. Duddy); and 1 in Casco Bay, 5 Sep 2006 (D. Lovitch). Fall:
Atlantic Puffins leave breeding islands late Aug with
young birds departing late Jul–early Sep. Disperse across Gulf of ME through Sep (possibly nonbreeding birds) and as late as Oct–Nov. Atlantic Puffin’s winter distribution is poorly
known. Many winter far from shore, primarily near NL, Gulf of
St. Lawrence, and NS south to n. Georges Bank, MA (Gaston and Jones 1998). However, recent data acquired by National
Audubon’s Seabird Restoration Program from 19 puffins they tagged with geolocators near Seal I. NWR and Matinicus
Rock in 2013 and 2014 show those birds went to an area of deep underwater coral canyons about 200 mi. (~320 km) south of
Cape Cod (National Audubon Society 2016).
In Sep and Oct, small numbers of Atlantic Puffins regularly
found offshore from Mount Desert I. through e. ME, where
254
Tufted Puffin Fratercula cirrhata
A mystery from the Pacific Coast
Status in Maine: Accidental. Known from one contemporary live sighting and a single 19th century specimen attributed to Maine by John James Audubon. The Audubon specimen was long the subject of skepticism but eventually widely accepted as a Maine record. Its credibility was reaffirmed when a Tufted Puffin was seen frequenting the alcid colony at Machias Seal Island, 17 June–23 July 2014 (R. Eldredge, D. Ingersoll, S. Shreiner et al.; BO 45: 100–101).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae
Historical Status: Audubon reported receiving a specimen from ME shot in the winter of 1831–1832, “The specimen from which I drew the figure of this singular-looking bird, was procured at the mouth of the Kennebeck, in Maine. It was shot by a fisherman gunner, while standing on some floating ice, in the winter of 1831–32” (Audubon 1838). About this record Knight (1908, 30) wrote: “Audubon figures a specimen which he states was taken at the mouth of the Kennebec River in the winter of 1831–32, and though the occurrence of this western and rather non-migrant species in the east is a very strange and unusual circumstance, still it seems that we must accept Audubon’s record backed by the figure of it as correct . . . Possibly Audubon’s specimen came through the ‘northwest passage’ and followed the coast downward. Possibly an interchange or mixing of labels may have given this specimen to Maine.” In Boardman (1862, 132), editor A.E. Verrill reported, “According to Mr. Boardman, the fishermen state that a Tufted Puffin, or ‘Sea Parrot,’ is occasionally seen about the islands in winter. This species is also said by Audubon to be sometimes found on the coast of Maine. A specimen in the Museum of Comparative Zoology was probably obtained at Grand Manan.” This assessment for Tufted Puffins was certainly incorrect and probably refers to Atlantic Puffin. T.M. Brewer (1875, 454) clarified this error, “The references of this Pacific species on our coast, are founded in error. He [Boardman] has never met with it.” Forbush (1925, 35) did not formally include Tufted Puffin as part of the New England avifauna but noted, “The [Maine] skin is said to have been deposited in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College. As the only specimen that is accredited to Audubon is labeled as taken on the Pacific Coast, the Audubon record for Maine may be questionable. This species was recorded also by Verrill in New Brunswick. There is no record of its capture in Massachusetts.” Thus, there was substantial ambiguity and doubt about these early reports from ME and the Bay of Fundy. Palmer summarized Norton’s clarification of the origin of the ME specimen: “Norton . . . pointed out that such doubts [about the Tufted Puffin’s origin] were unwarranted. A friend of Audubon’s, J.P. Giraud, came into possession of a number of Audubon’s specimens, and these formed part of the collection which Giraud gave to Vassar College. The Tufted Puffin specimen was in this collection . . . I have examined this mounted specimen, which is in nuptial plumage as Audubon
depicted it, and found the only data on it to be the words, “Audubon’s type” written on the wooden base of the mount. I find no additional information in any museum catalogue at Vassar, other than the confirmation that the specimen was Audubon’s. Since the specimen has the deciduous tufts and other characteristics of the nuptial plumage, this might indicate that the bird was taken in late winter” (Palmer 1949, 294–295). This specimen was transferred from Vassar College to the ornithological collection at the New York State Museum in Albany in the early 1970s. Global Distribution: Resident of n. Pacific Ocean, breeds along coast from Pt. Hope, AK, Bering Sea islands throughout Aleutian Is., to BC, irregularly to cen. CA; also, in e. Russia south to Japan, where rare. Winters in Pacific south of breeding range, irregularly south to Baja California (Piatt and Kitaysky 2002). PDV
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Laridae) A global family of ~100 species. Gulls are known for their adaptability to varied food sources; terns for the enormous migrations that several species make; and skimmers for their unique bill shape. Vociferous, colonial ground-nesters, 14 gulls and nine terns are Maine regulars. An additional two gulls and four terns are casual or accidental here, and Black Skimmers sometimes appear in hurricanes.
Black-legged Kittiwake
Rissa tridactyla
Primarily pelagic and breeding just beyond our borders
Status in Maine: Black-legged Kittiwakes are common, even locally abundant, transients in coastal and offshore waters, from late summer into winter and early spring. Peak numbers in Maine waters occur in late summer and early winter in the Quoddy area off Eastport and Lubec. Hundreds to many thousands of birds congregate there in response to local upwelling that brings marine invertebrates to the surface. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer reported Black-legged Kittiwakes as common coastal wintering residents and spring transients. But interestingly, they agreed the species occurred only rarely on ME’s coast in summer and early fall. If there 255
Birds of Maine
Black-legged Kittiwakes
were any number of kittiwakes in the Quoddy area in late Aug during that time, they clearly missed them. They cite three inland records: Kezar and Lovewell Ponds in Fryeburg; and near Piper Pond, Abbot, Piscataquis Co. (Knight 1908, in Palmer 1949). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in large colonies on cliff ledges of temperate, subarctic, and Arctic coasts of Eurasia and N. Am. Southernmost Atlantic breeding on islands of Head Harbour Passage, NB. North Atlantic breeders are in the nominate subspecies, R. t. tridactyla, while North Pacific breeders are placed in R. t. pollicaris. Winters at sea in the N. Atlantic from NL to SC. Concentrations found in Gulf of ME and Georges Bank. Band recoveries show these individuals originate not only from colonies in Greenland, but also Iceland, the Faroe Is., Britain, and east to Murmansk. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Red List Vulnerable due to rapid and continuing decline in population. S pring :
By Mar, reports are rare and always involve 100 Bonaparte’s Gulls frequently
reported in Aug. Peak numbers inland occur from mid-Sep (300
on Scarborough Marsh, 12 Sep 2001, PDV) to mid-Oct with
~350 reported in 2 years in Scarborough on 6 Oct 1999 (PDV) and Ferry Beach, Saco, 13 Oct 2008 (M. Iliff ).
W inter :
Most winter reports coastal with 1,000 on 4 occasions, including an exceptionally high count of 2,514 in 2016.
Nonetheless, Eastport CBCs seem to miss the tens of
thousands sometimes reported here in Dec (50,000, 3 Dec
2003; N Famous, fide J. Despres) or a few weeks later in Jan (20,000, 5 Jan 2002; N Famous, fide J. Despres). CDD
Status in Maine: Relatively recent additions to Maine’s avifauna, Black-headed Gulls are casual visitors. Although not mentioned by Palmer, there are now records typically of one or two individuals in every month of the year and from the length of the Maine coast. Global Distribution: Expanding. Historic range temperate Europe to Kamchatka. Colonized Iceland in 1911, began breeding in e. Canada as early as 1930s. Not recorded breeding in Greenland until 1969; first documented N. Am. nesting in NFLD in 1977. First U.S. nest discovered on Cape Cod in 1984 (Holt et al. 1986). Winters across w. Europe, south to equatorial Africa, coasts of Arabian Sea, and Pacific coast of Asia including Gulf of Thailand. In N. Am., several hundred reported on CBCs in NFLD and NS, up to 25 on ne. U.S. CBCs, and one to two birds as far south as NJ. S pring :
One each: North End Launch Facility, Bath, 2 Mar
2010 (PDV, eBird); Wharton Pt., 4 Apr 2015 (G. Smith, eBird); Pine Pt., 25–27 May 2015 (m.ob., eBird); and one in alternate plumage seen on Laudholm Farm, Wells, 31 May 2003 (H.
Wilson, eBird), was “noticeably larger than Bonaparte’s Gulls
with which it was roosting. Bill carmine-red rather than black.”
!
S ummer :
Unpaired female incubated an egg on Petit Manan
I. in 1986 (Drennan et al. 1987) and 2 pairs nested unsuccessfully there in 1991 (AB 46: 60–66). Few known summer records: 1 on
! !
Ship I., Hancock Co., 7 Jun 2015 (M. Baran, eBird); 1 seen at
Rachel Carson NWR, on Timber Pt. Trail, 2 Jul 2015 (S. Keefer, eBird); and an unrecorded number on Matinicus Rock, 6 Jul
2010 (S. Hall, eBird). F all :
One each: Ft. Foster Park, 22 Aug 2006 (M. Iliff, eBird);
Straits of Alliquippa, Phippsburg, 1 Sep 2002 (PDV, eBird);
Wells Beach, 17 Sep 2016 ( J. Gamble, eBird); Scarborough
Marsh, 17 Oct 2008 (PDV, eBird); and 21 Oct 2000 at Pine Pt.
(H. Nelson, eBird). Phippsburg sightings: Spirit Pond, 19 Oct.
Known Breeding Sites
2013 (D. Suitor, eBird); Ft. Popham, 22 Nov 2013 (M. Fahay,
eBird); and at Green Pt., 1 each on 11 Nov 2009, 30 Oct 2012, 1
Oct 2013 (all M. Fahay, eBird). W inter :
An adult and immature in Rockland, 14 Feb 1952
( J. Monahan, ph.; MASB 9[3]: 48). Rockland Harbor hosted at
least 3 Black-headed Gulls in early winter on 7 occasions in the
259
Birds of Maine
1990s. Highest count: 25 off Eastport, 3 Dec 2003 (N. Famous, fide J. Despres), although none were found there 3 weeks later
on CBC. Twenty-two recorded on Dec 1995 Eastport CBC, all from Deer I., NB, section (fide J. Despres). Notable, 1 previous
CBC recorded >3 individuals (6 birds, 1992); no subsequent
CBCs recorded >3 individuals. None reported from Eastport
CBC route again until 2011. Overall, CBC data suggest 1990s
were peak of species’ occurrence here. Nisbet et al. (2013) report similar findings for MA and tie decrease to elimination of
raw sewage discharge into harbors in 1990s. Recent winter
observations: 1–2 birds, Ft. Foster Park, intermittently 15 Nov–19
Dec 2005 (PVD, m.ob., eBird); 1, Cliff House, York, 23 Nov
2011 (L. Seitz, eBird); 1, Gilsland Farm, 2 Dec 2010 (E. Hynes,
eBird); 1, Drakes I. Rd., Wells, 16 Jan 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird);
1, Riverbank Park, Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 3 Mar 2017 (B. Blauvelt, eBird). CDD
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutus The smallest of all gulls
Status in Maine: Little Gulls are rare along the coast and often associated with Bonaparte’s Gulls. Reported in all months except February and March, Little Gulls are most common between May and October. The highest reported count is six at Scarborough Marsh on 12 October 2003 (L. Brinker et al.). Only three Christmas Bird Counts have recorded Little Gulls: one on Mount Desert Island, 2 January 1971; one from Eastport on the Deer Island, New Brunswick, portion of the count on 26 December 1994; and three in the same location 26 December 2000, although it is unclear where in the count circle these were recorded. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer provided the earliest historical records with two specimens and a sight report: adult males collected on 12 Aug 1904 near St. George, Knox Co., and on 20 Jul 1910 in Scarborough, and four individuals seen over several days in Sagadahoc Bay, Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., Sep 1922. Global Distribution: Palearctic. Enormous breeding range, nesting along freshwater marshes and lakes from n. Scandinavia, Baltics, and w. Russia east to Siberia. Disjunct N. Am. population, perhaps only 100 breeding pairs, in scattered locales around Great Ls., s. QC, and north to Hudson Bay. Although poorly documented, it is thought the species colonized N. Am. in 1930s (Nisbet et al. 2013). 260
After breeding, most Little Gulls in Old World move southward in small flocks (occasionally larger groups reaching into the thousands) to winter at sea primarily off w. Europe and nw. Africa, but also Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas. Others migrate westward to U.S. coast from MA to SC. S pring :
Recent observations: 1 at Pine Pt. Beach, Scarborough,
23 May–6 Jun 2015 (m.ob., eBird); 1 on Stratton I., 17 May 2015 (K. McOmber and R. Lambert, eBird). F all :
Recent observations: 1 in Passamaquoddy Bay, 20 Aug
2017 (D. Lovitch); 1 at Flye Pt., Brooklin, Hancock Co., 16 Sep 2017 (T. McLane and K. Jones, eBird); 1 at Muscongus Bay, 25
Sep 2015 (S. Mirick, eBird); and 1 at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool,
5 Oct 2015 (M. Resch, eBird). CDD
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Maine’s only regularly nesting hooded gull, famous for its raucous call
Status in Maine: A summer resident in coastal Maine, Laughing Gull is most abundant near its few island breeding colonies. It is rare inland, infrequently venturing more than 10 miles (16 km) from the coast. Although historically known to nest in Maine, it was absent in the early 1900s, making a comeback since the 1950s. In recent years, Laughing Gulls have nested, or attempted to nest, in three to five managed tern colonies. Numbers peaked at 4,000 nests estimated in 2008 (Allen et al. 2012) but had dropped to an estimated 2,365 nesting pairs in 2017 (USFWS 2018c). Tern colony managers have recently been actively discouraging Laughing Gulls from nesting at the tern colonies, an impact on one species of concern for the sake of several morethreatened species. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight wrote the Laughing Gull formerly bred more extensively on ME coastal islands but that as of 1903 was known to breed at only one site, Metinic Green I., where eight birds were seen in Jun 1903. Palmer said it ceased breeding in ME prior to 1944 but was known historically to nest on at least nine islands. He noted two pairs nested on Machias Seal I., NB, in 1948. He considered the loss of breeding colonies a result of “human
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae S pring :
Migrants return to coast early Apr continuing into
late May–early Jun. Earliest arrivals, 1 bird each: 15 Mar 2007 at
Scarborough (fide D. Lovitch); 30 Mar 1997 increasing to 3 on 1
Apr 1997 (both L. Brinker); and 1 on 1 Apr 2001 (T. Duddy) all
at Portland sewage treatment plant; 4 Apr 2006 at Scarborough
Marsh (P. McGowan). Frequency on eBird checklists steadily increases early Apr–Jun; peaking at 14% of checklists in Jun.
Maximum counts away from nesting islands low compared to other breeding gull species: 100 on 9 May 1997, 80 on 20 May
1997 (K. Gammons), and 40 on 22 Apr 2001 (D. Tucker) all at Portland sewage treatment plant; 40 on 24 May 2005 at Two
Lights S.P. (L. Brinker); 35 on 30 May 2005 at Kettle Cove (G. Neavoll).
S ummer :
Common coastal island nesting bird restricted to
3–5 islands and most common within 10–15 mi. (16–24 km) of Laughing Gulls
molestation and shooting, rats eating eggs and young, removal of vegetation from breeding sites by sheep, and the loss of sites to the Herring Gull” (Palmer 1949, 261). The breeding population slowly increased through the 1950s, with an estimated 179 nests in 1965, reaching a peak of 4,487 nests in 2008 (Allen et al. 2012). Global Distribution: Breeds along Atlantic Coast from ME to FL, Gulf Coast to Mexico, and on Pacific Coast of Mexico; also breeds locally in Caribbean south to Aruba and Bonaire and possibly on islands off Venezuela. Formerly bred in small numbers in s. NS and occasionally on Machias Seal I. off e. ME coast. Formerly bred in Salton Sea of s. CA. Winters from NC south through Caribbean and Cen. Am. to n. S. Am. (Belant and Dolbeer 1993). Remarks: Rare inland in ME with seven records >15 mi. from the coast: one collected 4 May 1937 at Stillwater, Penobscot Co. (Palmer 1949); one juvenile on 29 Aug 2011 at Saxl Park, Bangor ( J. Mays), and another the same day on the Kennebec R., Gardiner, Kennebec Co. ( JVW); one adult on 9 Apr 2012 at Fairfield Ctr. (L. Bevier); one adult on 12 May 2013 at Green Pt. WMA, Richmond (PDV); one in firstcycle plumage on 10 Nov 2014 at Sanford Lagoons (K. Janes, A. Aldrich); another first-cycle bird on 5–6 Apr 2017 at UMaine, Orono (K. Lima, C. Gilbert). The two Aug 2011 records were in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene; remaining records were not storm-related.
these sites. All nesting islands are actively managed for nesting terns and Laughing Gull nesting is actively discouraged.
Species increased ~345% from 1,120 nests on 3 islands in
1995 to 4,487 nests on 4 islands in 2008, decreasing to 3,675
nests on 4 islands in 2011 (Allen et al. 2012). In recent years,
established colonies on Matinicus Rock and E. Egg Rock were
abandoned, some birds moving to nearby W. Egg Rock in
2018. Documented Laughing Gulls nesting islands in 2018: E. Egg Rock with 1 nest, W. Egg Rock, 800 nests; Petit Manan
I. with 766 nests; Matinicus Rock, 8 nests. Small numbers of
Laughing Gulls have attempted to nest on Jenny I. and Seal I. in recent years. F all :
Laughing Gulls occur along coast throughout fall,
steadily declining in abundance through Oct; few linger
into mid-Nov. Latest records: 12 on 20 Nov 2016 at Seawall,
Southwest Harbor (C. Kesselheim, eBird); 1 on 24 Nov 2016 at Stockton Springs, Waldo Co. (B. Cole, eBird). Reported
on seasonal high of 16% of ME eBird checklists week of Jul
22, steadily declining until early Dec. Jul peak may indicate dispersal of juveniles and adults from nesting islands.
Maximum counts: 5,000 on E. Egg Rock, 6 Aug 2005
(Project Puffin, eBird); 800 on 22 Sep 2005 at Holmes Bay,
Whiting, Washington Co. (N. Famous); 600 on 2 Aug 1999 at
E. Egg Rock (M. Libby, D. Mairs); 350 on 27 Aug 2006 at Beals, Great Wass I. (L. Brinker); 305 on 15 Oct 2008 at Holmes Bay
(N. Famous); 250 on 15–16 Oct 2008 at Great Pond Cove, Roque
Bluffs (N. Famous, B. Southard); 193 on 7 Sep 2008 at Dyer Pt. (D. Lovitch). W inter :
3 winter records: 1 bird lingering to 2 Dec 1984 at
Pine Pt. (P. and L. Cross); 2 in Kittery, 18 Dec 2000 ( J. Berry, eBird); and 1 at Seawall Picnic Area, ANP, 2 Dec 2016 (M.
Good, eBird). JVW
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Birds of Maine
Franklin’s Gull
Mew Gull
Leucophaeus pipixcan
Larus canus
A hooded gull of the Plains, rarely seen in Maine
The smallest white-headed gull, a ring-billed doppelgänger
Status in Maine: A casual vagrant not recorded in Maine until 1970, there are now more than a dozen records for Franklin’s Gull. These include two spring, three summer, and eight fall records, the most recent in 2017. Global Distribution: Franklin’s Gulls breed in cen. Canadian provinces (AB, SK, MB) and n. states (ID, MT, ND, SD, MN). Despite western breeding range, species has pattern of vagrancy in e. N. Am., and has occurred in every New England state, as well as QC, NB, NS, and NL. S pring :
2 spring records: adult ph. in Machias–Cutler
(Sprague Neck) area, 22 May–7 Jun 1985 (CDD, ph.; AB 39: 271 and 887); 1 adult, Stratton I., 3 Jun 2015 (K. McOmber, fide D.
Hitchcox; ph.). S ummer :
One at Dyer Pt., 5 Jul 2017 (D. Lovitch); 1 on Wells
Beach, 25 Jul 1991 ( JVW); 1, Owl’s Head, Rockland Harbor, 24
Aug 2016 (C. Nunes, eBird). F all :
ME’s first record: 1 bird in first fall plumage in Kittery,
21 Nov–3 Dec 1970 (ph.; AB 25: 280; DWF, pers. com.)
Following year: 2 adults and 1 immature bird observed among
large larid concentration in waters between Eastport and Deer
I., NB, 8 Sep–30 Oct 1971. In fall 1975, another immature bird seen in same locality off Eastport (P. Pierce). Remaining fall
records: 1 adult, Frazier Pt., Winter Harbor, 1 Sep 1993 (G.
Wilhelm et al.; MBN 7[1]: 8, AB 48: 88). One immature in
basic plumage on Pine Pt., 5 Sep 1982 (S. Reade, ph.), and first-
summer individual at Straits of Alliquippa, Small Pt. Harbor,
Phippsburg, 8 Sep 2002 (PDV ). First-winter Franklin’s Gull
on Sebasticook L., 28 Oct 2015 (B. Cole) and again on Oct. 31
(B. Cole, B. Barker) still feeding over lake with other gulls
on Nov 14 (L. Bevier). One at Wharton Pt., 6 Nov 2017 (D.
Lovitch, G. Smith; eBird). PDV
Status in Maine: Accidental. Immature Mew Gulls are probably overlooked, and the species may be more regular in Maine than the three confirmed records suggest. Historical Status in Maine: Mew Gull was not recorded in Maine prior to 2008. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Three subspecies known to occur in N. Am.: nesting taxon, L. c. brachyrhynchus, often called “Short-billed Gull,” nests from AK, YT, n. BC, to n. SK, winters on Pacific Coast from s. AK to Baja California; “Kamchatka Gull,” L. c. kamtschatschensis, breeds in ne. Siberia, considered vagrant in w. AK (Moskoff and Bevier 2002); subspecies L. c. canus, often called “Common Gull,” breeds from Iceland and British Isles to w. Russia, occurs annually in e. N. Am. Reported along East Coast regularly in winter from NL, occasionally from NS, NB, and all New England states except VT (Moskoff and Bevier 2002). All records: Three confirmed. One ph. in Portland, 10 Dec 2008 (E. Hynes) is the only winter record and the only ME-BRC accepted record (#2008-015); one ph. in Thomaston, 3–29 Aug 2013 (D. Reimer, et. al.), also seen in Warren, 3 Aug 2014 (L. Bevier et al.), may have been N. Am. “short-billed” subspecies; one ph. on Harbor I., Friendship, Muscongus Bay, Knox Co., 24 Sep 2014, clearly different individual than Thomaston gull (PDV, G. Le Baron). At least 10 additional sight reports. Those providing specific details: one in Lubec, 8 Aug 1970 (E. Thompson); one adult at Pine Pt., 31 Aug 1991 ( JEP, PDV); one at Martin’s Pt., Portland, 20 May 2000 (L. Bevier et al.; NAB 54: 262); two Mew Gulls in Portland Harbor, 5 Aug 2015 (T. Robben, I. Stenhouse). Other recent records, all fide eBird, 1 bird each: Owl’s Head, Knox Co., intermittently 7 Jan–12 Mar 2016 (m.ob.) and 28 Jan–5 Feb 2017 (m.ob.); Warren Wastewater Treatment Pond, Knox Co., 3 Aug 2013 (L. Bevier); Clark St., Thomaston, 13 Aug (D. Hitchcox, P. Moynahan); Harbor I., 24 Sep 2013 (PVD, S. Wrigley). PDV
262
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae
Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
Common throughout the state but only relatively recently documented breeding in Maine
Status in Maine: The Ring-billed Gull is a widespread and abundant resident in the state, peaking in numbers in spring and fall migrations. Occurring near freshwater lakes and rivers and along the coast in summer, it is a localized but increasing breeder in Aroostook County. The species has grown in abundance, apparently repopulating its eastern range in North America since the 1960s. This increase is well-documented on Maine Christmas Bird Counts since the mid-1960s (Greenlaw and Sheehan 2003). Ring-billed Gull is a widespread wintering species both inland and along the coast near cities, though rare north of Lincoln. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Ring-billed Gull a coastal migrant, most common Oct–Nov with some birds persisting through winter and somewhat less common Mar–Apr. Palmer (1949, 257–258) wrote that the species was a coastal migrant, uncommon in spring but varying from “uncommon to numerous” in fall. He noted few coastal winter records and observations of nonbreeding summer birds and described a single confirmed, and one possible, inland record. Although Audubon claimed Ring-billed Gulls bred on an island near Eastport and possibly other islands from there to Boston, no direct evidence supports this assertion (Palmer 1949, Greenlaw and Sheehan 2003). Global Distribution: Breeds at least occasionally in n. and w. ME, north to NB, NS, and s. NL, west across s. Canada to s. cen. NT, south to inland n. CA. Winters from Maritime Provinces south to Mexico and on Pacific Coast from s. AK south. Small numbers winter in Cen. Am., Caribbean, and occasionally to n. S. Am. Remarks: A close observer of Ring-billed Gulls in the Bangor area has reported banded birds for years and has multiple resightings. In Nov 2018, he carefully read a metal USFWS band on a gull roosting at Bass Park and took multiple photos. “When I reported the band, they hesitated to accept my sighting, saying it was old, or maybe I got the wrong numbers. I included photos and re-submitted it. [Turns out the bird was banded in 1993 in Charlesbourg, QC, when it was too young to fly.] This bird is 25 years old!” ( J. Smith, fide WJS).
S pring :
Although some birds winter in ME, there is a
detectable increase of migrants in Mar, presumably birds
returning to their breeding grounds along St. Lawrence R.,
QC, and to coastal NL. From late Feb–Mar, higher numbers of
adult birds at inland locations and flying in apparent northward
migration. Percentage of eBird checklists reporting Ring-billed Gulls peaks week of 22 Mar when species reported on 18% of
checklists.
Maximum: 690 on 12 Apr 2013 and 450 on 18 Apr 2014
both at Collins Pond, Caribou (both WJS); 600 on 11 Apr
1987 at Cutler Naval Base, E. Machias (CDD); 300 on 28 Apr
1993 at Back Cove, Portland (S. Pollock); 250 on 8 May 1981 at
Whiting, Washington Co. (N. Famous); 250 on 24 May 2004 at Scarborough–Old Orchard Beach (D. Lovitch); 200 on 4 Apr
1985 at Portland (S. Weston); 200 on 18 Apr 1981 at Back Cove, Portland ( J. Berry). S ummer :
Widespread across inland and coastal ME. Summer
birds mostly immatures, nonbreeding adults, and adults from
failed breeding attempts north or west of ME. Most sightings
Jun–early Jul 10 or fewer birds at single location. Documented as breeding at 9 or more ME locations. First documented nesting
at L. Umbagog in 1981 (Vickery 1982). Second documented
nesting site not recorded until 20 years later in Jun 2001 on an
islet in Long L. near St. Agatha, n. Aroostook Co. (Greenlaw
and Sheehan 2003). Adult birds observed sitting on nests with
3 downy young present in Jun. About 100 adults present in Jul with ~60 juveniles including several downy young (Greenlaw and Sheehan 2003). Birds also documented nesting there in
summer 2006 (WJS). Ring-billed Gulls confirmed nesting 5–10
mi. (3–6 km) from this location along St. John R., NB, during
2006–2010 Maritime Provinces breeding bird atlas surveys
(Chardine 2015). Now breeding annually in Aroostook Co. (fide
WJS) and nesting documented in Ft. Kent, Frenchville, Sinclair, Washburn, Caribou, Presque Isle (on the roof of Marden’s
department store), and Easton. Colony in Ft. Kent had 60 or
more pairs; Easton colony ~100 pairs in summer 2018 (all WJS). Unusual maximum counts away from breeding colonies: 270
on 16 Jun 1979 at Back Cove, Portland (PDV); 200 on 15 Jul 1993
on Stratton I. (T. Gaine); 90 on 5 Jul 1998 at Turner ( J. Despres). ME and N. Am. BBS trends show significant increases of
11.6 % per year and 1.6% per year, 1966–2015, respectively. The N.
Am. trend increased to 4.5% per year, 2005–2015. F all :
Migrants from northern breeding colonies move into
ME in Jul–Aug; peak migration occurs Oct–Nov. Species
reported on highest number of ME eBird checklists (31%) weeks
of 1–15 Nov.
Maximum counts: 1,147 on 21 Nov 2015 at Simpson’s Pt.
Landing, Brunswick (G. Smith, eBird); 1,060 on 11 Nov 2013 at
Barnes Landing, Brunswick (G. Smith, eBird); 980 on 15 Sep
2016 at Martin Pt., Portland (G. Smith, eBird); 600 on 15 Nov
263
Birds of Maine
1996 at Sabattus Pond (PDV); 580 on 2 Oct 2011 at Cross Rd. fields, Cumberland, Cumberland Co. (M. Iliff, eBird); 500 on
4 and 17 Aug 1987 at Sprague Neck ( JVW); 500 on 3 Nov 1994 and 14 Nov 2002, both in Turner (both J. Despres); 487 on 22
Nov 2010 at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport (G. Smith, eBird); 480
on 2 Oct 2011 at Wainwright Field, S. Portland (L. Seitz, M. Iliff, eBird); 450 on 16 Oct 2008 at Gilsland Farm Audubon Ctr. (E.
Hynes, eBird); 450 on 7 Nov 2011 at Sabattus Pond (PDV); 350 on 16 Nov 2011 also at Sabattus Pond (L. Bevier, eBird); 350 on
28 Sep 2004 at St. Agatha (WJS). W inter :
Common along coast and inland near larger
cities; generally rare in n. ME. Decreases through winter
proportionally as population shifts south of ME. High counts:
1,231 on 1 Dec 2014 and 992 on 4 Dec 2016, both at Simpson’s Pt. Landing (both G. Smith, eBird); 823 on 17 Dec 2005 on Greater
Portland CBC; 535 on 9 Dec 2013 at Wharton Pt.; 485 on 13 Dec
2016 at Martin Pt., Portland (both G. Smith, eBird); 331 on 22
Jan 1995 at Payson Park, Portland (S. Pollock); 275 on 5 Dec 2011 at Sabattus Pond (M. Fahay); 265 on 15 Dec 1981 at Back Cove,
Portland (PDV, eBird); 247 on 16 Dec 2006 on Lewiston CBC;
110 on 12 Jan 2007 at Richmond (PDV, eBird); 108 on 26 Dec
2006 on Eastport CBC; 100 on 7 Jan 2007 at Prospect Harbor (N. Famous). JVW
Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
The classic “seagull”
Status in Maine: The Herring Gull is a widespread and abundant year-round resident in Maine. Less common inland than on the coast in summer, inland wintering gulls are often restricted to daily commuting range from landfills. Recovering from endangerment in the early 1900s, Herring Gulls are now common breeders on hundreds of offshore islands and some inland lakes. The marine fisheries decline, 1970–1990, and closure of nearly 400 landfills caused an approximate 30% decrease in the breeding population of Herring Gulls in Maine and a 63% decline in Washington County (Allen et al. 2012). Year-round local populations are augmented by northern birds during migration and in winter. More than 35,000 Herring Gulls have been banded in Maine since 1960. Recovery or resighting of 625 (1.7%) of these birds shows that first-year birds make extensive long-distance movements, sometimes as far as the Gulf Coast and occasionally to Central America and the Caribbean, while adults are relatively sedentary 264
and make migratory movements of less than 300 mi. (Nisbet et al. 2017; Southern 1980; Drury and Nisbet 1972; Schreiber 1967; Gross 1940). Historical Status in Maine: Knight reported Herring Gulls breeding on offshore islands from No Man’s Land near Matinicus eastward to Canada and on some inland lakes in Aroostook, Oxford, and Piscataquis Cos. Although the species was a regular migrant and winter visitor in much of ME, it was listed as rare in Franklin and Kennebec Cos. Palmer detailed the early history of colony losses to the millinery trade and their re-establishment in the early 1900s. By 1931, there were an estimated 25,000 pairs nesting on 77 islands, an almost three-fold increase from the 9,000 pairs breeding in ME in 1900. In the 1930s and 1940s, measures were taken, primarily puncturing and oiling eggs, to slow growth of the state’s coastal nesting population. However, numbers remained at 25,000–30,000 in the 1960s (Allen et al. 2012). Inland nesting populations appeared to remain stable at least until the late 1940s. Global Distribution: Breeds from coastal NL to s. cen. AK, west through St. Lawrence R., Great Ls., n. MN, and cen. BC, and south in coastal U.S. to n. NC. Also, in coastal Iceland, Europe, and w. Russia. Winters from s. Canada through U.S., smaller numbers south to Cen. Am., Greater Antilles, and occasionally farther south. S pring :
Migrants returning to n. Canadian breeding range
pass through ME, but difficult to detect among resident
breeding birds. Late Feb–Mar, adult birds appear inland in high
numbers and may be seen moving north in apparent migration.
Satellite-tagging of Herring Gulls nesting in NU and NFLD show some birds migrate through ME (Anderson 2017).
Frequency of Herring Gulls reported on eBird checklists peaks
22 Feb–22 Mar, may reflect northbound migrants. Maximum
counts, Washington Co.: >10,000 (possibly 15,000) and >5,000
(possibly 6,000) in Addison where dead Atlantic Herring were dumped on 8 and 14 Mar 1987 (I. Balodis, CDD, N. Famous);
5,300 in Eastport, 21 Apr 2002 (N. Famous); 5,000 on 21 Mar
2006 at Prospect Harbor Sardine Processing Plant ( J. Wyatt);
3,500 at Lubec Narrows, 9 Mar 1985 (CDD); 2,500 at Eastport, ME–Deer Isle-Campobello, NB, on 17 Mar 1997 (N. Famous).
Also 2,500 on 29 Mar 2012 at Hatch Hill Landfill, Augusta
(H. Wilson, eBird) and on 5 Apr 2014 at Coles Corner Rd.,
Winterport, Waldo Co. (B. Barker, eBird). S ummer :
Common coastal island nesting bird; smaller
numbers nest on islands of inland lakes. Adults and immatures
common across state searching for natural and human-made
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae
food sources. Species estimated to have declined ~40% in recent
decades from high of 35,795 nesting pairs 1995–1996 to 21,488
Iceland Gull
nesting pairs on 180 islands in 2013 (Mittelhauser et al. 2016).
Larus glaucoides (includes “Thayer’s Gull”)
and confirmed breeder in 10 inland atlas blocks in n. and w. ME.
An Arctic white-winged gull eagerly sought among winter gull concentrations
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) shows species widespread on coast
Inland nesting sites poorly documented and monitored. Small numbers of Herring Gulls now nest annually on rooftops of urban buildings in downtown Portland (Perlut et al. 2016).
Recent nest maxima on coastal island colonies, Jun 2013
(Mittelhauser et al. 2016): 1,255 nests at Big Nash I., Washington Co.; 1,145 nests on Metinic I.; 1,123 nests on Appledore I.; 1,032 nests at Great Duck I.; 913 nests on Wooden Ball I. Historical
maxima (Allen et al. 2012): 4,000 and 2,700 nests on Ram I., Jun
1972 and 15 Jun 1965; 3,400 and 2,400 nests on Appledore I., May 1970 and Jun 1972; 2,500 nests on Western I., 26 May 1976; 2,500 nests on Smuttynose I., York Co., 14 May 1962 and 15 Jun 1965;
2,160 nests on Libby I., 1 Jun 1995. Little information on current or historical status of inland-nesting Herring Gulls: largest
documented inland colonies 50–100 breeding birds on Hogback and Birch Is., Moosehead L., 1921 (Palmer 1949); Aldous (1941)
mentions banding 462 young Herring Gulls at Hogback I.,
1935–1939.
BBS trends in ME and N. Am. show significant decreases,
5.5% and 3.5% per year, respectively, 1966–2015. F all :
Fall migrants augment local populations, making parsing
data difficult: what proportion is migrants versus residents, how many stop briefly, how many overwinter, etc. Species reported on highest percentage of ME eBird checklists 22 Jul-8 Aug, when Herring Gulls reported on ~50% of checklists. May
indicate inland dispersal of recent fledglings and adults as well
as postbreeding movement of unsuccessful breeding adults from
ME and Canada. A second peak occurs week of 22 Sep, when species appears on 44% of checklists, possibly indicating fall
migratory movement from n. Canada. Maximum counts: 30,000 on 17 Aug 1999 in Eastport–Head Harbor Passage (N. Famous);
2,200 on 26 Oct 2015 at Collins Pond, Caribou (WJS); 2,000 on 24 Sep 2002 at Day’s Landing, Biddeford ( J. Junker); 2,000 on
14 Sep 1985 at Seawall Beach (PDV); and 1,000 on 21 Sep 2007 on Monhegan I. (L. Seitz).
W inter :
Common on coast and inland near landfills
throughout winter; closure of ~400 landfills since 1970s restricts
inland winter distribution. Maxima: 15,790 on 21 Dec 1986
on Moose I.–Jonesport CBC (most counted at Addison fish
dump); 14,117 on 23 Dec 1978 on Biddeford–Kennebunkport
CBC; 12,773 on 21 Dec 1985 on Portland CBC; 8,000 on 22 Dec
1990 on Augusta CBC; 6,036 on 28 Dec 2002 on Bangor CBC;
5,000 on 22 Jan 2010 at Hatch Hill Landfill, Augusta ( J. Mays, eBird); 4,000 on 5 Jan 2002 in Lubec–Eastport (N. Famous);
1,500 on 8 Feb 2000 at Sawyer Landfill, Hampden, Penobscot Co. ( J. Smith). JVW
Present Status in Maine: A regular but uncommon wintering bird along the coast and at inland landfills, the Iceland Gull is approximately three times more abundant at gull concentrations in Maine than the Glaucous Gull, another often-sought northern species. Arriving from Arctic breeding grounds in November, their numbers peak December–February; they are largely gone again by April. Most Maine records of Iceland Gulls are the subspecies kumlieni, with rare occurrences of thayeri and probably glaucoides. Most winter counts show one–three birds per site; occasionally counts of 10 or more occur at landfills and farms. Before the closure of municipal landfills, the species was more widespread in winter. However, aggregations of more than 100 birds have been recorded several times in easternmost coastal Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 45–46) wrote that Iceland Gulls were a “winter visitor from November until March or April” and were recorded in five of ME’s 16 counties. He also felt that, while not common, they were “probably more frequent than the records indicate.” Palmer (1949, 243–245) considered the species an uncommon migrant and winter resident primarily along the coast with occasional inland records and two summer records. The subspecies that occurred in ME were not well understood at the time. Palmer considered the subspecies kumlieni rare and the nominate glaucoides the more regular winter bird. We now know kumlieni is the expected winter bird in ME. Both glaucoides and thayeri are rare and only occasionally well-documented in the state. Palmer also said that Iceland Gulls outnumbered Glaucous Gulls approximately two to one. He attributed an increase in records after 1920 to more careful observation rather than an increase in numbers. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Three subspecies. L.g. glaucoides breeds in coastal Greenland; winters from s. Greenland south to n. British Isles. L. g. kumlieni breeds in e. Canadian Arctic; winters NFLD south occasionally to Carolinas and e. Great Ls. with small numbers across inland ne. U.S. L. g. thayeri was until recently considered a separate species; it breeds from e. Canadian Arctic to w. Canadian Arctic, Banks I., and 265
Birds of Maine
winters on Pacific Coast, BC south to CA and in w. Great Ls. Remarks: The form thayeri, today considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull, was elevated to species status from 1973–2017, receiving increased scrutiny by birders. There are perhaps 10 reports of “Thayer’s Gull” in ME; only two are thoroughly documented and accepted by ME-BRC: one each on 30 Jan 1992 in S. Portland (L. Brinker) and 21 Jan 2010 in Augusta (D. Lovitch). Individual adults identified as glaucoides were reported over the years but most before the species’ taxonomy and identification were well understood. The subspecies glaucoides is likely a rare visitor but its status in ME is not satisfactorily documented. S pring :
Wintering birds largely gone by mid-Apr. Rare in
May, at least 43 records.
S ummer :
At least 26 summer records of single nonbreeding
W inter :
Uncommon but regular in large gull concentrations
Dec–Feb. Peak eBird frequency in Jan when reported on 4%
of checklists. Since 1970, total number of Iceland Gulls on all
ME CBCs annually has varied 2–242, averaging 33 birds per year. Largest numbers from Eastport CBC: average 23 birds
annually over 42 years, 1970–2017; maxima of 226 in 1996, 202 in
2000, and 123 in 2009. Omitting Eastport CBC, all other ME CBCs combined tallied an average of 13 birds/year since 1970.
Remote breeding colonies make Iceland Gull population trends unknown. While CBC data 1959–1988 shows no significant
change in ME, they show a significant increase of 6.2% per year over the monitored continental wintering range and an increase of 5.5% per year, 1959–1988, in QC, which has one of highest wintering densities of Iceland Gulls.
Iceland Gulls reported at 30–40 coastal and inland sites each
winter. Since landfill closures, generally rare north of Bangor;
occasionally reported in Aroostook Co. Adults comprise
~10–20% of sightings.
Most winter records 1–3 birds per site. At least 40 records
immature birds. Most (16) from Jun. Three birds discovered
of 10 or more birds. Maxima: Eastport CBCs listed above; >50
birds in Jul. Four single-day records of single birds in Aug. Four
Shawmut Dam, Fairfield, Kennebec Co. (L. Bevier, eBird); 32
2017. Summer records in chronological order, 1 each: 20 Jun 1938
17 on 3 Dec 2011, both at Collins Pond, Caribou (both WJS);
Palmer 1949); 22 Jun–2 Jul 1975 at Back Cove, Portland (R. Eakin);
Fairfield (WJS); 16 on 19 Mar 1992 at Willard Beach, S. Portland
in Jun lingered into Jul and 3 additional single-day records of
summer records prior to 2000; 22 since, including 4 records in
and 3 Aug 1948 both on Muscongus Bay (both Cruickshank in
28 Aug 1995 in Cutler (N. Famous); 7–15 Jun 2001 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (L. Brinker, P. Lehman, S. Mirick); 31 Jul
2001 in Bar Harbor (W. Townsend); 14 Jun 2002 at E. Egg Rock
(Project Puffin, eBird); 27 Aug 2002 on Wells Harbor (D. Tucker);
13 Jul 2004 in Rockland (B. Barker); 27 Aug 2005 off Mount
Desert I. (fide W. Townsend); 20 Jun 2006 on Gulf of ME whale
on 19 Feb 1992 on Quoddy Bay (WJS); 42 on 17 Jan 2014 at
on 10 Dec 2001 off Lubec (N. Famous); 23 on 8 Nov 2014 and
16 on 8 Nov 2015 at Tri-Com Landfill–Pineland farm, Ft.
(L. Brinker); 16 on 1 Jan 1999 on Schoodic Pt. CBC (fide W.
Townsend); 15 on 9 Feb 2014 at Union Wharf, Portland (M.
Zimmerman, eBird); 14 on 12 Feb 1994 in Portland (L. Brinker);
12 on 2 Feb 2004 at Prospect Harbor (C. Moseley); 12 on 28 Feb
2005 on Casco Bay, S. Portland (D. Lovitch). JVW
watch from Bar Harbor ( J. Engel, B. Schmoker); 8 Jul 2006 in
Eastport (N. Famous); 7 Jun 2007 on Frenchman Bay (M. O’Brien, eBird); 22 Jun–8 Jul 2007 and 1 Jun 2009 both at Seal Island
Lesser Black-backed Gull
NWR (both Project Puffin, eBird); 17 Jun 2009 at Biddeford Pool
Larus fuscus
Project Puffin; eBird); 1–2 Jun 2013 at Mount Desert Narrows,
First observed in Maine in 1968, this gull’s numbers have increased dramatically
(D. Doubleday, eBird); 1–14 Jun 2011 at Seal I. NWR (D. Suitor,
Mount Desert I. (L. Bevier, M. Good; eBird); 1 Jun 2014 at Seawall,
ANP (ANP; D. Hitchcox et al.; eBird); 7 Jun 2016 at Goose Rocks Beach (D. Lima, eBird); 1 Jun 2017 at Sieur de Monts Spring,
ANP (L. Seitz, D. Lima et al.; eBird); 1 Jun 2017 at E. Egg Rock (T. Dimarzio, eBird); 4 Jun 2017 at Seal I. NWR (K. Yakola, W.
Kennerley, E. Johnson; eBird); 7 Jun–7 Jul 2017 at Matinicus Rock
(F. Mayer, eBird); 9 Jun 2018 at Petit Manan I. (C. Gilbert, eBird);
15 Jun 2018 in Brunswick (M. Fahay, eBird). F all :
Migrants arrive late Oct (21 Oct records), continuing
through fall–winter. Two Sep records imply early arrivals or
lingering summering birds, 1 each: 13 Sep 1995 in Cutler (N.
Famous) and 20 Sep 2005 at Lobster Cove, Monhegan I. (B. Ewald).
266
Status in Maine: The Lesser Black-backed Gull is a rare but regular bird during spring and fall migration and in winter. It is most frequently observed and in highest numbers during migration as birds move from breeding colonies in Greenland to wintering areas in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. Most records are likely the easternmost subspecies, L. f. graellsi. Maine had the distinction of hosting the first documented breeding record of Lesser Black-backed Gull in North America when a male paired with a succession of female Herring Gulls to nest and
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae
successfully fledge hybrid offspring on Appledore Island from 2006–2014 (Ellis et al. 2014; Ellis et al. 2008). Historical Status in Maine: Not known in ME until 1968 when one was documented on Mount Desert I. (Vickery 1978), it was 10 years before a second Lesser Black-backed Gull was recorded in Saco on 24 Jan 1978 (AB 32: 322). The first photo-documented record was a bird at Cape Neddick, 15–17 Jan 1983 (AB 37: 280), followed by an adult photographed at Mount Desert Rock on 3 Sep 1984 (C. Iles, MBL 6[4]: 68). There are seven additional records in the 1980s, at least 24 records in the 1990s, >89 records 2000–2009, and >100 records 2010–2018. Birds were found at both coastal and inland locations. The increase in ME records is consistent with a well-documented and rapid increase in Lesser Black-backed Gulls nesting in Greenland. First confirmed nesting in 1990, they now number thousands of nesting pairs (Boertmann and Frederiksen 2016). This trend is also apparent in the number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls counted on N. Am. CBCs: 1,000 tallied in 2005 (Hallgrimsson et al. 2011). Global Distribution: Currently most authors recognize five subspecies breeding from Greenland and Iceland east across n. Europe and Russia. Regularly wintering as far south as U.S., Africa, and s. Asia. Birds observed in U.S. generally considered easternmost subspecies (L. f. graellsii) that breeds from Greenland and Iceland to British Isles, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. S pring :
Rare but regular migrants; numbers peak in Apr.
Maximum single-location migrant records all from Collins
Pond, Caribou: 9 and 10 on 11 and 18 Apr 2016; 6 on 18 Apr 2014;
5 on 12 Apr 2013 (all WJS, eBird). S ummer :
Rare in summer. Mostly nonbreeding immature
birds remain through summer, few reported adults. At least 26
summer records, mostly single birds, and 2 records of 2 birds.
Relatively evenly distributed through summer, slightly weighted toward Aug.
F all :
Rare but regular fall migrant presumably moving from
nesting colonies in Greenland to U.S. wintering areas. Numbers
peak in Sep.: 5 each 21 Sep 2013 and 15 Sep 2017 at Pine Pt. (D.
Rankin and T. Fennell, respectively; eBird); 5 on 22 Oct 2016 at Collins Pond, Caribou (WJS, eBird).
W inter :
Rare but regular in winter, fewer than during
migration. Single birds (1 record of 2 birds) noted Dec–Feb at 5 locations in recent years. Number of reports decrease Dec–Feb.
Most observations coastal, rarely inland near landfills and farms. ME CBCs tallied 1–2 birds on 1–2 counts almost annually since
1988. The 2011–2012 CBC season was an exception when 5 birds were totaled on 3 counts. Inland winter records, 1 bird each: 2
Dec 2009 at Collins Pond, Caribou (WJS, eBird); 7 Dec 2005,
Penobscot R., Bangor ( J. Smith); 16 Dec 2000 and 16 Dec and
30 Dec 2006 at Hatch Hill Landfill, Augusta (all N. Famous);
19 Dec 1987 at Orono dump (R. Milardo, B. Barker, J. Hinds); 20 Dec 2005 in Bangor (B. Barker); 3 Jan 2002 at Shawmut Dam,
Fairfield (D. Mairs); 1 Dec 2016–Feb 2017 at Knox Ridge, Knox (m.ob., eBird). JVW
Slaty-backed Gull
Larus schistisagus
A lonely drifter a long way from home
Status in Maine: Accidental. Maine’s first Slatybacked Gull was found and photographed on 10 January 2012 among 600–800 wintering gulls at the Hatch Hill Landfill in Augusta (L. Bevier). The third-winter gull was subsequently seen at the same location on 11–12 January (L. Seitz, ph.; m.ob.) and 13 January (D. Suitor). Remarkably, the same individual was seen in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on 21 January ( J. Trimble, photo comparison confirmation; BO 43: 27). Second state record, third-winter gull also at Hatch Hill Landfill, 28 Feb 2018 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). Global Distribution: Pacific coast of Asia. Breeds from the Chukchi Peninsula of ne. Siberia to n. Korea and Hokkaido, Japan. Winters south to Korea, Japan, northeast coast of China, and Taiwan. Remarks: The first N. Am. record outside AK was a bird that wintered on Mississippi R., 20 Dec 1983–29 Jan 1984 (Goetz et al. 1986). One in Toronto, ON, 2 Jan 1999 (Yukich and Varella 2000). The species has since been recorded in NH, MA, VT, QC, NS, and NL. ME was expecting it. The name “schistisagus” comes from the Greek, “schist” meaning split (like layers of schist mineral) and typically referring to the gray color of slate, and “sagos,” meaning armor (fide L. Bevier). BSV and WJS
267
Birds of Maine
Glaucous Gull
Atlantic Coast from NL south to NC and Great Ls.; on Pacific Coast, AK south to n. CA.
A sought-after winter visitor with icy plumage reminiscent of its Arctic and subarctic origins
Remarks: “Nelson’s Gull,” a hybrid of Glaucous and Herring Gull, is rarely but regularly reported in ME in winter gull concentrations where Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are present.
Larus hyperboreus
Status in Maine: Glaucous Gull is a regular but uncommon wintering bird along the coast and at inland landfills. They arrive from Arctic and subarctic breeding grounds in November; their numbers peak in the coldest months, December–February, and by March the species has mostly departed. Before the closure of municipal landfills, this species was more widespread in settled regions of the state. Now with fewer landfills, Glaucous Gulls are more localized, though they are sometimes now found at inland farms. Most single-location counts are one or two birds; occasional counts of as many as eight birds occur at human-made food sources. Adult sightings are relatively rare in Maine and there are no photodocumented adult birds in the eBird database; 90% of records are first- and second-year birds. Since 1970, the Maine CBC annual total of Glaucous Gulls ranges from one to 31 birds, averaging eight per year. Analysis of CBCs from 1959–1988 shows no detectable change in Maine or over the continental wintering range monitored by CBCs; however, the species’ small numbers make a trend difficult to detect. CBCs in Quebec, which has the highest density of wintering Glaucous Gulls, showed a significant decline of 6.1% per year, 1959–1988. The difficulty assessing remote breeding colonies leaves the population trend largely unknown, but a recent assessment considered the species to be declining in Canada (Petersen et al. 2015). Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 44–45) wrote of the Glaucous Gull: “A winter visitor along the coast from late November to as late as (exceptionally) April 27.” He said that the species had been recorded in five coastal counties where it was generally considered a rare winter visitor. Palmer thought the species was an uncommon migrant and winter resident along the coast. He noted that there was a marked increase in records after 1917, which he thought reflected an increase in abundance of the birds rather than an increase in observant birders. Global Distribution: Breeds along Arctic and subarctic coastline from AK to NL, excluding w. Hudson Bay and James Bay; also breeds in Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Scandinavia, and Russia. Winters on 268
S pring :
Wintering birds largely gone from ME by end of
Mar, few linger into Apr. Rare in May but >29 records; latest, 1
bird each: 31 May 1947 at Popham Beach (Palmer 1949); 29 May
1994, Monhegan I. (S. Surner); 22 May 2000 at Biddeford Pool (N. McReel). Four records on 28 May: Sebasticook L. in 1977
(PDV); Matinicus Rock in 2000 (Project Puffin, eBird); Pine
Pt. Beach, Scarborough, in 2004 (G. Carson); Short Sand Beach,
York, 2011 (D. Doubleday, eBird). Three records on 24 May:
Scarborough in 1917 (Palmer 1949), Monhegan I. in 2006 (M.
Jordan), Scarborough–Old Orchard Beach in 2004 (D. Lovitch). S ummer :
At least 10 records of single nonbreeding immature
birds remaining into Jun–Jul, single Aug record. Summer
records in chronological order, 1 bird each: collected 13 Jun 1915
near Richmond I. off Cape Elizabeth (Palmer 1949); 5 Jun 1983
and 10 Jun 1991, both in Turner ( J. Despres); 28 Jun–27 Aug
2002 at Kettle Cove (K. Gammons, m.ob.) and at same location 20 Jun–1 Jul 2009 (m.ob., eBird); 23 Jun 2009 at Eastport (C.
Bartlett, eBird); 8 Jul 2010 at Rockland Harbor (B. Hill, eBird); 7 Jun 2011 at Seal I. NWR (Project Puffin, eBird); 8 Jul 2011 at Lubec Harbor (W. Schlesinger, eBird); 10 Jun 2015 at Owl’s Head, Knox Co. (A. Rapp, W. Catlett; eBird). F all :
Begins arriving Nov, peaks in Dec. Early arrivals noted,
1–2 birds at single locations and all immature birds: 4 records
in Sep and at least 10 well-documented records in Oct. Earliest records, 1 bird each: 9 Sep 1990 at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
(K. Gammons); 14 Sep 1999 on Monhegan I. (B. Boynton); 28 Sep 2001 at Pine Pt. (P. Moynahan); 30 Sep 2001 on Gulf of
ME pelagic trip (L. Brinker et al.); 5 and 8 Oct 2012 at Cape
Neddick (M. Resch, A. Aldrich); 12 Oct 1997 on Gulf of ME
pelagic trip (m.ob.); 21 Oct 1990 at Cape Elizabeth ( J. Berry);
22 Oct 1996 at Pemaquid Pt. (M. Libby); 26 Oct 2015 at Collins Pond, Caribou (WJS); 30 Oct 2013 at L. Josephine (WJS); 30
Oct 2005 near Owl’s Head (D. Lovitch et al.). W inter :
Uncommon but regular; usually found in large gull
concentrations Dec–Feb. Glaucous Gulls reported from 6 records), somewhat more frequent 1950–1970 (at least
10 records), and nearly annual after 1985. Observations increased since 2000: 5 in 2004, 4 in 2010, 6 in 2011, 8 in 2012, 3 in 2013,
9 in 2014. Although not strongly associated with hurricanes, largest count in ME followed “Great Atlantic Hurricane of
1944,” when >20 Caspian Terns seen at Ocean Park, York Co.,
15 Sep 1944 (G. Webb). Fifty individuals reported from Kent I.,
NB, following same storm. Other notable counts: 9 at Seapoint
Beach, Kittery, 14 Sep 1990 (L. Phinney); 8 at Biddeford Pool,
20 Sep 2001 (L. Brinker, NAB 56: 30); 6 in Phippsburg, 21 Sep
2013 (G. Smith, D. Suitor et al.); 5 in Biddeford Pool, 5 Sep 2013 (D. Rankin); 5 at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 4–21 Sep 2014
(S. Benz et al.); and 12 on Schoodic Pt., ANP, 13 Sep 2016. Two
offshore seen from MV Bluenose, 22 Sep 1993 (W. Howes, AB 48:
88). Other reports: 1, Gilsland Farm, 16 Sep 2017 (D. Lovitch);
2, Blueberry Hill, ANP, 11 Oct 2015 (F. Hopper and N. Hall,
eBird); 2, Seawall Beach, 7 Oct 2017 (M. Waters and C. Murray,
eBird); 1, Ft. Foster Park, 21 Oct 2015 (D. Doubleday, R. Watson,
and M. Bateman; eBird); 2 individuals several mi. off Portland,
21 Oct 2014 (R. Lambert); 1 in Saco, 5 Nov 2005 (R. Harrison); and 1 in Cutler, 6 Nov 2005 (fide S. Pollock).
PDV
north each spring. Since 1995, nearly annual records. Increase
presumably reflects recent population increases in NL and
possibly e. Great L. Prior to this, species notably rare. Most terns now reported late Apr (>10 records) and May (>20);
earliest observation in E. Machias, 16 Apr 2006 (E. Raynor).
Other records: 1–3 Wharton Pt., 28 Apr–1 May 2015 (m.ob.,
eBird); 2, Goose Rocks Beach, 17 May 2014 (m.ob., eBird): and
2, Seawall Beach, 28 May 2009 (PDV, eBird). Late May–early
Jun reports likely nonbreeding terns; e.g., 3 in Kennebunkport,
29 May 1988 (WJS, JVW). Inland records, 1 bird each fide
eBird: Shawmut Dam, Kennebec R., Somerset Co., 11 May 2013
(L. Bevier); Kaler St., Winterport, Waldo Co., 14 May 2015 (B.
Barker, B. Cole, and J. Wyatt); Messalonskee L. boat ramp, 29
Apr and 12 May 2017 (L. Bevier and M. Viens); and McNeil Rd., Fryeburg, 30 Apr 2017 ( J. Scott and B. Crowley).
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
An unmistakable freshwater tern
Status in Maine: Black Terns breed exclusively in freshwater marshes, including those found on several central and eastern Maine lakes. Both the number of colonies and number of birds nesting in them has declined. Since 2010, there have apparently been only five active breeding colonies; as of 2014 the statewide pair count was well below the five-year (2010–2014) average of 75 pairs and the 10-year (2005–2014) average of 91 pairs (MDIFW 2016a). A rare but 273
Birds of Maine
regular bird on coastal islands in June and July, it is found at other southern coastal sites into September and is a postbreeding vagrant elsewhere in Maine. !
Maine Conservation Status: Endangered, with populations apparently limited by occasional flooding, overwash from boat wakes, and predation on nests and chicks (MDIFW 2003a, MDIFW 2016a). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Black Terns rare transients in late spring and early summer and uncommon in fall. At that time, there was only one known nest in ME, recorded in 1946 at the southern end of Messalonskee L. By the late 1950s, however, this colony was well established with as many as 17 birds seen in midsummer 1958 (m.ob., fide J. Despres). A 1979 summary of the species’ status in ME describes additional sites, few of which are currently active (Lucey 1979). Black Terns were first seen at Portage L., Jul 1957. In Jun 1959, four birds and a nest with an egg were found there. This colony may have continued into the 1960s. In 1968, Corundel Marsh, Corinna, Penobscot Co., hosted seven adult terns feeding young with two “just learning how to fly.” A pair of terns was confirmed nesting in 1999 at Penjajawoc Marsh. In n. Washington Co., there were colonies on the Upper St. Croix R. (five to six pairs from 1970–1979) and Upper East Machias R. (four nests in summer 1975). Douglas Pond, Palmyra, Somerset Co., held some 30 or more birds in 1978 and 1979. The ABBM 1978–1983 (Adamus 1987) showed an additional site where Black Terns were “probably breeding” at an unspecified locale near Bucksport, Hancock Co.
! ! ! !! ! !!! !
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Black Tern Breeding Colonies ! Active (2010s) ( ( Historic !
Global Distribution: Breeds in freshwater marshes across temperate latitudes of Europe, N. Am., and w. Asia. Winters at sea, off Cen. and S. Am. as well as w. Africa. N. Am. birds are more common off the Pacific Coast from Panama to Ecuador (Nisbet et al. 2013). Southbound migration occurs along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S., generally south of the Gulf of ME, while northbound migration is more inland. S pring :
Most Black Terns arrive in ME 10–20 May with small
numbers appearing earlier: Messalonskee L., 9 on 8 May 1984
(PDV, JVW); 1 on 7 May 2004 (M. Libby); 1 on 6 May 2005 (L. Quirion). Earliest Black Tern reported from Messalonskee, 15
In 1997 there were 50 birds reported from Madawaska Brook flowage, 44 at adjacent Douglas Pond (both in Palmyra, Somerset Co.); 24 at Messalonskee L; 12 at Carlton Pond, Troy, Waldo Co.; 11 at Plymouth Pond, Penobscot Co.; nine at Great Moose L., Harmony, Somerset Co.; and one pair on Upper Mud L., Alexander, Washington Co. (from various observers, all fide J. Despres). Note that all but the latter are in the Sebasticook R. watershed.
Apr 1982 (R. Libby). Last terns appear early Jun. Although 12
In 1999–2000, Black Tern colonies were censused at seven sites using standard protocols: Douglas Pond (30 pairs), Carlton Bog (24 pairs), Messalonskee L. (20 pairs), and four to 20 each at Great Moose L., Huntley Brook Flowage, Princeton (adjacent to Alexander; Washington Co.), Madawaska Pond/ Flowage, and Plymouth Pond (Penobscot Co.). Nesting was also confirmed at Horseshoe Pond, Ebeemee Twp, Piscataquis Co. (Gilbert 2001).
1 on 11 May 2000 ( J. Preis); Outer Green I., 1 on 24 May 2007
274
nests found at Messalonskee L. by 10 Jun 1997, new terns still
appearing (fide S. Pollock). In Aroostook Co., earliest migrant
observed at Christina Reservoir, 19 May 2011 (WJS), and in
Washington Co., 3 Black Terns reported on Lewey L., Princeton, a former colony, on 13 May 1980 (Kate McClain).
Uncommon spring migrants away from breeding colonies
but species reported from Phippsburg: 2 on 21 May 2011 (M.
Fahay), 1 on 31 May 2012 (PDV), and 1 on 13 May 2013 (M.
Fahay); Biddeford, 1 on 18 May 1999 (P. Moynahan); Brownfield, (fide D. Lovitch); Stratton I., 1 on 19 May 2013 (E. Hynes).
Farther north, migrants reported from Bangor, 2 on 22 May
2011 ( J. Smith); Howland, Penobscot Co., 2 on 29 May 2014 (S.
Mierzykowski); and 5 at Long L., Aroostook Co., 20 May 2006
(WJS, eBird).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae S ummer :
Uncommon and local breeder, with 75 ME colonies. In the 1880s, terns were slaughtered for the millinery trade, which wiped out some colonies entirely. A hunting party killed >1,100 terns, mostly Common Terns, in a single 1887 trip to Penobscot and Jericho Bays. The feathers they collected earned $340 (>$9,000 current dollars). Although ME passed legislation in 1889 to protect terns, hunting continued illegally to 1900, when only 23 coastal colonies remained. Protection, both by legislation and by guardians from the newly created National Association of Audubon Societies, proved effective but also benefited Herring Gulls, which pushed terns to more marginal breeding sites. In 1936, 6,000 Common Tern pairs nested in 25 colonies (Kress and Hall 2002). Palmer (1949, 265) considered this species to be “common to abundant” on ME’s coastal islands with a few pairs nesting on inland lakes in several counties. By the late 1970s, statewide populations were suffering from predation by rats, sheep pasturing on islands, continued encroachment by gulls, picnickers’ dogs, and even free-roaming house cats at a U.S. Coast Guard Station. As a result, they were only half of the 1930s estimates: 2,095 pairs in 18 colonies (McCollough, updated by Tudor 2006). Thanks in large measure to restoration efforts for this species, along with Roseate and Arctic Terns, the coastal population rebounded to 5,547 pairs of Common Terns in 22 colonies by 2004 and to more than 9,500 pairs by 2018 (GOMSWG 2018). While the population is growing, the number of colonies has declined to 14 currently; all but two, with one nest each, are on managed islands.
S pring :
In recent years, Common Terns arrive in s. ME as early
as May (eBird), approximately a week earlier than Palmer reported.
S ummer :
Common on ME coast, over beaches, islands, and
bays. Interior lakes with double-digit counts in the past two
decades include Portage and Fish R. Ls., Aroostook Co., with
40 at the latter on 23 Jun 2011 (WJS, eBird); and Allagash L.
and Allagash R. at John’s Bridge, Piscatiquis Co., on 8 Jun 2014
(PDV and WJS, eBird). Notable recent reports: 180 adults and
45 juveniles on 12 Aug 2007 at Long L., and 30 pairs breeding there the following year (WJS, fide J. Despres).
F all :
While most Common Terns depart by early Sep,
individuals are sometimes seen into Oct. Notable late
occurrences of large numbers include 1,500 in Scarborough, 22
Sep 1907 (Norton, fide Palmer 1949), and 350 on Jenny I., 28 Nov
1993 (Project Puffin). CDD
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaea
The world’s greatest migrant returns from Antarctica annually to breed on Maine’s offshore islands
Status in Maine: Arctic Terns are common summer residents of the outer Maine coast where they breed colonially on islands. In 2018, there were ~2,550 breeding pairs in eight coastal Maine colonies, as well as 450 on Machias Seal Island (GOMSWG 2018). The Gulf of ME Arctic Tern population has decreased by 41% since 2008, a decline that appears to be echoed at colonies around the globe (USFWS 2018b).
Global Distribution: Breeds in temperate and subarctic latitudes of the Holarctic, migrating to temperate and tropical oceans for winter. In W. Hemisphere, Common Terns breed along the Atlantic Coast from NL to NC and inland across Canada east of the Rocky Mtns. Also, small, partially migratory populations in Caribbean. Winters from s. Florida and Caribbean along both coasts of Mexico, Cen. Am., and S. Am. to n. Chile on the Pacific and s. Patagonia on the Atlantic. Remarks: Although it seems to have fallen out of colloquial speech, Palmer mentions that ME fishermen used the term “medrick” for any species of coastal tern.
Arctic Tern
277
Birds of Maine
Maine Conservation Status: Threatened. Included, along with Roseate and Common Terns in the species assessment and management plan for island-nesting terns (MDIFW 2007). Historical Status in Maine: This species was a common to abundant breeder on marine islands east of Casco Bay (Palmer 1949) arriving May 16–22, ~7–10 days later than current arrival dates. Fall departure typically prior to end of Aug. The number of Arctic Tern nests was estimated at 2,900 in the 1970s and grew to more than 4,000 in 2007–2008, when many terns that nested on Machias Seal I. relocated to ME. By 2011, the number of nests in ME declined to fewer than 3,000 (Allen et al. 2012). (See also Historical Status in Maine in Common Tern account, pp. 276–277.) Global Distribution: Breeds in Arctic and subarctic areas of N. Am., Europe, and Asia south to MA and Brittany, migrating over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to Antarctic waters. S ummer :
Arrival at colonies in early
May: 6 May 1995, Petit Manan I. (fide
J. Despres); 6 May 2015, Seal I. (K.
Yakola, eBird); 7 May 2012, Stratton I. (R. Lambert, eBird). First U.S. record
of banded Arctic Tern from Iceland was a second-year bird recorded at Seal I.
NWR, 4 Jul 2016 (K. Yakola, pers. com.).
Map 16: Arctic Tern Migration The aggregate tracks of 14 Arctic Terns, fitted with geolocators in 2010 by USFWS and National Audubon Society researchers on Eastern Egg Rock and Metinic Island, show three migration patterns from the mid-North Atlantic (red tracks). After departing the breeding grounds (green) half flew south to the Patagonian Shelf on the east coast of South America. The others traveled down the West African coast, some continuing south around the Cape of Good Hope to the Indian Ocean; the remainder went west to the Patagonian Shelf. After five months in Antarctic waters (blue), all flew along roughly the same path (yellow), returning to breeding colonies in the Gulf of Maine (USFWS, unpublished data).
Largest breeding colonies in ME during
2018: Seal I. (829 pairs), Matinicus Rock
(717 pairs), Metinic I. (522 pairs), and Petit Manan (374 pairs; GOMSWG 2018). The Gulf of ME Arctic Tern population has
decreased by 41% since 2008, a decline that appears to be echoed at colonies
around the globe (USFWS 2018).
278
F all :
Most Arctic Terns leave by late
Exceptional observation, 1 bird on 24 Nov
Aug, though occasional stragglers as noted
2005, Biddeford, (P. Moynahan, fide J.
individuals, 25 Sep 2010 ( J. Mays), and
CDD
by two eBird reports from Pine Pt.: 3
1 juvenile on 30 Sep 2013 (F. Mitchell).
Despres).
Order Charadriiformes • Family Laridae
Forster’s Tern
Royal Tern
Sterna forsteri
Thalasseus maximus
A rewarding late-summer sight for careful observers in southern Maine
A large, sleek tern of southern coastal waters
Status in Maine: Forster’s Terns are postbreeding wanderers in coastal Southern Maine. Although rare from late August through October, occasional one-day counts of 10 or more have been recorded. They are casual in other seasons and at all times Downeast. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer mentioned only three sight records, all juveniles, in late summer: one in Muscongus Bay, 16 Aug 1937; another one there 26 Aug 1946; and two on Pemaquid Pt., 2 Sep 1946. Global Distribution: Endemic to N. Am. Breeds in interior freshwater marshes from w. Mexico to AB and Great Ls., and in salt marshes of Gulf and s. Atlantic Coasts, rarely north to MA and Maritime Provinces. Winters primarily on Pacific and s. Atlantic Coasts of U.S., Gulf Coast, inland TX and AR, s. to Cen. Am. and Caribbean. S pring :
Individuals reported: Sanford Lagoons, 10 Apr 2017
( J. Fecteau, eBird); Biddeford Pool, 16–18 Apr 2010 (m.ob., fide J. Despres); Prout’s Neck, 5–7 May 2010 (m.ob., fide J. Despres). S ummer :
Casual to rare, mostly in s. ME. Six records at tern
nesting colonies, earliest record at Seal I. NWR, 23 May 2015
(K. Yakola, eBird), and latest on Stratton I., 19 Jun 2001 (Project Puffin). More numerous in Jul and early Aug but not recorded annually: 4 in Back Cove, Portland, 7 Aug 1984 (PDV), 2 on
Popham Beach, 18 Aug 2016 (P. Moynahan, N. Houlihan, and M.
Fahay); 1 in Biddeford Pool, 11 Jul–3 Aug 2014. F all :
Rare but regular, occasionally in small groups, coastal
Status in Maine: Royal Terns are casual in Maine, first reported following the passage of Hurricane Donna in September 1960: one bird examined in the hand in Yarmouth was later released in Back Cove, Portland (D. Edgerton, E. Dana, et al.), and four were seen from Pemaquid Point (M. Libby). The species was not reported again until 1965. Since these early records, they have become increasingly regular with three reports in the 1970s, 10 in the 1980s, and eight in the 1990s. Most appear during summer months and, since 2000, Royal Tern records are nearly annual with as many as eight separate reports in 2006 alone. Most frequently seen near large sand beaches and offshore tern colonies; the majority of sightings occur between York and Sagadahoc Counties. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight nor Palmer reported Royal Terns as occurring in ME. This is surprising given the species’ regularity since 1980 and its regular occurrence following hurricanes. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from VA to FL and Gulf Coast to s. TX, irregularly in Caribbean and locally in S. Am. In the Pacific, from s. CA to Baja California; Atlantic birds winter in NC through Caribbean, Cen. Am. and coastal S. Am. Species has occurred in coastal New England, Maritime Provinces, and NFLD. S pring :
Spring reports for Royal Tern: the only Apr record
and earliest ME occurrence, 1 in Manset, Hancock Co., 24 Apr
1978 (W. Russell et al.; Russell and Witt 2009); 1 at Port Clyde,
s. ME to Midcoast, typically peaking in early Sep: 1 on Cape
2 May 1985 (S. Cook, AB 39: 272); 1 at Hills Beach, Biddeford,
about 23, Biddeford Pool, 9 Sep 2010 (D. Lovitch); “at least” 19
Audubon, fide W. Townsend, Guillemot 32[3]: 25); and 1 at
Elizabeth, 21 Sep 2017 (M. Ocampo and N. O’Reilly; eBird); at Popham Beach S.P., 8 Sep 2010 (M. Fahey). Easternmost
records: Cutler Naval Base, Washington Co., 7 Aug 1985 (W.
Petersen et al., fide J. Despres); Eastport, 12 Aug 1991 (A. Wells and JVW, fide J. Despres); Cobscook S.P., Washington Co., 5
Sep 2010, after remnants of Hurricane Earl ( J. Mays, eBird);
Roque I., Jonesport, 10 Sep 2011, joined by second bird following day (E. and N. Famous, fide J. Despres). Single inland record: 2 in Richmond, 19 Oct 2011 (M. Fahay).
W inter :
1 each, fide J. Despres: Kettle Cove, 21 Jan 2006 (G.
Carson); Scarborough, 2 Feb 1984 (B. Hancock); and Biddeford
Pool, 4 Feb 1984, (G. Sharpe). One ph. at Pine Pt., 20 Feb 2017
28 May 2001 (P. Moynahan); 1 in York, 22 May 2002 (ME Matinicus Rock, 22 May 2003 (Project Puffin, eBird).
S ummer :
Summer reports in Jun and Jul usually involve
individuals that dispersed north without the aid of tropical
disturbances: 3 Jun occurrences of 2 terns: 2 off Seawall Beach,
22 Jun 2002 (PDV); 2 at Popham Beach, 22 Jun 2006 (B.
Schmoker, eBird); 2 off Richmond I., Cape Elizabeth, 29 Jun
2012 ( J. Delcourt). Multiple Jul occurrences on southern coast to Phippsburg. Jul records >1 tern: 3–4 individuals on Hills
Beach, Biddeford, 6–12 Jul 2014 (P. Moynahan, D. Doubleday, N. Gibb, et al.); 2 in Rachel Carson NWR, 18 Jul 2015 ( J. Garrett).
Recent reports: 1 each, Popham Beach, 16 Jul 2017 (D. Lovitch);
(R. Garrigus, eBird). CDD
279
Seabird Nesting Islands: Numbers of Breeding Pairs Number of Breeding Pairs Island (from east to west)
Atlantic Puffin
Razorbill
Common Murre
Machias Seal1
5700a
2825a
400a
Old Man
120
Pulpit Rock2
10c
2
Laughing Gull
Roseate Tern
Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
26
450
200b
903
374
c
Freeman Rock2
55c
Petit Manan3
62
3
766
Ship
519
3
Little Duck4
2800d
Great Duck5
2–4
5000e
Three Bush6
59
Seal7 Matinicus Rock
7
565
59
500
425
a
8
1
Metinic8
1204
829
724d
268
717
706d
320
522
82
1021
86
Pond11
2
1065
11
Jenny12
24
1426
1
Eastern Egg Rock9
178
1
Western Egg Rock
Outer Green12
1553
Stratton13 Total number of pairs
173f
800
10
7008
3497
408
1568
128
1206
8
236
9570
2998
9603
Owned/managed by if different from owner; those in italics are not managed. 1. Canadian Wildlife Services; 2. USFWS, not managed; 3. USFWS; 4. NAS; 5. TNC, MDIFW, COA, and private; 6. Private ownership; 7. USFWS/NAS; 8. USFWS and private/USFWS; 9. MDIFW/NAS; 10. NAS; 11. USFWS/NAS; 12. MDIFW/NAS; 13. NAS. Unless otherwise noted, data GOMSWG 2018; other data sources: a. T. Diamond, CWS, and P. Shannon, NAS, 2016 data; b. Bird Life International, 1998–1999 data; c. Allen et al. 2012, 2006 data; d. Chilelli 1999, 1994–1996 data; e. COA, 2000; f. P. Shannon, pers. com., 2018.
SEABIRD NESTING ISLANDS: NUMBERS OF BREEDING PAIRS
Birds of Maine
Laudholm Beach, York, 20 Jul 2017 (W. Sweet; eBird); and Laudholm, Wells Reserve, 19 Aug 2017 (D. Lovitch).
More than 5 reports from Hancock Co., all on Mount
Desert I. and Mount Desert Rock in Washington Co., single
Royal Terns at Petit Manan NWR, 23 Jul 2002 (R. Hildreth,
Guillemot 32: 37), 24 Jun 2003 (fide P. Garrity), and 9 Jul 2003
(Stanton Bird Club, Guillemot 33: 26). Only inland record:
Moosehorn NWR, Baring Plt., 3 Jul 1996 ( J. Dunn, CDD). F all :
Late Aug and Sep reports occasionally involve sightings
of multiple birds, usually following tropical storms or hurricanes.
Previously noted, 4 birds on Pemaquid Pt., 13 Sep 1960, appeared after passage of Hurricane Donna (M. Libby). In 1991, a major
flight of Royal Terns at Seawall Beach followed Hurricane Bob:
10 individuals on 20 Aug 1991, 3 additional terns on 21 Aug, and
3 more on 22 Aug (PDV). A few lingered briefly during this flight; most seen flying steadily southwest. At least 5 others
reported at this time including 1 in Georgetown, Sagadahoc
Co., 21 Aug 1991 that was banded near Lola, NC, 24 Jun 1991
(M. Libby, J. Weske). Additional reports of multiple terns not connected to tropical disturbance: 3 at Otter Pt., Bar Harbor,
17 Sep 1992 (M. Sharp; Witt and Russell, unpublished); 2 on
Scarborough Marsh, 25 Aug 2011 (D. Hitchcox); 2, Dam Cove,
Sagadahoc Co., 1 Aug 2012 (M. Fahay, eBird). A Royal Tern on
Monhegan I., 27 Sep 2009 was the latest date for ME (MDIFW, CDD). PDV
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensis
A powerful crested tern of more southerly coasts
Status in Maine: Since 1960, Sandwich Terns have been casual vagrants to Maine’s coast from June through September. They have primarily, but not exclusively, appeared following tropical storms and hurricanes. There are approximately 15 records. Historical Status in Maine: Perhaps surprisingly, neither Knight nor Palmer reported Sandwich Terns in ME. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic and w. Palearctic. Breeds from VA to SC, along the Gulf Coast, to Yucatán Peninsula and Caribbean, Venezuela to Argentina. Winters from FL, Gulf Coast, south through Caribbean, Cen. to S. Am. Also breeds in Europe from Great Britain and Norway to Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Winters along coastal Africa and Mediterranean Sea. This species reported from all New England states except VT, and in all Maritime Provinces. 282
Hurricane-related sightings: The first Sandwich Tern in ME was observed at Pemaquid Pt., 13 Sep 1960, following Hurricane Donna (M. Libby); several Sooty Terns were also reported. At least five Sandwich Terns reported following Hurricane Bob in 1991: one at Seawall Beach, 20 Aug 1991 (PDV, ph.; AB 46: 65); one at Petit Manan NWR, 20 Aug 1991 (R. Widrig, MBN 5: 28); one found dead on Merchant I., Isle au Haut, 23 Aug 1991, was banded as a nestling in NC, 26 Jun 1984 (fide D. Bystrak; AB 46: 64, MBN 5: 28); one on Stratton I., Saco, Aug 1991 (Guillemot 20: 37); one in Wells, late Aug 1991 (D. Shealer, Guillemot 20: 37). An adult at Mount Desert Rock, 19 Sep 1999, was presumably a Hurricane Floyd vagrant (L. Brinker et al.; NAB 54: 29). Non-hurricane-related sightings: In 1989, P. Kleinholz observed and carefully described a Sandwich Tern at Hen Cove, Harpswell, 27 Jul 1989 (MBN 3: 19, AB 43: 1290), the second ME record. In 1994, a single bird reported intermittently at Hills Beach, Biddeford, and Scarborough, 5–29 Jul 1994 (P. Moynahan, L. Brinker; MBN 7: 42, FN 49: 23). In 1997, an adult ph. at same locality, 8 Jun 1997 (L. Brinker, ph.; FN 51: 973). Sandwiches reported from Stratton I., 18 Jun 2001 (P. Moynahan, NAB 55: 413) and 21 Jun 2006 (R. Lambert). In 2003, one on Seal I., 30 Jun 2003 (V. Lane). Most recent records: one on ME Audubon trip, Stratton I., 1 Jul 2012 (D. Hitchcox), and one reported by kayakers a week later near Basket I. sandbar, Biddeford, 8 Jul 2012 (M. Zimmerman and P. Moynahan). PDV
Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger
A southern coastal species that no longer depends on hurricanes for a visit
Status in Maine: Black Skimmers were first reported in Maine in 1879 following a hurricane, and this pattern of post-hurricane dispersal was repeated with at least seven additional fallouts. Since 1973, Black Skimmers have been found along the southern coast during the summer and early fall despite the lack of any strong tropical weather systems. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed a number of post-hurricane records, including “hundreds at Blue Hill, Hancock County,” 16 Sep 1944 (Palmer 1949, 279). He also anticipated that this species would become
Order Phaethontiformes • Family Phaethontidae
a postbreeding visitor because Black Skimmers were found breeding in Plymouth, MA. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in the Pacific, from CA to Mexico and Ecuador. In the Atlantic, breeds primarily from coastal MA (uncommon) and Long I., NY, to FL, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Winters along Pacific Coast, CA to Chile, and on Atlantic Coast NC and FL to Gulf of Mexico and Cen. Am. Remarks: Black Skimmers were originally reported in ME primarily following hurricanes. The first ME records are from 1879, when two were collected at Wells Beach, 28 Aug 1879, and a single bird was reported off Saco, late Aug 1879 (Palmer 1949). Following a hurricane in 1924, many skimmers were reported from late Aug–7 Sep in Jonesport and Lubec; Stonington, Hancock Co.; Popham Beach, Phippsburg; and S. Thomaston (Palmer 1949). Other storm-related records: A hurricane passed off the ME coast on 14 Sep 1944 with numerous Black Skimmers reported in ME afterward: 20 at Ocean Park, Saco, 15 Sep; 20 birds at Scarborough, 16 Sep; “hundreds” at Blue Hill, 16 Sep; one on Isle au Haut, 15 Sep; one at Swan I., Hancock Co., 17 Sep; three at Pemaquid Pt., 15–17 Sep 1944 (Cruickshank, Palmer 1949). In 1954, six skimmers (four adults, two immatures) observed at Pine Pt., 2 Sep 1954, following Hurricane Carol. In 1968, following Hurricane Gladys, six skimmers seen in Ocean Park, 3 Nov 1968 (G. Webb); and six birds seen in Cape Neddick (The Nubble), with three lingering to 1 Dec 1968 (H. Card et al.). In 1991, Hurricane Bob deposited a number of skimmers along s. ME coast, east to Mount Desert I. These records include: two in Phippsburg, 20–28 Aug 1991 (PDV, ph.); two in Wells, 20 Aug 1991 (L. Jaubert); one off Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, 21 Aug 1991 (E. Nowak, Guillemot 20: 37); one at Biddeford Pool, 4–14 Sep 1991 (S. Pollock). Non-storm related records: Since 1973, Black Skimmers found in s. ME in summer and fall. These records include: one at Back Cove, Portland, 27 Jul 1973 (D. Whittier); three immatures in Wells, 30 Aug 1981 (H. Card, J. Ficker et al.; AB 36: 154); adult on Stratton I., 5 Jun 1993 (S. Benz et al.); two on Stratton I., 28 Jun 2001 (R. Lambert); one at Scarborough Marsh, 9 Jul 2001 (G. Shriver); one at Biddeford Pool, 3 Aug 2002 (Guillemot 32: 37); two at Pine Pt., 5 Aug 2002 (G. Carson); one in Ogunquit,
23 Sep 2002 (G. Kidder, ph.); two at Ft. Popham, Phippsburg, 13 Jun 2006 (NAB 60: 506); juvenile at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, 17 Oct 2006; one on Stratton I., 20 Jun 2007 (R. Lambert); juvenile at Hills Beach, 23 Oct 2007 (T. Brosnon); two adults and two juveniles on 17 Sep 2010 ph. roosting in parking lot on Commercial St., Portland (L. Brinker). PDV
O rder
phaethontiformes Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae) A family of tropical pelagic birds with three extant species, two recorded in Maine. Primarily black and white birds, they all have long tail feathers and webbed feet; built for flying and diving, they cannot walk. Young birds stay at sea for years before returning to remote islands to nest.
White-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon lepturus
A single 1938 specimen is the only evidence of this tropical visitor in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one specimen record. According to Palmer; “A few days after the hurricane of September 21, 1938, an adult was found at East Winn, Penobscot County. It was mounted by the late Walter Clayton of Lincoln, from whose estate it was obtained for the collection of the Portland Society of Natural History” (1949, 38–39). The present disposition of this specimen is unknown. Historical Status in Maine: There are no records prior to the 1938 specimen, and there are no documented records since. Global Distribution: Tropical. In the Atlantic, ranges from NC south to FL, Caribbean, and S. Am. At higher latitudes (north of VA), occurs far offshore. White-tailed Tropicbirds have been recorded in NJ, NY, MA, VT, and Maritime Provinces. In NS there are at least 10 records. PDV
283
Order Phaethontiformes • Family Phaethontidae
a postbreeding visitor because Black Skimmers were found breeding in Plymouth, MA. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in the Pacific, from CA to Mexico and Ecuador. In the Atlantic, breeds primarily from coastal MA (uncommon) and Long I., NY, to FL, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Winters along Pacific Coast, CA to Chile, and on Atlantic Coast NC and FL to Gulf of Mexico and Cen. Am. Remarks: Black Skimmers were originally reported in ME primarily following hurricanes. The first ME records are from 1879, when two were collected at Wells Beach, 28 Aug 1879, and a single bird was reported off Saco, late Aug 1879 (Palmer 1949). Following a hurricane in 1924, many skimmers were reported from late Aug–7 Sep in Jonesport and Lubec; Stonington, Hancock Co.; Popham Beach, Phippsburg; and S. Thomaston (Palmer 1949). Other storm-related records: A hurricane passed off the ME coast on 14 Sep 1944 with numerous Black Skimmers reported in ME afterward: 20 at Ocean Park, Saco, 15 Sep; 20 birds at Scarborough, 16 Sep; “hundreds” at Blue Hill, 16 Sep; one on Isle au Haut, 15 Sep; one at Swan I., Hancock Co., 17 Sep; three at Pemaquid Pt., 15–17 Sep 1944 (Cruickshank, Palmer 1949). In 1954, six skimmers (four adults, two immatures) observed at Pine Pt., 2 Sep 1954, following Hurricane Carol. In 1968, following Hurricane Gladys, six skimmers seen in Ocean Park, 3 Nov 1968 (G. Webb); and six birds seen in Cape Neddick (The Nubble), with three lingering to 1 Dec 1968 (H. Card et al.). In 1991, Hurricane Bob deposited a number of skimmers along s. ME coast, east to Mount Desert I. These records include: two in Phippsburg, 20–28 Aug 1991 (PDV, ph.); two in Wells, 20 Aug 1991 (L. Jaubert); one off Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, 21 Aug 1991 (E. Nowak, Guillemot 20: 37); one at Biddeford Pool, 4–14 Sep 1991 (S. Pollock). Non-storm related records: Since 1973, Black Skimmers found in s. ME in summer and fall. These records include: one at Back Cove, Portland, 27 Jul 1973 (D. Whittier); three immatures in Wells, 30 Aug 1981 (H. Card, J. Ficker et al.; AB 36: 154); adult on Stratton I., 5 Jun 1993 (S. Benz et al.); two on Stratton I., 28 Jun 2001 (R. Lambert); one at Scarborough Marsh, 9 Jul 2001 (G. Shriver); one at Biddeford Pool, 3 Aug 2002 (Guillemot 32: 37); two at Pine Pt., 5 Aug 2002 (G. Carson); one in Ogunquit,
23 Sep 2002 (G. Kidder, ph.); two at Ft. Popham, Phippsburg, 13 Jun 2006 (NAB 60: 506); juvenile at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, 17 Oct 2006; one on Stratton I., 20 Jun 2007 (R. Lambert); juvenile at Hills Beach, 23 Oct 2007 (T. Brosnon); two adults and two juveniles on 17 Sep 2010 ph. roosting in parking lot on Commercial St., Portland (L. Brinker). PDV
O rder
phaethontiformes Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae) A family of tropical pelagic birds with three extant species, two recorded in Maine. Primarily black and white birds, they all have long tail feathers and webbed feet; built for flying and diving, they cannot walk. Young birds stay at sea for years before returning to remote islands to nest.
White-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon lepturus
A single 1938 specimen is the only evidence of this tropical visitor in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one specimen record. According to Palmer; “A few days after the hurricane of September 21, 1938, an adult was found at East Winn, Penobscot County. It was mounted by the late Walter Clayton of Lincoln, from whose estate it was obtained for the collection of the Portland Society of Natural History” (1949, 38–39). The present disposition of this specimen is unknown. Historical Status in Maine: There are no records prior to the 1938 specimen, and there are no documented records since. Global Distribution: Tropical. In the Atlantic, ranges from NC south to FL, Caribbean, and S. Am. At higher latitudes (north of VA), occurs far offshore. White-tailed Tropicbirds have been recorded in NJ, NY, MA, VT, and Maritime Provinces. In NS there are at least 10 records. PDV
283
Birds of Maine
Red-billed Tropicbird
Red-throated Loon
Phaethon aethereus
Gavia stellata
A graceful pelagic from the tropics
The smallest loon, often seen tipping its slender bill to the sky
Status in Maine: Accidental. An adult Red-billed Tropicbird was seen and photographed near Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick, 11 July 2005. Presumably, the same individual was seen at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge the next day on 12 July 2005 (NAB 59: 570). In July and August of the following year, an adult tropicbird was again seen intermittently on Seal Island and Matinicus Rock. Although it is not certain, it appears the same bird summered annually, May through August, at Matinicus Rock and Seal Island for more than a decade, 2007 through at least 2018. It arrived as early as 7 May and stayed until 22 August. Historical Status in Maine: There is one historical record in ME: an adult ph. from Mount Desert Rock, south of Mount Desert I., 31 Aug 1986 (D. James, fide H. Corbett, AB 41: 53). Global Distribution: Tropical. Ranges through Atlantic, nw. Indian, and e. Pacific Oceans. In W. Hemisphere, occurs off west coast of Mexico and east coast of Cen. Am. to Brazil and Galapagos Is. Red-billed Tropicbirds are recorded occasionally in nw. Atlantic Ocean, north of breeding areas in Caribbean and off west coast of Africa (Senegal and Cape Verde Is.). Species sighted regularly off NC. In New England, recorded off MA and twice in RI. The Jul 2005 sighting off Machias Seal I. constituted the first NB record. PDV
Status in Maine: Red-throated Loons are regularly found along the entire coast in winter and occasionally during summer. Spring and fall migrants are observed on the coast, in estuaries, and occasionally on fresh water. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 23) described the species as “[t]ransient, common in spring and fall along the coast and rare in fall on fresh water; non-breeding summer resident, occasional on salt water and two fresh water records; winter resident, uncommon on inshore marine waters.” The frequency of Red-throated Loons summering along the coast appears to have increased since Palmer’s writing. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds from NL, n. QC, n. ON to AK and BC; winters on both coasts south to SC and n. Gulf of California. Outside of N. Am., breeds from Iceland to Siberia, south to s. Russia and Japan; winters on coasts south to Portugal and s. China. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
Palmer (1949, 23), referring to Norton’s 1923 records,
said migration occurs late Apr–late May. D. Tucker observed a
Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage among group of 4 at
Laudholm Farm, Wells, 11 May 2002. L. Brinker et al. reported
“many migrating” off of East Pt., Biddeford, 22 May 1999.
High count for Sagadahoc Co., 26 May 2003, at Seawall
O rder
gaviiformes
Loons (Gaviidae) This Holarctic, monotypic family includes five species, four of which have been reported from Maine: a year-round resident, a regular winterer, and two western visitors. Only the Arctic Loon, once thought conspecific with Pacific Loon, has not found its way this far east. Webbed toes and solid bones make them impressive swimmers, able to dive to 200 feet (60 m).
284
Beach: 183 individuals (PDV, eBird); following day count: 45. Other spring maximum counts: 8 in Phippsburg, 8 May 1981
(PDV), and 4 on Great Wass I., Beals, 23 May 1982 (N. Famous and PDV).
S ummer :
Red-throated Loons observed sporadically and in
small numbers during summer, primarily along coast. Palmer
(1949, 24) tallied 18 summer records 5 Jun–9 Sep, 1878–1946, with
2 on fresh water. Single recent report on fresh water during
summer: 1 on Josephine L., 9 Jun 2012, observer speculated bird
was knocked down by storm (M. Fahay, eBird).
Summer birds most often in basic plumage: 4 “in non-
breeding plumage” at Pine Pt., 1 Jul 1992 (L. Brinker); 1 in
“winter plumage” at Biddeford Pool on 9 Jul 1984 (A. Childs
and JVW); and 1 juvenile at Goose Rocks Beach, 21 Jul 1998 ( J.
Junker, fide K. Gammons).
Birds of Maine
Red-billed Tropicbird
Red-throated Loon
Phaethon aethereus
Gavia stellata
A graceful pelagic from the tropics
The smallest loon, often seen tipping its slender bill to the sky
Status in Maine: Accidental. An adult Red-billed Tropicbird was seen and photographed near Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick, 11 July 2005. Presumably, the same individual was seen at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge the next day on 12 July 2005 (NAB 59: 570). In July and August of the following year, an adult tropicbird was again seen intermittently on Seal Island and Matinicus Rock. Although it is not certain, it appears the same bird summered annually, May through August, at Matinicus Rock and Seal Island for more than a decade, 2007 through at least 2018. It arrived as early as 7 May and stayed until 22 August. Historical Status in Maine: There is one historical record in ME: an adult ph. from Mount Desert Rock, south of Mount Desert I., 31 Aug 1986 (D. James, fide H. Corbett, AB 41: 53). Global Distribution: Tropical. Ranges through Atlantic, nw. Indian, and e. Pacific Oceans. In W. Hemisphere, occurs off west coast of Mexico and east coast of Cen. Am. to Brazil and Galapagos Is. Red-billed Tropicbirds are recorded occasionally in nw. Atlantic Ocean, north of breeding areas in Caribbean and off west coast of Africa (Senegal and Cape Verde Is.). Species sighted regularly off NC. In New England, recorded off MA and twice in RI. The Jul 2005 sighting off Machias Seal I. constituted the first NB record. PDV
Status in Maine: Red-throated Loons are regularly found along the entire coast in winter and occasionally during summer. Spring and fall migrants are observed on the coast, in estuaries, and occasionally on fresh water. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 23) described the species as “[t]ransient, common in spring and fall along the coast and rare in fall on fresh water; non-breeding summer resident, occasional on salt water and two fresh water records; winter resident, uncommon on inshore marine waters.” The frequency of Red-throated Loons summering along the coast appears to have increased since Palmer’s writing. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds from NL, n. QC, n. ON to AK and BC; winters on both coasts south to SC and n. Gulf of California. Outside of N. Am., breeds from Iceland to Siberia, south to s. Russia and Japan; winters on coasts south to Portugal and s. China. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
Palmer (1949, 23), referring to Norton’s 1923 records,
said migration occurs late Apr–late May. D. Tucker observed a
Red-throated Loon in breeding plumage among group of 4 at
Laudholm Farm, Wells, 11 May 2002. L. Brinker et al. reported
“many migrating” off of East Pt., Biddeford, 22 May 1999.
High count for Sagadahoc Co., 26 May 2003, at Seawall
O rder
gaviiformes
Loons (Gaviidae) This Holarctic, monotypic family includes five species, four of which have been reported from Maine: a year-round resident, a regular winterer, and two western visitors. Only the Arctic Loon, once thought conspecific with Pacific Loon, has not found its way this far east. Webbed toes and solid bones make them impressive swimmers, able to dive to 200 feet (60 m).
284
Beach: 183 individuals (PDV, eBird); following day count: 45. Other spring maximum counts: 8 in Phippsburg, 8 May 1981
(PDV), and 4 on Great Wass I., Beals, 23 May 1982 (N. Famous and PDV).
S ummer :
Red-throated Loons observed sporadically and in
small numbers during summer, primarily along coast. Palmer
(1949, 24) tallied 18 summer records 5 Jun–9 Sep, 1878–1946, with
2 on fresh water. Single recent report on fresh water during
summer: 1 on Josephine L., 9 Jun 2012, observer speculated bird
was knocked down by storm (M. Fahay, eBird).
Summer birds most often in basic plumage: 4 “in non-
breeding plumage” at Pine Pt., 1 Jul 1992 (L. Brinker); 1 in
“winter plumage” at Biddeford Pool on 9 Jul 1984 (A. Childs
and JVW); and 1 juvenile at Goose Rocks Beach, 21 Jul 1998 ( J.
Junker, fide K. Gammons).
Order Gaviiformes • Family Gaviidae
Reports of adults in breeding plumage: 3 at Scarborough–
Cape Elizabeth, 4 Jun 2006 (L. Seitz and D. Lovitch); “some
Pacific Loon
in nearly full breeding plumage” at Laudholm Beach, Wells,
Gavia pacifica
seen daily” at Ironbound I., Winter Harbor, week of 17 Jun
A few individuals return nearly annually in fall and winter
on 5 Jun 1992 ( J. Despres); 1 “in partial breeding plumage 2002 (W. Townsend); 1 “in full breeding plumage” with
juvenile at Higgins Beach, Scarborough, 25 Jun 2002 (S.
Bloomfield et al.); 1 at Seawall Beach, 10 Jul 2011 (PDV,
eBird); and 1 at Head Harbor Passage, Eastport, week of 26
Jul 1999 (WJS). F all :
Migration occurs mid-Sep to mid-Nov. On 5 Nov
2017, L. Seitz witnessed high numbers of Red-throated Loons
migrating past Cliff House, York, counting 11,162 with a clicker over 4.5 hours (eBird). High count for Cumberland Co. from
eBird: 52 individuals over course of an hour at Dyer Pt., 9 Nov
2007 (B. Pfeiffer).
Most migrating Red-throated Loons observed along coast
but some reported inland: Sebasticook L., 27 Sep 2016 ( J. Smith,
eBird) and 5 Nov 2015 (M. Viens and L. Bevier). Other fall
freshwater sightings: 1 on Cobbosseecontee L., 10 Nov 1983
(PDV, eBird); 1 at Kanokolus Marsh, Unity Pond, 15 Nov 2006 (D. Potter, eBird); 6 on Arnold Brook L., Presque Isle, 16 Nov
2006 (WJS, eBird); and 1 ph. on Kennebec R., Skowhegan, 19 Nov 2016 (M. Taylor, eBird).
W inter :
Palmer (1949, 24): “At this season these birds are
sociable, and, when present in Maine, are usually found in small loose flocks in inshore waters.” Red-throated Loons
regularly observed on CBCs, with at least 1 count circle
reporting species annually beginning count year 1957. CBC
totals: 9, York Co., 16 Dec 2002 (fide D. Tucker); 11, York Co.,
18 Dec 2006 (fide J. Suchecki); 1, Portland, 17 Dec 2005 (fide B. Hancock); 15, Portland, 16 Dec 2006 (fide B. Hancock); and >40 at Small Pt. on Bath CBC, 16 Dec 2006 (PDV ).
Maximum state CBC total 130 on 16 counts in Count Year 112
(2011–2012).
Winter records on fresh water: 1 on Unity Pond, 9 Dec 2011
(T. Aversa, eBird), and 1 seen from Cobbosseecontee L. causeway,
17 Dec 1983 (PDV, eBird). RVJ
Status in Maine: This species is rare in the state. The Pacific Loon is reported primarily in fall and winter, but there are also six records between May and September. Most of these observations are from the same localities over several successive years, suggesting that the same individuals returned to these particular wintering areas. Multiple sightings have been recorded at Kittery Point; the Bald Head area in York; Eastern Point in Biddeford Pool; Scarborough River mouth in Scarborough; Cape Elizabeth; Georgetown, Sagadahoc County; Bremen, Lincoln County; Monhegan Island; and Petit Manan Point. Thus, the total number of Maine records appears to be substantially greater than the total number of individuals. Historical Status in Maine: The first report for ME was inland at McCurdy Pond, Bremen, May 1947 (Palmer 1949). More recently, Pacific Loons have been carefully documented almost annually since 1974. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in Canadian Arctic from Hudson Bay west through NU, YT, and NT to AK. Migrates across Bering Strait and winters south along Pacific Coast to Baja California. Common vagrant across w. Canada and throughout U.S. Recorded in all New England states, NB, NS, NFLD, and QC. Remarks: Two problems have complicated identification of Pacific Loons in e. N. Am. First, definitive plumage features separating Pacific Loons from Common Loons were not adequately described prior to 1974 (McIntyre and McIntyre 1974). Other than the few birds in alternate plumage, reports of basicplumaged Pacific Loons in ME prior to 1974, although likely to be correct, must be considered probable. Second, Pacific Loons and Arctic Loons were viewed as conspecific by the AOU until 1998 (AOU 1998), although some identification guides distinguished these two forms as separate species as early as 1990 (Kaufman 1990). Prior to 1990, all ME reports of Pacific Loons were called Arctic Loons. Since being split from Pacific Loons, there have been no documented records of Arctic Loons in ME or anywhere on the Atlantic Seaboard of U.S. and Canada. PDV
285
Birds of Maine
Common Loon
Gavia immer
An iconic diving bird that haunts Maine’s lakes in summer
Status in Maine: Common Loons are found throughout Maine, breeding on ponds and lakes in summer and wintering along the coast. Thanks in part to public education, as well as regulations on lead fishing weights and boat wake speeds in the nearshore, the population in southern Maine has increased 70% since Maine Audubon’s Loon Count began in 1984. The statewide population is now estimated to be more than 3,000 (Maine Audubon). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Common Loons as “[s]ummer resident, common on freshwater lakes and ponds inland, decreasing to absent near the coast and local in n. York County, and a few non-breeders occurring on salt water; transient in spring and fall, rather numerous coastwise and common inland; winter resident, fairly common on salt water” (1949, 20). Knight estimated fewer than 2,000 loons nesting in ME. For comparison, in 2018, ME Audubon’s annual loon count yielded an estimate of more than 3,000 individuals in just the southern half of the state (south of the 45th parallel; ME Audubon 2018). MDIFW aerial surveys over n. ME in 1997 estimated another 1,000–1,500 adults (S. Gallo, pers. com.). Global Distribution: Nearctic. In N. Am., breeds from NL to AK, south to CT, n. NY, n. MI, n. WI, n. MN, and n. WA, also w. WY. Winters on coasts, NL south to FL and AK to Baja California. Outside of N. Am., breeds in Iceland and Greenland. Winters on European coast from Norway south to Iberian Peninsula.
Common Loons
286
Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: Moderate Concern. Remarks: Lead fishing tackle, which loons swallow mistaking it for the pebbles they swallow for grit, is a primary source of mortality for Common Loons. A 2003 study found nearly 50% of adult mortality in New England was attributed to lead toxicosis (Sidor et al. 2003). A review of 350 adult loon deaths in ME found that lead toxicosis accounted for 28% of mortality, 1984–2012, more than any other documented cause of death (S. Gallo, pers. com.). ME banned the sale and use of unpainted lead fishing jigs under 1 oz. (28 g) or 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) and all lead sinkers less than 1 oz. (28 g), following legislation enacted in 2002 that initially banned the sale of lead sinkers under 0.5 oz. (14 g) (State of Maine 2013). Climate change is likely the greatest long-term threat to Common Loons (Evers 2014). A warming climate is expected to expose loons to new pathogens, such as avian malaria, to which a loon succumbed at L. Umbagog in 2016 (Martinsen et al. 2017). Lake temperatures in the Northeast are expected to increase in the coming decades, changing fish habitat and availability, and increasing the likelihood of harmful algal blooms. S pring :
After wintering on salt water, Common Loons arrive
on ME lakes mid-Mar to late Apr, often the day of or day after
ice-out. Sample first-of-year records on fresh water: Moosehead
L., 26 Mar 1979 (P. Johnson) and 28 Apr 1984 (S. Roy); China L., Kennebec Co., 12 Apr 1980 (B. Swartz) and 28 Mar 2012,
9 days after ice-out (H. Wilson, eBird); Pocomoonshine L.,
Washington Co., 3 Apr 1981 ( J.M. Dudley); Belgrade Ls., Rome, 14 Apr 1982 (R. Libby); 1 on Damariscotta L., 23 Apr 2006
(A. Wells); Morrill, Waldo Co., 31 Mar 2006 (C. Kesselheim); Kennebec R. in Winslow, Kennebec Co., 16 Mar 2007 (S.
Small); and Messalonskee L., 30 Mar 2016 (M. Viens, eBird).
Order Gaviiformes • Family Gaviidae
In Aroostook Co., Pleasant L., Island Falls, 15 Apr 2006 (S.
Spruce); Eagle L., 12 Apr 1980 (fide G. and S. Flagg); Cross L.,
19 May 1984 (D. Boucher). S ummer :
Adult Common Loon ph. on nest, 24 Jun 2016, at
to SW” at Seapoint Beach, 17 Oct 1989 (L. Phinney); 54 in
Frenchman Bay, 15 Oct 2001 (W. Townsend); 15 at Ogunquit Beach, 24 Oct 2000 (S. Croneweth); and 35 in Smithfield, Somerset Co., 24 Oct 2001 (W. Sumner).
Great Moose L. in Harmony, Somerset Co. (T. Aversa, eBird).
W inter :
Pond, Penobscot Co., 20 Jun 2017 (C. Stevens, eBird); 2 adults
on Aziscohos L., Flagstaff L., and Indian Pond (Somerset Co.)
Sample records of chicks: pair with 2 chicks on Little Pushaw
with 1 chick at Christina Reservoir, 25 Jun 2005 (WJS); 1 adult
Common Loons demonstrate wintering site
fidelity. Study using satellite transmitters on 5 birds breeding
determined ME loons wintered as close as Mount Desert I. and
with chick on its back on L. Christopher–Bryant Pond, Oxford
Matinicus I. and south to MD, with females migrating farther
NWR, 11 Jul 2000 (M. Mills, fide J. Walker).
fresh water into Dec: 1 at Arnold Brook L., Aroostook Co., 2
Co., 26 Jun 1999 (K. Kubach, eBird); and 1 chick at Moosehorn
At Highland L., Bridgton, 2 chicks hatched on 3 Aug 2004
( J. Preis, fide K. Gammons). Adults may remain with young into Sep: 1 adult with unreported number of young at Long
than males (Paruk et al. 2015). Occasionally, loons linger on
Dec 2006 (WJS, eBird); 1 remaining on Stump Pond in Lincoln, 7 Dec 1979 (PDV, eBird); 1 on Moosehead L., 31 Dec 1956
(Woodward, MFO 2[1]: 5); and 1 on Moose R. in Rockwood,
Pond, T10 SD, Hancock Co., 1 Sep 1989 (E. Altemus). Adults
2 Feb 2006 (S. LeRoy, eBird). Palmer indicated that freezing
flying to coast.
dead Common Loon was found on the ice at China L., China,
then raft together; while juveniles gather later in fall before
F all :
Palmer names Oct–early Nov as migration, though it
appears movements begin in Sep: 15 flying “southbound” from
fresh water sometimes trapped Common Loons. For example, a
Kennebec Co., 3 Feb 1980 (S. Oliveri). RVJ
Dyer Pt., 3 Sep 2006 (D. Lovitch et al.); “first migrant” on
Appledore I., 5 Sep 1994 (D. Holmes et al.), followed by next
migrant on 20 Sep 1994; and 2 “in flight NE to SW” at Seapoint
Yellow-billed Loon
Beach, Kittery, 16 Sep 1989 (L. Phinney).
Gavia adamsii
2007, during a 2-hour period (D. Lovitch); 20 “migrating NE
This near-threatened Arctic diver once ventured to New England
Migrant numbers increase in Oct: 39 from Dyer Pt., 11 Oct
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one record for CHICKS this species in Maine: an adult just initiating a molt intoADULTS basic plumage was seen approximately seven miles (11 km) east of Cape Elizabeth on 26 October 2010 (L. Seitz et al.; ph. arch.). This individual was relocated and studied by approximately 25 observers on 29 October 2010.
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 2010.
1000
500
0 1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 9. Common Loon Adults and Chicks Maine Audubon’s estimate of Common Loon adults (blue) increased ~50% in 35 years in southern Maine (south of the 45th parallel) while the number of chicks (green) has remained virtually constant. Some of the increase in adults may be explained as an increasing number of younger nonbreeders, but a complete understanding of why the number of chicks has not subsequently increased is lacking (S. Gallo, pers. com; Maine Audubon).
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds primarily in n. Canada, AK, n. Siberia, and Russia to n. Norway and Finland. Winters primarily in n. Pacific, south to BC and rarely CA. Species not previously recorded in New England but observed in QC and ON, and three records for NY (Long I., ca. 1930; upstate NY in 1997 and 1999), one record in PA, and one in GA. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened because of pollution, climate change, and human resource use. PDV
287
Birds of Maine
order
procellariiformes Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) Although there is disagreement over how many species are in this family, the IUCN recognizes 22, all of which are of conservation concern. Long-lived birds, young albatrosses may spend their first 10 years at sea, eternally gliding on spectacularly long wings, before returning to oceanic islands to breed. Two species have occurred in Maine waters.
Albatrosses are big enough to attract notice, even
from those who may not be able to identify them. “On 7/2[/1997] fishermen 12 miles [20 km] south of Mt.
Desert Rock were reporting a bird that was most likely an unidentified Albatross. At least twice the size of a
Black-backed Gull, the bird was dark above, light below, had a huge beak and flew with constantly stiff wings, dipping like a shearwater. These fishermen are well
acquainted with Gannets and are sure it was not one of them (Zack [Klyver])” (fide WJS, Guillemot 27[3]: 24). PDV
Yellow-nosed Albatross
County, died in captivity, was mounted . . . and is now in the collection of the Portland Society of Natural History.” Another adult was taken near Machias Seal I. off Machias Bay by E.O. Joy on 1 Aug 1934 (specimen in the American Museum of Natural History). Palmer wrote, “In this case of a pelagic bird, wandering so far into the Gulf of Maine near the international boundary, it seems proper to agree with Murphy . . . ‘the record constitutes an addition to the avifauna of both New Brunswick and Maine’”(1949, 28–29). The two historical specimen records and the modern photographed record were identified as the nominate subspecies, T. c. chlororhynchos. This is the only subspecies thought to have occurred in North America. Global Distribution: Southern Hemisphere. Breeds on Gough and Tristan da Cunha Is. (including Nightingale, Middle, Stoltenhoff, and Inaccessible Is.). Outside the breeding season, ranges throughout the Neotropical and Afrotropical Atlantic Ocean from sw. Africa to se. S. Am. Yellow-nosed Albatrosses have been reported in New England from MA and RI. ME and NS share two reports from the MV Bluenose ferry, Jul 1968 (Tufts et al. 1986) and Aug 1976, and of the two NB records, the specimen record off Machias Seal I. is shared with ME. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered. PDV
Thalassarche chlororhynchos
A globally endangered wanderer from the Southern Hemisphere
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are five recent records: two carefully documented sightings, two photographed, and one bird examined in hand. There are two sight records from Monhegan Island, 21 March 1960 (RNEB 16[3]: 1, 16) and 12 May 1964 (AFN 18: 425; both M. Libby). Another bird was photographed at Matinicus Rock, 6 July 1999 (A. Hill, NAB 53: 445), and an adult was photographed on Stratton Island, 16 July and 19–20 July 2006, where it spent the night. Most recently, a weak and emaciated adult was found in a backyard on Mountain Road, York, 28 April 2007, and taken to York Center for Wildlife. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 28–29) listed two records, both in 1934. The first was described as “a female, taken alive a few days before July 23, 1934, among sedges by a brook in East Fryeburg, Oxford 288
Black-browed Albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
This giant seabird from the southern oceans has been seen twice in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two records in Maine. An adult was seen at close range off Lumbo Ledge, 3.1 miles (5 km) east-southeast of Bailey Island, Harpswell, on 28 May 1978. Two fishermen with experience in the South Atlantic Ocean and with albatrosses reported the bird as an albatross but were uncertain of the species. They reportedly saw the bird “from as close as 75 ft., that it was like a Great Black-backed Gull but three times bigger, the bird had a bright yellow bill, dark eyebrow, dark leading edge to the undersurface of the primaries, dark lower wing tips and was enormous. Coincidental to the appearance of the albatross was a huge Pollock [Pollachius spp.] run, which drove masses of some small food organisms to the surface.” Great Black-
Order Procellariiformes • Family Oceanitidae
Black-browed Albatrosses
backed Gulls, Sooty Shearwaters, Great Shearwaters, and storm-petrels were present at the same time. The albatross dwarfed the Great Black-backed Gulls (AB 32: 977–981). The second record was 3–4 miles (4–6 km) north of Seal Island, Vinalhaven, 15 July 2009, and photographed by J. Drury and A. Hill. Photos indicate the bird was an older subadult of the nominate race, T. m melanophris, whose range includes the South Atlantic. Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 1978. Global Distribution: Primarily Southern Hemisphere. Breeds in the Atlantic Ocean on South Georgia and Falkland Is./Las Malvinas off Argentina. There is a single record for the Cabot Strait, off the northern coast of NS, and two records each for MA and NH. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. PDV
Southern Storm-Petrels (Oceanitidae) Wilson’s Storm-Petrel is the only representative of this family of small seabirds to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the only one found in Maine. Colonial nesters on Southern Hemisphere oceanic islands and occasionally in Antarctica, several of the nine species in this family are threatened by introduced predators on their breeding grounds.
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
One of the smallest seabirds and one of the most abundant bird species in the world
Status in Maine: Wilson’s Storm-Petrels are abundant summer and early autumn visitors to the offshore and pelagic waters of the Gulf of Maine during their biological winter. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 38) recorded this species as numerous offshore in summer, with infrequent inshore incursions. He quoted Norton, who described a particularly numerous flock as “like swallows in a meadow, flitting busily over the glassy ocean, or like a vast throng of butterflies in the summer sun.” Global Distribution: Global. Breeds on ice-free areas of coastal Antarctica and subantarctic islands to Tierra del Fuego and Falkland Is./Las Malvinas. Migrates in austral winter to N. Atlantic, Indian, and tropical Pacific oceans. In N. Atlantic, northward migration late Apr–Jun largely over the N. Am. continental shelf; large numbers found Jun–Sep in e. U.S. waters. Southbound migration apparently not studied, but birds return to S. Hemisphere breeding colonies by Nov–Dec (Drucker 2013). Remarks: Wilson’s Storm-Petrel is seldom mentioned when people talk about the great migratory species of the world, but it surely deserves to be. This species travels >18,000 mi. (~29,000 km) per year over an enormous variety of marine habitats, including the 289
Birds of Maine
biologically depauperate equatorial Atlantic, to reach ME waters. It weighs just over one ounce (28 g). S ummer :
Earliest seasonal records include historic sightings
of “several” on 23 May 1915 and 1 on 24 May 1918 (Palmer 1949).
More recently, eBird’s earliest ME records were 2 on 23 May
2008 (C. Bartlett) and many by the first week of Jun. Record daily high count for ME is 6,000 birds on 22 Aug 1994 at
Cashes Ledge, 75 mi. (120 km) southeast of Portland (eBird),
and ~2,500 were seen on a 16-mi. (26-km) whale watch, 22 Aug
2012 (M. Good et al.; eBird). The latest records from eBird
include 1 on 3 Oct 1997 (W. Gruenbaum) and 11 seen from
NOAA survey ship on 5 Oct 2012 (T. Johnson and D. Vander Pluym).
1931, they nested formerly on 26 islands and remained at 21. Palmer described extermination of several colonies and an overall decline in numbers in ME beginning at the turn of the 20th century. He cited the introduction of cats, Red Foxes, dogs, rats, and mink as causes, but found those overshadowed by predation from the simultaneous increase in Herring Gull and especially Great Black-backed Gull populations. This is likely a significant overstatement; petrel remains are rarely seen in gull chick feeding areas or in pellets, but ravens and crows are currently significant predators ( J. Anderson and R. Butler pers. com.; Huntington et al. 1996).
CDD
Northern Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae) This family holds the smallest seabirds, largely nocturnal burrow-nesters that occupy densely populated breeding colonies. While Band-rumped Storm-Petrels are hypothetical in Maine, Leach’s return from lengthy migrations in the Southern Ocean to nest in the tens of thousands in the Gulf of Maine.
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates leucorhous
Strictly pelagic, these small seabirds reach their southern breeding limit on Gulf of Maine islands
Status in Maine: Leach’s Storm-Petrel is an offshore species that breeds on outer islands, treeless or wooded, with loose soil or peat substrate. They nest in underground burrows, coming and going only at night to feed on plankton and nekton at sea, often far from their nesting island. By day, they are seen over open ocean but seldom close to their breeding islands. The most recent complete survey of the species (1994–1996) suggested there were 35 colonies on Maine islands with at least 10,000 pairs (Chilelli 1999). Researchers believe there to be as many pairs now as then, at least at the major colonies (P. Shannon, pers. com.). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Brewer (1877) described Leach’s Storm-Petrels as abundant on the coast since at least 1851. Norton and Allen (1932) reported that, in 290
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
Global Distribution: Pelagic. Breeds on islands of the temperate North Pacific and North Atlantic, south to the Gulf of ME. In the Pacific, the breeding range extends from AK to Japan and Commander I., Russia, and south to Baja California. The vast majority—some five million breeding pairs—of the North Atlantic population breeds on islands off NL. Of these, more than three million breeding pairs are estimated to occur in breeding burrows on Baccalieu I., near the tip of Avalon Peninsula in se. NL (Sklepkovych and Montevecchi 1989). Farther east, the species is found breeding in Iceland, Norway, and British Isles. After leaving colonies in Oct–Nov, North Atlantic birds are thought to migrate to waters off Europe, staging in the Bay of Biscay. Two birds from e. Canadian colonies were tracked with geolocators to Cape Verde off W. Africa. One bird continued to Brazilian waters before returning north to the breeding colony in Apr. The other bird’s geolocator
Order Procellariiformes • Family Hydrobatidae
failed before migration away from Cape Verde (Pollet et al. 2014). Leach’s Storm-Petrels are also found during the nonbreeding season in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean but the relationship of these birds to the Gulf of ME colonies is not known. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable.
Band-rumped Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates castro
A rare robin-sized seabird, difficult to identify
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. There is one sight report for the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (also known as the Madeiran Storm-Petrel): a single bird seen in a wet meadow called the Albion A. Raynor Marsh in Richmond on 17 June 1989 (Vickery 1992b). Maine Bird Records Committee reviewed the report in 2015, concluding that details were insufficient to rule out other species, especially Leach’s Storm-Petrel (BO 43: 33), and thus lists the species as hypothetical.
Remarks: Currently, ~40,000 pairs thought to breed in Gulf of ME and Bay of Fundy (Nisbet et al. 2013). The fact that this species is nocturnal and nests in burrows creates challenges and uncertainty in numerical estimates. As of 1994–1996 (Chilelli 1999), there were 35 nesting colonies in ME, comprising ~10,300 pairs. Great Duck I., due south of Mount Desert I., was the largest colony at >5,000 pairs and remains so. However, the Leach’s Storm-Petrel colony Full details of this observation were published in at Wooden Ball I., once one of the largest in ME, now Maine Bird Notes (5[1]: 15). Only excerpts included here. (Oceanodroma is the former genus name.) holds only ~50 pairs (Chilelli 1999). Concern about limited habitat availability, small colony size, predation, “First seen flying in a field just below the road, and human disturbance, especially in the fledging the bird’s long pointed wings, notably dark season, resulted in designation of Leach’s Stormupperparts, and bright white rump gave the Petrel as a ME Species of Special Concern. In recent impression of a shorebird, seemingly a Solitary years, after analysis of 56 years of data on Leach’s Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria). However, upon Storm-Petrel nesting success on Kent I. in the Bay of closer inspection, it was immediately apparent Fundy, another source of decline has been implicated. that the bird was, in fact, a storm-petrel. The Relative to various environmental indicators, the data long, sharply-angled wings, the slightly forked show annual global mean temperature (AGMT) is tail, and the fact that the legs did not extend the single most important predictor of Leach’s Stormbeyond the tail clearly indicated that this Petrel nest success, both rising until a threshold was individual was an Oceanodroma, not an Oceanites, reached in 1988 when nesting success then steadily type storm-petrel. declined as AGMT continued to rise. Increases in “The bird displayed several features that are global mean temperatures may have led to a change difficult to reconcile with O. leucorhoa but are in availability and quantity of the storm-petrel’s usual consistent with known characters for Bandfood, on both their breeding and nonbreeding ranges rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro) (Mauck et al. 2018). . . . Almost blackish color similar to Wilson’s S pring /S ummer /F all : Documented arrival dates are Storm-Petrel’s (Oceanites oceanites) . . . Leach’s challenging; early dates: 17 Apr on Kent I., NB (Huntington Storm-Petrels in the north Atlantic invariably et al. 1996), 22 Apr 2011 on Great Duck I., and 6 May 1896 display an obviously paler, smooth gray head on Seguin I. (Palmer 1949). Palmer considered it likely birds and mantle that contrasts with blackish arrived throughout the month of May. High counts from eBird: flight feathers. The mantle of the Richmond 200 on 4 Jun 1992 (H. Wilson and m.ob. aboard MV Bluenose) individual was clearly as dark as the flight and 120 on 19 Aug 2012 at the mouth of the Gulf of ME (T. feathers. The starkly white rump, lacking a Johnson, NOAA EcoMOn survey aboard RV Henry B. Bigelow). grayish median stripe and wrapping around the Late records continue through end of Oct, and partially sides of the undertail coverts, seemed entirely fledged chicks observed third week of Nov ( J. Anderson, pers. too bright and sharply defined for Leach’s com.). Late records surely limited by observational effort and Storm-Petrel.” opportunity. Interestingly, Palmer reported a number of inland occurrences from 1880s–1938, virtually all involving specimens and virtually all in late Oct–Nov.
CDD
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds on islands in the Atlantic Ocean from Azores south to Ascension and St. Helena Is. Regularly reported in Gulf Stream waters off NC and mid-Atlantic coast, considered rare 291
Birds of Maine
but regular off MA (Veit and Petersen 1993). There are no other New England or Maritime Province records, but the species was found near Ottawa, ON, 28 Aug 1933 (Godfrey 1986). Global Conservation Status: ESA: Endangered. The only U.S. breeding population, in Hawaii, is threatened by habitat loss, introduced predators and ungulates, as well as artificial lighting in coastal areas (Mitchell et al. 2005). PDV
Shearwaters (Procellariidae) This tubenose family holds ~70 species, 36 classified by IUCN as at least Vulnerable, including 10 considered Critically Endangered. Colonial ground-nesters and transequatorial migrants, many members of this family also dive, and thus they are subject to diverse threats worldwide, from introduced rats to long-line fishing and gillnets. Five species regularly occur in Maine; two are accidental.
400,000 of the world’s 5.4 million to 7.1 million pairs breed in e. Canada and Greenland, the most likely sources of birds seen in ME waters. Remarks: Northern Fulmars occur in a spectrum of color morphs, which Fisher (1952) categorized (from lightest to darkest) as LL, L, D, and DD. Overwhelming majority of fulmars in ME are light morphs, suggesting they come from breeding colonies of Greenland and Atlantic Canada, consistent with scarce banding data. Fulmars from high Arctic of Canada and Europe are mainly dark morphs. S ummer :
Most Gulf of ME summer records 1–50 fulmars,
presumably nonbreeders: 40 at Machias Seal I. on 15 Jun 1978
(PDV). Exceptional high counts from MV Bluenose: 2,500 on 24 Jun 1978 (F. Murphy) and 1,100 on 4 Jul 1978 (PDV). Of these
records, Vickery wrote “Northern Fulmar were unknown in the
Gulf of ME in summer during this period, so these numbers were completely unexpected.” F all :
Numbers rise throughout fall and into winter. High count
from Bar Harbor whale and pelagic bird trips, 57 on 24 Sep 2010 (P.
Corcoran). Counts of >100 more common later in season: 375 on
Northern Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
3 Oct 2009 from Columbia Ledges to Machias Seal I. (D. Suitor).
High counts recorded from NOAA research ship at Jordan Basin, 30 mi. (48 km) southwest of Mount Desert I.: 400 on 16 Nov 2011 and
As the scientific name suggests, a bird of Arctic and subarctic regions
250 on 11 Feb 2012 (C. Vogel). Exceptional inland record: 1 flying over
Status in Maine: This species is a regular, nonbreeding visitor to offshore waters.
W inter :
Historical Status in Maine: The breeding range of Northern Fulmar in the Atlantic has expanded considerably over the past three centuries. Once nesting in a single colony in n. Iceland at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the species’ breeding range has expanded since 1973, now extending to NL (AOU 1998), n. France, and the British Isles. Prior to 1970, fulmars were not recorded from the MV Bluenose, the ferry that ran from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, NS. After that date, they were reported on >80% of crossings (Finch et al. 1978). Fulmars have been recorded in the Gulf of Maine every month except Aug with peak abundance Jan–Apr (Powers 1983).
Dec 1971—but only 1 the following year—and 48 at Jordan Basin
Global Distribution: Holarctic and pelagic. Breeds on sea cliffs and occasionally on low rocky islands mostly above 50º N. In the Atlantic, high numbers occur in nonbreeding season on Grand Banks off NL and Georges Bank off MA, south to 40º N. In the Pacific, fulmars winter as far south as 35º N. Roughly 292
Kennebunk Plains, 27 Oct 2000 (L. Brinker).
Not surprisingly, coverage of pelagic waters drops off
sharply in the depths of winter, but the species was reported on
CBCs that venture to offshore waters: 89 in Bay of Fundy on 22
on 29 Dec 2013 (M. Good).
CDD
Cape Petrel
Daption capense
A common seabird of the Southern Ocean whose occurrence in a Maine collection is mysterious
Status in Maine: Hypothetical, based on the uncertain provenance of a single mounted specimen. This is North America’s only record and indeed all other Northern Hemisphere records have been questioned. The 36th Supplement to the AOU’s 6th edition (1987) relegated the species to “hypothetical” from “accidental” in the 6th edition itself (1983). The 7th edition (1998) lists the species among those “with insufficient evidence for placement on the main list.”
Order Procellariiformes • Family Procellariidae
Historical Status in Maine: A specimen, labeled “purportedly shot Jun 1873,” is housed at the Worcester Natural History Society (WNHS), which is now EcoTarium, in Worcester, MA. The specimen is a full mount rather than a study skin, and the identification is unquestionable. The specimen has the juvenile’s plumbeous (not black) head, neck, and back, and it is white below. The wings are mottled with white, as is the tail, which also shows a black terminal band. The provenance of the specimen is rather more confounding. Palmer cited Stearns and Coues (1883) and Norton (1922) to say that a female—then called the Pintado Petrel— was taken in Jun 1873 in Harpswell. While sexes are similar, there are morphometric differences; neither Stearns and Coues nor Norton mentioned how the bird was sexed. Curious about why this species was absent from other relevant literature including the AOU’s Committee on Nomenclature, Norton corresponded with “nearly every person connected with the matter” (Norton 1922, 102) and concluded that the Stearns and Coues report was correct. According to Norton, although the specimen was taken by a Mr. Wooley, the identification rested on the authority of F. Purdie. As of 1896, “[t]he specimen is labelled as follows; Puffinus anglorum (Ternre). Mank’s Shearwater; Lewiston Me., (young) June 1873” (Norton 1922, 102). Norton explained away the discrepancy between what he considered the rightful collection site of Harpswell with that of Lewiston on the specimen label by noting that the latter was where the WNHS purchased the specimen. Knight, however, contended the specimen was from Mooselookmeguntic L., Franklin Co., ~110 mi. (177 km) inland from Harpswell, and that it was taken by C.F. Nason of Lewiston in Sep 1872, nine months earlier than reported by Stearns and Coues. Norton rejected this claim, relying on a Mr. Wakefield, who traveled to the Rangeley Ls. in Sep 1876 with Nason and Wooley, and who had no memory of the bird in question. Norton suggested that by the 1890s, Wooley’s memory conflated the petrel with some other bird taken on the only trip the trio made to the Rangeley Ls. (where Mooselookmeguntic L. is located). Norton noted that it was Wooley who gave Purdie the original data on the specimen when it was collected, and that the original label was unfortunately replaced based on Wooley’s 1897 letter.
Global Distribution: Largely S. Hemisphere. Breeds on Antarctic and subantarctic islands. In austral winter, feeds near Antarctic Shelf, sometimes ranging as far north as Ecuador including Galapagos Is. in Pacific Ocean and Angola in Atlantic Ocean. Remarks: This author has yet to see an explanation of why the specimen was labeled as Puffinus anglorum, Mank’s (sic) Shearwater, rather than Daption capensis, Cape Pigeon, or Pintado Petrel, the names that were used at that time. CDD
Trindade Petrel
Pterodroma arminjoniana A lost petrel from Brazil
Status in Maine: Accidental. A corpse, washed ashore on Ogunquit Beach on 10 June 2014, was photographed by D. Hitchcox but not collected. Identification was accomplished by consideration of plumage characters as well as measurements of bill and feet made from the photographs (Bevier 2017). Global Distribution: Pelagic. Breeds on Trindade and Martim Vaz Archipelago off Brazil. Winters at sea in s. cen. and cen. n. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream (BirdLife International 2019). Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable based on its small breeding range and population. Remarks: Two were seen over Georges Bank, MA, a month after ME record (Garvey et al. 2015). CDD
White-chinned Petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
A one-time offshore visitor from the Southern Hemisphere
Status in Maine: Accidental. This species has been seen in Maine only once, photographed off Bar Harbor during a whale-watching trip on 24 August 2010 (L. Kennedy, Z. Klyver, J. McCordic, ph.; Persons et al. 2015). This is one of only a few sightings in the western North Atlantic (Howell 2012). Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in Maine prior to 2010. 293
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: Southern Hemisphere. Breeds on Afrotropical, Neotropical, and Oceanic islands including S. Georgia, French Southern Territories, Auckland, Campbell, and Antipodes Is., and Falkland Is./Las Malvinas. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable. PDV
Cory’s Shearwater
Calonectris diomedea
A large, powerfully flying tubenose often associated with warm-water currents
Status in Maine: Regular summer visitors to the Gulf of Maine albeit in low numbers, Cory’s Shearwaters have been reported several times annually in recent years from late June to early October. High counts include 60 in the waters off Portland (20 August 2009, PDV) and 40 there five days later (m.ob.). Counts of one to 10 are more common. The subspecies occurring here is C. d. borealis. Historical Status in Maine: Although Palmer did not list any records, he thought it likely that this species occurred in the Gulf of ME after storms. Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds on islands in e. North Atlantic, principally Azores and Madeira of Portugal and Canary Is. of Spain. During boreal winter, Cory’s Shearwaters migrate to S. Atlantic (primarily) and s. Indian Ocean. Nonbreeders, presumably immatures, common summer visitors along Eastern Seaboard of N. Am. Usually associated with warmer waters of Gulf Stream, north to Grand Banks of NFLD and Scotian Shelf, south to FL; regular but rare in Gulf of Mexico in fall (Duncan and Havard 1980). Remarks: The slightly smaller Cape Verde Shearwater (C. edwardsii) has been recognized by the AOU as a distinct species from Cory’s Shearwater in the AOU Check-list (AOU 2006). There are reports of Cape Verde Shearwaters from pelagic trips off NC (18 Aug 2004) and MD (21 Oct 2006) and the possibility that some Gulf of ME sightings pertain to this species cannot be excluded. CDD
294
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna grisea
An austral breeder that migrates north in the boreal summer
Status in Maine: While Sooty Shearwaters arrive in the Gulf of Maine in April and reach peak abundance from May–July (Powers 1983), they are commonly seen offshore from early June into October. One was seen by multiple observers at Monhegan Island on the early date of 26 May 2016 (PDV, pers. com.). Reports range from one to two individuals to, rarely, several hundred: 300 at Machias Seal Island on 19 September 2005 (R. Eldridge) and 350 on the Maine Audubon pelagic trip, 3 October 2009. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 29) considered Sooty Shearwaters common offshore residents late May–early Sep though “they undoubtedly occur earlier than this date.” Global Distribution: Pelagic. Breeds on S. Hemisphere islands. In the Americas: Falkland Is./ Las Malvinas, Tierra del Fuego, coast of Chile as far north as Mocha I. In Australasia: New Zealand and s. Australia. In nonbreeding season (boreal summer), Sooty Shearwaters migrate into both n. Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In the Pacific, species ranges north to s. Bering Sea, commonly found along entire coast of w. N. Am. Similarly, Sooty Shearwaters found along Atlantic Coast from Brazil to FL, Cuba, and north to NL, also in Gulf of Mexico. In the east, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia south to Portugal, Mediterranean Sea, and coast of Africa. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. While the global population of Sooty Shearwaters is large (~20 million individuals), “moderately rapid declines” are suspected from numbers of occupied burrows (nests) in New Zealand and in sightings along the California Current over past three decades. Threats include fisheries collapse, harvesting of young birds, and perhaps climate change. CDD
Order Procellariiformes • Family Procellariidae
Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravis
The most commonly seen of all the shearwaters in Maine
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Map 19: Great Shearwater Migration Tracks from Great Shearwaters tagged with satellite transmitters show that their southbound migration (red arrows) from the Gulf of Maine is roughly Z-shaped, eastward to the Grand Banks south of Newfoundland, then over the Mid-Atlantic, sometimes as far east as waters off Portugal and northwest Africa, before swinging back to the southwest down the coast of Brazil, reaching the northern Patagonian Shelf off Uruguay and Argentina (marked in red). From there, they move almost due east to their breeding grounds in the Tristan da Cunha island group (green oval). Northbound migration (yellow arrows) again follows the coast of Brazil, before moving farther offshore and reaching the Labrador Current and the Gulf of Maine (Ronconi et al. 2018). (Data source: SeaTurtle.org)
Status in Maine: Great Shearwaters, predominantly immatures, are regular in Gulf of Maine waters where they prefer cool surface temperatures 52º–64ºF (11°–18°C). They feed on herring (Harengus spp.), krill, and squid (Decapodiformes) brought upward by tidal mixing over steep bathymetric slopes (Brown et al. 1981, Ronconi et al. 2010), spending less time over the deeper basins and offshore waters within the Gulf (Powers et al. 2017). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer said that this species was common in offshore and pelagic waters in summer and fall. He considered Great Shearwaters rare in spring, usually appearing during or after periods of fog. The earliest record noted by Norton was 4 Jun 1918 off Cape Elizabeth, and the latest was a specimen taken 2 Nov 1882 (now in the PSNH collection). Global Distribution: Pelagic and largely confined to Atlantic Ocean. Breeds in South Atlantic on Tristan da Cunha group (>5 million pairs) and Gough Is. (600,000–3 million pairs; IUCN 2018). Few pairs breed on Falkland Is./Las Malvinas. (see Map 19). S pring :
30 birds recorded 30 Mar 1973
“in the lower Gulf of Maine” were either overwintering or very early migrants
(Finch et al. 1978, 13). S ummer :
Our summer (the austral
winter) is the species’ nonbreeding season, when virtually the entire population is found in the North Atlantic from
Georges Bank to s. Greenland. Regular
295
Birds of Maine
in ME waters after late May. Earliest record from ME:
Matinicus Rock on 8 May 2007 (obs. unk., eBird). Additional
Manx Shearwater
May records, 1 bird each fide eBird: off Monhegan I. on 26
Puffinus puffinus
of Schoodic Peninsula, 27 May 1997 (M. Good); and off
A regular but uncommon pelagic species, now breeding on one Maine island
May 2012 (P. Heirs); 30 birds were satellite-tagged southeast Monhegan on 30 May 2015 ( J. Zepko). Additional records: 1
freshly dead near E. Egg Rock, 11 Jun 2015 (CDD), specimen now at NAS’s Hog I. Camp; maximum of 2,000 birds
observed from regular ferry crossings, Bar Harbor to Yarmouth,
NS, on 4 Jul 1974 (Finch et al. 1978); 10,000 reported at Monhegan I. on 25 Sep 2002 ( J. Trimble)—2 orders of magnitude greater than typical reports there. F all :
Eighty percent of birds satellite-tagged in ME moved
to Bay of Fundy by Aug; almost half of Great Shearwaters
tagged from Cape Cod to Fundy were south of the equator by end of Sep; timing of migration matches completion of
primary molt. Others remain regular offshore through Oct,
with reports north to w. Greenland. Despite reduced observer
coverage of pelagic habitats, there are Nov reports. Late
records: 57 at Jordan’s Basin on 16 Nov 2010 (M. Good, eBird);
large local concentrations off Georges Bank in Nov: 200,000
on 11 Nov 1977 (Powers and Van Os 1979). Additional late
records: 90 off NH coast, 10 Dec 2013 (E. Masterson, eBird),
and one on 18 Dec 1971 from MV Bluenose (Finch et al. 1978); these and dozens of sightings off MA coast in early Dec are
likely immature birds.
CDD
Status in Maine: Small numbers of Manx Shearwaters are regularly found in eastern Maine waters from mid-May to early October. Historic high counts include 600 in a day in the eastern Gulf of Maine (reported, but no date given, in Nisbet et al. 2013). More recently, a high count of 100 Manx Shearwaters was observed at Machias Seal Island on 19 September 2005 (R. Eldridge). A Manx was first seen at Matinicus Rock in May 1997, always in the vicinity of nesting Laughing Gulls. Project Puffin staff reported at least 10 and as many as 21 (9 June 2010) Manx Shearwaters during summer surveys on Matinicus Rock. In 2009, successful breeding was confirmed (BO 37: 294). Since then, one to three chicks have fledged there annually (S. Kress, pers. com.), making Matinicus Rock the only known currently active breeding site in the U.S. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Manx Shearwater of “uncertain” status in ME and “probably of rare occurrence” (1949, 29). Powers (1983) found Manx Shearwater to be uncommon but regular in sw. Gulf of ME, Apr–Nov. Global Distribution: Pelagic. Breeds primarily in N. Atlantic south to Azores and Canary Is., largest colonies in United Kingdom and Atlantic coast of Ireland. Additionally, colonies in Iceland, and since 1980, in NFLD. In 1973, breeding confirmed at Penikese I., MA, but no nests found subsequently in that state. Based on matching subspecific characters, most summering birds off N. Am. and those migrating and wintering in se. U.S. are thought to be one-year old birds from Icelandic and European breeding grounds. By contrast, most adults from those colonies migrate down Eastern Seaboard of Atlantic Ocean to coast of S. Am. (Nisbet et al. 2013). Some adult birds migrate to sw. South Africa (BirdLife International 2019).
Great Shearwater
296
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. Although the world population is perhaps one million, IUCN Red List classifies population trend as Decreasing, justifying the classification based on a decreasing N. Am. population trend from BBS/CBC data (Butcher and Niven 2007).
Order Procellariiformes • Family Procellariidae F all :
Recent observations, fide eBird: 1 in Rockland Harbor, 6
Aug 2017 (B. Hopkins and D. Alpeter); 4 on Great Wass I., 30
Aug 2013 (W. Hutcheson); 1 on Timber Pt. Trail, Rachel Carson NWR, 13 Aug and 5 Sep 2016 (B. Harris; J. Fecteau, S. Keefer,
and M. Zimmerman; respectively); 1 at Head Beach, Phippsburg,
5 Sep 2016 (C. Caron); 5 in Bar Harbor, 16 Sep 2015 (K.
Pastuzyn). Observations taper off by Oct.: 1 and 2 on Monhegan
I., 4 and 6 Oct 2016 ( J. Trimble and J. Offermann; L. Seitz and
J. Trimble, respectively); 5 individuals, 10 Oct 2012, recorded by
seabird surveys on NOAA ship Pisces; 1 in The Ballpark, 13 Oct
2014 (R. MacDonald). CDD
Audubon’s Shearwater
Manx Shearwater
However, Butcher and Niven assigned the species a data precision score of zero based on limited count data available to them (17 CBCs and, not surprisingly, zero BBSs). Thus, alleged population trend data are not valid (G. Butcher, pers. com.) and the IUCN listing is unwarranted. Remarks: The name “Manx” refers to the Calf of Man, an island in the Irish Sea and a former nesting site from which the birds were extirpated after a late 18th century shipwreck introduced rats ( JNCC 2016). Long before it was applied to the Atlantic Puffin, the Latin name “Puffinus,” from the Middle English “pophyn,” was used for the cured carcasses of nestling shearwaters, considered a delicacy for their high oil content. S pring :
Recent observations, 1 bird each, fide eBird: E. Egg
Rock, 25 and 29 May 2016 (m.ob.); Monhegan I., 26 May
Puffinus lherminieri
Has this denizen of warm southern waters visited Maine’s cold pelagic waters?
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. The only report for this species comprises two sightings, one day apart, in the same area near Petit Manan Island by separate skilled observers (D. Czaplak and M. O’Brien), 26 and 27 July 1998. Both observers were aboard whale-watch vessels, and both were familiar with the species from other waters. The bird, although seen only briefly, was well-described by each, but neither was able to photograph it. Details provided to Maine Bird Records Committee, which did not accept the record in 2018, are included below. Czaplak faxed a sketch to the Maine Bird Records Committee made on the day that he saw the bird, 26 Jul 1998. The original, unfortunately, has been lost. (D. Czaplak, pers. com.)
2016 ( J. Trimble) and 27 May 2017 ( J. Trimble, L. Seitz, and C. Lapierre); Seal I. NWR, 7 and 30 May 2010 (Project Puffin),
and 7 May 2017 (K. Yakola). On Matinicus Rock, 10 birds on
23 May 2012 (Project Puffin data) and 4 on 31 May 2017 (F. Mayer).
S ummer :
Observations away from Matinicus Rock breeding
site: increasing from Jun into Jul–Aug along coast and offshore.
Recent records: 1 on Stratton I., 11 Jun 2013 (Project Puffin,
eBird); 2 in Bar Harbor, 26 Jun 2015 (M. Parker, eBird); 1 on
Hermit I., Phippsburg, 16 Jul 2015 (C. Caron, eBird); at least 14
on Monhegan I., intermittently 1–30 Jul 2017 (F. Mayer, eBird); and unrecorded number at East Pt., Biddeford, 31 Jul 2017 (D.
Lovitch).
Czaplak's Field Sketch
297
Birds of Maine
Key portions of O’Brien’s field notes from 27 July 1998 are as follows: “Obviously smaller than Great Shearwaters (about half the size). Uniformly dark brown above including top of head, back, nape, upperwings, rump and tail. Underparts white. Very similar to Manx Shearwater but more slightly built with slimmer head and body. Wings shorter and possibly slimmer than on Manx and tail obviously longer, especially obvious when compared to wing width (caudal projection similar to wing width in Manx, obviously longer in Audubon’s). Wing beats quicker and sloppier than in Manx. Upperparts color slightly paler and browner than in Manx . . . Aged as an adult based on some minor irregularities in the wings, indicating a worn and possibly molting individual.” A small shearwater, either this species or Barolo Shearwater (P. baroli), was reported by observers on the MV Bluenose ferry across the Gulf of ME in July and August 1971, “but further identification was not possible” (BO 37: 294). A detailed description was provided by DWF (AB 25: 830) but was acknowledged as uncertain in a later review article (AB 32: 153). More recently, several individuals were fitted with light-level geolocators at their breeding colony at Long Cay, Exumas, Bahamas in June 2008. Data were recovered from four of these during the following breeding season. Surprisingly, an individual apparently entered the Gulf of Maine and traveled to the northeast Bay of Fundy (P. Jodice, pers. com.) where the species was previously unrecorded. Moreover, an Audubon’s Shearwater was photographed near Grand Manan, New Brunswick, 11 August 2016, thus becoming the first well-documented occurrence in the Bay of Fundy and the first record for New Brunswick. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Tropical and subtropical waters of w. Atlantic Ocean. Breeds in Bahamas, West Indies, islets east of Nicaragua, and islands off nw. Panama. Formerly bred in Bermuda. In nonbreeding season, species virtually always associated with warm continental shelf waters. Disperses as common visitor northward along Gulf Stream, typically to Georges Bank, MA, and Sable I., NS. Remarks: Although many authorities consider the species to include subspecies found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as the North Atlantic, others 298
are more restrictive. The extreme (e.g., BirdLife International, eBird, Clements) is to restrict this taxon to the two subspecies of the Bahamas and Caribbean (P. l. lherminieri and P. l. loyemilleri). Without passing judgment on the merits of these classifications, we use this last approach for the sake of simplicity and relevance to ME. CDD
O rder
CICONIIFORMES Storks (Ciconiidae) Large, heavy-bodied birds with great wingspans and specialized bills, storks are typically European and Asian. Of three stork species in the New World, only the Wood Stork has wandered as far north as Maine from its breeding colonies in the Southeast.
Wood Stork
Mycteria americana An enormous bird, typically found in Southeastern wetlands and marshes
Status in Maine: Accidental. The Wood Stork is a vagrant to Maine with two historical specimen records and three recent records. An immature Wood Stork was described on Crotch Island, Cushing, Knox County, in early August 1984: “[M]uch bigger than any ibis, heron, or egret we have ever seen; the bill thick, yellow and decurved, the head dark and body large and white” (M.B. Cook, MB 6: 66). Additional comments noted that observers had “an unobstructed view of the bird perched atop an evergreen.” An immature Wood Stork was described and photographed in Cape Elizabeth, 4 November 1996 (M. Bottomley, ph.; G. Carson, K. Gammons; MBN 10: 4, FN 51: 24). Identification could not be confirmed from the photograph. Details by K. Gammons: “[A] large white bird, crouched in the dead grass beside the pond; until it moved, it looked like a big bundle of white plastic or paper, then I saw a beak: pale yellow, and as big as my forearm. Then it fluffed its feathers and stretched its wings. I could see the long white wings with black trailing edge, and a blackish head; then it settled down again.” An
Birds of Maine
Key portions of O’Brien’s field notes from 27 July 1998 are as follows: “Obviously smaller than Great Shearwaters (about half the size). Uniformly dark brown above including top of head, back, nape, upperwings, rump and tail. Underparts white. Very similar to Manx Shearwater but more slightly built with slimmer head and body. Wings shorter and possibly slimmer than on Manx and tail obviously longer, especially obvious when compared to wing width (caudal projection similar to wing width in Manx, obviously longer in Audubon’s). Wing beats quicker and sloppier than in Manx. Upperparts color slightly paler and browner than in Manx . . . Aged as an adult based on some minor irregularities in the wings, indicating a worn and possibly molting individual.” A small shearwater, either this species or Barolo Shearwater (P. baroli), was reported by observers on the MV Bluenose ferry across the Gulf of ME in July and August 1971, “but further identification was not possible” (BO 37: 294). A detailed description was provided by DWF (AB 25: 830) but was acknowledged as uncertain in a later review article (AB 32: 153). More recently, several individuals were fitted with light-level geolocators at their breeding colony at Long Cay, Exumas, Bahamas in June 2008. Data were recovered from four of these during the following breeding season. Surprisingly, an individual apparently entered the Gulf of Maine and traveled to the northeast Bay of Fundy (P. Jodice, pers. com.) where the species was previously unrecorded. Moreover, an Audubon’s Shearwater was photographed near Grand Manan, New Brunswick, 11 August 2016, thus becoming the first well-documented occurrence in the Bay of Fundy and the first record for New Brunswick. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Tropical and subtropical waters of w. Atlantic Ocean. Breeds in Bahamas, West Indies, islets east of Nicaragua, and islands off nw. Panama. Formerly bred in Bermuda. In nonbreeding season, species virtually always associated with warm continental shelf waters. Disperses as common visitor northward along Gulf Stream, typically to Georges Bank, MA, and Sable I., NS. Remarks: Although many authorities consider the species to include subspecies found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as the North Atlantic, others 298
are more restrictive. The extreme (e.g., BirdLife International, eBird, Clements) is to restrict this taxon to the two subspecies of the Bahamas and Caribbean (P. l. lherminieri and P. l. loyemilleri). Without passing judgment on the merits of these classifications, we use this last approach for the sake of simplicity and relevance to ME. CDD
O rder
CICONIIFORMES Storks (Ciconiidae) Large, heavy-bodied birds with great wingspans and specialized bills, storks are typically European and Asian. Of three stork species in the New World, only the Wood Stork has wandered as far north as Maine from its breeding colonies in the Southeast.
Wood Stork
Mycteria americana An enormous bird, typically found in Southeastern wetlands and marshes
Status in Maine: Accidental. The Wood Stork is a vagrant to Maine with two historical specimen records and three recent records. An immature Wood Stork was described on Crotch Island, Cushing, Knox County, in early August 1984: “[M]uch bigger than any ibis, heron, or egret we have ever seen; the bill thick, yellow and decurved, the head dark and body large and white” (M.B. Cook, MB 6: 66). Additional comments noted that observers had “an unobstructed view of the bird perched atop an evergreen.” An immature Wood Stork was described and photographed in Cape Elizabeth, 4 November 1996 (M. Bottomley, ph.; G. Carson, K. Gammons; MBN 10: 4, FN 51: 24). Identification could not be confirmed from the photograph. Details by K. Gammons: “[A] large white bird, crouched in the dead grass beside the pond; until it moved, it looked like a big bundle of white plastic or paper, then I saw a beak: pale yellow, and as big as my forearm. Then it fluffed its feathers and stretched its wings. I could see the long white wings with black trailing edge, and a blackish head; then it settled down again.” An
Order Suliformes • Family Fregatidae
immature bird was photographed in Edgecomb, Lincoln County, 2 September 2004 (ph., MASB 34: 1). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed two specimen records. The first was shot in Berwick, York Co., 16 Jul 1896 and is now in the Bates College collection. The second stork was collected in Cundy’s Harbor, Harpswell, 10 Aug 1922, and is currently in the Bowdoin College collection. There are apparently no records 1922–1984. Global Distribution: Primarily Neotropical and s. Nearctic. Widespread in S. Am., Cen. Am., and Mexico. In N. Am., breeds locally in FL, GA, and SC and winters within breeding range. Reported from NB, NS, MA, RI, CT, and VT, and hypothetical in NH. Global Conservation Status: ESA: Threatened. PDV
O rder SULIFORMES Frigatebirds (Fregatidae) The largest and the smallest of the world’s five species of frigatebirds have found their way to Maine. Primarily tropical, two species are restricted to their own islands, and the fifth is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Unequalled soaring birds that breed every other year, sexual maturity is not attained until females are about nine and males about 11 years old.
Lesser Frigatebird
Fregata ariel
An Old World tropical species chose Vacationland for its first North American visit
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single record. A male off Deer Isle on 3 July 1960 was captured on film serendipitously while the observer, B. Leadbetter, was filming a Bald Eagle; the bird was carefully identified by examination of enlarged single frames from the film footage by Alexander Wetmore (Snyder 1961). The following is quoted from the original Auk article: “On 3 July 1960 Bertram Leadbetter of Beverly, Massachusetts, was photographing a Bald Eagle (Haliaetus [sic] leucocephalus) on the rocks of Deer Isle, Hancock County, Maine, when a large bird soared overhead. Swinging his movie
camera up, he was lucky enough to get some six feet of 16 mm film of the bird. His companions, Henry S. Lewis and John E. Walsh, watched the bird for several minutes as it glided nearby, and recognized it as a Frigate-bird. “Mr. Leadbetter kindly showed me the film in August. Noting a marked white patch on the side under the wing, I turned to the cut of Fregata ariel in Murphy’s Oceanic Birds of South America. We ran through the film again and noted that, as one of the observers said, the white patch looked like ‘a playing card placed on the body slightly on a slant.’ After looking at skins at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard, it was obvious that only the adult male of F. ariel matched the pictures. The film was sent to Dr. Alexander Wetmore. “Dr. Wetmore writes that he examined it under a magnifier that allowed study of single frames, and through the courtesy of the laboratory of the National Geographic Society, obtained blow ups of four of the clearest frames. ‘These show the light spot clearly and indicate without question that the species photographed was Fregata ariel (G.R. Gray). This species ranges in the Pacific from the Philippines and coast of China to Australia; in the western Indian Ocean; and to South Trinidad I. in the Atlantic [700 miles east of Victoria, Brazil]… The supposition would be that the bird seen in Maine was from the South Trinidad colony, although there is no absolute certainty regarding this. At any rate, it is a species that has not been found earlier in our North American region.’ " “All authorities agree as to the essentially sedentary nature of frigate-birds, which are rarely seen out of site [sic] of land. It is amazing that Fregata ariel, seldom observed in the Atlantic, and little known away from its island homes of South Trinidad and Martin Vas, not only visited our coast, but was photographed. Negatives and prints are on file at the Peabody Museum (PMS-k 17).” Global Distribution: Native to the tropics. Breeds in equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean waters and in a small coastal area of Brazil. Frigatebirds are typically nonmigratory. There are only four records of this species in North America. PDV
299
Order Suliformes • Family Fregatidae
immature bird was photographed in Edgecomb, Lincoln County, 2 September 2004 (ph., MASB 34: 1). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed two specimen records. The first was shot in Berwick, York Co., 16 Jul 1896 and is now in the Bates College collection. The second stork was collected in Cundy’s Harbor, Harpswell, 10 Aug 1922, and is currently in the Bowdoin College collection. There are apparently no records 1922–1984. Global Distribution: Primarily Neotropical and s. Nearctic. Widespread in S. Am., Cen. Am., and Mexico. In N. Am., breeds locally in FL, GA, and SC and winters within breeding range. Reported from NB, NS, MA, RI, CT, and VT, and hypothetical in NH. Global Conservation Status: ESA: Threatened. PDV
O rder SULIFORMES Frigatebirds (Fregatidae) The largest and the smallest of the world’s five species of frigatebirds have found their way to Maine. Primarily tropical, two species are restricted to their own islands, and the fifth is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Unequalled soaring birds that breed every other year, sexual maturity is not attained until females are about nine and males about 11 years old.
Lesser Frigatebird
Fregata ariel
An Old World tropical species chose Vacationland for its first North American visit
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single record. A male off Deer Isle on 3 July 1960 was captured on film serendipitously while the observer, B. Leadbetter, was filming a Bald Eagle; the bird was carefully identified by examination of enlarged single frames from the film footage by Alexander Wetmore (Snyder 1961). The following is quoted from the original Auk article: “On 3 July 1960 Bertram Leadbetter of Beverly, Massachusetts, was photographing a Bald Eagle (Haliaetus [sic] leucocephalus) on the rocks of Deer Isle, Hancock County, Maine, when a large bird soared overhead. Swinging his movie
camera up, he was lucky enough to get some six feet of 16 mm film of the bird. His companions, Henry S. Lewis and John E. Walsh, watched the bird for several minutes as it glided nearby, and recognized it as a Frigate-bird. “Mr. Leadbetter kindly showed me the film in August. Noting a marked white patch on the side under the wing, I turned to the cut of Fregata ariel in Murphy’s Oceanic Birds of South America. We ran through the film again and noted that, as one of the observers said, the white patch looked like ‘a playing card placed on the body slightly on a slant.’ After looking at skins at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard, it was obvious that only the adult male of F. ariel matched the pictures. The film was sent to Dr. Alexander Wetmore. “Dr. Wetmore writes that he examined it under a magnifier that allowed study of single frames, and through the courtesy of the laboratory of the National Geographic Society, obtained blow ups of four of the clearest frames. ‘These show the light spot clearly and indicate without question that the species photographed was Fregata ariel (G.R. Gray). This species ranges in the Pacific from the Philippines and coast of China to Australia; in the western Indian Ocean; and to South Trinidad I. in the Atlantic [700 miles east of Victoria, Brazil]… The supposition would be that the bird seen in Maine was from the South Trinidad colony, although there is no absolute certainty regarding this. At any rate, it is a species that has not been found earlier in our North American region.’ " “All authorities agree as to the essentially sedentary nature of frigate-birds, which are rarely seen out of site [sic] of land. It is amazing that Fregata ariel, seldom observed in the Atlantic, and little known away from its island homes of South Trinidad and Martin Vas, not only visited our coast, but was photographed. Negatives and prints are on file at the Peabody Museum (PMS-k 17).” Global Distribution: Native to the tropics. Breeds in equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean waters and in a small coastal area of Brazil. Frigatebirds are typically nonmigratory. There are only four records of this species in North America. PDV
299
Birds of Maine
Magnificent Frigatebird
Fregata magnificens
A familiar shape in the tropics, this species is unexpected in Maine
Gannets and Boobies (Sulidae) Three genera and 10 species make up this family of colonial, plunge-diving seabirds. Built for high-speed dives, gannets and boobies have reinforced bills, nostrils that open into the mouth, and four webbed toes on each foot. Whereas
Status in Maine: Accidental. The most recent Brown Boobies, like most sulids, only rarely appear north of sighting, and the only one reviewed and accepted subtropical waters, Northern Gannets breed in the North thus far by Maine Bird Records Committee, was Atlantic. a bird in immature plumage seen from Stratton Island (Z. Smith, ph.; eBird) and Prout’s Neck (m.ob. ph.; eBird) on 12 June 2017. There are at least five Brown Booby additional reports in the past 30 years: an adult female Sula leucogaster Magnificent Frigatebird was “observed for 10 minutes” on Monhegan Island, 26 September 2003 (R. Schutsky, Clumsy on land, this tropical sulid is an agile flier and Guillemot 33[5]: 44). On 5 August 2005, an adult female diver frigatebird, presumably a magnificent, was reported Status in Maine: Accidental. There are three records. over the Bar Harbor waterfront (Z. Klyver). A male The first record was an adult photographed 12 miles frigatebird “presumed magnificent,” was reported (19 km) east of Portland, 12 August 2011 (ME-BRC from Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, on 6 #2011-007; J. Delcourt, ph. arch.). This bird was floating August 2005 (L. Seitz, ph.; eBird). On 20 May 2006, on a log and was photographed by a member of a an adult female was reported on Casco Bay and, on whale-watching excursion. Its appearance in Maine was the same day, an adult male was reported at Cape not associated with any major tropical weather systems. Elizabeth (NAB 60: 349). A second bird, seen 16 July 2013 from Eastern Egg Rock, was also accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer lists two The most recent bird was seen by many observers off specimen records, but neither was preserved. One Schoodic Island, Hancock County, on 2 June 2018 specimen was taken in Boothbay in ~1871, and D. during the Downeast Birding Festival. French of Jonesport shot a specimen in 1893 “as it was flying over Libby Island off Machiasport.” Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 2011. There are several records from the late 20th century, including a female off Monhegan I. on 21 May Global Distribution: Pantropical. In N. Am., breeds 1978 (PDV). Another bird was seen on Allen I., on keys throughout Caribbean; also breeds in the Muscongus Bay, 16 Aug 1984, where its “large size, Pacific, in Gulf of California, and Hawaii. Disperses forked tail, very long narrow wings, and black color after breeding season. Brown Boobies have been looked like ones we have seen on the Keys, the documented twice in MA and once in NS. Caribbean, and off Mexico” (H. and M. Damon, R. PDV and D. Pope). This is likely the same individual “seen by 26 people as it spent 10 minutes hovering in the wind” two days later at Otter Pt., Mount Desert I., on 18 Aug 1984 (L. Winter, fide W. Townsend; MBL 6[4]: Northern Gannet 66). Morus bassanus Global Distribution: Tropical and largely sedentary. In Atlantic from GA through Gulf Coast, south through Mexico and Cen. Am. to Uruguay and throughout Caribbean. In Pacific, CA to Ecuador and Galapagos Is. RDP
300
The plunge-diving expert of the North Atlantic
Status in Maine: Northern Gannets can be seen in Maine’s coastal waters at any time of year. Nonetheless, reports of 10 or more are curiously few between January and May, when birds move from southerly winter quarters to Canadian colonies in mid-April (adults) and May (subadults). By late July, reports of more than 100 gannets are more routine.
Order Suliformes • Family Phalacrocoracidae
Northern Gannet
Historical Status in Maine: Early bird notes refer to Northern Gannets as “mackerel or fishing gull.” Palmer described gannets as transients, sometimes numerous in spring and fall in offshore waters and during gales in inshore waters. He noted Audubon’s report of birds forced inland by gales, and that Hamlin mentioned a specimen taken in inland Kennebec Co. Palmer also said that earlier writers indicated gannets were common winter residents. Although he guessed there were more, he had only four sight records. Global Distribution: Breeds on both sides of the North Atlantic including Norway, British Isles, Ireland, n. France, Iceland, from NL to NB. In winter, gannets move south to subtropical shelf waters with a few individuals even reaching the Equator. The e. Gulf of Mexico is an important wintering area for Canadian-breeding adult Northern Gannets as is the northeast coast of N. Am. Subadults and some adults winter offshore from NC to FL. Three of 46 birds tagged with light-level geolocators in e. Canada made a rapid trans-Atlantic migration to the west coast of Africa where Northern Gannets from European colonies also overwinter. Gannets from the largest N. Am. colony (Bonaventure I. in the Gulf of St. Lawrence) were not found to make such trans-Atlantic migrations. Comparable east-to-west trans-Atlantic migrations have not been found for European or Icelandic-breeding gannets. (Fifield et al. 2014). Remarks: Beginning in 2010, Northern Gannets started staying near Machias Seal I., just 11 mi. (18 km) southeast of Cutler, ME (and the same distance southwest of Grand Manan, NB) during breeding season. In 2012, a pair laid a single egg that was lost, presumably to gull predation. For the next three years, three gannets, assumed to be the same young adults, arrived at Machias Seal I. in late Apr–early
May, and “displayed the site loyalty and relative disregard for human activity which one associates with nesting gannets” (R. Eldridge, pers. com.). The activity continued, but two nests were lost to overwash and one more inland nest was depredated by a gull or raven in 2016. In 2017, up to 21 gannets were recorded in mid-Jun. One pair was seen loafing, displaying, and copulating at each of three traditional loafing areas. Only one egg was recorded, and it was later found cracked, apparently having rolled accidentally out of the nest (Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research 2017). In 2018, three gannets showed “lackadaisical” nest-building (R. Eldridge, pers. com.). S ummer :
Highest Northern Gannet counts include 350 birds
on 2 Aug 1997 and again on 19 Aug 2012 (eBird). Three-digit
counts reported in every month Jul–Dec. W inter :
An extraordinary winter record included 200 birds
seen from Dyer Pt. on 3 Dec 2009, associated with a “crazy
windstorm,” “huge seas,” and temperatures of 60ºF (15.5ºC) (N.
Lund, eBird). In 2002, an impressive total of 774 reported on
ME CBCs; double-digit statewide totals on CBCs are more typical. The 10-year mean for Northern Gannets on coastal
CBCs for the Gulf of ME and Bay of Fundy is 2,500 birds, ~8%
of all gannets on Atlantic coastal CBCs. CDD
Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) Fish-eating divers with hooked bills; there are approximately 40 species of cormorants and shags worldwide. Two Maine species were extirpated from the state in the 1800s. Although both have successfully re-established coastal breeding colonies in Maine, these populations are once again in decline.
Double-crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus
Diving piscivore whose wing-drying stance is an iconic sight on Maine waters
Status in Maine: Double-crested Cormorants are common in Maine on rivers, ponds, and coasts from spring to fall, and individuals are occasionally seen along the coast in winter. Double-crested Cormorants are seen in highest numbers during spring and fall migration as well as around dams or river falls in spring. This species currently breeds on approximately 81 rocky islands along the coast. 301
Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: By the time of Palmer’s writing in 1949, the breeding population of Doublecrested Cormorants in ME had experienced a serious decline followed by dramatic recovery. Due to hunting pressure, the once-abundant breeding population dwindled to zero detectable nests by 1882 (Smith 1882). Black Horse Ledge near Isle au Haut may have been the species’ last stronghold for breeding during the 1890s. Mendall (1936, 12) stated that Double-crested Cormorants “probably began nesting again in Maine about 1925,” most on outer islands of Penobscot Bay. In 1931, the species was again nesting on five islands off of Washington and Knox Cos., with total numbers of breeding adults reaching 1,748. By 1944, Gross estimated there were “well over 10,000 pairs of nesting birds” along ME’s coast. In 1944, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began limiting cormorant populations by spraying eggs with an oil emulsion in order to address the complaints of fishermen that the now-abundant populations were eating too many fish. Between 1944–1948, a total of 92,576 eggs were sprayed. A 1993 island-nesting seabird assessment found that the estimated number of nesting pairs had increased from >15,000 in 1977 to >26,000 in 1993 (MDIFW 1993). But between 1995–1996 and 2008, the population declined by 45% to fewer than 10,000 birds (Allen et al. 2012). The cause of the recent declines is not known, but Bald Eagle predation on Great Cormorants is well documented. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL to AK, south to NY, n. MI, WI, NE, CO, OR. Winters on Atlantic Coast from NJ to Yucatán Peninsula, along southern river systems, and on Pacific Coast from AK to Mexico. Year-round in MA, RI, CT, NY, FL, Cuba, and Baja California. S pring :
Palmer (1949, 43) wrote that “[m]ost transients along
the coast are seen between April 10 and May 4.” Double-crested
Cormorants appear on ME rivers mid-Apr. Early inland reports:
3 in Medway, 13 Apr 2012 (C. Kesselheim, eBird); northerly
arrival at Arnold Brook L., Presque Isle, 5 birds on 28 Apr 2004;
1 on L. Josephine, 22 Apr 2016; 1 on Collins Pond, Caribou, 23
Apr 2007; 3 migrating up Aroostook R. in Ft. Fairfield, 28 Apr 2012 (all WJS, eBird); and 110 on Penobscot R. in Lincoln, 28
Apr 1979 (PDV, eBird).
Reports of large spring flocks: ~100 at Ft. Popham,
Phippsburg, 18 Apr 2007 (E. Hynes); ~410 from Sears I., 29 Apr
2017 ( J. Wyatt, eBird); 550 at Popham Beach, 30 Apr 2010; 350, mostly roosting on Fox I., Popham Beach, 27 Apr 2009 (both
Double-crested Cormorant
M. Fahay, eBird); 2,500 flying north off Biddeford, 28 Apr 1985
(P. Cross); ~1,000 at Seawall Beach, 2 May 1993 (PDV, eBird); and 400 or more in Winterport, Waldo Co., 4 May 2012 (C.
Kesselheim, eBird).
The migration of anadromous fish species in late May draws
considerable numbers of cormorants: 34 “congregating on the
Georges River during alewife run,” Warren, 26 May 1959 (Lord);
231 gathered at Androscoggin Fish Ladder in Brunswick, 25 May
2014 (R. Lambert, eBird); and 118 on Androscoggin R., Topsham, 20 May 2015 (K. Brown, eBird). S ummer :
Most recent coastwide population estimate is
9,778 nests on 81 islands in 2008 (Allen et al. 2012). According to Palmer (1949, 44), egg-laying occurs “right after the
nest is finished by the second week in May.” W. Townsend
kept multi-year records of breeding timing on Thrumcap
I., Bar Harbor, and around Frenchman Bay. The following
observations offer a view of breeding sequence: 100 or more pairs on nests on Thrumcap I., 11 May 2004; first chicks
seen in nests on Thrumcap I., 16 Jun 2002; “50% of nests
containing downy chicks (some birds still nest building)” in
Frenchman Bay as of 2 Jul 2001; “half-grown chicks being fed
on Thrumcap I. and Bald Rock” as of 6 Jul 2002; “nearly ready to fledge from the Thrumcap I. site,” week of 30 Jul 2003; “all
Double-crested Cormorant nests around Frenchman Bay were empty” by 29 Aug 2001; and “all immature Double-crested
Cormorants have left the nesting area on Thrumcap I.” by
2 Sep 2003. F all :
The bulk of migration occurs Sep–Oct, trailing into Nov,
sightings becoming rare in Dec. Movements and changes in
abundance of cormorants during second half of Aug likely due
to both postbreeding dispersal and arrival of birds from Canada
302
Order Suliformes • Family Phalacrocoracidae
(Palmer 1949). The following observations could be attributed to these phenomena: 8 “circling over a field and rising on a
Great Cormorant
thermal air column” in Martinsville, Knox Co., 24 Aug 1991 (M.
Phalacrocorax carbo
week of 31 Aug 2004 (WJS).
A cormorant with a global range, but a rocky history and uncertain future in Maine
Plymire); and 52 on power lines over Aroostook R., Ft. Fairfield, Notable records of migrating Double-crested Cormorants:
minimum 300 off Appledore I., 1 Sep 1991 (D. Holmes); vees
of maximum 50 off Mount Desert I., week of 8 Sep 2003 (W.
Townsend); 250 off Monhegan I., 25 Sep 1982 (DWF); ~1,000 off Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, 26 Sep 1984 (S. Weston);
2,000 from MV Laura B. between Monhegan I. and Port
Clyde, 29 Sep 1982 (DWF); >500 “flying south” between Bar
Harbor and Mount Desert Rock the week of 6 Oct 2006 (L.
Brinker et al.).
Largest numbers of migrating cormorants seen in mid-
to late Oct: >6,000 at Seawall Beach, 13 Oct 2006 (PDV,
eBird); ~5,000 in 22 vees over Frenchman Bay, 19 Oct 2003
(W. Townsend); 2,290 in 7 vees at Seapoint Beach, Kittery, 22 Oct 1990 (L. Phinney); 1,508 over 3 hours from Dyer Pt., 23
Oct 2006; ~3,000 off Biddeford Pool, 24 Oct 2012 (D. Rankin, eBird); ~2,000 off ANP, Schoodic Peninsula, 24 Oct 2015 (T.
Hannah and Z. Loman, eBird); and >5,000 off Cape Elizabeth,
25 Oct 2010 ( J. Mays, eBird). W inter :
While Palmer stated in 1949 that there was “No
certain winter record,” Double-crested Cormorants are now occasional along the coast during winter.
Coastal winter records: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 6 Dec 1992 (W.
Sumner, B. Sumner); immature at Prout’s Pond, Scarborough,
3 Dec 1994 (S. Pollock); 1 at Two Lights S.P., 11 Dec 2003 (D.
Mairs, fide K. Gammons); an unreported number on Schoodic
Peninsula, Gouldsboro–Winter Harbor, 12 Dec 2006 (C. Moseley); and 1, Reid S.P., 13 Dec 2004 ( J. Adams).
Winter records on fresh water: 1 reported at Sabattus
Pond on 1 Dec 2009 (L. Davis, eBird); 2 on Androscoggin
R., Topsham, 7 Dec 1996 (S. Pollock); 1 at Cobbosseecontee L.
outlet, 15 Dec 2008 (A. Gilbert and G. Hodgkins); immature on
Androscoggin R., Topsham, 6 Jan 2007 (fide D. Lovitch); and
1 ph. on Cobbossee Stream, Kennebec Co., 22 Jan 2016 ( JVW, eBird).
Coastal records suggesting overwintering include: 2 from
Rockland–Vinalhaven Ferry, Knox Co., 8 Jan 2010 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 from Tukey’s Bridge, Portland, 20 Jan 2007 (L. Seitz
et al.); 1 at Dyer Pt., 24 Jan 2007 (M. Mahnke) and 15 Feb 2016
(D. Suitor, eBird); 1 Ocean Pt. Path, Boothbay, 13 Feb 2016 (M.
Status in Maine: Great Cormorants breed in modest numbers on a handful of islands off the Maine coast, the southernmost extent of the species’ North American breeding range. In recent decades, breeding numbers have declined precipitously, in large part due to depredation of chicks by Bald Eagles. A larger nonbreeding population can be found along the coast in winter, particularly at sites such as Biddeford Pool, Dyer Point, and Schoodic Point. Maine Conservation Status: Threatened (breeding population). Great Cormorant is designated as a Priority 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in ME’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan, with predation by Bald Eagles as the primary cause. Historical Status in Maine: According to Brewer (1875, in Palmer 1949), Great Cormorants once nested as far south as Nahant, MA, but breeding populations were extirpated from ME and the rest of New England by the mid-1800s. As of Palmer’s writing, e. NS was the closest known breeding location. Even when Great Cormorants ceased breeding in ME, they remained common through winter. The return of breeding Great Cormorants to ME was anticipated by Alfred Gross (1944b, 517), who recommended, “that we be on the watch for its nesting on the islands on the Maine coast.” By 1983, Great Cormorants re-established nesting colonies on ME islands east of Isle au Haut, where 46 nests were found at three sites. By 1991, a population peak, 229 pairs nested on four islands around Isle au Haut (MDIFW 1993). However, as of 2018, only 38 nesting pairs remain at two sites. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Atlantic coasts of N. Am., Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In N. Am., breeds along Atlantic Coast from NL to ME, winters NL to FL.
Fahay, eBird); 1 at Webhannet Beach, Wells, 19 Feb 2017 (D.
S pring :
Seal I., 11–24 Feb 2006 (R. Eldridge); and 1 at Ocean Harbor,
withdrawal overlapping the arrival of the Double-crested
Scott and J. Scott, eBird); 1–2 individuals reported from Machias
Boothbay, 28 Feb 2010 (M. Fahay, eBird). RVJ
Palmer (1949, 41) stated: “Migration occurs
throughout March and to about April 24, the northward
Cormorant.” An immature was described as “migrating north with eight Double-crested Cormorants” at Ft. Foster, 22 May
1994 (S. Pollock).
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Birds of Maine
Androscoggin R. records, 1 bird each unless noted: 3
in Topsham/Brunswick, 10 Mar 2007 (C. Dauphin et al.);
Freshwater records: 1 ph. at Douglas Pond, Somerset
Co., 13 Sep 2014 (T. Aversa, eBird); immature on Sandy R.,
Androscoggin Rapids, Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 27 Mar 2013
Farmington, 16 Sep 1987 (A. Wells and JVW ); 1 in Augusta, 18
1992 (W. Howes and S. Gregor); and immature in Topsham, 6
(M. Trombley); 1 ph. at Sebasticook L., 19 Oct 2016 (B. Cole,
at Abbagadassett R. mouth, 8 Mar 1981 (PDV); 1 in S. Gardiner,
immature on Cobbosseecontee L., 18 Oct 1987 ( JVW et
(D. Nickerson, eBird); Livermore, Androscoggin Co., 2 May
May 2013 (G. Smith, eBird). Kennebec R. records: 2 immatures
Kennebec Co., 23 Mar 1984 (PDV); 1 in breeding plumage flying upriver in Hallowell, Kennebec Co., 29 Mar 2006 ( JVW); 1
Sep 1984 (M. Lucey); immature at Ft. Fairfield, 23 Sep 1984
eBird); 7 on Kennebec R., Augusta, 15 Oct 1989 (G. Therrien);
al.); 1 on L. Auburn, 18 Oct 1984 (N. Holler); immature on
Madawaska L. on 24 Oct 2004 (WJS); 1 at Togus Pd., Augusta,
ph. at Ft. Halifax, Winslow, Kennebec Co., 30 Mar 2012 (L.
23 Oct–27 Nov 1994 (G. Therrien); 1 in Waterville, week of 23
Viens); and immature at Shawmut, Fairfield, 14 May 1997 (W.
(D. Mairs); 1 on Sebasticook L., 11 Nov 2003 ( J. Markowsky);
Markowsky), and ph. in Veazie, Penobscot Co., 2 Apr 2011 ( J.
Co., 15 Nov 1984 (S. Weston).
Bevier), and another ph. at same locality on 1 Apr 2014 (M.
Sumner). Penobscot R. records, 1 each: Bangor, 24 Mar 2003 ( J.
Mays, eBird).
Oct 2001 (obs. unk.); 1 in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 9 Nov 2000 and immature on Annabessacook L., Monmouth, Kennebec
High count of 90 recorded at Seal I. NWR, 18 May 2006
(Project Puffin, eBird). S ummer :
Great Cormorants breed May–Aug. Since 1991,
number of breeding sites and numbers of pairs has steadily
declined. In 2004, 150 nests recorded at 6 sites; in 2011, 71
nests found at only 4 colonies, mostly in outer Jericho Bay
area (Allen et al. 2012); in 2014, only 50 nests at 4 sites. By
2018, just 38 nests at 2 sites: 32 at Seal I., which produced 64
fledglings, and 6 at Brimstone Ledge ( J. Drury, pers. com.).
Drury witnessed multiple depredation events of nestlings at Great Cormorant colonies by up to 8 immature Bald
Eagles attacking together (Drury 2015). The rise in the eagle
population seems a primary reason for the precipitous decline in cormorants.
Dispersing immature birds are occasionally seen elsewhere
on coast in summer: 2 “fresh immatures” at Pine Pt., 22 Aug
1996 (L. Brinker, MBN 10[1]: 4). Summer records on fresh water: immature on Penobscot R., Bangor, 3 Jul 1994 (fide A. Bacon); immature in Waterville, 4 Aug 1999 (W. Sumner). F all :
Palmer reported main southbound migration 12 Sep–20
Oct, overlapping with fall migration period of Double-crested Cormorants. Records of active fall migration include the
following: 2 “migrating with Double-crested Cormorants”
from MV Bluenose, Gulf of ME on 3 Sep 1994 (L. Brinker);
2 “migrating NE to SW with 23 Double-crested Cormorants” at Seapoint Beach, Kittery, on 10 Sep 1989 (L. Phinney); 1
immature “migrating with Double-crested Cormorants” at
Fortunes Rocks Beach, Biddeford, 14 Sep 1997 (L. Brinker et
al.); 85 “migrating” at Cliff House, York, 10 Oct 2001 (D. Tucker); and 2 “migrating with double-cresteds” at Seapoint Beach, on 23
Oct 1990 (L. Phinney).
304
Great Cormorant W inter :
Locally common along coast in winter. Winter
high counts: 180 in Eastport, 7 Dec 2001 (N. Famous, fide K.
Gammons); 175 in Biddeford Pool, 8 Dec 1991 (S. Pollock); and
125 at Ft. Foster, 18 Dec 2000 (D. Tucker).
Winter records on fresh water: 1 in Orono, 16 Dec 1978 (PDV,
eBird); 3 on Cobbosseecontee L., 17 Dec 1984 (S. Weston); 1
adult seen on Augusta CBC, Gardiner, 18 Dec 2004 ( JVW); 4
immature birds in Gardiner, 31 Dec 1983 (PDV), and again on 7
Jan 1984 ( JVW); 1 below Great Works Dam on Penobscot R., 7
Feb 2011 ( J. Smith, eBird); 1 on Sabattus Pond, 15 Feb 2014 (C. Jack, eBird); and 2 in Augusta, winter 1984. RVJ
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Pelecanidae
O rder
considered at some conservation risk by IUCN, Maine’s rare
Remarks: An escaped bird reported as this species in Jay, Franklin Co., in 1991, was in fact, not an American White Pelican. The bird had a hand-lettered plastic leg band and no metal band, indicating an escape, and it was reported late Oct–6 Nov 1991 (G. Bizier, m.ob., also in AB 46: 61). Bare skin around the bill indicated that this bird was likely a Great White Pelican (P. onocrotalus; PDV ). Guillemot reported the date as 19 Nov 1991 (20[6]: 55). Townsend mentioned one seen in Chatham, NB, on 3 Sep 1991 (Guillemot 20[5]: 49).
visitors, the inland American White Pelican and the coastal
PDV
PELECANIFORMES Pelicans (Pelecanidae) With their impressive wingspans and pterodactyl-like appearance, the eight species in this monotypic family are unmistakable. Although three species globally are
Brown Pelican, are not.
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
A startling visitor to Maine, most often in spring and fall
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine with more than a dozen records, usually as a spring or fall vagrant. Most reports appear to be of late-spring migrants; eight of the records with known dates fall between 7 May and 9 June. The remaining records appear to be early-fall vagrants, occurring from August to November. There are two records from early winter, fide eBird: 10 December 2018 in Wells (S. and D. Stoddard) and 3 January 2011 on Chebeague Island (B. Johnson). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered this species a rare summer visitor and listed six records, the most recent a single bird in Blue Hill, Aug 1945. There were no reports from 1945 until 1978, when an adult was photographed near Stratton I. in Jun. There have been >12 reports since 1978; most are coastal with the notable exception of a bird seen at Long L., 10 Jul 2013, and at Christina Reservoir, 1 Sep 2013. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds inland in cen. Canada and the U.S. from MB, SK, AB, and s. BC into ND, SD, and parts of CO, WY, MT, OR, and CA. Outside breeding season, species occurs along Gulf Coast from FL through Mexico to Cen. Am. and in s. CA through Baja California and w. coastal Mexico. This species has a regular pattern of vagrancy throughout the Northeast; recorded in all New England states and Maritime Provinces.
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Another species diving head-first into Maine’s waters
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are eight records for this species in Maine, but some recent records are likely of the same individual. The most recent observations include one Brown Pelican seen from Pine Point, 20 June 2017 (D. Hitchcox), and then for several days thereafter from Ferry Beach, Saco, and Prout’s Neck (m.ob., eBird), and on Stratton Island, 21 and 23 June (L. Bevier and Z. Smith, eBird). Presumably, the same bird was seen on Moody Beach, York County, 21 July 2017 (S. Denault, eBird). In summer 2018, there were two observations from Knox County islands of outer Penobscot Bay: 4 June, Metinic Island (N. Ferrauola), and 29 July, Seal Island (K. Yakola), both accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed four records: a bird north of Bath, spring 1826; an individual at Hog I., Knox Co., summer 1914; another off Bailey I., Harpswell, Nov 1914; and another off Georgetown I., Sagadahoc Co., Sep 1922. Global Distribution: Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds along East Coast of N. Am. from MD to Gulf Coast, through Caribbean, Mexico, and Cen. Am. to Venezuela as well as on West Coast from s. CA to Baja California, Pacific coast of S. Am., and Galapagos. Outside breeding season, species occurs from NJ south throughout Caribbean to French Guyana and along West Coast from WA south to Peru. Recorded in NH, MA, CT, RI, NB, NS, and NFLD. PDV
305
Birds of Maine
Bitterns and Herons (Ardeidae) Of this family’s 64 species, 13, including two Old World forms, have been found in fresh- and saltwater habitats in Maine. Unlike other wading birds, members of this family are able to retract their long necks into an S-curve, and most fly this way. Bitterns often stretch their necks upward to blend with their reedy surroundings.
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
A solitary camouflage expert with a booming voice
Status in Maine: American Bitterns are uncommon to fairly common breeders in Maine wetlands, both inland and along the coast, particularly at marsh edges among dense vegetation. Bitterns usually arrive late March to mid-April and depart in early to mid-November. Usually seen alone, they are rarely seen in numbers greater than two. Known to be present in many Maine wetlands during breeding season, American Bitterns are easily detectable by their distinctive vocalization, frequently responding to taped playback (Gibbs and Melvin 1997). Relative to likely breeding frequency in Maine, there are remarkably few confirmed nesting records. Finding bittern nests may be difficult as a result of their cryptic behavior and coloration; the ABBM gave the American Bittern a detectability rating of one out of five (Adamus 1987). Three winter records likely represent straggling migrants rather than a pattern of winter residency. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the American Bittern as a summer resident and annual migrant, “uncommon to fairly common throughout” and “usually solitary” (1949, 57). Though they likely visit islands close to the coast, the only known island record is from Mount Desert I. There were eight confirmed nesting records prior to 1949 (Palmer 1949), including clutches of six, five, and three eggs which were “quite fresh” on 3 Jun 1871 (Brewster 1924, 191–192). This species typically arrived in late Apr and departed cen. ME by mid-Oct. Norton reported that the average arrival date in Portland was 17 Apr (1904), with an Apr 22–26 arrival in Ft. Fairfield (Chamberlain 1949). The latest observation dates were 28 Oct 1904 in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., and a specimen in Norton’s collection was shot in Dec 1887 in Cumberland Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL and NB west to e. BC and s. NT, south to nw. NC and west 306
to n. NM and n. CA. Winters on coast from NJ and w. WA south to Gulf Coast states, CA across s. AZ and s. NM, south to Mexico, Caribbean, and Cen. Am. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. Remarks: Bitterns experienced a marked ~43% reduction nationally, 1966–2015, much of the decline in the Northeast (Sauer et al. 2017). American Bitterns prefer large wetlands with long shorelines relative to the open water area, and in ME specifically, are known to favor wetlands with greater plant diversity (Gibbs, Longcore, et al. 1991). S pring :
Recent arrival dates vary widely, beginning early
Apr, peaking late Apr; similar pattern described by Norton
and Chamberlain. Heard more often than seen, it is rare to
observe more than 1 or at most 2 American Bitterns; exceptions include: 4 in Orono, 4 May 1996 ( J. Markowsky, MBN 9[1]:
16); 3 in Hermon, Penobscot Co., 5 Apr 1983 (M. Lucey); 3 in
Leeds, Androscoggin Co., 25 Apr 1982 (S. Weston, MB 4: 23);
and 3 at Fields Pond Nature Center, Orrington, Penobscot Co.
( J. Markowsky, fide K. Gammons; MBN 11[1]: 2). Early records, all single birds: adult captured in Farmington, 4 Mar 1979 (fide
P. Cross); Phillips, Franklin Co., 14 Mar 1979 (W. Arnold); W.
Bath, 20 Mar 2011 (M. Fahay, eBird); Scarborough Marsh, 23
Mar 2003 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons) and 27 Mar 1989 (R.
Eakin, K. Disney; MBN 3[1]: 2); Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 27 Mar
1990 (M. Libby, fide J. Walker). Early arrivals to Aroostook Co., single birds: Washburn on 17 Apr 2005 and, amid unseasonably
warm weather, on 6 Apr 2004 (both fide WJS); Garfield Plt.,
7 Apr 1981 (G. Stadler). Contrast with years when first bittern did not arrive in n. ME until early May, as in 1981–1983 in
Wallagrass, Aroostook Co., 8–9 May (G. and S. Flagg). S ummer :
Summer resident in ME marshes, meadows, and
“thickets of alders and other bushes characteristic of damp
places” (Palmer 1949). Nests in dense vegetation, particularly
cattails and tall grasses, bending grasses to make small hidden
platforms ( Johnson, cited in Palmer 1949). Presence of multiple nests with egg clutches in a small area with only 1 male sighted
is evidence of at least occasional polygamous breeding (Brewster
1924). Breeding begins late Apr, incubation lasts 24 days (Palmer 1949). The ABBM confirmed breeding in 20 blocks, probable breeding in 50 more (Adamus 1987). Nine breeding records
since 1995: 5 nesting in Pembroke, Washington Co., 17 May 1999
(D. Feener); female with 4 eggs, and later 3 young, hatching at
staggered 4–5 day intervals, Scarborough Marsh, 4–27 Jun 1995
(L. Brinker et al.; MBN 9[2]:32); 4 young, 2 decidedly smaller,
in nest, Scarborough Marsh, 30 Jun 1995 (PDV, L. Brinker, R.
Eakin); adult with juvenile, Whitefield, Lincoln Co., 10 Jul 2005 (obs. unk.). In Aroostook Co.: unreported number in Houlton
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
hayfield, 11 Jul 2006 (L. Little, fide K. Gammons); unspecified
number of adults with 4 young in St. John, 15 Jul 1997 (G. Flagg,
fide K. Gammons); 3 records from Ft. Kent in 1997, which may be the same nesting pair sighted multiple times: 2 adults with
4 young on 22 Jul 1997, an unspecified number of adults with 3
young on 29 Jul 1997, and 2 adults with 3 young, 5 Aug 1997 (G.
Flagg, fide K. Gammons).
American Bitterns are often heard rather than seen
because of their secretive nature and booming calls: 4 calling
at Penjajawoc Marsh, 11 May 1998 ( J. Markowsky); 5 heard at
Portage L., 18 May 2004 (WJS); and 8 vocalizing in Madawaska– St. Agatha, Aroostook Co., during a breeding bird survey, 13 Jun
2004 (WJS). One notable sight exception: 6 seen in Moosehorn NWR, Baring Plt., 22 Jun 2003 (M. Bates). Population may be larger than indicated by sight reports alone as larger numbers
are commonly heard.
Least Bittern
Sumner); 2, Scarborough Marsh, 12 Nov 2014 (C. Beck, fide
sedge bogs. Least Bitterns have been reported from a few preferred marshes for decades, and undoubtedly occur at additional sites. Spring migrants arrive in April and early May. Fall migration begins in late August–September; the latest record is from Biddeford Pool in early November 1976. This species was recently reported from Aroostook County.
Nov 2011 (C. Kesselheim); Scarborough, 11–12 Nov 1959 (fide
Maine Conservation Status: Endangered.
F all :
Migration late Sep to mid-Oct peak, significant
drop after 23 Oct. May leave n. ME earlier; 2 Sep records in
Aroostook Co.: 3 in Presque Isle, 9 Sep 1984 (M. Trombley);
and 1 in Ft. Fairfield, 12 Sep 1999 (WJS). Palmer cited only 2
confirmed reports after 28 Oct. Since Palmer’s records, regular
sightings well into Nov.: 2, Phippsburg, 8 Nov 1998 (B. and W.
eBird). Single birds: Abagadasset R. mouth, Sagadahoc Co., 11
C. Packard, MFO 4[8–9]: 100); Petit Manan Pt., 12 Nov 1989 ( J.
Hinds et al.; MBN 3[3]: 24); Kittery, 12 Nov 2006 (L. Seitz et
al.); Scarborough, 14 Nov 2014 (F. Mitchell, eBird); Scarborough,
15 and 17 Nov 1998 (G. Carson); Steuben, 18 Nov 1958 (MFO
2[12]: 123); Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 18 Nov 2011 (C. Moseley); Scarborough Marsh, 27 Nov 2011 ( J. Mays, eBird); and 2
sightings, possibly of same adult, in Webhannet Marsh, Wells,
28 Nov 2005 (E. Hynes and E. Hess, fide D. Lovitch). W inter :
American Bittern flushed and flew several feet
before landing again, Bates-Morse Mtn. Conservation Area
marsh, Phippsburg, 2 Jan 2006 (S. Cronenweth). Palmer also listed 2 Dec records.
IM
Least Bittern
Ixobrychus exilis
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 128) said the Least Bittern was “found regularly in Maine only in the Alleghanian fauna, occasionally straggling within the Canadian limits. It is not common anywhere in the State.” Palmer shared Knight’s opinion and considered it rare in s. ME and Washington Co. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds from NS–NB border, ME west to MN, south to FL, TX, locally in western states, also Baja California to Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, and Dominica. Winters from MD to FL, Gulf Coast, s. CA and AZ, Mexico, Cen. Am., Cuba, and Dominica. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. S pring :
Spring migration poorly documented, begins late
A little-known and secretive species, endangered in Maine
Apr, most birds arriving early to mid-May. Apr records: 1
Status in Maine: Least Bitterns are known to occur in southern and central Maine, but distribution and abundance are not well described. The species prefers dense cattail stands in wetlands and marshes, along lake fringes, upper edges of salt marshes, and rarely, in
1 at Sabattus Pond, 28 Apr 2006 (E. Eklund); 1 in Buxton, York
in Monmouth, Kennebec Co., very early on 9 Apr 1985 (S.
Weston); 1 in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 28 Apr 1982 (R. Libby); Co., 30 Apr 2009 ( J. Stevens). Up to 6 birds in E. Machias, 15
May 1987 (CDD), and 2 at Messalonskee L., 8 May 2007 (M.
Fahay), suggest species on territories by mid-May. Least Bittern collected at Popham Beach, Phippsburg, 14 Mar 1891 (C. Haley,
307
Birds of Maine
Palmer 1949) extremely early. One bird observed foraging at Ft.
Foster, 19 May 1994, catching small fish on 11 consecutive strikes (PDV). Recent records, fide eBird: 1 bird on Capisic Pond,
Portland, 9 and 15–16 May 2015 (m.ob.), and 1 on Monhegan I.,
26–27 May 2017 (m.ob.).
Messalonskee L. boat ramp, 30 Jul 2016 (C. Kesselheim, eBird);
1, Eldridge Rd., Wells, 18 Jun 2017 (A. Aldrich, eBird); 1, E.
Branch, Sebasticook R., Penobscot Co., 29 Jul 2017 (T. Aversa, eBird). Possibly more regular than previously thought in
Aroostook Co.; although Chamberlain did not include this
species, and observations since 2009 at Christina Reservoir,
and at L. Josephine (WJS, M. Fahay et al.) indicate bitterns established, unclear whether they nest at these sites.
Fall:
Essentially no fall reports from migrant traps on outer
islands. Appears species migrates late Aug–Sep; numerous
Sep reports from areas where species is not known to breed
(D. Mairs reported single Least Bittern in Merrymeeting
Bay at Abagadassett R. mouth, Bowdoinham, 6 Sep 1974, inadvertently shot at this locality a few days later). In
Aroostook Co., 1 observed at Christina Reservoir, 10 Sep 2009
!
(WJS), and in Penobscot Co., species noted at Penjajawoc
! ! !
! ! ! !!
!
Marsh, 11 Sep 2009 (P. Corcoran). Late reports: 1 in Penjajawoc
! !!
Marsh, 8 Sep 2010 (P. Corcoran, eBird); 1 in Skowhegan, 22
! !
Townsend); 1 at Cobbosseecontee L., 26 Sep 1984 (A. Childs); 1
! ! ! ! ! !! !
Sep 1958 (M. Williams); 1 in Bar Harbor, 23 Sep 1981 (fide W.
Least Bittern Breeding Season Records 2000-2018
in Cherryfield, 28 Sep 1992 (fide W. Townsend); 1 in S. Bristol,
1 Oct 1966 (M. Libby); 1 at Biddeford Pool, early Nov 1976 (A.
Thomas). Recent records: 1, Cliff I., Portland, 17 Aug 2015 (G.
Vigna, eBird) and 1, Pickerel Pond, Oxford Co., 29 Aug 2016 (D. Suitor, eBird).
S ummer :
Local in extensive cattail marshes throughout s. and
cen. ME; given secretive behavior, probably more numerous
than few reports suggest. Single confirmed nesting, all other
reports within assumed breeding range (ABBM, Adamus 1987).
In freshwater marsh bird study, Gibbs and Melvin (1990) found
Single report of rare dark morph, formerly called “Cory’s
Least Bittern,” from Scarborough, 27 Aug 1959, “hard to believe but 4 of us watched this tiny heron climbing stump of a dead
tree on the edge of the marsh” (G. Webb et al.). PDV
this species in dense stands of cattails, often associated with
managed impoundments maintaining stable water regimes.
Bitterns also found in cattails along margins of lake coves and,
Great Blue Heron
more rarely, in sedge bogs and upper fringes of salt marshes.
Ardea herodias
at some favored localities where nesting is confirmed.
A large predator that stalks its prey in shallow coastal and inland waters
Despite apparent scarcity, species observed for decades
Cumberland Co.: Scarborough Marsh and Great Pond,
Cape Elizabeth. Oxford Co.: Brownfield Bog. Androscoggin Co.: Sabattus Pond, Greene. Lincoln Co.: Sherman Marsh,
Newcastle (adults and young at Newcastle, Jul 1971; MN 3: 14).
Waldo Co.: Sandy Pt. Wildlife Management Unit, Stockton Springs (5 birds on 10 Jun 1990; J. Hinds et al.). Kennebec
Co.: Messalonskee L. Somerset Co.: Douglas Pond, Palmyra
(3 on 2 Jul 2018, D. D’Auria). Penobscot Co.: Penjajawoc
Marsh (4 on 30 Jul 2000, T. Hodgman). Washington Co.: E.
Machias (6 on 15 May 1987, CDD). Local on Mount Desert I. and nested at Beaver Dam Pond, Bar Harbor (2 adults and 2
nestlings observed 10 Jul 1968, R. Jones). Recent observations:
1 at Penjajawoc Marsh, 9 Jun 2010, and 1 on County Woods
Rd., Sebasticook L., 11 Jul 2014 (both J. Smith, eBird); 1,
308
Status in Maine: Great Blue Herons are common breeding birds across Maine that show a preference for large wetlands with long shorelines and emergent vegetation (Gibbs, Longcore et al. 1991). They nest in colonies, often in dead trees, both on coastal islands and inland wetlands. The coastal island breeding population has shown a marked decline in recent decades, at least partly due to disturbance by Bald Eagles. A small number of Great Blue Herons overwinter along the coast. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
Great Blue Heron
Historical Status in Maine: Populations of Great Blue Herons decreased significantly during the 1800s due to hunting pressure (Eaton, Brewster, and Kendall, in Palmer 1949), but recovery began in the early 1900s, and Palmer described birds as “occasional to numerous” in summer (Palmer 1949, 48).
[1949, 50]), which makes the overall number of nesting pairs in the state challenging to assess. However, it seems at least some of the coastal heronries that were broken up have regrouped in smaller mainland colonies nearby (D’Auria, pers. com.).
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS west to AK and south to Cuba, TX, and Baja California. Winters south to n. Colombia and Venezuela, as well as the Antilles.
birds continue to arrive until April 24 or later in coastal counties”
Remarks: MDIFW reports, “Steady decline in coastal breeding population since early ‘70s; confirmed by 2009 census. Coastal island breeding population declined 82% from 1983–2017” (D’Auria 2018). While human disturbance can cause colony abandonment, predators such as Bald Eagles and Raccoons (Procyon lotor) also take a toll (D’Auria 2015). The location and status of breeding colonies are dynamic (Palmer referred to them as “unstable and constantly shifting in location;”
S pring :
“There is a definite migration about April 1 to 11, and
(Palmer 1949, 48). This claim fits observations of >75 Great Blue
Herons in “scattered flocks of migrants moving up the coast” on
Casco Bay, Cumberland Co., 2 Apr 1978 (PDV, eBird); 14 counted
on Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch, 17 Apr 2004 (L. Quirion); group of 30 flying south to north at W. Quoddy Head S.P., 17 Apr 2012
( J. Bosler, eBird); and “large numbers and migrating flocks noted” across state, 6–20 Apr 1985 (fide S. Weston). However, birds may
arrive in Mar: Kennebunk, 8 Mar 1982 ( J. Ficker), and “migrating
over” Pine Pt., 24 Mar 2007 (L. Seitz). S ummer :
Rookeries range in size from a few nests to several
hundred (Palmer 1949; Gibbs, Longcore et al. 1991). Great Blue
Herons observed in rookeries early Apr onward: 2 “seen rising
309
Birds of Maine
from nesting area as a pair” in Brunswick,
6 Apr 2001 (S. Jowett), and “several nesting” in Stow, Oxford Co., week of 22 Apr 2002
(G. Thompson et al.). There are single-nest sites as well; in 2009, 15 out of 83 observed
colonies only had 1 nesting pair (D’Auria
2010).
According to Palmer, egg laying begins
late Apr, with incubation lasting ~28 days
and “[p]robably 50 days are required for
fledging” (1949, 49). Juveniles observed in nests mid-Jun, “many juveniles in
nests, some nests w/ 3–4 juveniles” in
E. Benton, Kennebec Co., 16 Jun 2014
(T. Aversa, eBird), and “4 nests, at least 3
active, at least 2 with young,” Wesserunsett
L., Madison, Somerset Co., 17 Jun 1990
(W. Reid). Fledging occurs mid- to late Jul: 45–50 Great Blue Herons described
as “off nests about 10 days ago” at Upper
Richardson L., Oxford Co., 28 Jul 1989 ( J. Chivers; MBN 3[2]: 16). F all :
Postbreeding dispersal late Aug–
early Sep, with first-year birds appearing
in areas without rookeries (Palmer 1949).
Peak migration occurs 5 Oct–12 Nov
(Palmer 1949). Recent records corroborate
this: >4 “migrating south” at Seawall Beach,
7 Oct 2000 (PDV) and 11 “migrating SW” Seapoint Beach, Kittery, 21 Oct 1989 (L.
Phinney). Postbreeding dispersal difficult
to distinguish from migration. Migration
Map 20: Great Blue Heron Migration
10 “migrating NE to SW” 8 Aug 1989 (L.
Five adult Great Blue Herons were tagged in Maine with solar-powered GPS transmitters and then tracked for up to a year. All traveled south along the Atlantic coast in the fall. Two stayed in Florida for the winter, while the other three wintered in the Bahamas, Haiti, and Cuba. Except for the individual that wintered in Cuba, all returned to Maine in the spring (MDIFW).
may begin as early as Aug: Seapoint Beach:
Phinney); 5 migrating sw., 10 Sep 1989
(L. Phinney); and 6 migrating sw., 19 Sep
1989 (L. Phinney). Sixty-seven Great Blue Herons in Biddeford Pool, 11 Sep 1991
(G. Carson, MBN 5[2]: 22), and 25 at L.
Josephine, 19 Sep 2013 (WJS, eBird), may
Haiti, Florida (2), and Cuba, respectively
(Palmer 1949) and Palmer mentioned mild
on 1 Sep the first year and 30 Aug the
see Map 20).
Herons spending winters on the coast.
and 11 Oct.(See Map 20).
waters through mid-Dec, later confined
York and Cumberland Cos., also several
be postbreeding dispersals. One bird fitted
with a GPS transmitter began migration
second year; others departed 24 Sep, 6 Oct,
W inter :
Probably medium-distance
migrants: birds fitted with GPS transmitters in 2016 in Gray, Cumberland Co.; Palmyra,
Somerset Co.; Orrington (2), Penobscot
Co.; and Orono wintered in the Bahamas,
310
(The Heron Observation Network of ME; Stragglers often remain on inland
to coast. “There are numerous occurrences
as late as December 5 to 19 on inland
winters being conducive to Great Blue
Majority of overwintering records from observations in Washington Co. Inland
records from Jan–Feb scarce, but include
waters of the southern half of the state”
1 flyover in New Vineyard, Franklin Co., 9
birds noted in Audubon’s 1835 writings
overwinterer. Looked miserable” Fields
(Palmer 1949, 48–49). Overwintering
Jan 1998 (G. Tillman, eBird); 1 “very late
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
Pond Marsh, Penobscot Co., 15 Jan 2005 (WJS, eBird); and 1, Presque Isle, 7 Feb 2006 (S. Pinette, fide WJS).
Overwintering birds often immature, 1 bird each, all fide
eBird: “immature bird” at Falls Bridge, Phippsburg, 10 Feb 2016
(M. Fahay); immature at Laudholm Farm, Wells, 18 Feb 2012
(K. Janes); immature in Ellsworth, 7 Jan 2016 (K. and D. Lima); and “immature” by the Spurwink R., Cumberland Co., 2 Jan
2012 (M. Illiff ). RVJ
Great Egret
Ardea alba
This elegant wader is a common summer visitor to Maine’s coastal marshes
Status in Maine: The Great Egret is a common sight in coastal marshes during migration stopovers and late-summer dispersal. The first migrants arrive in late March and early April, but sightings reach a peak during postbreeding dispersal from late July to mid-September, when they are often found congregating with other waders. Most frequently seen foraging alone, Great Egrets occasionally form large flocks up to 60 birds. Rare but regular inland, they are most frequently found there in late summer. From one pair in 1994, a breeding colony on Stratton Island expanded to 52 nests in 2015, 33 in 2016, 43 in 2017, and 49 in 2018 (MDIFW survey data). Only two nesting pairs have been sighted outside of this colony. Three winter records likely indicate stragglers rather than a pattern of overwintering. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the Great Egret (at that time called American Egret), as rare in spring and uncommon in late summer and early fall along the coast, as well as rare inland. He noted only seven reports from 1854–1910, with abundance increasing thereafter until a large flight in 1948 (see Remarks). This could have been a result of nascent conservation in the U.S. After the decimation of egret populations in the late 19th century, public pressure culminated in the regulation of commercial plume hunting in the early 20th century and the 1901 Audubon Model Law which outlawed plume hunting in FL. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt established what became the first national wildlife refuge at Pelican I., a frequent Great Egret breeding site. These early efforts by state Audubon societies catalyzed creation of the National Audubon Society in 1905 with the Great Egret as its crest (McCally 1999).
Global Distribution: Cosmopolitan. Breeds along coast and in isolated inland pockets s. ME, s. MA, n. NY, and s. QC, west to e. SD, and south to AR, OK, Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Mexico, and S. Am. Scattered breeding populations in ID, OR, WA, n. NV, and cen. CA. Wide postbreeding dispersal: ME and s. QC, west to e. ND, and south to S. Am. West of Rocky Mtns., postbreeding movement from s. ID and s. WA south through NV, AZ, and NM. Winters along both coasts s. NJ and w. WA, south to Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Mexico, and S. Am. Remarks: “In August 1946, there was a flight, about 20 individuals being seen by various observers. Some of these went as far east as Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert I . . . In 1948 at least three times as many occurred as in 1946, with birds noted from July 14 to October 10. Relatively high numbers were present throughout August and most of September. Most were seen in coastal York and Cumberland Counties, but some went considerably farther eastward and northward…[Later reports indicate that perhaps nearly 200 individuals were present.]” (Palmer 1949, 51). S pring :
At least 28 Mar records. Early reports: 1, at
Scarborough Marsh, 22 Mar 2007 (L. Woodard, fide T.
Duddy); 1 at Ogunquit, 23 Mar 2003 (N. McReel); 1 at Pine Pt.,
23 Mar 2004 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons); 2 at Scarborough Marsh, 24 Mar 2007 (L. Seitz, L. Brinker); 1 at Spurwink
Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, 24 Mar 1999 (G. Carson, MBN 11[1]:
23); 1 at Crescent Beach, Cumberland Co., 24 Mar 2005 (fide D. Lovitch); 1 at Granite Pt., Biddeford, 24–25 Mar 2007 ( J.
Briggs). Palmer listed 1 sighting before 23 Apr. Late arrivals:
1, Scarborough Marsh, 14 Apr 1995 (S. Pollock, MBN 9[1]: 2)
and 1 at Pine Pt., 23 Apr 1990 ( J. Despres, MBN 4[1]: 2). Most spring records of individuals or pairs, larger flocks of Great
Egrets occasionally appear, all at Scarborough Marsh: 4 on
6 Apr 2006 (D. Lovitch), 7 on 15 Apr 2005, and 6 on 11 Apr
2007 (both N. Famous). At Jones Creek Marsh, Scarborough,
6 sighted 20 Apr 2004 and 12 sighted 9 Apr 2006 (both G.
Carson, fide K. Gammons). Flock of 7 at Weskeag Marsh, 26
Apr 2007 (N. Famous). Spring records from coastal counties,
with 5 inland records: 1 in Livermore, Androscoggin Co., 12–14
Apr 1985 (P. Cross, Guillemot 14[2]: 14); 1 at Messalonskee L., 22 Apr 2003 (N. Famous, fide K. Gammons); 1 in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 26 Apr 2006 (fide J. Smith); 1 in Linneus,
Aroostook Co., 10 May 2000 (S. Young); 1 along Androscoggin R., Lewiston, 12 May 1992 (D. Haines et al.; MBN 6[1]: 2); and 1 at a Great Blue Heron colony in Gray, Cumberland Co., 16 May 2017 (D. D’Auria).
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Birds of Maine S ummer :
Breeding records primarily from Stratton I.,
including pair with 2 young on 31 Jul 1994 (fide National
Audubon Society) and pair with nest on 31 Jul 2001 (L. LaCasse, fide K Gammons). This colony grew from 1 successful nesting
attempt in 1994 to 43 successful breeding pairs in 2015–2018 (fide
MDIFW). Two recorded breeding confirmations outside of
Stratton I.: 1 nesting pair on Appledore I. in 1994, and 2 pairs on
Ram I. in 2014 (fide MDIFW). F all :
Approximately 175 fall records. Northernmost: 1 bird
at Roque Bluffs S.P., 6 Nov 2016 (C. Todd, eBird). Latest fall
records: 1 bird, Laudholm Farm, Wells, 21 Nov 2015 (F. Hopper,
N. Hall; eBird), and 1, Kennebunkport, 23 and 29 Nov 2003 (K. Harder).
W inter :
Two winter records: 1 in Wells, 6 Dec 2005 (N.
McReel, fide K. Gammons); 1 at Parsons Beach, Kennebunk, 5
Dec 2005 (B. Crowley et al.). IM
2017; and 24 May–3 September 2018 (D. Hitchcox et al. and m.ob., respectively; eBird). Remarks: In 2019 a second Little Egret briefly joined the first in the Gilsland Farm area before one of them relocated to Scarborough Marsh. Interestingly, the 2017 bird was missing one of its two head plumes by 11 Jul, while the Little Egret observed in 2016 molted its plumes 8–12 Aug. Global Distribution: Old World. A bird of temperate and tropical wetlands of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia, Little Egret expanded its range north into British Isles in the late 20th century and now breeds there. Also colonized New World, first breeding in Snowy Egret colonies in Barbados in 1994. A rare visitor to e. N. Am., May–Sep, ~15 records along Atlantic Coast, DE–NFLD (www. sibleyguides.com). PDV
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Western Reef-Heron
An Old World wader that must like the view
Egretta gularis
Status in Maine: Accidental. A Little Egret, likely the same individual, has summered in Maine sporadically since 2011. A second individual arrived in 2019.
From coastal Africa and the Mediterranean to the New World
Maine’s first Little Egret was observed and photographed at Scarborough Marsh, 29–30 June 2011 (D. Hitchcox), possibly the same bird seen on Plum Island, Massachusetts, in July of that year (AB 65: 596). Remarkably, a single Little Egret was seen again at Scarborough Marsh a year later (K. Kelly and D. Hitchcox); it lingered 8 July–18 August 2012 (Persons et al. 2015). Maine Bird Records Committee accepted both records. Several other records of single birds, possibly the same individual, 2015–2018 not yet reviewed by Maine Bird Records Committee: Gilsland Farm and Back Cove, Portland, 8 June–20 July 2015 (m.ob.); Stratton Island on 7 August 2015 after no longer being seen at Back Cove area, marking the first York County record; 23 April–27 July 2016 (R. Garrigus and m.ob., respectively; eBird ), then at Scarborough Marsh, 5–12 August (obs. unk.). The same or another was at Biddeford Pool–Great Pond, Biddeford, 2 August–23 September 2016 (m.ob., eBird); 11 July (B. Bunn) to 11 August 2017, and again after absence, 16 September
312
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single record of a Western Reef-Heron photographed in Kittery, 18–27 August 2006 (L. Brinker et al.; ph. arch.). This individual was also observed intermittently in adjacent New Hampshire, 19 August–21 September 2006 (S. Mirick et al.). Plumage anomalies of a bird reported in Nova Scotia in June and July that same summer were identical to the Kittery bird; thus, it appears this reef-heron traveled south from Nova Scotia to Maine and New Hampshire in August. Historical Status in Maine: Not previously recorded in ME. Global Distribution: Breeds in Africa, Azores, and Cape Verde Is., east to India. Recent vagrant to N. Am., first reported on Nantucket, MA ( Jun–Aug 1983). Since 1984, species has been recorded in West Indies (St. Lucia, Barbados, Puerto Rico), where it is found with increasing frequency (Raffaele et al. 2003). Species recorded in NL (2005), NS (26 Jun–2 Aug 2006), NH (2006), NJ (2007), and NY (2007). PDV
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
Snowy Egret
S pring :
Notably early arrivals: 1, Biddeford Pool, 19 Mar 2016
(E. Flanders) and 2, Dunstan Landing, Scarborough, 23 Mar
Egretta thula
2003 (T. Duddy). Scarborough Marsh: 22 Mar 2004 (S. Hall);
This golden-slippered heron is now common along southern and Midcoastal marshes in summer
2005 (fide D. Lovitch); 3, Dunstan Landing, 24 Mar 2005 (S.
Status in Maine: The Snowy Egret reaches its northern breeding limit in Maine. Breeding on Appledore Island was confirmed in 1961 (Borror and Holmes 1990) and has since been documented at several southern coastal islands as far north as North Haven, Knox County (Allen et al. 2012). They are a common sight on southern Maine and Midcoast marshes, which are used as migration stopovers in spring, for foraging by breeders from nearby coastal islands, and during postbreeding dispersal. Snowy Egrets typically arrive in late March, with arrivals peaking in early April. Fall migrants gather again in mid-August and stay through October. This species is casual inland. Historical Status in Maine: The Snowy Egret population, decimated by plume hunters, was near extinction in the early 20th century. Palmer made no mention of this species; it may not have recovered sufficiently to recolonize so far north by the mid20th century. First spring sightings occurred in 1957 and 1958 (MFO 2[5]: 44, 2[6]: 56, 3[6]: 58). Although breeding was restricted to FL at the start of the 20th century (Borror and Holmes 1990), breeding in ME was confirmed as early as 1961. Global Distribution: On East Coast, breeds from coastal s. ME south to Gulf Coast, Mexico, and Caribbean, isolated inland pockets west to e. SD, south to LA and e. TX. In w. N. Am, local from WY and w. MT, west to s. OR, south to NM, AZ, NV, and west coast of Mexico. Migrants often recorded north of breeding range to s. Canada (Parsons and Master 2000). Winters in East from s. NJ south along coast to se. TX, Mexico, Caribbean, S. Am., and Cen. Am. In West, winters in coastal OR s. to coastal Mexico. Remarks: Snowy Egrets breeding on Isles of Shoals feed on mainland making “spectacular morning and evening flights” in the early breeding season, until numbers diminish as young birds mature by mid-Jul. Nesting success there and elsewhere depends on external events such as storms, especially in early Jun, when vulnerable chicks are maturing (Borror and Holmes 1990).
1, 23 Mar 2012 (D. Smith); 24 Mar 2004 ( J. Sucheki); 2, 24 Mar Kauffman et al.). Arrivals peak by mid-Apr: 27 at Scarborough Marsh, 4 Apr 2000 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons), and 24 on 10 Apr 2001 (PDV); 18, Weskeag Marsh, 18 Apr 2006
(M. Libby, fide K. Gammons); 15, Scarborough, 19 Apr 1981 ( J. Berry, MB 3[2]: 16); 35 adults with “soft parts around eye
coral red, indicating high breeding conditions” and 30 adults in Scarborough Marsh, 22 Apr 1996 and 5 May 1997, respectively
(both PDV). Inland sightings rare, including single birds:
Brewer L., Orrington, Penobscot Co., 28 Apr 1996 ( J. Smith,
fide A. Bacon); Unity Pond, 28 Apr 2011 ( J. Mays, eBird); and
Bridgton, 28 May 2016 ( J. Wood, eBird). Summer:
Breeding has expanded northward on ME islands
over past 50 years although number of sightings remains
relatively stable. As of 1990, Snowy Egrets bred on 7 New
England coastal islands (Borror and Holmes 1990), with
Marblehead I., Knox Co., marking breeding range’s northern
limit (Adamus 1987). Since 2008, MDIFW offshore breeding bird surveys recorded breeding colonies on 9 ME islands:
Appledore, Wood, Stratton, and Ram (Cumberland Co.); Mark and Flag (Sagadahoc Co.); Berry (Lincoln Co.);
Marblehead and Fisherman and as far east as Muscle Ridge
off S. Thomaston (Knox Co.). Nests observed but not counted
on Mark I. off N. Haven as recently as 1992 (Allen et al. 2012).
Appledore and Stratton Is. most consistently populated
colonies in ME with largest breeding populations, 210 and
154 nests counted in 1980 and 1999, respectively (D. D’Auria, pers. com.). Large flocks are often seen during nest surveys.
Number of nesting pairs on Appledore I.: 200, 210, 178, and
125, summers 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1984, respectively (Borror and Holmes 1990). Stratton I. surveys: 110, 115, 110, and 125
nests, in late summer 1986, 1990, 1991, and 1993, respectively (S.
Benz et al.; MBN 6[2]: 45), and 125 nests in 1996 (fide National
Audubon Society; MBN 9[2]: 40). Large postbreeding flocks:
250 birds on 5 Sep 1987 (A. Borror, fide D. Holmes; MBN 1[3]:
27) and 175 on 19 Aug 1997 (D. Holmes et al.), and 351 on 4 Sep 1999 (fide D. Holmes), all on Appledore I.; 192 on 2 Sep 1993
(G. Carson, J. Despres; MBN 7[1]: 2) and 250 on 28 Aug 1999
(G. Carson, fide K. Gammons), both at Pine Pt. More recent records from Stratton I.: 137, 99, 132, 73, 96, 75, 74, 52, 80, 51,
and 74 nests respectively in the years 2006–2018 (D. D’Auria).
Largest nesting concentration outside Stratton and Appledore Is. was 49 nests on Mark I. off Harpswell in 1995 (MDIFW surveys, fide D. D’Auria).
Inland records casual, single birds except where noted:
Sanford Lagoons, 15 Jul 2016 (B. Worth), adult on 8 Aug 2009
(B. Crowley), and 5–6 Sep 2006 (L. Bevier et al.); immature,
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Birds of Maine
Norridgewock, 3–7 Aug and 14 Aug 1992 (W. Sumner, MBN
6[1]: 22); immature, Fairfield, 4 Aug–8 Sep 1993 (W. Sumner,
MBN 7[1]: 21); 3 adults, Sebasticook L., 4 Aug 2016 (B. Barker);
Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 8 Aug 2010 (D. Nickerson); adult, Richmond, 8 Aug 1992 and 29 Aug 1993 (PDV, MBN 6[1]: 22
and MBN 7[1]: 21); Sebago L., 20 Aug 2017 (H. Stevens); and
Wilton, 25 Sep 2001 ( J. Dwight, fide K. Gammons). F all :
Southern migration begins late Sep; with few exceptions
birds are gone by Nov. Nov sightings, all single birds: “1
reportedly with an injured leg,” Back Cove, Portland, 2–18 Nov
2000 (R. Eakin, fide K. Gammons; NAB 55: 27); Scarborough Marsh, 3 Nov 2013 (N. Gibb); Wharton Pt., 4 Nov 2014 (G.
Smith); Scarborough Marsh, 4 Nov 2003 (fide K. Gammons);
notably farther north in Trescott Twp., Washington Co., 6 Nov
2005 (F. Hartman, Guillemot 35[5]: 44); and Back Cove, 15 Nov 2003. IM
NM, CA, and south along both coasts of Mexico to S. Am. Winters from s. NJ south to Gulf Coast, and from s. CA to Mexico, Caribbean, and S. Am. Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. Remarks: BBS reports a 55% decline in N. Am., 1966–2015. S pring :
Notably early records: 1 individual at Scarborough
Marsh, 27 Mar 2003 (K. Gammons); single birds at same location,
31 Mar 1998 (K. Gammons, MBN 11[1]: 13) and same day, 2000 (G. Carson); 1 at Pine Pt., 1 Apr 1999 (G. Carson, MBN 11[1]:
23); and 3 adults at Scarborough Marsh, 3 Apr 2000 (L. Brinker). Other early dates fide eBird: Old Orchard Beach, 2–6 Apr 2014
(F. Mitchell); Scarborough Marsh, 6 Apr 2014 (F. Paul); Gilsland
Farm, 7 Apr 2017 (D. Hitchcox); and Scarborough Marsh, 8 Apr
2017 (Merrymeeting Audubon et al.). Spring records increase
through Apr, primarily from Midcoast and southern coastal ME.
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Another southerner moves north
Status in Maine: Little Blue Herons are uncommon migrants along the southern Maine coast in spring and late summer. Since 1971 they have been rare breeders on Stratton and Appledore Islands, the northern limit of their breeding range. Casual inland and north along the coast as far as Penjajawoc Marsh in Bangor; most sightings occur at freshwater ponds or along rivers. Little Blue Herons usually arrive early to mid-April and depart by early to mid-October. They are gregarious birds, often seen in mixed groups with other herons and egrets, particularly around freshwater ponds and coastal marshes (Palmer 1949). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer remarked that the Little Blue Heron was rare in spring, and uncommon in summer and early fall, occurring mostly on the coast of sw. ME. Most of Palmer’s records were after 1928 and he noted an increase in ME sightings over time; the only 19th century record is a single bird in 1881. The largest flight year Palmer cited, 1948, contained some 24 birds. An unrecorded number were first confirmed breeding in ME on Appledore I. in 1971 (Adamus 1987).
Large flocks mostly from Scarborough Marsh: 6 individuals 8
Apr 1997 (K. Gammons, MBN 11[1]: 2); 10 adults, 25 Apr 2006
(G. Carson, fide K. Gammons); and 8, on both 6 May 2000 (G.
Carson) and 18 May 1999 (G. Carson, fide K. Gammons). Inland records include: 1 bird in Sidney, Kennebec Co., 7 Apr 1998
(D. Mairs, fide K. Gammons; MBN 11[1]: 13); 1 first of season
at Capisic Pond, Portland, 23 Apr 2007 (fide D. Lovitch); and 1 in Bethel, 1–4 May 1983 (C. Gorman, fide P. Cross). Several in
Penobscot Co.: 1 with juvenal plumage at Penjajawoc Marsh, 2
May 1998 ( J. Markowsky); 1, in same location, 13–16 May 2000
(E. Grew, fide J. Markowsky); and 1 adult in Old Town, 27 May
2006 ( J. Markowsky). S ummer :
First reported breeding in ME in 1971, but numbers
and location not included (Adamus 1987). However, most likely
first sighting occurred at mixed heron colony on Appledore
I. One or two nesting pairs there during biannual late-summer nest surveys 1974–1989, except none found in 1976 (Borror and
Holmes 1990), and an additional nest reported in 1994 (Allen
et al. 2012). Although nest counts are difficult in mixed-species
colonies (Allen et al. 2012; D. D’Auria, pers. com.), yearly surveys on Stratton I., 1986–1993, found 3 nesting pairs all years except
1988 and 1989 when 1 and 4 pairs reported, respectively (S. Benz et al.; MBN 6[2]: 45). Later surveys on Stratton I. averaged at
least 7 nesting pairs each year 1995–2008, with an outlier high of
20 nesting pairs in 1999; decreased to average of 3 nesting pairs/yr, 2008–2014. Largest flocks occur in mainland marshes near Pine Pt. and Eastern Rd. in Scarborough Marsh: 30 birds each on
20 Aug 2005 (fide D. Lovitch); 28 Aug 1999 (G. Carson, fide K.
Global Distribution: New World coasts and wetlands. Gammons); and on 28 Aug 2004, including 11 adults, 1 subadult, Breeds from s. ME south along coast to Gulf Coast and 18 juveniles (L. Brinker); 25 on 29 Aug 2005 (fide D. Lovitch), and north along Mississippi and Ohio Rs. to IN, IL, and 24 on same day, 2000 (B. Crowley); and at least 20 on 3 Aug KY, and TN, also rarely in local pockets ND, SD, MN, 2006 (fide D. Lovitch). Nine birds on Appledore I. on 31 Aug 314
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
1994 represented high count outside of Scarborough Marsh and Stratton I. (fide D. Holmes). Outside breeding colonies and Scarborough Marsh, flock sizes up to 4 birds.
Inland records: 1 adult at BSP, 14 Jul 2008 (M. Davis, eBird);
1 immature bird at Sanford Lagoons, 26 Aug 2002 (D. Tucker); and a subadult “pied” bird at same location 6–11 Sep 2006 (P.
Villandry, L. Bevier et al., fide D. Lovitch), joined on 8 Sep by second individual (fide D. Lovitch).
F all :
Little Blue Herons move south earlier than many
heron species, most fall records late Sep–early Oct. Only 7 Nov
records: 1 immature at Dunstan Landing, Scarborough, 26 Oct–1
Dec 2000 ( J. Frank, fide K. Gammons); 1 juvenile far downeast in Roque Bluffs, 1–3 Nov 2017 (C. and M. Muth, eBird); 1
juvenile at Gilsland Farm, 3 Nov 2017 (A. van den Akker, D.
Hitchcox); 1 on Monhegan I., 6 Nov 1988 (B. Boynton, J. Boegel;
MBN 2[3]: 21); and 1 immature bird at Scarborough Marsh, 6 Nov 2006 (M. Resch).
W inter :
One winter record, a straggling adult at Old Orchard
Beach, 12 Dec 2015–3 Jan 2016 (G. Thurlow et al.; eBird). IM
Caribbean, coastal Mexico, and n. S. Am. Inland breeding irregular in isolated pockets of ND, SD, KS, SC, CA, and TX. In warmer years, winters north to s. NJ; more frequently winters from SC south. On West Coast, winters rarely in small numbers San Diego south along coast to Baja California and Mexico (Frederick 2013). Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: High Concern. Remarks: Hybrids of Tricolored and Snowy Egrets observed at Back Cove in Portland, Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Scarborough Marsh, Wells Harbor, and Stratton I., 14 Aug 2016 (D. Lovitch). One hypothesis for the more limited range of Tricolored Herons relative to other heron species is their restricted diet, primarily composed of small estuarine and marsh fish (Frederick 2013). Postbreeding dispersal is also less extensive compared with other herons (Palmer 1962, Recher and Recher 1972), which may partially explain their restricted distribution in ME. S pring :
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
A festively-adorned treat in Maine’s southern coastal marshes
Status in Maine: Rare along the coast of York and Cumberland Counties, Tricolored Herons are casual farther north in Maine. This species typically arrives in late April and departs from Maine by late September. Tricolored Herons are intermittent breeders on Stratton Island in Saco, where usually no more than one pair nests. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer made no mention of this species, formerly known as the Louisiana Heron. The first known report in ME was a breeding pair and juvenile at an unreported location, 31 Jul 1977, indicating a recent range expansion into ME (Adamus 1987). The only other report from that time was from Back Cove, Portland, on 17 Oct 1977 (L. Stowers, and P. McGowan, fide R. Eakin). Interestingly, this species’ breeding range expanded north along the East Coast from NC to MA from the 1940s to 1970s, perhaps as a result of increased nesting habitat made available as the Intracoastal Waterway was built (Frederick 2013). Global Distribution: New World. Breeds irregularly from Stratton I., ME, south along Atlantic Coast to NY; more regularly along coast to FL, Gulf Coast,
Early records: 1 nonbreeding adult in Wells Harbor,
4 Apr 2005 (D. Tucker) and 8 Apr 2005 ( J. Stevens), likely
same individual; 1 in Hancock Co., 12 Apr 1983 (W. Townsend,
MB 5[2]: 15); 1 in Scarborough Marsh, 13 Apr 1995 (G. Carson, MBN 9[1]: 2); 1 in Spurwink Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, 17 Apr 1991 (G. Carson, MBN 5[1]: 3); and recent eBird reports, 1
bird at Scarborough Marsh on 20 Apr 2013 ( J. Stevens and P.
Moynahan), 23 Apr 2014 (R. Lewis et al.), and 24 Apr 2012 ( J.
Stevens); as well as 1 at Wharton Pt., 22 Apr 2017 ( J. Fecteau, N. Gibb); and 1 in Rockland, 30 Apr 2009 (C. Kesselheim). Almost exclusively sighted alone during spring with the exception of
3 in Scarborough Marsh, 3 May 1992 (G. Carson, J. Despres;
MBN 6[1]: 2). S ummer :
After 1977 nesting report, breeding records
primarily from Stratton I., 1989–1997 and 2000–2003; multiple nests observed: 1995 (4 nests), 1996 (3), and 1997 (3; S. Benz
et al.; MBN 6[2]: 45; D. D’Auria, pers. com.). Other Stratton
I. reports: single nest in 2013 (D. D’Auria, pers. com.) and
single bird 2 and 4 Aug 2014 (K. McOmber, Project Puffin;
eBird). Possible breeding occurred on Appledore I. as early as
1980; D. Holmes stated, “During June and early July of that
season, lone Tricolored Herons commuted between the island
and the mainland at times other than regular morning and
evening heron and egret flights, as if exchanging places at a nest
and/or feeding young” (Borror and Holmes 1990). Tricolored
Herons seen in Scarborough Marsh throughout breeding season, recent sightings primarily individuals, may be indication that
breeding no longer occurs in ME. Largest flocks in this locality
historically, corresponding with high nest-count years: 5 adults
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Birds of Maine
and 2 juveniles, 24 and 27 Aug 1994 (G. Carson, MBN 8[1]:
2); 6 on 3 Jun 1995 (L. Brinker, MBN 9[2]: 32); 5 adults and 3
immature birds, 22 Aug 1996 (L. Brinker, MBN 10[1]: 4); and
6 individuals on 24 Aug 1997 (G. Carson, fide Kay Gammons). Six records of flocks of 5 Tricolored Herons in Scarborough
Marsh 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 (L. Brinker et al.; G. Carson). Since
2003, largest flock observed: 3 birds first seen 13 Aug 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird).
Records outside of Cumberland and York Cos.: 1 adult in
Petit Manan NWR, 11 Jun 1988; 1 near Bucksport, 13 Aug 1988
(R. Widrig, MBN 2[2]: 14); 1 in Trenton, Hancock Co., 22 Aug
1996 (W. Townsend, MBN 10[1]: 4); 1 on Fish R., Ft. Kent, 11
Aug 1998 (G. Thibodeau); 1 in Seawall, Southwest Harbor, 2 Aug 2005 (M. Haertel, fide W. Townsend; Guillemot 35[4]:
34); individuals at Weskeag Marsh, 30 Aug–9 Sep 2007 (K.
Lindquist) and 6 Jun 2010 (D. Hitchcox); adult with a “broken wing” at Little Machias Harbor in Cutler, 17 Jun 2014 (B.
Griffith). F all :
Usually gone from ME after first week of Sep, some later
records: 1 adult in Weskeag Marsh, 9 Sep 2007 (K. Lindquist);
and adult at Back Cove in Portland, 17 Oct 1977 (Eakin 1984).
Individuals in Scarborough Marsh: 22 Sep 2013 (B. Heffernon),
28 Sep 2011 (PDV), 11 Oct 1987 (W. Howes, S. Frechette), 14 Oct 2000 “seen during its evening commute” (P. McGowan, fide K.
Gammons), 17 Oct 1987 (R. Eakin, MBN 1[3]: 27), 17 Oct 1989 ( J.
Despres, MBN 3[3]: 24). IM
adults were observed with nest material (AB 31: 1111). The colony peaked in the early 1980s with up to 50 breeding pairs in 1984 (Adamus 1987), declining to two to four pairs nesting on the island each year 1986–1994 (S. Benz, pers. com.; J. Despres; MBN 9[2]: 32). Cattle Egrets last bred in ME in 1995 (MDIFW; D. D’Auria, pers. com.). Global Distribution: Native to Africa and Asia. In N. Am. breeds s. VA west to NM, scattered breeding along w. coast of L. Michigan, Dakotas, CO, UT, NV, ID, and WA, south to TX. Resident from FL and Gulf Coast to Argentina, as well as Cen. Valley and s. CA. S pring :
Earliest records: 1 in Wales, 8–9 Mar 2017 (T.
Dyer, eBird); 1 at Buffalo Ranch, Sagadahoc Co., 29 Apr
2017 (H. Heuer, M. Fahay; eBird); 1 in Cutler, 7 Apr 1981
(N. Famous, m.ob.); 2 ph. in Rockland, 13 Apr 2014 (M. and
K. Viens, eBird); 1 in Harrington, 17 Apr 1991 (A. Shaw, fide G. Hazelton); and 1 along Flag Pond Rd., Saco, 17 Apr 2001
(G. Carson, fide K. Gammons). When Cattle Egrets bred on Stratton I., arrived roughly third week of Apr–first week of
May: 1 in Saco, 19 Apr 1987 (K. Gammons) and 24 Apr 1992
(G. Carson, MBN 6[1]: 2); and 2 at Scarborough Marsh, 4 May
1978 (PDV, eBird). S ummer :
Eggs observed in late May: 2 nests on Stratton I., 27
May 1993 (S. Benz et al.). Nest with young observed on Stratton
I. on 7 Jun 1989 (D. Shealer, eBird). Ten Cattle Egrets nesting on Stratton I. on 4 Jul 1977 ( J. Berry, eBird). Summer high counts:
Cattle Egret
11 in Saco, 6 Aug 1985 (PDV et al.; eBird); 20 in Saco, 22 Aug
African roots and a penchant for livestock
Rd., Saco, 31 Aug 1989 (K. Gammons, MBN 3[3]: 24). One on a
Bubulcus ibis
Status in Maine: Occasional spring and summer visitors to Maine’s coasts and agricultural fields since the 1950s, Cattle Egrets successfully bred in southern Maine from the 1970s through the early 1990s. Except for a handful of records from the vicinity of Presque Isle, Cattle Egrets have not been reported north of Orono. Historical Status in Maine: Cattle Egrets expanded their range from Africa to S. Am in the 1870s, the Caribbean by the 1930s, with observations in s. FL by 1941 and the first nesting record in FL in May 1953. The first record for ME was a specimen collected by a farmer in early Dec 1953 in Brownfield, Oxford Co. (fide C. Packard, BMAS 10[1]: 9). The first breeding record in MA was in 1974 at House I., Manchester (Mass Audubon); evidence of breeding in ME reported on Stratton I., York Co., in 1977, where 316
1985 (K. Gammons, MBN 1[2]: 21); and 22 along Flag Pond
chimney in Stockholm, mid-Jun 2006 (N. Anderson, fide WJS). F all :
Fall postbreeding dispersal most likely time for Cattle
Egrets in Aroostook Co.: 2 in Presque Isle, 27 Oct 1992
(M. Trombley, MBN 6[1]: 22); 1 ph. at Chase Dairy Farm in
Presque Isle, 16 Nov 2011; 1 at L. Josephine, 11 Nov 2010; and
1 ph. along Higgins Rd. in Presque Isle, 24 Oct 2014 (all WJS, eBird). Other fall records: 1 at Old Stowe Farm, Lubec, 30
Oct 2017 (C. Bartlett, eBird); 1 in W. Bethel, 31 Oct 1988 (C. Gorman, fide W. Howes); and 1 in Farmington, 16 Oct 1987
( JVW, MBN 1[3]: 27). When Cattle Egrets bred on Stratton
I., individuals were seen commuting to island in evening into Sep: 1 from Pine Pt., 10 Sep 1993 (L. Brinker, MBN 7[1]: 2).
Latest date, 23 Nov: 1 seen in 1999 in Biddeford (P. Moynahan, fide K. Gammons) and 1 ph. in 2016 in Pittston (D. Lima, m.ob.; eBird). RVJ
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
A solitary heron that is among the few avian species to use bait
Status in Maine: Green Herons are uncommon summer residents on both fresh- and saltwater marshes, primarily along the coast north to Mount Desert Island and inland north to Bangor, but also casual as far north as Fort Kent. They arrive in Maine by the third week of April; migration peaks in mid-May. Observations peak in August. These herons favor wetlands with nutrient-rich waters, perching in shrubby trees such as willows and alders at water’s edge. In a 1992 survey of Maine waterbirds, Green Herons were found in ~6% of surveyed wetlands (Gibbs and Melvin 1997). In contrast to other herons, this species tends to forage and nest quietly and alone, making detection on surveys infrequent, but the Green Heron’s presence throughout breeding season indicates a fairly widespread breeding population (Adamus 1987). Nonetheless, BBS data for North America indicate a steady decline, 1966–2015. Green Herons typically leave Maine by the end of September or the first week of October.
Green Heron Breeding Range
S pring :
Almost exclusively solitary in coastal marshes and
inland on rivers and ponds. Early arrivals, typically mid-Apr
and later, spread throughout s. and Midcoast ME. 2011 was a
particularly early flight year. Early records: 1 adult at Thom’s Pond,
Phippsburg, 7 Apr 2011 (R. Robinson, eBird); 1 at Gilsland Farm,
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed the Green Heron as an uncommon summer resident, and rare visitor north to Washington and Oxford Cos. Average arrival date was 26 Apr, with fall migrants seen primarily in the last three weeks of Sep. Palmer listed Williamson’s 1832 mention of the “Skouk” as the first ME record of this species (1949, 54). As of 1949, there were records from all ME counties except Aroostook. Today, Green Herons arrive ~one week earlier, and their range has expanded northward.
8 Apr 2011 (K. Janes, eBird); 1 in Scarborough Marsh, 11 Apr 2011
Global Distribution: N. Am. wetlands. Breeds from NS and NB southwest to e. ND, south through U.S. to Caribbean and Panama. Along West Coast from se. BC to Baja California and Mexico. Winters from coastal SC south to Panama on East Coast; n. CA south through AZ to Mexico on West Coast.
at Capisic Pond, Portland, 14 May 2000 (L. Brinker).
Remarks: Because of similar morphological and behavioral characteristics, Green Heron and Striated or Green-backed Heron (B. striata), a resident of S. Am. and Old World tropics, were for many years considered the same species (Hancock and Kushlan 1984). These two are among the few bird species that use tools, frequently luring fish close to shore with flowers, fruit, or insects as bait (Robinson 1994, Davis and Kushlan 1994).
(PDV) and 19 Apr 1991 ( J. Despres, MBN 5[1]: 3); 1 at Godfrey Cove, York Co., 16 Apr 2017 (P. Roberts, E. Poulin; eBird); 2 adults in Cape Elizabeth, 19 Apr 1982 (K. Gammons); 1 in
Scarborough, 20 Apr 1990 (G. Carson, J. Despres; MBN 4[1]: 2); 1 at Totman Cove, Phippsburg, 20 Apr 2013 (R. Robinson, eBird); and a particularly early northern arrival in Ft. Kent, 21 Apr 1995
(G. Flagg, fide K. Gammons; MBN 11[1]: 2).
Reports of groups >4 Green Herons extremely rare: 5 in
Brunswick, 19 May 1957 (D. Morse, MFO 2[6]: 56); 4 in Cape
Elizabeth, 13 May 1958 (Flavin, MFO 3[6]: 58); and a flock of 4 Notable reports outside typical spring range: 3 near River
Rd., Norridgewock, 23 Apr 2015 (H. Richards, eBird); 1 bird in Lubec, 10 May 1980 (N. Famous); 1 at Moosehorn NWR, 18 May 2004 (M. Mills, fide K. Gammons) and 24 May 2016
(M. Burden, eBird); 3 in Presque Isle, 20 May 1984 (M.
Holmes et al.); 1 in Cutler, 27 May 2004 ( J. Carroll, eBird); and 1 at Mooselookmeguntic L., Oxford Co., 29 May 2015
(R. Lambert, eBird). S ummer :
Green Herons nest cryptically, in small scrubby
trees at marsh edges. More dispersed to north and western
mountains than spring data imply. Unlike other heron species, Green Herons nest exclusively inland and usually solitarily,
rarely joining other herons’ rookeries (Gibbs, Longcore et al.
317
Birds of Maine
1991). Confirmed breeding in southern third of ME (ABBM,
Adamus 1987). Known nesting records: at least 1 adult at nest in
Bangor, 30 May 1981 ( JVW et al.); 1 adult with 5 juveniles “likely
9–11 days old” at L. Josephine, 23 Jul 2010 (P. Cyr, fide WJS); 1 adult with 3 streaked-neck young at cattail marsh and beaver
pond near Green Pt. Rd. in Brewer, 25 Jul 2005 ( J. Markowsky);
2 adults with 2 juveniles in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 14
Aug 1995 (S. Pollock, MBN 8[1]: 17); mixed group of 6 adults
and juveniles in Bangor, 17 Aug 2012 (C. Kesselheim); pair of
breeding adults in Sheepscot through 23 Aug 1992 ( J. Hamlin);
and 4 adults and 6 juveniles in Essex Woods, Bangor, 5 Sep 2014
(C. Stevens, eBird).
Largest historical postbreeding flocks: 5 in Scarborough, 7
! (
Aug 1958 (Brownell, MFO 3[9]: 44); 6 at Old Orchard Beach, 19
! ( ! (
Aug 1957 (Mayberry, MFO 2[9]: 91); and 6 in w. Scarborough, 8
( !!
Sep 1958 (Brownell, MFO 3[9]: 94). F all :
Migration begins late Aug. Most gone from ME by
end of Sep. Oct records, often immature birds, more common
! ! ( ! ( ! (
! (
! (
(! ( !! (
Black-crowned Night-Heron Breeding Colonies ! ( Active Colonies 2014 ! ( Historic Colonies
since ~2000; now at least 1 record during first weeks of Oct
expected. Notable late records: 1 in E. Newport “the last of the
(R. McDonald, eBird). Nov records: Individuals in Scarborough
peaking at the end of the month. Since 2000, this night-heron has been seen at Mercy Pond in Portland as early as the third week of March. Birds remain in Maine until mid-October; a few stragglers stay in York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Counties into November–December, even as late as the end of January. Since 2008, nesting in Maine has declined from historic peaks (Allen et al. 2012) In 2014, approximately 51 pairs were nesting on just four coastal islands from Midcoast south, down 46% from the 2006 estimate of 95 pairs at seven sites (MDIFW 2016).
(Reeves) and 22 Nov 1957 (Wilson et al.; MFO 2[12]: 123), and in
Maine Conservation Status: Endangered.
year” on 1 Oct 1989 (M. Lucey, MBN 3[3]: 24); 1 in Topsham
and 1 in Portland, 5 Oct 1957 (MFO 2[11]: 113); 4 at Pine Pt., 5
Oct 2013 (N. Gibb, eBird); 3 at Sanford Lagoons, 10 Oct 2012
(M. and A. Perko, eBird); 1 juvenile at Essex Woods in Bangor,
2–15 Oct 2014 (R. Ostrowski, S. Mierzykowski, et al.; eBird); 1 at Salt Pond, Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 17 Oct 2004 (C. Moseley);
1 immature bird at Green Pt. WMA, Lincoln Co., 11–17 Oct
2008 (M. Fahay, D. Suitor; eBird); 1 bird in Bangor, 20 Oct 1984
( J. Markowsky); 1 bird flying near Ironbound I., Winter Harbor,
20 Oct 2001 (W. Townsend); 1 immature in ANP, 21 Oct 2015 Marsh, both with editor’s comment “very late:” 9 Nov 1957 same location, 13 Nov 1999 (A. Bragg, eBird).
W inter :
An immature Green Heron observed at Back Cove
in Portland, 2 Nov–4 Dec 1987 (R. Eakin; MBN 1[3]: 27 and 1[4]:
39, AB 42: 228). IM
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
The old man of the marsh moves with hunched deliberation
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described this night-heron as a common summer breeding resident, primarily on nearshore islands east to Jonesport, with few breeding colonies inland, and a common spring and fall transient along the coast; “not over 12 colonies of any size have existed in one year in the last three decades” (1949, 56). From 1975 on, breeding was reported on 19 islands at one time or another but his statement remains true. The distribution and size of colonies have declined since a 1977 peak when 117 breeding pairs were counted across eight ME islands (Tyler 1977, MDIFW 2016). The ABBM (Adamus 1987) suggested probable breeding at several locations in e. Aroostook Co. and one in s. Somerset Co. but there are no recent confirmations of inland breeding.
Status in Maine: Declining colonial summer breeders in York and Cumberland Counties, Black-crowned Night-Herons are rare migrants and summer visitors in coastal Maine and northeastern Aroostook County. Black-crowned Night-Herons usually nest in Spring arrivals begin by the first week of April, conifers (Palmer 1949), often with multiple breeding 318
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Ardeidae
pairs in the same tree, although all current colonies are in small hardwood trees and shrubs. In late summer “there is a post-breeding dispersal movement noticeable by mid-August or earlier, when banded young from at least as far as Massachusetts have been taken” (Palmer 1949, 55). Palmer listed the average arrival date as 17 Apr and noted this night-heron usually leaves by 20 Oct. He identified late records: one on 12 Nov 1927 at Back Cove in Portland; pair that nested on Whaleboat I., Harpswell, remained there until 15 Dec 1920 (Gross 1923); and an immature in S. Portland, 23 Dec 1942 (A. Williams). Global Distribution: New World. Breeds in wetlands along St. Lawrence R. from w. NB and se. QC south to Great Ls., west to MB, SK, AB, and WA, south to west coast of Mexico and west to HI; from coastal ME south to Gulf Coast, east coast of Mexico, and Caribbean. Several subspecies breed in S. Am. (Hothem et al. 2010). After postbreeding dispersal, winters from MA south along coast to Mexico and Caribbean, on Ohio and Mississippi Rs. from s. OH to Gulf of Mexico, and from w. UT and s. OR south to Mexico. Outliers include year-round population in e. MI, and occasional northern wintering birds in ME and OR (Hothem et al. 2010). Global Conservation Status: NAWCP: Moderate Concern. Remarks: Reproductive issues and thinning of eggshell walls are known results of exposure to persistent pesticides in use in Cen. and S. Am. winter habitat. Human disturbance at nests can cause chicks to disgorge their last meal (MDIFW 2016). S pring :
Arrive on s. ME coast late Apr to mid-May. Recent
arrivals trend earlier at Mercy Pond in Portland, fide eBird: 12
Mar 2012 (R. Spiers); 23 Mar 2016 (G. Smith); 3 birds on 30
Mar 2018 (B. McKay); and 2 individuals, 31 Mar 2017 (B. McKay,
B. Bunn). Other notable early arrivals: 1 bird at Biddeford
Pool, 1 Apr 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird); 1 in Freeport, 3 Apr 2010
(S. Walsh, B. Marvil; eBird); 2 birds at Eastport Airport, 6 Apr
2011 (C. Bartlett, eBird); 1 in Essex Woods, Bangor, 6 Apr 2009 (P. Corcoran, eBird); 1 “unusual here” in Richmond, 6 Apr 1997
(PDV, MBN 11[1]: 2); 4 at Biddeford Pool, 7 Apr 2018 (T. and L.
Duddy, L. Woodard; eBird); 2 at Stratton I., 7 Apr 2010 (S. Hall, eBird); 1 in Bar Harbor, 10 Apr 1981 (fide W. Townsend); and 1 bird that landed on a fishing boat 15 mi. (24 km) offshore near
Schoodic Pt., 12 Apr 2003 (W. Townsend). Most records prior to
2008 are later than 10 Apr.
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
Figure 10. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nesting Pairs at Stratton Island Total number of nesting pairs of Black-crowned Night-Herons as observed from the ground on Stratton Island. Numbers at this site, Maine’s largest and only consistently occupied breeding colony, declined by 64% from 1986–2014 (MDIFW, fide D. D’Auria).
Spring records largely restricted to coast south of Lincoln
Co. Inland and Downeast spring records: 1 at Petit Manan, 10
Apr 1988 (W. Velasquez, MBN 2[1]: 2); 1 in Addison, 13 Apr
1958 (Bigelow, MFO 3[5]: 46); 1 in Bethel, 14 Apr 1999 (K. Dube,
MBN 11[1]: 23); 1 in Eastport, 18 Apr 1982 (N. Ross); 1 in Lincoln Ctr., 20 Apr 1980 (PDV); 1 on Mount Desert I., 21 Apr 2013 (R.
MacDonald, eBird); 1 in Ft. Kent, 22 Apr 1997 (G. and S. Flagg);
1, Wilton, 24 Apr 1991 (W. Howe, MBN 5[1]: 3); 1, Greenville, 24
Apr 1979 (A. Howe); 1, Farmington, 2 May 1994 (W. Sumner, MBN 7[2]: 27). In Aroostook Co.: 1 on Aroostook R. near
Presque Isle, 26 Apr 2005 (WJS); 1 in T14 R15 WELS, 7 May
1980 (W. Noble); 1 in Grand Isle, 8 May 1979 (R. Spinney). S ummer :
During breeding season and outside of nesting
colonies, most observations 1–2 birds along coast and as far inland as Orono. Starting late Jul–Aug scattered reports of immatures.
Occasional sightings of groups: 3 adults Evergreen Cemetery,
Portland, 1 Aug 2002 (K. Smith); 10 at Biddeford Pool, 29 Jul 2016
(M. Zimmerman, eBird); 11 on Stratton I., 7 Aug 2015 (D. Shealer, eBird); >12, including 1 juvenile, feeding together on 18 Aug 2004,
Wells Harbor (G. McElroy); 5 at Knights Pond, Cumberland Co., 3 Aug 2014 (B. Hennessey, eBird). Notable high count: 72 birds
leaving roost in Eastport, 30 Aug 2009 (C. Bartlett). Exceptional
inland sightings, fide eBird: 1 in Rangeley, 6 Jul 2011 (A. Bragg); 1 in BSP, 5 Aug 2011 (M. Ostrowski). F all :
60 at Pine Pt., 10 Sep 2010 (R. Speirs, eBird); 8 on 11 Sep
2014 in Thomaston (T. Thompson, eBird); 6 on Monhegan I., 28
Sep 2012 ( J. Trimble, eBird). Immature on Bar I. off Bar Harbor
319
Birds of Maine
on 3 Sep 2003 and 1 adult seen and heard flying over Bar Harbor,
1959 ( J. Cadbury); 2 in Scarborough, 10 Apr 1960 ( J. Russell); 1
2003 (WJS); 2 immatures at Weskeag Marsh, 12 Sep 2004 (D.
Co., 12–28 Jun 1962 (G. McGuire). Regular since 1967, individuals
2005 (M. Zimmerman). Late birds: 1 in Forest City Cemetery, S.
reported in 2014, and 5 observed in 2015. Few inland records: 1 in
28 Oct 2003 (both fide W. Townsend); 2 at Caribou Dam, Sep Reimer); 1 at Fortunes Rocks ponds, Kennebunkport, 30 Sep
Portland, 6 Nov 2005 (fide D. Lovitch) and 1 bird on Monhegan
I., 28 Oct 2006, still there 11 Nov (fide J. Walker). W inter :
Few winter records, all from southern coast. At
Mercy Pond, Portland, where they breed, 14 birds on 26 Nov
2017, of which 4 remained through 4 Dec. (D. Hitchcox et al.)
adult in York, 25 May 1962 (H. Card); 1 adult in Ocean Park, York appearing in Apr (9 records), May (18), and Jun (5). Seven
W. Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 31 May 2005 (fide L. Quirion), and 1 in Bowdoinham, 5 Apr 2008 ( J. Savoie, ph.).
S ummer :
Greater numbers in summer than spring. At least 34
reports for Jul and at least 49 observations for Aug, mainly from southern coast. Records east to Hancock Co.: 1 immature at
and 2 continued until 8 Dec (B. Bunn). One in Biddeford Pool, 1
Corea, Gouldsboro, Aug 1991 (G. Atwood); and in Washington
Dec 2012 (D. Nickerson); 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 20 Dec 2016
Machiasport, 9 Aug 1998 (P. Donahue, NAB 53: 30). Sometimes
2013 (F. Paul) the latest known wintering birds.
Sep 1967, and 1, 3 Jul–2 Sep 1968 (both H. Card); immature in
Dec 2011 ( J. Stevens); 5 seen from Commercial St., Portland, 15 (T. and L. Merrill); 2 birds at S. Freeport Boat Landing, 26 Jan IM and BSV
Co., 1 in Milbridge, 23 May 2009 (C. Moseley), and 1 in
lingers throughout summer and fall: Cape Neddick, 1 from 2 Jul–8
Scarborough, 31 Jul–10 Sep 1991 (L. Brinker, J. Despres). Regularly occurs on offshore islands for protracted periods: Stratton I., 1
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
bird mid-Jul to 16 Aug 2006 (R. Lambert), and 1 from 29 Jun–30
Jul 2007 (fide E. Hynes); 3 on Seal I. NWR, 15 Jul–13 Sep 2009
Nyctanassa violacea
(M. Klostermann); numerous reports from Monhegan I. Only
Nearly annual along the southern coast and Midcoast in recent years
High count: 4 in Biddeford, 28 Aug 2010 ( J. Stevens et al.).
Status in Maine: The status of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons has changed dramatically since the mid-20th century, increasing since 1959 and reported nearly annually since 1967. It is uncommon in spring, arriving in April and early summer, with an increasing number of reports July through September. Diminishing in the fall, there are seven October records and one in November. Six to eight nightherons have been reported annually in recent years, with congregations of three to four birds reported from Monhegan Island, Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Biddeford. There is a single confirmed, but unsuccessful, nesting record from Phippsburg in 1995. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed six records, 1901–1948, including two reported by Knight. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic and Neotropical. Breeds regularly from MA to FL, west to IL and IN, south to TX, Cen. Am., Caribbean, and n. S. Am. Winters from FL, sparingly to NC, south through Cen. Am., Caribbean, and n. S. Am. S pring :
Palmer listed 2 spring records, both in Portland: 1 each
inland report in Bangor, 17–24 Aug 2009 (P. Corcoran et al.; ph.). Only ME breeding record is from oak forest adjoining
Sprague R. Marsh, Phippsburg. in 1995: 2 adults displaying
along marsh in late Apr (N. Sferra), 1 adult observed on 2 May
1995 (PDV), 2 adults found attending a nest on 31 May 1995.
Nest was ~40 ft. (12 m) above ground in Red Oak (PDV, FN
49: 228). No eggs observed in nest on 1 Jun and no subsequent evidence of successful nesting (PDV, FN 49: 907). However,
single juvenile birds were found and ph. at nearby Spirit Pond, 3
in late Aug or Sep 2017-2019 (M. Fahay). F all :
Nearly annual fall visitors since 1980, >47 fall reports in
Sep–Nov. Most from s. and cen. coastal ME; rare to occasional in Hancock and Washington Cos. In Hancock Co.: 1 adult at
Bass Harbor, 27 Sep 1986 ( JVW, AB 41: 55); 1 in Winter Harbor,
6 Sep 1995 ( J. Gordon, FN 50: 20); 1 in Southwest Harbor, 22
Aug 2013 (M. Good), and at same locality, 7–9 Aug 2014 (B.
Marvil, C. Kesselheim). In Washington Co.: 1 in Calais, 10 Aug
1999 (M. Mills, NAB 54: 27), and 1 on Great Wass I., 2 Aug 2012 (W. Hutcheson). Observations diminish in Oct. Notably late records: 1 adult in Wells, 29 Oct 1990 (L. Phinney), and 1 in
Portland, 29 Oct 2014 (T. Duddy). Only Nov record reported in
Warren, 2 Nov 2013 (K. Zwick).
High counts on Monhegan I.: 3 on 11 Sep 1982 (PDV et
al.), 3 on 16 Sep 1988 (PDV, m.ob.), 3 on 14 Sep 1991 (L. Brinker et al.). Three birds on Seal I. NWR, 15 Jul–13 Sep 2009 (M.
Klostermann). Recent Monhegan I. report, 5 Sep–9 Oct 2017
on 13 Apr 1901 and 11 Apr 1906. Not reported again in spring
(m.ob., eBird). Additionally, in 1980, major eastward movement
coast, extending east to Deer Isle, 12–15 Apr 1985 (M. Hundley).
Provinces (AB 35: 158): 5 individuals reported in ME, 4 in e. ME
until 1959, becoming regular since, primarily along s. cen. ME
Records 1959–1962: 1 adult on Harbor I., Muscongus Bay, 23 Jun
320
of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons into ME and Maritime
(Eastport, Addison, Steuben, Ellsworth). PDV
Order Pelecaniformes • Family Threskiornithidae
Ibises and Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) Glossy Ibises colonized southern Maine in the last century, and White and White-faced Ibises are occasional vagrants. Roseate Spoonbill, the only spoonbill of the Americas, was first recorded in Maine in 2018.
White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Blown off course from the southern U.S.
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are three records for this species in Maine. An adult was photographed in Machias, 9–14 September 1993 (AB 48: 160) and another adult reported on Appledore Island, 19 September 1993 (S. Morris et al., fide D. Holmes; AB 48: 87). These records occurred shortly after Hurricane Emily (31 August–6 September 1993), and the birds may have been carried north by the storm. An adult on Appledore Island, mid-August 1984, was photographed for a first confirmed state record (PDV, ph. arch.). Global Distribution: Nearctic and Neotropical. Resident along Atlantic Coast NC through FL and Gulf Coast. Also, resident on both east and west coasts of Mexico through Cen. Am. into n. S. Am. Although White Ibis breed no farther north than VA (Heath et al. 2009), this species has a regular pattern of vagrancy and has been recorded in all Maritime Provinces and New England states including NFLD, NB, NS (four records), MA, NH, CT, VT, and RI. PDV
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer cited three spring records, surprisingly none on the southern salt marshes: one in E. Orland, Hancock Co., May 1931; one in Lubec, Apr 1935; and the last, 30 Apr 1937 in Springfield (all obs. unk.). First documented breeding in ME on Stratton I., 31 Jul 1972 (AB 26: 834), Glossy Ibis bred the following year on Appledore I. (Borror and Holmes 1990). In 1975, 286 pairs were observed on Appledore and Wood Is., but in 1976 only 69 birds reported from Appledore, Wood, and Stratton Is. Since then, they have bred consistently on Stratton I., reaching a maximum of 163 pairs and colonizing two islands in Casco Bay in the late 1990s. Global distribution: In N. Am., breeds along East Coast from SC north to ME, and occasionally Maritime Provinces. Resident in FL, Gulf of Mexico, and w. Caribbean. Winters in Cen. Am. The most widespread ibis also breeds locally in S. Am., Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. S pring :
In 1980s, arrived on Scarborough area marshes
early Apr: 75 on Scarborough Marsh, 11 Apr 1981; 1 on 4 Apr
1982; and 11 on 9 Apr 1983 (all JEP and ECP). Now often by
late Mar, all Scarborough Marsh: 1 on 23 Mar 2012 (S. Walsh, eBird), 1 on 24 Mar 2002 (G. Carson et al.), 1 on 27 Mar 2016
(E. Glynn, eBird), 4 on 31 Mar 2009 (B. Casey, eBird). Early
season high counts: 150 on Pelreco Marsh, Cumberland Co.,
17 Apr 2004 (M. Dauphin); 103 at Pine Pt. on 25 Apr 1998
(G. Carson); and 117 on Scarborough Marsh, 16 Apr 2006 (D. and J. Lovitch). As season progresses numbers build: 121 on
Appledore I., 28 May 1994 (S. Morris, fide D. Holmes), and 238 on Stratton I., 31 May 1993 (S. Benz et al.). Recent birds east
of Casco Bay: 33 on Sprague Marsh, Phippsburg, 29 May 2005
(A. Stowe); 4 on Weskeag Marsh, 8 May 2005 (D. Reimer). Occasional birds inland: 31 in Fryeburg, 17 Apr 2002 (B.
Crowley); on a shallow horse pasture pond in Orono, 14 May
2000 (fide J. Markowsky,); and, less surprising considering
proximity to Weskeag Marsh, 30 in Union, 28 Apr 2001 (M.
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus A striking newcomer to Maine’s southern marshes
Status in Maine: Glossy Ibis is now common on Maine’s southern coast, breeding on a few coastal islands with heron species since the early 1970s and feeding in salt marshes and on tidal flats. Arriving in early April, they disperse along the southern coast and Midcoast in August shortly after fledging young; by mid-October they are scarce. No birds have been seen in Maine after 18 October.
Libby, fide K. Gammons). Northernmost records in ME both
in Aroostook Co., both fide WJS: Hodgdon on 30 Apr 2008 (S.
Young) and in Easton on 13 Apr 2017 (P. Cyr). S ummer :
In 2014, the total number of pairs breeding on ME
islands declined to 62 but as of 2018 there were again 111 pairs on
Stratton I. Common feeding in salt marshes and on tidal flats, sometimes in nearby freshwater marshes along coast, east to
Weskeag Marsh and Matinicus and Seal Is., 28 Jun 2017 (m.ob.,
eBird). Few records inland: 1 in Fryeburg Harbor, 22 Jul 2017 (D.
Albert, eBird); bird in nonbreeding plumage in Turner, 30 Jun
1994 ( J. Despres); 1 bird in first-spring plumage at Messalonskee
321
Birds of Maine
L., 19 Jul 2016 (M. Fahay, ph.; eBird); 4 at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 22 Jul 2015 (W. Summers and M. Viens, ph; eBird);
5 in flight, 6 Jul 2017 and 1 juvenile seen 27 Jul 2017 at Flood
to FL panhandle, and s. S. Am. Not recorded in e. Canada, but reported in MA and CT. PDV
Brothers Dairy (L. Bevier, ph.; eBird); and at Fish Pond, Holeb
Twp., Somerset Co., 12 Jul and again 28 Aug 1997 (R. Joseph). F all :
Numbers diminish rapidly after Aug. Small flocks along
coast east to Weskeag Marsh through Sep. Few linger into Oct:
1 Dunstan Landing, Scarborough, 4 Oct 1998 (P. Comins) and
6 at Scarborough Marsh, 4 Oct 1998 (K. Gammons). Latest
record: 17–18 Oct 2005, Weskeag Marsh and Thomaston Flats,
(M. Libby, fide K. Gammons). BSV
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
A western ibis with an increasing presence in Maine
Status in Maine: Once considered accidental, now casual, White-faced Ibis is nearly annual in small numbers. First Maine record was from Stratton Island, off Scarborough, 6–18 June 1996 (Tanino 1997). The first photographic record was an adult found at Jones Creek Marsh, on the southern edge of Scarborough Marsh, 5–12 May 2001 (L. Brinker, R. Eakin). Presumably, the same bird was seen again on the northern edge of the marsh, 8–14 July 2001 (L. Brinker, R. Lambert; NAB 55: 412). An adult White-faced Ibis was reported from Jones Creek Marsh, 18 May 2002 (M. Libby et al.; NAB 56: 284); and another was observed at Pine Point, 24 April 2004 (fide W. Townsend, Guillemot 34[2]: 13). White-faced Ibises were recorded at West Brook Pond, Biddeford, 10–11 June 2009 (C. Homler, eBird), and Scarborough Marsh intermittently from 19 April–26 May 2010 (m.ob., ebird). Although it is unknown if it was the same bird, a White-faced Ibis was recorded there annually, 2010–2015, and again in 2018. A single bird has been seen on Stratton Island nearly annually as well (both m.ob., eBird). There are few observations north of Portland; the first recorded on 3 June 2010 at Sam Day Hill Road, Phippsburg (R. Robinson, eBird), and a bird was seen at Morse Mountain, 9 Jun 2013 (G. Smith, eBird). Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds locally in w. N. Am., primarily MT, WY, UT, and CA. Winters in Mexico. Resident in s. CA, and Gulf Coast
322
Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
An unexpected visitor to a central Maine farm
Status in Maine: Accidental. A Roseate Spoonbill juvenile was seen and photographed at a farm pond in the heart of Maine: Sebec, Piscataquis County. It remained there from 27 August to at least 9 September 2018 (D. Furbish, m.ob.; eBird). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Breeds locally in coastal regions of s. FL, LA, and TX, both coasts of Mexico, Mesoamerica, Caribbean, and much of S. Am. east of Andes Mtns. The summers of 2017, and especially 2018, brought unusually high numbers of juvenile spoonbills well north of their normal range. Remarks: A small deformity in the bill of the bird recorded in ME matched that of a spoonbill reported on the Walkill R. NWR, on the NJ–NY border, 22 Jul–5 Aug 2018. Subsequently, the same deformity was reported on a bird at Milford Pt., CT, 17 Sep 2018, strongly suggesting all reports were of the same bird. On 7 Aug 2018, after the bird left NJ–NY and prior to the ME sighting, a spoonbill was photographed in Saint-Martin, QC, 20 in s. ME spring 1977; >40
spring migrants in 1979; >28 in ME, spring 1982; “too numerous
to list” in ME, spring 1985 (AB 39: 270); “everywhere” in ME, spring 1986 (AB 40: 443); “continue to be widely reported in
Maine,” spring 1987 (AB 41: 402). Prior to 1987, first spring
migrants usually reported Apr–May. After 1987, several Mar reports: 1 in Bath, 1 Mar 1987 (AB 41: 254); 1 at Bear Mtn.,
Hartford, Oxford Co., 9 Mar 1987, and 21 at same locality, 25
Mar 1987 (B. Murphy); 2 in Farmington, 26 Mar 1987 ( JVW).
By 1990, first spring migrants arrived mid- to late Feb: 1 in
Scarborough, 11 Feb 1990 ( J. Despres); 2 in Scarborough, 29 Feb
1992 (D. Thompson, PDV); 1 in Kennebunk, 26 Feb 1994 (L. Brinker).
The pattern of vultures arriving earlier each spring reflected
in Hunt’s comments (FN 51: 729): “Turkey Vultures began
migrating N into n. New England with the mid-February warm spell.” Pattern continues with Feb reports in 2006, 2007, 2009,
2011–2014. In 2012, at least 17 Feb reports, 10 prior to 15 Feb,
earliest: 1 in Bath, 5 Feb 2012 (M. Fahay), and 2 in Kennebunk, 6
Feb 2012 (S. Schulte). Notably, 6 vultures reported in Falmouth,
10 Feb 2012 (C. Hynes), and 10 seen in Biddeford, 25 Feb 2012 (P. Moynahan).
S ummer :
Given number of Turkey Vultures migrating into
ME in late 1970s, nesting was anticipated to follow. Family unit of 3 birds (2 adults and a juvenile), over Dayton, York
Co., provided first evidence of breeding in ME, Aug 1978 (S.
Kenniston). Breeding confirmed when nest with 2 young found in Camden Hills S.P., Aug 1982 (B. Bochan, AB 36: 955). The
ABBM (Adamus 1987) reported probable nesting in s. Oxford
324
! !
!
!
!
Turkey Vulture Range Expansion
! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 May-July Records
and n. Cumberland Cos. Avian Haven, a bird rehabilitation
center in Freedom, Waldo Co., receives nestling and fledgling vultures almost annually. Young birds admitted from
Damariscotta (2003); Searsport (2005); Union (2007); Woolwich (2010); Bath (2011); Camden, Knox Co. (2012); Sebago (2013); Lewiston and Albion (2014); and in Somerset Co., from
Sangerville (2010) and St. Albans (2013). When known, nest
locations are usually inside abandoned buildings, cabins, barns,
or trailers. Also, in Somerset Co., presumed nests found in abandoned structures in Solon and Canaan (W. Reid). In
Piscataquis Co., Turkey Vultures found nesting above Fourth
Debsconeag L., Rainbow Twp., in 2004 (T. Duddy, L. Woodard), and 2 adults, observed at N. Traveler Mtn., BSP, 26 Jun 1999,
probably nesting (PDV). In Washington Co., nesting confirmed
at Magurrewock Mtn. when juvenile vultures were heard hissing in Jun 2008 (R. Brown). Not surprisingly, BBS reported an 8.8%
annual increase 1966–2015. F all :
Prolonged fall migration starting mid- to late Aug,
peaking in Oct, continuing in diminishing numbers to early
Nov. On Mt. Agamenticus, high number of migrants seen by early Sep: 42 on 6 Sep 1988 and 11 on 8 Sep 1990 (S. Mirick et al.). Seasonal totals at this site: 104 in 1987 (AB 42: 233),
and 100 in 1988 (AB 43: 62). At Clarry Hill Hawkwatch in
Union, highest seasonal total recorded 504 vultures in 2013,
peak daily counts of 103 on 8 Oct 2012 and 109 on 12 Oct 2014
(T. McCullough); latest date of 1 vulture on 13 Nov 2005 (M. Libby). Vultures often congregate at rich food sources: 35–40 birds observed at piggery in Arundel, York Co., Sep 1985
(AB 40: 255); >60 at Skowhegan Landfill, 29 Sep 1991 (M. K. Lucey); >100 at Turner Landfill, mid-Sep 1992 (W. Howes,
Order Accipitriformes • Family Pandionidae
AB 47: 64). A flock of 25 notable in Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., 13 Oct 1994 (C. Dorchester, FN 49: 21).
Historically lingers into Nov and early Dec. Inland reports:
1 in Farmington, 4 Nov 1984 (W. Howes), and 1 in Brewer, 4
Nov 1988 (M. K. Lucey). In Turner: 1 each on 12 Nov 1988 (AB
O rder
ACCIPITRIFORMES
43: 62); 29 Nov 1991, 15 Nov 1994, 4 Dec 1994, and 2 on 9 Nov
Osprey (Pandionidae)
and n. ME in Sep. Relatively few Oct records. Aroostook Co.:
This monotypic family holds the globally distributed Osprey.
1995 (all J. Despres). Vultures typically depart Washington Co. 1 in Island Falls, 6 Oct 2011 (C. Kesselheim), and 4 on 3 Oct
2013 ( J. Smith). Piscataquis Co.: 1 in BSP, 15 Oct 2006 (T. J.
Gordon); 1 at Nesowadnehunk Campground, BSP, 11 Oct 2012
(D. F. Smith); and 2 in Greenville, 2 Oct 2013 (N. Magnusson). Late records elsewhere: 4 in Lincoln, 11 Oct 2014 (R. Steele);
3 in Jackman, 9 Oct 2011 ( J. Hastings); 1 in Andover, Oxford Co., 6 Oct 2010 (PDV ); and 2 in Upton, Oxford Co., 8 Oct
After a severe decline primarily caused by DDT and its derivatives in the mid-20th century, Ospreys are again plunge-diving feet-first into water bodies throughout Maine. Readily accepting artificial structures, Ospreys nest on a variety of sites from buoys and bridges to natural cliffs and trees.
2014 (S. Angus); in n. Franklin Co., 1 in Stetsontown Twp., 19
Oct 2013 (K. Janes), and 2 over Tumbledown Mtn., 3 Oct 2010
(H. Rasmussen). More recently, late vultures: 4 at Medomak
Osprey
Village, Muskrat Pond, Lincoln Co., 7 Nov 2017 (K. Brown,
Pandion haliaetus
Muth, eBird). Inland: 2 at Sabattus Pond, 1 Nov 2015 (G. Jarvis
A distinctive summer resident common on waterbodies across Maine
eBird); 1 in Jonesboro, Washington Co., 11 Nov 2017 (W. and C.
and C. Murray, eBird); 1 at Steep Falls, Cumberland Co., 8
Nov 2016 (L. Alexander, eBird); 1 in Benton, Kennebec Co., 20 Nov 2011 (L. Bevier). W inter :
Wintering vultures first found along coast in 1980s:
1 in Jonesport, 31 Dec 1981 (N. Famous); 1 adult in Arundel,
26 Dec 1985 ( J. Berry); 2 at unstated localities in ME, winter
1985–1986; 1 found dead in ME, 12 Feb 1986 (AB 40: 251); 1 in S. Portland, 2 Dec 1986 (AB 41: 254). Almost annual in late Dec–
early Feb since 1990, primarily near coast. Inland winter records
from Turner: 2 on 17 Dec 1990, 1 on 10 Jan 1991, 5 on 23 Jan
and >3 on 29 Jan 1993 (AB 47: 241), 3 on 7 Dec 1993, 1 on 4 Dec
1994 (all J. Despres). Additional inland records: 1 in Gardiner,
Kennebec Co., 10 Dec 2006 ( JVW); 1 in Pittston, 15 Dec 2002
(D. Jespersen); 1 at Fuller Farm, Scarborough, 1 Feb 2016 ( J.
Stevens, eBird); 1 in Montville, Waldo Co., 6 Feb 2001 (NAB
55: 146); 1 in Waterville, 27 Feb 2017 (M. Veins, eBird). CBC
reports: 1 on Lewiston–Auburn CBC, 15 Dec 1990; 1 on Bangor–
Bucksport CBC, 28 Dec 1991; 1 on Dover-Foxcroft CBC, 18
Dec 1999; 2 on Farmington CBC, 15 Dec 2001; 1 on Machias CBC, 16 Dec 2001; 2 on Unity CBC, 16 Dec 2005. Reports
increasing recently: >10 reports from York and Cumberland Cos. in Jan–early Feb 2007; 8 individuals over S. Portland, 17 Dec 2012
(N. Houlihan). Single vulture on Matinicus I. CBC, 4 Jan 2008, particularly notable offshore. PDV
Status in Maine: The Osprey is locally abundant in some coastal waters and nests throughout the state on lakes and rivers. The species arrives in late March and April with migration continuing into May. Ospreys begin migrating south in late August, peaking in September, and diminishing through October. Since the late 1990s, there is increasing evidence of geographic shifts in Osprey populations, especially declines in regions now inhabited by large numbers of nesting Bald Eagles, and increases inland. Although the statewide Osprey population has never been formally censused, many localities exhibit this pattern. In Penobscot Bay, a 27% decline of nesting Ospreys was noted, 1984–2011. The ratio of nesting Bald Eagles to nesting Ospreys changed in Machias Bay from 1:10 in 1983 to 7:1 in 2018. By contrast, in Moosehead Lake area waters the ratio of eagles to Ospreys shifted from 25:1 in 1983 to 5:1 in 2018. These shifts reflect both increasing eagle abundance overall, especially coastally, coastal setbacks in Osprey numbers, and Osprey movement inland (C. Todd, pers. com.). Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered the Osprey a common summer resident. However, from the 1950s to the 1970s, a population decline occurred due to effects of pesticide use. BBS data indicate that the ME population increased annually by 2.1% after 1966, presumably a result of reduced pesticide levels. The ME population probably now exceeds 2,000 pairs (C. Todd, pers. com.). 325
Order Accipitriformes • Family Pandionidae
AB 47: 64). A flock of 25 notable in Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., 13 Oct 1994 (C. Dorchester, FN 49: 21).
Historically lingers into Nov and early Dec. Inland reports:
1 in Farmington, 4 Nov 1984 (W. Howes), and 1 in Brewer, 4
Nov 1988 (M. K. Lucey). In Turner: 1 each on 12 Nov 1988 (AB
O rder
ACCIPITRIFORMES
43: 62); 29 Nov 1991, 15 Nov 1994, 4 Dec 1994, and 2 on 9 Nov
Osprey (Pandionidae)
and n. ME in Sep. Relatively few Oct records. Aroostook Co.:
This monotypic family holds the globally distributed Osprey.
1995 (all J. Despres). Vultures typically depart Washington Co. 1 in Island Falls, 6 Oct 2011 (C. Kesselheim), and 4 on 3 Oct
2013 ( J. Smith). Piscataquis Co.: 1 in BSP, 15 Oct 2006 (T. J.
Gordon); 1 at Nesowadnehunk Campground, BSP, 11 Oct 2012
(D. F. Smith); and 2 in Greenville, 2 Oct 2013 (N. Magnusson). Late records elsewhere: 4 in Lincoln, 11 Oct 2014 (R. Steele);
3 in Jackman, 9 Oct 2011 ( J. Hastings); 1 in Andover, Oxford Co., 6 Oct 2010 (PDV ); and 2 in Upton, Oxford Co., 8 Oct
After a severe decline primarily caused by DDT and its derivatives in the mid-20th century, Ospreys are again plunge-diving feet-first into water bodies throughout Maine. Readily accepting artificial structures, Ospreys nest on a variety of sites from buoys and bridges to natural cliffs and trees.
2014 (S. Angus); in n. Franklin Co., 1 in Stetsontown Twp., 19
Oct 2013 (K. Janes), and 2 over Tumbledown Mtn., 3 Oct 2010
(H. Rasmussen). More recently, late vultures: 4 at Medomak
Osprey
Village, Muskrat Pond, Lincoln Co., 7 Nov 2017 (K. Brown,
Pandion haliaetus
Muth, eBird). Inland: 2 at Sabattus Pond, 1 Nov 2015 (G. Jarvis
A distinctive summer resident common on waterbodies across Maine
eBird); 1 in Jonesboro, Washington Co., 11 Nov 2017 (W. and C.
and C. Murray, eBird); 1 at Steep Falls, Cumberland Co., 8
Nov 2016 (L. Alexander, eBird); 1 in Benton, Kennebec Co., 20 Nov 2011 (L. Bevier). W inter :
Wintering vultures first found along coast in 1980s:
1 in Jonesport, 31 Dec 1981 (N. Famous); 1 adult in Arundel,
26 Dec 1985 ( J. Berry); 2 at unstated localities in ME, winter
1985–1986; 1 found dead in ME, 12 Feb 1986 (AB 40: 251); 1 in S. Portland, 2 Dec 1986 (AB 41: 254). Almost annual in late Dec–
early Feb since 1990, primarily near coast. Inland winter records
from Turner: 2 on 17 Dec 1990, 1 on 10 Jan 1991, 5 on 23 Jan
and >3 on 29 Jan 1993 (AB 47: 241), 3 on 7 Dec 1993, 1 on 4 Dec
1994 (all J. Despres). Additional inland records: 1 in Gardiner,
Kennebec Co., 10 Dec 2006 ( JVW); 1 in Pittston, 15 Dec 2002
(D. Jespersen); 1 at Fuller Farm, Scarborough, 1 Feb 2016 ( J.
Stevens, eBird); 1 in Montville, Waldo Co., 6 Feb 2001 (NAB
55: 146); 1 in Waterville, 27 Feb 2017 (M. Veins, eBird). CBC
reports: 1 on Lewiston–Auburn CBC, 15 Dec 1990; 1 on Bangor–
Bucksport CBC, 28 Dec 1991; 1 on Dover-Foxcroft CBC, 18
Dec 1999; 2 on Farmington CBC, 15 Dec 2001; 1 on Machias CBC, 16 Dec 2001; 2 on Unity CBC, 16 Dec 2005. Reports
increasing recently: >10 reports from York and Cumberland Cos. in Jan–early Feb 2007; 8 individuals over S. Portland, 17 Dec 2012
(N. Houlihan). Single vulture on Matinicus I. CBC, 4 Jan 2008, particularly notable offshore. PDV
Status in Maine: The Osprey is locally abundant in some coastal waters and nests throughout the state on lakes and rivers. The species arrives in late March and April with migration continuing into May. Ospreys begin migrating south in late August, peaking in September, and diminishing through October. Since the late 1990s, there is increasing evidence of geographic shifts in Osprey populations, especially declines in regions now inhabited by large numbers of nesting Bald Eagles, and increases inland. Although the statewide Osprey population has never been formally censused, many localities exhibit this pattern. In Penobscot Bay, a 27% decline of nesting Ospreys was noted, 1984–2011. The ratio of nesting Bald Eagles to nesting Ospreys changed in Machias Bay from 1:10 in 1983 to 7:1 in 2018. By contrast, in Moosehead Lake area waters the ratio of eagles to Ospreys shifted from 25:1 in 1983 to 5:1 in 2018. These shifts reflect both increasing eagle abundance overall, especially coastally, coastal setbacks in Osprey numbers, and Osprey movement inland (C. Todd, pers. com.). Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered the Osprey a common summer resident. However, from the 1950s to the 1970s, a population decline occurred due to effects of pesticide use. BBS data indicate that the ME population increased annually by 2.1% after 1966, presumably a result of reduced pesticide levels. The ME population probably now exceeds 2,000 pairs (C. Todd, pers. com.). 325
Birds of Maine
Ospreys
Global Distribution: Cosmopolitan. Breeds throughout n. Palearctic, Mediterranean, Middle East, to Australia, although some authorities consider the Australian birds a separate species. N. Am. breeding primarily on wooded lakes, rivers, and coastlines from NL, Maritime Provinces, New England, west through s. Canada to AK and along both coastlines. Largely absent, except along rivers and reservoirs, from cen. U.S. In W. Hemisphere, winters from SC (uncommon), FL, TX, coastal s. OR, CA, Mexico to S. Am., Brazil, and Argentina.
still carrying his prey is hard to understand) behind a bush and disappeared. A half-hour later he had not reappeared” (Alpert 1966, 139). S pring :
Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch recorded average of
359 migrants/spring, 2004–2018. First birds appear last week of Mar, peak 7–31 Apr: largest daily count 229 individuals
on 14 Apr 2014, and largest spring count 724 birds in 2014.
Number of migrants diminishes in May (D. Lovitch et al.).
Early migrants, 1 bird each: Boothbay Harbor, 27 Feb 2006 ( J. Morse); Cape Elizabeth, 28 Feb 2010 (E. Hynes); Prospect, 7
Mar 1968 (fide DWF); Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 7 Mar
Remarks: On 14 May 1966, M.C. Alpert observed an 2004 (fide J. Frank); Augusta, 8 Mar 2006 (N. Famous); nest Osprey catching a Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) along on Bowdoin power lines, 22 Mar 2012 (C. Hynes, eBird); and 1 the edge of Patten Pond, E. Corinth, Penobscot Co. and 2 birds on a T pole at Bath Industrial Osprey nest, 23 and He wrote the Osprey “hit the water with a great splash, 25 Mar 2012 (M. Fahay, eBird). less than 100 feet from me. Then he sat motionless S ummer : Breeds throughout ME; many pairs on nests early– wings outspread but bent, and head up for a long mid-Apr. Confirmed nesting in all counties; densest along coast, time, probably two minutes. When he arose, he was Sagadahoc–Washington Cos., with confirmed nesting in nearly carrying in his claws a muskrat! It was such a heavy every census block (Adamus 1987). Ospreys protect nest sites but burden that the Osprey could not completely lift it do not defend feeding areas. Most commonly nests on towers from the water, the tail dragged. The Osprey flew low or poles, but >22 records of Ospreys ground nesting, especially a few yards then rested in the water as before perhaps on coastal ledges as previously noted by Knight and Palmer. a half-minute. After he repeated this maneuver three One such location in N. Haven used steadily for >40 years and times as he was two-thirds of the way to the nearest another for >100 years (C. Todd, pers. com.). Sometimes occurs shore, he used his wings as oars and rowed himself to in large numbers when feeding on fish concentrations: at least shore! Then he walked (although how he could while 326
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
30 individuals observed feeding along a 0.6mi. (1 km) stretch of
Feb records: an Osprey observed in Portland, 9 Dec 1906, citing
data indicate ME population increased annually 2.1%, 1966–2015,
checklist and should be disregarded. An observation on Eagle I.,
Androscoggin R., Brunswick–Topsham, 10 Jul 1999 (PDV). BBS with >2,000 pairs in ME (C. Todd, pers. com.). Although not
quantified, Ospreys apparently diminishing in areas with high
Bald Eagle populations, especially Washington Co. (C. Todd, pers. com.). F all :
Protracted fall migration, late Aug–Oct, peaks in Sep,
with late individuals migrating in Nov. At Barnes I., which
averages 108 individuals/fall, 2009–2018, largest daily counts
usually in mid-Sep: 206 individuals on 15 Sep 1988; 101 on 11 Sep
1993; 105 on 11 Sep 1994; 113 on 12 Sep 1994; 177 on 18 Sep 1999;
108 on 12 Sep 2002; 112 on 29 Sep 2007 (P. Donahue, G. Appell, et al.). Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch averages 151 individuals/fall,
1995–2018 (HawkCount 2018). Inland at Clarry Hill Hawkwatch, Union, fall average is 239 individuals, 2011–2018; daily maximum
174 on 27 Sep 2011 (HawkCount 2018). Highest daily count at
Mt. Agamenticus, 105 individuals on 17 Sep 1982 (PDV et al.).
High counts on Monhegan I.: 200 on 25 Sep 1984; 80 on 14 Sep
1986; 40 on 25 Sep 1986 (all PDV et al.).
More than 20 Nov reports, most in first half of month,
primarily from York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Cos. Palmer reported A. Norton saw an Osprey in Falmouth on late date
of 22 Nov 1913. Nov Ospreys in cen. ME, 1 bird each: Long
Pond, east of Bangor, 14 Nov 1946 (Palmer 1949); T5 R8 WELS, n. Penobscot Co, 1–7 Nov 1966 (Chapmans, NMAS Nov 1966);
Brownson (1903) but this species does not appear in Brownson’s
Harpswell, 20 Jan 1945 by C. Packard, an experienced and careful observer, may have been accurate but it should be noted Rough-
legged Hawks frequently occur on offshore islands. Citing Gross
(1947), Palmer included 1 seen in Bar Harbor, 19 Feb 1947, but Gross did not report details or indicate this sight record was
unusual. Additional reports lacking documentation should be
disregarded: 1 in Prout’s Neck, 30 Dec 1956 (MFO 2: 6) and 1
in Belfast, 15 Jan 1988 (AB 42: 228). One incidental observation
occurred on 28 Feb 2010 on Cape Elizabeth, “shocked to see
it soaring overhead, it cruised fairly low toward Great Pond”
(E. Hynes, eBird); as with other winter reports, there is no verification.
PDV
Kites, Eagles, and Hawks (Accipitridae) A highly diverse family of 68 genera, these are opportunistic hunters with hooked bills and an appetite for (depending on species) everything from mammals, birds, and fish, to fruit, insects, snails, snakes, and carrion. Of 14 species recorded in Maine, only the newest, Great Black Hawk, is accidental.
Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 14 Nov 1998 (D. Mairs); Clarry Hill, 13
Nov 2005 (M. Libby); 1 on Cobbosseecontee L., 9 Nov 2007 (M.
Fahay, eBird); and Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 10 Nov 2012 (B.
Swallow-tailed Kite
West, eBird).
Elanoides forficatus
week of Nov 1951. Mr. Raymond Allen was “digging potatoes on
The striking silhouette of this casual visitor is unmistakable
Most unusual record: one caught and killed in Nobleboro, first
his farm when he heard a heavy thumping noise directly behind him. Turning he saw a large bird on the ground pouncing on a
mouse. He grabbed the bird by the neck and succeeded in killing it bare handed. A photograph of Mr. Dunbar holding the bird
and note concerning the unusual capture of the unknown bird
appeared in the Portland Press Herald.” The bird was identified as a fully-grown Osprey in juvenile plumage, presently in the
Bowdoin College collection (BMAS 8: 9–10). W inter :
Although there are numerous winter sight reports,
the presence of Osprey 15 Dec–20 Feb must be considered
hypothetical until documented otherwise. A specimen collected
in or near Brunswick, 1 Jan 1919 (Palmer 1949), is presumed valid, but it is unclear whether the specimen remains extant. Nineteen
Ospreys reported on 15 ME CBCs, including, remarkably, 4
on Bath CBC in Dec 1976. None of these reports documented in detail and most, if not all, must be considered with caution, being likely misidentified light-morph Rough-legged Hawks
or immature Bald Eagles. Palmer listed 3 additional Jan and
Status in Maine: Maine’s first Swallow-tailed Kite records were birds photographed on Monhegan Island, 19–25 May 1986 (S. Surner, AB 40: 443), and in South Lubec on 3 July 1989 (A. Strauss, MBN 3[2]: 17). Another kite was reported in Newcastle on 29 May 1988 (fide B. Cadbury, AB 42: 408). These early records have not yet been reviewed by the Maine Bird Records Committee. More recently, the Maine Bird Records Committee accepted Swallow-tailed Kite reports from North Yarmouth on 24 August 2007 (A. Stackhouse, D. Lovitch; eBird) and Pownal on 10 May 2008 (D. Ferrell, fide ME-BRC) and 28–29 April 2009 (D. Akers, eBird). Single kites were also reported via eBird: in Milo, Piscataquis County, on 1 June 2013 (C. Feairheller); at Sanford Lagoons, 1 July 2016 ( J. Fecteau); on Crystal Spring Farm trails, Brunswick, 327
Birds of Maine
7 May 2014 (unk. obs.); and in Thorndike Village, Waldo County, 12 June 2011 (D. Prizio). With the exception of the 2011 observation, these have all been accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee. Historical Status in Maine: Not recorded in ME prior to 1986. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds in se. U.S. from SC to FL, on Gulf Coast to LA and (isolated) coastal TX and in Cen. Am. Winters with resident populations throughout n. and cen. S. Am. Species has pattern of vagrancy in New England and e. Canada. Birds usually appear in spring or summer; reported in all New England states, NS, and QC. PDV
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
This spectacular raptor is a soaring hunter of open landscapes
Status in Maine: Golden Eagles are occasional to rare in Maine year-round. Historically, there were 10–12 nesting pairs, part of a small eastern North American breeding population now restricted to Quebec and Labrador, but the species has not bred in the state since 1996 (Katzner et al. 2012). Golden Eagles are uncommon but annual spring and fall migrants in Maine in the western mountains and occasional along the coastal plain. These eagles are rare in winter, and most reports suggest wandering individuals. Maine Conservation Status: Endangered. Historical Status in Maine: Knight observed a pair near Jackman, Aug 1895, which he thought were nesting, and Brewster (1925) noted that the species nested regularly in the vicinity of Grafton Notch, and at several cliff sites near L. Umbagog, in the late 19th century. Palmer (1949, 145) reported “in the past 100 years, the Golden Eagle has bred in four or five counties in the state. At present, it breeds in only two, or possibly three, of these, and at least four different sites probably are in use.” Golden Eagle nest sites in ME were used for long periods—one nest site, first reported in 1689, and another in 1879, continued to be used until the mid- to late 20th century (Palmer 1988). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am., Europe, n. Africa, Russia, and Asia. In N. Am., nests on Gaspé Peninsula (diminishing) and north of St. 328
Lawrence R. in QC and NL (formerly in ME, NH, and NY), west through w. Canada and AK, south throughout much of w. U.S. to cen. Mexico. Winters in N. Am. from ME and Maritime Provinces (rare), south to FL and TX. More numerous in west. Winters from s. BC, AB, and SK to cen. Mexico. Remarks: Beginning in the 1960s and continuing to 1987, W. Spofford monitored Golden Eagle nests in ME. His remarkable, solitary efforts documented the last nesting pairs and the last known successful fledgling in 1984. Spofford spent many hours watching nests, noting primary prey items came from wetland and bog habitats, notably including ducks and wading birds such as American Bitterns and Great Blue Herons. He reported Great Blue Herons comprised >90% of prey debris found in a 1984 nest and that other prey included Common Mergansers, Doublecrested Cormorants, Muskrats, and Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) (Todd 2000). S pring :
ME is on the eastern fringe of primary migratory
route for eastern population of Golden Eagles nesting in n.
Labrador and QC; most birds pass west between L. Champlain,
VT, and L. Ontario, NY. (Katzner et al. 2012). The few birds
migrating through ME annually generally observed in central and western mountains close to Canadian border, and most
migrating to nesting sites on Gaspé Peninsula, QC, from
wintering areas in cen. Appalachian forests (P. Miller, pers.
com.). Adult birds tracked by researchers at University of WV
usually pass through ME in 1–2 days, generally in early to mid-
Mar; subadults and juveniles generally later, migrating early Apr to mid-May (P. Miller, pers. com.). Observations confirm this
pattern of spring migration sight records since 1941, 5 reported
in late Feb, 17 in Mar (12 between 16–31 Mar), 9 in Apr, and 4 in
May.
Golden Eagles move through coastal plain Feb–Mar. Since
1980, 5 or more birds observed over Mt. Agamenticus, earliest on 28 Feb 1988 and latest on 27 Apr 1980 (both L. Phinney et
al.). Since 2006, total of 3 reported over Bradbury Mtn., 21–23
Mar (D. Lovitch et al.), and 1 on 1 Apr 2015 (Wolfgang et al.).
At least 3 immatures seen at large eagle roost and feeding area in Warren: 1 on 2 Mar 2003 and 1 on 2 Mar 2004 (both M Libby); 1 on 30 Mar 2007 (D. Reimer). Nearby at Clarry Hill, Union,
2 reported on 7 Mar 2006 (M. Libby) and a single bird ph. 11
Mar 2006 (D. Reimer, ph.). At least 20 additional reports from coastal plain. Notable records, 1 bird each: subadult circling
north over Alton Bog, Argyle Twp., Penobscot Co., 15 May
1978 (PDV); adult in Hollis, York Co., 29 May 1983 ( J. Berry);
adult in Bangor, 28 May 2002 (B. Barker, NAB 56: 285); Holden,
Penobscot Co., 14 May 2005 (B. Barker); adult in Lubec, 19 Mar
2009 (fide E. Hynes); 1 observed intermittently 21 Jan–5 Feb 2013,
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
another on 20 Mar 2016, both at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton
(R. O’Connell and m.ob., respectively; eBird); and 30 Mar 2016, Mt. Agamenticus (D. Doubleday and A. Aldrich, eBird).
S ummer :
Formerly known to breed at ~10 sites, all in western
mountains of Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis Cos.
Last confirmed nesting in 1996 and last successful nest reported in 1984 (Katzner et al. 2012). In 1983, W. Spofford monitored
2 nests in w. ME, at least 1 eaglet fledged in early Aug (AB
37: 968). Nearly all published summer records 1953–1983 from
w. ME, in Piscataquis Co.: 1 adult in T4 R11 WELS, 4 Jul 1953, and 1 in T10 R11 WELS, 29 Jul 1959 ( J. Cadbury). In Somerset
Co.: 1 adult, 31 May 1952 (MASFC). In Franklin Co.: 2 adults at
Lincoln Plt., 27 May 1966 (MASFC), and 1 in Stratton, Jul 1982
(M. Lucey). In Oxford Co.: 1 in Hastings, 5 Jun 1968 (MASFC), and 1 in Sweden, 14 Jul 1973 (P. Richards). Away from western
mountains, 2 immature goldens carefully observed for >10
minutes over Kennebunk Plains, 3 Jul 1986 ( JVW, PDV, MBN 1:
22). Recent breeding season reports, 1 bird each: adult in Bangor, 28 May 2002 (B. Barker, NAB 56: 285); adult in Lincoln Plt., 27
Apr 2012 (DWF); and immature in Southwest Harbor, 14 Jun 2017 (C. Kesselheim, eBird).
Golden Eagles continue to explore and visit historic nesting
sites in w. ME. A female captured in PA in Mar 2008 was
fitted with a telemetry unit. For next 5 years this bird summered primarily in n. Oxford and Franklin Cos. in w. ME and
ventured to Gaspé, QC. Unfortunately, it was found dead in
NB in spring 2013 (E. Mojica, pers. com.). Several others seen in summers 2006–2012 in n. Franklin Co. (D. Valleau).
F all :
Fairly protracted southward migration, primarily passing
through western mountains. Fall movement begins late Sep,
peaks in Oct–Nov, continuing into Dec. Telemetry data from
University of WV indicates juveniles and subadults migrate south earlier than adults, which usually migrate late Oct to
mid-Nov (P. Miller, pers. com.). Some degree of postbreeding
dispersal in Aug with Golden Eagles found in various parts
of ME, including coast: 1 seen over Wiscasset, 10 Aug 1932 (R.
Peterson, in Palmer 1949).
Migrates along coast in small numbers, at least irregularly. As
an indication of species’ rarity, Barnes I. Hawkwatch recorded
9 individuals in 35 years of observation: single immature birds recorded on 4 Oct 1996, 11 Oct 2004, 1 Nov 2008, 2 Nov 2008
(P. Donahue, G. Appell et al.); 1 Golden Eagle observed each
day 30 Oct–2 Nov 2010 (G. Appell et al.), and 1 on 18 Oct 2018, ages unknown (P. Donahue et al.). Also reported occasionally from Mount Desert I., especially Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch:
single goldens reported on 9 Oct 1989, 6 Nov 2003, 27 Oct 2004,
immature on 29 Oct 2005, immature on 1 Nov 2006, immature
on 14 Oct 2009, 24 Oct 2010, 1 Nov 2010 (C. Moseley, S. Benz et al.), 4 Nov 2013 (Zeman et al.), 26 Sep 2016 (Wolfgang et
al.). Also, on Mount Desert I.: 1 over Beech Hill on 30 Sep 1957
(MFO 2: 102) and 19 Oct 1973 (W. Russell); 1 near Bar Harbor,
8 Oct 1977 (N. Famous). At Schoodic Pt., this species reported on 29 Oct 1967 (E. Thompson) and 12 Nov 2006 ( J. Mays).
Other coastal plain reports, 1 bird each: adult male shot at Duck
Pond, Windham, 14 Oct 1891 (Palmer 1949); female shot feeding on a deer carcass on Isle au Haut, 17 Nov 1894 (Palmer 1949);
Harrington, 7 Dec 1968 (AB, cit. unk.); Machias, 14 Oct 1972
(C. Dorchester); Pownal, 2 Oct 1978 (D. Nickerson); immature at Quoddy Light, Lubec, 28 Oct 1982 (obs. unk.); immature in
Cushing, Knox Co., 28 Sep 1983 (B. Cadbury); Roque Bluffs,
1 Oct 1988 (T. Preston, AB 43: 63); adult in Dresden, 12 Nov
1994 (PDV); Dexter, Penobscot Co., late Oct 1995 (B. Barker); Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 9 Nov 1999 (P. McGowan);
subadult in Turner, 25 Oct 2000 ( J. Despres); Kennebunkport,
24 Dec 2000 ( J. Junker); Woolwich, 13 Oct 2002 (Guillemot
32: 45); Scarborough, 20 Oct 2002 (G. Carson, K. Gammons); Brunswick, 7 Oct 2003 (Guillemot 33: 45); Clarry Hill, Union,
22 Nov 2003 (M. Mahnke et al.); immature in Pownal, 27
Nov 2010 (D. Nickerson); Scarborough, 23 Oct 2012 (fide D.
Hitchcox). Remarkably, an immature female found in a cabin in E. Sebago, Cumberland Co., 29 Nov 1994; bird emaciated
with feet severely infected by porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
quills; it was euthanized 12 Jan 1995 (C. Todd, MBN 8: 34, FN
49: 128). Immature records probably late migrants, 1 each: Bath,
18 Dec 1982, and York, 20 Dec 1982 ( J. Ficker, PDV; AB 37: 280); Machiasport, 13 Dec 2008 (fide E. Hynes).
W inter :
Irregular, most records suggest transients. Distribution
of sightings covers western mountains to coastal plain west of
Mount Desert I. Reports from mountain region: 2 in Carrabasset,
Franklin Co., 27 Feb 1976 (B. Barker); 1 in Oxford Co., winter
1988–1989 (C. Adkins, fide P. Cross); 1 adult in Wilton, 14 Dec
1990 (obs. unk.); 1 in Strong, Franklin Co., 15 Dec 1990 (P. Cross); 1 in Sweden, 7 Dec 2002 (D. Gilpatrick et al.). Golden Eagles
occasionally come to deer (Odocoileus spp.) carcasses or other food
concentrations; birds seen occasionally in Wilson’s Mills, Oxford
Co., where deer carcasses dragged onto Aziscohos L.: 1 on 19 Dec
2007 (L. Tanino); 1 seen occasionally at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 21 Jan–5 Feb 2013 (m.ob., eBird).
Most winter reports along coastal plain involve immature
birds, 1 bird each: Damariscotta, 15 Jan 1979 (obs. unk); Bath, 18
Dec 1982 (CBC); York, 20 Dec 1982 ( J. Ficker, PDV); Prospect Harbor, 30 Jan 1985 (fide R. Heil); at a feeding station in
Lamoine, Hancock Co., late winter 1984–1985 (C. Todd, ph.);
Woolwich, 8 Feb 1987 (PDV et al.); Ogunquit, 24 Feb 2001 (N. McReel); Benton, Kennebec Co., 20 Jan–5 Feb 2013 (L. Bevier
et al.). An adult Golden Eagle also reported from Benton, 5 Feb
2013 (L. Bevier).
Since 2000, at least 5 Golden Eagles reported from
Warren, where Bald Eagles congregate to feed on discarded
poultry carcasses: 1 on 3 Feb 2000 (M. Libby, Guillemot 30: 5);
1 immature, 12 Jan–4 Feb 2003 (D. Reimer); 1 on 2 Mar 2004
329
Birds of Maine
(M. Libby); immature on 17 Jan 2004, and second immature
22 Feb 1998 (A. Stackhouse). In 1999, males reported from
Nobleboro, Feb–mid-Mar 1986 (fide C. Todd). Species appears
Despres); and a female seen in Richmond, 19 Feb 1999 (PDV).
on 27 Feb 2004 (D. Reimer). An un-aged bird seen regularly in rare in winter in n. ME with only 2 records: 1 at deer carcass on
ice at Eagle L., Aroostook Co., Jan 1984 (P. Dumond, fide C.
Richmond, 10 Feb 1999 (PDV), and Turner, 12 Feb 1999 ( J.
Male reported from Sedgwick, Hancock Co., 17 Feb 2006 (C.
Moseley). Sample spring records, 1 bird unless noted, fide eBird:
Todd), and 1 “was apparently feeding on a beaver carcass on the
2, Overlock Rd., N. Union, Knox Co., 7 Mar 2015 (E. Flanders);
2004 (fide WJS).
Bradbury Mtn. S.P., 15 Mar 2014 (D. Nickerson); Donnabeth
ice” at Munsungan L., T8 R10 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 24 Feb
PDV
Lamoine Field, Hancock Co., 12 Mar 2016 (R. Klyver);
Lippman Park, Windham, 1 Apr 2014 (B. Smith); Monticello,
Aroostook Co., 11 Apr 2014 (C. Kesselheim); and Kakadjo Store,
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius (formerly C. cyaneus) A species of special concern, drifting over grasslands and marshes on up-slanted wings
Status in Maine: Northern Harriers are regular during the breeding season in open grasslands, agricultural areas, and a variety of wetlands and marshes throughout much of Maine north of Cumberland and York Counties. Both spring and fall migrations are lengthy. Harriers migrate north from early to mid-March (occasionally late February) and continue to move into mid-May. The fall flight starts in early August, continuing through November, with stragglers lingering into December. Harrier numbers have increased dramatically in winter, especially along the southern coast. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight said Northern Harriers were local summer residents in appropriate marsh and grassland habitat, whereas Palmer considered this species more common. Both authors found harriers to be common spring and fall migrants. Palmer reported one winter record. At L. Umbagog, Brewster (1925) reported the species was common in summer and more numerous in fall, likely the result of an influx of southbound migrants. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds from NL and QC through Canada and AK south to PA, WV, IL, to north TX and CA. Winters from NB– NS border (locally), coastal ME and New England, PA, WI, and BC south to Mexico and Cen. Am., and locally in Caribbean. S pring :
Protracted spring migration, early Mar or late Feb
in some years: 1 male in Richmond, 16 Feb 1998 (PDV); 1 at
Clarry Hill, Union, 22 Feb 1998 (A. Hopps); and 1 in Pownal,
330
Piscataquis Co., 25 May 2014 (L. Powell). Flight continues through mid-May.
Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch reported Northern Harriers
throughout observation period (early Mar to mid-May)
with peak early to mid-Apr. Annual average at site, 85 birds,
2004–2018, with maximum of 180 individuals in 2017, and daily
maximum of 49 on 10 Apr 2017 (Z. Baker et al.). Results similar
to earlier, more limited, spring hawkwatch at Mt. Agamenticus,
where maximum count was 6 harriers on 28 Mar 1991, and
latest individual noted on 3 May 1989 (L. Phinney). Harriers
spread quickly throughout ME, arriving in Aroostook Co. late
Mar–early Apr, 1 bird each: Mapleton, 6 Apr 1979 (M. Holmes);
Presque Isle, 26 Mar 1988 (M. Trombley); Houlton, 31 Mar 2003
(L. Little); Woodland, 28 Mar 2003, and another at same locality,
30 Mar 2004 (both WJS); Ft. Fairfield, 29 Mar 2007 (WJS). S ummer :
Regular but local in Jun–Jul in open habitat north
of York and Cumberland Cos. Steadily diminished since early
20th century with reduction in agriculture, fields, and shrublands, and subsequent loss of suitable nesting sites. Despite summer
regularity, relatively few confirmed nesting records: on Mount
Desert I., pair with nest found at Hulls’ Cove, 6 Jun 1973 (obs. unk.); nest with 5 eggs noted in Northeast Creek Marsh, Bar
Harbor, on 15 Jun 1973 (obs. unk.); and pair observed breeding in New Mill Meadow, off Duck Brook Rd. in 1993 (Russell
and Witt 2009). In 1996, single male paired with 2 females. The
nests, on east and west sides of Northeast Creek Marsh, fledged
4 and 5 young, respectively. Harriers again nested in 1997 at
Northeast Creek and at least 2 young fledged (Russell and Witt
2009). Nest with 2 spoiled eggs found in Bass Harbor Marsh, Southwest Harbor–Tremont, 10 Jul 1999 (fide W. Townsend), and 1 adult and 2 young found near Wonderland, Southwest
Harbor, 27 Jul 1999 (W. Townsend). In Hancock Co., harriers
nested in Sedgwick for more than a decade: 2 adults, 3 eggs, and
1 young (1–2 days old), 15 Jun 2007 (C. Moseley). Widespread
in Aroostook Co.; breeding activity reported from Bancroft ( J.
MacDonald), Houlton (L. Little), Presque Isle, and Ft. Fairfield
(WJS), but certainly occurs in many abandoned agricultural
areas and wetlands (WJS). Species is also regular and common in large heaths and wetlands of Washington Co., notable
locations: Moosehorn NWR (M. Mills); Naval Air Station in Cutler (3–5 nesting pairs); Great Wass I., Beals;
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
Late-season birds, single birds, fide eBird: Christina Reservoir, 5 Nov 2014 (WJS); ANP, 21 Nov 2015 (M. Good); Comstock Pt.,
! ! ! !!
!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !
!
Washington Co., 26 Nov 2014 (L. and M. Dellwo); and Wyman Rd., Waterville, 26 Nov 2014 (L. Benner). W inter :
! !
! ! !
!
!
!! !
!
!
!
!! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !
! !! ! !
!!
!! !
!
! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! !! !! !!! !!
! !! ! !! !
! ! ! !
I., 31 Dec 1939. Species’ winter status has changed considerably since 1949. Since 1953, Northern Harriers winter regularly
!
!
!
Palmer noted a single winter record from Monhegan
! !
Northern Harrier June-July 2010s Records
in small numbers along southern coast: 1 in Scarborough, 19
Jan 1953 (ref. unk.); 1 in Knox Co., 21 Feb 1954 (ref. unk.); 1 in
Scarborough, 1 Jan 1960 (MFO 1: 5); 2 in Cape Elizabeth, 12 Feb
1961 (obs. unk.); and 1 in Scarborough, 12 Feb 1961 (MFO 6: 19); 1 in Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 7 and 26 Feb 1970 (MN 2: 47); 1 in
Scarborough, 7 Dec 1970 (MN 2: 47). CBCs vividly demonstrate
change: only 2 harriers on statewide CBCs in 1950s, 1 in 1960s, 8
in 1970s, 45 in 1980s, 80 in 1990s, and 104 in 2000–2009. By 1990, harriers appeared on inland counts (including Waterville and
Farmington). Harriers reported on 7 Presque Isle CBCs possibly
involve misidentified Rough-legged Hawks. Eight and 5 harriers, respectively, reported from Machias Bay CBC, Dec 1990 and
Jonesport Heath, Jonesport; and Berry Brook Flowage, Indian
Dec 1994; and Greater Portland CBC registered 13 on 14 Dec
Twp. (N. Famous et al.). Despite extent of blueberry barrens in
2008. Notable inland reports: 1 in Benton, Kennebec Co., 9 Jan
burning and herbicides limit suitability of specific habitat for
(W. Sumner). Recent winter records, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Washington Co., management practices that involve biennial
1991 (obs. unk.), and 1 in Fairfield, Kennebec Co., 15 Jan 2000
harriers, probably because of the consequent reduction in small
Weskeag Marsh, 18 Dec 2015 (L. Bevier, M. Viens); ANP, 1 Jan
Kennebec Co., harriers regular on Messalonskee L. since 1970s
2014 (K. Holmes); Town Farm Rd., Thorndike, Waldo Co., 30
Turner, 12 Jun 2001 ( J. Despres).
and 2, ANP, 5 Feb 2017 (C. and D. Lima).
rodents and other prey (N. Famous; Vickery et al. 1994). In
2016 (M. Good); Cooper, Washington Co., 2 Jan 2014 and 4 Feb
and undoubtedly earlier (D. Mairs, PDV). Pair observed in
Jan 2016 (E. Flanders); Buxton, York Co., 1 Feb 2015 (unk. obs.);
F all :
PDV
Protracted fall passage, Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch
reported migrants early to mid-Aug to Nov (HawkCount 2018).
Birds may disperse from nesting areas by late Jul; in Turner, J.
Despres observed immature as early as 25 Jul 1995, and species regularly observed on coastal marshes by early Aug. Longterm hawkwatch at Barnes I. also demonstrated length of
migration, where earliest observations occurred late Aug at start of observation period: 1 on 23 Aug 1967, 2 on 29 Aug 1968, 1 on
28 Aug 1982. Observations continued to end of hawkwatch: 9
on 30 Oct 2001, 7 on 30 Oct 2007, 7 on 31 Oct 1998, 10 on 2 Nov
2005, 4 on 3 Nov 1988, 1 on 4 Nov 1989, 12 on 6 Nov 1976, 1 on 7
Nov 1976. Harrier numbers at site vary from low of 20 in 1983 to high of 245 in 1998. Average season count for 2009–2018 was 58
(HawkCount 2018). Maximum numbers usually seen mid-Sep to mid-Oct; high count of 38 on 7 Oct 1999 and 29 Sep 2007.
Other notable counts: 29 on 13 Sep 1975, 30 on 30 Sep 1975, 27
on 12 Sep 1984, 24 on 21 Sep 1984, 33 on 25 Sep 1986, 33 on 25 Sep
1986, 27 on 17 Oct 1992, 27 on 18 Sep 1995, 38 on 7 Oct 1999, 38 on
29 Sep 2007, 22 on 23 Oct 2010 (HawkCount 2018). Results at
Mt. Agamenticus Hawkwatch (1988–1990) similar, with an early migrant on 31 Aug 1988 and latest on 29 Nov 1990 (L. Phinney et al.). High fall count: 60, Monhegan I., 25 Sep 1986 (PDV).
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus
A small accipiter increasingly common throughout the year
Status in Maine: Sharp-shinned Hawks are common spring migrants and abundant in fall, especially along the coast. The species breeds throughout Maine but only locally in York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Counties (southern and Midcoast regions). They were formerly rare in winter but are now numerous, especially along the coast; they remain rare to occasional in Aroostook County and the western mountains in winter. Historical Status in Maine: Knight and Palmer considered Sharp-shinned Hawks common spring and fall migrants, regular but local breeders throughout the state, and rare in winter. 331
Birds of Maine
nests as late as 20 Jul 1940 near Orono and young in nest in York,
1 Aug 1937. Disperses widely throughout Aug. F all :
Common fall migrants throughout state, greatest
numbers concentrating along coast in Sep–Oct. Notably, Palmer
reported >150 hawks migrating south in Jackman as early as 17
Aug 1895 (Palmer 1949). Large counts along coast: Harpswell:
>700 on 11 Sep 1977 (P.K. Donahue), 626 on 3 Oct 1988 and 557
on 9 Oct 1989 (both G. Appell et al.); at Mt. Agamenticus: 273
on 8 Oct 1981 (PDV et al.) and 113 on 30 Sep 1989 (L. Phinney); on Monhegan I.: >600 on 16 Sep 1984 and 60 on 19 Sep 2013
(both PDV et al.); 501 at Cadillac Mtn., 15 Sep 2002 (W. Townsend). Sharp-shinned Hawk
Global Distribution: New World, primarily Nearctic. Breeds from boreal Canada and AK south through Appalachian Mtns. to NC, west in Rocky Mtns. and mountains of CA, AZ, and NM south through Cen. Am., to Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, and Hispaniola. Winters from Maritime Provinces south through U.S. to Cen. Am. S pring :
Arrives first week of Mar: 2 in Bangor, 1 Mar 1988 (M.
Lucey), and 2 in Richmond, 5 Mar 1988 (PDV). Flight peaks
in Apr, late migrants linger into late May. Species is still regular
on Monhegan I. into last week of May (eBird) and 6 migrants reported in Lubec, 26 May 2007 (B. Duchesne). Consistent
observations since 2007 at Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch
document a late-Apr peak in migration. Seasonal average at this locality is 435 hawks with maximum of 828 in 2008 and
Evidence suggests Sharp-shinned Hawks are declining as
fall migrants. At Barnes I. Hawkwatch, daily counts diminished from average of 84 individuals/day in 1988 to 18 individuals/
day in 2012 (G. Appell, P. Donahue et al.) to 12.6 in 2018
(HawkCount 2018). The Raptor Population Index shows
a decline in sharp-shins at numerous Atlantic Coast hawk
migration sites (Crewe et al. 2016) and a 3.1% decline at Cadillac
Mtn., 1997–2016 (HawkCount 2018). This may be tied to changing migration patterns (see Winter).
W inter :
Historically rare in winter, Sharp-shinned Hawks
are now regular. Palmer reported 21 winter records beginning in
1879, northernmost in Presque Isle (no date provided). Species winters annually in south coastal ME and number of hawks
increasing in number throughout New England. CDD (Duncan
1996a) analyzed CBC data and found number of wintering birds increased five-fold, 1975–1992, in New England, 20
Count
highest daily count 227 individuals on 28 Apr 2009 (D. Lovitch et al.). In 2014, 1,058 Sharp-shinned Hawks were counted
during Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch. The highest daily count of
15
254 birds was on 14 Apr 2014, contributing to an average of 662 birds per year, 2007–2018 (HawkCount 2018). Early northern
arrival, 1 bird each: Taylor St., Lincoln, 12 and 14 Mar 2014 (B.
10
Way, eBird), and exceptionally early Aroostook Co. migrants in Hersey, 18 Mar 2012 (WJS, eBird), and Winding Hill, 23 Mar
2013 ( J. Getchell, eBird). S ummer :
5
Nests throughout ME, most regularly in
Washington and Hancock Cos. (Adamus 1987). Summer reports since 1981 indicate species commonly observed throughout
northern, eastern, and western mountains but less commonly
in s. ME, especially York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Cos.
Notably, resident pair thought to nest in York 2002 and 2005 (B. Coullon). In Phippsburg, territorial adults at Morse Mtn., 29
Jun 1999 (PDV, R. Ridgely). Species regular summer resident and presumably nested in Newcastle, 1988–1991 ( J. Hamlin).
Most nesting late May–early Jul, but Palmer reported active
332
0
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 11. Sharp-shinned Hawk on Christmas Bird Counts Average annual number of Sharp-shinned Hawks on a consistent set of eight Maine CBCs increased 1980–2009, but has declined since. CBCs included: Augusta, Biddeford–Kennebunkport, Eastport, Greater Portland, Mount Desert I., Orono–Old Town, Schoodic Pt., and Thomaston–Rockland (NAS 2019a).
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
suggesting species was “short-stopping,” i.e., not migrating as
far as historically, if at all. Examination of long-term ME CBCs reveals numbers reported have doubled since winter 1974–1975
(Fig. 11), although there has been a more recent decline. Species rare to occasional in Aroostook Co. and western mountains.
PDV
Cooper’s Hawk
!
Accipiter cooperii
Still rare in northern Maine, this recovering species is increasingly common elsewhere
Status in Maine: Cooper’s Hawks were common spring and fall migrants and regular, but uncommon, breeders until a decline in the middle of the 20th century (Palmer 1949). Since the 1980s, the species has made a remarkable recovery and is now a common year-round resident in southern Maine. It remains rare in Aroostook County and occasional in Washington County. Although Cooper’s Hawks increased markedly as fall migrants through the 1990s, they have subsequently declined again. Historical Status in Maine: Knight felt this species was rare in most parts of the state. Palmer considered Cooper’s Hawks to be regular but uncommon summer residents, primarily in n. ME. He said the species was a common spring and fall migrant and was rare in winter. By the mid-20th century, this species experienced a precipitous decline in the Northeast; in MA, Griscom and Snyder (1955, 67) called the species a “formerly common, but now a decidedly uncommon and local breeder . . . still a regular but uncommon spring and fall transient.” Cooper’s Hawks were rare throughout ME in the 1950s–1970s; this species was not observed in Lincoln Ctr. in 1973–1980, despite regular Sharpshinned Hawk sightings (PDV). Cooper’s Hawks were not reported on Monhegan I. through the 1970s and 1980s despite consistent birding coverage. However, the species was observed again on 8 Oct 1990 (S. Surner). Populations have been increasing statewide since. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in coniferous and mixed forests from e. NB, s. Canada, throughout U.S. south to FL, TX, and CA, and n. Mexico. Winters largely within breeding range, retreating south from northern edge of range and wintering south to Guatemala.
! ! ! !! ! ! !
Breeding Season Records ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 Regular ! ( 2013-2018 Occasional
Remarks: Cooper’s Hawks commonly feed on small to medium-sized birds. In ME, Cooper’s Hawks have been reported taking the following species: Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Blue Jay, European Starling, House Sparrow, and various shorebirds. S pring :
First migrants appear early Mar in s. ME. At
Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch (15 Mar–15 May), main migration takes place mid-Mar to Apr, diminishing in May. Seasonal
average 58 individuals, maximum 97 birds in 2010 and daily
maximum of 16 individuals on 7 Apr 2010 (D. Lovitch et al.).
On Mount Desert I., spring migrants reported early Apr to
mid-May, peak mid- to late Apr (Witt and Russell 1987). In
Aroostook Co., species appears in Apr but is rare, 1 bird each:
Houlton, 12 Mar 2002, unusually early (L. Little); 30 Apr 2013,
Aroostook NWR (W. Gleavy, eBird); Presque Isle Airport, 4 May 2011 (WJS); and 6 May 2014, L. Josephine (WJS).
S ummer :
1978–1983, confirmed breeding almost exclusively in
south coastal ME: York Co. (6 sites), Cumberland Co. (1 site),
and Lincoln Co. (1 site; Adamus 1987). Only confirmed nesting north of coastal plain in cen. Somerset Co. (1 site). During
1990s, species increased dramatically and confirmed throughout s. ME east to Mount Desert I., where 3 fledglings were being
fed at Compass Harbor late Jul–Aug 1996 (Russell and Witt
2009). More regular since 2000, but still rare summer resident in n. ME and occasional in Washington Co. where nesting is
probable but unconfirmed. F all :
Notably uncommon fall migrants in 1970s: 1 at Kittery
Pt. on 17 Oct 1971 (DWF). In 1973–2012, first migrants recorded in first week of Sep at Barnes I. (G. Appell); peak numbers late
333
Birds of Maine
Sep to mid-Oct. High counts at this locality: 26 birds on 16
20 Total
Oct 1998 and 29 Sep 2007 (P. Donahue, G. Appell). Previously, species largely absent by early Nov; increase in recent Nov
accounts in se. ME may imply species lingering in fall migration.
15
One bird each, fide eBird: ANP, 12 Nov 2017 (C. Todd);
Sebasticook L., 14 Nov 2015 (N. Gibb); UMaine campus, Orono,
18 Nov 2016 (K. Lima); and Snows Corner Rd., Penobscot Co., 11–21 Nov 2015 (R. Fogler).
10
Observations at Barnes I. reveal daily average of Cooper’s
Hawks increased substantially 1984–1998 but somewhat lower numbers since 1999 (Fig. 12). Numerous reports in Nov and
5
early Dec may reflect late migrants or winter residents. The
Raptor Population Index shows a 5.8% decline in Cooper’s Hawks at Cadillac Mtn., 1997–2016 (Crewe et al. 2016).
Irregular hawk counts at Mt. Agamenticus include following
highs: 12 on 12 Sep 1992 and 14 on 19 Sep 1993 (S. Mirick); 20
on 23 Sep 1999 and 16 on 11 Oct 1999 ( J. Dwight); 10 on 27 Sep
2005 (S. Cronenweth). Other high counts: 41 in S. Harpswell, 25
Sep 2000 (M. Libby); 8 on Monhegan I., 22 Sep 2008 ( J. Mays);
10 in Islesboro, 7 Sep 2012 ( J. Willson). 1.5
0 1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 13. Cooper’s Hawk on Christmas Bird Counts The total number of Cooper’s Hawks increased substantially on representative CBCs in Maine after the 1994–1995 count. CBCs included: Augusta, Biddeford–Kennebunkport, Mount Desert I., Orono–Old Town, Schoodic Pt., and Thomaston–Rockland (NAS 2019a). Average Per Day
1.2
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
0.9
Large raptors of mature forests, where nesting adults defend their territories fiercely
0.6
0.3
0.0
'73–'77
'78–'83
'84–'88
'89–'93
'94–'98
'99–'03
'04–'08
'09–'12
Figure 12. Cooper’s Hawk Observed in Fall Migration from Harpswell The average daily number of Cooper’s Hawks recorded at Barnes Island, Harpswell Peninsula, increased after 1972, when DDT was banned for use in the U.S.; the average peaked in the late 1990s (G. Appell).
W inter :
A review of s. and cen. ME CBC data for 40
continuous years reveal dramatic population increases since
1994–1995 (Fig. 13). Rare but possibly increasing in Aroostook Co., 1 bird each: Houlton, 3 Jan 2006 (L. Little); Presque Isle,
29 Dec 2007–27 Feb 2008; Presque Isle Airport, 17 Dec 2012; Littleton, 12 Feb 2012; Caribou Dam, 4 Feb 2014 (all WJS).
Occasional but increasing in Washington Co. (C. Bartlett et al.). PDV
334
Status in Maine: Northern Goshawks are an uncommon but regular breeding species throughout Maine, primarily in more mature forests. Most birds breeding in the Northeast winter near where they nest. However, juveniles and nonbreeding adults may be seen dispersing in early spring and fall. The main fall movement takes place in October and November, but immature birds can be seen occasionally as early as mid-September. Goshawks winter throughout the state and are regularly seen at feeding stations. It appears the majority of winter birds are adults (Squires and Reynolds 1997). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer called Northern Goshawks uncommon but regular residents throughout much of inland ME, and subject to occasional irruptions. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds in forested habitat from NL west through most of Canada to AK, south to PA, mountains of VA, farther west to Rocky Mtns., south to AZ, NM, and cen. Mexican highlands. Except for far northern breeders,
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
usually winters within breeding range; some, primarily nonbreeders and immature birds, move south. Remarks: Palmer noted that Northern Goshawks are subject to occasional irruptions. However, a review of goshawk totals on long-term CBCs, 1966–2010, did not reveal substantial variations. A maximum of 12 goshawks was recorded 1996–1997. S pring :
Goshawks flying high may be migrants or possibly
courting adults: 1 adult over Richmond, 7 Mar 2000 (PDV); 1 immature soaring north over Hersey, Aroostook Co., 16 Mar
2010 (WJS et al.); 1 juvenile bird not yet molting, migrating north, 7 Mar 2016; and an adult flyover, 24 Mar 2014, both
Caribou (both WJS, eBird). Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch data
indicate small movement mid-Mar to mid-Apr but number of
passage birds small, usually ~6/season, with maximum of 17 in
2013 (K. Fenton et al.). S ummer :
Described as “both the shyest and the boldest of
our hawks” (Hardy, quoted in Palmer 1949, 135). Breeds regularly throughout ME, often cryptically, but the famously aggressive behavior of adults near the nest often provides breeding
evidence. The ABBM confirmed nesting in all counties (with >6
dispersers observed on Monhegan I., 9 Sep 1983, 11 Sep
1981 (both PDV), and 22 Sep 2008 ( J. Mays). Oct 1983 data
from Mt. Agamenticus indicate fall flight continues through
Nov. Northern Goshawks recorded at following rates at
Mt. Agamenticus during favorable nw. winds: 1.4/day in Sep;
3.4/day in Oct; 2.0/day in Nov. High count: 7 (1 resident, 6
migrants) observed 22 Oct 1983 (PDV). At Barnes I. (late Aug– early Nov), most goshawks in Oct with few birds reported in
Sep (32 individuals in 36 years). Highest daily count, 6 recorded on 20 Oct 1985 and 27 Oct 1999 (G. Appell, P. Donahue) and
5 on 23 Oct 2010 (G. Appell et al.), suggesting birds moving through Nov.
W inter :
Winters throughout state. Aroostook Co., fide eBird,
1 bird each: Caribou, 15 Dec 2013 and 2 Jan 2017 (both WJS);
and 3 Feathers Ranch, 14 Feb 2015 (T. Hawksley). Other winter
observations, fide eBird, 1 bird each: Cobscook Bay S.P., 12 Dec
2015; Kings Highway, Kennebunkport, 2 Jan 2017 (R. O’Connell,
M. Grabin); North Rd., Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 2 Jan 2015 and
26 Feb 2017 (both B. Barker); Thunder Hole, ANP, 17 Jan 2016
(L. Ireland); Poplar Stream Falls, Carrabassett Valley, Franklin Co., 21 Feb 2017 (R. MacDonald). PDV
sites in York Co.) except Aroostook (Adamus 1987). Absence
in Aroostook Co. reflects limited survey effort, evidenced by
confirmed nesting in Houlton in 2001 (L. Little) and Presque
Isle, where a pair nested for at least 3 consecutive years 2007–
2009, with fledged young on 29 Jun 2009 (WJS). In Washington Co., nesting confirmed in Deblois, 10 Jun 1988 (B. Barker); in
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus An emblem of endangered species recovery
Machiasport, 13 Jun 1988 (CDD); and in Topsfield, 2 Jun 2001
Status in Maine: By the early to mid-20th century, Bald Eagles were uncommon to rare in Maine noted in China on 30 May 2009 and 2 fledglings at same locality, (Knight 1908, Palmer 1949), and by the 1960s and 24 Jun 2009 (M. Hoffman); species nested consistently in 1970s, there were fewer than 40 known nests (Todd Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 2003–2013 (D. Mairs). In Cumberland 2004). With a reduction of contaminants in the and Sagadahoc Cos.: Richmond, 1 adult in flight in a “sky-dance environment, and active regulation that continues to display” (Palmer 1988), 5 Apr 1999, and 1 adult and 1 young on protect nests, eagles rebounded, and the population 9 Aug 1997 (PDV); 2 goshawks and a nest in Bowdoinham, 30 grew by 8% annually during the 1990s. By 2008, May 2006 (D. Mairs); confirmed nesting in Scarborough, 22 MDIFW counted at least 477 pairs (Todd and Matula May 1999 (L. Brinker); 2 adults and 2 young in Falmouth, 21 Jul 2008). In 2007, the species was removed from the 2008 (C. Kent). Confirmed nesting in Morrill, Waldo Co., on federal endangered species list; Maine followed suit 31 May 1982 ( J. Madeira). At KWWNM, 2 birds, 1 in “butterfly in 2009. In 2018, there were at least 733 active nests, flight,” 1 calling, 14 Jun 2017 ( JVW, eBird). making Bald Eagles a familiar sight. Not surprisingly, Establishes territories late Feb–Mar. Nest building or eagle recovery has had impacts on other species, as refurbishing early to mid-Apr, eggs laid late Apr–early May. they displace Ospreys and Great Blue Heron colonies Young by May–early Jun: 1 nest with 2 young, Pownal, May 1961 and prey upon Great Cormorant and Osprey chicks. (MFO 6: 50). In Belgrade, nesting goshawks since at least 2003 Adults are generally resident while some immature (D. Mairs). In 2005, at same site, adults re-establishing territory eagles migrate south in fall. Spring migrants return in Mar, female nest building on 26 Apr and incubating 17 May, in February and peak in March. Adults return to their young in nest on 12 Jul 2005 (D. Mairs). nests in February and March. (M. Bates). In Kennebec Co.: 2 adults and at least 1 nestling
F all :
Juvenile and nonbreeding dispersal begins mid-Sep;
small numbers move south from nesting areas. Early immature
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. 335
Birds of Maine
! ! !!!! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! !! !!!! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !! ! !!! !! !! !!! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! !!! !!!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !!! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! !!! ! !!! !! ! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! !! ! ! !! !! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! !! !! !! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!! !! !! ! ! !!! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! ! !!! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! ! !!! !!!! ! ! !!! !!! !! ! !! ! ! !!! !!! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!!! !! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! !!! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! !! !!! ! !! !!! ! ! !! !!!! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! !! !!! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ( 1978
Bald Eagle Occupied Nests
!
! !
! ( 2018
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Bald Eagles rare and thought there were no more than 100 pairs breeding in ME. He also noted that some nests had been used for decades. Brewster (1925) found no evidence of nesting in the L. Umbagog area, but said immature birds were regular and sometimes common about the lake, especially following fish die-offs. Palmer considered Bald Eagles uncommon breeders and estimated there were no more than 60 pairs nesting in ME in 1948, although this was undoubtedly an underestimate, considering that there were not yet aerial surveys. In 1962, the National Audubon Society initiated landbased nest surveys, recording 21–36 nests, 1967–1974. Because land-based surveys tend to underestimate eagle populations, USFWS began conducting aerial surveys in 1969, recording 41 pairs (Todd 2004), primarily in Washington Co. To supplement the small number of eaglets produced in ME, eggs rendered infertile from the adult’s exposure to DDT were replaced with healthy eggs (1974–1976) or eaglets (1975, 1979, and 1981) from captive-bred birds and nests in MN and WI (Todd 2004). As environmental pesticide levels decreased, and regulation and conservation protected nest sites, eagles were able to successfully reproduce on their own, leading to the current population boom. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds along forested lakes and coastal shorelines from ME and Maritime Provinces, NL, across cen. Canada to AK, south to 336
CA, along major lakes throughout U.S. interior, south to FL and TX, also locally in Mexico. Winters from s. Canada throughout U.S. and n. Mexico (rare). Remarks: Environmental contaminants like pesticides had a profound effect on both Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon populations and reproductive success in the late 20th century. DDT (dichloro-diphenyltrichloro-ethane), first used in 1945, was banned in 1972. DDE (dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethylene), a metabolite of DDT, was most responsible for reproductive failures (Wiemeyer et al. 1993). Statewide surveys in ME, 1962–1976, revealed high failure rates, with 72% of nesting attempts producing no eaglets; only 0.35 eaglets fledged per nest (Todd 2004). In the 1970s, high levels of organochlorines (DDE, PCBs, and Mirex) were detected in eagle eggs, coincident with this lower productivity. Elimination of DDT accounted for most of the reproductive improvement across Bald Eagle range (Wiemeyer et al. 1993). DDE residues in eagle eggs diminished in the 1980s, although some eggs continued to exceed the threshold for reproductive impairment (Todd 2004). As DDE levels declined, the reproductive rate improved to 0.72 fledglings per nesting pair 1977–1991, and increased further to 1.0 fledglings, 1997–2001 (Todd 2004). Spring:
Adults return to nesting territories in late Feb–Mar,
often returning well before ice-out. Immature eagles often
congregate along coast and larger bays, as open water is
available. Sizeable concentrations of immature birds occur
regularly in Merrymeeting Bay: 31 in Dresden, 26 Feb 1998 ( J.
Frank); 11 at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 18 Mar 2013 (PDV );
19 at Abbagadassett R. mouth, Bowdoinham, 1 Apr 2009
(PDV ); and 22 at same locality, 28 Mar 2004 (W. Broussard). In Brownfield, Oxford Co., 15 Eagles on 3 Mar 2004 (C.
Drew). In Washington Co., spring concentrations occur
regularly at Moosehorn NWR, Baring: 32 on 5 Mar 1999 (M.
Mills). Additional reports: 27 feeding on processed herring in
Jonesport, 12 Mar 1987 (CDD et al.); 19 in Machias, 23 Mar
2004 (N. Famous).
Spring hawkwatch at Bradbury Mtn. recorded average of
60 migrants per season, 2004–2018, with high count of 102 in 2015 (HawkCount 2018). Largest daily counts occur in mid-
Mar, maximum 14 birds on 15 Mar 2018 (Baker et. al.) and 13
individuals on 18 Mar 2008 and 17 Mar 2012 (D. Lovitch et al.).
Spring migration continues in smaller numbers through Apr,
diminishing in May. S ummer :
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) reported 74 nesting
territories in ME as of 1983 based on MDIFW and USFWS
aerial surveys, but did not confirm Bald Eagles breeding in York,
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
Duddy); 25 on 11 Sep 1999 (L. Woodard et al.); 23 on 14 Sep
800
Nesting pairs
2002 (R. Duddy et al.); 28 on 10 Sep 2005 (L. Woodard et al.).
700
As number of eagles increases in ME, number found on outer
islands also rises. Prior to 2000, eagles uncommon to occasional
600
on Monhegan I. Recent highs: 7 on 8 Oct 2012 ( J. Trimble); 8
on 25 Sep 2013 (P. Brown); 5 on 5 different occasions 2005–2013
500
(eBird).
400
W inter :
300
Many ME immature Bald Eagles migrate south in
winter; they are offset by influx of birds from Canada. Most
identified in ME during winter primarily originated in ME
200
(83%), but migrants from Maritime Provinces, SC, MI, ON, and SK reported (McCollough 1986). Of 1,600 eagles banded in
100
0 1960
ME, many observed outside state in Maritime Provinces, s. New
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 14. Bald Eagle Nesting Pairs The number of Bald Eagle nesting pairs increased significantly after 1972, when DDT was banned for use in the U.S. Missing counts after 2009 reflect a switch to a five-year monitoring cycle (MDIFW).
England, NY, and Chesapeake Bay area. A radio-tagged eagle
made 3 trips from e. ME to CT during a 17-week period its first winter and following spring (McCollough 1986).
Eagles now winter statewide; most birds shift toward coast.
Adults tend to be sedentary with local movements to areas
with more foraging opportunities. Along coast, many adults remain near nests, occasionally seen on inland nests (Todd
1979). Subadult eagles more mobile and frequently shift to Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, or Aroostook Cos. As of 2018, there were 734 pairs widely distributed throughout
ME. The Downeast region hosts half the breeding population
locally abundant foods. Large concentrations: 63 at feeding
station in Calais, winter 1983–1984 (McCollough 1986); 38 at a
herring dump in Jonesport, winter 1986–1987 (N. Famous, AB
but rate of increase there below those of central interior, central
41: 254). Large concentrations reported several years at poultry
nests (69%) found ~250 ft. (76 m) from water (Todd 2004).
conducted dawn eagle counts, regularly observing 45–60
alewife run draws >50 eagles.
Occasional very large counts: 95 on 28 Dec 2003, 108 on 29 Dec
and western mountains, and northern regions of ME. Most
Eagles often congregate around peak fish runs: Sebasticook R. An immature eagle notable on Appledore I., 19 Jun 1987
(T. Arter, L. Harper). Nonbreeding eagles dispersing from FL
sometimes found in ME and e. Canada in summer (Broley 1947).
Fall:
Fall dispersal is protracted, late Aug–Nov, with slight
peak in Sep. Most migrants are immature birds; adults
tend to remain in ME through winter (McCollough 1986).
Most distant and rapid known dispersal was first-year Bald
Eagle found in SC, 900 mi. (1,448 km) away, 15 weeks after
fledging in ME (Todd 1979). First eagle recorded at Barnes I.
Hawkwatch was in 1986, 20 years after initiation of that count.
Subsequent large counts: 9 on 9 Sep 2004, 9 on 16 Sep 2009, 10 on 14 Oct 2009, 8 on 9 Oct 2010, 9 on 11 Oct 2012, 8 on 17 Sep
waste site in Warren: during winter 2003–2004, D. Reimer
birds from a communal, nocturnal roost feeding on carcasses.
2003, 98 on 1 Jan 2004, 92 on 6 Jan 2004, 109 on 21 Feb 2004
(D. Reimer). Temporary concentrations invariably imply local
food abundance; communal roosting is infrequent in ME and
possibly weather-related. At the request of MDIFW, the poultry facility stopped dumping carcasses in 2011.
CBC data reveal sharp increase in Bald Eagles since 1960.
Review of 10-year periods for counts conducted continuously since 1960 (Augusta, Bangor–Bucksport, Bath, Eastport,
Farmington, Lewiston–Auburn, Mount Desert I., Orono–Old
Town, Presque Isle, Schoodic Pt., Thomaston–Rockland,
Waterville) yielded 7.3 eagles/year 1960–1969; 17.7 birds/year
1970–1979; 32.6 birds/year 1980–1989; 71.1 birds/year 1990–1999; 147.3 birds/year in 2000–2009. Data from partial decade, 2010–
2013, 7 each on 25 Sep 2016 and 19 Sep 2018 (all HawkCount
2016 shows continued increase in population with average
Mount Desert I.; Clarry Hill, Union; Mt. Agamenticus; and
recorded no eagles for >40 years until 1996. Species annual
2018). More recently initiated hawkwatches at Cadillac Mtn., York counts similar to Barnes I. A wing-tagged immature Bald Eagle banded in TX seen in e. ME in mid-Sep 1993 (AB 48: 88).
Birds gather in large numbers at preferred feeding areas
173.9 birds/year (CBC). Presque Isle CBC in n. Aroostook Co. there since 2002, high count of 28 in 2012. This may reflect both more open water in past 20 years and a substantial
population increase. PDV
in Aug and Sep. Merrymeeting Bay: 28 (11 adults and 17
immatures) on 16 Sep 1997 (FN 52: 30); 33 on 12 Sep 1998 (R.
337
Birds of Maine
(K. and J. Fox, FN 51: 972 and Guillemot 27[3]: 25); and one Eagles per Year at Sanford Lagoons, 17 June 2015 ( J. Fecteau, eBird).
200
Historical Status in Maine: Not recorded in ME prior to 1991.
150
Global Distribution: Limited W. Hemisphere range. Breeds sporadically from n. FL north to VA, along Mississippi R. drainage north to cen. IL and sw. IN. Winters in cen. S. Am. Reported in CT, RI, MA, NB, NS, and QC; nesting in NH since 2008.
100
50
PDV
0
'60-'69
'70-'79
'80-'89
'90-'99
'00-'09
'10-'16
Figure 15. Bald Eagle Wintering Populations The average number of Bald Eagles counted on representative Maine CBCs increased steadily after 1960, in parallel with an increase in breeding pairs. CBCs included: Augusta, Bangor–Bucksport, Bath, Eastport, Farmington, Lewiston–Auburn, Mount Desert I., Orono–Old Town, Presque Isle, Schoodic Pt., Thomaston–Rockland, Waterville (NAS 2019a).
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
A sharp little kite from the South
Status in Maine: Since 1991 there have been a dozen reports of Mississippi Kite in late spring through early fall, all on or near the coast. There are three records of Mississippi Kite accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee, for one bird each in three locations in Cumberland County: Harpswell on 17 October 2008; Cumberland, 31 May 2009; and Portland, 19 May 2012. Five additional reports are acknowledged but not yet reviewed. A carefully described sight record of an adult, 25 May 1991, in Lubec (E. Nielsen and S. Sweet, MBN 6[1]: 1 and AB 45: 416), is considered the first state record. The remaining records under consideration by Maine Bird Records Committee: one bird on 19 May 1992, Newcastle (AB 46: 394); two kites on 15 May 2012, Pownal (L. Seitz, eBird); 6 July 2012, Kittery (obs. unk.); 10 July 2015, Warren (T. Johnson). Additionally, there are two well-described sight reports and an eBird record not yet under consideration by Maine Bird Records Committee: a second-year bird seen in S. Harpswell, 28 September 1995 (M. Libby, fide J. Despres); a bird minutely described at W. Quoddy Head, Lubec, 23 June 1997 338
Great Black Hawk
Buteogallus urubitinga
A remarkable story of a Neotropical bird very far from home
Status in Maine: Accidental. A Great Black Hawk, a bird of the Neotropics, was seen and photographed at Fortune Rocks Beach, Biddeford, 6–9 August 2018 (m.ob., eBird). Careful analysis of the fingerprint-like pattern of the underwing primary coverts suggests this bird was the same individual as the first accepted U.S. record, found and photographed in southern Texas on 24 April of the same year (fide D. Hitchcox, J. Alderfer). On 29 October 2018, apparently the same individual was photographed in Portland (B. Bunn, eBird). Exactly a month later, it was found at a city park a mile and a half away (m.ob. eBird). It received much press, and was seen almost daily by hundreds of observers, always within a few hundred yards of the park, where it fed on squirrels, rats, and even pigeons stolen from a Cooper’s Hawk. On 20 January 2019 the hawk was found on the ground during a snowstorm with minimum temperature of 7° F (-8° C). It was taken to an avian rehabilitation center where initial examination of the hawk’s legs and feet showed frostbite on two toes. Later, the extent of the frostbite damage became more evident, with no circulation in the lower legs and feet. A decision was made to euthanize the bird on 31 January 2019. Necropsy showed the bird to be a male (avianhaven.org). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Resident on both coasts of Mexico and Mesoamerica, south to S. Am. S. FL records may be escaped falconers’ birds or vagrants. CDD
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus
A year-round resident of southern and coastal Maine with a declining population
HawkCount 2018). Over Mt. Agamenticus, 5 birds unusually late
on 1 May 1985 (L. Phinney). Northern records: 1, BSP, 31 May 2016
(K. Brown, eBird); 2, KWWNM, 28 May 2017 (C. Alessi, eBird); 1 at Taylor St., Lincoln, 11 Apr 2014 (B. Way, eBird).
Status in Maine: Widespread and common in Maine until 1949, Red-shouldered Hawks declined thereafter. Currently less frequent in southern Maine than formerly, the species is not known to breed in Aroostook County, and rarely nests in eastern Maine. However, data from eastern North America hawkwatches indicate that overall, populations are stable. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908) said that Red-shouldered Hawks were the most commonly observed of the large buteos. Brewster (1925, 326) noted this species was “formerly of casual, recently of more frequent if not regular, occurrences,” further noting the apparent rise in red-shouldered numbers after Red-tailed Hawks declined in the area. Similarly, Palmer (1949, 139–140) considered Red-shouldered Hawks to be “rather common throughout,” common spring and fall migrants, and rare in winter in coastal counties. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from coastal NB (local), s. cen. ME, s. QC, and ON to WI and MN, south to FL along Gulf Coast to ne. Mexico, also along CA coast. Withdraws from northern breeding ranges to winter from coastal s. ME, coastal New England to FL and ne. Mexico. Remarks: Perhaps due to forestry practices, Redshouldered Hawk breeding distribution has apparently declined in ME since 1949, reflecting a broader pattern in e. N. Am. (Dykstra et al. 2008). Red-shouldered Hawks declined at Hawk Mtn., PA, 1946–1986 (Bednarz et al. 1990), but other studies suggest current populations are stable (Dykstra et al. 2008, Smith et al. 2008). ME BBS shows stable numbers and ME fall migration data for this species are insufficient to provide quantitative evaluation of trends. S pring :
Migration begins early Mar: 1 in Whitefield,
Lincoln Co., 1 Mar 2004 (W. Dalke); 1 in Milbridge, 9 Mar
1991 (G. Hazelton); 1 adult in Dresden, 9 Mar 2012 (PDV et
al.). Peak flight late Mar, diminishing through Apr. Bradbury
Mtn. Hawkwatch averages 70 hawks/season, 2004–2018, with
maximum of 191 individuals in spring 2014. Daily high count: 35 hawks recorded 23 Mar 2014 (D. Lovitch et al.). Bradbury Mtn. numbers highly variable, ranging from zero (2005) to 191 (2014;
Red-shouldered Hawk Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Local !
S ummer :
Breeding range contracted substantially after 1949,
when Palmer considered species common. As of 1978–1983
ABBM, Red-shouldered Hawks largely restricted to coastal and s. ME with confirmed nesting north to s. Oxford, s. Somerset,
s. Penobscot, and Washington Cos. (Adamus 1987). Species has
not bred in Canaan area, Somerset Co., since 2000 (W. Sumner).
Three probable reports in cen. Piscataquis Co.; few sightings
in Aroostook Co. (Adamus 1987). Northern ME observations,
1 bird each: Rangeley on 30 Jun 2010 (K. Rawdon); Stratton,
Franklin Co., 21 Jun 2010 (C. Kesselheim); Bigelow Preserve,
Franklin Co, 30 Jun 2012 (M. Austin); Eustis, Franklin Co., 18 Jun 2011 (S. Schulte); locally to BSP, on 21 Jul 1979 (PDV), 11
Jun 2006 (D. Lovitch), 1 Jul 2008 (D. Boltz), and 21 Jul 2017 (A. Miller, eBird). Summer records from n. Aroostook Co., 1 each:
Cross L., 1 Jul 1979 ( J. Gibson); adult in T13 R9 WELS, 28 May
1983 (G. Stadler); Portage, 8 Aug 1991 ( J. Norton); Smyrna, 15
Jul 2005 (B. Bagley); Trafton L., 18 Jun 2016 (WJS, eBird). The species is rare and local in Washington Co. (C. Bartlett).
Nesting evidence of note indicating site faithfulness: Stow,
Oxford Co., nest with 3 young in a Red Oak, Jul 1971 (MN 3:
14) and calling adult in same area, 24 Jul 1987 (PDV); Buckfield, Oxford Co., “first known nesting in 1987, 2 adults feeding 3
chicks, 6 June 1987. Nested in Red Maple in 1988, fifty feet into mixed woods from pasture. Same nest tree used this summer
[1989]. On 6 June I watched adults feeding three vigorous yellow
chicks . . . ” (E. Ackley). Sidney, Kennebec Co., 2 adults and 2
young on 1 Aug 2000 (D. Ladd).
339
Birds of Maine F all :
Migration begins mid- to late Sep, extends through
Nov. Species regular at Mt. Agamenticus by mid-Sep, 1 each: 22 Sep 2016 ( J. Perrin and A. Aldrich, eBird) and 12 Sep 2017 (A.
Aldrich and K. Janes, eBird), daily maximum 5 on 12 Sep 1999
( J. Dwight). Species recorded at Barnes I. in Sep with earliest report 15 Sep 1989 (G. Appell, P. Donahue). Notably rare on
offshore islands (generally true of buteos), few reports occur in
Sep: Appledore I., single hawks noted on 11 Sep 1991 and 1 Sep
2008 (both S. Morris et al.); 1 sight record from Monhegan I.,
mid-Sep in the 1970s (H. Tetrault). Migration peaks late Oct– early Nov, notably high counts at Barnes I.: 14 on 31 Oct 2010
and 27 on 1 Nov 2010 (P. Donahue et al.). On Mt. Agamenticus,
3 on 4 Nov 1989 (R. Eakin, S. Mirick). Notable records of single birds elsewhere: Orono, 4 Nov 1996 ( J. Markowsky); Warren,
6 Nov 2005 (N. O’Brien); Turner, 7 Nov 1993 ( J. Despres); Jefferson, Lincoln Co., on 13 Nov 1966 (RNEB 22: 6); and
Aurora Village, Hancock Co., 21 Nov 2015 (R. Speirs, eBird). W inter :
Still uncommon but regular in York, Cumberland,
and Lincoln Cos. as originally noted by Palmer. Occasional along central coast, 1 bird each: Rockland, 24 Feb 2012 (D.
Hitchcox et al.); adult in Rockport, 11 Jan 2006 (D. Reimer);
Deer Isle CBC, 20 Dec 1971 (MN 4: 3) and again on 16 Dec 1972 (M. Hundley); adult in Newcastle, 14 Jan 1996 (L. Brinker et
al.); Warren, 23 Jan 2000 (A. Hopps), and also on 19 Jan 2010 (E.
Hynes); Whitefield, Lincoln Co., 1 Mar 2004, and also 20 Feb
2005 (W. Dalke); Blue Hill CBC, 17 Dec 2006; adult in Bristol,
6 Feb 2009 (PDV, JEP). Two observations on Mount Desert I. CBCs in >50 years.
Irregular and occasional to rare in n. ME. In Waterville: 1 on
28 Jan 2012 and 1 on 20 Dec 2012 (M. Viens). One on Bangor
area CBC, 30 Dec 1972 (MN 5: 73); 1 on Dover-Foxcroft CBC
Dec 1993; 1 on Hog Bay CBC, 31 Dec 2016 (M. Steinman and
M. Good, eBird). Rare in Washington Co.: 1 on Danforth CBC,
Dec 1970, and 1 in E. Machias, 31 Jan 2009 (B. Southard); 1 at
Garnet Head Rd., Pembroke, Washington Co., 9 Feb 2017 (W.
Maine, this smallest North American buteo is social in migration, known for riding thermals in large, spiraling flocks known as kettles, during fall migration. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 141) considered this species an “uncommon to rather common” summer resident and the most common hawk throughout the state. He said most spring migrants appear 17–30 Apr and fall migration peaks 7–26 Sep, noting a remarkable flight of >900 birds over Cape Rosier, Hancock Co., on 16 Sep 1945. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds from NS to FL, west through s. Canada to SK and throughout e. U.S. to MN and TX; some resident populations in Caribbean. Winters in s. FL, w. Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. through Brazil and n. Bolivia. S pring :
First spring migrants arrive in late Mar, a full 2 weeks
earlier than as reported by Palmer: at least 14 reports 20–31
Mar, northernmost in W. Middlesex Canal Grant, Somerset
Co., 20 Mar 1981 (W. Noble). Exceptionally early reports: 1 in
Yarmouth, 8 Mar 2003 (C. Jack); 2 in Scarborough, 18 Mar 2006 (G. Carson); 1 in Warren, 15 Mar 2009 (D. Reimer). Count data from Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch indicates peak migration
late Apr–early May, diminishing thereafter (D. Lovitch et al.).
Immature hawks arrive through May. Bradbury count averaged
1,356 individuals per spring, 2004–2018, with maximum 2,357
individuals in 2014 (K. Fenton et al.). Other large counts: 60 in
Richmond, 21 Apr 1996 (PDV); 70 in Winterport, Waldo Co.,
28 Apr 1980 (B. Bochan); 12 in Presque Isle, 2 May 1997 (WJS);
150 primarily immature birds at Kennebunk Plains, 20 May 1989 ( JVW).
S ummer :
Nests commonly in deciduous and mixed forests
throughout ME (Adamus 1987). Nesting takes place over broad
period May–Aug. Earliest reported nesting: 1 adult and at least 1
Gillies, eBird). Single adult reported in Lincoln, 15–16 Jan 1979
young in nest, Phippsburg, 8 Jun 1999 (M. Dauphin). Additional
PDV
18 Jun 1982 ( J. Despres); adult with 2 flying young in Green Pt.
(PDV), but species not reported north of that county.
breeding records: nest with 2 downy young observed in Turner,
WMA, Dresden, 24 Jun 2008 (M. Fahay); adult with 3 young
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
A common forest nester seen in large kettles along ridges in fall
Status in Maine: Breeding in forests throughout the state, Broad-winged Hawks are known for their high-pitched calls given while soaring. They are common and sometimes abundant spring and fall migrants. Though single migrant birds often occur in 340
out of nest in Farmington, 19 Jul 1973 (P. Cross). In Pownal:
young still in nest on 16 Jul but out by 26 Jul 1973 (MN 5: 13);
1 adult observed feeding 2 nestlings in Sweden, Oxford Co., 4
Aug 1989 (P. Richards). In Vinalhaven: 1 adult with 1 young, 26 Jul 2009, and an adult with “2 begging young” on 22 Aug 2008
(K. Gentalen). F all :
First fall migrants occur Sep: 50 in Wilton on 9 Sep
2003 ( J. Dwight, fide K. Gammons); 66 at Cadillac Mtn., 15
Sep 2003 (W. Townsend); 213 in S. Harpswell on 25 Sep 2009
(PDV, P. Donahue et al.). Some early occurrences in Aug: 1
immature in Augusta, 14 Aug 1988 (G. Therrien); 4 at Seawall
Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
Beach, 18 Aug 2000 (PDV ); 1 at Moosehorn NWR, 22 Aug
2000 (fide M. Mills). Average Broad-winged Hawk counts
at watch sites in ME: Cadillac Mtn., 589 per year, 1995–2018;
Clarry Hill, Union, 9,382/year, 2011–2018; and Harpswell
Peninsula, 548/year, 2009–2018 (HawkCount 2018). High
annual count at Clarry Hill of 17,369 in 2015 (HawkCount
2018). Peak migration occurs mid-Sep: 285 in Cumberland,
Cumberland Co. (L. Brinker, R. Eakin); 20 at Morse Mtn. ( J.
Dwight, fide K. Gammons); and 16 at Beech Mtn., Southwest Harbor, all 21 Sep 1997 ( J. Markowsky). Migrants occur
slightly earlier in n. ME: 1 in Presque Isle, 1 Sep 1997 (WJS,
fide K. Gammons); 1 in Ft. Kent, 1 Sep 1998 (G. Flagg, fide
K. Gammons); 4 at same locality on 2 Sep 2003, and 1 on 9
Sep 2003 (G. Flagg, fide K. Gammons). Large counts: 2,635
over Brunswick, 12 Sep 1977 ( P. Donahue, AB 32: 176); 2,000
over Deer Isle, 13 Sep 1985 (fide W. Townsend, AB 42: 255–256);
4,105 in Cumberland, 12 Sep 1994 (L. Brinker et al.; FN 49: 21); 2,865 over Mt. Agamenticus, 22 Sep 2000 (S. Mirick et al.); 3,014 in ANP, 17 Sep 2011 (S. Schellenger, eBird). Late
records, fide eBird: 1 on 20 Oct 2017 at Sieur de Monts Spring
and Wild Gardens, ANP (N. Dubrow); 1 on 14 Oct 2018, I-95 south in LaGrange, Penobscot Co. (M. Prieto); and 1 on 16
Oct 2016, Freeport (N. Gibb). Occasionally, late migrants
linger into Nov: 1 near Machias, 2 Nov 2002 (B. Southard); 1 in Sangerville, Piscataquis Co., 15 Nov 2007 (N. Famous); 1
at Eagle L., Bar Harbor, 12 Nov 2008 (R. MacDonald). One
on Knox Rd., Bar Harbor, 2 Dec 2008 (R. MacDonald) was extraordinarily late.
W inter :
Single record for this species in winter: “Utterly
improbable, and lacking any details, was a report of a Broad-
winged Hawk being hand-fed liver and hamburger at a
residence in Ashville [sic; Hancock Co.], ME, Feb. 7–28” 1989
(M. Dedmon, fide W. Townsend, AB 43: 284). RDP
Swainson’s Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
A vagrant from western prairies and grasslands
Status in Maine: Observed seven times in the last 30 years, there are no more than 15 records for Maine. Seven of these records are historical, including three (possibly five) specimen records, one photographic record, and three sight records. Most are from spring and fall. Between 1986 and 2002 there were no records of Swainson’s Hawk in Maine. On 28 September 2002, an emaciated bird was found in Lewiston, and rehabilitated in Freedom, Waldo County, Maine
(G. Totman and M. Payne, ph.). This bird was later released near Everglades National Park, Florida, on 18 Jan 2003. A light-morph bird in subadult plumage was carefully described flying north over Bradbury Mountain, 22 April 2005 (D. Lovitch, NAB 59: 404); another seen at same locality, 3 May 2009 (D. Akers). Two birds were photographed: one over Basin Point, South Harpswell, 23 September 2013 (P. Donahue) and the other over Cadillac Mountain, 30 October 2015 ( J. Bojczyk). Most recently, a juvenile bird was observed at the Millinocket Municipal Airport for a week, 29 September–4 October 2016 (m.ob., ph., eBird). Other records include a dark-morph individual seen migrating south with two Red-tailed Hawks in Lincoln Center, 26 October 1976 (PDV). Two birds reported in spring 1977: a light-morph bird seen by numerous observers at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Calais, 24 April–5 May 1977 (N. Ross, PDV, et al.), and one on Mount Desert Island, late April 1977 (W. Russell). The only summer record is a lightmorph adult photographed in Deblois, Washington County, 11 July 1986 (W. Petersen, ph.). Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed three specimen records: one dark-morph individual collected in Gouldsboro, 15 Sep 1886; one darkmorph bird taken in Glenburn, Penobscot Co., 19 May 1886; and one shot in Calais, 8 Oct 1892 (Brewster 1893). Palmer did not add new records but noted nearly all records involved “melanistic” birds (1949, 143). In addition, Knight (1908, 230) cited M. Hardy’s report that he had “seen at least two taken here, both melanistic” but provided no further details. Hardy was an avid bird collector who purchased birds from all over N. Am. These would have been specimens that Hardy had secured or was shown, and it is not certain that these birds came from ME. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds in w. N. Am. from IA, MN, and MB to s. AB and SK, and inland WA to n. Mexico. Winter range is the pampas of Argentina. Well-documented pattern of vagrancy along East Coast, usually in fall; reported in every New England state (hypothetical in NH), NB, NS, NL, and QC. PDV
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Birds of Maine
Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus
A dark hawk from the Southwest similar to a Turkey Vulture in flight and appearance
Status in Maine: Accidental. One record: An adultplumaged bird was photographed in Bridgton on 4 May 2019 ( J. Jukkola) and was accepted as Maine’s first record later that year by Maine Bird Records Committee. There was speculation that this bird was the same wide-ranging individual recorded several years earlier in the Northeast at points from Nova Scotia to Delaware. Global Distribution: Neotropical. N. Am. population breeds from cen. TX west through AZ to CA, south to cen. Mexico. Winters in Cen. Am. Resident throughout Cen. Am. and in S. Am. from Columbia south through Bolivian highlands, Paraguay, and n. Argentina and to coastal Brazil. Rare vagrant north to NV and east to NS. WJS
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
The common roadside and soaring hawk of fragmented agricultural and woodland landscapes
Status in Maine: The Red-tailed Hawk is widespread and common, frequently seen along highways, especially in winter. The “Eastern” Red-tailed Hawk (B. j. borealis) is the light-morph subspecies found in Maine, although dark morphs are occasionally reported. It hunts in large open areas for small mammals, snakes and amphibians, small birds and even large insects and is often harassed by crows, kestrels, harriers, and even Northern Shrikes, which may regard them as competitors. Spring migration peaks from late March to mid-April. Fall migration extends from late August through November, peaking in October. Field-guide range maps once showed red-tails only occurring in Maine as a breeding species. However, in recent decades a winter population is evident, with more than 1,500 eBird observations in January. This is the highest number of reports in any month, likely because of their prominence when perched along roadsides in winter.
Red-tailed Hawk
Historical Status in Maine: Knight found that Red-tailed Hawks preferred hardwood forests and swamps and were seen scattered throughout the year, occasionally feeding on offal, which “[a]ccipiters do not condescend to do” (1908, 226). Red-tailed Hawks, according to Palmer, were regarded as summer residents, arriving in late Mar–late Apr and migrating south Sep–early Nov. He found them rare in winter, being reported on average only once in six years. Palmer also noted an apparent change in habitat preference during the previous 50 years from extensive coniferous woodlands to open woods, mixed, or hardwood growth. Global Distribution: Nearctic and northern Neotropical. The most widespread buteo in N. Am., with up to 16 subspecies recognized (Preston and Beane 2009). Breeds from AK and N. Canada south to Panama. Only northern populations are migratory. Red-tailed Hawks, superbly adaptable raptors, occupy essentially all biomes within their range. S pring :
Migration mid-Mar to Apr, rapidly trailing off in
May. Steadily seen Mar–Apr, Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch,
2006–2017, with notably high daily total of 75 on 23 Mar 2014 (15-day total of 225). Total count of 419 during spring 2014
hawkwatch exceptional; seasonal counts in hundreds more usual.
S ummer :
For such a common summer resident, confirmed
nesting records remarkably few, presumably because they are secretive around their nest sites. Confirmed breeding in just
12 blocks but probable in 21 and possible in 95 in the ABBM (Adamus 1987). More recent nest records: breeding pair in
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Order Accipitriformes • Family Accipitridae
Gorham, Cumberland Co., 31 May 1995 (S. Pollock); 1 found on nest, Westfield, Aroostook Co., 8 May 2008 (WJS). Family unit
flying together, local nesters, Seawall Beach, 4 Sep 2010 (PDV);
1 adult with 2 nestlings, 20 Jun 2011, York Co. (E. Glynn); nest found with 1 chick, Gorham, 4 Jun 2014 (R. Lambert). More
than 25 nests were confirmed or probable statewide in 2018, the
first year of MBA. F all :
Migration begins late Aug, peaks in Oct and tails off by
end of Nov. Red-tailed Hawks reported from Biddeford Pool;
Cadillac Mtn.; Clary Hill, Union; Harpswell; Monhegan and
Manana Is.; Mt. Agamenticus; and Richmond I. Hawkwatches.
Daily high count for 1995–2017 was at Cadillac Mtn., 131 on 2
Nov 2010 (HawkCount 2018), but 33 were counted as late as 19 Nov 2006 ( J. Zeman).
W inter :
Generally observed as singles or pairs, rarely
more: 6 at Dayton, York Co., 16 Jan 1998 (P. McGowan); 5
at Gilsland Farm, 15 Jan 2009 (E. Hynes). Most common in southern, coastal, and cen. ME as far north as Orono, but
occasional farther north and Downeast. Feb and early Mar
influxes in Washington and Aroostook Cos. in 2004 and 2005, remarked upon as unusual, were attributed to relative lack of
snow cover. More than 60 CBC sightings. Twenty-five reports
from York Co. CBCs, 2003–2016, including high counts of 6
on Kennebunk CBC, 27 Dec 2003 (A. Aldrich); 10 at Sect. 8,
31 Dec 2012 (T. Duddy); 8 at Biddeford–Kennebunk, 27 Dec
2014 (R. O’Connell). Red-tailed Hawks reported from CBCs in following counties 2003–2016: Cumberland (9 reports);
Penobscot (7); Kennebec (5); Knox (4); Somerset (3); Waldo (3); and Washington, Lincoln, and Aroostook (1).
HF
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
A striking raptor known for its hovering and kiting abilities
Status in Maine: The Rough-legged Hawk is an annual and sporadically common winter visitor. Observers note the graceful flight of this generally solitary hawk, as well as its ability to kite and hover. Although rough-legs have light and dark morphs, the light morph is reported nearly twice as often. Observed primarily near the Maine coast from York to Washington Counties, an additional 86 sightings were reported from Aroostook County (76 reports by WJS, 1978–2017). Historical Status in Maine: Knight said that Rough-legged Hawks mostly occurred Nov–Mar. In spring, rough-legs usually departed by 16 Mar, but
several records exist between 28 Mar (1911)–Jun (1946; Palmer 1949). Knight noted its variable distribution by geographic region: considered rare in Cumberland, Franklin, Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Washington Cos., while reportedly common in Androscoggin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, and Knox Cos. This raptor usually arrived in mid-Nov, according to Palmer, and Sep sightings were rare, but there were several early records, including 13 Sep 1941 on Mount Desert I. and a sighting on 12 Oct 1940 from the summit of Bigelow Mtn. He also cited two published reports of roughlegs apparently breeding near the Kennebec R. in 1909 but questioned their accuracy and further said that he considered all summer reports dubious. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Four recognized subspecies: American, Eurasian, Siberian, and Kamchatkan. All are Arctic cliff breeders. The ME subspecies, B. l. sanctijohanni, breeds in N. Am. from NL and QC through most of n. Canada to YT and AK. Winters throughout continental U.S., except the Southeast. Remarks: Palmer cited these observations by Norton, 24 Mar 1938: “In crossing West Penobscot Bay during a light northwest wind, one of these hawks came from the direction of Ash Point, making for Fox Island Thoroughfare. When first seen, it was at an elevation of perhaps 30 feet above the water, alternately flying and soaring; then it swept down just above the water’s surface and flew onward. Another one, of similar appearance in color, was seen over Widow’s Island, scaling like a harrier, then poising like a Kingfisher, over the open grassland of the island, working against the fresh breeze of the northwest wind. It was very graceful in flight” (Palmer 1949, 144) S pring :
Early-spring records: group of 7 observed 10 Mar
1979 (PDV) at Cutler Naval Air Station, Washington Co.; 14 individuals, Machias Bay, 22 Mar 1979 (N. Famous). At least 22 Apr records, 2009–2017, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Augusta–Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 14 Apr 2014 (M. LaCombe);
Kennebunk Plains, 20 Apr 2013 (obs. unk.); and Presque Isle, 23
Apr 2011 (WJS). At least 10 reports in May: 9 in Aroostook Co., most recent at Christina Reservoir, 3 May 2015 (WJS); and at Seawall Beach, 13 May 2011 (G. Smith).
S ummer :
5 summer reports for single birds 1988–2008: Goose
Rocks Beach, 8 Jun 1988 ( JVW); Mt. Agamenticus, 28 Aug 1990 (L. Phinney); Narraguagus R., Washington Co., 27 Aug 2002
(C. DeVoe); Edgecomb, Lincoln Co., 29 Aug 2005 (B. Twarog,
fide W. Townsend); and Pinkham Flats, Lamoine, Hancock Co.,
7 Jun 2008 (fide C. Moseley). Note: 2 of these occur early Jun
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Birds of Maine
(likely late leavers) and 3 in late Aug (possible early arrivers). No known records 2009–2017 (eBird). F all :
Rough-legged Hawks typically arrive in late fall, with
>80 reports mid- to late Nov. Early report from Beech Hill
southern report, 1, Sebasticook R. Reservoir, Corinna Bog,
Penobscot Co., 27 Oct 2016 (B. Barker, eBird). W inter :
Annual winter visitor in small numbers. Data from
eBird suggest Rough-legged Hawks are primarily coastal, but
Preserve, Rockport, 23 Sep 1997 (W. Zwartjes). Nineteen
>80 sightings in Aroostook Co. (WJS). Regularly seen on CBCs
Mt. Agamenticus, 4 Oct 1981 (PDV), and Caribou, 13 Oct 2008
Machias Bay, 1973–2017. Reports of >2: 3 at Harpswell Neck, 18
sightings reported for Oct 1981–2013, 2 from early in the month:
(WJS). Recent Oct observations: 1 bird, Ross Mtn. Rd, T10
R16, Somerset Co., 24 Oct 2017 (B. Way, eBird); and an early
throughout ME. Forty-six CBC sightings, Kennebunkport to
Dec 1976 (F. Atwood), and 4 at Jonesport, 17 Dec 1978 (PDV). HF
HAWKWATCHES IN MAINE Although not as noted for raptor migration as some states along the Appalachian Mountains to the south, ME has a number of excellent hawkwatch sites, including five that are regularly monitored in cooperation with the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HawkCount 2018) as part of its network of more than 300 count sites in North and Central America. There are several other locations in the state that have been more sporadically surveyed over the years, but a great deal of ME’s landscape remains unexplored for migrating raptors and represents potential new horizons for hawk-watching. The longest-running watch site in ME, and the only one that is not entirely dependent on volunteers, is Cadillac Mtn. in ANP, which has been operating since 1994. It is staffed daily from mid-Aug to mid-Nov by park personnel and volunteers from the Schoodic Institute, and, like most sites, welcomes visitors. About 3,000 raptors of 11 species are seen during a typical season. Cadillac Mtn. is an autumn-only site, as is primarily the case with Clarry Hill, on a high knoll in a commercial blueberry barren in Union, Knox Co. One to three volunteer counters provide consistent coverage—with sometimes spectacular results, such as the more than 17,000 Broad-winged Hawks counted at Clarry Hill in 2015. A third regular autumn watch site, Barnes I. at Harpswell Neck, is privately owned and not open to the public. Bradbury Mtn. S.P. in Pownal is ME’s single spring-only watch site, in operation since 2004, and since 2007 under the sponsorship of the Freeport Wild Bird Supply. Counts are conducted from mid-Mar through mid-May. In 2016, Bradbury recorded the highest spring migration numbers of Ospreys (513), Northern Harriers (132), Redshouldered Hawks (75), Broad-winged Hawks (2,124), and American Kestrels (429) in HawkCount 2018’s eastern flyway region. The Cooper Hawkwatch in Downeast ME, along a ridge system about 30 mi. (48 km) inland
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Broad-winged Hawk
between Calais and Machias, is ME’s only dual-season watch site, operating in both spring and autumn since 2011. Although an often highly productive hawk-watching site in both spring and autumn, Mt. Agamenticus in York Co. features no organized count effort. As with most locations, the best winds are northwest following a cold frontal passage in autumn, and southerly winds in spring. Besides being a fun activity, hawk-watching—especially at long-term, consistently monitored sites—provides critical information about raptor populations and trends. The Bradbury Mtn. count, for example, has shown increasing counts for many species, while many more southerly eastern U.S. sites have seen the opposite—a possible fingerprint of climate change, keeping more raptors farther north than in the past. HF and CSW
Order Strigiformes • Family Tytonidae
O rder
STRIGIFORMES
Barn Owls (Tytonidae) Only one member of this family occurs in Maine, and only as a rare vagrant from more southerly areas. Like all members of the family, the Barn Owl has a distinctive, heart-shaped facial disk and long legs.
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
This ghostly vagrant is a species of special concern in Maine
Status in Maine: Barn Owls are rare, occurring primarily in fall and early winter and infrequently in spring, but there is no evidence that this species is resident. There is one attempted nesting record, and all other records indicate that it is a vagrant to Maine. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight did not list Barn Owls for ME, and Palmer (1949, 303) considered the species “perhaps a very rare resident.” Palmer listed five specimen records taken in the fall: one from Biddeford, 4 Oct 1923; one from Portland, 26 Oct 1927; a male from Moshier’s I., Yarmouth, 10 or 11 Dec 1927; a female shot two mi. (3.2 km) east of Lincoln, 15 Dec 1939; and a male from Falmouth, 8 Dec 1945. The species was next reported from the ramp of a barn in Bowdoinham, 25 Aug 1949 (M. Dunlap, BMAS 6: 12), and one was photographed in Portland, 18 May 1953 (Moulton, BMAS 9: 67). A specimen was picked up along the Kittery–Portland section of I-95, 11 Apr 1954 by a student at UMaine, Orono; the bird had apparently been hit by a vehicle and the left wing and leg were broken. The specimen is now in the University of ME collection in Orono (A. Barden). Global Distribution: Nearly worldwide distribution; in N. Am., breeds regularly from s. MA (Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket), RI, CT, NY, s. ON west to MN, ND, WA, and BC south through Mexico and Cen. Am. and in the West Indies. Winters largely within the breeding range, but northern populations
move south. Also occurs in S. Am., Europe, much of Africa, and Australia, but absent from n. Russia, Mongolia, and China. Remarks: Palmer reported that, circa 1900, “a pair inhabited a barn on Great Head on Mt. Desert Island” (fide J. Bond). However, this report was not included in Tyson and Bond (1941) or Long (1982) and may be incorrect. Several species of owl are known to use barns, and the information at hand is insufficient to include this report as a documented record. There is potential for confusing Barn Owls with Short-eared Owls, as they co-occur in open habitats. About a dozen additional reports lacked appropriate details and are considered unsubstantiated. S pring :
Two modern documented spring records. A Barn Owl
was seen at Pine Pt., 28 Apr 1995: “I have copied what I put down the day I saw the owl, as I saw it. Friday, 9:00 AM; southeast
wind; cold/misty rain. Grackles, jays and chickadees were noisy and bombing white pine. I walked around the area and from
one angle could see an owl. I saw white streaked underparts (not heavily streaked) [fine streaks are sketched on report]; vertical
streaks. Long pointed wings had brownish-orange markings. The
face was white, outlined in a dark line [a roundish heart-shape is sketched on report]; (looked to me as though it had been drawn
on with a pencil.) Dark-eyed. It was approximately 15 feet up in the white pine. Observed about two minutes. Unfortunately, it
saw me and flew left (north). Huge wingspan. I also heard it hiss.
Could not relocate. No pellets found; perhaps it had just flown in.”
(G. Carson, MBN 9: 7). In 1996, a Barn Owl was hit by a car in
Belfast, 9 May 1996. It was picked up alive but subsequently died.
R. Joseph, USFWS, ph. the specimen and transferred the owl to MDIFW (R. Joseph, pers. com.).
S ummer :
In 1960, a pair attempted to nest in Westbrook,
Cumberland Co. (MFO, MASFC, note prepared by Irma A.
Werner): “This pair of owls were nesting, or preparing to nest, in
a loft at Saunder’s Dowell Mill, Westbrook. Mr. Earle Wilson, an employee, took them and notified the Werners. He had intended
to release them after study, but when he learned how valuable
they are, he took them to the mill, and did a fine job of educating
his fellow employees as to their value. So now the owls have
been released and if they return to their former site in the loft,
they will be allowed to remain unmolested, and protected by M.
Wilson’s personal supervision. We banded the pair June 27, 1960…
These owls apparently did not remain to renest.” F all :
Two modern records: one confirmed and one under
review. One in Falmouth, 1 and 3 Oct 1990, was described as
a “white owl with dish face sitting on rafters in isolated barn surrounded by open meadow. Seen twice: once in A.M., and
again at sunset.” It was not seen by anyone else, but L. Woodard
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Birds of Maine
collected 8 pellets that were confirmed as Barn Owl pellets
by noted raptor expert, N. Smith of the Blue Hills Trailside
Museum, MA (MBN 4: 25). The most recent record, 1 on 8 Sep
2011 at Sand Beach, Bar Harbor (T. Linforth, T. Muzzy, fide R.
described the screech-owl as “a common permanent resident,” and noted a family of screech-owls perched on different limbs near Jepson’s Brook, 10 Jun 1915.
Eastern Screech-Owl
By 1949, screech-owls were increasingly rare. The species was “resident, very rare but probably breeding in southern Oxford, Franklin, and Androscoggin Counties and in coastal counties eastward into Hancock, and very rare visitant elsewhere. No certain records for about a decade” (Palmer 1949, 303). Palmer (also p. 303) indicated several reports of breeding, “but the nearest to specific data was mention by Carpenter . . . of a ‘set’ of eggs taken ‘from a decayed apple tree in New Vineyard, Franklin Co., on unstated date.’” Cruickshank (1950b, 26) said, “the Screech Owl is very rare in the interior of Lincoln County and I can find no evidence that it breeds. It is purely casual along the coast and unrecorded on the offshore islands.” From 1950–2017, no active field observers saw as many screech-owls as reported by Knight or Miller.
The whinnying call of this special-concern species is rarely heard in southern Maine
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds and resident in e. N. Am. from coastal ME, s. NH, VT, s. QC, and ON, to MN, MB, MT, south to FL, TX, and e. Mexico.
MacDonald), is currently under review (ME-BRC). PDV
Typical Owls (Strigidae) The majority of the world’s 300-plus species of owls belong to this family, the so-called typical owls. Eleven of North America’s 19 species haven been recorded in Maine; four of these are irruptive winter migrants and the Burrowing Owl is a vagrant with few records. While four owls regularly breed here, two--Eastern Screech-Owl and Short-eared Owl--are rare breeders, the former reaching its northern limit in Maine.
Megascops asio
Status in Maine: Though Eastern Screech-Owls were probably never common in Maine, it appears they were more regular in the early 19th century. The species is currently recovering from a marked decline through the mid-20th century—there are five records 1950–1970. Though records have increased since 1970 (16 records 1970–2000), screech-owls remain rare in Maine. Most sightings are from southern Maine north to Somerset County and east to Washington County. The species probably breeds regularly in small numbers in that region. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 259) said: “Though generally distributed as a resident species in the State it seems at the best rather rare as a rule . . . A majority of the birds I have seen in Maine were of the gray phase of plumage, though I have also seen a few of the red phase.” A gray-morph screech-owl was collected in Harrison, Cumberland Co., 23 Mar 1899, and taken to J.C. Mead, who wrote, “This bird is rare enough in this locality to be deserving of mention. I have handled but two specimens in twenty-seven years and have not known of half a dozen taken within a radius of twenty miles” (JMOS 1: 28). In Birds of Lewiston–Auburn and Vicinity, Miller (1918, 60) 346
! ! !
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Eastern Screech-Owl Breeding and Observations ! ( Confirmed Nesting Records ! ( Observations Since 2000
Remarks: There are five Eastern Screech-Owl records 1950–1970. Since then, there are six records 1970–1980; five, 1980–1990, and five, 1990–2000. Screech-owls appeared to disperse along the coast east to Washington Co. and north to Lincoln Ctr. (PDV) in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, the species was reported only from the southern coast north to Vienna, Kennebec Co., 21 Jul 1997 (Guillemot 27: 37).
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
There are ~15 records since 2000, primarily in s. coastal ME, east to Hancock Co. However, records based on vocalizations in late winter and early spring alone should be viewed with caution, as the call of Black Scoters flying overhead can be very similar. S pring :
forest patches bordering salt marshes and along streams and rivers. These owls are more local and less common in northern Maine, where they are more restricted to deciduous uplands adjacent to agricultural lands as they generally avoid wet spruce forests.
One in Clinton, 15 Apr 1958 (MASFC); 1–2 birds
reported in York intermittently throughout 2016, consistently in spring, 22–24 Mar, 23–25, 28, and 30 Apr, and later that year in
same locality: 2 birds on 3 Aug, and 1 on 21 Dec (m.ob., eBird).
One bird at Todd Wildlife Sanctuary, Bremen, Lincoln Co., 26 May 2016 (K. Yakola, eBird). Trenton, Hancock Co., 28 May
2002 (Guillemot 32: 26); Bucksport, 15 Apr 2012 (R. Folger); Schoodic Mtn., Winter Harbor, 2 Mar 2007 ( J. Mays).
S ummer :
Few confirmed nesting records, although species
probably breeds regularly, if rarely, in York, Cumberland, and s.
Oxford Cos. and perhaps n. and e. In Saco, Hartman 1999–2009 heard and recorded a screech-owl tremolo almost annually
10–12 years. Confirmed breeding records from New Vineyard,
Franklin Co. (Palmer 1949); Lewiston (Miller 1918); Fryeburg (D. Briggs, MASFC); and Farmington (5 eggs, 4 fledged, ph.; Parker and Parker 1987); probably reflect limits of this species’ regular
breeding range. Additional summer observations include Indian
Twp., Washington Co., late Jun 2006 (N. Famous); and north to Madrid, Franklin Co., 9 Jun 2001 (B. Brown). F all :
One in York, 16 Sep 1969 (AFN 24: 18); a family group
of 6–8 birds seen “flying about and calling” in Fryeburg, 2–3 Sep
1969 (D. Briggs, MASFC); Hartland, Somerset Co., 2 Sep 2003
(Guillemot 33: 37); 1 bird on Great Diamond I., Cumberland Co.,
3 Sep 2016 (B. Barker, eBird); 1 bird in Wells, 22 Oct and 23 Nov
2017 (B. Harris, eBird) W inter :
One each, unless noted: gray-morph bird in S.
Portland, 19 Dec 1960, found in a driveway and hand-fed liver
(MFO 5: 133; photo); red-morph in Kittery Pt., 16 Jan–13 Feb
1962 (MFN 18: 26); Casco Bay, 12 Nov 1967 (RNEB 23: 11);
Nubble Thickets, York Co., 27 Oct and 19 Nov 2017 ( J. Fecteau and M. Weber, respectively, eBird); and 2 birds in Wells, 3 Dec
2017 (D. Lovitch). PDV
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
This formidable predator is a common night voice in Maine at any season
Status in Maine: Great Horned Owls remain common residents in Maine, occurring in a wide variety of woodland habitats and suburban and urban environments. The species is especially common in
Great Horned Owl
Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Great Horned Owls fairly common throughout the state. Palmer (1949, 306) said Great Horned Owls made irregular incursions in winter, reporting flights in 1908–1909, 1922–1923, 1926–1927, and 1937–1938. In this last incursion, owls “were especially numerous on coastal islands.” Palmer also reported possible records for two other subspecies of Great Horned Owl (see Remarks). Global Distribution: Western Hemisphere. Resident in a wide variety of habitats throughout N. Am. except on the open tundra of n. Canada and AK, also throughout most of Mexico south to Costa Rica (rare); widespread in S. Am. south to nw. Argentina and n. Chile, primarily at 9,800–13,000 ft. (3,000– 4,000 m). Nonmigratory, but northern populations occasionally irrupt south. Remarks: Palmer (1949, 304–305) noted six possible records of “Arctic” Horned Owl (B. v. wapacuthu, now called B. v. subarcticus), which breeds in cen. Canada north to the tundra and is known to irrupt south periodically, plus four possible records of “Labrador” Horned Owl (B. v. heterocnemis), which breeds in n. QC and NL. He also said that several of these owls were reported or collected during major flight years, when “more than one subspecies has been present.” Although none of these specimens are extant, Norton 347
Birds of Maine
examined examples of both northern subspecies and there is no reason to doubt the accuracy of his observations. No northern subspecies have been reported since 1949, but since owls are now federally protected, many fewer have been collected and critically examined.
F all :
Rarely recorded on the outer islands, with few fall
records for Monhegan I. from late Sep 1977 (DWF) and others
in 2003, 2010, 2017, and 2018 all in Oct (fide D. Hitchcox). W inter :
Great Horned Owls irregularly reported on
CBCs despite their year-round presence; thus, CBCs clearly
underestimate actual abundance. Only 5 CBCs have recorded
this species on >40% of their counts: Moose I.–Jonesboro
Great Horned Owls consume a wide range of prey,
primarily mammals as large as Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis), porcupines, and hares (Lepus spp.). They also eat birds as large as Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed
Hawks (Norton 1928), and Barred Owls. At Mackworth
(63%), Machias Bay (57%), Greater Portland (52%), Misery
Twp. (50%), and Biddeford (42%). Both the Moose I.–
Jonesboro (1984) and Greater Portland (2004) CBCs recorded maxima of 7 owls. PDV
I., Falmouth, on 12 Nov 1988, one was observed being
“harassed by crows while holding a decapitated Barred
Owl in its talons” (AB 43: 65). In a review of prey items
Snowy Owl
by hawks and owls, Mendall (1944) reported porcupine
Bubo scandiacus
pierced internal organs but two owls had apparently
This iconic owl is an uncommon but regular winter visitor to Maine’s coast
quills in seven Great Horned Owls; three of these had
consumed quills without consequence. L. Brinker found evidence of a Great Horned Owl having consumed a night-heron at Scarborough Marsh in Aug 2002. In
Eastport, the diet of young Great Horned Owls was
almost exclusively Herring Gulls and Common Eiders
taken from nearby nesting colonies (C. Bartlett). Great Horned Owls are a frequent cause of disturbance and abandonment of managed seabird (especially tern) colonies, sometimes forcing managers to trap and
remove the owl. In both 2017 and 2018, a Great Horned Owl successfully took two of three half-grown Osprey
chicks from a nest on Hog I. under surveillance with a nest camera.
S pring /S ummer :
Nests early, laying eggs in late Feb and early
Mar. Palmer reported that a female collected in Casco Bay, 23
Feb 1930, contained an egg that would have been laid within 24 hours. A nest with 2 young was observed in Bangor, 7 Apr 1968
(obs. unk.), which indicated the eggs were laid the first week of Mar. Typically uses nests of crows and other forest raptors but have been found occupying old Osprey nests in a small marsh
in Woolwich, 26 Mar 2002 ( J. Frank et al.), and along the edge
of a small wetland east of Christina Reservoir in Ft. Fairfield
(WJS). Young are most conspicuous once off the nest, 6–7 weeks after hatching. In Cape Elizabeth, one nestling first left a nest
on 8 May and the second owlet moved from the nest on 12 May
2009 (P. Laverty). Fledglings reported from Falmouth (3 young), 22 May 2001 (PDV, JEP et al.); Hebron, Oxford Co. (1), 29 May 2000 (D. Marquis); Turner (2–3), 28 Jun 2005 ( J. Despres); and
Houlton (2), 28 Jun 2005 (L. Little). Young stay with the adults through late summer and fall but are independent by late fall.
348
Status in Maine: Snowy Owls are rare winter visitors that occur annually, or very nearly so. Every three to five years, these owls migrate into Maine in large numbers, generally as a result of highly productive breeding seasons in the Arctic and subarctic. Incursions typically involve 30–100 owls but can occasionally be much larger; during the winter of 1945–1946, >1,000 were reported in Maine (BMAS 2: 79), and in 2013–2014 another large flight occurred. Owls appear in late October and November during flight years when juveniles make up the bulk of the migration. In non-flight years, adults dominate the flight and arrive later in the winter. There are late-spring to summer records, which usually follow major flights. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer indicated that Snowy Owls occurred in small numbers in nonincursion years. He considered the species a winter resident but transient during flight years, and also noted Snowy Owls appear earlier in incursion years, rarely in mid-Oct and reliably after mid-Nov. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds sporadically from n. NL, QC, and MB to (more reliably) throughout high Arctic to n. and w. AK. Winters south to New England, NY, n. Great Plains, to MT and WA, irregularly farther south. Also breeds in n. Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia, very rarely in n. Great Britain.
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
!
!
!
Quebec City
Caribou
!
!
QC
NB
ME
Bangor
NH Portland
MA
Boston
Map 21: Snowy Owl Migration Corridor Five Snowy Owls tagged on the New England coast in 2016 and 2017 with GPS transmitters followed a surprisingly narrow route north along the uplands of western Maine before diverging widely. This narrow corridor holds several large wind farms, and tracking data show that one of the owls flew directly through the turbine fields. This is an example of how little we know about the nocturnal migration routes of many migrants (Project SNOWstorm).
into prey near urban areas in winter. “The majority of skeletal remains were those of Microtus pennsylvanicus [Meadow Vole] and Rattus norvegicus [Brown or Norway Rat]. One pellet (24 Jan 1997) contained bones of at least six M. pennsylvanicus and one R. norvegicus. Two pellets (27 Feb 1987 and 19 Mar 1988) contained bones of Mus musculus [House Mouse], and the one collected on 27 Feb 1987 also contained remains of Sturnus vulgaris [European Starling] as well as those of brown rats and meadow voles. One pellet (9 Feb 1997) contained bones of Blarina brevicauda [Northern Short-tailed Shrew]. Other avian prey included Bucephala albeola [Bufflehead], Columba livea [Rock Dove], and unidentified songbird bones. A pellet collected on 13 March 1980 contained skeletal remains of Podilymbus podiceps [Pied-billed Grebe]. Unidentified fish bones were found in a pellet collected on 23 Feb 1997” (R. Eakin, pers com.). Pellets collected on Appledore I., 2013–2014, included complete adult Muskrat remains, and bones of Common Eider and Redthroated Loon. Tracking data show that coastal wintering owls prey frequently on offshore waterbirds. S pring /S ummer :
Five migrating, GPS-
tagged Snowy Owls from the New England
coast (3 in Apr 2016, 1 in Feb 2017, and 1 in
Apr 2017) followed a remarkably narrow route north through w. ME mountains
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List. IUCN: Vulnerable due to population declines and risks from climate change. However, purported declines in population, based on Partners in Flight Landbird Conservation Plan global estimates (Rosenberg et al. 2016) reflect change in estimate methodology, not any direct evidence of population trends.
Remarks: Palmer (1949, 311) clarified that Snowy Owls never bred in ME in post-glacial times: “Reports of this owl nesting in Maine began with Audubon and are, of course, erroneous.” R. Eakin collected 61 pellets near the playing fields at Back Cove, Portland, over 12 winters 1978–2001. His identification of the remains, with T. French’s help, provides insight
in Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset Cos., suggesting a consistent migratory path
through the region, and one which also
passes through several major wind energy
installations. Tracking data show that one of the owls flew, apparently unharmed, directly through turbines on Saddleback Mtn.
Several late-spring and summer records
of immature birds: 1 in Cutler, 15 May 1988
(CDD, AB 42: 409); 1 immature banded in MA on Stratton I., 20–31 May 2002
349
Birds of Maine
(S. Hall, NAB 56: 286); 1 in Presque Isle, 30 May 1977 (AB 31:
F all /W inter :
Jun 1993, was captured for rehabilitation (AB 47: 1090); 1 in W.
coastal headlands, open fields, airports, and offshore islands,
Galick, eBird); 1 immature in Madison, Somerset Co., 18 Jun
while walking down Main Street in Brunswick.” As noted
by gulls videotaped by a local news station in Westbrook,
years, 6–8 weeks earlier than non-incursion years (late Nov–Feb).
975); an emaciated bird found harassing terns on Seal I., mid-
Paris, Oxford Co., 15 Jun 2014, a continuing bird from earlier (S.
1992 (AB 46: 1121); immature bird on rooftop being harassed
Snowy Owls occur nearly annually in small
numbers (1–5 per winter). Most frequently observed along
although reported from a variety of unexpected places; i.e., “seen by Palmer, first owls typically arrive mid-Oct to Nov in flight
Cumberland Co., 21 Jun 1989 (AB 43: 1290); 1 in Trescott,
Recent records, fide eBird: 1 in Frenchville, Aroostook Co., 30
17 Jul 1961 (MFO 6: 76); and 1 on Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 20
Augusta, 10 Nov 2014 (R. Simpson); 2 at Sargent Mtn., ANP, 30
listed above are 2 of 5 sightings Jun–Jul 2014. One apparently
(M. and A. Archie).
Washington Co., 25 Jun 1969 (C. Dorchester); 1 in Brunswick,
Jul 2014 (T. Fuller, eBird). This last record and the W. Paris one summered on Cushing I., Casco Bay, ph. on 31 Jul 2017 (fide D.
Oct 2014 (WJS); 1 on Monhegan I., 5 Nov 2014 (D. Cundy); 1 in
Nov 2015 (M. Good); 1 at Pineo Pt. Rd., Harrington, 6 Dec 2017 PDV
Hitchcox).
FLIGHT YEARS Major Snowy Owl flights usually occur on a three- to five-year cycle. Flight magnitude varies, but occasionally involves
many hundreds or thousands of owls. Palmer (1949, 308) stated, “the larger flights come ‘with a rush’ in late fall, and birds
tend to follow the coastline where they concentrate on islands and the mainland. In lesser flights, however, the birds appear later, and are more evenly distributed throughout.” The 1945–1946 flight was remarkable as >1,000 owls were reported in
ME with large numbers seen on offshore islands and at lighthouses: ~50 at Petit Manan Light; 25 on Isles of Shoals; ~50 at Matinicus Rock Light; ~25 Halfway Rock Light, S. Portland; 14 at Seguin I. Light (BMAS 2:79). Flight year reports in Maine, first year of incursion winter given: 1878: moderate flight (Palmer)
1953: small flight >10 reported
1882: sizable flight (Palmer)
1960: >100 reported; first 1 in Brunswick,
1890: moderate flight (Palmer)
31 Oct 1960 (MFO 5: 109)
1892: very large flight; >125 owls to taxidermists
1986: moderate flight (AB 41: 256)
1901: large flight; >125 birds to taxidermists (Knight)
(Palmer)
1987: >60 reported; first, 2 in Jonesport, 28 Oct 1987 (AB 42: 235 and 409)
1905: >200 killed in ME (Knight); Palmer considered
1991: >30 (AB 46: 238); 1 landed on the
1912: small flight (Palmer)
1992: >14 (AB 47: 241–242)
this a moderate flight
1917: small to moderate flight (Palmer) 1922: moderate flight (Palmer) 1926: major flight (Palmer) 1932: moderate flight (Palmer) 1937: moderate flight (Palmer) 1941: moderate flight (Palmer) 1945: >1,000 reports (BMAS 2: 79); 247 received
by taxidermists
1949: >166 reported
352
MV Bluenose, 10 mi. (16 km) off coast 2000: small flight >26 2004: small flight >16 2005: small flight 14 2006: small flight 15 2008: small flight >30 2013: exceptionally large flight, first records
late Nov 2013
2014: small flight 20–30 2017: moderate flight >50
previous page: Snowy Owl
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
Northern Hawk Owl
Surnia ulula
This accipiter-like owl is a rare winter visitor
Status in Maine: Northern Hawk Owls are rare but regular in winter, with one to three individuals occurring nearly annually since 1956, usually between December and February. Hawk owls irregularly make larger (nine to 30+ birds) incursions to Maine; these flights usually begin earlier, starting in October and November. Most birds depart by February and March. Three late-spring and summer records suggest the possibility of local breeding, which has been confirmed in southern New Brunswick and the Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 264) called the Northern Hawk Owl a “usually rare winter visitor which some seasons occurs in comparatively large numbers.” Palmer (1949, 311) considered this species a “transient and winter visitant,” primarily in late fall and early winter but generally absent in winter. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Range similar to Great Gray Owl. Breeds in n. Europe and Russia from Scandinavia across cen. Russia, n. Mongolia. and China. In N. Am., breeds from NL along the north shore of the St. Lawrence R. in QC (rarely in the Gaspé Peninsula) across boreal Canada south of Hudson Bay to cen. AK. South in the Rockies to n. MT. Winters largely within the breeding range but subject to irregular, occasionally long distance, movements. Remarks: Irregular irruptions are presumably the result of highly successful reproductive seasons for Northern Hawk Owls followed by depressed microtine populations. Irruptions start in Oct–Nov (regular winter occurrences are usually Dec–Feb) and are generally widespread. It is impossible to accurately quantify the size of these incursions prior to 1970, but taxidermy records provide valuable insight into the scope of these flights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Bangor taxidermist received 28 birds late Oct–Nov 1884; in 1902, C. Clark received two in Lubec and others were reported nearby; F. Kilburn received more than five hawk owls near Machias, 30 Oct–21 Nov 1923, and J. Parlin observed two in Northfield that year; a Lincoln taxidermist received eight specimens late Oct–Dec 1925. More recently, nine hawk owls were reported 30 Nov 1978–22 Mar 1979; in 1991–1992, there were >12 reports Nov–Mar.
A hawk owl found in poor condition was nursed back to health and then released in Blue Hill, winter 1964. It was last seen on 8 May 1964, a very late date. Remarkably, a hawk owl, presumably the same, returned to the house the following year, Nov 1965 (MFN 21: 12). More than half a dozen reports from n. ME, and several from s. ME, 2005–2014. Current eBird policy protects locations of sensitive species to prevent targeted harassment, including capture and killing. S pring :
Typically move north by Feb or Mar; several late-
spring and summer records: 1 seen in Ft. Kent, 1 May 1998 (F.
Dumond, fide G. Flagg; FN 52: 306); the rehabilitated Blue Hill
hawk owl (see Remarks) remained until 8 May 1964 (MFN 21: 12).
S ummer :
One in Ft. Kent, 1 Jul 1999 (G. Flagg, NAB 53:
365). No evidence of breeding, but given this species has bred
in the Gaspé Peninsula and in s. NB (Tabusintac, Pt. Lepreau,
and Grand Manan I.; Erskine 1992), it seems reasonable to anticipate nesting in ME in the future. F all :
First migrants usually appear in Nov, but there are several
Sep and Oct occurrences. Earliest fall records: 1 shot in Norway,
Oxford Co., 14 Sep 1870 (Palmer 1949); 1 shot in Asticou, Mount
Desert I., in Sep of unknown year (Tyson and Bond 1941);
recently, 1 seen near Ft. Kent, 23 Sep 1977 (G. Flagg). Oct records:
1 in Lamoine, Hancock Co., 2 Oct 1992 (AB 47: 66); 1 in Brewer,
4 Oct 1992 (AB 47: 66); 1 “found by a lobsterman, freshly dead
and floating 3 mi. [5 km] off Bar Harbor,” 10 Oct 1991 (Guillemot
20[5]: 47, AB 46: 65); 1 found dead in Orient, Aroostook Co., 28
Oct 1962, specimen at UMaine, Orono (MASFC). Nov records:
1 in Weld, Franklin Co., week ending 3 Nov 2000 (NAB 55: 28); 1
in Edinburg, Penobscot Co., 6 Nov 1965 (MASFC); 1 on Mount
Desert I., 8–14 Nov 1996 (FN 51: 26); 1 in Presque Isle, 13–15 Nov
1962 (M. Holmes, MASFC); 1 in New Portland, Somerset Co., 23
Nov 1955 (photo, MFN 12: 19); 1 in Milbridge, 28 Nov 1987 (AB 42:
235); 1 in N. Jay, Franklin Co., 29 Nov 1905 (JMOS 8: 24); 1 in T16 R4 WELS, Aroostook Co., 29 Nov 1962 (G. Freese, MASFC). W inter :
Main movement of Northern Hawk Owls into
ME occurs in winter (Dec–Feb). Since 1956, 1 or 2 birds have
occurred almost annually, in winter in all but southern Maine
and most frequently in Aroostook Co. The most recent was an
injured bird found on Islesboro Jan 2019 and delivered to Avian
Haven. Given regularity of these records, they are more likely
the result of more local dispersal rather than “flight incursions”
from w. ON and cen. Canada. Most appear in Dec (18) and Jan
(17), but some birds only appear in Feb (12), contrary to Palmer’s assertion that this species usually arrives in Nov. A hawk owl
that appeared in Houlton in Jan 2013 lingered until 23 Mar. The
following year, a bird appeared in Lincoln 12 Nov 2013 and stayed until 4 Mar 2014 (fide WJS).
PDV
353
Birds of Maine
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
A distinctive and charismatic raptor
Status in Maine: Accidental with two, possibly three, records. A Burrowing Owl was seen along the edge of a large blueberry barren in T19 MD BPP (north of Columbia Falls), Washington County, 15 July–25 August 2006 (D. Cristol, photo by B. Southard examined by PDV, ph. arch.). The owl apparently frequented a culvert along a dirt road bordering the barren, since numerous pellets and feathers were found there. The pale plumage likely indicates the bird was of the migratory western race. A second record accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee was a bird seen 7 June 2017 in York (C. Smith and J. Colcord). A sight report from Dyer Point on 12 November 2018 (B. Bunn, fide D. Hitchcox) was not accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee as of September 2019. Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded prior to 2006. Global Distribution: Western Hemisphere. Two subspecies breed in N. Am. A. c. hypugaea is migratory, breeding from the Great Plains of Canada to BC south to TX, NM, AZ, CA, and c. Mexico, and winters in TX, NM, AZ, CA, s. Mexico, and Cen. America. Nonmigratory A. c. floridana is resident in s. and c. FL and the Bahamas. Other subspecies (19 recognized) occur throughout the Caribbean, Cen. Am., and S. Am. Burrowing Owls have appeared in coastal New England and NB in spring and fall. PDV
Barred Owl
Strix varia
A wild and most-recognizable call announces this owl, common throughout Maine
Status in Maine: Barred Owls are common to abundant Maine residents, occurring in a variety of forested habitats throughout the state. It is not unusual to hear several pairs giving their familiar ninehoot calls in favorable habitat, especially along lakes and rivers; e.g., three pairs are often heard countersinging along the Kennebec River in Richmond in 354
Barred Owl
March and April (PDV ). Barred Owls are similarly common in Aroostook County, occurring regularly in wet coniferous forests and mixed woodlands; e.g., six were heard on one spring evening, a maximum (WJS and PDV ). They are likely fairly common and evenly distributed in mature woodlands in northern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight, citing various reporters, called Barred Owls common to abundant throughout ME. Palmer (1949, 313) considered Barred Owls “fairly common in mixed woodlands in the southern half of the state, and apparently in lesser numbers elsewhere.” Barred Owls make occasional late-fall to early-winter irruptions in ME and the Northeast. It is unclear whether the increased number of reports reflects migrants from s. and cen. Canada or locally hatched birds forced into open habitats and along road verges by low microtine populations. There were six apparent flight years in the early 20th century: 35 specimens received by an Augusta taxidermist in Sep–Nov 1906 (Palmer 1949); many collected near N. Bridgton,
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
Cumberland Co., 1908 (Mead 1908, 115); large flight in Cumberland Co., Oct 1918 (Norton, in Palmer 1949); “great numbers” near Machias, 1921 (Kilburn 1923, 38); 85 received by a Brunswick taxidermist, fall through early winter 1923–1924 (Walch 1926, 53); a large flight near Portland, 1939 (Norton, in Palmer 1949). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident throughout the East from sw. Labrador and Gaspé Peninsula, s. QC, NS to FL and cen. TX, west through s. Canada to BC, WA, OR, ID, MT, and n. and e. CA, where expanding range impacts Spotted Owls (S. occidentalis); also south in cen. Mexico highlands. Remarks: Barred Owls consume a wide variety of prey, primarily mammals, but also birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish, and even invertebrates, which can make up >20% of their diet during the breeding season (Bosakowski and Smith 1992). Some reported prey items: crayfish in Oquossoc, Franklin Co. (K. Betts); a large frog in Bar Harbor, Apr 2001 (W. Townsend); a young owl was seen with “a fish tail protruding from mouth” in Alton, Penobscot Co., 25 May 1995 ( J. Markowsky); a Barred Owl captured “3 Hairy-tailed Moles [Parascalops breweri] in about 45 minutes” in winter 2007–2008 (L. Bevier). Barred Owls appear to regularly prey on Northern Saw-whet Owls and other small owls: at least one captured saw-whet owls in mist nets in Oct in Wells ( J. Ficker); a Barred Owl reported chasing a saw-whet on the Freeport CBC, 30 Dec 2007 ( J. Camuso); one was immediately attracted to a broadcast of Boreal Owl vocalizations and flew directly toward the recorder before veering off at the last moment in Richmond, 9 Jan 2008 (PDV). Six Barred Owls captured at Petit Manan NWR in 2016 in nets set for saw-whet owls between 29 Sep and 25 Oct (A. Leppold and D. Brinker). Barred Owls do not occupy offshore islands as commonly as Great Horned Owls: Barred Owls were reported a few times on Monhegan I. (H. Nielson, C. Borg), with one found dead (ph. D. Cundy, fide D. Hitchcox); and once on Appledore I., 19 May 1996, following a large flight into ME in Mar (FN 50: 256). In contrast, reports from Islesboro indicate they may be more numerous there than on adjacent mainland ( J. Howland). S pring /S ummer :
Confirmed breeding in every county in
ME (Adamus 1987 and in first summer of Maine Bird Atlas
[2018], eBird), often calling by Mar. Although apparently less frequent in Downeast and n. Maine, this may be because of
relative lack of observers. Large spring flight into ME reported
Mar 1996 (FN 50: 256).
F all :
There is no recent corroboration of major fall incursions
as reported by Palmer or as reported in spring 1996. W inter :
Given this species’ ubiquity in ME, it is surprising
that Barred Owls are uncommonly recorded and are seen in
such small numbers on ME CBCs. Only 2 CBCs have reported
this species on >50% of their counts (Bath area, Freeport) and,
when reported, only 1–3 individuals were observed. Only 2
counts recorded 5 Barred Owls (Freeport, Jan 2000; Thomaston–
Rockland, Dec 2001). However, flight years occasionally occur:
>13 in Dec 1965 with additional reports in Jan 1966; >25 seen and >16 road kills in Mar 1978 (PDV); many seen in winter
1995–1996, especially in Mar (FN 50: 256); “higher-than-usual
numbers, suffering high road-kill mortality” in n. New England
(NAB 56: 30); >18 road kills on I-295 between Richmond and
Falmouth, winter 2008 (PDV). In winter of 2016–2017 Avian Haven had >100 individual Barred Owls brought in for care
(Hitchcox 2017). PDV
Great Gray Owl
Strix nebulosa
This huge, stately owl is a rare winter migrant into Maine
Status in Maine: Great Gray Owls are generally rare winter visitors. Palmer noted a few small incursions and a major flight in 1890–1891 but none, 1907–1943. Since 1961, they appeared somewhat more regularly with incursions in 1978–1979, 1983–1984, and 1996. In non-flight years, one to three owls occurred in an average of two to four winters each decade. Contrary to Palmer’s account, most Great Gray Owls appear in December and January and are exceptionally early in November. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Great Gray Owls rare in winter. He said winter incursions occur irregularly and that many were collected in the early 1890s in Penobscot Co. Palmer (1949, 315–316) listed this species as an “incursion visitant,” saying that wintering owls often arrived Nov–Jan and reported a bird collected in Portland on 8 Nov 1906 as the earliest occurrence. Palmer’s latest report was an owl shot at Katahdin Iron Works, Piscataquis Co., 24 Apr 1884. Palmer gathered information from taxidermists to estimate the size of these occasional incursions: there was a small flight in 1884, a very large incursion (50–100 owls) in 1890–1891, and small flights in 1902 and 1906–1907. 355
Birds of Maine
NORTHERN OWL IRRUPTIONS Although often lumped together as “irruptions,” the movements of northern owls take one of two general forms, with almost diametrically opposite causes. The first, which might be termed classic irruptions, involve species that are typically resident in the north; are driven by a collapse in prey populations on the breeding grounds; and are usually dominated by adult owls, some of which arrive south in early winter in poor physical condition. This is usually the case with Great Gray, Boreal, and Northern Hawk Owls, whose irruptions often take place concurrently. Boreal Owl irruptions occur on a moderately predictable, roughly four-year, cycle that follows a population collapse of Southern Red-backed Voles (Myodes gapperi; Côté et al. 2007). Significant Great Gray Owl and Northern Hawk Owl
Snowy Owl
flights, which appear to have the same trigger, are less regular in frequency, although a few individuals of both species are seen in Maine most winters. Although the second type of movement common in two other northern owls, Northern Saw-whet Owl and Snowy Owl, is usually referred to as irruptions, it is not so in the classical sense, and each has unique and unusual characteristics. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is an annual migrant across forested regions of North America, but the magnitude of autumn flights increases dramatically in some years as a result of a highly productive breeding season, which, in turn, reflects a peak in rodent (usually red-backed vole) numbers during nesting. In such years (1999, 2001, 2007, and 2012, for example), 70% or more of saw-whets caught at banding stations in Maine and elsewhere in the East are juveniles, while in the cycle’s off years the juvenile-to-adult ratio is roughly reversed. Regardless of the point in the cycle, migration is dominated by females and juvenile males, with adult males extremely rare—on the order of one in 1,000 at
roughly three- to five-year intervals the numbers jump dramatically. Based on long-term banding studies like those of Norman Smith at Logan Airport in Boston, juveniles can make up more than 90% of individuals in major flight years (Santonja et al. 2019). One of these years, the mega-flight of 2013–2014, followed an exceptionally productive breeding season in northern Quebec, where lemming (Cricetidae, Arvicolinae) numbers were at historic highs. Contrary to widespread belief, the owls in such irruptions are not starving and are generally in fair physical condition (Curk et al. 2018)— a trait shared by the majority of Northern Saw-whet Owls in their heavy flight years. So-called echo irruptions, during the winter following a major Snowy Owl flight, tend to be dominated by the surviving second-year birds; in some cases, these owls may arrive in relatively poor condition, presumably reflecting prey scarcity in their subarctic and Arctic habitat.
some banding stations (S. Weidensaul, unpub. data).
Snowy Owls are unpredictable in their movements from
Although firm evidence is still lacking, it is presumed
year to year, and telemetry data suggests a high degree
that, as with their congener the Boreal Owl (in which
of nomadism, at least in some individuals. One adult
this behavior is well documented; Korpimäki 1986), adult
female, captured in Jan 2017 at Portland Jetport and fitted
male Northern Saw-whet Owls remain on the northern
with a GPS transmitter, migrated 970 miles north to the
breeding range through winter, seeking out areas with
central Ungava Peninsula the following spring. Based on
high rodent numbers, and establishing territories before
her movement data, she nested there that summer. After
the females return in late winter or early spring.
wintering in Quebec City, QC, she traveled almost 1,800
Snowy Owls represent an even more complex migratory pattern, mixing regular migration, nomadism, and juvenile-driven population surges similar to those of the saw-whet. Although Snowy Owls are essentially annual in winter in Maine, especially along the coast, at
356
miles northwest in spring 2018 and summered on Banks Island in the western Canadian Arctic, where it appears, she did not nest. That autumn she returned to the same winter territory in Quebec City (Project SNOWstorm data). CSW
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
Palmer did not report Great Gray Owls 1907–1943, noting that a substantial incursion in QC in 1934–1935 went unreported for ME. The absence of reports at this time may reflect a lack of observers and, as of the early 20th century, owls could no longer be legally hunted in ME, thus were not taken to taxidermists, who kept careful records. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. from w. QC through s. and cen. Canada, n. MN, to cen. AK, south to e. WA, OR, ID, w. MT, WY, and e. CA. Winters largely within breeding range except for irruption years. In Europe and Russia, largely resident from n. Scandinavia, Russia, east to Siberia, n. Mongolia, and China. Remarks: After Palmer’s reports, no major flights recorded until 1978, when a large incursion (more than 330 birds) occurred through New England, NY, s. QC, and ON. No more than three owls were seen at a time, but unique plumage features indicated some birds moved on, being replaced by new birds. In total, at least 67 birds observed in ME, 30 Dec 1978–late Mar 1979 (Vickery and Yunick 1979). There was another flight (at least 13 owls) 18 Dec 1983–14 Apr 1984. More recently, at least 10 owls reported early Jan–22 Mar 1996 (FN 50: 256), 7 birds, Jan-May 2017, and at least three birds, Feb 2019. A report of a Great Gray Owl seen near Munsungun L., n. Piscataquis Co. on 23–30 Sep 1953 (BMAS 10: 11) was not adequately described. It was seen briefly and flew away on both occasions, an unlikely behavior for such a tame species. W inter :
More regular in small numbers (1–3 per winter) since
1961. Most reports somewhat later than in incursion years, usually mid-Jan to Mar; unclear whether local breeders or dispersal from
breeding areas in w. QC and e. ON. Records: 1 in Portland, 7 Mar
1961 (MASFC); 1 in Penobscot, 24–25 Apr 1962 (MASFC); 1 in
Biddeford Pool, 19 Feb 1971 (ph., MN 2: 62); 1 in Winter Harbor,
16–22 Jan 1972 (W. Townsend); 1 in Ashland, throughout Dec
1976 (AB 31: 308); 1 in Orono, late Dec 1976 (AB 31: 308); 1 in Bass
Harbor, 19–23 Jan 1977 (ph., AB 31: 308); 1 in E. Corinth, Penobscot Co., 9 Jan 1980 (Dearborn, fide W. Townsend, MBL 2: 11); 1 in
Warren, 16 Dec 1980 (obs. unk.); 1 in Friendship, Knox Co., 24
Jan 1981 (obs. unk.); 1 in Cooper, Washington Co., 19 Mar 1981
(Fefer, fide N. Famous, MBL 3: 21); 1 in Cape Porpoise, York Co., late Feb–25 Mar 1982 (DWF et al., ph.; MBL 4: 27); 1 in Dover-
Foxcroft, Feb 1985 and Feb 1986 (C. Dorchester); 1 in Enchanted
Twp., Somerset Co., early Jan 1986 (T. Skaling); 1 in Rumford,
27 Mar–Apr 1991 (K. Disney, ph., AB 45: 418); 1 in Ashland, Feb
1992 (ph., AB 46: 238); 1 in Cherryfield, 23 Jan 2000 (M. Hunter,
NAB 54: 156); 1 in Porter, Oxford Co., 22 Feb 2000 (NAB 54: 156); 1 in Damariscotta, 4–20 Feb 2002 (B. Twarog, ph.); 1 in Wesley,
Washington Co., 7 Feb 2002 (B. Southard); 1 in Gray, Cumberland Co., 16 Jan 2005 (ph.); 1 in Kent’s Hill, Kennebec Co., 23 Mar 2005
(NAB 59: 407); 2 on Stud Mill Rd., T32 MD, Hancock Co., 28
Jan–2 Feb 2006 (ph.); 1 in Medway, 21 Feb 2006 (L. Little, NAB 60:
206); 1 in Jackson, Waldo Co., 25–29 Jan 2008 (Guillemot 38: 6); in
Hancock Co., one on Deer Isle, 19–27 Mar 2008 (Guillemot 38: 16),
1 in Sullivan, 19–25 Mar 2008 (ph.); 1 in Baldwin, Cumberland Co., 1–14 Jan 2009. Remarkably, what was presumed to be the same
Great Gray Owl, first seen in Jan–Feb 1984 in Dover, Lincoln Co., was seen in the same area in 1985 and 1986 (C. Dorchester, pers.
com.; AB 41: 256). Recent observations during 2017 irruption, 1 owl at each location: Skowhegan, 14 Jan (C. Gray); Sunkhaze NWR,
Jan 2017, and Orono Bog, Feb 2017 (both D. Lovitch); Topsham,
5–19 Feb ( J. Galle); Searsmont, Waldo Co., 22 Feb–3 Mar ( F. Kynd); Brunswick airport, 29 Mar (C. Labbe); and Schooner
Head Overlook in ANP, 27 Apr–2 May ( m.ob.). Current eBird policy protects locations of sensitive species to prevent targeted harassment, including capture and killing.
PDV
Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
This uncommon owl’s vocalizations are as intricate as its plumage
Status in Maine: Long-eared Owl breeding distribution is poorly known but probably includes the entire state. The species is uncommon to rare and appears to be less regular than it was in the early 19th century. Long-eared Owls are rare in winter along the coast but occur north to southern Penobscot County at least occasionally. Historical Status in Maine: Miller (1918, 61) considered this species “a fairly common resident,” noting that it nested in S. Lewiston. Knight cited a number of sources who generally considered Longeared Owls to be reasonably common or regular. Palmer considered this species likely to be found throughout the state as a rare to locally common resident. He noted a spring migrant record, a breeding record, and a bird shot on Seguin I. in fall; modern records are generally consistent with Palmer’s reported dates. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Ireland east across Eurasia to Sakhalin and Japan, Morocco to n. India and s. China. In N. Am., breeds from NS, QC (all of Gaspé Peninsula), south to PA and in Appalachian Mtns. to VA, west through cen. Canada to se. YT, BC to MI, WI, NM, AZ, and Baja California, Mexico. Winters from southern breeding range south to GA, TX, and n. Mexico.
357
Birds of Maine
20th century, but this is largely conjecture. Although surely incomplete, given apparent courtship call reports, breeding
records follow: nest with 4 fresh eggs in Warren, 14 May 1905
(JMOS 9: 109–110); nest with 6 slightly incubated eggs in Brewer,
! !
6 May 1931 (Palmer 1949); nest with young on Hardwood I., Tremont, Hancock Co., 22 Jul 1972 (P. Chasse, Long 1982);
nest in Oakfield, Aroostook Co., 1976 (S. Rooney). The ABBM
!
confirmed 3 nests: 1 in Gray, Cumberland Co., 22 May–9 Jul
!
1983 (B. Hancock); 1 in Sunkhaze Bog, Milford, Jun 1983 (N.
Famous); 1 on Mount Desert I., 1996 (C. Witt, fide W. Russell).
! !
!
!
!
!
! ! ! !
!
! !
!
!
! !
Long-eared Owl Breeding Season Records
! ( Confirmed or Likely Breeding ! ( May-July Observations
Additional reports: nesting pair at Sprague Neck (N. Famous);
pair with 3 fledglings along Northeast Creek, Hancock Co., Jul
1996 (C. Witt); 1 road-killed juvenile found in Sidney, Kennebec
Co., 18 Jul 2001 (D. Mairs); 3 in Eastport, 15 Jul 2010 (C. Bartlett, eBird).
W. Hancock took notes on a nest in Gray: “I first found this
bird on May 22, 1983, when it flushed from its nest. The nest was
a somewhat flimsy affair—perhaps an old crow’s nest. The nest
was located about 15 feet high in a red spruce. The tree was in
mixed forest with scattered spruce, fir, red and sugar maple, red
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: Long-eared Owls make a variety of calls and wails easily confused with calls of other owl species. “[O]n Nantucket [MA], where Northern Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls both breed, sawwhet owls often produce an extraordinary variety of catlike and doglike calls, very similar to the vocalizations usually ascribed to the Long-eared Owl” (Veit and Petersen 1993). A single Long-eared Owl was observed with three Short-eared Owls feeding at Cape Neddick, 21 Dec 1981 (DWF, PDV, et al.). These owls were seen shortly before dusk (~16:00 hrs), landing on rooftops and soaring through yards and thickets. S pring :
Spring migration poorly documented but probably
oak that probably had last been cut 40 years earlier. The woods
(which sadly now are populated with houses) were adjacent
to a large cow pasture and extensive marsh complex. When I
revisited the site again on May 25, the owl did not flush from
the nest. The bird was clearly watching me. Over the next five
weeks I visited the nest site frequently and was able to watch the
owl for extended periods through a scope. Three owlets hatched.
I last saw them on July 7, at which time they were quite large.
They were gone when I next checked the nest on July 9.” (W. Hancock, pers. com.) F all :
Recorded mid-Oct to Nov along coast and various
inland localities, coincident with this species’ migration through
Cape May, NJ (Duffy and Kerlinger 1992). Many records
involve injured or dead birds: 1 shot on Seguin I., 25 Oct 1893
(Palmer 1949); 1 taken in Bowdoinham, 19 Nov 1952, specimen
at Bowdoin College; 1 dead in Presque Isle, 23 Oct 1961 (MFO
6: 110); 1 shot in Ogunquit, 5 Nov 1966 (fide H. Card, MASFC); 1 dead in Clinton, 28 Oct 1969 (MASFC); 1 injured in New
late Mar–Apr. Single bird on Seguin I., 5 Apr 1897, clearly
Vineyard, Franklin Co., 12 Nov 1982; 1 dead in Richmond, 21 Oct
movements in NY (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) and in MI early
1 dead on Hills Beach Rd., Biddeford, 4 Nov 2007 ( J. Stevens
a migrant (Palmer 1949); date consistent with northern
to mid-Apr (Marks et al. 1994). Recent spring reports, 1 each
fide eBird: Myrtle Ave., S. Portland, 8 Apr 2013 (D. Hitchcox); Somes Sound, 11 May 2011 (M. Good); Green Pt. WMA,
1985 (PDV); 1 hit by a car in Presque Isle, 26 Oct 1993 (WJS);
et al.). These owls often hunt by flying low over shrubby fields;
most were likely struck by vehicles. Other noteworthy records:
2 at Northeast Creek, Bass Harbor, 25 Oct 1995 (C. Witt) and 1
Dresden, 27 May 2010 (D. Suitor); Scarborough Marsh, 22 May
‘Squalling’ from woodlot” at Sabino Rd., Dam Cove, Sagadahoc
30 May 2015 (B. Way).
Owls recorded in Wilton in late Sep–early Oct annually
2010 (P. Corcoran); Howland–Enfield exit, I-95, Penobscot Co., S ummer :
Little is known about breeding distribution of
Long-eared Owls in ME. Given paucity of records, it appears the species is now less common in summer than in early
358
Co., 26 Oct 2010 (M. Fahay, eBird). Interestingly, Long-eared
2005–2008, possibly suggesting local breeding ( J. Dwight). Three netted at Petit Manan NWR (8 Oct and 3 Nov 2015, 12 Oct
2017) using audio lure with long-ear call (A. Leppold and D. Brinker).
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae W inter :
Primarily occur singly along or near coast. No
evidence to date that this species congregates in winter roosts,
!
although consistency of winter records on Vinalhaven suggests
communal roosting there. Single owls recorded on 8 CBCs, 6
! !
coastal and 2 individuals seen on York Co. CBC, 21 Dec 1981.
Total of 16 birds recorded on CBCs 1970–2016, including 4 birds on 1981 CBCs and 2 each on 1987 and 2003 CBCs. Recorded on CBCs inland north to Bangor–Brewer (1987) and Orono–Old
!
Town (1986 and 1987). Other inland records: specimen found in
Eddington, Penobscot Co., 4 Dec 1958 (MFO 4: 7); 1 in Augusta,
!
winter 1989–1990 (AB 44: 238). Several winter records involve
! !
dead owls, unclear whether due to malnutrition or vehicle
!
collisions: 1 in Prout’s Neck, Scarborough, 6 Jan 1957 (MASFC);
1 in Southwest Harbor, 29 Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 73); 1 in Portland,
!
12 Jan 1968 (PMNH, MASFC); 1 specimen ph. on Peaks I.,
Portland, Dec 2008 (fide E. Hynes). Long-eared seen sitting
!
in same tree at Biddeford Pool, 25 Jan 2003 and 25 Jan 2005 ( J.
PDV
Asio flammeus
State-listed as threatened, this owl is uncommon to rare in open habitats throughout Maine
Status in Maine: Short-eared Owls occur rarely in summer in eastern and northern Maine; there are fewer than five nesting records. The species is an uncommon but annual spring migrant in March and April and a regular fall migrant from October to early December. These owls winter in small numbers along the coastal plain. Casual north of Bangor and northwest of Farmington; the few winter records indicate they sometimes die of starvation. These owls undergo irregular late-fall or midwinter incursions into Maine. Maine Conservation Status: Threatened (breeding population only). Historical Status in Maine: This species may have been more regular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but neither Knight nor Palmer found clear evidence of nesting. Palmer considered Short-eared Owls rare summer residents, though he cited N.C. Brown’s opinion that Short-eared Owls were fairly common summer residents in the Portland area. Palmer also considered this species resident in winter, primarily along the coast, which remains true today. Smith’s (1882, 6) assertion that they were “common all along the coast in suitable locations, such as marshes and meadows”
Short-eared Owl Breeding Season Records
! ( Confirmed or Probable 1953-1997 ! ( May-July Observations 1988-2014
Stevens et al.).
Short-eared Owl
! !
was probably overstated as he never observed this species in winter, despite the numerous records in the Portland area. Global Distribution: Global. In N. Am., breeds in open habitats throughout Canada, ME, coastal MA, n. NY, OH, IN, IL, to MO, west to n. CA. Winters from s. Canada throughout s. U.S. to cen. Mexico. Also breeds in Cuba, s. S. Am., Europe, Russia, n. Mongolia, and n. China. S pring :
Spring migration most conspicuous along open
coastal shrublands, major marshes (Scarborough Marsh;
Popham Beach, Phippsburg; Reid S.P.), and outer headlands
(Cape Elizabeth, Pemaquid Pt.). Often difficult to differentiate
wintering birds from early migrants; spring movements apparent by late Feb–early Mar, most reported late Mar to mid-Apr.
Frequently winter at Scarborough Marsh, 1–3 migrants nearly
annual from early Mar–5 Apr with a late record on 27 Apr 1988
( J. Kocknavate).
Migrants often linger in favorable habitat for several weeks
before continuing north: 1 in Ocean Park, York Co., 9–20 Mar
1953 (G. Webb, BMAS 9[3]: 67); 3 at Pine Pt., 29 Mar–5 Apr
1958 (MFO 3[4]: 37). Unusual inland records: 1 in Presque Isle,
3 Mar 2007 (WJS, eBird); 6 in N. Yarmouth, 7 Mar 1961 (obs.
unk.); 1 at Messalonskee L., 3 Apr 2007 (D. Mairs); 1 in Fairfield,
12–14 Mar 2007 (Guillemot 37[2]: 17); 1 in Union, 1 Mar 2005
(N. O’Brien); 2 in Benton, Kennebec Co., 21–29 Mar 2005 (D. Mairs); 1 in Dresden, 23 Mar 2005 (M. Mahnke); 1, University
Fields, Orono, 29 Apr 2016 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird). Spinney noted a Short-eared Owl on Seguin I., 13 Apr 1899 (Palmer
1949). Late migrants: 1 in Phippsburg, 22 Apr 1991 (D. Reimer);
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Birds of Maine
1 in Brunswick, 27 Apr 1953 (obs.unk.); 1 at Popham Beach,
unk.); 1 on Sargent Mt., ANP, 23 Oct 2015 (T. McLane and K.
30 Apr 2002 (A. Stackhouse); 1 in Machias, 2 May 2000 (P.
Jones, eBird); 1 at Pemaquid Pt., 31 Oct 1964 (obs. unk.). Inland
(R. Lambert, eBird); and 1 at Gilsland Farm, 10 May 2008 (E.
Beech Hill, Rockport, 26 Nov–6 Dec 2007 (D. Prescott); 1, ME
Donahue); 1 at Old Neck Marsh, Cumberland Co., 6 May 2014 Hynes, eBird). S ummer :
Rare summer resident, primarily in n. and e. ME.
First conclusive evidence of breeding: 2 observed copulating
in Bar Mills, York Co., 19–26 Apr 1960 (obs. unk.); 4 birds at
same locality, 6 Apr 1961 (obs. unk.). Pair in courtship display
near Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 16 May 1953 (obs. unk.), and
territorial pair performing courtship flights in Brewer, 24 Mar–7
May 1982 (Adamus 1987) suggest breeding; however, the ABBM
records: 1 in Weld, Franklin Co., 19 Oct 2004 (S. Cox); 2 at
Camp, Penobscot Co., 3 Oct 2008 (S. Moss, eBird);1 on Mouse
I. Rd., Perham, Aroostook Co., 9 Oct 2012 and 1 in Woodland,
Aroostook Co., 9 Dec 2003 notably far north for the dates (both WJS). W inter :
Regular and nearly annual in small numbers
(1–5) along coastal plain in winter, larger numbers reported
during occasional irregular incursions. Appear to be 2 separate timeframes for incursions, Nov and Jan. Movements in Nov:
(Adamus 1987) listed no confirmed breeding records in Maine.
Palmer (1949, 317) noted an incursion in fall 1905 when species
Reservoir; he reported he nearly hit the bird while mowing a
Jan, >20 reported in Cumberland and York Cos. in Jan 1961,
and saw a single owl on 14 May 1993 and several other times
due to differential importance of 2 factors: Nov incursions
nesting” at same locality, summer 1997 (FN 51: 973). At same
Jan movements likely caused by decreasing small mammal
Short-eared Owl nest found by J. Clark at Christina
field in 1992. WJS observed a single bird there later that summer that summer. WJS also noted Short-eared Owls were “probably site, J. Grlicka observed a pair exchanging food in late Jun
1997, behavior unique to paired and nesting owls (FN 51: 973).
Additionally, a road-killed owl retrieved in Ft. Kent, 3 Aug 1982 was possibly a local breeder ( J. Albright, PDV).
Additional summer records: Washington Co.: single owl at
Jonesport Heath, Jonesport, 9 Jul 1988, showed no indication of
breeding (G. Therrien); single owls seen in Grand L. Stream Plt.,
11 May 2007 (N. Famous); Pembroke, 25 Jul 2000 (D. Feener).
Two were seen in Medawisla, Piscataquis Co., 11 Jul 2006 (S. LeRoy, eBird). F all :
Late-summer dispersal and fall migration protracted
and variable, presumably related to prey abundance on or near breeding grounds. A freshly dead owl found in Mt. Chase,
Penobscot Co., Aug 1988, banded as a nestling earlier that year
in NS, demonstrates dispersal of ~330 mi. (530 km) within a few
months of fledging (WJS, MBN 3: 47). Earliest migrants appear
in Sep and early Oct: 1 in Bowdoinham, 14 Sep 1954 (obs. unk.);
1 in Eastport, 15 Sep 2014 (C. Bartlett, eBird); 1 at Back Cove,
Portland, 27 Sep 1981 (R. Eakin); 1 at Beach Plum Farm, York
was “abundant” in Portland area; other irruptions start in
including 6 in N. Yarmouth, 7 Mar (BMAS). Timing likely
probably due to unusual breeding success in northern latitudes; populations outside of ME.
Major irruption in ME, Jan 1991: 9 reported in Richmond,
late Jan–late Feb (PDV, AB 45: 252) where none seen
previously (PDV); with 3 owls reported on recent ME CBCs.
Additional owls seen in Topsham, Bowdoinham, Brunswick (N.
Wheelwright), Wells Harbor, Lubec, and Danforth, Washington Co., during this period (MBN 4: 35–36).
Only known communal roosting site in ME is Cutler Naval
Station, where >20 recorded in winter 1978–1979. Species is
nearly annual at this site but not normally in such numbers
(N. Famous). Owls found unusually far north: 1 emaciated bird
found dead in Ashland, 8 Feb 1990 (K. Kemper, MBN 3: 42) and
1 in Benton, 9 Feb 1990 (W. Sumner, photo, MBN 3: 42). Recent observations, all fide eBird: 1, Kennebunkport, 28 Dec 2013
(S. Schulte, eBird); 1–3 at Bowdoin Sand Plain, 3–11 Jan 2017
(m.ob.); 1 in Reid S.P., 21 Jan–2 Feb 2017 (m.ob.); 1, Jetty Lane,
Wells, 21 Feb 2017 (F. Marenghi); and 1, Webb Rd., Waldo Co., 23 Feb 2013 (I. Potter). PDV
Co., 29 Sep 2017 (m.ob., eBird); and 1 at Scarborough, 7 Oct 1977
(R. Eakin). More regular along coast mid-Oct to Nov.
Like falcons and other diurnal raptors, Short-eared Owls
Boreal Owl
are sometimes observed well offshore: single birds reported on
Aegolius funereus
(L. Bunten), 29 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, eBird), 29 Sep 2017 (P.
This mysterious and poorly known owl is rare at best in Maine
Monhegan I., 27 Oct 1996 (S. Abbott, V. Laux), 22 Sep 2004
Edmundson and W. Thompson, eBird). One owl landed on a ship in mid-Atlantic, probably well beyond Gulf of ME, in
Sep or Oct 1995 and taken ashore at Rockland (BMAS 11: 74).
Notable Oct records: 1 at Harbor Rd., Wells, 8 Oct 2017 (B.
C. Harris, eBird); 1 in Wells, 16 Oct 1957 (MFO 3[4]: 37); 1 in
Portland, 18 Oct 2003 (L. Brinker); 1 in York, 20 Oct 1964 (obs.
360
Status in Maine: The status of the secretive Boreal Owl is poorly understood in Maine and throughout its range in the Northeast. Like other northern owls such as Snowy and Northern Hawk Owl, this species is more common in Maine in winter than at other seasons
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
and appears to occasionally move south in winter in greater numbers. However, it is never common; there have been no more than 30 winter records since 1948. Summer reports based on call often turn out to be misidentified winnowing Wilson’s Snipe. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered this species a winter resident or visitant in small numbers during non-flight years. He noted substantial incursions into ME and neighboring states and provinces in 1883–1884, 1902–1903, and 1922–1923. Forbush (1927, 210) provided details regarding the 1922–1923 incursion, “[I]n the winter of 1922–1923. . . .woodsmen in the Maine woods found little owls scattered through the woods, either alive or dead on the snow. Mr. T.A. James, at that time curator of the State Museum at Augusta, Maine, wrote to me on February 22nd, 1922, as follows: ‘I am receiving a great many Richardson’s Owls, which appear to be starved. Most of them are picked up dead about farm buildings, and are in a very emaciated condition.’ . . . Letters from taxidermists or their friends in New Brunswick, Quebec, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont showed that they were receiving far more of these birds than in ordinary winters, some having as many as 30 on their books. . . . Barr, Wight, and Co., Bangor, Maine, had received about 30 up to March 3.” It seems clear that no incursions of similar magnitude have occurred since 1923.
Global Distribution: Holarctic. In Europe and Russia, breeds throughout boreal forests of n. and c. Europe, east to n. China. In N. Am., breeding and resident in boreal forest from Newfoundland, Labrador, and QC, including the Gaspé Peninsula, n. NS, west through cen. Canada to AK, south to w. WA and OR, through the Rocky Mtns. to CO and n. New Mexico. Reported from all New England states and Maritime Provinces and has bred irregularly in NB, presumably following incursion years. Remarks: Like other northern owls, Boreal Owls occasionally irrupt south of their breeding range, but these movements are not well-documented, probably due to the species’ secretive nature. Nocturnal banding stations provide an indication of scale of irruptions: ~163 owls were banded in fall 1988 and ~170 were netted in 1996 at Whitefish Pt. Bird Observatory, Paradise, MI. Like congener Northern Saw-whet Owls, flight years in s. Canada (e.g., Tadoussac, QC) occur at roughly four-year intervals, but while major saw-whet owl flights follow periods of high smallmammal populations in the eastern Canadian boreal forest, and involve primarily juvenile owls, Boreal Owl flights occur a year later, involve primarily adult birds, and appear to be driven by prey scarcity (Côté et al. 2007). Although there is a paucity of data for ME and e. N. Am., Boreal Owls have been studied extensively in Scandinavia and ID, and these data likely have bearing on ME birds. During years of low prey availability in Scandinavia, females are more nomadic than males, apparently because males choose to remain close to nest cavities, which can be a limiting resource during the breeding season (Lundberg 1979). Wintering owls clearly respond quickly to changing snow conditions: in ID, two radio-marked adult male owls shifted away from home ranges that they had maintained for more than one year when the snow surface became crusted and impenetrable (Hayward and Hayward 1993). The synchrony of three birds reported within a 10-day period in 1979 appears to corroborate this observation: Boothbay Harbor, 11–16 Feb 1979; Franklin, Hancock Co., 13 Feb 1979; Orono, late Feb (AB 33: 264–265). S pring :
Reported in late Mar and Apr, but it is unclear
whether these records represent lingering winter individuals
or territorial birds. Owls in unlikely breeding habitat probably Boreal Owl
reflect lingering winter birds, 1 each: E. Hebron, Oxford Co.,
14 Mar 1904 (Palmer 1949); Industry, Franklin Co., late Mar
1997 (S. Janes, ph.); Dexter, Penobscot Co., Apr 1877 (Palmer
361
Birds of Maine
1949); found dead on the UMaine campus, Orono, 9 Apr 1973 (MN May 1973); calling in Sweden, Oxford Co., 10 Apr 1993
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Guillemot 22: 18). Owls in appropriate habitat may reflect
Aegolius acadicus
in late Mar 1978 (AB 32: 979); 1 heard in Cutler, 9 Apr 1998
This small owl’s monotonous, tooting song echoes through dense coniferous forests
territorial birds: 1 roadkill, Sherman Station, Penobscot Co.,
(N. Famous). S ummer :
One heard nightly at BSP, 9–14 Jul 2003 (K.
Colston). One possible Boreal Owl calling at Third Roach Pond,
Shawtown Twp., Piscataqius Co., 22 Jul 2005.
This species has bred once in NH, at Mt. Monroe, summer
2001 (Keith and Fox 2013), and in coastal and n. NB. A. Moses, long-time naturalist on Grand Manan, considered this species to be more common than Northern Saw-whet Owls in the early 20th century (Tyson and Bond 1941). Contemporary
breeding records are limited to ne. NB, far from the ME border
(Erskine 1992). F all :
Fall movements are poorly understood but probably
take place in Nov. Given the number of owls that are emaciated
or moribund, it seems likely that these movements occur as a
result of low microtine populations in boreal Canada. J. Camuso
and S. Walker, operating a nocturnal Northern Saw-whet Owl banding station in Freeport 1996–2016, netted a single Boreal
Owl in Freeport, 3 Nov 2000 ( J. Camuso and S. Walker, NAB 55:
29, photo). Other fall records, 1 each: found dead in Augusta, 8
Nov 1944 (Palmer 1949); 1 in Roxbury, Somerset Co., 28 Oct 1976
(AB 31: 229); emaciated owl that subsequently died in Eddington, Penobscot Co., 14 Nov 1996 (W. Townsend, specimen at Sumner
High School Sullivan); Mount Desert I., 8–14 Nov 1996 (W.
Townsend, FN 51: 26); found dead on Monhegan I., 11 Nov 2008 (D. Cundy, specimen at ME Audubon); Bass Harbor, Mount Desert I., 22 Nov–17 Dec 2008 (W. Townsend, ph.); window strike in Rockland, bird taken to Avian Haven, 5 Nov 2012.
W inter :
Remarkably, there have been no more than 30
winter records since 1948. This appears to represent a substantial
decline, given that W. Clayton, a Lincoln taxidermist, received
20 specimens within 25 mi. (40 km) of Lincoln between 1920 and 1942 (Palmer 1949). Nearly all records since 1948 were
reported along the coastal plain inland to Bangor; Danforth,
Washington Co.; Richmond; and Durham, Androscoggin
Co.; and seven of these involved dead owls. Nearly all were found in Jan (9 records) and Feb (10), with 6 Mar records
and only 1 Dec occurrence, in Stockholm, Aroostook Co.,
23 Dec 2008 (Reynolds, fide WJS, photo). Recent n. ME
records: in Aroostook Co., 1 found dead in Westfield, 15 Jan
2002 (W. Desjardins, fide J. Walker); 1 roadkill in Sherman
Status in Maine: This species remains a common breeder in dense coniferous forests and less so elsewhere. The ABBM confirmed breeding throughout the state in the 1980s. Consistent efforts at nocturnal banding stations have documented the magnitude of this species’ fall migrations, demonstrating that sawwhet owls are regular, sometimes numerous, migrants in October and early November. Saw-whet owls do overwinter throughout the state. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 320) thought this owl was “probably quite common in areas of extensive coniferous forests and in lesser numbers elsewhere, but status not well known; subject to incursions.” This species’ status has not changed appreciably in the past 50 years. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS (rare but increasing in NL) and s. QC through s. Canada to south coastal AK, south to NJ, MD, and PA, with isolated populations in WV, TN, and NC; also, south to NM, AZ, CA, and cen. Mexico. Winters within breeding range but makes regular migrations as far south as n. FL, Gulf Coast, TX to s. CA. Remarks: R. Long recalled the following anecdote of whistling in a saw-whet owl: “One evening in late April I called from the back door step and within thirty seconds was struck in the face by a very disturbed Saw-whet. My respect for the ferocity of this little owl increased accordingly! Since the above incident, I have called in several Saw-whets without harm to myself ” (Long 1982, 14). S pring :
Little is known about the species’ northward
movements in spring. It appears that these migrants return in
Apr and May, but additional field work is needed. Given that
most owls captured in fall are immatures and females, it is likely that adult males remain on their breeding territories year-round
if conditions permit. Thus, owls singing in Mar are probably territorial males.
Station, late Mar 1978 (obs. unk.); 1 at Spencer L., T3 R5 BKP
S pring /S ummer :
Thorndike, Waldo Co., 14 Jan 1987 (lsdj Potter, eBird).
Washington and Hancock Cos. N. Famous heard as many as 23
WKR, Somerset Co., 30 Jan 1989 (ph. arch.). Farther south, 1 in PDV
362
Breed regularly throughout the state
but are much more numerous in the coniferous forests of
individuals between Cutler and Trescott Twp., Washington Co.,
Order Strigiformes • Family Strigidae
1981 (MDIFW); 3 fledglings banded in a nest box at the head
of Long Cove in Tremont on Mount Desert I., 19 Jun 1982 (W.
Townsend); 2 adults at a nest cavity, Big Reed Pond, Piscataquis Co., in the 1990s (S. Rooney); a pair in a Wood Duck box in
Camden, Knox Co., Apr 2006; a nest in Monroe, Waldo Co.,
2008; young found in a nest box, Dresden, 29 May 2009 (K.
Sullivan). Given the difficulty of locating nests, it is unsurprising that the ABBM confirmed only 6 breeding records statewide, in
York, Cumberland, Oxford, and Lincoln Cos. (Adamus 1987). F all :
Banding records in Freeport ( J. Camuso and S. Walker),
Kennebunkport ( J. Ficker), Petit Manan NWR (A. Leppold and D. Brinker), and a variety of island and mainland sites
(Biodiversity Research Institute [BRI]) have clarified a great deal Northern Saw-whet Owl
about this species’ fall migration. Freeport banding station banded an average of 230 owls annually, 1997–2006, with maxima of 356
individuals in 1999 and 367 in 2000. The Kennebunkport banding
13 May 2000, and 49 individuals during an extensive nocturnal survey in Hancock and Washington Cos., 8 May 1999. In
station captured an average of 65–75 owls annually ( J. Camuso,
pers. com.). Petit Manan averaged 236 owls annually, 2014–2017,
southern and coastal ME north to Farmington, Franklin Co.,
with a minimum of 56 in 2014 and a maximum of 428 individuals
and Somerset Cos., calling begins ~2 weeks later (late Mar).
takes place late Sep to mid-Nov with a peak in mid-Oct. Most
territorial calling starts in mid-Feb to mid-Mar. In Aroostook
in 2016. One-night peak capture 73 on 26 Oct. 2016. The migration
Peak vocalizations occur throughout the state in Apr and May.
owls (>65%) were immature. The BRI effort was notable for
F.H. Carpenter collected 2 eggs in Upper Magalloway, Oxford
species; 829 owls were captured at 14 sites, 2010–2013, with captures
Breeding season is protracted: Palmer (1949) reported that
Co., 6 Apr of unstated year, and that he found 3 young in a nest at the base of Katahdin, 30 Apr 1881. The latest nesting record
comes from Monson, Piscataquis Co., 6 Jul 1891: “four fresh eggs were taken from [the nest], another set of four having
been taken a ‘week or ten days previous,’ and the brooding bird
had to be removed from the nest by hand; the third clutch of four, subsequently laid, was left to hatch.” This indicates that
the first clutch was probably laid in early to mid-Jun. R. Long
(1982, 14) actively searched for nesting saw-whet owls on Mount Desert I. and surrounding areas and reported, “On May 31, 1971 I found an old flicker cavity in a rotted stub on the edge of a
cedar swamp containing three young Saw-whets and an addled egg. The hole was ten feet above the ground. The young left the
nest in about a week. In the spring of 1981, a pair of Saw-whets nested in a flicker box at the edge of a cedar swamp in Seal
Cove. The box was intentionally placed to attract Saw-whet
Owls. On April 22 the nest contained five eggs. On several occasions the box contained six or more assorted mice and
shrews. Single specimens of the White-throat, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, and Palm Warbler were also found.” In addition, Long reported 4 young and 1 addled egg in a flicker nest box on
Mount Desert I., 19 May 1985, and young fledged before 26 May
1985; 5 eggs in a flicker nest box in Tremont, Hancock Co., 16 May 1987.
Other confirmed nesting records: 1 pair on Hog I., Bremen,
13 Jul 1952; 5 young banded on Cobboseecontee L., 19 May 1977 (MDIFW); a female and 3 young banded in Dresden, 19 May
showing the importance of coastal and overwater migration in this significantly more frequent on island and coastal sites than those
farther inland, suggesting this species routinely migrates across and
along the Gulf of ME (BRI, unpub. data). W inter :
Although found throughout the state at this season,
it seems likely that survivorship is greater along the coastal
plain than in interior parts of the state where the snow depth is usually much greater. However, it is possible that frozen crust
may be more critical than snow depth for owl survival. Palmer
(1949, 323) noted that “some winters many of these owls are
found dead. A large proportion of those picked up are in good
flesh [fat reserves present], which would rule out death from slow starvation.” He suggested that a plausible explanation might be
a sharp decline in the mouse population, causing an incursion
of the owls: “During a period of lowered energy from lack of
adequate nourishment, the birds might freeze in cold weather”
(Palmer 1949, 323). It seems more likely that a combination of factors such as snow depth, snow condition (ice crust), prey
availability, and temperature, all of which can differ annually and regionally, contribute to winter mortality. Regarding saw-whet
owls in Aroostook Co., Chamberlain (1949, BMAS 5: 50) noted,
“occasional birds brought in dead, usually in winter. Most of
them found in barns.” At least 6 individuals were found dead,
apparently from starvation, in the Farmington area Feb 1954
and 7 were found beneath feeders in Mar 1956 during a difficult
winter (MB 1: 39). In 1967, there were 8 reports of dead owls
in Feb, several found in garages or on porches, and in winter
363
Birds of Maine
1986–1987, 10 were found dead, primarily in Jan–Feb (AB 41: 256).
S pring :
and along the coast from Calais to Portland. Most often seen on
of available open water. Early records, 1 bird each: Old Town,
Saw-whet owls reported infrequently on CBCs, primarily singly
Mount Desert I. (>8 times) and the Bath area CBCs (>9 times); recorded once in Misery Twp., Somerset Co.
PDV
Migrate north to ME late Mar–Apr, arrival
undoubtedly linked to the severity of the spring and the amount
Penobscot Co., 10 Mar 1979 (P. Turnbull); Lincoln Ctr., 19
Mar 1979 (PDV); Farmington, 11 Mar 1980 (P. Cross); Capisic
Pond, Portland, 5 Mar 1999 (G. Sharpe). In 2000, Vassalboro,
Kennebec Co., 4 Mar (H. Wilson); Scarborough, 5 Mar (C.
O rder
CORACIIFORMES
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) North America is kingfisher-poor—of 114 species worldwide, only one lives north of Texas. The Belted Kingfisher’s reliance on water is distinct from many of its family, which are terrestrial and do not eat fish.
Tubbesing); Machiasport, 9 Mar (A. Graham); Newport, 11
Mar 2002 (N. Famous); Durham, Androscoggin Co., 2 Mar
2008 (P. and D. McKeith); Middle R. causeway, Machias, 16
Mar 2010 (B. Southard, eBird); ME Ls. Resource Ctr., Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 8 Mar 2016 (L. Parker, eBird). In Aroostook Co., kingfishers generally arrive mid- to late Apr; thus, single birds
notably early in Caribou on 24 Mar 2003 and 2 Apr 2006 (WJS).
S ummer :
Common in summer, nesting in long burrows in a
variety of habitats but especially in sandbanks along rivers, lakes,
and streams. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding in every ME county. BBS data revealed no significant change in
abundance in ME, 1966–2015, but a significant decline of 1.4% in the U.S. over the same timeframe.
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
F all :
Fall migration more protracted than spring. Disperses
from breeding areas to suitable feeding sites throughout
late Jul–Aug, generally moving to coastal areas in Sep–Oct.
The fiercely territorial Belted Kingfisher’s rattling call echoes across Maine waterways
Kingfishers do not aggregate into flocks; thus, never numerous
Status in Maine: Belted Kingfishers are common throughout Maine, especially along rivers and lakes in spring, summer, and fall. As coastal winter residents, they are common in southern and Midcoast Maine but less regular Downeast.
Caribou, 21 Aug 2005 and 5 along the Aroostook R., Caribou,
Historical Status in Maine: The status of this species has not changed appreciably in the 70 years since Palmer (1949, 331) noted that it was “fairly common throughout; transient, common in spring and fall; winter resident, uncommon but regular, mainly coastwise from Hancock County westward.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds throughout most of Canada and U.S. (absent in the high Arctic), Labrador to Aleutian Is., south to FL, TX, and CA. Winters from southern coastal ME and Maritime Provinces throughout most of the U.S., north along AK coast, and south throughout Cen. Am., Caribbean, and rarely n. S. Am. Remarks: Belted Kingfishers are often unwelcome predators at fish hatcheries. Modern hatcheries have covered raceways, but that was not the case in 1965 when 65 kingfishers were shot at one fish hatchery that summer (MFN 21: 12). 364
at any one site. In Aroostook Co., 6 individuals seen in
30 Aug 2006 (both WJS). By Sep, more seen along coast:
4 in York, 10 Sep 2000 (B. Coullon); 24 at various points
around Frenchman Bay, 13 Sep 2001 (W. Townsend); and 12 in
Merrymeeting Bay area, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Cos., 14 Sep
2002 (R. Duddy).
Kingfishers linger in northern and western counties into
Oct but are occasional thereafter. Late kingfishers in Aroostook
Co., 1 bird each: Presque Isle, 18 Dec 1971 (MN 4: 6) and at same locality 30 Dec 2001–2 Jan 2002 (WJS); Ft. Kent, 30 Nov 2009
(C. Kesselheim); and St. Agatha, 28 Nov 2010 (WJS, eBird).
Regular throughout fall after 15 Oct, but generally occur singly;
4 birds were somewhat unusual at Seawall Beach, 11 Oct 1999 (PDV).
Winter:
Winters annually along coast in small numbers since
1980s with some reports continuing through Jan–Feb. CBC
results, 2013–2017, indicate kingfishers are occasional to rare in
Washington Co., none recorded on Calais or Danforth counts for these years; in Eastport reported 1 in 5 years. Uncommon
in Hancock Co., both Schoodic Pt. and Mount Desert I.
observed birds 1 in 5 years. Annual or nearly annual along
central and southern coast (Thomaston–Rockland, Pemaquid–
Damariscotta, Bath–Lower Kennebec, Freeport–Brunswick, Portland, Biddeford–Kennebunk, and York Co.). Not
Birds of Maine
1986–1987, 10 were found dead, primarily in Jan–Feb (AB 41: 256).
S pring :
and along the coast from Calais to Portland. Most often seen on
of available open water. Early records, 1 bird each: Old Town,
Saw-whet owls reported infrequently on CBCs, primarily singly
Mount Desert I. (>8 times) and the Bath area CBCs (>9 times); recorded once in Misery Twp., Somerset Co.
PDV
Migrate north to ME late Mar–Apr, arrival
undoubtedly linked to the severity of the spring and the amount
Penobscot Co., 10 Mar 1979 (P. Turnbull); Lincoln Ctr., 19
Mar 1979 (PDV); Farmington, 11 Mar 1980 (P. Cross); Capisic
Pond, Portland, 5 Mar 1999 (G. Sharpe). In 2000, Vassalboro,
Kennebec Co., 4 Mar (H. Wilson); Scarborough, 5 Mar (C.
O rder
CORACIIFORMES
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) North America is kingfisher-poor—of 114 species worldwide, only one lives north of Texas. The Belted Kingfisher’s reliance on water is distinct from many of its family, which are terrestrial and do not eat fish.
Tubbesing); Machiasport, 9 Mar (A. Graham); Newport, 11
Mar 2002 (N. Famous); Durham, Androscoggin Co., 2 Mar
2008 (P. and D. McKeith); Middle R. causeway, Machias, 16
Mar 2010 (B. Southard, eBird); ME Ls. Resource Ctr., Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 8 Mar 2016 (L. Parker, eBird). In Aroostook Co., kingfishers generally arrive mid- to late Apr; thus, single birds
notably early in Caribou on 24 Mar 2003 and 2 Apr 2006 (WJS).
S ummer :
Common in summer, nesting in long burrows in a
variety of habitats but especially in sandbanks along rivers, lakes,
and streams. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding in every ME county. BBS data revealed no significant change in
abundance in ME, 1966–2015, but a significant decline of 1.4% in the U.S. over the same timeframe.
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
F all :
Fall migration more protracted than spring. Disperses
from breeding areas to suitable feeding sites throughout
late Jul–Aug, generally moving to coastal areas in Sep–Oct.
The fiercely territorial Belted Kingfisher’s rattling call echoes across Maine waterways
Kingfishers do not aggregate into flocks; thus, never numerous
Status in Maine: Belted Kingfishers are common throughout Maine, especially along rivers and lakes in spring, summer, and fall. As coastal winter residents, they are common in southern and Midcoast Maine but less regular Downeast.
Caribou, 21 Aug 2005 and 5 along the Aroostook R., Caribou,
Historical Status in Maine: The status of this species has not changed appreciably in the 70 years since Palmer (1949, 331) noted that it was “fairly common throughout; transient, common in spring and fall; winter resident, uncommon but regular, mainly coastwise from Hancock County westward.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds throughout most of Canada and U.S. (absent in the high Arctic), Labrador to Aleutian Is., south to FL, TX, and CA. Winters from southern coastal ME and Maritime Provinces throughout most of the U.S., north along AK coast, and south throughout Cen. Am., Caribbean, and rarely n. S. Am. Remarks: Belted Kingfishers are often unwelcome predators at fish hatcheries. Modern hatcheries have covered raceways, but that was not the case in 1965 when 65 kingfishers were shot at one fish hatchery that summer (MFN 21: 12). 364
at any one site. In Aroostook Co., 6 individuals seen in
30 Aug 2006 (both WJS). By Sep, more seen along coast:
4 in York, 10 Sep 2000 (B. Coullon); 24 at various points
around Frenchman Bay, 13 Sep 2001 (W. Townsend); and 12 in
Merrymeeting Bay area, Sagadahoc and Lincoln Cos., 14 Sep
2002 (R. Duddy).
Kingfishers linger in northern and western counties into
Oct but are occasional thereafter. Late kingfishers in Aroostook
Co., 1 bird each: Presque Isle, 18 Dec 1971 (MN 4: 6) and at same locality 30 Dec 2001–2 Jan 2002 (WJS); Ft. Kent, 30 Nov 2009
(C. Kesselheim); and St. Agatha, 28 Nov 2010 (WJS, eBird).
Regular throughout fall after 15 Oct, but generally occur singly;
4 birds were somewhat unusual at Seawall Beach, 11 Oct 1999 (PDV).
Winter:
Winters annually along coast in small numbers since
1980s with some reports continuing through Jan–Feb. CBC
results, 2013–2017, indicate kingfishers are occasional to rare in
Washington Co., none recorded on Calais or Danforth counts for these years; in Eastport reported 1 in 5 years. Uncommon
in Hancock Co., both Schoodic Pt. and Mount Desert I.
observed birds 1 in 5 years. Annual or nearly annual along
central and southern coast (Thomaston–Rockland, Pemaquid–
Damariscotta, Bath–Lower Kennebec, Freeport–Brunswick, Portland, Biddeford–Kennebunk, and York Co.). Not
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae
Historical Status in Maine: As in MA prior to 1900, Red-headed Woodpeckers were possibly more in Augusta and Lewiston–Auburn). Four reports Jan–Feb in numerous in ME in the 19th century (Veit and Kennebec Co. with 1 individual wintering in Winthrop, Waldo Petersen 1993). Knight described this species as a rare Co., Dec 1984–Feb 1985 ( JVW, S. Weston). Late inland records, and local summer resident with “passing stragglers” 1 bird each: male in Fairfield, Somerset Co., 7 Jan 1998 (W. more widespread in spring, late summer, and fall. Sumner); in Wilton, 1 Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 20) and 11 Jan 1993 Records from every county except Somerset, breeding (W. Howes). In Androscoggin Co.: male in Auburn, 5 Feb 1984 “sparingly” in York Co. (Knight 1908, 288–289). (N. Holler), and Sabattus, 18 Jan 1992 (D. Thompson). Recent Palmer described a similar distribution in ME but inland reports, 1 bird each fide eBird: Skowhegan, 23 Dec 2015 included two breeding records: one in Cumberland (M. Taylor); Sabattus Pond, 25 Dec 2015 (C. Murray, G. Jarvis); Ctr., Cumberland Co., 1926, and one in Brunswick, Swetts Pond, Bangor, 25 Jan 2013 ( J. Smith); Grand L. Stream, 1927 (where in his youth Palmer watched them after 13 Feb 2016 (C. Brown); Cooper, Washington Co., 7 Feb 2013 school). Since the 1950s, there are records in every (K. Holmes). county except Piscataquis, the majority in southern PDV and coastal areas. There have been no additional breeding records. surprisingly, inland CBCs registered fewer kingfishers (none
in Presque Isle, Bangor, or Waterville in 5 years; occasional
O rder PICIFORMES Woodpeckers (Picidae) Missing only from Australasia, Antarctica, and Madagascar, 240 cavity-nesting species inhabit forests and deserts globally. With three-layered bills, reinforced skulls, and sticky tongues that retract around the brain to cushion it, these birds are supremely adapted to drilling. Mostly nonmigratory, nine species, including the IUCN NearThreatened Red-headed Woodpecker, are found in Maine forests year-round.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Global Distribution: Eastern N. Am., PA to Rocky Mtns., south to FL and TX. Rare in New England and NY; listed as rare breeder in MA, CT, and RI. Winters primarily within breeding range, northernmost residents may move south in winter. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: The decline in population in ne. U.S. is ascribed chiefly to a decline in large dead trees and snags for nesting sites, but may also be due to a decline in forage from American Chestnut and American Beech mast which, along with White Oak acorns, provided these omnivorous birds with seasonal food (Frei et al. 2017).
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
S pring :
Never common in the Northeast, a species sadly in decline as forests change
Cove, Hancock Co., 29 Mar 2013 (K. and M. Viens); Morgan
Status in Maine: Formerly rare and irregular in Maine, the Red-headed Woodpecker is now casual at best, as the continental population declined 67% between 1970 and 2014 (Rosenberg et al. 2016). Usually occurring in deciduous and mixed forests, Redheaded Woodpeckers are most frequently seen in fall along the southern coast and Midcoast. Individuals occasionally remain at one locality for several months, especially those locations with large old trees or snags and woodland edge. Almost always seen as single birds. Although there are several records of adults with immatures, there are no modern confirmed records of breeding in Maine.
Recent eBird reports, all single birds, include: juvenile
male on Whiskeag Creek, Bath, 8 Mar 2014 (M. Fahay); Emery
Meadows, Cumberland Co., 7 May 2013 (R. Lewis); 1 ph. in
Somerset Co., 11 May 2012 ( J. Farnsworth); and Mount Desert I.
High School, 14 May 2016 (M. Good, K. and K. Lima). S ummer :
Scattered reports of individual immature birds likely
dispersed from nesting sites elsewhere. Recent summer eBird records, all adults: Brothers I., Hancock Co., 10 Jun 2008 (L.
Harter, D. Vander Pluym); Oak Pt., Trenton, Hancock Co., 3
Jun 2013 (P. Goodwin); 1, Presque Isle, 16 Jun 2016 (P. Palm, ph., fide WJS); 1 at feeder in Parker Head, Phippsburg, 15 Jul 2017
(M. Fahay). F all :
Seen most often on coastal islands, nearly annual as
single birds on Monhegan I., late Sep-early Oct 1976–1990
(PDV), then every 1–4 years through 2017. High counts on
Monhegan I., 4-5 on 15 Sep–4 Oct 1977 (DWF et al.), and 3–6,
365
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae
Historical Status in Maine: As in MA prior to 1900, Red-headed Woodpeckers were possibly more in Augusta and Lewiston–Auburn). Four reports Jan–Feb in numerous in ME in the 19th century (Veit and Kennebec Co. with 1 individual wintering in Winthrop, Waldo Petersen 1993). Knight described this species as a rare Co., Dec 1984–Feb 1985 ( JVW, S. Weston). Late inland records, and local summer resident with “passing stragglers” 1 bird each: male in Fairfield, Somerset Co., 7 Jan 1998 (W. more widespread in spring, late summer, and fall. Sumner); in Wilton, 1 Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 20) and 11 Jan 1993 Records from every county except Somerset, breeding (W. Howes). In Androscoggin Co.: male in Auburn, 5 Feb 1984 “sparingly” in York Co. (Knight 1908, 288–289). (N. Holler), and Sabattus, 18 Jan 1992 (D. Thompson). Recent Palmer described a similar distribution in ME but inland reports, 1 bird each fide eBird: Skowhegan, 23 Dec 2015 included two breeding records: one in Cumberland (M. Taylor); Sabattus Pond, 25 Dec 2015 (C. Murray, G. Jarvis); Ctr., Cumberland Co., 1926, and one in Brunswick, Swetts Pond, Bangor, 25 Jan 2013 ( J. Smith); Grand L. Stream, 1927 (where in his youth Palmer watched them after 13 Feb 2016 (C. Brown); Cooper, Washington Co., 7 Feb 2013 school). Since the 1950s, there are records in every (K. Holmes). county except Piscataquis, the majority in southern PDV and coastal areas. There have been no additional breeding records. surprisingly, inland CBCs registered fewer kingfishers (none
in Presque Isle, Bangor, or Waterville in 5 years; occasional
O rder PICIFORMES Woodpeckers (Picidae) Missing only from Australasia, Antarctica, and Madagascar, 240 cavity-nesting species inhabit forests and deserts globally. With three-layered bills, reinforced skulls, and sticky tongues that retract around the brain to cushion it, these birds are supremely adapted to drilling. Mostly nonmigratory, nine species, including the IUCN NearThreatened Red-headed Woodpecker, are found in Maine forests year-round.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Global Distribution: Eastern N. Am., PA to Rocky Mtns., south to FL and TX. Rare in New England and NY; listed as rare breeder in MA, CT, and RI. Winters primarily within breeding range, northernmost residents may move south in winter. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: The decline in population in ne. U.S. is ascribed chiefly to a decline in large dead trees and snags for nesting sites, but may also be due to a decline in forage from American Chestnut and American Beech mast which, along with White Oak acorns, provided these omnivorous birds with seasonal food (Frei et al. 2017).
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
S pring :
Never common in the Northeast, a species sadly in decline as forests change
Cove, Hancock Co., 29 Mar 2013 (K. and M. Viens); Morgan
Status in Maine: Formerly rare and irregular in Maine, the Red-headed Woodpecker is now casual at best, as the continental population declined 67% between 1970 and 2014 (Rosenberg et al. 2016). Usually occurring in deciduous and mixed forests, Redheaded Woodpeckers are most frequently seen in fall along the southern coast and Midcoast. Individuals occasionally remain at one locality for several months, especially those locations with large old trees or snags and woodland edge. Almost always seen as single birds. Although there are several records of adults with immatures, there are no modern confirmed records of breeding in Maine.
Recent eBird reports, all single birds, include: juvenile
male on Whiskeag Creek, Bath, 8 Mar 2014 (M. Fahay); Emery
Meadows, Cumberland Co., 7 May 2013 (R. Lewis); 1 ph. in
Somerset Co., 11 May 2012 ( J. Farnsworth); and Mount Desert I.
High School, 14 May 2016 (M. Good, K. and K. Lima). S ummer :
Scattered reports of individual immature birds likely
dispersed from nesting sites elsewhere. Recent summer eBird records, all adults: Brothers I., Hancock Co., 10 Jun 2008 (L.
Harter, D. Vander Pluym); Oak Pt., Trenton, Hancock Co., 3
Jun 2013 (P. Goodwin); 1, Presque Isle, 16 Jun 2016 (P. Palm, ph., fide WJS); 1 at feeder in Parker Head, Phippsburg, 15 Jul 2017
(M. Fahay). F all :
Seen most often on coastal islands, nearly annual as
single birds on Monhegan I., late Sep-early Oct 1976–1990
(PDV), then every 1–4 years through 2017. High counts on
Monhegan I., 4-5 on 15 Sep–4 Oct 1977 (DWF et al.), and 3–6,
365
Birds of Maine
fall 1983; 2 in 1981, when ~15 recorded in ME (AB 36: 154); 1982
(PDV), 1990, 1998, and 2005 ( J. Trimble). Recent Monhegan I. records, 1 bird each, fide eBird: 6 Oct 2012 (D. Hitchcox, J.
!
Trimble, and P. Moynahan); 19 Sep 2013 ( J. Berry); 19–24 Sep
2014 (M. Weber); and 16 and 23 Sep 2017 ( J. Trimble). W inter :
Fewer than 10 winter reports 2000–2018 (eBird), all
coastal: 1, Great Wass I., 20 Dec 2013 (D. Hof and K. Yakola);
1, Bailey I., Cumberland Co., 4 Feb 2012 (W. Laverty); and
1, intermittently 2 Jan–8 Mar 2014 at Whiskeag Creek, Bath
(m.ob.). Reported on 6 CBCs since 2000. Juvenile first seen in
! !!
!
Cushing Cemetery, Warren, 28 Dec 2011, remained until 21 Apr
!
2012, by then in full adult plumage. BSV
!!
! !
! ! ! ! !
! !
! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !!! !! !! ! ! !!! !
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
!
!
!
!! !! ! !
!
Red-bellied Woodpecker Range Expansion
! ( May-July Records Prior 2010 ! ( May-July Records Since 2010
This common eastern woodpecker has been rapidly expanding its range north
Status in Maine: This species was first reported in Maine in spring 1958 and its numbers have been expanding dramatically ever since. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are increasingly common throughout the year in the forests of southern and central Maine, breeding regularly and appearing annually on southern Maine CBCs. They remain occasional in other parts of the state. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight nor Palmer reported Red-bellied Woodpeckers in ME. The first state record was a male in Trenton, Hancock Co., 15 May 1958 ( J. Colbert), followed by a male in South Portland, 26–27 Nov 1959 (C. Cordell). The species was rare prior to 1967, but between 1967–1994 it became nearly annual in small numbers, particularly in inland e. ME. Numbers continued to increase. By 1995, six to 10 individuals were reported annually, and the species was first confirmed nesting in Harpswell in May 1996 ( J. Howland; FN 50: 974). After 2000, there was an increase in s. ME with 178 individuals reported on CBCs, 2000–2009. The species remains occasional in n. and e. ME but is likely to increase in the future. Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Largely resident in deciduous and mixed forests from s. cen. ME to MN, south to FL and TX. Winters primarily within breeding range but individuals at northern edge of range may disperse or move south in winter. Expanding rapidly into ME since 2000.
S pring :
Spring reports from areas where species did not
winter suggest small springtime movements. Before 1990, woodpeckers tended to appear in May: male in Trenton,
Hancock Co., 15 May 1958 (obs. unk.); 1 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 23 May 1967 (G. Sharpe); 1 in Bass Harbor, 17 May
1977 (AB 31: 975); male in Bangor, 24–26 May 1984 (L. Evans);
male in Freeport, 8–9 May 1988 (B. North, AB 42: 409); female
in Lovell, Oxford Co., 16 May 1988 (E. McNerney, AB 42: 409).
Since 1990, most appear Mar–May: female in Wells, 27 Apr–15
May 1996 (N. McReel); male in Georgetown, Sagadahoc
Co., 10 Mar–17 Apr 2001 (D. Cameron); 1 in Lisbon Falls,
Androscoggin Co., 27 Mar 2001 (L. Little); male in Scarborough, 28 Mar 2001 (fide J. Walker); 1 in Skowhegan, 5 May 2015
(M. Taylor, eBird); 1 in Farmington, 4 Mar 2016 (W. Howes,
eBird); female in Charleston, Penobscot Co., 9 Mar 2018 (E.
Higgins, eBird). In 2012, there was a small synchronized spring
movement into e. ME: birds in Aurora, Hancock Co., 12 Mar–25
Apr 2012 (D. Simsay), and in Columbia Falls, Washington Co., 17 Mar 2012 (A. Simpson).
First spring record for Monhegan I., a female observed on
28 May 1989 (W. Howes et al.), and the first Appledore I. record was a male on 22 May 1996 (D. Holmes, FN 50: 256). Single
spring records for Aroostook Co., 1 in Houlton, 20 Apr 2004 (L.
Little); and Franklin Co., 1 in Phillips, 26 May 2013 (G. Appell). Occasional e. of Mount Desert I.; 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Comstock Pt., Washington Co., 20 May 2015 (W. Schlesinger), and Pembroke, Washington Co., 12–13 May 2018 (W. Gillies).
Not yet recorded as a spring migrant in n. Piscataquis and Somerset Cos.
S ummer :
First confirmed nesting in 1996 when fledged young
observed in Harpswell, 25 May 1996 ( J. Howland; FN 50: 930).
366
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae
Subsequent nesting records: a nest found in Jefferson, Lincoln
Lincoln Ctr., Oct/Nov 1987–26 Mar 1988 (E. Duplisea). Six were
Jun 2000 ( J. Carroll); female with 1 young in Cape Elizabeth, 3
female in Orono, 11 Dec 1990–4 Jan 1991 ( J. Markowsky et al.).
Co., Jun 1997 (B. Vetter, FN 51: 974); nesting on Peaks I., Portland,
Aug 2000 (V. Scamman, NAB 55: 29). Rapidly increasing in s.
again seen in winter 1990–1991 (AB 45: 252), northernmost a
A review of ME CBCs demonstrates the rapid increase since
ME since 2000: bred annually in Richmond since 2009 (PDV);
1990: there was 1 record in the 1960s, 1 in the 1970s, and 3 in the
east to Isleboro (family unit of 3 birds, 4 Jul 2014; M. Forney). In
and 108 birds 2010–2012, and 146 in 2017. As expected, nearly
north to Rome, n. Kennebec Co., since 2012 (M. Viens); and
Aroostook Co., summer woodpeckers reported in Weston, May 1998 (M. Basllanger); Ft. Fairfield, 3 Jun 2008 (K. Braeuninger);
1980s, but counts increased to 37 in the 1990s, 178 in the 2000s,
all reports came from s. and cen. ME. Although occasional in e.
ME, number of reports also increased since 2005: 1 in Sorrento,
T16 R4 WELS (A. Ketch, fide WJS); and Aroostook NWR,
Hancock Co., 1 Jan 2005 ( J. Murnane); 1 in Franklin, Hancock
north to Phillips, 28 Jul 2014 (G. Appell).
27 Feb 2012 (H. Wilson); 1 in Dennysville, 3 Dec 2011–13 Mar
Limestone, 12 Jun 2014 (L. Gerke). In Franklin Co., reported F all :
First fall report from S. Portland, 26–27 Nov 1959, was
also a second state record (C. Cordell). Recorded almost annually since 1967: 1 in Cape Neddick, 7 Oct 1967 (H. Card); 1 in Brewer,
17 Nov–28 Dec 1968 (AB 23: 453); male in Bass Harbor, 1 Dec 1968 (R. Moore; AB); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 24 Nov 1972 ( J. Johnson);
1 in N. Harpswell, 6 Nov 1972–5 Feb 1973; 1 on Mount Desert
Co., 3 Dec 2008 (C. Wiebusch); 1 in Lubec, 14 Dec 2011 and
2012 (M. Mills); 1 in Prospect Harbor, 29 Jan 2012 ( J. Mays); 1 in Machias, 26 Feb 2012 (B. Southard); 1 in Sullivan, 3–22 Jan 2014
(C. Crow). Recent records from Aroostook Co.: 1 in Van Buren,
12–18 Jan 2005 (fide WJS), and 1 male ph. in Ft. Fairfield, 24–26 Dec 2011 (K. Hunter). PDV
Rock, 22 Aug 1973 and 1 specimen on 9 Sep 1973 (S. Krauss, C. Kesselheim); 1 in Kennebunkport, 7 Nov 1976 (C. Robbins); 1
in Winterport, Waldo Co., 1 Nov–1 Dec 1976 ( J. Walters); 1 in
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Edgecomb, Lincoln Co., fall 1978 (R. Thompson). As many as 12
Sphyrapicus varius
50: 23), and 10 individuals noted from s. ME in 2003 (m.ob.).
This odd woodpecker leaves tell-tale rows of neat holes on trees throughout the state
reported statewide in fall 1995 (W. Ellison and N. Martin, FN
Major incursion fall 2004: >200 individuals found primarily in s. cen. ME with 1 bird east to Dennysville, 31 Oct 2004 (M. Mills), and single males north to Houlton, 31 Oct 2004 (L. Little), and
Woodland, 30 Nov 2004 (WJS).
Remains occasional at eastern and northern edges of range.
In Washington Co.: 1 in Trescott Twp., 30 Oct 1994 (N. Nielson,
FN 49: 23), and 1 in Dennysville, 16–22 Nov 1999 (M. Mills);
recently, 1 at W. Quoddy Head, 7 Oct 2008 (A. Mansfield) and
1 in Petit Manan, 27 Oct 2011 (N. Strycker). In Somerset Co., 1 observed in Smithfield, 26 Nov 2001 ( J. Paterson, NAB 56:
31). In Aroostook Co., 1 in Presque Isle, 25 Oct–9 Nov 2012 (A. Sheppard, fide WJS); and in Penobscot Co., at Cushman Hill
Rd. near Medway, 17 and 20 Nov 2018 (C. Robinson, eBird). W inter :
First winter records observed in 1968: 1 in Brewer, 17
Nov–28 Dec (AB 23: 453); male in Bass Harbor, 1 Dec (R. Moore,
AB 23: 453); and female in Seal Harbor, Mount Desert I., 1–7
Dec 1968 (W. Russell et al.). The next year, individual reported in Saco, 11–17 Feb 1969 (I. Werner). Subsequent reports: 1 in
Cape Elizabeth, 24 Nov 1972 ( J. Johnson); 1 in N. Harpswell,
6 Nov 1972–5 Feb 1973; 1 in Cape Neddick, 17 Dec 1977 (R.
Forster); 1 in Salmon Falls, York Co., and 1 in Frankfort, winter
1979–1980; female on Cousins I., 19–21 Dec 1979 (PDV et al.);
Status in Maine: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are common spring and occasionally abundant fall migrants. Sapsuckers generally arrive in mid- to late April and depart mid-September through mid- to late October. Although this species breeds throughout Maine, it is uncommon and local along the southern coast and Midcoast, especially York and Cumberland Counties. Sapsuckers were rare in winter prior to 1990, but since 2006 have become regular in small numbers in southern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers common and noted that the species was regular along the coast. Palmer remarked that sapsuckers were no longer regular along the coast, which remains the case. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in deciduous and mixed forests from s. NL across s. cen. Canada to MN and WI, to w. AK, south to PA, and in Appalachian Mtns. to NC. Winters primarily from s. U.S. and cen. Midwest to Caribbean and Cen. Am.
1 in Biddeford, 21 Dec 1980 (C. Robbins). Numbers increased
S pring :
(B. Nikula, AB 42: 230). That year, a male observed in Machias,
Despres); 1 in Bowdoinham, 29 Mar 2008 (R. Lambert); 1 in
by 1987, with “a record six birds” statewide in winter 1987–1988
Dec 1986–Jan 1987 (N. Famous; AB 41: 256 and 403), was the
easternmost record, and the northernmost was a female ph. in
Generally arrive throughout ME 12–26 Apr.
Unusually early migrants in Mar: 1 in Turner, 31 Mar 1988 ( J. Cooper, Washington Co., 21–25 Mar 2012 (K. Holmes); 1 in
367
Birds of Maine
Portland, 22 Mar 2012 (N. Gibb). In 1998, a late Mar flight
and 16 Nov 2012 (R. Robinson); 1 in Bath, 29 Nov 2013 (A.
arrived during an unusual warm front (S. Perkins, FN 52: 306).
Zorach).
( J. Getchell); Woodland and at Haystack Mtn., Mapleton, as
W inter :
Early individuals in Aroostook Co.: Island Falls on 9 Apr 2011 early as 12 Apr 2009 (WJS). Migration continues through
May, species regular on Monhegan I. to end of month. Notably late migrants reported at Pemaquid Pt., 3 Jun 1940 (M. Libby;
Cruickshank 1950b), and on Hog I., Bremen, 11 Jun 1948
(Cruickshank 1950b).
Unknown or rare prior to 1960, more recently species
is almost annual in s. ME, as in s. New England generally.
First record: single bird wintering on apples in Fairfield Ctr.,
Somerset Co., winter 1911–1912 (Palmer 1949). No further reports until 1966 when 1 observed from Cape Elizabeth, 1 Jan 1966 (V.
Scammon). First CBC sapsuckers recorded in Calais on 22 Dec
1968, Skowhegan on 26 Dec 1972 (MN Jan 1973), and Augusta on 14 Dec 1973. A sapsucker attempting to winter in Phillips,
Franklin Co., found dead on 30 Jan 1980 (fide M. Lucey, ph.). Somewhat more regular 1990–2004: 1 on Biddeford–
Kennebunk CBC, 29 Dec 1990 and 28 Dec 1991; 1 in Saco, 19
Feb 1992 (S. Pollock, AB 46: 238); 1 male at Seal Harbor, Mount
Desert I., 16 Jan–24 Feb 1994 (fide W. Townsend); 1 in Addison,
25 Jan 1995 (D. Reid, FN 49: 128); 1 on Machias CBC, 21 Dec
2000; 1 on the Augusta CBC, 18 Dec 2004. Since 2006, 1–4 birds annual in York and Cumberland Cos., 4 maximum in Jan–Feb
2007, northernmost in Augusta, 18 Feb 2007 (N. Famous).
Recent records: 1, Riverside Municipal Golf Course, Portland,
8 and 27 Dec 2016 (B. Bunn, eBird); 1, Marginal Way, Ogunquit,
31 Dec 2017 (D. Lovitch); 1, Grist Mill Park, Yarmouth, 17 Jan
2015 (M. Fahay, eBird); and 1 at Gilsland Farm, 12 and 14 Feb
2017 (B. Smith and J. Fecteau, respectively; eBird). Recent CBC reports: 1 in Machias, 14 Dec 2008; 1 in Calais, 3 Jan 2009; 3 in
Portland, 14 Dec 2008 and 18 Dec 2008. PDV
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
S ummer :
Nest commonly in deciduous and mixed forests
American Three-toed Woodpecker
throughout state but local and uncommon along coast east to
Picoides dorsalis
coast. Confirmed at single sites in York, Cumberland, and
A northern woodpecker that peels and flakes tree bark for its insect meals
Hancock Co. (Adamus 1987), more numerous along eastern
Lincoln Cos., not found nesting in Sagadahoc and Knox Cos. Species nested in Sebago, in 2013 and 2014 (L. Panzera). In
Lincoln Co., a nest near Jefferson in 1958 considered first county record (P. Johnson). Another nest found in Bremen, 23 Jun 1963
(A. Cruickshank), and nesting confirmed in Bremen 2010–2012 (PDV et al.). BBS indicates small (1.9%) annual increase,
1966–2015. F all :
Generally migrates in mid-Sep, peak numbers late Sep
to mid-Oct, few migrants lingering into Nov. Earliest reports:
1 on Hog I., Bremen, 5 Sep 1938 (Cruickshank 1950a); 1 on
Monhegan I., 12 Sep 1983 and 14 Sep 1980 (PDV). Sapsuckers
can be numerous on Monhegan I.: 60–80 on 30 Sep 1978 (DWF,
PDV), >110 on 26 Sep 1981 (PDV), 80 on 12 Oct 2009, and 85 on
8 Oct 2011 ( J. Mays). Late migrants occur irregularly into Nov: 1 in Parsonsfield, York Co., 6 Nov 1960 (MFO 5: 122); individuals in Falmouth on 1–8 Nov 2007, 12 Nov 2009 (E. Hynes), 23 Nov
2013 (D. Hitchcox); 1 in Phippsburg on 12 Nov 2012 (M. Fahay)
368
Status in Maine: Rare and local resident primarily north of Baxter State Park with occasional records in central and western mountains and Downeast. The northernmost-breeding woodpecker in North America, the American Three-toed Woodpecker is an irruptive species of boreal spruce forests. Unlike Black-backed Woodpeckers, American Three-toed populations do not fluctuate drastically with fires and insect outbreaks (Tremblay et al. 2018). Although a nesting species in the state, this species has never been reported on a Breeding Bird Survey in Maine. Four individuals were recorded on Christmas Bird Counts from 1970–2017. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer indicated that American Three-toed Woodpeckers were resident and breeding in Oxford, Franklin, Penobscot, and Aroostook Cos., and probably in Somerset, Piscataquis,
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae
and n. Hancock and Washington Cos. (1949). He also noted infrequent irruptions, citing two: 1883–1884 when >40 specimens were sent to a single taxidermist, and 1941–1942, when “the species was rather plentiful throughout the state in winter (Norton, in Palmer, 345). He also said that, like Black-backed Woodpeckers, three-toed woodpeckers had “decreased markedly in numbers in the last 50 years” (Palmer 1949, 346). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Labrador west through QC, ON, n. SK, MB, and AB, north to NT, YT, and interior AK, south along Rocky Mtns. through BC to WY. Disjunct population in CO, scarce to AZ and NM. In East, scarce in NFLD, Gaspé Peninsula, n. ME, Great Ls. Region. S pring :
Like other resident woodpeckers, begin territorial
drumming in early spring continuing through mid-
Jun. Secretive and difficult to detect when incubating. One in Charlotte, Washington Co., 1 Mar 1957 (A. Davis, MFO
2[4]: 35); male of local pair “seen (and heard) doing its very fast drumming” Moscovic Rd., Stockholm, near Little Madawaska
R., Aroostook Co., 1 Apr and 5 May 2007 (WJS); male in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 8 May 1981 (B. Barker).
>50 blocks but similar geography for Black-backed Woodpeckers. Two nesting in telephone pole, T9 R5 WELS B, Aroostook Co.,
18 May 1958 (Holmes, MFO 3[6]: 60); 2 at Blake Gore, “100 yards
from Canada,” in Somerset Co., adult male feeding juvenile male,
13 Jul 1999 (fide K. Gammons); Aroostook Co.: pair persistent
for several years in New Sweden with numerous observers each
year: male carrying food to nest cavity in New Sweden, 5 Jun
2006 (B. Crowley, fide WJS); on 24 Jun at the same site, 2 adults
feeding an undetermined number of nestlings (WJS); and by 6 Jul,
young were fledged but still being seen in the area (B. Duchesne).
Other summer observations: 1 at T4 R10/ T4 R11 WELS, near
BSP perimeter road and Nesowadnehunk, Piscataquis Co.: “This is only the 3rd time I have encountered the northern 3-toed in
Maine, despite many hours of observation in spruce-fir forests,” 6
Jun 1987 (S. Oliveri, MBN 1[2]: 18); pair drumming at Ellis Pond
Rd., T7 R14 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 10 Jun 2012 (WJS); 2 males
at BSP, Mt. Katahdin Twp., Piscataquis Co., 5 Jul 2003 (G. Tepke
et al.); 2 at L. Umbagog, Oxford Co., 4 Jul 2008 (S. Baker, eBird);
and 1 on Rt. 189 east of Whiting, Washington Co., 6 Jun 2004
(T. Fitzpatrick); 1 male in Deblois, Washington Co., 12 Jul 1988
(fide ME Audubon); a male feeding on live Black Spruce (Picea
mariana) in a bog east of Ashland, 27 Jul 1994 (WJS). One at Turk I., Allagash R., Aroostook Co., 3 Aug 2016 (M. and H. Brewer, eBird).
F all :
Similar to Black-backed Woodpecker in being less
restricted to burned and insect-infested habitat during fall and
winter (Palmer 1949). Female and immature male at S. Branch
Campground, T5 R9 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 28 Aug 1999
(L. Seamans); 3 at Golden Rd., BSP, Piscataquis Co., 29
! !
Sep 2012 (P. Blair, eBird); 1 “flaking bark off spruce tree” on
Kennebago R., Franklin Co., 9 Oct 2013 (K. Betts, eBird); male
!
at Spider L., T9 R11 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 21 Oct 1988 (T.
Skaling, MBN 2[3]: 28 and AB 43: 65); 1 in Square L. Twp., 24
!
!
!
Oct 2010 (WJS, eBird). Aroostook Co.: 2 females at Irving
woodlot off Rt. 161, New Sweden, 18 Sep 2006 (fide, WJS);
male on trees in newly flooded beaver pond, Oak Timber Rd., Stockholm, 18 Nov 2006, and female in same area following week 5 Dec 2006 (WJS).
American Three-toed Woodpecker Breeding Range
W inter :
One in Eustis, Franklin Co., 26 Feb 1957 (W.
Townsend, MFO 2[3]: 26); female, Lower Enchanted Twp., Somerset Co., 24 Dec 1986, and a pair on 27 Feb 1987 (both
T. Skaling, MBN 1[2]: 23); female at Cunliffe Brook, T12 R14
WELS, Aroostook Co., 6 Feb 1990, and a male at same locale, 14 Feb 1990 (G. Kemper, MBN 3[4]: 42); 1 in Houlton: “It was
S ummer :
Palmer contended less was known about breeding in
the American Three-toed Woodpecker than about the Black-
backed Woodpecker, but they appear to be similar (Palmer 1949).
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed American Three-toed
feeding on a dead tree and I was able to get within 8 feet of it.
Same location as black-backed from year before” 27 Feb 1994 (T.
Oliver, eBird).
TE
Woodpeckers breeding in only 3 blocks, probable in 2 additional blocks, in Northwest and Downeast interior ME, in contrast to
369
Birds of Maine
Black-backed Woodpecker
Picoides arcticus
A northern woodpecker that follows fires
Status in Maine: An irruptive species found primarily in recently dead stands of coniferous forest, the Blackbacked Woodpecker reaches its southern range limit in Maine. A year-round resident in northern Maine, the central and western mountains, Mount Desert Island, and east of the Penobscot River, this species makes no discernible migration. Black-backed Woodpeckers colonize freshly burned forests and swaths of forest killed by insect infestation and flooding by beavers, moving on when forage is depleted; this makes the population size difficult to assess. Breeding Bird Survey data for this species is deficient because of their low and variable abundance and resultant small sample size; however, it shows an annual decrease of 4.9% in Maine 1966–2015. Black-backed Woodpeckers were recorded on 34 Christmas Bird Counts 1970–2017.
Black-backed Woodpecker
2009 (G. Watkevich); 1, Dam Rd., Magalloway Plt., Oxford
Co., 2 Apr 2016 ( J. Fecteau); “we watched this female foraging Historical Status in Maine: Palmer said that Blacknear the very top of a spruce tree for several minutes” at Burn backed Woodpeckers (then called Arctic Three-toed Rd., Topsfield, 21 Apr 2005 (F. Marenghi); 2 females, T7 R13 Woodpeckers) were uncommon to rare resident WELS, Piscataquis Co., 2 May 1981 ( JVW); 1 at Thom’s Pond, breeders inland, possibly nesting east of Penobscot Bay. Sagadahoc Co., 7 May 2011 (R. Robinson); Aroostook Co.: “3 Irruptions were noted in New England in 1860–1861, drumming all females” at Muscovic Rd., 17 May 2008, and “pair 1923, 1926, and 1942 (not synchronous with those of with another male being challenged by male of pair. Lots of American Three-toed Woodpeckers). Palmer said vocalizations,” at Irving Lot, 18 May 2013 (both WJS); 1 at Valley numbers markedly decreased in the first half of the Cove, ANP, 31 May 2017 (E. Hynes). 20th century.
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Year-round resident NL, ME, n. NH, west through QC, ON, n. MI, WI, and MN, MB, cen. and n. SK, AB, cen. NT, s. YT, and interior AK, south through interior BC to Cascade Mtns. of WA, OR, and n. CA, also e. WA and OR, n. ID, w. MT, and nw. WY. Isolated pocket in ne. WY and w. SD. Remarks: Black-backed Woodpeckers colonize burned coniferous forests within a short period of time, appearing as quickly as three months post-fire and staying up to 10 years (Tremblay et al. 2016). Population dynamics are poorly understood because of distribution variability, as the population shifts within the dynamic of forest fire and regrowth. S pring :
Nest cavities typically excavated in softwood snags
by both birds (Palmer 1949). Spring observations, fide eBird: 1
near Dickey Brook, T17 R5 WELS, Aroostook Co., 1 Mar 2006
(WJS); 1 at Totman Cove, Phippsburg, 11 Mar 2008
(R. Robinson); 1 on Great Wass I., Cape Pt. Trail, 24 Mar
370
S ummer :
According to Palmer, burns are favored foraging
habitat during breeding season; birds sometimes also found in flooded timber with insect-infested stumps. Unreported
numbers found on 19 of 21 spruce-fir plots in n. and e. ME in
Jun 1984 (M. Cohn-Haft and R. Prum, fide P. Adamus). ABBM
(Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding in many blocks in western
mountains, and northern and Downeast ME. Fledging occurs
late Jun–Jul: on Mount Desert I., “Birds at a nest near Tremont
fledged on 06/28 while nestlings near Somesville were still in the nest cavity as of midday on 07/02,” 1996 (C. Witt); these same
young fledged, 5 Jul 1996 (A. Pollien, fide A. Bacon). “[M]ale
kept bringing food to nest 6 feet up in spruce or fir (half-dead
tree), then dropping down to base of tree to feed male fledgling
(some yellow on head) which had apparently just dropped
out of nest. No female or other young around,” Quimby Pond,
Rangeley, 26 Jun 1988 ( J. Berry and L. Thurber, ph.); unreported number of nestlings near fledging, Jonesboro, Washington Co.,
29 Jun 2006 (N. Famous). Three at Daicey Pond, T3 R10 WELS, BSP, 12 Aug 2002 (C. Beyna). BBS data deficient because of nature of Black-backed Woodpecker population dynamics.
Species recorded on 16 BBS circles. Seven counts reported
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae
black-backs on one survey: Otisfield Green, Oxford Co., where
Franklin Co., 22 Feb 1957 (DeGarmo, MFO 2[3]: 26). One to 10
1966–2015. Wilson Mills BBS (Oxford Co.) recorded 1–4 birds
10 in 1983 and 7 in 1974. Only one count reporting >2 birds since
in Piscataquis Co. recorded 32 birds 1983–1990 following a large
TE
1 bird reported in 1986 was only record in 44 years of surveys,
each in 9 years, 1984–1999, and zero since 2000. Heron L. BBS
birds recorded on 34 CBC surveys 1970–2017. High CBC counts
1995.
forest fire in 1974 and heavy Spruce Budworm infestation, and
only 1, 1993–2003. F all :
No discernible migration. As Palmer stated, “there is
Downy Woodpecker
less restriction of habitat in fall and winter than in spring and
Dryobates pubescens
be found away from typical spruce-fir forest at this time: one
This familiar backyard bird is common at feeders yearround
summer” (1949, 345). Birds disperse after breeding and may
male in W. Bath, Sagadahoc Co., 6 Sep 2011 (R. Robinson); one each in Woodland on 13 Sep 2003, 16 Sep 2004, and 26
Sep 2010 (WJS); 1 in Orono, 1 Oct 2004 (C. Corio); one male in Newcastle, 4–24 Oct 2015 ( J. Cherry). Irruptions occur
intermittently. Three birds at Lower Richardson L., Oxford
Co., “on dead fir almost daily to early October,” 7 Oct 1984
( J. Chivers). One at Jordan Pond, ANP, 30 Sep 2006 (R.
MacDonald); 1 on Bold Coast Trail, Cutler, 26 Nov 2006 (R. MacDonald). Apparently not shy of crossing water, Blackbacked Woodpeckers are rare but regular on outer islands
throughout year. Fall records on Monhegan: 1 male in Cathedral
Woods, 23 Sep 2004 (S. Mirick et al.), and 1 on 31 Oct 2000 (B. Boynton, fide K. Gammons).
Status in Maine: Downy Woodpeckers are common residents throughout Maine. These woodpeckers are highly adaptable, and although they are native to open deciduous woodlands, they thrive in suburban parks and other human-modified habitats. Though there is evidence of some small-scale dispersal in the fall, this species’ migratory behavior is poorly studied. It is common on Christmas Bird Counts throughout the state. Historical Status in Maine: This species’ status has not changed appreciably since Palmer’s description (1949, 342). He considered them common residents and breeders and recognized some spring and fall movements, “usually . . . rather local in nature.” He also noted the possibility of “winter visitants from farther north and east.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Largely nonmigratory resident throughout deciduous and mixed forests from NL, s. QC through cen. Canada to AK and throughout U.S. except s. TX, NM, AZ, and CA. Downy Woodpeckers appear to undertake irregular migration or dispersal, but this is poorly documented.
Black-backed Woodpecker Breeding Range
W inter :
Winter records: 2 birds on Burying I., Franklin Co.,
a pair present Dec 1987–Feb 1988 (S. Perrin); 1 on Deer Isle,
20 Jan 1959 (Hundley, MFO 4[1]: 7); heard 5 birds all day near Jonesboro, 6 Feb 2006 (N. Famous); 1 between Telos Rd. and
BSP, 12 Feb 2005 ( J. Markowsky); 1 female in Coburn Gore,
Remarks: In Richmond on 5 Jul 2013, an adult female Hairy Woodpecker fed suet to two juvenile Downy Woodpeckers. The female hairy first fed the juvenile male downy and then picked more suet and fed the juvenile female. The adult fed the juveniles just once and then seemed to realize that they were not her offspring and forced both young woodpeckers off the feeding tray and they flew off together. No adult Downy Woodpeckers were seen in the immediate vicinity (PDV et al.). S pring :
No marked spring migration for Downy
Woodpeckers. Small numbers, typically 1–3 birds, occur regularly on Monhegan I. in May, but no larger pulses of birds indicating a migration (eBird).
371
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Downy Woodpeckers breed in a wide variety
of deciduous and mixed woodland habitats including open
woodlands and suburban residential areas. The ABBM (Adamus
1987) recorded this species throughout ME. BBS indicates stable population trend 1966–2015. Nesting appears more prolonged
than Hairy Woodpeckers. Fledging takes place early Jun–early
Jul: family unit of 4 birds at Sebago L. S.P., 26 Jul 1984; male
feeding juvenile, S. Thomaston, 28 Jun 2012; and family unit, BSP,
26 Jun 1999 (all PDV). BBS data show non-significant increase 1966–2015. F all :
Small numbers, typically 1–4, occur regularly on
Monhegan I.; unclear whether these are residents, migrants,
S pring :
No evidence of conspicuous northward movement in
spring. Because Hairy Woodpeckers were “rather rare” breeders
in York and Cumberland Cos. in early to mid-20th century
(Palmer 1949, 341), the departure of wintering birds revealed
spring migration took place primarily in Apr. No longer possible
to detect these movements because this species now nests
commonly in s. ME. Maximum spring count on Monhegan I. 2 individuals (eBird).
S ummer :
Nest in mature deciduous and mixed woodlands
throughout state (Adamus 1987). BBS data show species
increased by 1.7% annually 1966–2015. Hairy Woodpeckers
usually nest earlier than Downy Woodpeckers: female observed
or both. No data-indicated major flights, but daily high
on nest in Portland, 10 May 2013 (PDV et al.). In L. Umbagog
dispersal behavior: 6 on 2 Oct 1997 and 6 on 28 Sep 2005 (both
reported 11 nests and found young in the nest as early as 20
counts of >6 birds probably reflect some level of migratory or J. Trimble); 8 on 21 Sep 2007 (L. Seitz); 8 on 1 Oct 2007 (D.
area of Oxford Co. and possibly adjoining NH, Brewster (1937)
May 1880, and eggs in nest as late as 5 Jun 1897. In Richmond,
Lovitch); 8 on 26 Sep 2009 (D. Hitchcox et al.). In MA, Veit
first observations of adults feeding recently fledged juveniles as
nelsoni, collected numerous times in e. MA, indicating migratory
a family unit noted in BSP, 26 Jun 1999 (PDV), and fledged
and Petersen (1993) reported western Canadian subspecies, P. p. behavior.
W inter :
Common on all CBCs across state. Despite regularity,
early as 1 Jun 2012 and as late as 17 Jun 1994 (PDV). Elsewhere,
young reported in Lewiston, 4 Jul 1968 ( J. Jones). F all :
Appear at many coastal sites Oct–Nov where species
considerable variation from one year to next: 103 birds on 1989
is not known to breed, suggesting a southern movement in
section of Bath area CBC recorded 16 individuals, 19 Dec 2009;
at outer points of land: Eastern Pt., Biddeford Pool, 5 Oct–17
Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC but only 15 in 1990. Small Pt.
the usual number is 3 (PDV, et al.). CBC data indicate a general
increase 1960–2012, especially in cen. and s. ME.
PDV
fall. Scale and distance of dispersal remains unclear. Regular
Nov (D. Rankin, M. Fahay et al.); common in small numbers at Morse Mtn. Oct–Nov (PDV, G. Smith et al.); 7 reported
from Small Pt., 22 Oct 2007 (M. Fahay); 6 at Bald Head, York
Co., 23 Oct 2009 (M. Fahay); 6 at Gilsland Farm, 28 Oct 2010
Hairy Woodpecker
(N. Houlihan); and 5 on 24 Oct 2013 (D. Hitchcox). Regular in small numbers (1–2 woodpeckers) on Monhegan I.; no reports
Dryobates villosus
of greater numbers indicating marked fall migration (eBird).
The more robust cousin of the Downy Woodpecker
W inter :
Status in Maine: Hairy Woodpeckers are common Maine residents and breeders whose population is stable or slightly increasing. Migration patterns are poorly studied, but there is no appreciable spring migration and southerly movements in the fall are minimal.
because there is considerable variation in number of migrants
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered this species common throughout the state. Palmer (1949, 341) found Hairy Woodpeckers to be common breeders in n. and e. ME but said they were “rather rare” in s. Cumberland and York Cos. in summer. He also said the species wintered throughout the state and migrated north in Apr. Global Distribution: Nearctic and Neotropical. Largely resident throughout mature deciduous and mixed forests of N. Am., from NFLD, most of Canada, and AK, south throughout U.S. to Mexico and Panama. 372
Common in winter throughout state. CBC data
reveal pronounced annual differences in numbers, presumably
from Canada. In general, wintering population appears to be
stable or increasing slightly. Extent to which widespread, larger
Canadian subspecies (P. v. septentrionalis) winters in ME remains unclear. Palmer noted Brewster collected 2 birds that appeared
to match description of P. v. septentrionalis, and Palmer measured
9 birds collected Oct–Feb and thought they were more closely
aligned with P. v. septentrionalis than the ME resident subspecies,
P. v. villosus. He also acknowledged that precise allocation to
subspecies was confounded by fact of north-south cline in size
and color pattern, and an east-west cline in bill size. Palmer (1949,
341) concluded, “the problem of where to draw the arbitrary line
in attempting to allocate existing specimens to either subspecies is
one needing further study.” PDV
Order Piciformes • Family Picidae F all :
Common to abundant fall migrants, sometimes
Northern Flicker
occurring in large numbers on coastal islands. Long-term
This common migrant and breeder has striking plumage and a raucous call
Schaust). Peak migration late Sep–Oct when daily counts >100
Colaptes auratus
Status in Maine: Common spring migrants and summer residents, Northern Flickers are often abundant in fall migration, occasionally numbering more than 100 birds on Monhegan Island and other coastal localities. Flickers prefer open woodlands and forest edges. More terrestrial than other woodpeckers, flickers feed on ants and beetle larvae as well as a variety of berries in late fall and winter. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer reported Northern Flickers as common throughout the state in summer and common to abundant in migration. They agreed that the species wintered, at least occasionally, in southern coastal ME, and Palmer noted a single winter flicker east to Lubec, Jan 1921. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in a variety of open woodland habitats from cen. Canada and AK throughout the U.S., Cuba, and irregularly through Cen. Am. Largely resident in winter but withdraws from northern part of range to coastal Maritime Provinces, s. Canada, and s. ME. S pring :
First flickers arrive s. ME late Mar. Main migration
occurs throughout Apr, diminishes by early May. Notably early
individuals appeared first three weeks of Mar: 1 in Waterville, 9
Mar 1973 (G. Freese); 1 in Newport, 19 Mar 1984 (M. Grover);
1 at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 17 Mar 1985 (K. Jones); 1 in
records from Monhegan I. indicate earliest migrants appear early Sep: 8 on 6 Sep 1980 (PDV) and 9 on 9 Sep 2010 ( J.
individuals: 130 on 26 Sep 1981 (PDV), 150 on 1 Oct 1993 (B.
Nikula), 125 on 2 Oct 1997 ( J. Trimble), 140 on 22 Sep 2007 and
100 on 20 Sep 2008 (both L. Seitz), 240 on 18 Sep 2013, and 150 on 26 Sep 2013 (PDV et al.). Elsewhere, a flock of >300
reported from west side of Bailey I., Harpswell, 29 Oct 1965 (V.
Scamman). Although regular in small numbers along cen. and
s. ME coast through Nov, flickers generally depart Aroostook,
Piscataquis, Somerset, and Franklin Cos. by end of Oct. Thus, 1
in BSP, 11 Nov 2006 ( J. Mays), and 2 in Madison, Somerset Co,
6 Nov 2012 (Deb B., eBird) particularly unusual. W inter :
Northern Flicker winter numbers and distribution
have increased since Palmer (1949). Species recorded regularly
on coastal CBCs west of Mount Desert I., and maximum of
14 reported from Portland area CBC, 14 Dec 2008. Observed on many inland CBCs: Presque Isle (2 count years), Calais
(2), Danforth (1), Bangor–Bucksport (4), Orono–Old Town
(8), Dover-Foxcroft (1), Farmington (2), Waterville (3), Unity (1), Augusta (7), Lewiston–Auburn (3). Other notable inland occurrences: 3 observations at Clarry Hill, Union: 2 on 27
Jan 1990, 1 on 26 Feb 1992, 1 on 11 Feb 1993 (D. Reimer); 2
in Winslow, Kennebec Co., 21 Dec 1994 (W. Sumner); 1 in
Estcourt Station, Big Twenty Twp., Aroostook Co., 13 Dec
1998 (NAB 53: 146); 1 in Fairfield, 14 Jan 2009 (D. F. Smith); 1 in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 27 Jan 2012 (G. St. Laurent); 1
in Waterville, 15 Jan 2014 (M. Viens). A male in Richmond, 29
Jan–14 Feb 2000, feeding on Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
(PDV). PDV
Scarborough, 17 Mar 1990 (G. Carson); 1 in Portland, 7 Mar 1993
(S. Pollock); 1 at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 3 Mar 2007 ( J.
Mays); 1 in Columbia Falls, Washington Co., 10 Mar 2012 (A.
Pileated Woodpecker
Simpson). In Aroostook Co., flickers generally arrive 20–30 Apr
Dryocopus pileatus
spring; however, on Monhegan I., 34 seen on 12 Apr 2001, 38 on
These startlingly large woodpeckers are becoming more common in Maine
(WJS). Unlike fall, flickers not generally in large numbers in
21 Apr 2011, and 25 late birds on 30 Apr 2011 (all T. Magarian);
10 birds on Monhegan I., 6 May 1984, probably reflected end of spring flight (PDV).
S ummer :
Breeds commonly throughout state in woodland
habitats; nesting confirmed in all counties (Adamus 1987).
Generally, avoids large continuous forests, preferring forest
edges, open and harvested woodlands, orchards, and suburban
areas. Nest May–Jun, young fledglings in Jun: nest with young
in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., 29 Jul 1898 (JMOS 1: 2) notably late.
BBS indicates this species declined 2.1% annually 1966–2015.
Status in Maine: Pileated Woodpeckers are widespread and increasingly common residents in a variety of woodland habitats throughout Maine. They are not migratory and maintain their territories throughout the year, although there is likely some dispersal from nesting areas. Christmas Bird Counts show a dramatic increase in their population in Maine since the 1970s. Unlike the other woodpeckers of Maine, this species is not known on outer islands such as Monhegan or Matinicus. However, it is resident 373
Birds of Maine
on North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Isle au Haut in Penobscot Bay (eBird). Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 281) felt Pileated Woodpeckers were becoming more scarce: “[T]hough formerly common the range of this species is annually becoming more and more restricted, owing largely to the cutting of the heavy timber and also the fact that many are shot by the sportsmen.” Palmer (1949, 335–336) said they were “varying from decidedly uncommon though regular to fairly common throughout, perhaps occurring in largest numbers in mixed woodlands in western Maine.” He noted that in the late 19th–early 20th centuries, this species was “rare or absent in much of southern Maine…[But b]y 1935 it was found regularly in coastal areas from Cape Elizabeth eastward, and now occurs rarely in southern York County.” Palmer also said that they were then expanding the variety of habitats in which they nested, including forested suburban areas and small isolated woodlots. In Lincoln Co., in 1950, Cruickshank still considered this species “very uncommon to rare” (1950b, 28). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident in forested habitats from Maritime Provinces, s. QC, and cen. Canada to BC through coastal OR and CA, south to FL and TX; absent from Great Plains states and s. Rocky Mtns. Remarks: Pileated Woodpeckers are reported drumming on buildings and barns but this report from St. George, Knox Co., seemed novel: “About three years ago when we first drove into the farm, in the spring of the year, we were very much surprised to find that the barn had several circular holes in its walls. There were then perhaps a dozen of these apertures about six or seven inches in diameter. Upon investigating we discovered two pileated woodpeckers in the barn, perched way up in the eaves; a male on one side of the building and a female on the other. They have been with us every spring, summer, and fall since. “The birds are not at all shy. We have approached them very closely, by means of a ladder on the scaffolding of the barn, and, even then, they cling to their perches unless we make a very loud noise… We have seen two of their young but only the adults in the barn” (Rounds 1957, 22).
374
S pring /S ummer :
Typically, early breeders, with eggs in the
nest in May and fledged young in Jun. An unusually late nest
observed in Warren; young fledged on 16 Jul 2006 (N. O’Brien).
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding from Aroostook to York Cos., but species appeared less numerous along central
coast and not confirmed in Waldo Co. More recently, BBS reported annual increase of 3.7%, 1966–2015.
W inter :
Substantial increases on CBCs consistent with BBS
increases. For counts conducted continuously since 1970, average number of Pileated Woodpecker records in 1970s was 3.6
individuals/year for all CBCs. This count increased to 15.6/year in the 1980s, 33.5/year in the 1990s, and 46.7/year in the 2000s.
PDV
O rder
FALCONIFORMES Falcons (Falconidae) Despite superficial similarities, falcons are not closely related to hawks or eagles. Five species have occurred in Maine, one as an accidental. Peregrine Falcon breeding populations are listed as endangered by the state, while American Kestrels are in decline nationally. Merlins, once rare breeders, now nest in most of Maine.
Crested Caracara
Caracara cheriway
An exotic-looking vagrant from the south
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one Maine record: an adult found by S. Muise on the Benton– Unity town line, Kennebec County, on 26 August 2014. The following day it was observed feeding on a road-killed Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). It remained in the area until the next day, 27 August. What appeared to be the same individual was relocated in Norridgewock on 2 September (D. Willette) and remained there until 8 September 2014 (H. Nielsen). Global Distribution: Largely Neotropical. Resident from cen. FL, TX, and s. AZ south through Mexico, Cen. Am., n. S. Am. to Brazil. Since 1999, this species has occurred as a vagrant in e. N. Am. from NS to NJ. Records in ON (2 records), QC (unconfirmed), NB (2), NS (1), and MA (2). Some of these occurrences probably involve a single bird that wandered large distances. PDV
Birds of Maine
on North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Isle au Haut in Penobscot Bay (eBird). Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 281) felt Pileated Woodpeckers were becoming more scarce: “[T]hough formerly common the range of this species is annually becoming more and more restricted, owing largely to the cutting of the heavy timber and also the fact that many are shot by the sportsmen.” Palmer (1949, 335–336) said they were “varying from decidedly uncommon though regular to fairly common throughout, perhaps occurring in largest numbers in mixed woodlands in western Maine.” He noted that in the late 19th–early 20th centuries, this species was “rare or absent in much of southern Maine…[But b]y 1935 it was found regularly in coastal areas from Cape Elizabeth eastward, and now occurs rarely in southern York County.” Palmer also said that they were then expanding the variety of habitats in which they nested, including forested suburban areas and small isolated woodlots. In Lincoln Co., in 1950, Cruickshank still considered this species “very uncommon to rare” (1950b, 28). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident in forested habitats from Maritime Provinces, s. QC, and cen. Canada to BC through coastal OR and CA, south to FL and TX; absent from Great Plains states and s. Rocky Mtns. Remarks: Pileated Woodpeckers are reported drumming on buildings and barns but this report from St. George, Knox Co., seemed novel: “About three years ago when we first drove into the farm, in the spring of the year, we were very much surprised to find that the barn had several circular holes in its walls. There were then perhaps a dozen of these apertures about six or seven inches in diameter. Upon investigating we discovered two pileated woodpeckers in the barn, perched way up in the eaves; a male on one side of the building and a female on the other. They have been with us every spring, summer, and fall since. “The birds are not at all shy. We have approached them very closely, by means of a ladder on the scaffolding of the barn, and, even then, they cling to their perches unless we make a very loud noise… We have seen two of their young but only the adults in the barn” (Rounds 1957, 22).
374
S pring /S ummer :
Typically, early breeders, with eggs in the
nest in May and fledged young in Jun. An unusually late nest
observed in Warren; young fledged on 16 Jul 2006 (N. O’Brien).
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding from Aroostook to York Cos., but species appeared less numerous along central
coast and not confirmed in Waldo Co. More recently, BBS reported annual increase of 3.7%, 1966–2015.
W inter :
Substantial increases on CBCs consistent with BBS
increases. For counts conducted continuously since 1970, average number of Pileated Woodpecker records in 1970s was 3.6
individuals/year for all CBCs. This count increased to 15.6/year in the 1980s, 33.5/year in the 1990s, and 46.7/year in the 2000s.
PDV
O rder
FALCONIFORMES Falcons (Falconidae) Despite superficial similarities, falcons are not closely related to hawks or eagles. Five species have occurred in Maine, one as an accidental. Peregrine Falcon breeding populations are listed as endangered by the state, while American Kestrels are in decline nationally. Merlins, once rare breeders, now nest in most of Maine.
Crested Caracara
Caracara cheriway
An exotic-looking vagrant from the south
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one Maine record: an adult found by S. Muise on the Benton– Unity town line, Kennebec County, on 26 August 2014. The following day it was observed feeding on a road-killed Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). It remained in the area until the next day, 27 August. What appeared to be the same individual was relocated in Norridgewock on 2 September (D. Willette) and remained there until 8 September 2014 (H. Nielsen). Global Distribution: Largely Neotropical. Resident from cen. FL, TX, and s. AZ south through Mexico, Cen. Am., n. S. Am. to Brazil. Since 1999, this species has occurred as a vagrant in e. N. Am. from NS to NJ. Records in ON (2 records), QC (unconfirmed), NB (2), NS (1), and MA (2). Some of these occurrences probably involve a single bird that wandered large distances. PDV
Order Falconiformes • Family Falconidae
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
The smallest North American falcon, this common raptor’s populations are declining
Status in Maine: The American Kestrel’s population in Maine undoubtedly increased in the 18th and 19th centuries with the expansion of agricultural lands. However, between 1966 and 2015, the BBS recorded a 4.8% annual decline in Maine’s population. Nationwide, there are 66% fewer kestrels than in 1966 (Sauer et al. 2017). Their decline is attributed to changes in land use and widespread use of insecticides affecting principal prey species (Cirino 2016, Smallwood et al. 2009). However, they are still locally common in Maine’s open country in summer, are common spring and fall migrants, and are occasional along the southern coast in winter.
Farther north and east, kestrels arrive in late Mar and Apr.
Notably early arrivals in Aroostook Co., 1 each unless noted:
Masardis, 30 Mar 1982; Limestone, 1 Apr 1981; Sherman, 1 Apr
1984; Presque Isle, 1 Apr 1997 (WJS); Caribou, 7 Apr 1985 (G.
Stadler); Woodland, 29 Mar 2009; and Grand Isle, 1 Apr 2003
(WJS). In Portage: 22 Mar 2009 (WJS). In Piscataquis Co., 1
in Greenville on 30 Mar 1981 (P. Johnson); in Somerset Co.: 1
in Mercer, 22 Mar 2001 (W. Sumner). In Farmington, Franklin
Co.: 1 male on 15 Mar 2000 (W. Sumner). In Washington Co.: 1
each in Milbridge and Deblois, 30 Mar 1991 (G. Hazelton) and 1
in Deblois, 2 Apr 2002 (B. Southard).
Counts at Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch average 353 kestrels/
spring, 2007–2018 (HawkCount 2018), with highest daily
count of 252 on 7 Apr 2010 (D. Lovitch et al.). Large counts
at Kennebunk Plains: 29 on 20 Apr 1984 (PDV), 30 on 8 Apr
1985 (PDV), and 29 on 13 Apr 2013 (N. Gibb). Additional large counts: 25 in Otis–Mariaville blueberry fields, Hancock Co., 13
Apr 1973 (G. Perkins); 12 in Richmond, 21 Apr 1996 (PDV); 19 at Seavey’s Landing, Scarborough, 7 Apr 2005 ( J. Stevens).
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered American Kestrels fairly common and the second most numerous raptor in ME in summer; uncommon but regular in winter along the coast. Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. N. Am., widespread. Breeds south of high Arctic from cen. NL, Maritime Provinces, cen. Canada to AK, south to FL, TX, and Mexico; also south through Cen. and S. Am. Winters from s. ME (occasional), New England, NY, IL, CO, WA, and OR south throughout s. U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean. Remarks: An American Kestrel was observed eating an immature Eastern Meadowlark in Cornville, Somerset Co., 17 Jul 1958: “The bird [meadowlark] was warm and untouched except for loss of its head which had been neatly severed from the body as though cut with a sharp knife. This young bird probably was one of a family of five, four of which were in the field nearby” (D. Messer, MFO 3: 81). S pring :
First arrive in s. ME late Mar, though main migration
takes place 7–30 Apr with diminishing numbers continuing
American Kestrel S ummer :
Confirmed breeding throughout s. cen. and coastal
ME 1978–1983 (Adamus 1987). Most abundant in agricultural areas of Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Kennebec,
and coastal Washington Cos. Not surprisingly, uncommon and irregular in western mountains and forested parts of n. ME.
However, during 1970s Spruce Budworm outbreak, kestrels
north through May. Notably early migrants occasionally appear
occasionally nested in blow-downs and partially cleared
male in Richmond, 2 Mar 1992 and on 3 Mar 2000 (both PDV);
Aroostook Co., 19 Jul 1979, and 2 east of Rangeley, Jul 1982
Co., 6 Mar 2005 (N. O’Brien); and 1 in Clinton fields, Kennebec
Although summer distribution since 2000 is largely as
first week of Mar: 1 in Scarborough, 2 Mar 1998 (G. Carson); 1
1 in Auburn, 7 Mar 2001 (fide S. Pollock); 1 in Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 12 Mar 2010 (L. Starr and J. Turner, eBird). Norton found a
softwood stands (PDV, N. Famous): 3 in Crystal Bog, Crystal,
(PDV).
reported by ABBM in 1987 (eBird), species now more local.
kestrel inspecting nest cavities in Westbrook, Cumberland Co.,
BBS recorded precipitous annual population decline of 4.8%
Apr 1933 (Palmer 1949).
species declined by 5.3% in New England and Mid-Atlantic
20 Mar 1913, and in Portland, birds as early as 3 Apr 1904 and 6
in ME 1966–2015. Decline widespread and not limited to ME;
375
Birds of Maine
region. Despite decreases, kestrels remain locally common in
agricultural lands of Aroostook Co.: 17 individuals Caribou–
Presque Isle, 30 Jul 2008 (WJS). F all :
Breeding dispersal in early Aug and in migration by
mid-Aug: 1 on 17 Aug 2004 (W. Boynton) and 1 on 12 Aug 2010
(T. Magarian), both on Monhegan I. Migrants common along
coast, open grasslands, and blueberry barrens by late Aug: 40 at
Mt. Agamenticus, 31 Aug 1989 (L. Phinney). Common through Sep, decreasing slowly through Oct, and uncommon by Nov.
from Fairfield, 1 bird each: 16 Dec 2001 (W. Sumner), 7 Jan 1989
(W. and B. Sumner), 2 Feb 1997; in Norridgewock, 21 Jan 1999 (W. Sumner); in Farmington: 16 Jan 1988 ( J. Witham, J. Jones), and a
male on 6 Jan 1993 (W. Sumner); in Benton, Kennebec Co.: 9 Dec
2009, 20 Jan 2010, and 19 Dec 2010 (W. Sumner). Recent records, all eBird: 1 on 16 Feb 2013, Bellsqueeze Rd., Clinton (M. Watson and M. Viens); 1, 2 Feb 2014, Portland International Jetport (N.
Gibb); 1 on 14 Feb 2017, North Rd., Dixmont (B. Barker). PDV
American Kestrels abundant on blueberry barrens in Washington Co.: 328 individuals counted during extensive survey, 11 Sep 1999
(N. Famous, NAB 54: 27); 17 reported from Harrington Barrens,
Merlin
Harrington, 22 Sep 1991 (G. Hazelton); >50 in Centerville area, 13
Falco columbarius
(CDD). Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch on Mount Desert I. recorded
This bold, dark little falcon has conquered most of Maine
Sep 2005 (E. Sayre); 65 kestrels at Cutler grassland, 12 Sep 1988 average of 600 kestrels each fall, 1995–2018, with a daily high
count of 346 birds on 11 Sep 2001 (HawkCount 2018). Barnes I.
Hawkwatch averaged 525 individuals per fall and 16 or more days with >200 birds in the period 1965–2009 (G. Appell), but only
188/fall 2009–2018 (HawkCount 2018), a notable decline. Historic daily high counts: 414 on 28 Sep 1975, 301 on 7 Oct 1975, and 328 on 15 Sep 1988 (G. Appell, P. Donahue et al.). High counts at
Mt. Agamenticus: 181 on 8 Oct 1981 (PDV), 101 on 24 Sep 1989
(L. Phinney), 100 on 19 Sep 1992 (S. Mirick), and 93 on 18 Sep
1999 ( J. Dwight); in Nov, 11 on 9 Nov 1999, and 8 on 25 Nov 1999 (both L. Phinney). In Cumberland, 85 reported on 12 Sep 1994
(L. Brinker). Regular but not numerous on outer islands. High
counts on Monhegan I.: 70 on 17 Sep 2013 (T. Johnson, PDV, et al.), 25 on 21 Sep 1991 (PDV), 35 on 2 Oct 1994 (L. Brinker), 40
on 14 Sep 1986 (PDV). W inter :
Status in Maine: Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Merlins in Maine were regular migrants, possibly irregular as a breeding species, and rare in winter. Starting in the 1960s, the species suffered the same population declines experienced by other raptors as a result of organochlorine-based pesticides. Merlins made a remarkable recovery and increased as fall migrants beginning in the 1970s. Confirmed nesting in Maine in 1986, the population has expanded enormously since. They now breed commonly throughout much of the state except in York and Cumberland Counties. This species has become more regular in winter along the coast and along major rivers (Warkentin et al. 2005).
Uncommon to occasional along s. ME coast and
occasional to rare inland. Reported more regularly 1950s–1980s
than at present, despite recent increased observer activity. Longterm CBCs (Augusta, Bangor–Bucksport, Bath area, Eastport,
Lewiston–Auburn, Mount Desert I., Orono–Old Town,
Portland, Schoodic Pt., Thomaston–Rockland, Waterville, York)
demonstrate sharp decline 1970–2010. When calculated by decade,
33 kestrels on these CBCs in 1970s, 46 in 1980s, 20 in 1990s, and 14 in 2000s. In 1970s, kestrels registered on 9 different Bangor– Bucksport counts and on 7 Orono–Old Town CBCs. Each of these counts have recorded only 1 kestrel since 1990.
Additional reports confirm general pattern of decline
since 1980s: 7 reports in Jan 1963, northernmost in Orrington,
Penobscot Co., 2 Jan 1963 (MFN 19: 28); in 1984, >14 individuals, high count of 4 at Reid S.P., 29 Jan 1984 (PDV). PDV reported
1–5 winter kestrels almost annually 1978–1987, but none in 1990s and only 3 since 2000. Northernmost reported from Sherman
Station, Aroostook Co. ( J. Elwell, PSNH, Jan 1968), and in
Lincoln, 26 Jan 1978 (PDV). In last decade, northernmost
report from Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 16, 21, and 31 Jan 2017 (S.
Mierzykowski, eBird). In Somerset and Franklin Cos., reported
376
Merlin
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 243) provided evidence that Merlins nested in ME, noting “young birds have been seen which were unable to fly, evidently just out of the nest, and during June
Order Falconiformes • Family Falconidae
the parents have been observed in a great state of excitement…. I have had them both swoop down at me, uttering an angry “ki-e-e-e-e-e” and exhibit every indication of trying to protect a nest.” Palmer dismissed Knight’s observations and considered these reports more likely misidentified American Kestrels. The two species are obviously different, thus it seems unlikely that this was an identification error. We think that Knight’s report was legitimate. Both authors reported that Merlins were regular spring and fall migrants and that some individuals occasionally overwintered.
breeding (WJS, FN 52: 30). Subsequently, Merlins spread south
throughout much of ME. In 1999, species found breeding in
Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert I. (C. Crofoot), and at Bates College, Lewiston (NAB 53: 259); in 2001, Merlins nested in
Camden, Knox Co. (A. Hopps, NAB 55: 413). More recently,
nesting confirmed in Byron, Oxford Co. ( J. Stevens); Gardiner,
Kennebec Co. (M. Smith); at Bowdoin College in Brunswick
(N. Wheelwright et al.); and in Gorham, Cumberland Co. (L.
Brinker). By 2010, common breeders in all ME counties except
York and Cumberland Cos., where they appear more local.
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Eastern subspecies F. c. columbarius, breeds in N. Am. from NL, Maritime Provinces, ME west through cen. Canada to AK, south in the east to PA, MD, and WV. Winters from coastal ME and New England south to FL, TX, Caribbean, Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. S pring :
! !
! !
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!! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! !
! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! !! !!! ! ! ! ! !!! !! !!!! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! !!! !!!! ! ! !! !! ! !!! !! !!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !!! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ( May-July 1980s Records ! ! !!! ! ( May-July 2010s Records ! ! !
Regular spring migrant, appearing mid-Mar, peak
numbers late Apr–early May; diminishing numbers through
late May. One or 2 individuals usually encountered in open areas
such as marshes and open fields. One to 4 individuals/day typical
on Monhegan I. with high count of 6 birds on 27 Apr 2011 (T.
Magarian). Bradbury Mtn. Hawkwatch recorded an average of
54 individuals per spring, 2004–2018 (HawkCount 2018). High count: 24 Merlins on 21 Apr 2016 (A. Stunkel et al.). Inland
migrants generally appear in Apr: 1 at T5 R8 WELS, n. Penobscot
!
Merlin Range Expansion
Co., 24 Apr 1960 (MFO 5: 34); 2 in Lewiston, 29 Apr 1999 (D.
Haines). In Aroostook Co., early reports: 1 in Caribou on 26 Mar
2008; 2 at same locality on 24 Mar 2013; 1 in Presque Isle, 24 Mar
2003; 1 in Woodland, 28 Mar 2003 (all WJS). In Penobscot Co., an early individual in Bangor, 14 Mar 2007 (S. Smith).
S ummer :
Remarkable breeding range expansion throughout
ME and n. New England since late 1980s. Species did not breed in ME since early 20th century and was not confirmed on
ABBM (Adamus 1987). First confirmed nest found on Trafton I., Harrington, 28 Jul 1986, when 2 adults were observed feeding 2
young in nest (fide W. Hancock). In 1988, breeding confirmed at
2 additional sites: 3 immatures from local nest at Sprague Neck, 10 Aug 1988, (CDD, W. Petersen), and 2 young fledged from
nest at Spencer Pond, Spencer Bay Twp., E. Middlesex Canal
Grant, Piscataquis Co., Aug 1988 (R. Joseph, AB 43: 63).
Merlin’s breeding distribution expanded dramatically
after initial nest reports. In 1990, nesting confirmed in Eustis,
Franklin Co., 4–5 Aug 1990 (D. Reimer, AB 45: 75) and Lily Bay Twp, Piscataquis Co., 31 Aug 1990 (AB 45: 75). Number of nesting Merlins increased substantially in Washington
Co. in 1990s: nests reported from Roque I., Jonesport, and
Western Head, Cutler (both N. Famous); Moosehorn NWR,
Baring (M. Mills); and Cobscook S.P., Dennysville (M. Mills). Count of 12 in Cutler, 31 Aug 1997, probably reflected local
Fall:
Protracted fall migration: early to mid-Aug, many falcons
disperse from breeding areas; often found along coast, especially near shorebird concentrations. Migration starts late Aug, peaks
late Sep to mid-Oct, diminishing through mid-Nov; scarce by
Dec. Usually encountered in small numbers (1–5 typical); large numbers seen especially on coast and outer islands following
cold fronts with strong NW winds. Barnes I. Hawkwatch often recorded 40–60 individuals under these conditions; notably
high counts: 76 on 25 Sep 1986, 87 on 3 Oct 1990, 84 on 7 Oct
1997, 76 on 18 Sep 1999, 86 on 11 Oct 1999, 117 on 15 Oct 2000 (G. Appell, P. Donahue et al.). Highest single-day count,
2009–2018: 46 Merlins on 22 Oct 2010. Average fall count at this site rose steadily: 1970s, 38.6 individuals/fall; 1980s, 74.1/
fall; 1990s, 100.7/fall; 2000s, 102.9/fall; and 2009–2018, 110.5/fall
(HawkCount 2018). Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch recorded average of 65 individuals/fall, 1995–2018 (HawkCount 2018). A decline of 2.77% per year was noted 2006–2016 (Crewe et al. 2016).
Notably high daily counts on Monhegan I.: 110 on 25 Sep 1981,
50 on 26 Sep 1981, 60 on 14 Sep 1986, 70 on 25 Sep 1986 (all PDV et al.); 50 on 26 Sep 2013 (P. Brown).
377
Birds of Maine W inter :
Small numbers winter regularly in ME, primarily on
coast from Hancock to York Cos. Generally rare to occasional in 1957–2000 with 10 reports/winter including
inland areas along Penobscot R. north to Bangor and Kennebec
R. north to Benton, Kennebec Co., 19 Feb 2008 ( J. McElderryMaxwell), and Waterville, 2 Dec 2005 (D. Mairs).
Notable inland observations prior to 2002, 1 bird each:
Skowhegan, 21–26 Feb 1970 (MN 1[9]: 6); Danforth, Washington Co., 1 Jan 1972 (MN 4: 3); Bethel, 21 Feb 1973 (P. Cross); Dover-
Foxcroft, 24 Feb 1973 (ref. unk.); Bangor, 18 Feb 1983 (N. Famous); Benton, 21 Dec 1997 (W. Sumner); Clinton, 12 Dec 1998 (D.
Mairs); Fairfield, 20 Dec 1998 (W. Sumner). In Turner, 1 bird
each: male, 1–3 Dec 1994, 6 and 16 Dec 1999, and 18 Dec 2001 (all J.
Despres). Only Merlin reported from Aroostook Co. observed in
Presque Isle, 27 Dec 2008 ( J. Johnston, fide WJS). In Franklin Co., individual in Rangeley, 15 Feb 2013 (C. Curris).
PDV
Russia. In N. Am., from n. NL, QC, to AK. Winters in N. Am., breeding range south to n. New England, throughout n. U.S., occasionally south to cen. U.S. Remarks: Current eBird policy protects locations of sensitive species to prevent targeted harassment, including capture and killing. The 20 km (12.4 mi.) grids for regional observations are given but not specific locations or dates within those blocks. Information from eBird below is gleaned within these limitations and is not offered with intent to interfere with the protection of species. S pring :
Gyrfalcons occasionally pass through ME in late Feb–
Mar. Since 1954, >14 Mar reports and 4 Apr observations. Late
records: 1 white variant in Deboullie, T15 R9 WELS, Aroostook
Co., 3 and 13 Apr 1997 (S. and G. Flagg); 1 light variant in Ft.
Kent, 15 Apr 1997 (G. Flagg). From eBird: 2 blocks on s. ME coast Mar–May 2007–2017.
S ummer :
One extraordinary record of a white Gyrfalcon
from Monhegan I., 22–25 Jun 1969 (R. and L. Coates et al.) may
Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
A phenomenal Arctic predator moves south for winter
Status in Maine: Gyrfalcons are casual in Maine, primarily on the coast and along major rivers. The species first appears in mid-October and remains through winter. The number of observations increases in March, suggesting a movement north during this period. There are few April reports and one summer record from Monhegan Island in June 1969. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 240) expressed considerable doubt about the validity of listing the white color-morph of Gyrfalcon as a separate species, the “Greenland Falcon” (F. islandus) as the AOU Check-list did, stating “the arrangement and relationship adopted in the A. O. U. List … is very doubtful. My own personal preference and ideas are strongly otherwise.” He thought all color-morphs represented the same species; a position presently held by the AOS. Knight reported a black Gyrfalcon shot on Spurwink Marsh, Cape Elizabeth, in mid-Sep 1887; this appears to be the earliest fall record. Palmer considered this species to be an occasional winter visitor with extreme dates from mid-Sep, citing Knight, to late Mar. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Nests on cliffs throughout high Arctic in n. N. Am., Europe, and 378
be only summer record for New England. Published report
reads: “From Monhegan Is., Me, comes an impeccable record
of a white variant Gyrfalcon seen on June 22 by Ronald and
Lona Coates and again three days later by another group of six
observers and carefully studied, by telescope, while the bird was
both perched and flying” (AFN 23: 639). No ME records for this
species reported to eBird in Jun-Jul 2007-2017. F all :
Gyrfalcons undoubtedly pass south through ME with
regularity, but species is not annual in fall. No reports in 9
years at Cadillac Mtn. Hawkwatch, and 1 record in >50 years
at Barnes I. Hawkwatch: a “pearl gray” bird on 19 Oct 1988 (G.
Appell, AB 43: 63). Fall migration mid-Oct and Nov to early Dec, birds observed primarily near or along coast and along
major rivers: 9 in Oct, 11 in Nov, and 2, 1–3 Dec. Earliest known fall record, a bird shot in Scarborough, mid-Sep 1877 (Palmer
1949). Other early records: 1 shot in Cape Elizabeth, 13 Oct 1877 (Palmer 1949); 1 shot in S. Winn, Penobscot Co., 8 Oct 1896
(Palmer 1949); 1 gray bird in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 11 Oct
1958 (AFN, cit. unk.). No ME records for this species reported to eBird in Aug-Nov 2007-2017.
W inter :
Forty-seven or more reports since 1954, primarily
along coast and major rivers. Statewide observations equally
distributed in Dec (15), Jan (16), and Feb (16). Reports of
>8 different individuals from Mount Desert I., particularly
Mount Desert Narrows, Trenton, and Lamoine. Inland reports primarily from major rivers. Kennebec R.: 1 in Clinton, 15 Dec
1991 (F. Davis, AB 46: 237); 1 gray in Fairfield, 29 Feb 1992 (obs.
unk.); 1 in Clinton, 1 Mar 1992 (W. Sumner, AB 46: 394); 1 dark
variant in Richmond, 22 Dec 2001 (PDV). Androscoggin R.: 1
Order Falconiformes • Family Falconidae
in Lewiston, 26 Dec 1954 (obs.unk.) and 31 Dec 1996 ( J. Scher).
Penobscot R.: 1 dark variant in Enfield, Penobscot Co., 7 Jan
1966 (MFN 22: 45); 1 in Milford, 27 Feb 1992 (M. Hunter, A. Calhoun); 1 in Bangor, 2 Dec 2004 (Guillemot 34: 57). Other
inland occurrences: 1 in Fryeburg, 5 Jan 1968 (fide C. Packard,
NMAS Jan 1968); 1 in Bradford, Penobscot Co., 12 Jan 1987 (D.
Tarbet); 1 in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 3 Dec 1988 (B. Barker, AB
43: 285); 1 in Ft. Kent, 22 Feb 1994 (Guillemot 24: 4). From eBird: 2 southern coastal record blocks and 1 Downeast, Jonesbororegion block, Dec–Feb 2007–2017.
PDV
Peregrine Falcon
now nest in several ME cities. Widespread use of organochlorine pesticides, 1940s–1970s, caused eggshell thinning and subsequent reproductive failure (White et al. 2002). By 1960s, peregrines no longer bred in the Northeast; last known nest reported from ANP, Mount Desert I., was in 1962 (MDIFW 2003b). From 1984–1997, MDIFW released 153 young captive-bred peregrines at historical eyries. First successful nest was documented in Oxford Co. in 1988, and since then pairs have nested at 37 different sites in ME (MDIFW 2003b). The breeding population has increased to about 30 pairs (MDIFW 2003b).
Falco peregrinus
Gone by the 1960s, peregrines have now recovered and continue to increase
Status in Maine: Since 1988, small numbers of Peregrine Falcons have nested in Maine on steep cliff sites inland and on the coast. Fall migrants are seen widely across all of Maine, but most are concentrated along the coast and outer islands. Uncommon in spring, they are most frequently reported March to May. Spring migration of peregrines tends to be via interior flyways, similar to shorebirds. Common and sometimes numerous during fall migration; the peak occurs late September to mid-October. On days with strong northerly winds, it is possible to see more than 20 individuals at preferred strategic stopovers, such as Monhegan Island, where juvenile falcons, especially, can efficiently hunt migrant prey. Adult peregrines breeding in Maine seem to be year-round residents, as in much of the Northeast. ANP documented wintering peregrines near nests as each pair set up residence starting in 1988. Even in January at far northern locations, like Kineo (Piscataquis County), ice fishermen see peregrines near their nests. This species now winters regularly along the coast and, more recently, on major rivers. Maine Conservation Status: Endangered (breeding population only). Historical Status in Maine: Knight said that a few pairs of e. Peregrine Falcons (F. p. anatum) nested in the mountains of w. ME, and that the species was common along the coast in Oct. Palmer also considered these falcons rare breeders in ME, noting there were probably 10 peregrines daily on Monhegan I. under favorable
by Mar but some winter locally and are seen at nest sites
1981 (PDV et al.), 25 on 30 Sep 1989 (B. Nikula), 22 on 25 Sep
Usually incubate in May, fledglings seen mid- to late Jul
Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, eBird). Barnes I., Hawkwatch documented
region). With >5 eyries, Mount Desert I. and surrounding
in ME; they nest regularly on Beech Mtn., Champlain Mtn.,
Frenchman Bay (B. Connery). Adults usually return to eyries in Feb: 2 at Champlain Mtn., 28 Feb 2003 (W. Townsend).
(W. Townsend et al.). Known to use bridges and buildings for nesting and found in Portland (m.ob.); Bath (PDV );
and Arctic. Six to 8 birds on Monhegan I. late Sep–early Oct
considered low for weekly counts in 2000. Recovery evident by
NW winds: 11 on 28 Sep 2017 (B. Barker, eBird), 14 on 26 Sep
1996 (PDV et al.), 30 on 30 Sep 2008 (D. Lovitch et al.), 39 on 11 population increase: 1970s seasonal average, 9.1 individuals
increased to 26.2 falcons/fall in 1980s (daily high count 41 on 6
Brunswick ( J. Royte); Bucksport ( J. Smith); Lewiston
Oct 1985), 35.9 in 1990s, and 40.8 in 2000s (G. Appell, P. Donahue
Kennebec Co.; Westbrook, Cumberland Co., and Kittery (C.
reported at sea, New Harbor–York Harbor, 4 Oct 1954 (M. Libby).
(M. Knight); Brewer; Old Town, Penobscot Co.; Winslow,
Todd, pers. com.). Also documented nesting on quarry walls in
Sagadahoc and Kennebec Cos. and on inland cliffs, notably Mt.
Kineo, Piscataquis Co., and Evans Notch, Batchelder’s Grant, Oxford Co. (G. Wallace). Peregrines now nest at >5 cliffs historically used by nesting Golden Eagles.
380
et al.). Peregrine Falcons regularly observed during pelagic trips: 8
W inter :
Rare in winter prior to 1995; now annual along coast
to ANP. Unusual Washington Co. report: 1 in Machiasport,
1 Jan 2011 (C. Bartlett, eBird). Early reports, 1 bird each:
Phippsburg, 2 Jan 1956; Enfield, Penobscot Co., 6 Dec 1963
(Potter, MFN 20: 13); Eaton, Washington Co., 13 Dec 1965
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
(Amero, MFN 22: 13); Orient, Aroostook Co., 31 Jan 1968 (Gillis, NMAS Jan 1968); Cape Neddick, 2 Feb 1970 (obs.
unk.); E. Machias CBC, 27 Dec 1972 (N. Famous); Lincoln
Ctr., 18 Feb 1977 (PDV); Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 23 Dec
1981 (M. Plymire); Weskeag R., S. Thomaston, 1 Jan 1989 (M. DiGirolamo). Recent inland reports, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 1–2 Jan 2014 (M. Viens, P. Blair); Fryeburg, 16 Jan 2014 (B. Crowley); UMaine, Orono, 27 Jan 2017
(A. Buckardt); Franco Ctr., Lewiston, 7 Feb 2017 (G. Jarvis); and
Everson Rd., Pittston–Dresden, 19 Feb 2017 (S. Hatch).
Population increase reflected in number of reports on ME
CBCs: in 1960–1980, 1 report; 4 reports, 1981–1990; 7 in 1991–
2000; 71 from 2001–2010 (8 on separate Portland area CBCs);
and 69 on CBCs in 2011–2017. Now regular on inland CBCs in
Augusta, Lewiston–Auburn, Bangor–Bucksport, and once on Waterville CBC. Since 2000, peregrines found farther inland
present on 27 Feb 1980 and three were observed 28 Mar 1980 (PDV). In spring 1980, they rebuilt the nest that blew down, and it seems likely they again bred successfully. USFWS personnel removed a total of 10 birds in late summer. Reports of Monk Parakeets persisted through the summer and fall of 1981, and a single parakeet was reported from Cape Elizabeth in spring 1985 (Guillemot 14: 27, AB 39: 273). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Resident in open lowland savannas from Bolivia and s. Brazil south to Uruguay and cen. Argentina. Occurs irregularly in N. Am. from QC to FL to TX, and rarely to CA (Burgio et al. 2016). Has occurred in all New England states except VT and continues to persist in CT but has not been recorded in Maritime Provinces or NL.
along major rivers such as Penobscot R. north to Bangor and
PDV
PDV
O rder
along Kennebec R. north to Skowhegan (eBird).
O rder
PSITTACIFORMES
PASSERIFORMES Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Parakeets (Psittacidae)
Strictly a New World family, the tyrant flycatchers comprise
This family of ~170 species spans Mexico, Central and South
Although Maine is relatively depauperate in flycatchers,
America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Neither of the two species found north of Mexico (one of which, Carolina Parakeet, is extinct) ever occurred in Maine. One introduced species successfully bred for several years
more than 400 species and are the largest avian family. 21 species in seven genera have been recorded here, including a 2018 record for Gray Flycatcher. Often more easily identified by voice than appearance, these birds offer a challenge to birders.
in Maine before disappearing.
Monk Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus
This exotic briefly bred in Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. There are a few records for Monk Parakeet in southern Maine, where it bred successfully from 1979 to 1981. It has not been seen since 1985. Historical Status in Maine: Introduced. Monk Parakeets were introduced into N. Am. in the 1960s and 1970s (Burgio et al. 2016). The first state record was from Cape Neddick, 21 Aug 1978 (H. Card). Several parakeets were reported nesting at Dyer Pt., Cape Elizabeth, in summer 1979, and they produced at least one offspring (PDV). Two parakeets were
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens
A casual visitor from the American Southwest
Status in Maine: The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a casual fall vagrant with at least 10 records since 1971. The first state record was on Appledore Island, 17–20 September 1971 (O. Hewitt, D. Abbott et al.). This was followed by a report from Bar Harbor on 21 November 1975 (W. Russell). A bird found in Somerville, Lincoln County, 30 October–19 November 1991 ( J. Hassett; MBN 5: 30, AB 46: 65) was the first photographic record; a second bird was photographed in Westbrook, Cumberland County, 10–12 December 1998 (R. Eakin, NAB 53: 146). In 2001, when several Ash-throated Flycatchers were 381
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
(Amero, MFN 22: 13); Orient, Aroostook Co., 31 Jan 1968 (Gillis, NMAS Jan 1968); Cape Neddick, 2 Feb 1970 (obs.
unk.); E. Machias CBC, 27 Dec 1972 (N. Famous); Lincoln
Ctr., 18 Feb 1977 (PDV); Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 23 Dec
1981 (M. Plymire); Weskeag R., S. Thomaston, 1 Jan 1989 (M. DiGirolamo). Recent inland reports, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 1–2 Jan 2014 (M. Viens, P. Blair); Fryeburg, 16 Jan 2014 (B. Crowley); UMaine, Orono, 27 Jan 2017
(A. Buckardt); Franco Ctr., Lewiston, 7 Feb 2017 (G. Jarvis); and
Everson Rd., Pittston–Dresden, 19 Feb 2017 (S. Hatch).
Population increase reflected in number of reports on ME
CBCs: in 1960–1980, 1 report; 4 reports, 1981–1990; 7 in 1991–
2000; 71 from 2001–2010 (8 on separate Portland area CBCs);
and 69 on CBCs in 2011–2017. Now regular on inland CBCs in
Augusta, Lewiston–Auburn, Bangor–Bucksport, and once on Waterville CBC. Since 2000, peregrines found farther inland
present on 27 Feb 1980 and three were observed 28 Mar 1980 (PDV). In spring 1980, they rebuilt the nest that blew down, and it seems likely they again bred successfully. USFWS personnel removed a total of 10 birds in late summer. Reports of Monk Parakeets persisted through the summer and fall of 1981, and a single parakeet was reported from Cape Elizabeth in spring 1985 (Guillemot 14: 27, AB 39: 273). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Resident in open lowland savannas from Bolivia and s. Brazil south to Uruguay and cen. Argentina. Occurs irregularly in N. Am. from QC to FL to TX, and rarely to CA (Burgio et al. 2016). Has occurred in all New England states except VT and continues to persist in CT but has not been recorded in Maritime Provinces or NL.
along major rivers such as Penobscot R. north to Bangor and
PDV
PDV
O rder
along Kennebec R. north to Skowhegan (eBird).
O rder
PSITTACIFORMES
PASSERIFORMES Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Parakeets (Psittacidae)
Strictly a New World family, the tyrant flycatchers comprise
This family of ~170 species spans Mexico, Central and South
Although Maine is relatively depauperate in flycatchers,
America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Neither of the two species found north of Mexico (one of which, Carolina Parakeet, is extinct) ever occurred in Maine. One introduced species successfully bred for several years
more than 400 species and are the largest avian family. 21 species in seven genera have been recorded here, including a 2018 record for Gray Flycatcher. Often more easily identified by voice than appearance, these birds offer a challenge to birders.
in Maine before disappearing.
Monk Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus
This exotic briefly bred in Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. There are a few records for Monk Parakeet in southern Maine, where it bred successfully from 1979 to 1981. It has not been seen since 1985. Historical Status in Maine: Introduced. Monk Parakeets were introduced into N. Am. in the 1960s and 1970s (Burgio et al. 2016). The first state record was from Cape Neddick, 21 Aug 1978 (H. Card). Several parakeets were reported nesting at Dyer Pt., Cape Elizabeth, in summer 1979, and they produced at least one offspring (PDV). Two parakeets were
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens
A casual visitor from the American Southwest
Status in Maine: The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a casual fall vagrant with at least 10 records since 1971. The first state record was on Appledore Island, 17–20 September 1971 (O. Hewitt, D. Abbott et al.). This was followed by a report from Bar Harbor on 21 November 1975 (W. Russell). A bird found in Somerville, Lincoln County, 30 October–19 November 1991 ( J. Hassett; MBN 5: 30, AB 46: 65) was the first photographic record; a second bird was photographed in Westbrook, Cumberland County, 10–12 December 1998 (R. Eakin, NAB 53: 146). In 2001, when several Ash-throated Flycatchers were 381
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
(Amero, MFN 22: 13); Orient, Aroostook Co., 31 Jan 1968 (Gillis, NMAS Jan 1968); Cape Neddick, 2 Feb 1970 (obs.
unk.); E. Machias CBC, 27 Dec 1972 (N. Famous); Lincoln
Ctr., 18 Feb 1977 (PDV); Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 23 Dec
1981 (M. Plymire); Weskeag R., S. Thomaston, 1 Jan 1989 (M. DiGirolamo). Recent inland reports, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 1–2 Jan 2014 (M. Viens, P. Blair); Fryeburg, 16 Jan 2014 (B. Crowley); UMaine, Orono, 27 Jan 2017
(A. Buckardt); Franco Ctr., Lewiston, 7 Feb 2017 (G. Jarvis); and
Everson Rd., Pittston–Dresden, 19 Feb 2017 (S. Hatch).
Population increase reflected in number of reports on ME
CBCs: in 1960–1980, 1 report; 4 reports, 1981–1990; 7 in 1991–
2000; 71 from 2001–2010 (8 on separate Portland area CBCs);
and 69 on CBCs in 2011–2017. Now regular on inland CBCs in
Augusta, Lewiston–Auburn, Bangor–Bucksport, and once on Waterville CBC. Since 2000, peregrines found farther inland
present on 27 Feb 1980 and three were observed 28 Mar 1980 (PDV). In spring 1980, they rebuilt the nest that blew down, and it seems likely they again bred successfully. USFWS personnel removed a total of 10 birds in late summer. Reports of Monk Parakeets persisted through the summer and fall of 1981, and a single parakeet was reported from Cape Elizabeth in spring 1985 (Guillemot 14: 27, AB 39: 273). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Resident in open lowland savannas from Bolivia and s. Brazil south to Uruguay and cen. Argentina. Occurs irregularly in N. Am. from QC to FL to TX, and rarely to CA (Burgio et al. 2016). Has occurred in all New England states except VT and continues to persist in CT but has not been recorded in Maritime Provinces or NL.
along major rivers such as Penobscot R. north to Bangor and
PDV
PDV
O rder
along Kennebec R. north to Skowhegan (eBird).
O rder
PSITTACIFORMES
PASSERIFORMES Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Parakeets (Psittacidae)
Strictly a New World family, the tyrant flycatchers comprise
This family of ~170 species spans Mexico, Central and South
Although Maine is relatively depauperate in flycatchers,
America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Neither of the two species found north of Mexico (one of which, Carolina Parakeet, is extinct) ever occurred in Maine. One introduced species successfully bred for several years
more than 400 species and are the largest avian family. 21 species in seven genera have been recorded here, including a 2018 record for Gray Flycatcher. Often more easily identified by voice than appearance, these birds offer a challenge to birders.
in Maine before disappearing.
Monk Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus
This exotic briefly bred in Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. There are a few records for Monk Parakeet in southern Maine, where it bred successfully from 1979 to 1981. It has not been seen since 1985. Historical Status in Maine: Introduced. Monk Parakeets were introduced into N. Am. in the 1960s and 1970s (Burgio et al. 2016). The first state record was from Cape Neddick, 21 Aug 1978 (H. Card). Several parakeets were reported nesting at Dyer Pt., Cape Elizabeth, in summer 1979, and they produced at least one offspring (PDV). Two parakeets were
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens
A casual visitor from the American Southwest
Status in Maine: The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a casual fall vagrant with at least 10 records since 1971. The first state record was on Appledore Island, 17–20 September 1971 (O. Hewitt, D. Abbott et al.). This was followed by a report from Bar Harbor on 21 November 1975 (W. Russell). A bird found in Somerville, Lincoln County, 30 October–19 November 1991 ( J. Hassett; MBN 5: 30, AB 46: 65) was the first photographic record; a second bird was photographed in Westbrook, Cumberland County, 10–12 December 1998 (R. Eakin, NAB 53: 146). In 2001, when several Ash-throated Flycatchers were 381
Birds of Maine
found in the Northeast, including at least four in New Brunswick (Guillemot 31: 57), another was reported in West Bath, 15 December 2001 (M. Dauphin). A probable Ash-throated Flycatcher found in the western Maine foothills at Claybrook Mountain Lodge, New Portland, Somerset County, in November 2003, was one of many in the Northeast that year (R. Joseph). Saco had a resident Ash-throated Flycatcher on the Riverwalk for a few weeks, 26 November–13 December 2006 (D. Lovitch et al.). On Monhegan Island, an Ash-throated Flycatcher was recorded on 23 October 2011 ( J. Trimble et al.) and another on 21 October 2013 (T. Mazerall, eBird). The most recent record was at Capisic Pond, Portland, 23–27 October 2015 (B. Bunn, G. Smith; eBird). Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer listed the Ash-throated Flycatcher as occurring in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in N. Am. from Mexico, TX, and CO, north to WA and CA. Winters primarily in Mexico, rarely s. TX, NM, AZ, and CA. Recorded in all New England states except VT, and in Maritime Provinces, NFLD, ON, and QC. PDV
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
Maine’s only cavity-nesting flycatcher approaches the northeastern limit of its breeding range
Status in Maine: Great Crested Flycatcher is a fairly common breeder in southern and central parts of the state where deciduous and mixed forests dominate. The species is uncommon in the north and east and rare in northwestern Maine. Historical Status: Knight called the Great Crested Flycatcher “. . . practically confined to the southern part of the state.” Palmer described the species as uncommon but regular inland from the coast about 40 mi. (64 km) in s. ME and rare in n. and e. ME. Though distribution is currently statewide, the increase of records in the north probably reflects an increase in observers in that area in addition to an apparent breeding range expansion. In 1958, A. Cruickshank reported Great Crested Flycatchers were “astonishingly common and widely distributed this summer, some occurring even on islands off the coast during June and early July” (MFN 14: 82). 382
Great Crested Flycatcher Breeding Range
Global Distribution: Breeds throughout e. N. Am., s. NS, nw. NB to sw. QU and west to e. cen. AB, south to s. FL, Gulf Coast, se. and cen. TX west to n. Cohuila, Mexico. Winters from s. FL through cen. Mexico (Veracruz) and Cen. Am. south to Columbia and Venezuela. S pring :
Typically arrives second week of May in s. ME
and along coast to Mount Desert I.; statewide by 20 May.
Movement peaks last week of May, tapers in early Jun. Earliest
arrival dates in s. cen. Maine, 1 each: N. Yarmouth, 24 Apr 2010
(S. Walsh); heard in Turner, 27 Apr 1990 ( J. Despres, MBN 4[1]: 7); W. Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 28 Apr 1984 (E. Smith, R.
Thomas). In last days of Apr 2011, an unusual number found in
coastal s. ME. Typically arrives in n. ME by third week of May,
earliest arrival date n. ME, 9 May 2006 in Washburn, Aroostook
Co. (WJS). Species not known to breed on outer islands or in
other coastal locations, but late migrants found into third week
of Jun. Extreme late date for known migrant 26 Jun 2017 at Seal
I. NWR (K. Yakola et al.; eBird). S ummer :
Though somewhat secretive, Great Crested
Flycatcher readily detected by loud, distinctive “wheep” call on breeding territory. A cavity-nesting species, they prefer open
deciduous and mixed woods but will use nest boxes in suburban settings. Confirmed breeding in all counties but Piscataquis
and Washington. Most commonly breeds from s. Penobscot
and Somerset Cos. west to s. Oxford Co. and south to the coast
(Adamus 1987). Also known to breed north to Ft. Kent (Adamus
1987). No nesting documented at altitudes above 1,400 ft. (425 m) and rarely breeds in lower elevations of western mountains.
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
Most young fledge in Jul, can be as early as late Jun in
the south and as late as Aug in the north. A late nest with 5 eggs observed in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 6 Jul 1996
(L. Brinker). Brood fledged from a nest box in Mt. Chase, n. Penobscot Co., on 16 Jul 2017 (WJS, eBird). F all :
Southbound migration begins early Aug with most
Global Distribution: Neotropical. Breeds from Venezuela south through Brazil to n. Argentina and Uruguay. Winters in northern portion of breeding range and the w. Amazon Basin to e. Colombia, e. Ecuador, and e. Peru. PDV
birds passing late Aug to mid-Sep. Early season dates for
suspected fall migrants in locations where species is not known
to breed occur in late Jul. Later dates: local bird in Woodland,
Tropical Kingbird
Aroostook Co., until 9 Sep 2014 (WJS, eBird); 1 flew aboard
Tyrannus melancholicus
Sep 2003 (W. Townsend); and 1 on Monhegan I. on 29 Oct
A species that breeds from Texas to Argentina, recorded in Maine only once
whale watch boat 20 mi. (32 km) south of Schoodic Pt., 21
2013 (PDV, JEP; eBird). Very late Great Crested Flycatcher
discovered in Scarborough, 9 Nov 2006, carefully studied again on 10 Nov to eliminate possibility of other vagrant Myiarchus
flycatchers (D. and J. Lovitch). Other late records believed to be this species but which did not specifically eliminate
other large Myiarchus flycatchers: 1 in Gorham, Cumberland
Co., 13–20 Nov 1960 (MFO 5: 122); 1 in Damariscotta, 12 Nov
1961 (MFO 6: 119); 1 in Farmington, 4 Nov 1978; and 1 in Bar Harbor, 9 Nov 1980, found dead on 12 Nov. WJS
Variegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius
North America’s first occurrence of this South American species
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one record of this South American flycatcher in Maine. Found and photographed at Biddeford Pool, 5–11 November 1977 (Abbott and Finch 1978, ph.), this report is also the first North American record. Seen daily while in Maine, usually perched low in small trees and shrubs, six to 16 feet (two to five meters) above the ground, it often fed on berries. No vocalizations were heard. Southern populations of this species migrate as far as northern South America during the austral winter (AOU 1998). It appears that this record and other more recent North American reports represent migratory overshoots. Additional N. Am. records since the 1977 Maine bird, single birds each: TN, May 1983 (Nicholson and Steadman 1988); ON, Oct–Nov 1993 (AB 48: 106); WA, Sep 2008 (m.ob., eBird); in FL on Jun 2013 (D. Reed et al.; eBird) and Oct 2015 (m.ob., eBird); and TX, Oct 2016 (G. Valero, M. Esparza; eBird).
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one record in Maine. Palmer (1949, 348) listed one specimen (T. m. chloronotus), “[A]n immature male, probably a hurricane visitant, was collected on October 31, 1915, at Scarborough, and is in the collection of the Portland Society of Natural History.” The specimen is now in the Zoology Department collection in Murray Hall at the University of Maine, Orono (examined by PDV in 1986). Other recent records from New England include: one in Connecticut, 12–18 November 1990 ( J. Zeranski and F. Mantlik); one in Hingham, Massachusetts, 11 November–15 December 2000 (S. Avery et al.; ph.; eBird); and one in Falmouth, Massachusetts, 31 October–2 November 2010 (P. Trimble et al.; ph.; eBird). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Breeds from extreme s. TX and se. AZ south through Cen. Am. into S. Am. to cen. Argentina. Winters throughout its breeding range except for extreme northern and southern areas. PDV
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
A regular but increasingly rare visitor to Maine’s coast
Status in Maine: The Western Kingbird is a casual fall transient along the coast with one to four individuals reported nearly annually. This species was accidental prior to 1925 but has since become more regular. Western Kingbird sightings were especially numerous 1950–1980, when four to 15 individuals were seen annually. It is casual inland. There are two spring records. 383
Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 309) considered Western Kingbirds to be accidental, citing a single bird in Eliot, York Co., as the only state record. Palmer determined that this specimen was collected in Oct 1864. Palmer also reported 12 records 1920–1946, noting four records from 1865–1933, and three in 1925; after 1934, Western Kingbirds became nearly annual fall transients in small numbers, usually along the coast. “In the past three decades, quite a few individuals have come eastward after the breeding season, so that the species is reported regularly in New England in fall” (1949, 348–349). Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds from MN, MB, west to BC, south to w. MO, TX, CA, and n. Mexico. Winters throughout Cen. Am. and uncommonly in FL. Species has occurred in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, ON, QC, and NFLD. Remarks: Maine’s second Western Kingbird record was a bird at a feeding station in Hallowell, Kennebec Co. First observed on 12 Nov 1920, it remained until 15 Jan 1921, when it apparently succumbed to cold weather (TMN 1: 6). There are few reports of this species coming to feeders at any season. S pring :
Accidental in spring; all confirmed records from
Monhegan I.: 1 on 15 May 2002 (fide L. Brinker, Guillemot
32: 26); 1 ph. on 15 Jun 2002 (D. Abbott, DWF); 1 other spring record on 29 May 2010 (K. Lindquist, eBird).
S ummer :
Only known summer record: 1 at Cold Spring Cattle
Ranch, Somerset Co., 1 Jul 2011 (M. Fahay, eBird). F all –W inter :
In the late 1950s–1970s, 4–20 individuals
reported annually and sometimes found in numbers at coastal
migration traps. Monhegan I.: 2 in Sep 1956 (obs. unk.); 15, 6–15 Sep 1957 (obs. unk.); 3 banded, 4–9 Oct 1961 (MFO 6: 106);
and 6, 26 Sep–10 Oct 1970 (AB 25: 29). By 1980s, less numerous but annual, 1–5 birds reported each fall: 4, fall 1988 (AB 43: 65).
In 1989, none on Appledore I. “for the first time in 15 years of banding there” (D. Holmes, AB 44: 58). Numbers have
continued to diminish and Western Kingbirds are again only
casual fall vagrants: 6 in coastal New England from Washington
Co., ME, to Fairfield Co., CT, in 1995 (FN 50: 23); 3 in 1996 (FN
51: 26); 16 in coastal New England from Monhegan I. to CT in
1997 (FN 52: 32); 5 in 1999 (NAB 54: 29); and none in 2000 (NAB
55: 29). More than 15 sightings since 2010, including: 1 in Vinal
Cove Marsh, Knox Co., 3 Aug 2010 (P. Chamberlin, eBird) and
1 in Mousam R. estuary, York Co., 18 Aug 2014 (K. Janes, eBird); 1 in Fryeburg, 24–25 Sep 2010 (B. Crowley, P. Albert, and D.
Doubleday, eBird); and 1 at Wyman Rd., Benton, Kennebec Co.,
384
29 Sep 2010 (M. Viens, eBird); 1 at Sandy Pt., Cousins I., 7 Oct
2016 (B. Marvil, eBird); and 1 on Cape Elizabeth, 8 Oct 2012 ( J. Berry, eBird). Nearly annual on Monhegan I., latest fall record,
22 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox eBird). Other notably late records,
fide eBird: 1 at Seal Harbor, Hancock Co., 16 Nov 2014 (D. and
K. Lima); 1 at Tuttle Rd., Cumberland Ctr., Cumberland Co., 25 Nov 2014 (R. Timberlake); Rockland, 10 Dec 1979 (MBL 2[1]:
12); and Cape Neddick, 16–18 Dec 1984 (F. Sanford et al.). PDV
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
A large flycatcher of open habitats, conspicuous when hunting insects
Status in Maine: Despite suffering a significant decline over the past half-century, the Eastern Kingbird remains fairly common in fields, open forests, and marshes throughout Maine. The BBS reports a 4.2% annual decline in Maine 1966–2015, which is noticeably steeper than the 1.3% annual decline over the same period across North America as a whole (Sauer et al. 2017). This decline is most likely due to reforestation and development of open habitats as well as a decrease in flying insects (Murphy 2003). Kingbirds are generally absent as breeders from most islands. The species typically occurs in Maine from May to September, although it seems to be arriving slightly earlier and departing slightly later in recent years. There are no winter records. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered the species a fairly common summer resident through most of ME, although Palmer noted its absence from most islands. Palmer wrote that it arrives in sw. ME in early May and departs the state mid-Aug to early Sep. He also reported “the number of summer resident Kingbirds had been decreasing gradually for 20 years if not longer” (1949, 348). Global Distribution: Neotropical. Breeds from se. QC and Maritime Provinces west through s. Canada and n. into cen. SK and s. NT, west to BC coast, south through CO, ID, WA, and OR to w. TX, across Gulf Coast to FL. Winters in S. Am., primarily in the w. Amazon Basin.
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae F all :
Most migrants seen early Sep. Highest counts along
coast, on Monhegan I.: 18 on 5 Sep 1982, 30 on 3 Sep 1983, 20
on 6 Sep 1983, 15 on 6 Sep 1985 (all PDV); 13 on 2 Sep 2011 (T.
Magarian); 8 on 25 Aug 2015 (T. Stewart). At most, 25 reported at Biddeford Pool, 12 Sep 1987 (A. Wells and JVW).
Although Knight and Palmer called records on 25 Sep
exceptionally late, several recent records from Oct: 1 on
Monhegan, 1 Oct 1982 and 1 Oct 1983 (both PDV); 1 in
Kennebunk Beach, 3–4 Oct 1988 ( J. Ficker, in AB 43: 65); 1 in
Dresden, 10 Oct 1987 ( J. Hamlin); 1 on Monhegan I., 28 Sep–1
Oct 1989 and 2 Oct 2004 (B. Nikula and J. Trimble, respectively).
Exceptionally late records: 1 in Bass Harbor, 24 Oct 1970; 1 at Petit Eastern Kingbird
Remarks: The species is social and will travel and forage in flocks in migration. However, its behavior turns decidedly aggressive towards others when on breeding territory. S pring :
Arrive in s. ME in late Apr–early May, Apr arrivals
occurring more frequently in recent years: 1 in St. Albans,
Somerset Co., 23 Apr 1984 (M. Grover); 1 at Seal Cove, Tremont,
Hancock Co., 23 Apr 1995 (fide A. Bacon); 1 at Norwood Cove, Southwest Harbor, 25 Apr 1996 (fide A. Bacon); 2 in Jefferson,
Lincoln Co., 24 Apr 2004 (T. Manahan); 1 in Falmouth, 26 Apr
2011 (N. Houlihan); 1 on Monhegan I. (T. Magarian) and 1 in
Portland (PDV), both 27 Apr 2011. 1 in Aurora, Hancock Co.
(P. Corcoran), and 1 in Scarborough (G. Smith), both 30 Apr
2011; 1 in Freeport, 29 Apr 2012 ( J. Berry); 1 in Bangor, 29 Apr
2013 (B. Cole); 1 in Birch Harbor, Hancock Co., 22 Apr 2015 (S. Mackenzie). Exceptionally early records: 1 seen and heard in
Orono, 2 Apr 1977 (N. Famous); 1 in Northport, Waldo Co., 30 Mar 1986, in a year when 3 others were reported in late Mar, in
NS, MA, and RI (fide W. Townsend, AB 40: 444).
Most n. ME arrivals mid- to late May: in Presque Isle on 29
May 1988, 15 May 1990, and 16 May 1992 (all M. Trombley).
High counts of migrants on Monhegan I.: 20 on 21 May 1978
(PDV), 16 on 21 May 1997 (S. Surner), 16 on 25 May 2007 (L.
Seitz), 17 on 15 May 2010 (D. Hitchcox), 20 on 14 May 2011 (T.
Magarian), 26 on 30 May 2013 (R. Lambert), 25 on 23 May 2013
(D. Hitchcox), 30 on 23 May 2014 (B. Barker), 23 on 25 May 2014,
31 on 26 May 2014, and 18 on 25 May 2015 (all J. Trimble, eBird). S ummer :
Breeds commonly in open areas, often over or
near water. Increase in beaver populations since 1980s created
favorable wetland habitats, possibly offsetting loss of preferred nesting locations due to reforestation of previously cleared
areas. Most summer records on offshore islands appear to be
unpaired individuals although species documented breeding on
Appledore I. Nesting begins late May in the south and early Jun in the north. Local family groups will aggregate late in Aug at
Manan NWR., 25 Oct 1988 (R. Widrig); 1 critically observed in
Pembroke, Washington Co., 18 Nov 1977 (S. Bahrt, PDV). PDV and WJS
Gray Kingbird
Tyrannus dominicensis
A Caribbean species recorded once in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. One confirmed record (ME-BRC). A single Gray Kingbird was seen daily and photographed along Marginal Way, Ogunquit, 31 October–6 November 2010 ( J. Berry, P. McCormack et al.; ph. arch.). C. Avenengo, of Rhode Island, provided observations on the last day the kingbird was seen: “[Several of us] saw the kingbird emerge from the garden on Marginal Way. It perched in two locations and . . . [we] . . . noted how its wings were drooping, indicating stress. It perched on another exposed branch for a moment and then sallied forth to catch an unseen insect. At that moment, an adult Cooper’s Hawk flew at it coming in low from the west. The Cooper’s Hawk caught the kingbird in its talons, and the two tumbled towards the ground. Feathers were everywhere. Somehow the kingbird escaped and flew off crossing Marginal Way headed for the water. The Cooper’s gave chase only for a moment and then flew into a pine tree for a moment, before circling behind the spruce tree house and disappearing. We were unable to refind the kingbird. . . . a half hour later, we returned to the yard, and the kingbird had indeed returned to the delight of a half dozen people assembled. At this point, however, in addition to the drooping wings, a tail-feather was missing and blood was seen on its secondaries. This marked perhaps the last we will see of this bird.” Avenengo was correct; the bird was not resighted thereafter.
locations with abundant insect prey.
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Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 348) listed Gray Kingbird as hypothetical, based on the account of Gray Kingbird in Bent’s Life Histories of North American Birds. Palmer was unusually brief: “Hypothetical. Two were reported by Martin Curtler on 14 Sep 1938, at the southwestern end of Deer Isle, Hancock County.” Palmer usually added his own thoughts on sight records but chose not to comment on this report. Global Distribution: Neotropical and se. Nearctic. Breeding from FL, GA, rarely to NC, and along Gulf coast to MS, throughout West Indies, to Venezuela. Winters in West Indies and Lesser Antilles to Panama and n. S. Am. Species reported in CT, MA, NB, NS, QC, and ON. PDV
reports undoubtedly refer to the same individual, which was likely in Cornville. Spring–Summer: There
are >25 spring and summer records,
16 of these along the coast. Inland records: in Bridgton, 1 on 31 May 1963 (MASFC), and another 25 Jun 1981 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Ft. Kent, 1 May 1985 (G. Flagg); 1 in Danforth, Washington Co.,
5–15 Jul 1986 (obs. unk.); 1 adult in Franklin, Hancock Co., 14
Jul 1998 (B. Garrett, FN 52: 437); 1 in Houlton, 30 Jun–1 Jul 1999
(D. Dietrich, ph.; NAB 53: 366); 1 in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., 2–5 Jun 2012 (L. Bevier, H. Wilson; eBird). Most reports from late May (8), Jun (9), and Jul (4). Earliest Scissor-tailed Flycatcher reported in E. Boothbay week of 24 Apr 2006 (NAB 60: 351).
In 1988, a female found on Wells Barren, Wells (N. Famous),
associated with an Eastern Kingbird and lingered to 15 Jul
(Eakin and Disney 1988). On 26 Jun, R. Eakin found the female sitting on a nest in a White Pine ~30 ft. (10 m) off the ground.
On 2 Jul, Eakin and associates determined the nest contained
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus
This iconic species of the southern prairies occurs casually in Maine
Status in Maine: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a casual vagrant to Maine, with at least 23 spring and summer records and 15 fall records. Most observations are along the coast, but this species is also rarely reported inland in spring and fall. An unmated female nested in Wells in 1988, laying four eggs that never hatched (Eakin and Disney 1988). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher hypothetical in ME, listing three sight records: two on Matinicus I., one each in Oct 1914 and Oct 1915, and one in Portland, Oct 1939. Global Distribution: S. Nearctic. Breeds from s. NE, MO, w. AR, TX, e. NM to Mexico. Winters in s. FL (rare), s. Mexico, and Cen. Am. Species recorded in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, ON, QC, and NFLD. Remarks: The report in American Birds of a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher coming to a feeder on Vinalhaven I., 5 Feb 1992 (M. Davis, AB 46: 238) has no accompanying description. Lacking proper documentation, this report is inconclusive. The record of a single bird in Cornville, Somerset Co., 8–15 Oct 1967 (AFN 22: 11; ph.) was also reported as occurring in Skowhegan, 13 Oct 1967 (RNEB 23: 15). These
386
4 eggs (Eakin and Disney 1988, AB 42: 1270). These eggs never hatched (PDV). Fall:
At least 15 fall records with 3 occurrences in Sep, 10 in
Oct, and 2 in Nov. Twelve of these flycatchers found along or close to the coast. Three inland occurrences: 8–15 Oct
1967 in Cornville (AB, ph.); 1, possibly 2, adults in Old Town, Penobscot Co., 5–13 Nov 1986 (B. Barker, J. Markowsky, ph.;
MBN 1: 24, AB 41: 59); 1 in Greenfield, Penobscot Co., 11 Oct 2003 (fide J. Markowsky). PDV
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus savana
A conspicuous South American migrant that sometimes overshoots to the Maine coast
Status in Maine: The Fork-tailed Flycatcher is a casual vagrant in Maine with at least 17 records (five in spring and 12 in fall), 16 since 1970. Given numerous reports in recent decades, it is doubtful the lack of reports 1908–1970 reflects a complete absence of these flashy flycatchers in Maine, although the species’ conspicuous behavior and unique appearance make it unlikely to be missed if present. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed a specimen collected in Marion, Washington Co., on 1 Dec 1908. It was examined by Bond (1940, 419) at the New England Museum of Natural History, who confirmed the subspecific identify as the migratory South American T. s. savana.
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
Global Distribution: Neotropical. Breeds in Argentina, s. Brazil, Paraguay, and s. Bolivia. Winters in n. S. Am. in n. Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Columbia. This subspecies has a long history of reverse migration, flying north instead south to S. Am. for the austral breeding season. Spring vagrants are presumably a result of individuals migrating north beyond their wintering grounds. Has occurred in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, QC, ON, and NFLD. Spring–Summer:
5 spring and early-summer records: 1
adult in heavy molt ph. at Ft. Foster, 18–31 May 1994 ( J.
Trull, L. Brinker, ph.; FN 48: 277). Individual associated
with flock of 10–20 Eastern Kingbirds. Second bird ph. on
Kennebunk Plains, 27 Jun 1994. This bird “appeared to be
in fresher plumage and sported a longer tail than the bird
present in Kittery one month earlier. Perhaps this was the
same Kittery bird only further advanced in its molt process”
( J. Bear, ph.; B. O’Toole, P. Dugan, fide L. Brinker). One
at Ft. Foster, 24 Jun 2000 (P. Moynahan, eBird). Immatures
observed at Kittery Pt., 12 Jul 2005, and on Stratton I.,
6–8 May 2006 (R. Lambert, S. Sanborn, ph.). One seen
at Pennellville Rd., Brunswick, 22 Jun 2012 (D. Hitchcox, eBird).
Fall:
At least 12 fall records in ME, 11 since 1970. Nearly
all records reported from along or near coast with 2 inland
occurrences: 1 in Monroe, Waldo Co., 10 Oct 1985 ( J.
McQuilkin, fide B. Barker; MBN 1: 24, AB 40: 258), and 1
full-tailed individual in Manchester, Kennebec Co., 27 Nov
2010 ( J. Timm). Coastal records, 1 bird each: 1 collected in Marion, 1 Dec 1908 (Palmer 1949; see above); Biddeford
Pool, 6–11 Sep 1970 (K. Elkins et al.; AB 25: 29, ph.); adult
in Whiting, Washington Co., 14–25 Sep 1975 (C. Dorchester et al., ph.); Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 9–15 Sep 1976 (S.
Cooke); Goose Rocks Beach, 1–8 Oct 1976 (AB 31: 232, ph.);
Bailey I., Harpswell, 24–27 Oct 1984 (E. Schneider et al.; AB
39: 28); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 23 Aug 1985 (obs. unk.); Cutler, 30 Sep 2007 (ph., fide N. Famous); Belfast, 23 Sep 2010 ( J. Rose, ph.); Stratton I., 2–3 Sep 2011 (L. Seitz, eBird, ph.).
Recent record: 1 at Gilsland Farm, 16–19 Sep 2017 (m.ob., eBird).
PDV
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi
A large flycatcher whose distinctive “Quick-threebeers!” song is no longer heard on Maine’s southern coast
Status in Maine: The Olive-sided Flycatcher is one of the shortest-staying breeding bird species in Maine. It was historically a local breeder throughout the state, but there are no recent records of nesting in southern coastal counties. This species is now more commonly encountered at higher elevations in the western mountains and the northern half of the state. Olivesided Flycatchers declined by 2.9% in Maine, and more than 3.3% in North America, per year between 1966 and 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 81% (Sauer et al. 2017). It is an uncommon spring and fall migrant. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern due to long-term annual decline in ME. Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed the Olivesided Flycatcher as common throughout most of the state. The species was considered a fairly common summer resident throughout Maine including the coast (Palmer 1949), breeding at Westbrook, Cumberland Co. (Norton 1890), and Mount Desert I. (Tyson and Bond 1941), among other nearby islands. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL, NS, NB, ME through n. New England, south to Catskill Mtns. of NY and locally along Appalachian Mtns. in WV, e. TN, and w. NC. Breeding extends west through James Bay to w. AK and south at higher elevations in CA, AZ, and NM. Winters primarily in S. Am. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: In addition to Eastern Wood-Pewee and other flycatchers causing identification confusion, a number of late-season reports of Olive-sided Flycatcher pertain to young Cedar Waxwings, another species that hawks insects from prominent perches in autumn and has a “vested” appearance when viewed from below.
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Birds of Maine
records on Monhegan I.: 1 at Gilsland Farm Audubon Ctr., 9
Oct 2017 (D. Hitchcox, eBird), 1 juvenile on 7 Oct 2000
(L. Brinker, NAB 55: 29), and 1 late Sep–2 Oct 2005 ( J. Trimble, D. Lovitch et al). WJS
Western Wood-Pewee
Contopus sordidulus
A cryptic visitor from the West, confirmed thanks to photos and audio recordings
Olive-sided Flycatcher Breeding Range
S pring :
Typically begin to arrive in ME mid-May, peak
movement near end of May–first week of Jun. Migration
continues through mid-Jun. Early season records, 1 bird each:
Pine Tree State Arboretum, Augusta, 14 May 1988 (G. Therrien
et al.); Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 14 May 1996 (L. Brinker);
Hinckley Park, S. Portland, 16 May 2009 (B. Marvil); and
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single bird was carefully described, photographed, and soundrecorded by W. Hutchison on Roque Island, Jonesport, on 12 June 2018 (eBird). The bird was singing and calling as if territorial but could not be relocated the following day. Accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee (#2018-016). Global distribution: Breeds in w. N. Am., from se. AK to cen. Honduras. Winters in nw. S. Am. south to cen. Bolivia. Fewer than 10 East Coast records, most of these in fall. CDD
Cyr Plt., Aroostook Co., 17 May 2010 (WJS). Recent late-
spring records: a singing male at Capisic Pond, Portland, 12
Jun 2006 (G. Neavoll), and another at Hidden Valley Nature
Center, Jefferson, Lincoln Co., 21 Jun 2014 (D. Suitor, G. Smith,
Merrymeeting Audubon). S ummer :
Vocal, prefers to sing from prominent perches;
relatively easily detected on breeding territory. Breeds in
coniferous forest openings and edges including bogs, flowages,
and clear-cuts with clear airspace for foraging flights. Currently breeds locally western mountains to north and Downeast
northward. Though ABBM confirmed breeding along
immediate coast from Cumberland to Washington Cos., there is no recent documented nesting there. Recent evidence of
coastal breeding is scant but includes: 2 (1 singing) at Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve in Boothbay Harbor on 29 Jun 2000
(M. Libby). F all :
Earliest southbound birds appear where they are
presumed not to breed by early Aug. Recent early records, 1 bird each: Eastern Promenade, Portland, 2 Aug 2004 (G. Neavoll);
Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 11 Aug 2012 (N. Gibb); and
Rachel Carson NWR, 12 Aug 2013 (D. Hitchcox, P. Moynahan et al.). Peak movement of postbreeding adults occurs mid-Aug
(north) to earliest Sep (south and coastally). Latest fall records occur last days of Sep and beginning Oct. Young of the year
typically found on coastal islands and southern locations. Latest
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Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens
A common forest flycatcher named for its song, which is heard into late summer
Status in Maine: Eastern Wood-Pewees continue to be common breeders throughout Maine despite an apparent 3.5% annual decline on Breeding Bird Surveys 1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). The species occupies a variety of woodland habitats but is most numerous in open deciduous and mixed forests. It is less common in northern and eastern areas where young coniferous regeneration associated with commercially managed forestland dominates the landscape. Pewees are late-spring migrants, generally arriving from mid- to late May into early June. Fall migration takes place mid- to late August, peaking in early September. In migration, pewees are found almost anywhere deciduous trees occur. The earliest spring report is of a bird seen and heard in Bath, 24 April 1961 (MFO 6: 40), and the latest fall record was photographed on Bailey Island, Harpswell, 2 Nov 2013 (L. Bevier). previous page: Olive-sided Flycatcher
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Eastern Wood-Pewees common breeders in open mixed and deciduous forests. Palmer (1949, 357) said this species was “uncommon but regular throughout on the mainland, except rare in areas of relatively unbroken forest.” He also said that available data indicated “it was more plentiful as a breeder in the previous century than it is in the present.” Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from Maritime Provinces and s. Canada west to SK, south to FL and e. TX. Winters primarily in n. S. Am. south to Brazil and Bolivia. S pring :
Arrives mid- to late May, peaks last week of May: on
Monhegan I., 10 on 29 May 1983 and 15 on 30 May 1987 (both
PDV, eBird); 8 on 29 May 2010 (W. Sweet); 9 on 30 May 2013 (R.
Lambert); 11 on 29 May 2015 ( J. Trimble, B. Nikula; eBird); 12 on
28 May 2016 ( J. Offermann, J. Trimble; eBird). Unusually early
reports, 1 bird each: seen and heard in Bath, 24 Apr 1961 (MFO
6: 40); Bowdoinham, 5 May 1967 (F. Holmes); Boothbay Harbor, 8 May 1968 (M. Johnson); Petit Manan NWR, 5 May 1989 (R.
Widrig); Scarborough, 6 May 1989 (G. Carson); and Lewiston, 9 May 1989 (D. Haines et al.). Migration continues through early
Jun, stragglers appearing on outer islands into mid-Jun: 17 banded on Appledore I. first week of Jun 1985 (D. Holmes, AB 39: 888).
On Outer Green I., late stragglers reported on following dates: 1
on 24 Jun 2002, 2 on 15 Jun 2003, 1 on 15 Jun 2006, 2 on 9 Jun 2007,
1 on 10 Jun 2009 (all Project Puffin, eBird). Arrive in Aroostook
Co. last week of May, earliest observations reported in Woodland,
23 May 2010, and in Presque Isle, 23 May 2013 (both WJS). A
wood-pewee that arrived in T5 R8 WELS, n. Penobscot Co., 6
Jun 1967, notably late (C. Jones). S ummer :
Generally common in deciduous and mixed forests
and pine woodlands throughout ME. Confirmed breeding
from s. York to n. Aroostook Cos. (Adamus 1987). Although it
continues to be common, species has declined by 3.5% per year,
1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Unlike many other flycatchers, adults often remain on territory well into Aug. F all :
Attenuated fall migration. Suspected southbound
migrants begin appearing in early Aug in coastal locations
where they are not known to breed. Migration occurs mid- to
late Aug, peaks in early Sep, and diminishes later in the month.
On Monhegan I., large counts reported only in early Sep: 8 on 3 Sep 1983, 11 on 7 Sep 1985, 12 on 5 Sep 1987 (all PDV).
Pewees depart Aroostook Co. early Sep, the latest reported in
Woodland, 10 Sep 2014 (WJS). At least 12 Oct records, primarily
the first week: 1 banded on Appledore I., 1 Oct 1995 (D. Holmes,
S. Morris et al.). Late reports: 1 in Falmouth, 16 Oct 1956 (MFO
1: 117); 1 in Carmel, Penobscot Co., 12 Oct 1970 (MN 2: 31); 1 ph.
on Monhegan I., 28–30 Oct 2013 (PDV, JEP); 1 at Johnson Cove
Rd., Birch Pt., Washington Co., 29 Oct 2017 ( J. Hand, eBird); 1
ph. on Bailey I., 2 Nov 2013 (L. Bevier); and 1 on Morse Mtn., 11
Nov 2017 (E. Raynor, eBird). Later reports either undocumented or do not eliminate possibility of similar Eastern Phoebe, which is known to occasionally linger into Dec.
WJS
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
A breeding bird of boreal forests, one of Maine’s most distinctive empids
Status in Maine: The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a fairly common breeder in boggy spruce, fir, and cedar forests in western, northern, and eastern Maine and Downeast islands. It is an uncommon migrant in spring and fall. Historical Status in Maine: The status of this species has changed little since Knight (1908, 317), who knew it to breed “on many of the larger thickly wooded islands along the coast, such as Deer Isle, Mount Desert, Isleboro, Isle au Haut, and in the deeper recesses of the moist interior forests of the northern, western, and eastern portions of the state.” He wrote it was a common but under-detected migrant in s. ME that usually arrived around 1 Jun and departed by the start of Sep. This assessment was echoed by Palmer. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in boreal coniferous forest from NL west through cen. QC, n. ON, n. MB, n. SK to cen. BC, south to Maritime Provinces and west through n. New England to n. cen. NY and ne. PA. Isolated breeding in WV. Winters in Cen. Am. from s. Tamaulipas, Mexico, to w. Panama. S pring :
Later-arriving migrant with brief period of passage.
Typically, first detected in s. ME third week of May and
following week in n. and e. ME. Some years’ arrival dates nearly simultaneous across state, suggesting migration route from west
rather than along coast. Peak numbers encountered last week
of May–beginning of Jun with lingering individuals through
mid-Jun detected at locations where species is not known to
breed. Earliest birds, 1 each: Kittery, 11 May 2014 (D. Akers);
Winterport, Waldo Co., 12 May 1980 (B. Bochan); Lubec, 13 May 2000 (N. Famous); Woodland Bog, Woodland, 15 May
2004 (WJS). High counts along coast: 13 banded at Appledore I. on 1 Jun 1997 (25 banded from 20 May–8 Jun that spring; D. Holmes et al.); 26 at Biddeford Pool, 30 May 2013 (M. Iliff ).
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Birds of Maine
Later migrants away from known breeding locations, 1 bird
each: Canaan, Somerset Co., on 19 Jun 1999 (W. Sumner);
Acadian Flycatcher
Peaks I., Portland, 18 Jun 2015 (D. Lovitch); Unity on 17 Jun
Empidonax virescens
(R. Duchesne).
Casual in Maine, but a regular visitor to Appledore Island
2012 (T. Aversa); Colby College, Waterville, on 16 Jun 2005 S ummer :
Breeds in dense bogs and mossy coniferous forest
including alpine and coastal habitats. Breeding confirmed
from cen. Oxford Co. east to Deer Isle–Mount Desert I. in
Hancock Co., coastal Washington Co., and north through
western mountains to Canadian border (Adamus 1987). Can
be common in poorly-drained boreal forests in n. ME. Favors
dense regeneration in wet areas of harvested stands of spruce,
fir, larch, and Northern White Cedar. First documented nesting in ME in Houlton, 18 Jun 1878 (Purdie 1878). Local juvenile
and adult parents banded at Woodland Bog, Woodland, on 13
Jul 1996 (WJS). Singing males observed in late Jun and Jul at
isolated boggy habitats in Kennebec, Lincoln, and Knox Cos.
but breeding unconfirmed. Breeding pair ph. at ANP, Tremont,
on 17 Jun 2015 (M. Good et al). F all :
Quiet and uncommonly detected during fall migration.
Movement away from breeding areas occurs by mid-Aug,
Status in Maine: The first Acadian Flycatcher reported in Maine was banded in Brunswick, 11 September 1960 (C. Livesay, H. Tyler). The species was next observed and heard singing in Scarborough, 27 May 1967 (D. Perry). It has been a nearly annual spring migrant on Appledore Island since 1984, with as many as 12 individuals banded in late May and June 2007 alone. The Acadian Flycatcher is rare in summer and fall. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight nor Palmer listed Acadian Flycatcher as occurring in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from w. VT, MA, CT, west to s. WI, south to FL and TX. Winters from e. Nicaragua to n. S. Am. On Appledore I., first Acadian Flycatcher banded in
continuing through Sep. Numbers peak at south coastal
S pring :
banded at Appledore I. on 4 Sep 1986 (AB 41: 59). Last dates at
(D. Abbott, UNH bird collection). By 1984, nearly annual spring
on 15 Sep 2012 (WJS), and 1 at Woodland Bog, Woodland, on
May–6 Jun; high counts: 5 banded in 1998, 6 in 2000, 5 in 2002,
locations last week of Aug–beginning Sep. Maximum of 22
known breeding locations: 1 at Aroostook NWR, Limestone,
1 Sep 2015 (WJS). One banded on Metinic I., 10 Oct 2009
(A. Leppold). A notably late record on Matinicus I., 15 Oct
1996 (D. Mairs, M. Libby). WJS
late May 1976 (E. Phinney); second record collected 26 May 1978
migrant on Appledore I., usually with 1–3 banded birds, 21
5 in 2006, 11 in 2007 (S. Morris et al.). Three banded on Metinic
I. in late May 2011 (A. Leppold). Surprisingly few spring records elsewhere in ME, 1 bird each: in Portland, singing male, 5 May
2000 (PDV, NAB 54: 262); 1 calling, 21 May 2005 ( JEP, PDV); 7 Jun 2008 (E. Hynes, eBird). On Monhegan I.: 1 banded, 6
Jun 1984 (M. Plymire); 22 May 2011 (R. Lambert, eBird); 26–30
May 2013 (L. Seitz et al., eBird). In Kittery Pt., 1 was heard and observed, 21 May 2013 (D. and J. Lovitch, D. Hitchcox; eBird).
S ummer :
Rare in summer, few records include: 1 banded on
E. Egg Rock, 11 Aug 1978 (fide S. Kress); 1 in Yarmouth, 9 Jun
1992 (L. Brinker, AB 46: 1121); 1 singing in Scarborough, 19 Jun 1995 (L. Brinker, FN 49: 910); 1 banded at Laudholm Farm,
Wells, 18 Jul 1998, and also on 21 Aug 2013 ( J. Ficker); 1 singing
in Kennebunk, 19 Jun 1999 (S. Mirick); 1 singing on Monhegan
I., 6 Jul 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird). Two remarkable reports from
n. ME, both recorded: 1 in T4 R11 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 8 Jun
1983 (P. Adamus); 1 in Stockholm, 25 Jun 2012 ( J. Grenzke, D. Kroodsma; eBird).
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Breeding Range
F all :
Few fall records, but very likely this species is overlooked
at this season: 1 banded in Brunswick, 11 Sep 1960 (C. Livesay,
H. Tyler); 1 individual on Mount Desert Rock, 20 Aug 1977 (W. C. Russell); 1 at Kittery Pt., 18 Sep 1983 (PDV, D. Abbott); 1
banded in Steuben, 27 Sep 2011 (fide B. Southard); 1 on Machias
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Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
Seal I., 11–12 Sep 2005 (R. Eldridge, eBird); 1 banded on Metinic
I., 1 Oct 2009 and 1 on 10 Sep 2011 (A. Leppold). PDV
week in Jun. Early arrivals: 1 in Brewer, 12 May 1980 (M. Lucey,
C. Whitney); 1 on Monhegan I., 13 May 1997 (PDV et al.); 1 in
Otisfield, Oxford Co., 13 May 2000 (M. Lucey); 1 vocalizing
at Caribou, 15 May 2015 (WJS, eBird). Later spring migrants: 1
on Eastern Promenade, Portland, 7 Jun 2006 (D. Lovitch); 1 on
Alder Flycatcher
Wood I., Biddeford, week of 9 Jun 1998 (P. Moynahan); and 1 at
Empidonax alnorum
Gilsland Farm, 11 Jun 2009 (E. Hynes, eBird).
A short-staying migrant that breeds throughout the state
S ummer :
Status in Maine: The Alder Flycatcher is a regular summer visitor to all counties in Maine, breeding in damp, brushy thickets and regenerating growth. It typically arrives in late May and departs in midAugust. Morphologically, the Alder Flycatcher is nearly indistinguishable from the Willow Flycatcher; the two species were formerly lumped as Traill’s Flycatcher and were split in 1973. In 1895, William Brewster first proposed Alder Flycatcher as a subspecies of Traill’s based upon a series of specimens he collected at L. Umbagog in Upton, Oxford County, in the 1870s (Brewster 1895). An adult male collected on 3 June 1872 by Brewster at Upton is the type specimen for the species (Museum of Comparative Zoology #201367).
species increased 0.7% annually in U.S., 1966–2017, a comparable
Historical Status in Maine: Most early references to Traill’s Flycatcher in ME likely pertain to the Alder Flycatcher due to it being more abundant and widespread than the Willow Flycatcher statewide. Palmer described the species as common to rather numerous in n. and e. ME but less numerous in sw. ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NL west through cen. QC, n. ON, n. MB, n. SK, n. AB, s. cen. BC to cen. AK south to n. CT and NJ west through n. OH, s. MI, cen. WI, n. ND, nw. MT. Winters in S. Am. from Colombia south to Bolivia. Remarks: Species is easily confused visually with other Empidonax species and even in the hand, only extreme individuals are separable from Willow Flycatcher (Pyle 1997). Reports of silent birds seen out of typical habitat and on migration are not reliably identified to species. Vocalizations are usually needed to confirm identification. S pring :
A later spring migrant with earliest arrivals third
week of May in s. and coastal ME. Typical arrival date last week
of May, with migration continuing into second week of Jun in n.
ME. Species typically well-distributed statewide by end of first
Breeds statewide. Common in n. and e. ME where
poorly drained and disturbed habitats are abundant. Emphatic
song of territorial males readily detected. Though BBS indicates
decrease occurred in ME population. This conflicting trend in
ME may reflect habitat succession along roadsides where BBS routes are conducted.
F all :
Like most other nesting empids, Alder Flycatchers are
brief visitors; adults depart breeding territories shortly after
young are fledged and independent. Individuals seen away
from breeding habitat by first week of Aug and movement
rapidly peaks mid-month. Some vocal birds linger on territory
into fourth week, even in n. ME: 1 calling at Woodland Bog,
Woodland, 24 Aug 2003 and 23 Aug 2008, and 1 calling at
L. Josephine, 22 Aug 2012 (all WJS, eBird). Latest positively identified Alder Flycatchers, 1 each: L. Josephine on 4 Sep
2009 (WJS); calling at Winterport, Waldo Co., 4 Sep 2014 (B.
Barker); “pipping” at Richmond, 11 Sept 1992 (PDV); and calling at Sandy Pt., Yarmouth, 11 Sep 2011 (L. Seitz, eBird).
Latest records of Traill’s Flycatchers: 1 ph. at Monhegan I., 12
Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, eBird); 1 ph. at Cape Neddick, 3 Oct 2011
(L. Seitz); and 1 banded on Metinic I., 6 Oct 2011 (A. Leppold). An apparent Traill’s Flycatcher caught by a cat in Ocean
Park, York Co., 7 Nov 1952, would be a remarkably late record. Unfortunately, the specimen, apparently collected, has not been found.
WJS
Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii
Increasing in Maine but often challenging to distinguish from other empids
Status in Maine: The Willow Flycatcher is an uncommon migrant and increasingly local breeder in Maine. It and the Alder Flycatcher were considered a single species, Traill’s Flycatcher, until 1973 when the AOU split them (AOU 1973). Before that time, there were few certain sight records of the Willow Flycatcher or documentation of its fitz-bew song in the state. 393
Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: The historical status of the Willow Flycatcher in the state is challenging to characterize due to difficulty in identification as well as changing taxonomy and range expansion. Neither Knight nor Palmer recognized the Willow Flycatcher, even as a subspecies of Traill’s Flycatcher. Most Traill’s Flycatcher observations made in ME before the 1973 split are assumed to pertain to the more widespread and abundant Alder Flycatcher. The first documentation of Willow Flycatchers in ME is a recording of the species’ fitz-bew song made at Messalonskee L. on 2 Jul 1962 by R. Simmers (Macaulay Library #8161).
Penobscot, Hancock, and coastal Washington Cos. Uncommon local breeder in n. Penobscot to e. cen. Aroostook Cos.
Undocumented north and west of BSP. Prefers more open habitats than Alder Flycatcher and breeding territories favor riparian
meadows, broad river floodplains, and expansive freshwater marshes.
Later breeders persist through Aug: 1 adult with 2 fledglings observed at Gilsland Farm, 25 Aug 2011 (E. Hynes, eBird).
Increased attention following the split produced only a few 1970s reports: one heard in S. Eliot, York Co., 6 Jun 1973 (DWF); one bird heard in Bass Harbor on 5 Jun 1976 (N. Famous); and two birds singing in Eliot, 11 Jun 1978 (PDV, D. Abbott).
! !
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from ME and Maritime Provinces west through s. QC and ON to cen. BC, south to VA, w. NC, w. SC, n. GA, and cen. TN through AR and OK to AZ, into s. CA and n. Baja California. Winters from Mexico through Panama. Remarks: Some vocalizations can be confused with other breeding species. Partial songs and twonote phrases by Alder Flycatcher are occasionally erroneously attributed to singing Willow Flycatcher. On 3 May 2011, M. Smith noted a Brown Thrasher at the Viles Arboretum, Augusta, imitating a Willow Flycatcher song. S pring :
Earliest Willow Flycatchers arrive in ME in third
week of May. Quick to spread throughout the state, numbers
peak near end of month with late migrants seen into mid-Jun.
Regional earliest arrivals: 1 on Monhegan I., 15 May 2005 (H.
Nielson); 1 singing in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 15 May 2014 (C.
Hynes, eBird); 1 at Appledore I., 16 May 2013 (W. Nichols, eBird);
1 at Kennebunk Plains, 16 May 2013 (D. Hitchcox, W. Russell;
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! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
F all :
Willow Flycatcher Breeding Season Records ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 Regular ! ( 2013-2018 Local
Due to the difficulty of identifying silent Empidonax
flycatchers, there are limited definitive fall reports. Records of
vocalizing Willow Flycatchers away from known breeding areas begin to occur in earliest Aug with adults preceding juveniles
southward. Likely migrants: 1 calling at Benton, Kennebec Co.,
on 13 Aug 2015 (L. Bevier) and 1 singing fitzbew, 17 Aug 2013, at
Wonderland, ANP (F. Hareau). A calling individual observed at Belfast City Park, 1 Sep 2012 (S. Hall). Latest records from
Monhegan I.: 1 heard 20 Sep 2012 (L. Bevier, W. Russell; eBird);
1 on 23 Sep 2007 (L. Seitz et al., eBird); and 1 ph. on 27 Sep 2000 ( J. Trimble). WJS
eBird); 2 at Capisic Pond, Portland, 19 May 2000 (PDV, JEP, et
al.); 2 at Viles Arboretum, Augusta, 18 May 2010 (M. Smith);
2 at Norridgewock, 21 May 1999 (W. Sumner); 1 singing in E.
Least Flycatcher
Machias, 24 May 1980 (N. Famous, M. McCullough); 1 singing
Empidonax minimus
reported in Eliot, 23 May 2004 (L. Seitz, L. Brinker).
Maine’s smallest flycatcher, a declining species of mature deciduous and mixed forests
at Woodland, 24 May 2010 (WJS). High count of 7 migrants
S ummer :
ABBM efforts 1978–1983 confirmed breeding at
3 locations: s. Oxford Co., Cumberland Co., and E. Machias,
Washington Co. Singing males now found annually in breeding
season from s. ME north to s. Oxford, s. Franklin, s. Somerset, s.
394
Status in Maine: The Least Flycatcher remains a common spring and fall migrant but has become less abundant as a breeding species in the state. The Breeding Bird Survey reported a long-term annual
Order Passeriformes • Family Tyrannidae
decline of 3.3% between 1966 and 2015, an apparent cumulative loss of 85% of its 1966 population; the species is noticeably less common in deciduous forests. Least Flycatchers generally arrive in early May and depart by early to mid-August, with the peak fall migration in late August and early September. There are fewer than 10 October records, the latest heard and photographed on Monhegan Island, 29 October 2013 (PDV, JEP). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight said Least Flycatchers were common throughout the state. Palmer considered the species to be a common migrant in spring and fall and a common breeder in w. ME, but less numerous in eastern parts of the state. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from sw NFLD, s. Canada, and New England, west to NT and BC, south to WY, locally in OR and CA; also, south through Appalachian Mtns. to n. GA. Winters from s. FL to Mexico and Cen. Am. Remarks: Identification of migrant Empidonax flycatchers is very challenging and birds reported in this account were closely observed and heard calling. S pring :
Generally, arrive second week of May with migration
continuing into early Jun: 1 banded on Appledore I. Jun 1985
(D. Holmes, AB 39: 888); 1 on Seal I., 13 Jun 2011 (D. Suitor, eBird). Rare in late Apr: 1 in Wilton, 23 Apr 1957 (MFO 2:
47); 1 in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 30 Apr 1984 (B. Barker); 1
in Farmingdale, Kennebec Co., 27 Apr 1990 (D. Mairs); 1 in
Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 30 Apr 1991 (D. Anderson); 1 in Union, 28 Apr 2005 (M. Libby); 1 on Monhegan I., 26 Apr
2011 (T. Magarian); 1 in Bangor, 30 Apr 2013 (C. Cole). Species
arrives somewhat later in Aroostook Co., early dates in Presque
Isle: 1 on 17 May 1987 and 11 May 1992 (both M. Trombley); 1 on
9 May 2012 (WJS). In Ft. Kent: 1 on 15 May 1980 (G. Flagg). L.
Josephine: 1 on 10 May 2004 and 8 May 2012 (both WJS). Large
spring counts: 15 in Phippsburg, 12 May 1996 (PDV, FN 50: 256);
25 and 12 in Portland, 11 May 2004 and 17 May 2013, respectively
(both N. Gibb); 25 on Monhegan I., 28 May 2013 (K. Lindquist); and 16 on Monhegan I., 30 May 2013 (R. Lambert).
S ummer :
shrubby fringes close to spruce-fir forests; e.g., in the largely
coniferous landscape of n. Aroostook Co., 18 males recorded in
T19 R12 WELS, 11 Jul 1983 (PDV). Often breed in loose clusters, presumably to stimulate nesting behavior. F all :
Early migrants can be found in areas where they do
not breed and on offshore islands by early to mid-Aug: 1 on
Matinicus Rock, 2 Aug 2003, 1 on 6 Aug 2005, 2 on 4 Aug
2006 (all Project Puffin, eBird); 8 on Monhegan I., 17 Aug
2006 (PDV ). Migration peaks late Aug–early Sep; large counts on Monhegan I.: 12 on 3 Sep 1982, 20 on 3 Sep 1983, 20 on
8 Sep 1985, 15 on 5 Sep 1987 (PDV et al.). Occasional to rare by late Sep. Single individuals banded on Appledore I., 28
Sep 1994 and 25 Sep 1996 (S. Morris, D. Holmes). Critically identified in Oct on several occasions: 1 on Cousin’s I.,
Yarmouth, 3 Oct 2010 (R. Speirs); 1 in Portland, 8 Oct 2012 ( J.
Berry); 1 in Biddeford, 3 Oct 2012 (D. Doubleday). On Metinic I.: single birds banded 5 and 8 Oct 2009 and 3 Oct 2010 (A.
Leppold). On Monhegan I.: 1 on 3 Oct 1997 ( J. Trimble); 3 on
3 Oct 2006 (PDV ); 1 on 11 Oct 2012 (D. Hitchcox); 1 on 29 Oct
2013 was exceptionally late, repeatedly heard calling and ph. (PDV, JEP). PDV
Gray Flycatcher
Empidonax wrightii
A bird of western sagebrush pays Maine a short visit
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single occurrence, 4 October 2018, on Monhegan Island was welldocumented with a description, photos, and video ( J. Trimble, L. Seitz, R. Doherty, D. Hitchcox; eBird, accepted by Maine Bird Records Committee). Global Distribution: Breeds in the Great Basin, north to s. BC, s. to AZ and NM. Winters from se. AZ through most of w. Mexico to Oaxaca and Baja California Sur. Remarks: There are four other East Coast records of Gray Flycatcher: MA, Nov 2006; CT, Oct 2017; DE, Dec 1991; and NC, Jan 2004. There are also several OH and ON records (eBird). CDD
Continues to be fairly common in open second-
growth deciduous and mixed woodlands throughout state, but
clearly declining. Declines may be associated with changing forest structure (Holmes and Sherry 2001). Uncommon or
absent in dense coniferous habitats but occurs regularly along
395
Birds of Maine
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
A familiar summer resident, nesting under eaves and bridges
Status in Maine: Eastern Phoebes are common in all settled parts of the state, nesting on a variety of building structures. The population has remained stable from 1966 to 2015 (Breeding Bird Survey). Spring migration appears to be about two weeks earlier than reported by Knight with birds arriving in late March and early April. The fall migration takes place in late September and early October, with large flights of more than 10 individuals on Monhegan Island occurring between 21 September and 10 October. There are numerous November reports and at least five wintering records. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 312) considered Eastern Phoebes “generally distributed throughout the settled portions of the State, and … scattered in proportion to the number of bridges and other suitable nesting places.” He noted that the species arrived near Bangor 18–26 Apr, much later than is currently the case. Palmer (1949, 351) concurred that phoebes were common in settled portions of the state but felt they were “uncommon in e. Washington and n. Aroostook Cos., and rare or absent from most islands and from extensive areas of forest.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from Canadian Maritime Provinces through cen. ON to NU, south to GA, and TX. Winters regularly in se. U.S., from VA, TN, south to FL, TX, and e. Mexico. Remarks: Depredation of phoebe nests by Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) documented on at least two occasions in Richmond (PDV). S pring :
Arrive in late Mar, peak migration in early Apr.
Variability of arrival dates probably reflects local weather
conditions: in 1990, 2 early phoebes were found at Reid S.P.,
10 Mar (W. Howes et al.); Buxton, York Co., 14 Mar, and
Saco, 16 Mar (both S. Pollock); Augusta, 18 Mar (3 birds, G.
Kemper). In 2012, a notably warm spring, >10 phoebes were
unusually early, arriving 14–19 Mar, first in W. Bath, 14 Mar
(M. Fahay, eBird). Other notable early Mar reports: 1 in Naples, Somerset Co., 17 Mar 1958 (A. Jones); 1 in Kennebunk Beach,
16 Mar 1973 ( J. Ficker); 2 in Harrison, Cumberland Co., 1 Mar
2006 ( J. Preis); 1 in Freeport, 11 Mar 2006 (D. Nickerson); 1
in Talmadge, Washington Co., 14 Mar 2007 (R. Follette); 1 in
396
Ogunquit, 19 Mar 2007 (N. McReel); 1 in York, 12 Mar 2014 (D.
Losier, eBird); 1 in Biddeford, 16 Mar 2015 (S. Mitchell, eBird). On Monhegan I., high counts include: 16 on 6 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird).
S ummer :
Common around farms and suburban areas,
frequently nesting on human-made dwellings and structures such as barns, bridges, sheds, and porches. Less frequently
encountered nesting in forested areas of n., w., and e. ME
(Adamus 1987) because there are fewer suitable structures. Often double-brooded in ME. BBS found a non-significant annual decrease of 1.4% in ME, 1966–2015. F all :
Fall migration peaks late Sep–early Oct. High count for
ME in any season, 55 on 30 Sep 2007 at Hermit I., Phippsburg
(M. Fahay, eBird). On Monhegan I., flights of >10 individuals
occurred 21 Sep–10 Oct. Notably high counts: 16 on 30 Sep 1978
(PDV); 35 on 29 Sep 1998 ( J. Trimble); 19 on 10 Oct 2011 ( J.
Mays, eBird). Seven individuals unusually late on 26 Oct 2010 (T. Magarian, eBird). More than 20 Nov records, latest include: 1 in
Brewer with 6 in. (15.2 cm) of snow on the ground, 23 Nov 1884
(Palmer 1949); 1 on Monhegan I., 23 Nov 1988 (B. Boynton); 1 in
Biddeford Pool, 21 Nov 2012 (M. Zimmerman, eBird); 1 in Old
Orchard Beach, 16 Nov 2013 (F. Mitchell, eBird); 1 in Biddeford
Pool, 17 Nov 2013 (M. Fahay, eBird); 1 in Bangor, 11–14 Nov 2014
(B. Cole, eBird); 1 in Harpswell, 14 Nov 2014 (M. Fahay, eBird). W inter :
At least 5 winter records. First reported in S.
Thomaston as it “chased flies in a shed,” 30 Dec 1990 (D. Reimer; AB 45: 252). Portland-area CBC reported single
phoebes on 16 Dec 2000 and 17 Dec 2005. Recent record
observed in Scarborough, 2 Dec 2007 (W. Sumner). An Eastern
Phoebe reported in Saco on 19 Feb 2006 apparently survived
winter at the outflow from the nearby sewage treatment plant
(R. Harrison). PDV
Say’s Phoebe
Sayornis saya
A casual visitor to Maine from western North America
Status in Maine: Say’s Phoebe was first reported in Maine on Monhegan Island, October 1974 (DWF et al.; ph.). Since then, this species has been a casual fall vagrant with at least 14 documented records, all but one coastal, and eight coming from Monhegan Island and adjoining Manana Island. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer listed Say’s Phoebe as occurring in ME.
Order Passeriformes • Family Laniidae
Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds in ND, SD, NE, KS, n. TX, north to AB, s. MB and cen. AK, south to CA, AZ, NM, and Mexico. Winters in sw. U.S. and Mexico. Regular fall vagrant in Northeast; reported from all New England states, Maritime Provinces, QC, and ON. F all :
moving up the Pacific Coast to OR and WA, and along the Gulf Coast to FL. However, reports from the East Coast are rare. BSV
Monhegan I. records include single birds: Oct 1974
(DWF et al., ph.); 26 Oct 1988 (B. Boynton, AB 43: 65); 14–21
Sep 1992 (T. Martin, AB 47: 66, ph.); 14 Sep 1998 (B. Boynton,
NAB 52: 33); 8–10 Oct 2000 (M. Root et al., NAB 55:29); 5 Sep
2001 (R. Duddy et al.); 26 Sep 2007 (B. Shutsky, B. Nikula; ph. arch.); 16–17 Sep 2017 ( J. Foley, W. Thompson, eBird). Record from adjacent Manana I., 24 Sep 2009 (E. Obercian and S.
Mirick, ph.; eBird). Elsewhere in ME, Say’s Phoebes reported from S. Thomaston, 4 Oct 1978 (AB 33: 157); Bar Harbor, 30
Oct 1978 (W. Russell and J. Dunn, AB 33: 1570); T25 MD BPP,
Washington Co., 7 Oct 1984 (R. Long, ph.); Scarborough, 7 Sep 1998 (juvenile, H. Nielsen, NAB 52: 33); Trott Cape I., York Co.,
6–7 Sep 2009 (C. Rimmer, ph.; eBird); and Bristol, 6–8 Sep 2016 ( J. Mallory et al.). PDV
Vermilion Flycatcher
Shrikes (Laniidae) The world’s 31 shrike species, highly predatory songbirds,
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Flashy bird from the Southwest strays to Maine— highlights at 11
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two confirmed reports of this flycatcher in Maine, both adult males. One bird, appearing disoriented in an Isle au Haut backyard the morning following a southwesterly storm, 9 May 1994, was described in detail (D. Schrader and D. Hiltz; MBN 7[2]: 32–33, FN 48: 277). The second was serendipitously captured via a wildlife video camera on Hog Island, Bremen, on 17 April 2017. A German viewer of the live, remote Osprey nest video noticed the bird. The story of the flashy bird from the Southwest, erroneously reported as Maine’s first confirmed record, was picked up by the Associated Press, aired on local TV news, and was quickly popular on the internet. Historical Status in Maine: No Maine records prior to 1994. Global Distribution: Southwest US to Mexico, tropical and subtropical S. Am. Remarks: Vermilion Flycatchers are known to stray from their normal range in the American Southwest,
are found primarily in Eurasia and Africa, with just two in North America. The more southerly Loggerhead Shrike colonized Maine in the mid-1800s, but has since vanished, part of a rangewide decline. The Northern Shrike is a regular winter migrant from the Arctic and subarctic.
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
The 'butcher bird' is now a ghost on Maine's landscape
Status in Maine: According to Knight, Loggerhead Shrikes first arrived in Maine in the mid-1800s. By the early 20th century, the species had expanded its range throughout much of Maine, with the exception of Aroostook County. By 1949, the species was declining but still regular (Palmer 1949). Loggerhead Shrikes continued to decline precipitously until the 1970s, with the last confirmed breeding in Skowhegan in 1975. Since 1990 it has been at best a casual vagrant in Maine, and not seen at all since 2009. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern but now considered extirpated. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 470–472) said Loggerhead Shrike was generally quite common, 397
Birds of Maine
“extending its range throughout Maine and becoming more common . . . It seems very probable that the species has only been found in the State for not over forty years, as it is well known to have been increasing since first found here and to have extended its range.” The species was “regularly uncommon and local (absent from islands and from most of eastern Maine); transient, uncommon in spring and fall; one winter record. . . . Numbers have decreased in Maine in recent decades, but pairs can still be found in summer regularly at quite a number of localities,” according to Palmer (1949, 436–437). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Current breeding range considerably restricted compared to early 20th century. Breeds from s. ON (rare), irregularly in MI, WI, s. MN, more regular in the Dakotas, s. MB, SK, AB, e. WA, and south to OR, CA, and Mexico; also breeds in s. PA (rare), irregularly in NC, SC, and GA, more common in FL; formerly bred in New England, s. NB, NS, and QC, but extirpated from this area 1950–1970s. Winters throughout much of its breeding range, more northern birds move south. Remarks: Knight (1908, 472) noted “a pair of birds occupies the same locality year after year . . . I have found nests in the same trees or group of trees, and many times on the very same limb from which a nest or nests had been taken in years previously. The eggs also were of the same type so that it was evidently the same birds . . . In one case the male bird was killed, and the survivor soon found a mate and had another nest in the same locality within a month. The next season the female was killed, the male shortly found a new mate . . . and another nest was built, and the eggs laid therein were of a different type. I have known of one pair being in the same locality for ten years, and of several other pairs for only a year or so less than this.” S pring :
Palmer (1949, 436) noted that spring migrants arrived
2–7 Apr, and occasionally in Mar. Records after 1950 consistent with his assessment. From 1950 to 2001, 56 Loggerhead Shrike reports revealed 14% arrived last 2 weeks of Mar, 34% first 2
weeks of Apr, 29% second half of Apr, and 21% in early May.
Formerly annual, if uncommon, spring migrants throughout
s. ME until early 1970s. Dramatic decline and disappearance
starkly revealed by steady decline and then absence of spring
reports. Eight to 10 shrikes reported annually 1950s–1962; 3–6
reports of spring migrants late 1960s–1973, after which species
was no longer annual. Three shrikes reported in 1977, and 1 bird
observed in 1979. Largely disappeared from ME after 1979.
Reports since 1980 are sufficiently rare to warrant enumeration,
1 bird each: Bethel, 20 Apr 1981 (P. Cross); Back Cove, Portland,
16 Apr 1982 (R. Eakin, ph.); Belgrade Ls., 5 May 1983 (MB 5: 22);
Appledore I., 23 May 1990 (AB 44: 399); Cornville, Somerset Co., 3 Apr 1994 (M. Lucey); Mendall Marsh, Frankfort, 28–29 Apr
1998 (FN 52: 306, ph.); Kennebunk Plains, 8 May 1998 (FN 52:
306); Monhegan I., 16 May 2001 (NAB 55: 276). None recorded in spring since 2001.
S ummer : Palmer
reported completed nests with eggs mid-Apr
to early May with fledglings 21 May–late Jun. Often laid more than one clutch with 4 to 6 eggs per clutch.
Nest records from York, Cumberland, Oxford (north to
L. Umbagog), Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington Cos. 1950s–1972; species bred regularly in
Bangor–Brewer to Norridgewock–Skowhegan region. Although likely this species bred in Aroostook Co. historically, the only
confirmed nesting is a report of adults and young seen together at Silver Ridge, s. Aroostook Co., Jul 1949 (BMAS 6: 10).
The last confirmed nesting in ME was in Skowhegan in 1975.
S. Smith provided the following account: “In 1975, as a boy living in rural Skowhegan, Maine I unexpectedly became a surrogate
parent. One morning, near the end of a particularly violent May rainstorm, I found a shivering, half-fledged baby Loggerhead
Shrike at the foot of a gnarled Elm tree in our front yard. On
the ground nearby was a broken nest and one dead sibling, and
I was certain that there would be no hope of survival for this
chick unless I intervened. Caesar (named for a character in the
“Planet of the Apes”) grew rapidly on a diet of live insects, and
within a week or two he was fully fledged. I recall Caesar’s adult plumage coming in very quickly . . . [he] thrived for a couple of
months until (sadly) falling victim to a weasel in our shed.”
Since 1990, summer sightings, 1 bird each: Machiasport, 10
Jun 1990 (L. Bevier, AB 44: 1115); Scarborough Marsh, 7 Jun 2001
(G. Shriver, NAB 55: 414); immature on Roque I., Jonesport, 29 Jun 2003 (G. Herrick, Guillemot 33: 28); adult in Lubec, 2 Jun
2008 (C. Kesselheim, ph.). F all : According
to Palmer fall migration began before mid-
Aug; he noted fewer records after this date. Reports (35 total)
of fall migrants or dispersers 1950–2009 reveal 44% migrated in
the latter half of Aug, 29% first half of Sep, 17% in late Sep, with single records early to mid-Oct and early Nov. Migrants were
annual until 1969, when species became irregular. Most found
along coast and outer islands during this period. Unusual inland
records since 1960 (most ob. unk.): Piscataquis Co., 1 in Lily Bay,
6 Sep 1962; 1 in Rockwood, 10 Sep 1962; 1 adult in T2 R12 WELS, 30 Aug 1969. In Somerset Co., 1 in Norridgewock, 23 Aug 1961. In Franklin Co., 1 in Copley Plt., west of Stratton, 20–21 Aug
1965. In Oxford Co., 1 in Richardson Pond, 5 Sep 1960; 1 in
Hiram, 4 Oct 1965. In Penobscot Co., 1 in T5 R8 WELS, 28 Aug
1960; 1 adult in Lincoln Ctr., 16 Oct 1975 (PDV). In Hancock Co., 1 in Waltham, 17 Aug 1962. In Knox Co., 1 in Union, 22
Aug 1962. In Lincoln Co., 1 in Alna, 23 Sep 1967. In York Co., 1
398
Order Passeriformes • Family Laniidae
in Sanford, 23 Sep 1967. One confirmed sighting since 2000, in
Cutler, 8 Nov 2009 (B. Southard, ph.). W inter :
Two old records: 1 in Portland on 29 Dec 1916 and
1988 (AB 42: 410) was quite likely the same banded individual seen in Martinsville, 18–29 Nov 1988 (AB 43: 66).
again on 22 Jan 1917 (A. Norton, fide Palmer 1949); 1 first winter
S pring :
PDV
Packard); 21 reports, 3 Mar–4 Apr 1984; 15 reports, Mar–early
bird in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 25 Dec 1899 (JMOS 2: 2).
Clear northward movement through ME in Mar–
early Apr: 14 reports in Mar 1957, considered widespread (C.
Apr 1987 (AB 41: 403); 20 in ME, spring 1987 (AB 42: 410). Few
birds linger beyond 20 Apr. Late records, 1 each: T5 R8 WELS,
Northern Shrike
Penobscot Co., 22 Apr 1960 (MFO 5: 37); York, 20 Apr 1966;
A predatory songbird that winters in Maine in variable numbers
2011 (W. Townsend). Exceptionally late, 1 bird each: Trenton
Status in Maine: Northern Shrikes are annual fall and spring migrants. Regular winter residents in Maine, they are common in incursion years, but their numbers can vary widely. The first fall migrants generally appear mid- to late October and most spring migrants depart by late March or early April.
(M. Good, eBird), and an adult in Scarborough, 12 May 2000 (L.
Lanius borealis
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 468) felt Northern Shrikes were “never really common, but still regularly seen along the highways.” Palmer’s (1949, 434) assessment remains accurate to present: “[I]n incursion years, a fairly common transient and winter resident, and in other winters, varying from nearly absent to uncommon.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from Labrador, n. QC, across n. boreal Canada (Hudson Bay), NT, YT, throughout most of AK; southern edge of breeding range constrained by northern limit of spruce in taiga (Paruk et al. 2018). Winters south of breeding range in s. NL, Maritime Provinces, New England, south irregularly to PA, west through s. Canada to IL, CO, and n. CA. Remarks: Northern Shrike was split from Great Grey Shrike (L. excubitor) of the Old World by the AOS in 2017. Northern Shrikes are often territorial in winter, remaining in the same area for many weeks: one in Richmond, 1 Jan–17 Mar 2003 (PDV). It is less well known that some Northern Shrikes return to the same winter territories in subsequent years. J. Cadbury banded a Northern Shrike in Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 5 Jan 1977, which was recaptured 11 weeks later at the same locality, 24 Mar 1977. The same individual was then recaptured the following fall, 28 Nov 1977, and again a year later, 12 Nov 1978. Similarly, a Northern Shrike banded in Martinsville, Knox Co., 20 Apr
banded in Martinsville, 20 Apr 1988 (AB 42: 410); Clarry Hill,
Union, 23 Apr 1991 (D. Reimer); adult in Bar Harbor, 1 May
Community Trail, Crippens Creek, Hancock Co., 2 May 2014
Brinker et al.; NAB 54:262). F all :
Appears in ME mid- to late Oct, continues southward
Nov–early Dec. Species often less numerous in midwinter. Early records, 1 each: Petit Manan Pt., 8 Oct 1992 (G. Hazelton);
Monhegan I., 11 Oct 2016 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); Lovejoy Pond,
Kennebec Co., 13 Oct 2016 (D. Suitor, eBird); immature in Canaan, Somerset Co., 14 Oct 1995 (W. Sumner); adult in
Bar Harbor, 14 Oct 1995 (C. Witt); Cape Elizabeth, 9 Oct
1997 (FN 52: 32); immature in Woodland, 15 Oct 2006 (WJS).
Occasionally migrates in small loose flocks thought to be family groups (Paruk et al. 2018); this probably explains the report of
6–7 shrikes seen together in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 19 Nov 1905 (JMOS 7: 80).
W inter :
Annual in ME but numbers fluctuate substantially
from one winter to another. Abundance can vary by order of
magnitude, apparently responding to local and regional scale
differences in small mammal density (Atkinson 1995). Atkinson also reported a general decline in winter numbers in the
Northeast 1960–1989; this decline appears to have continued to present. CBCs provide the most reliable record of shrike
numbers for ME. Most long-term CBCs report shrikes
on ~90% of surveys with clear flight years. A major flight in
winter 1978–1979; unusually high shrike counts reported from
Bangor (11 individuals), Calais (4), Eastport (5), and Thomaston–
Rockland (7). Other flight years: 1983–1984, when 54 birds
reported Jan–Feb 1984 (MBN 6: 12); 1986–1987, 41 reported in
ME (AB 41: 257); 1990–1991, 27 reported (AB 45: 253); 1995–1996, maximum of 17 reported on York Co. CBC; and in 1999–2000,
55 reported in ME (NAB 54: 157). Apparently, 2016–2017 another substantial flight winter (eBird). Report of 14 individuals on
Portland area CBC, 22 Dec 2007 (fide W. Hancock), exceptional given other CBCs that count period did not record unusual numbers.
PDV
399
Birds of Maine
Vireos (Vireonidae) Although traditionally a family of the Americas, two Old World babbler genera are now also thought to be members of the Vireonidae. Of 59 species in six genera, all nine vireos that have been found in Maine are true Vireos. Simple, repetitious songs are the hallmark of these forest birds, which are often difficult to see.
singing male in Lincoln Ctr., Penobscot Co., 25 May 1976 (PDV).
More regular in small numbers along s. cen. ME coast in 1980s.
Easternmost reported in Lubec, 10 May 1989 (N. Neilsen). Since
2000, regular and almost annual in spring. At least 10 individuals reported in 2014. Regular on Monhegan I., multiple birds
reported. Usually arrives mid- to late May. Several notably early records: 1 freshly dead at Goose Rocks Beach, 12 Mar 1992 (S.
Everett, fide B. Hancock; AB 46: 396); 1 in Bar Harbor, 1–14 Apr
2000 ( J. Markowsky, NAB 54: 262); 1 in Sanford, 29 Apr 2011 (C.
Homler); 1 in W. Bath, 24 Apr 2012 (M. Fahay); and 1 on Bailey I.,
White-eyed Vireo
Harpswell, 28 Apr 2017 (D. Lovitch).
Less common in summer. Palmer listed 2 summer
Vireo griseus
S ummer :
A spring and fall migrant—and a breeding newcomer, with a single record in Maine
27 Jul 1940, and 1 in Medomak, 17 Jun 1941. Next observations
records, both by A. Cruickshank in Lincoln Co.: 1 in Muscongus, reported from Matinicus Rock, 13 Jun 1958, and E. Egg Rock, 11
Status in Maine: The White-eyed Vireo was casual in Maine prior to 1980 but has become a regular spring and fall visitor along the southern and central coast since the 1990s. As many as 10 individuals were reported in the spring of 2014. This species usually arrives mid- to late May with an exceptionally early arrival on 12 March 1992 at Goose Rocks Beach (S. Everett, AB 46: 396). Casual as a summer resident; a breeding pair was documented in 2014. Fall visitors are generally observed in September and October with a few November records. The northernmost observations recorded in Maine are in Lincoln Center, Penobscot County, 25 May 1976 and 16 October 1979 (PDV).
Aug 1980 (Project Puffin). Summer reports: 5 in 1980s, 1 notably
Historical Status in Maine: Knight doubted Whiteeyed Vireos occurred in ME although a Mr. Smith reported one on an unknown date and locality. Palmer listed four records, 1937–1945. It should be noted that White-eyed Vireos bred commonly in MA prior to the 1880s (Veit and Petersen 1993) but disappeared from there, 1880–1930. By the 1940s, White-eyed Vireos once more colonized MA and continue to breed in e. MA. Since they had been relatively common in MA for much of the 19th century, it is surprising there were no observations or specimens taken in ME prior to 1880.
nesting at this locality.
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds in dense deciduous thickets from s. MA, PA, west to IA and TX, south to FL and e. Mexico. Winters from coastal NC, Gulf Coast to Honduras, uncommon in Bermuda and Bahamas, rare elsewhere in Caribbean. S pring :
Palmer did not list any spring records. First occurrence
reported in Portland, 17 May 1950 (A. Thomas). Not seen again until 1962: 1 inland in Dover-Foxcroft, 13 May 1962 (R. Cox).
Two additional records in 1960s and 6 in 1970s, northernmost a
400
east in Steuben, 23 Jun 1983 (AB 37: 969); 3 in 1990s; 4 in 2000s;
7 to date in 2010s including: 1 on 7–8 Jun 2017 on Harbor I.,
Lincoln Co. (m.ob., eBird), and 1 at Seal I. NWR on 13 Jun 2017
(K. Yakola, W. Kennerley, and E. Johnson; eBird). Few occasions
when species appeared territorial and only a single nesting record.
Two birds appeared on territory at Biddeford Pool, summer 2009 (P. Moynahan, D. Hitchcock et. al.), but no further evidence of
nesting. Only confirmed breeding occurred in dense alder swale
at Morse Mtn. in 2014. Singing male first observed, 12 May 2014
(G. Smith). Subsequently, 2 individuals seen together, 15 May
2014 (PDV). One adult and 2 young later found together and
ph., 31 Jul 2014 (M. Viens et al.). Birds last seen 12 Sep 2014 (G.
Smith). Number of reports from Monhegan I. suggest eventual F all :
Less regular in Aug than Sep and Oct. Fewer than
10 Aug reports, notably 2 individuals in Sweden, Oxford
Co., 17 Aug 1968 (P. Richards). Palmer listed 2 Sep records: 1
near Lovewell’s Pond, Fryeburg, 11–13 Sep 1937, and 2 at Cape
Rosier, Hancock Co., 13 Sep 1945. Single 1950s report: 1 in
Portland, 5 Sep 1957 (G. Sharpe); and single 1960s report: 1 in
Portland, 20 Sep 1960 (F. Cook). More regular in fall in 1970s
and 1980s with at least 6 records each decade. Latest observation
during this period in Seal Harbor, Mount Desert I., 7–13 Nov
1973 (W. Russell), and northernmost in Lincoln Ctr., 16 Oct
1979 (PDV). Nearly annual during 1990s and in small numbers by 2000, especially on Monhegan I. White-eyed Vireo mini-
fallout in 2011: 4 in Ft. Foster and 3 in Cape Neddick, both on 3
Oct (L. Seitz), and 1 on Monhegan I., 5 Oct (H. Nielsen). Oct
observations consistent along coast since 2000, 1 inland record notable: 1 in Saxl Park, Bangor, 15 Oct 2017 (S. Mierzykowski
and R. Ostrowski, eBird). One unexpected at W. Quoddy Head
S.P., Lubec, 30 Sep 2007 (fide E. Hynes). At least 12 Nov records, latest: 1 in Bar Harbor, 20 Nov 2012 (R. Lambert); 1 in Cape
Elizabeth, 24 Nov 2012 (L. Seitz); 1 at Tyler Brook Preserve,
Order Passeriformes • Family Vireonidae
Kennebunkport, 26 Nov 2017 (M. Zimmerman, eBird); and 1 on
Mackworth I., 30 Nov 2017 (B. Bunn, eBird). Report from Wells,
3 Dec 1988 (AB 43: 286), lacked details and should be disregarded. PDV
Bell’s Vireo
Vireo bellii
Remarks: Nearly all records of this species in the Northeast have occurred in fall. The two spring records in ME are exceptional. PDV
Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
A drab vireo of the Plains and Southwest, increasingly recorded in New England
This bright vireo with a burry voice reaches its northern limit in southern Maine
Status in Maine: Bell’s Vireo is casual in Maine, recorded twice in spring and four times in fall. Of the six state records, four occurred since 2012. The first was a meticulously described sight record of an individual identified at Basin Cove, South Harpswell, on 23 October 1998 (P. Donahue, fide J. Despres; AB 53: 33). Then, an individual was observed and photographed on Monhegan Island, 20–21 May 2003 (R. Eakin, P. Nielsen, G. Dennis). Based on photographs and a written description, this individual showed characters consistent with the eastern subspecies, V. b. bellii. Another Bell’s Vireo was recorded on Monhegan Island on 5–6 October 2012 (D. Hitchcox, J. Trimble, ph.; eBird), and one was again on the island on 26 May 2015 ( J. Trimble et al., ph.; eBird). The most recent observations were recorded at Green Point Wildlife Management Area, Dresden, on 7–8 October 2012 (M. Fahay et al.; eBird), and in Harpswell on 22 October 2012 (D. Lovitch).
Status in Maine: The Yellow-throated Vireo is uncommon and locally distributed in large deciduous gallery forests along rivers and lake edges of southern Maine. It is notably uncommon as a spring migrant, primarily in early to mid-May but continuing later into the month. Most first reports involve males singing on territory. Yellow-throated Vireos are also uncommon fall migrants, occurring in small numbers on Appledore and Monhegan Islands from late August through September. Single Yellow-throated Vireos on 12 October on Monhegan Island in 2010 and at Biddeford Pool in 2011 are the latest known reports.
There are at least 10 additional recent records of Bell’s Vireo in New England and the Maritime Provinces, five of which have occurred since 2012 (eBird). Historical Status in Maine: There are no records of this species in ME prior to 1998. An individual was collected at Durham, NH, on 19 Nov 1897 and was later examined by W. Brewster (specimen at MCZ; Auk 18: 274; spec. ex mount examined, and identification supported as V. b. bellii by A. Phillips, 1991). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from w. OH and w. TN northwest to SD, south through TX. Breeding range of western subspecies extends west from TX to s. CA, through Mexico to Guatemala. Winters primarily in n. Cen. Am. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened. The eastern subspecies has shown severe declines since 1970.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Yellow-throated Vireo rare and restricted to sw. ME, whereas Palmer (1949, 441) reported the species as an “occasional summer resident” in the southern counties. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. cen. ME, s. QC, west to se. MB, south to n. FL and cen. TX. Winters in Cen. Am. and n. S. Am., notably Colombia and Venezuela, also Bahamas, and possibly other islands in Caribbean. S pring :
Generally, an uncommon spring migrant, 6 reports for
Monhegan I. Usually first detected once males are on territory.
First birds appear first week of May, many males on territory by mid-month. Early records, 1 each unless noted: 2 May
2008 (N. Famous) and 2011 (D. Ladd) in Augusta; 3 on 3 May
2009 at Brownfield Bog (M. Tucker); 4 May 1934 in Hallowell,
Kennebec Co. (A. Grover); 6 May 1983 in Winthrop, Kennebec Co. (K. Jones); 7 May 1984 on Monhegan I. (PDV); 2 on 7
May 2006, Brownfield Bog ( J. Preis); 8 May 1993, Portland (S.
Pollock). Reported as migrants in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, from 8 May 1993 (S. Pollock) and as late as 24 May 2006 (A.
Stackhouse). Late migrant reported on Stratton I., 30 May 1998
(Project Puffin). Rare in e. ME; species reported from Great
Wass I., Beals, 9 May 1981 (N. Famous). Occasional on Mount Desert I., 1 each: in Bar Harbor, 19 May 1971 (W. Russell), 21 May 1972 (W.C. Russell), 11 May 2011 (M. Pitcher), 19 May
401
Birds of Maine
2012 (R. MacDonald), and 1 at Town Hill, 2 Jun 1970 ( J. Bond).
early Sep: 16 reports 1–15 Sep; only 3 reports 16–30 Sep. However,
Kilburn, fide Palmer 1949).
late Sep records undoubtedly reflects reduced sampling effort.
Northernmost occurrence: 1 in Ft. Fairfield, May 1907 (F.M.
banding operations sometimes cease by mid-Sep, absence of
Early Appledore I. migrants appear by late Aug: 1 banded on
26 Aug 1987, 1 observed on 27 Aug 1988, 1 banded on 29 Aug
1990, 1 banded on 31 Aug 1996 (D. Holmes). Latest Appledore I. report, a re-trapped vireo on 7 Oct 1995 (D. Holmes, S.
Morris). On Monhegan I., 2 reports 1–15 Sep, and 16 or more
reports 15–30 Sep. Maximum of 3 birds observed on 13 Sep 1981
(PDV), 21 Sep 2005 (B. Ewald), and 19 Sep 2013 (K. Lindquist).
Few Oct reports on Monhegan: 1 on 14 Oct 2003 (S. Mirick)
and 1 on 12 Oct 2010 (D. Hitchcox). In 2011, there was a small
flight, probably a reverse migration, with single birds reported from Kittery Pt., 3 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz); Metinic I., 5 Oct 2011
(N. Stryker); and Biddeford Pool, 12 Oct 2011 (B. Cole). Other noteworthy reports, 1 bird each: e. ME 1 in Tremont, Hancock
Co., 17 Sep 1993 (B. Woods, fide A. Bacon); inland in Turner,
28 Sep 1989 ( J. Despres); Cousins I., 2 Oct 2013 (D. Lovitch);
Topsfield, 5 Oct 2003 (M. Bates); Johnson Cove Rd., Machias, 31
Yellow-throated Vireo Breeding Range
S ummer :
Uncommon and locally distributed in large
deciduous, especially oak and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), gallery forests along rivers and lake edges. Occurs in s. ME
north to cen. Oxford Co. (Grafton Notch S.P. and Fryeburg); s. Franklin (New Sharon) and Somerset Cos. (Smithfield,
Norridgewock, Skowhegan through the 1990s; W. Sumner),
east to s. Penobscot Co. (Alton, Milford), and very locally in
Waldo Co. (Unity, Thorndike, and possibly Prospect). Does not breed in Northwest, Aroostook Hills and Lowlands, Eastern
Lowlands or Downeast Regions. In early 1980s, N. Famous and others conducted several years of intensive songbird inventory in Sunkhaze Meadows. Team reported several males singing regularly from upland deciduous forest at Oak Pt. and in
deciduous uplands along Sunkhaze Stream. Constitutes known northeastern extent of species range in ME and ne. N. Am.
Regular for many years at favored localities: >2 males consistent
along w. shore of Annabessacook L., Monmouth, Kennebec Co.,
13 Jun 1980 to 2016 (PDV); at Brownfield Bog, 6 on 23 May 1985 (R. Eakin) and 1 adult on nest, 24 May 2008 ( J. Potter). BBS shows 1.6% insignificant decline 1966–2015. Yellow-throated
Vireos reported on E. Egg and Matinicus Rocks, 14–15 Jul 1979 (S. Kress, AB 33: 846), possibly the same individual, distinctly out of habitat for the breeding season but not unusual for fall. F all :
Uncommon migrants on outer islands such as Appledore
and Monhegan Is., where 2 to 3 individuals banded or observed almost annually. On Appledore I., most migrants reported in
402
Oct 2017 ( J. Hand, eBird). PDV
Cassin’s Vireo
Vireo cassinii
A previously unrecorded western species of the Solitary Vireo group comes to call
Status in Maine: Accidental. This western forest counterpart of the Blue-headed Vireo is distinguishable, with difficulty, from the latter by subtle differences in plumage and song. A single bird observed and photographed on Monhegan Island on 29 September 2017 (L. Seitz, ph.; J. Trimble) was seen again the following morning (D. Lovitch, m.ob.; W. Thompson, ph.). The report was accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee in October 2018. This was the first Maine report for this member of the Solitary Vireo group, for which there are few East Coast records. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from BC south through CA. Winters in w. Mexico. Remarks: Species was recognized by AOU in 1997 (AOU 1997) when the Solitary Vireo was separated into three species: Blue-headed Vireo (V. solitarius), Plumbeous Vireo (V. plumbeus), and Cassin’s Vireo (V. cassinnii). BSV
Order Passeriformes • Family Vireonidae
Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo solitarius
An early-spring migrant with bold white spectacles, a blue-gray cap, and yellow sides
Status in Maine: The Blue-headed Vireo is widespread but never abundant in Maine. It breeds in mediumaged to mature mixed-wood and coniferous forests with extensive understory. In deciduous forest-dominated landscapes, Blue-headed Vireos are typically found along cool streams with mature hemlocks. Breeding Bird Surveys show an increasing long-term trend in Maine and in North America, though the population data show a non-significant decline in Maine, 2005–2015. A common early-spring and fall migrant, the species typically arrives by early April, continuing through mid-May. In fall, migrants appear in midAugust and continue through October with occasional November records and one December record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Blue-headed Vireo a common and widespread spring and fall migrant throughout the state. A rare summer resident in s. ME, he considered it locally distributed even in n. ME where it was more common. Palmer wrote that it was a common summer resident except in sw. ME and on some coastal islands, where it was rare and local. He considered it a common spring and fall migrant. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from sw. NFLD, s. QC, New England, and NY west to se. YT, s. NT, and ne. BC, south to AB, n. MN, WI, and MI, through Appalachian Mtns. Winters from coastal VA and NC south, across Gulf States and into Mexico and Cen. Am. to Guatemala. S pring :
A common but never abundant early-spring
migrant, early Apr to mid-May. Earliest records, 1 each: 3 Apr
1942 in Portland (Palmer 1949); 10 Apr 1992 in Scarborough (G. Carson); 13 Apr 2017 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co. (G.
recorded. Maximum spring migration counts: 30 on 12 May 1996
and 18 on 11 May 1996 at Phippsburg (PDV); 18 on 5 May 2006 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (D. Lovitch); 16 on 1 May
2010 in Falmouth (L. Seitz); and 15 on 13 May 1997, Monhegan I. (PDV, D. Abbot). Spring peak based on highest number
of eBird checklists week of 8 May, when reported on 20% of
checklists.
Blue-headed Vireo S ummer :
Widespread and common but not abundant in
ME, preferring coniferous dominated forests, often along
stream corridors with hemlocks. Widespread breeding species
across state (Adamus 1987), but never reaching abundance of
deciduous forest songbirds like Red-eyed Vireo, which is 8 times more abundant in ME (BBS data). BBS data suggests ME
has highest relative abundance (4.5 per route) of Blue-headed
Vireo of all U.S. states, exceeded in N. Am. only by NB and NS. Maximum BBS numbers all from 2 Washington Co. routes:
74, 70, 52, 47, and 44 on Northfield BBS in 1980, 1979, 1976, 1981, and 1977; 40, 39, and 31 on Cooper BBS in 1979, 1978, and 1981.
At least 20 recorded 27 times on BBS routes in ME since 1966. BBS trend for ME shows 1.4% statistically non-significant
increase per year, 1966–2015, and a non-significant decline of
2.5% per year from 2000–2015. N. Am. BBS trend increasing, 1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). F all :
Fall migration mid-Aug to Oct, peaking mid- to late
Jarvis, eBird); all on 14 Apr: in 2006 in Evergreen Cemetery in
Sep, occasional migrants into Nov. Species reported from
Lund, eBird), and 2017 at Capisic Pond in Portland ( J. Lorenc,
Highest fall counts: 15 on 21 Sep 2004, Monhegan I. (L. Bevier);
Portland (S. Walsh), 2010 at Bradbury Mtn. S.P. in Pownal (N.
eBird); both on 15 Apr: 2015 at Gilsland Farm (E. Hynes, eBird)
highest percentage of ME eBird checklists (15%) week of 22 Sep.
15 on 26 Sep 2006 in Oakland, Kennebec Co. (D. Mairs); and
and 2017 in Windham (M. Tucker, eBird); both on 16 Apr:
13 on 10 Oct 2011 at Sandy Pt., Cousin’s I. (R. Speirs, eBird).
Co. (R. Spinney). Exceptionally early arrival date of 3 Apr 1942
Oct); at least 14 Nov records. Latest Nov records: 1 on 17 Nov
2003 in Augusta (N. Famous) and 2005 in Readfield, Kennebec
Species regularly persists through late Oct (>50 records 15–31
aside, Palmer’s dates were 26 and 29 Apr, suggesting arrivals in
2007 at Back Cove, Portland (S. Baron, eBird); 1 on 11 Nov 1999
60 arrival records in ME before 26 Apr. Typically, 1–2 birds at
1 each on 11 Nov at Pine Pt., 2003 (G. Carson), and at W.
recent years generally earlier than previously. Since 1950, at least single location during migration, occasionally higher numbers
at Middle Rd., Cumberland, Cumberland Co. (L. Brinker);
Falmouth, 2005 (L. Seitz).
403
Birds of Maine W inter :
Single winter record: 1 Dec 2002 at Holmes Rd.,
Scarborough ( J. Stevens). Dec records in MA, VT, NH, QC, NS, and NB.
JVW
and fall migrant. Both authors noted difficulties in detecting the species because of similarities between its song and that of the more abundant and cooccurring Red-eyed Vireo.
Plumbeous Vireo
Vireo plumbeus
A denizen of Southwestern pine forests, this species has been recorded in Maine once
Status in Maine: Accidental. Maine’s only Plumbeous Vireo record is a bird photographed on Matinicus Rock, 11 June 2005 (S. Smith, ph.; Maine Bird Records Committee). Global Distribution: Sw. Nearctic. Breeds primarily in dry montane forests of NV, UT, WY, CO, south to NM, AZ, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Winters from Mexico to El Salvador, with small numbers in s. CA and s. AZ. Vagrant on Atlantic Coast with records in ON and NS. Species has not been recorded elsewhere in New England.
Philadelphia Vireo Breeding Range
PDV
Philadelphia Vireo
Vireo philadelphicus
One of northern Maine’s specialty breeding birds, and avidly sought during migration
Status in Maine: Restricted to northern and western Maine in summer, breeding Philadelphia Vireos are one of Maine’s most difficult breeding vireos to detect. Breeding Bird Surveys show increasing population trends in Maine and elsewhere in North America. A rare spring migrant seen from mid-May through early June, it is an uncommon fall migrant from midAugust through October with exceptional records of birds as late as November. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 476) characterized the Philadelphia Vireo as a rare and local summer resident and suggested, “future search will doubtless show that it breeds regularly and perhaps even commonly about the ponds and lakes of northern and eastern Maine.” It was a rare to uncommon and local summer resident in northern counties, according to Palmer, whose southern limits in the state were unknown. He considered it an uncommon but probably often overlooked spring 404
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NFLD (possibly with an isolated population in Labrador), s. QC and ME, west to sw. NT and ne. BC, south to n. U.S., east to ND. Winters from s. Mexico south through Cen. Am. to Panama. S pring :
Rare to uncommon spring migrant; reports of >1
bird at a location unusual. Migration mid-May to early Jun;
migrant birds banded or observed on islands where they do not breed in early Jun. Earliest records, 1 each: 5 May 2015, Viles
Arboretum, Augusta ( J. Lazzaro, eBird); 9 May 2000 at Capisic Pond, Portland (G. Carson); 12 May 2005, Monhegan I. (H.
Nielson); 12 May 2012, Green Pt. WMA, Dresden (M. Fahay);
12 May 2014, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (D. Hitchcox et al.,
eBird); 13 May 1997, Laudholm Farm, Wells (fide K. Gammon);
13 May 2001 at Hinckley Park, S. Portland (L. Brinker). Spring
peak week of 22 May when reported on 2% of eBird checklists.
Maximum migration counts: 4 on 25 May 2000, Monhegan I. (T.
Duddy); 4 on 26 May 1983, Cherryfield ( J. and V. Layton); 3 on
27 May 1984 at Ft. Kent (G. and S. Flagg); 3 each on Monhegan I., same day, 28 May 1989 and 2005 ( JVW and A. Wells; L.
Brinker, respectively). S ummer :
Restricted to n. and w. ME. One of least
widespread and least abundant breeding vireos in ME, typically
occurring in young to mid-successional deciduous and mixed forest. Species breeds in few n. and w. ME blocks, no records
Order Passeriformes • Family Vireonidae
in Hancock or Washington Co. (Adamus 1987). Scarcity
partially attributable to difficulty in distinguishing song from
co-occurring Red-eyed Vireos. BBS indicates restricted
distribution and low abundance, species found in 3 out of
45 years, on fewer than one-third of routes. Maximum BBS
numbers small compared to co-occurring vireo species: 11 on
Ashland BBS, 2005 and 2008; 9 on Washburn, 1993; 9, Priestly Bridge, 1994 and 2001 (all Aroostook Co.). At least 5 birds
recorded on individual BBS routes in ME, 23 times since 1966.
BBS trends for ME and N. Am. show increases, 1966–2015,
6.2% per year and 2.3% per year, respectively. F all :
Uncommon fall migrant, mid-Aug to mid-Oct (2
exceptional Nov records), peaks in early Sep. Species reported
from highest number (5%) of ME eBird checklists week of 8
Sep. Maximum migration counts: 8, 16 Sep 2013 (T. Johnson)
and 7 on 9 Sep 2017, both at Sandy Pt., Cousins I. (T. Fennell,
eBird); 7 banded on 4 Sep 1996, Appledore I. (D.W. Holmes et
al.); and 6 on 21 Sep 2004 on Monhegan I. (L. Bevier, D. Mairs, et al.). Latest records, 1 each: 17 Nov 2011 at Saco Yacht Club,
(D. Hitchcox, ph.); 4 Nov 2017 in Skowhegan (M. Taylor, ph.);
29 Oct 2017, Eastport (C. Bartlett); 27 Oct 2017, Cape Neddick
(L. Seitz, ph.; eBird); 19 Oct 1999, Monhegan I. (B. Boynton); 18 Oct 2010, Unity (T. Aversa); 17 Oct 2008, Sandy Pt., Cousins I.
(D. Lovitch); 4 Nov 2017, Skowhegan (M. Taylor, eBird); and 17
late May. In fall, migrants appear in mid-August with continued observations through early October. Historical Status in Maine: The Warbling Vireo apparently has always been a local breeding bird in ME, absent from most of n. and e. ME. Knight considered it rare and local in much of the state but common to uncommon in a few localities. He mentioned the species’ propensity for nesting in trees along streets and rivers. Palmer (1949, 447) had a similar impression: “Although occurring throughout most of the state, this bird is found in only a few favored localities, where the presence of several pairs would lead one to believe that it is somewhat colonial in habits.” He also noted its preference for “mature maples and elms in urban and suburban areas and along river banks.” He considered it an uncommon spring and fall migrant except in sw. ME where it was common during both migrations. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds locally in Maritime Provinces, south through ON, QC, and west to s. YT and sw. NT, south to mountains of w. Mexico, in East south through Appalachian Mtns. to w. NC, n. TX and LA. Winters from Mexico south to Guatemala.
Nov 2011, Saco Riverwalk, Saco (D. Hitchcox, eBird).
W inter :
Although implausible considering 51
Status in Maine: The Red-eyed Vireo is one of the most widespread breeding forest birds in Maine, occurring throughout the state in mid-aged to mature deciduous and mixed-wood forests. Breeding Bird Surveys show an increasing population trend in Maine and North America. Red-eyed Vireo is a common and 406
(Hancock Co.), 1979–1980; and 163, 149, and 144 on Cooper BBS times on individual BBS routes in ME since 1966. BBS shows
increase of 0.65% per year in ME and significant increase of
0.75% per year in N. Am., 1966–2015. BBS shows small but significant decrease (0.5%) in New England and the Mid-
Atlantic coast. F all :
Fall migration mid-Aug to Oct, peaks mid- to late Sep,
individuals persist occasionally into Nov (at least 16 records).
Order Passeriformes • Family Corvidae
Species reported on highest number (19%) of ME eBird
checklists week of 22 Sep. Maximum counts: Monhegan I.: 75
on 21 Sep 2005 (B. Ewald et al.); 60, 22 Sep 2004 (M. Iliff et al.; eBird); 55 on 21 Sep 2013 (N. Gibb, eBird); 50, 21 Sep 2004 (L.
Bevier et al.). Sandy Pt., Cousin’s I.: 65, 10 Sep 2017 (T. Fennell);
60, 1 Sep 2009 (E. Hynes); 50, 10 Sep 2005 (D. Lovitch). Latest date noted in Palmer Oct 14. Since then, >44 later records
including 17 Nov records. Latest examples, 1 each: 24 Nov 2004,
Machiasport (N. Famous); 14 Nov 1990, Biddeford Pool (G.
Carson); and 9 Nov 2005, Hedgehog Mtn., Freeport (D. Lovitch). JVW
Jays and Crows (Corvidae)
Canada Jay
Intelligent, inquisitive, and playful, the corvids include 120 species worldwide. Occasionally roosting in large flocks, Maine’s five regular species are mostly nonmigratory. Omnivorous, and adaptable, corvids find a variety of food sources throughout the year and reclaim cached food aided by their excellent memory for landmarks.
S pring :
Nest-building begins as early as Feb–Mar, egg-
laying occurs late Mar–early Apr (Palmer 1949, referring to
Audubon, 376).
Young fledge as early as beginning of May: juvenile seen with
group of adults on Burn Rd., Topsfield, 12 May 2001, “solid dark
gray with orange around the bill, a very short tail, and very weak
flight” (M. Bates); adult bird seen with 4 fledged young at Great
Canada Jay
Heath, Bar Harbor, 26 May 1985 ( J. Markowsky).
Perisoreus canadensis
Co., in 1979 (fide M. Lucey); 1 adult in Turner, 10 May 1984 ( J.
(formerly Gray Jay)
The Whiskey Jack, a bold and clever jay of boreal and alpine habitats
Observations of Canada Jays outside of typical range in
spring: unreported number at Kezar Falls, Parsonsfield, York
Despres); and 1 ph. on Sears I., 20 Apr, 1 May, and 7 May 2016 (all J. Wyatt, eBird).
Status in Maine: Canada Jays, also known as “gorbies,” S ummer : In summer, adults and juveniles flock together: are breeding residents in coniferous forests Downeast “pair with unreported number of young” at Bangor Bog, 11 Jun 1959 (House et al.); 1 adult and 1 young, Cutler, 24 Jun 1997 and in Maine’s north woods and mountains. They (N. Famous, fide K. Gammons); “a family group of 1 adult and rarely occur in southern Maine or Midcoast. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Canada Jays as “uncommon but regular . . . in . . . Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, Aroostook, Penobscot, Washington, and probably northern Hancock County” (1949, 376) and said “this species has been decreasing in the state for many years. It often is shot merely because it is a living target” (1949, 378). Since Palmer’s writing, Canada Jays have become regular, if not common, on Mount Desert I.
3 young” in Kossuth Twp., Washington Co., ~30 Jun 2001 ( J.
Markowsky); groups of 2, 5, and 4 at BSP, 8 Jul 2016 (N. Dubrow, eBird); 4 at Thuya Gardens, Mount Desert I., 5 Jun 2011 (C.
Moseley, eBird).
County high counts: 10 during a 4 hr 49 min period
at Lone Jack Campground, Somerset Co., 27 Aug 2016 (B.
Kulvete, eBird); 9 over 7 hours along Burn Rd, Topsfield, 1
Jul 2017 ( J. Sender, eBird); and at least 12 seen above 3,300 ft
(1,006 m) on Old Speck Mtn., Oxford Co., 30 Jun 1983 (PDV, eBird).
Summer records from small islands: 2 on Ironbound I.,
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Year-round range from NL west to AK, south to ME, n. WI, and n. MN, through Rocky Mtns. to n. NM and se. AZ, Pacific coastal ranges to n. CA.
Deer Isle, 10 Aug 2013 (S. McNair, eBird).
Remarks: The Canada Jay is designated as Priority 3 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Maine’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan, largely because of its vulnerability to climate change impacts on its habitat.
1957 (Shaw); Sebago, 20 Oct 1957 (Chaplin); and Sebasticook L.,
Hancock Co., on 22 Jun 1980 (B. Kinzie); 2 at Barred I. Preserve, F all :
Fall records of wandering birds, 1 bird each: ph. at Reid
S.P., 28 Sep 2013 ( J. Hartman, eBird); S. Windham, Cumberland Co., 13 Oct 1957 (Payson); Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 14 Oct
22 Oct 1978 (PDV, eBird).
407
Birds of Maine
A Canada Jay was observed chasing an American Kestrel in
Topsfield on 2 Oct 1999 (M. Bates). W inter :
According to Palmer (1949, 377), “in mountainous
areas of the state, the birds generally frequent lower altitudes at
this season.” Winter is also when Canada Jays occasionally visit
feeders: Oct–Jan, most years in Woodland (WJS, eBird); 1 at a
feeder in Lyman, York Co., 20 Dec 1975 (D. Doubleday, eBird);
4 regularly at feeder in Bancroft, Aroostook Co., week of 21
Dec 1999 ( J. MacDonald); and 2 at Wesley Elementary School feeders, Washington Co., week of 2 Feb 1995 (fide A. Bacon).
Other records, fide eBird: 2 at Mount Desert I. High School, 10
Dec 2011 (M. Good); 1 on Rt. 191, E. Machias, 16 Feb 2011 (C.
Blue Jay
Bartlett); 4 at Red Star Rock, Stud Mill Rd., Hancock Co., 22
Jan 2012 ( J. Mays); 6 on Grand Falls Trail, Somerset Co., 31 Jan
2011 (D. Suitor).
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer describes the Blue Jay as a “common breeder on the mainland in southern Maine, diminishing to uncommon in eastern and northern sections, and rare on some larger marine islands,” partially migratory but extent and numbers fluctuating from year to year (1949, 378).
RVJ
In the past, Blue Jays were perceived as a pest species, prompting bounties: 10 cents per bird paid by the town of Vinalhaven in 1806 (Palmer 1949). Palmer noted that Blue Jays were once “shy and avoided the vicinity of houses” but the species adapted to human habitation in the early 20th century (1949, 379), likely attributable to reduced persecution.
Canada Jay Breeding Range
Global Distribution: Nearctic. NL to AB, south to FL and TX. Nonbreeding visitor at western edge of its range in TX, also disjunct population on Flathead L., MT. S pring :
According to Palmer (1949, 378), “A return movement
to breeding places begins in April, reaches its peak the second
and third weeks of May, and ends in early June.” Observations
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata A bright, boisterous jay found throughout the state
Status in Maine: Blue Jays occur as residents in a range of wooded habitats across the state, including offshore islands, but are most abundant in southern Maine. While Blue Jays can be found year-round in Maine, they also make seasonal migrations in the spring and fall. These migrations vary from year to year, likely depending on mast productivity in northern forests. 408
of active migration: 17 on Appledore I., 5 May 1996; “a flock of
39 flying silently northeast about 80 feet aloft” in Turner on 12 May 2000 ( J. Despres); “hundreds of birds in flocks of 20–50
individuals, all migrating north” in Richmond, 13–17 May 1996
(PDV); and a day-total >30 Blue Jays, including 2 northbound flocks of 9 and 17 birds in Turner, 19 May 1996 ( J. Despres).
Blue Jay banded in NJ on 4 May 1968 recaptured in ME on
23 May, 19 days later.
Palmer (1949, 378) said, “The earliest date at hand is for a set
of five fresh eggs taken on May 17, 1939, at Dedham, Hancock
County, by Eckstorm, but most sets are completed later in the
month.” J. Despres’ observations of nest building in Turner
offer a window into phenology: 1 “carrying nest material (a
long twig),” 20 Apr 1993; 1 “nest-building about 65 feet up in
Order Passeriformes • Family Corvidae
an Eastern White Pine” 26 Apr 1996; a twig foundation, 27 Apr
1995; and 1 “on nest . . . apparently incubating,” 10 May 1995 and still on nest on 16 May 1995.
S ummer :
Some chicks fledge by Jun: 1 in Hermon, Penobscot
Co., 6 Jun 1998 (M. Lucey); fledglings at feeder in Bar Harbor,
24 Jun 2002 (W. Townsend). BBS data show stable population in ME with a small but significant decrease in N. Am.,
1966–2015. F all :
According to Palmer, migration early Sep–late Oct,
peaking in second and third weeks of Sep. Observations of
migration: >50, “streaming south” in Turner, 14 Sep 1999 ( J.
Despres); ~1,000 “passing south in canopy” 7:00–10:00 hrs. on Over Pt., Petit Manan NWR, 15 Sep 1995 (R. Widrig, fide A.
Bacon); >100, including flock of 61 flying south in Turner, 20
Sep 1999 ( J. Despres); >30 migrants over course of 50 minutes
at south end of Bailey I., Harpswell, 16 Sep 2001 (PDV); 2 “very
The Maine Bird Records Committee has not yet reviewed any of these reports, so the species’ status in Maine remains officially hypothetical. It is notable, however, that in 1973 Black-billed Magpies were seen in St. John, New Brunswick, 22–26 April; Cape Enrage, New Brunswick, 26–27 April; and on Brier Island, Nova Scotia, 14–18 May (AB 27: 750), following a remarkable influx into Minnesota and northern Ontario (Christie et al. 2004). Global Distribution: Year-round resident of w. N. Am.: s. AK, BC, s. YT, AB, SK, MB, south to CA, s. NV, n. AZ, and NM. Winters east to w. MN. Mainly sedentary but shows some migratory movement, especially in fall and early winter, wandering east from se. ON to the Eastern Seaboard. BSV
unusual . . . in fall” on Appledore I., 21 Sep 1999 (fide D. W.
Holmes); 297 “migrating . . . many mixed with Northern Yellowshafted Flickers” over course of 2.5 hours in Bath, 28 Sep 2014
Eurasian Jackdaw
(H. Heuer, eBird); 250 at Scott’s Landing Preserve, Deer Isle, 6
Oct 2011 (C. Moseley, T. Bjorkman; eBird); and >30 migrants at
Corvus monedula
Seawall Beach, 11 Oct 1999 (PDV).
There is a single, unconfirmed offshore record for this European visitor
Winters state-wide. Abundance fluctuates
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. There is one sight record which should be considered hypothetical. A single adult was seen and accurately described on Matinicus Rock, 11 June 1985 (S. Kress, pers. com.; AB 39: 888). S. Kress provided the following in a letter on 5 February 1986:
W inter :
considerably from winter to winter, as Palmer noted. This
phenomenon is apparent from CBC records: total tally in
Biddeford was 1,087 in 2010; the following year, 106. RVJ
Black-billed Magpie
Pica hudsonia
This large and flashy Western corvid would be hard to miss in Maine
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. There are two credible reports of apparently wild birds: a single bird seen by multiple observers in Owl’s Head, Knox County; Tenants Harbor, Knox County; South Waldoboro, Lincoln County; and Rockland from 18 October until at least 9 November 1973 (AB 28: 117), and a single bird on Petit Manan Island, 25 April 1991 (AB 45: 418). Because Black-billed Magpies are sometimes kept in captivity and then intentionally or inadvertently released, it is assumed that many magpie reports in Eastern states are of such birds rather than wild individuals, and distinguishing between them can be difficult. For instance, there were multiple reports of magpies in both southern Maine and New Brunswick in 1955, the year following the intentional release of seven magpies in Vermont (Packard 1955a, 1955b).
“The Jackdaw at Matinicus Rock was observed on June 11th this past summer. It was observed at close range by Gregg Transue, an experienced field birder. Although the bird was observed at close range from an observation blind near puffin nesting habitat, it was not photographed. Gregg had not seen a Jackdaw previously but was familiar with it from books and described it without a doubt.” Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in Maine prior to 1985. Global Distribution: Palearctic and widespread throughout Europe. There are more than 200 records for Iceland. Breeds east to cen. China; northern populations migratory. Remarks: In 1984, there was a widespread irruption of Eurasian Jackdaws in e. Canada (AB 39: 149) and birds were reported from NFLD, QC, and NS; also in MA and RI. PDV
409
Birds of Maine
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Ubiquitous generalist associated with human-altered ecosystems
Status in Maine: The American Crow is found throughout Maine, though it will retreat from northernmost Maine in severe winters. It is most abundant in southern, Midcoast, and central Maine and in human-altered habitats. Large numbers are seen in fall congregations and commuting to and from winter roosts. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described the American Crow as common except in deep forests, less common inland during winter. For more than a century, bounties were paid for dead crows in an effort to mitigate damages to crops. As early as 1798, a bounty was established in Winthrop, Kennebec Co., and in 1891, the state paid $2,664.30 in crow bounties (Palmer 1949). Palmer noted, “This species seems to be following the Blue Jay pattern in that a few now are suburban dwellers” (1949, 384). It is safe to say this trend has continued as ME has developed. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Year-round residents from NL west to BC, south to s. NT, south to FL, TX, and n. Baja California. Summer breeding population in interior provinces of Canada and in n. MN, ND, and e. MT. Remarks: Both northern and southern ME have two crow sport and pest-control hunting seasons. In Wildlife Management Districts (WMD) 1–6 (n. ME), there is a summer hunt Aug–Sep and a winter/spring season Feb–Apr; in WMDs 7–29 there is a summer hunt 1 Aug–22 Sep and a winter/spring season 20 Jan–31 Mar. There is no bag limit in any of the hunts or regions. American Crows are nest predators on other birds: e.g., an individual “killed and ate a featherless nestling robin” in Bangor, 22 May 2002 (M. Lucey). S pring :
Migration occurs late Feb–early May, earliest
northerly arrival, Aroostook Co., week of 8 Mar 2004 (WJS); 3
at Aroostook S.P., 10 Mar 2015 (WJS, eBird); 13 at Caribou Dam,
20 Mar 2016 (WJS, eBird); and 1 rare bird on Appledore I., 10 May 1999 (D. Holmes et al.).
Nest-building occurs in early spring, generally mid-Mar
to mid-Apr. Rather unusual observation of American Crow
carrying a stick at E. Promenade, Portland, 21 Feb 1997
(L. Brinker), suggests courtship behavior may begin earlier.
Other nest-building observations: “nest building” in Carmel,
Penobscot Co., 27 Mar 1996 (M. Lucey); “most appear to still be constructing nests since a lot of twigs are being carried around” in Connor Twp., Aroostook Co., week of 13 Apr 2004 (WJS);
1 carrying nest material along Rt. 202, Winthrop, 16 Apr 2002 (B. Hart); “lots of Crows flying with sticks” in Payson Park,
Portland, 18 Apr 2003 (S. Diamond); and nest-building “winding down” in cen. Aroostook Co., week of 20 Apr 2004 (WJS).
American Crow S ummer :
Juveniles fledge by the beginning of summer:
unreported number of crows with young seen in Ft. Kent, week
of 9 Jun 1998 (G. Flagg, fide K. Gammons), and calling juvenile at Leonard St., Portland, 9 Jun 2006 ( J. Despres). Foraging
family groups seen Jun to mid-Jul when they begin to aggregate
in larger flocks. F all :
Palmer said migration occurs early Aug–Oct, with
American Crows migrating in n. ME a month or more earlier than on coast (1949). Observations of migrating crows: >400
in “large flocks heading south over a three-hour period in
the afternoon” in Yarmouth, 24 Oct 1990 (L. Brinker); >90
“migrating south” in Richmond, 8 Nov 1998 (PDV); and “unusual large flocks” 100–150 in Newcastle during 2 weeks in mid-Oct
1987 ( J. Hamlin). Fall offshore observations, fide eBird: 40 on
movements detected in s. ME. Records include: flock of 20
Monhegan I., 29 Oct 2010 (L. Seitz, J. Trimble, and M. Illiff ); 3
flock of 50 migrating north in Richmond, week of 26 Feb 2002
on Vinalhaven, 17 Oct 2009 (P. Chamberlin).
migrating in York, 22 Feb 1957 (Packard et al.; MFO 2[3]: 23);
(PDV, fide K. Gammons); an “increase in numbers indicating the presence of migration” in Bangor area, 7–8 Mar 1987 (B.
Barker, fide JVW); “northern arrival” in Presque Isle, 2 birds
on 6 Mar 1991 and 1 on 5 Mar 1992 (M. Trombley); 50 marking
410
offshore near Cape Elizabeth, 30 Oct 2010 (D. Hitchcox); and 1
W inter :
Fewer American Crows inland in winter, as
distribution of birds shifts toward coast (Palmer 1949). Where
they remain in winter, they may become more conspicuous due
to large congregations and group commutes to and from roosts:
Order Passeriformes • Family Corvidae
e.g., 914 birds in “one long, commuting flock” in Turner, 19 Dec
1993 ( J. Despres); “easily 1,000 heading to roost” in Lewiston,
6 Jan 2000 (T. Shoener); >3000 at Back Cove, Portland, 28
Jan 2006 ( J. Despres, J. McDonough); 600–800 birds flying
upstream on Penobscot R., Bangor, 20 Jan 2011 (C. Kesselheim);
and 10,000 at Ridge Rd., Waterville, 1 Feb 2012 (M. Viens, eBird).
RVJ
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus A nasal-voiced southern crow with an affinity for water
Status in Maine: Fish Crows have recently expanded their breeding range into Maine. They occur spring through fall along the coast east to Penobscot Bay, upstream on the Penobscot River to Old Town, Penobscot County, and as far upriver as Waterville on the Kennebec River. They have not been reported from Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, nor Somerset Counties. This species has been observed on the offshore islands of Isle au Haut, Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Matinicus Island. Historical Status in Maine: Fish Crow does not appear in Palmer’s Maine Birds. The first record of a Fish Crow in ME was in Bowdoin Pines near Bowdoin College, Brunswick, on 22 Apr 1976 (P. Cannell). The species was documented breeding in 1978. Global Distribution: Nearctic. ME south to FL, n. VT, e. PA, east to e. TX, and along Mississippi R. and tributaries north to s. IN and se. KS. S pring :
Fish Crows return to southern and coastal ME Mar–
Fish Crow Breeding Range ( Local !
S ummer :
Breeding range now considerably expanded from
original colony in Brunswick, but breeding is local within that range. Sample records as the range was expanding: 1 calling in
Sanford, 22 Jun 1991 (A. Wells, JVW); 4 “very agitated . . . nest or
young nearby” in Brunswick, 17 Jul 1990 ( JVW); 1 in Kennebunk,
20 Aug 1991 (A. Wells, JVW). The northwesternmost sighting in ME appears to be Moose Pond, Bridgton, 20 Jul 2016 (M.
Fournier, eBird). Bangor was the first location confirmed in the Maine Bird Atlas, 11 Apr 2018 (R. Ostrowski, eBird). F all :
Majority leave ME by Oct; stragglers remain through
late fall. From eBird, high count for ME is 30 birds on Bowdoin
College campus, Brunswick, 12 Oct 2017 (B. Murtha, eBird). Records from mid- to late fall: 1 Evergreen Cemetery,
Portland, 17 Oct 2006 (R. Eakin, fide K. Gammons); 2 calling
Apr. First-of-year records: 1 on Main St., Biddeford, ~2 Mar
in Brunswick, 22 Oct 2011, (Merrymeeting Audubon, eBird); 2
Mar 2006 (S. Walker); 1 on Eastern Rd., Scarborough, 31 Mar
Fahay, eBird); and 1 heard at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 26
2004 (L. Eastman); “very vocal” birds in Brunswick week of 15
seen and heard in Pines Cemetery, Brunswick, 16 Nov 2009 (M.
2006 (S. Smith et al.); 12 on Rt. 302, Windham, 15 Apr 2006 (L.
Nov 2008 ( J. Despres).
1997 (G. Carson); calling for first time in >5 years in Richmond,
2013 (T. Auer, eBird); at least 1 on Freeport–Brunswick CBC,
year in Richmond, 17 Apr 1998 (PDV).
12 Feb 2012 (G. Smith, eBird); 1 at Bath Landfill, 18 Feb 2014 ( J.
Westbrook College, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 20 Apr 1999
2012 ( J. Berry, eBird); 1 at Topsham Mill, Sagadahoc Co., 26 Feb
Seitz); 2 on Ross Rd., Scarborough–Old Orchard Beach, 16 Apr
24 Apr 1994 (PDV); and 1–2 calling first time in more than a Nest building occurs in Apr–May: 1 building nest near
(G. Sharpe, fide K. Gammons); 1 or more seen building nest
in Wells, 18 May 1999 (N. McReel, fide K. Gammons); reports suggesting nesting in Portland, 31 May 1985 (fide S. Weston);
and “confirmed nesting” in Brunswick, 31 May 1985 (P. Donahue
and JEP, fide PDV). Inland records of Fish Crow generally near large rivers: Waterville, 8 Apr 2015 (L. Bevier, eBird), and on
UMaine campus, Orono, 21 Apr 2015 (B. Olsen, eBird).
W inter :
Reports of winter stragglers: 1 in Rockland, 27 Dec
Cumberland Co., 29 Dec 2001 (L. Brinker); 1, Brunswick, 10 and
Fecteau, eBird); 1 at Hannaford supermarket, Brunswick, 18 Feb
2012 (R. Lambert, eBird); and 2 in Rockland, 19 Jan–29 Feb 2012 (PDV, D. Hitchcox, P. Moynahan, S. Benz). As range expansion continues, this species is likely to become increasingly common in less severe winters.
RVJ
411
Birds of Maine
Common Raven
Corvus corax
A large, intelligent resident that in Maine nests primarily in trees, rather than on cliffs
Status in Maine: Common Ravens are year-round residents found statewide in low numbers. This species often occurs on offshore islands, including Monhegan, Matinicus, and Metinic Islands, Matinicus Rock, Mount Desert Rock, and Machias Seal Island, as well as in the mountains. Historical Status in Maine: According to Palmer, Common Ravens were fairly common at the time of European exploration and settlement, but, “[a]s the coast was settled and islands to the eastward used for sheep grazing, ravens were killed and their nests destroyed at every opportunity because of alleged damage to young lambs” (Palmer 1949, 381). Palmer stated that ravens were mostly extirpated in s. ME by the 1800s, but they maintained a breeding population along the eastern coast. During the early 20th century, ravens seemed to be increasing in abundance and expanding their breeding range, with growing numbers of sightings both west along the coast and in the interior. Palmer was skeptical of ravens becoming “more than stragglers in coastal York Co. because of the lack of secluded sites there” (1949, 381). Global Distribution: Holarctic. Europe, Himalayas, n. Africa, Mongolia, Siberia. In N. Am., NL to AK, south to GA in Appalachian Mtns., w. U.S., cen. TX, Baja California; mountains of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. S pring :
Egg-laying and incubation may occur as early as Mar
in southernmost ME (Adamus 1987). Breeding has since been
confirmed in Berwick, York Co., and Wells. Interestingly, a nest
built on a waterpark water-slide structure in Old Orchard Beach
with 4 young in it was ph. on 16 May 2017 ( J. Fecteau, eBird).
Spring high counts: 11 birds at Bradbury Mtn. S.P., 12 Apr
2014 (N. Gibb, eBird); 30 “apparently going to roost at sunset” in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 14 May 1985 (B. Barker); and 15 in Ft. Kent area, 31 May 1981 ( J. Gibson). S ummer :
By Jun, most chicks fledged. W. Townsend observed
Common Raven chicks “fledged from nest” in Bar Harbor on 2 Jun
2001. Six ravens, including “3 juveniles with fleshy gapes” observed
at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, 17 Jun 2015 (D. and K. Lima, eBird);
young bird in Newcastle, 17 Jun 1992 ( J. Hamlin); and fledgling heard “squawking” in Portland, 27 Jun 2008 ( J. Despres).
Late breeding records: 1 adult with 1 young in T15 R5 WELS,
Aroostook Co., 13 Jul 1959 (Greenlaw), and nesting pair on Seal I. NWR, Vinalhaven, 31 Jul 2006 (S. Walsh). F all :
Notable records: 26 ravens ph. and counted circling
in a kettle at Tuckahoe Turf Farm in Berwick, 4 Sep 2016 (A.
Aldrich, eBird); 13 over Morse Mtn., 27 Sep 2001 (PDV, eBird); and ~200 over Rt. 4, Rangeley, 21 Oct 2006 (D. Herbert).
W inter :
Common Ravens often congregate in greatest numbers
in winter, in part because they concentrate at carrion and landfills:
15 at roadkill site in Presque Isle, week of 14 Dec 2004 (fide WJS);
26 at Biddeford Pool, 27 Jan 2004 (N. McReel, fide K. Gammons); and 40 at Tri-Community Landfill, Ft. Fairfield, week of 1 Feb
2005 (fide WJS). Ravens also likely to wander in winter. RVJ
Larks (Alaudidae) Despite the lark family’s cosmopolitan distribution (21 genera, and 98 species), only the Horned Lark is found in North America—although it has 21 recognized subspecies
and as late as 8 May (Palmer 1949). Records of birds carrying
on the continent. Long, melodic songs, given in flight, are
Harbor, 25 Feb 1997 (W. Townsend, fide K. Gammons); “nest-
often barren, areas where this ground-nesting bird breeds.
nest material: unreported number with nesting material in Bar building” in ANP, 15 Mar 1997 (fide K. Gammons); unreported
used to defend territory and attract mates on the open,
number in Ft. Kent, 25 Mar 1997 (fide K. Gammons); and 1 ph.
adding material to nest on light pole at Brunswick Landing, 25
Mar 2017 (G. Smith, eBird).
Breeding observations: incubation occurring in Easton,
Aroostook Co., 30 Mar–20 Apr 2004 (WJS); hatched, calling
young in nest at Brunswick Landing, 11 May 2017 (K. Brown);
“showing nesting activity” on Mount Desert I., week of 26 Mar 2002 (W. Townsend, fide K. Gammons); nest with vocalizing young in Cascade Falls, Saco, 29 Apr 2006 (R. Harrison, C.
Pryor); and 1 adult feeding young at nest in T8 R14 WELS,
Piscataquis Co., 12 May 1979 (P. Johnson, S. Roy). The ABBM confirmed breeding in multiple blocks in every county except
412
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
Though common in barren fields, this regular breeder is a species of special concern
Status in Maine: Horned Larks are common spring and fall migrants, especially along the open beaches and marshes of the Maine coastline and in large agricultural fields, particularly in Aroostook County. Larks breed locally at airports, sandplain grasslands,
Order Passeriformes • Family Alaudidae
and occasionally in back dunes in southern York and Cumberland Counties, and probably elsewhere. The species became less widely distributed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both Forbush (1927) and Palmer listed numerous towns where larks bred, but it seems the species no longer occurs at many of those sites. Horned Larks breed regularly in potato fields and agricultural areas of Aroostook County. Inexplicably, it is not known to breed regularly, if at all, in eastern Maine; this is all the more curious given the extensive sandy habitat provided by vast blueberry barrens in Washington and Hancock Counties. In winter, Horned Larks are regular in small numbers along the southern coast and inland farmlands in central Maine. The species is occasional to rare in northern and eastern Maine at this season.
30 on 27 Feb 1998 (D. Mairs). In Aroostook Co., early migrants noted in Presque Isle: 3 on 13 Mar 1982 (M. Holmes), 1 on 20
Feb 1983 (M. Trombley); and in Bancroft, 2 on 1 Mar 1999 ( J.
MacDonald). Late migrants linger into May in Turner: 41 on
4 May 1995, 1 on 26 May 1997, 10 on 9 May 1998, 50 on 12 May
1999 (all J. Despres). In Aroostook Co., WJS recorded 120 birds in Presque Isle, 10 May 1995; 70 in St. Agatha, 1 May 2011; and
19 in Ft. Fairfield, 4 May 2014. Late migrants elsewhere: 2 in
Augusta, 22 May 1992 (H. Wilson); 1 on Monhegan I., 29 May 1994 (S. Surner); 1 on Outer Green I., 29 May 2005 (Project Puffin); 3 at Biddeford Pool, 25 May 2010 (B. Marvil).
! !! ! !!
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern (breeding population only).
! ! !
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 361) noted that “Prairie” Horned Lark (E. a. praticola) was an “occasional” summer resident in s. ME and that it was more common in the “northern third of the state.” He considered both the prairie and the northern subspecies (E. a. alpestris) to be regular in spring, fall, and winter. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds in high Arctic from NL and Baffin I. west to AK, throughout much of the continent in unforested areas south to GA, TX, and Mexican highlands, and locally in Colombia. In winter, withdraws from most of Canada to U.S. and Mexico. The prairie subspecies of Horned Lark spread eastward from the Great Plains into New England in late 19th century and was not known to breed in ME or New England prior to this period. S pring :
Common migrant; arrives late Feb, most numerous in
!! ! ! !
! !
! ! !
! !
!!! !
! !
!! !!!! ! ! !
S ummer :
Horned Lark Breeding Season Records
! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2000-2018 June-July Observations
“Prairie” Horned Lark breeds locally at airports, in
sand dunes, and on grassland barrens in s. and cen. ME, and
in agricultural fields in n. ME. Curiously, largely unknown as nesting species in Washington Co. despite abundant habitat
on blueberry barrens (N. Famous). In York Co., Larks bred in
dunes along Harbor Rd., Wells, 1970s–1980s: many in Jun 1971
Mar, continues in diminished numbers Apr–May. Small flocks
(MN 3: 6); 4 on 31 Jul 1973 (L. Phinney); 1 male in flight song, 10
High counts of >200 birds: 200 in Wells, 27 Mar 1973, increased
Barren: male in flight song on 19 Jun and 1 Jul 1985 (PDV); and
(4–30) typical in spring, occasional larger counts of 40–100 birds. to 1,000 on 4 Apr 1973 (L. Phinney); 200 in Cutler, 22 Mar
1979 (N. Famous); 200 in Barnard Twp., Piscataquis Co., 29
Mar 1997 (M. Hunter); 400 in Turner, 16 Apr 1999 ( J. Despres).
Larger flocks presumably primarily darker and more yellow
May 1982 (PDV). Species bred, at least occasionally, at Wells
1–2 pairs found at Sanford Airport, 20 Jul 1988, 17 Jul 1995, and 18 Jun 1996 (PDV, JVW, L. Brinker, respectively).
Species nested regularly at Kennebunk Plains. In 1984,
during intense blueberry management, ~10 singing males, 31
northern subspecies; however, Palmer reported paler “Prairie”
May 1984 (PDV, JVW). As management of grassland habitat
most observers do not distinguish between subspecies, they are
prescribed burns, number of larks diminished to 1–4 pairs. No
Horned Lark also arrived in ME by late Feb–Mar. Given that considered here together.
Early migrants reported in Turner: 15 on 24 Feb 1988, 4 on
22 Feb 1996, 4 on 19 Feb 1997 (all J. Despres). At Popham Beach, following pages: Two Ravens
shifted from commercial blueberry cultivation to more natural
larks observed in 1995, but 2–3 pairs present once more in
1996 (PDV). Most recently, juvenile observed on 26 Jul 2008 (B. Herrgesell). Elsewhere, short-tailed juvenile observed at
413
Birds of Maine
Biddeford Pool, 13 Aug 1978 (PDV, JEP). In Cumberland
locations: 100 in Turner, 27 Dec 1998 ( J. Despres); 115 in Clinton,
Co., 1–3 pairs of Horned Larks nested at Brunswick Executive
28 Dec 2012 (M. Viens). Large counts on coastal CBCs: 112 on
(PDV, JVW). In Gorham, Cumberland Co., nest with 3 eggs
Area, Dec 2004; Bath–Lower Kennebec, 106 in Dec 2000 and
Airport (formerly Brunswick Naval Air Station) ~1985–1991
found on 13 Apr 1952 (W. Smart). In Kennebec Co., Horned
Larks resident at Augusta Airport in 1988, 6 on 14 Aug
(G. Therrien). Historically, larks also nested in Manchester, Kennebec Co. (Apr 1903), Clinton (Apr 1901), and China,
Kennebec Co. (May 1906, Palmer 1949). In n. Penobscot Co., 2 territorial larks at Millinocket Airport, early Jun 1976 and 1977
(PDV). In Aroostook Co., Horned Larks have nested in potato fields since 1920s (Chamberlain 1949). Species remains regular
and fairly common summer resident in agricultural portions of e. Aroostook Co. Recent summer observations, fide eBird: 2 in
Presque Isle, 13 Jun 2013 (WJS); 1 west of Telos, Penobscot Co.,
3 Jun 2013 ( J. Mays); 1 Great Wass I. Preserve, 22 Jun 2017 (D. Jones); 2 at Biddeford Pool, 29 Jun 2014 (m.ob.). F all :
Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC, 28 Dec 1976; 101, Portland
219 in Dec 2003. Additional large counts: 75 individuals in Cutler, 5 Dec 1978 (N. Famous), and 78 at Popham Beach S.P., 23 Dec
2007 (M. Fahay). PDV
Swallows (Hirundinidae) Superior aerial maneuvering and efficient flight in this globe-spanning family of about 90 species of insectivores allows for niche feeding among mixed flocks hunting at different heights. Populations of the six swallow species that breed in Maine are in decline—as are populations worldwide—as flying insect numbers plummet.
Protracted migration Aug–early Dec. Main flight late
Sep–Oct. Reports of Aug migrants: 2 at Back Cove, Portland, 19
Aug 1982 (PDV); 1 in T19 MD BPP, Washington Co., 23 Aug
Bank Swallow
2006 (PDV); 2 in Bar Harbor, 26 Aug 2011 (C. Ahern). In Turner,
Riparia riparia
accurately reflecting species’ fall movements. Earliest arrivals: 12
Maine’s most severely declining species of bird
J. Despres maintains longest, most consistent lark observations,
Sep 1994 (5 birds) and 11 Sep 1998 (1 bird, both J. Despres). Largest numbers in Turner typically found late Oct–early Nov: 600 on
20 Oct 1981; 125 on 18 Oct 1989; >400 on 10 Nov 1990; 200 on 23 Oct 1994 diminishing to 150 on 8 Nov 1994; 150 on 4 Oct 1995;
400 on 25 Oct 1998; 90 on 5 Nov 1999 (all J. Despres). Migrants
occasionally linger into Dec: 50 on 1 Dec 1994 and 100 on 4 Dec
2001 (both J. Despres).
Early Sep migrants in Aroostook Co.: 25 in Eagle L., 13 Sep
1977 and 5 at Marcum Pond, 6 Sep 1977 (both J. Gibson); 30 in St.
Agatha, 13 Sep 2014 (WJS). Early birds at Scarborough Marsh: 9
on 14 Sep 2005 (L. Brinker). Early reports elsewhere: 6 at Bangor
Airport, 5 Sep 1978 (PDV); 8 at Seawall Beach, 14 Sep 1985 (PDV); 1 on Appledore I., 8 Sep 1990 (D. Holmes); 3 in Gouldsboro, 6
Sep 1996 (N. Famous); 1 in Machiasport, 13 Sep 1998 (N. Famous).
Agricultural fields of Aroostook Co. often produce large counts; in St. Agatha: 600 on 30 Sep 2007, and 170 on 13 Oct 2008; in
Caribou, Presque Isle, and Easton, 200 at each location on 18 Oct
2007; in Limestone, 120 on 13 Oct 2007 (all WJS). In Piscataquis
Co., 150 reported from Katahdin Twp., 12 Oct 2002 (T. Griset); in
Kennebec Co., 100 in Clinton, 30 Oct 2008 (D. Mairs et al.); in
York Co., 100 at Seapoint Beach, Kittery, 15 Nov 2008 (P. Augusta); and 35 at Goose Rocks Beach, 2 Dec ( J. Junker).
W inter :
Locally distributed throughout Maine, generally
rare to occasional in n. and e. ME, largely absent from forested
parts of w. and cen. ME. In s. cen. ME, small flocks of 5–20
Horned Larks found in open habitats, beaches, and agricultural fields. Larger counts (60–100) regularly reported at several
416
Status in Maine: Though still fairly widespread in southern Maine, the Bank Swallow is becoming an increasingly uncommon and locally breeding species in the rest of the state. Breeding Bird Survey results show a steep decline 1966–2017 in Maine to less than 1% of its 1966 population—as throughout North America, a trend seen in all swallows and most other aerial insectivores. Bank Swallows are regular spring migrants in April and May, and uncommon fall migrants July through September. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Bank Swallows common summer residents throughout the state. Palmer wrote that the species was an uncommon and declining colonial breeder throughout the state and “fairly common” in spring and fall migration (1949, 366). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Extensive breeding range covering much of N. Am.: NL and cen. QC west to AB, n. NT, and YT to interior and s. AK, n. BC to e. WA and OR and n. CA; south to coastal VA, Midwest, n. NV, UT, and NM; also in s. TX and ne. Mexico. Winters primarily in S. Am. but small numbers have been recorded in winter from s. Mexico through Panama. Also breeds in Europe and Asia. S pring :
Still widespread, but rapidly decreasing spring
migrant. Migration late Apr–late May. Earliest records: 2 on
10 Apr 2001 at Abagadassett R. mouth, Bowdoinham (PDV);
Order Passeriformes • Family Hirundinidae
Bank Swallows
1 on 15 Apr 1993 in Scarborough (L. Brinker); 1 on 18 Apr
2017 at Sanford Lagoons ( J. Fecteau); 2 on 22 Apr 1990 at Mt.
Agamenticus (L. Phinney); 1 on 22 Apr 2006 at Hinckley Park, S. Portland (N. Schwarzel); and 1 on 23 Apr 1994 at Scarborough
Co.); 131 in 1981, Cooper (Washington Co.); 121 in 1973 on
E. Troy BBS (Waldo Co.). Fifty or more birds recorded on
individual BBS routes in ME 29 times since 1966, but only once
after 2000. Subsequent years produced lower counts: Otisfield
(L. Brinker). Arrival dates indicate birds arriving earlier than
BBS recorded no Bank Swallows in 19 of 21 years, 1995–2015;
days of May. However, Knight (1908) noted spring arrival 19–25
16 years, 1989–2016, 11 counts produced no Bank Swallows; 1
decades later by Palmer, who surmised that earlier arrival dates
completed 6 of 12 years, 2005–2016, no Bank Swallows recorded.
decades prior to 1949, as Palmer found arrivals during first 8
Apr near Bangor; these dates are earlier than those recorded
at the turn of the century were because Bank Swallows were
more numerous then. Spring peak based on eBird checklists
in weeks of 15 and 22 May, when species appeared on 3.3% and
3.5% of checklists, respectively. Maximum spring counts: 1,000 on 19 May 2000 at Sanford Lagoons (PDV, JEP et al.); 250
on 23 May 1957 and 200 on 18 May 1959 at Leeds Ctr., Leeds,
Androscoggin Co. (Ramsdell; MFO 4[3]: 48, MFO 2[6]: 59); 150 on 23 May 2008 at L. Josephine (WJS); 120 on 22 May 1957 at
Warren (Lord, MFO 2[6]: 59); 60 on 28 May 1997 at Gibson Rd., Scarborough (K. Gammons). Note: counts from Leeds, Warren, and Scarborough are from breeding colony locations, although recorded during spring migration.
S ummer :
A widespread but uncommon breeding bird,
no count above 10 birds since 1988. On Cooper BBS conducted
count had 20 birds; 2–4 birds remaining 4 years. E. Troy BBS
Only recent BBS route with >50 Bank Swallows was in 2005. N.
Am. and ME BBS show decreases of 5.3% and 11.2% per year 1966–2017, respectively (Sauer et al. 2017). F all :
Uncommon fall migrant Aug–Sep, peaks Jul–Aug. Adult
and juvenile swallows form postbreeding flocks beginning Jul
creating highest seasonal numbers, then gradually taper off
through fall. Reported from highest percentage of ME eBird
checklists (5%) weeks 8–22 Jul. Maximum migration counts: 5,000 on 19 Aug 1998 in Benton, Kennebec Co. (W. Sumner); 400
on 6 Sep 1998 in Turner ( J. Despres); 200 on 22 Aug 1984 in Ft.
Fairfield (M. Trombley); 150 on 7 Sep 1998 in Turner ( J. Despres). Late records: 16 at Annis Rd., Ft. Fairfield, 23 Aug 2015 (WJS,
eBird); 11 on 10 Sep 2014 at Wyman Rd. farm, Benton (L. Bevier);
declining over last 50 years to less than 1% of its 1966 population,
1 on 16 Sep 2015 at Scarborough (N. Gibb); 1 each, 17 Sep 2013
outside of remote n. and w. ME and interior Washington Co.
Pool; 1 on 19 Sep 1992 at Appledore I. (S. Morris); 1 on 26 Sep
as estimated by BBS (Sauer et al. 2017). In 1980s, widespread
and 2016 (D. Hitchcox and A. Gilbert, respectively) at Biddeford
(ABBM, Adamus 1987). Maximum numbers at or near colonies,
1987 and 2 on 13 Sep 2015 on Monhegan I. (PDV and K. Yakola,
Jun 1988, Lubec Flats, Lubec (M. Plymire); 150 on 6 Jul 1998 at
(R. Eldridge). In Aroostook Co., 1 Bank Swallow “extremely late,
(R. Payne, MFO 2[8]: 83); 100 through Jul 1958 at Livermore,
9 Sep 2010 (WJS, eBird).
numbers: 140, 110 in 1980 and 1971 on Otisfield BBS (Oxford
W inter :
Jun and Jul: 246 banded from ~360 active nesting burrows, 21–24
Lubec Flats (N. Famous); 146 on 15 Jul 1957 at Cape Elizabeth
Androscoggin Co. (Stetson, MFO 3[8]: 85). Maximum BBS
respectively; eBird). Reported on Machias Seal I., 28 Sep 2006
with Tree and Cliff Swallows, hurricane blown + returning south?”
JVW
No ME records Dec–Feb.
417
Birds of Maine
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
One of the most frequent occupants of backyard and garden nest boxes
Status in Maine: Although its populations have experienced tremendous declines in recent decades, the Tree Swallow is still one of Maine’s most common and widespread breeding swallows. Breeding Bird Survey results show a substantial decrease in numbers in Maine and throughout North America, a trend seen in all swallows and most other aerial insectivores. Tree Swallows remain common spring and fall migrants with spring migration from March–April. Fall migration extends July–November, rarely into December.
cavities but more often in nest boxes, especially when boxes are regularly cleaned and maintained. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) shows species evenly distributed across ME. Maximum BBS
numbers: 163, 156, and 137 on Forest Station BBS (Washington
Co.) in 1977, 1982, and 1979; 149 in 1982, Otisfield (Oxford
Co.); and 132 in 1978, S. Arm (Oxford Co.). Sixty or more birds
recorded on individual BBS routes in ME 45 times since 1966, all but 4 before 1999. The most recent BBS with >60 Tree Swallows
occurred in 2011. Based on BBS data, highest abundances in
world: ME, NB, NH, NS, and VT. ME BBS show significant
decreases of 4.5%, 1966–2017 (Sauer et al. 2017).
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Tree Swallow a common summer resident in Maine. Palmer wrote the Tree Swallow was “common to numerous” throughout the state and a “numerous” spring and fall migrant (1949, 363). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Extensive breeding range from NL and QC to n. AK, south to coastal NC, through s. cen. U.S., ne. TX to n. CA. Winters from coastal SC west to Baja California and south to coastal e. Cen. Am. including most of Costa Rica. S pring :
Tree Swallows
Common and widespread early-spring migrant,
mid-Mar to early May. Earliest records: 1 on 10 Mar 2012 at
Wharton Pt. (W. Nichols); 1 on 11 Mar 2006 at Seawall Beach (PDV); 5 on 14 Mar 2016 at Gardiner, Kennebec Co. ( JVW);
3 on 15 Mar 1930 at Deering, Cumberland Co. (Palmer 1949);
2 on 15 Mar 2014 in Warren (W. Nichols). Spring peak, week
starting 8 May when 32% of submitted eBird checklists report species. Maximum migration counts: 6,400 on 10 May 1999
at Abagadasset R., Bowdoinham (PDV); >5,000 on 19 May
2000 at Sanford Lagoons (PDV, JEP); 4,000 and 2,500 on 14
May 2004 and 19 May 2007, respectively, at Christina Reservoir
(WJS); and 2,400 on 19 May 2009 at L. Josephine (WJS). S ummer :
Common and widespread across state but, like most
other swallows and aerial insectivores, experienced decline over
F all :
Common fall migrant, Jul–Nov, peak numbers usually
Sep. Species reported from highest percentage of ME eBird
checklists (11%) week of 8 Aug. Maximum migration counts:
5,000, 17 Sep 2016 at Biddeford Pool (A. Gilbert, G. Hodgkins);
2,970 on 6 Sep 2016 at Great Pond, Cape Elizabeth (G. Smith);
2,000 on 24 Jul 1991 at Christina Reservoir (WJS); 1,500 on 6 Sep 2012 at Scarborough Marsh (C. Caron); 1,000 on 19 Aug 1987 at
Fryeburg Harbor (P. Richards); 1,000 on 5 Sep 2001 at Ogunquit Beach (N. McReel); 1,000 on 10 Sep 2016 at Richmond I., Cape Elizabeth (N. Hall, F. Hopper); 1,000 on 6 Sep 2016 at Higgins
Beach, Cumberland Co. (B. Bunn); and 900 on 28 Sep 2015 at
Pine Pt. (PDV). Latest records: 3 on 30 Nov 2015 at Biddeford Pool (M. and W. Schackwitz); 1 on 29 Nov 2014 at Granite Pt.
past 50 years. Species once nested exclusively in tree cavities,
Rd., Biddeford (M. Zimmerman); 1 on 28 Nov 2005 at Ogunquit
made structures. Norton (1908) mentioned Tree Swallows nesting
Jones); 1 on 26 Nov 2006, Eastern Rd., Scarborough (fide D.
typically near water, but adapted to nesting in variety of human-
Beach (D. Lovitch); 2 on 28 Nov 2014 at Seawall Beach (D.
in hollow fence rails, barn crevices, and bridges, once in an
Lovitch); 2 on 26 Nov 2015 at Fortunes Rocks, Biddeford (M.
abandoned locomotive. Still found regularly nesting in natural
418
Morales); 1 on 19 Nov 2005 at Reid S.P. (PDV); 2 on 16 Nov 2014 at Head Beach, Phippsburg (M. Fahay).
Order Passeriformes • Family Hirundinidae W inter :
3 winter records in ME: 2 ph. on 27 Dec 2014 at
Basket I. causeway, Biddeford (on Biddeford–Kennebunkport
CBC, J. Fecteau and R. Watson); 1 on 17 Dec 2005 at Spurwink
Marsh, Cape Elizabeth (on Greater Portland CBC, fide D.
Lovitch); 3 on 6 Dec 2015 at Timber Pt., Biddeford ( J. Fecteau). JVW
Violet-green Swallow
Tachycineta thalassina
An unexpected visitor from the West
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single bird reported at Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert Island, on 14 April 2018, was found and photographed by N. Dubrow (eBird) and seen by many (fide D. Hitchcox).
Rough-wings were documented breeding or were observed during breeding season in 1957 in Old Town, Penobscot Co.; Skowhegan; Gorham, Cumberland Co.; and Newry, Oxford Co. (MFO 2[6]: 59, 3[6]: 61), and northeast to Ellsworth by 1959 (MFO 4[6]: pp. unk.). Bond (1971) noted a pair nesting in an old kingfisher burrow in a gravel pit between Somesville and Town Hill, Mount Desert I., in Jun 1964. Global Distribution: Breeds from s. ME and e. NB west across s. QC and s. Canada to n. cen. BC, south to Mexico and interior Cen. Am. Winters on southern tip of Florida, Gulf Coast, s. CA, northeastern and southwestern coastal Mexico through Cen. Am.
Global Distribution: Migratory breeding population from s. AK to nw. Mexico, east to MT, WY, CO, NM, and w. TX. Resident population in cen. Mexico. Wintering population south to Nicaragua. At least seven e. U.S. records. Remarks: P. Pyle’s analysis of photos suggests this bird was a second-year or after-second-year female. CDD
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
N. Rough-winged Swallow Breeding Range
The state’s most uncommon and geographically restricted breeding swallow
Status in Maine: Expanding into Maine in the 1940s and 1950s, Northern Rough-winged Swallows are an uncommon and patchily distributed breeding species near rivers and lakes in the southern half of the state. The species is seen in small numbers in spring and fall migration but normally vacates the state by August, with only a handful of records in September. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight did not record Northern Rough-winged Swallows in ME at the time of his book. The species began expanding its breeding range into NY and New England in the late 1800s, continuing across MA in the early 1900s (Veit and Peterson 1993). Palmer recounted the first confirmed breeding record in Ogunquit in 1941, where it possibly continued breeding through 1946. He noted another sight record of a bird in Damariscotta on 27 Jun 1947.
! Regular ( ( Local !
S pring :
Uncommon spring migrant in southern third of
ME, never in large numbers. Migration early Apr–early May.
Earliest records, 1 bird each: exceptionally early 10–16 Mar 2012 at Wharton Pt. (m.ob., ph.); 3 Apr 2015 at Scarborough Marsh
(M. Iliff, G. Smith); 4 Apr 2002 in Biddeford (P. Moynahan); 4
Apr 2006 in Saco (S. Pollock); 8 Apr 2007, Phippsburg (fide D.
Lovitch); 8 Apr 2009, Florida L., Freeport (W. Laverty); 10 Apr
2014, Gilsland Farm (D. Hitchcox); 10 Apr 2012 at Florida L. (S.
Walsh). Spring peak based on eBird checklists weeks of 1 and 8
May, reported on 2.5% of submitted checklists. Largest number
reported in ME an unusual concentration of 150 birds at Union
R. Dam in Ellsworth, 1 May 1981. From May 1-26, the number of birds fluctuated from 75 to 150 and several were observed
defending territory beneath the powerhouse (W. Townsend).
Other high counts: 20 on 20 May 1984 at Farmington (W.
Howes); 15, 12 May 1979, Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert I. (C.
Jellison); 12, 17 Apr 2001 in Biddeford (P. Moynahan); and 12 on
1 May 2012 at Capisic Pond, Portland (N. Gibb).
419
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Uncommon breeder in s. ME, always near water—
distribution closely tracks watersheds. In N. Am., species most abundant in Southeast and West. Species showed northward
breeding range expansion over last 150 years, and like most other
swallows and other aerial insectivores, a decline in N. Am. since
late 1960s, perhaps leveling off in recent decades.
Species patchily distributed in southern third of ME
along coast and s. Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Penobscot
R. Watersheds (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Confirmed breeding in
three atlas blocks in s. Washington Co. One isolated confirmed
breeding record along St. John R. in northernmost ME along NB
border. Maximum BBS numbers: 17 on now-discontinued Benton
BBS (Kennebec Co.) in 1972; 9 in 1989, Otisfield (Oxford Co.);
and 8 in Freedom (Waldo Co.) in 1976. Single location breeding season highs: 20 on 12 Jul 1999 at Union R. Dam, Ellsworth
(W. Townsend); 20 on 18 Jul 2014 at Scarborough Marsh ( J.
McGowan, L. Santana, and A. VonNorstrand); 12 on 13 Jul 2016 at
Livermore Falls, Androscoggin Co. (K. Brown).
ME BBS trend shows non-significant decline. N. Am. BBS
shows significant decrease of 0.53% per year, 1966–2015, but a stable trend from 2005–2015. F all :
Rare to uncommon fall migrant, Aug–Sep (1 exceptional
record in Nov), peak late Jul–early Aug. Adults and juveniles
congregate in postbreeding flocks in Jul, reach seasonal high
numbers, then gradually taper off through fall. Species reported
on highest percentage of ME eBird checklists (0.6%) week of 8
Aug. Numbers in fall migration typically 15 Nov reports. In Turner, J.
Despres observed migrants on 2 occasions in Sep (13 and 17 Sep
2001), 17 occasions in Oct (earliest on 7 Oct 1980), 3 times in Nov, and once in Dec, on 12 Dec 1980 ( J. Despres).
A 1954 fall flight began in Nov with birds south to Wilton,
Skowhegan, and Brownfield. In spring 1960, many Mar and
Apr reports in s. ME indicated southern movement occurred previous fall. In 1963, large southward movement in Dec, >9
reports of >16 birds, southernmost in York Harbor, 15 Dec 1963
shows notable pattern: small numbers of Boreal Chickadees
regularly in 1960s–1980s. When analyzed by decade, species
occurred on 2 counts in 1940s, 3 in 1950s, 7 in 1960s, 7 in 1970s,
5 in 1980s, 1 in 1990s, none in 2000s, and 1 in 2010s (to 2017).
The 1950s recorded unusually high numbers: 69 on 27 Dec 1951 count and 32 birds on 1 Jan 1955 count, a year with widespread dispersal throughout New England (Bolgiano 2004); species
not reported on intervening CBCs. Also, notably, 26 individuals
observed on 16 Dec 1978 Mount Desert I. CBC. Few reports
on CBCs west of Mount Desert I. Surprisingly, none reported on CBCs from Farmington, Augusta, Lewiston–Auburn, and
(MFN 20: 14). In 1970, 12 Jan reports south to Ocean Park, York
Thomaston–Rockland, and one record each from Waterville,
Brewer; Eddington, Penobscot Co.; Veazie, Penobscot Co.;
and York Co. Bath area CBC recorded species on 5 counts: 11 on
Co. (1), and Yarmouth (1). In 1980, they dispersed in e. ME to
Pemaquid–Damariscotta, Freeport–Brunswick, Portland area,
Orono; and Washington Co. (N. Famous). Species also observed
20 Dec 1980 and 5 birds on 19 Dec 1988 CBC. Orono–Old Town
Morse Mtn., 9 Nov 1980 (PDV).
statewide, 1–7 birds, 2010–2016 (CBC 2017).
farther south and west in Turner, 7 Oct 1980 ( J. Despres) and at Boreal Chickadee movements diminished and irregular
since 1980. Reports limited to 1–2 individuals/fall: 1–2 birds at
CBC recorded 16 on 18 Dec 1971. Boreals recorded on on 5 CBCs Southern ME reports not closely reflected in coastal CBCs.
In 1963, southward movement in Dec, >13 birds, southernmost in
Mt. Agamenticus, 10 Oct 1981 (L. Phinney); 1 in Richmond,
York Harbor, 15 Dec 1963 (MFN 20: 14); no Boreal Chickadees
Portland, 20 Oct 1993 (L. Brinker); 1 in Turner, 3 and 11 Oct
breeding range, southernmost in Ocean Park (1) and Yarmouth
28 Nov 1983 (PDV); 1 in Turner, 16 Oct 1993 ( J. Despres); 1 in
on CBCs that year. In 1970, 12 Jan reports south of species’
1995 ( J. Despres); 1 at Morse Mtn., 10 Oct 2001 (S. Terry); 1 in
(1) but none on CBCs. In 1980, widespread dispersal from e.
2004 (P. McGowan et al.); 2 in Waterboro, York Co., 30 Oct
Foster, 20 Dec 1980 (2 birds, PDV), but not elsewhere. In 1984,
1 at Florida L., Freeport, 14 Nov 2007 ( J. Stevens).
Kennebunkport, 19 Feb 1984 ( J. Ficker), but not recorded on
Bridgton, 23 Oct 2001 ( J. Preis); 1 in Scarborough, 13–16 Jan
2005 (R. Harrison et al.); 1 at Morse Mtn., 29 Nov 2005 (PDV);
ME (N. Famous) and species recorded on York Co. CBC at Ft. single birds reported from Reid S.P., 29 Jan 1984 (PDV), and southern CBCs.
427
Birds of Maine
Species not reported in coastal s. ME 1985–2000, absence
consistent with irruption pattern of Boreal Chickadees on s. New
S ummer :
The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed breeding at 9
sites in York, Cumberland, and Lincoln Cos., east to Bangor. In
England (CT, RI, MA) and NY CBCs (Bolgiano 2004). Bolgiano
Knox Co., pair with 4 young in Union, summer 1979, thought to
southerly movements since 1983. Likely widespread loss of mature
well established as breeder in Wilton by 1999 (W. Howes).
reported irruptions in 1954, 1961, 1969, and 1975, and smaller
conifers following Spruce Budworm outbreak of 1970s adversely affected Boreal Chickadee populations (Erskine 1992). Recent
south coastal ME observations: 1 in Lovell, Oxford Co., 26 Feb
2002 ( J. Preis); 1 in Scarborough, 13–16 Jan 2004 (P. McGowan et al.); 1 in Brownfield, 11–22 Jan 2006 (R. Crowley et al.); 1 in
Baldwin, Cumberland Co., 3 Feb–2 Mar 2009 (V. Lawrence); 1 in
Gray, Cumberland Co., 16 Feb 2009 (V. Lawrence, fide S. Walsh);
1 at Morse Mtn., 1 Dec 2014 (G. Smith, eBird). PDV
be first local nesting record ( J. Jones). In Franklin Co., species
In Piscataquis Co., males on territory in Dover-Foxcroft on
24 Apr 2008 (A. Larrabee). Although titmice have bred in St.
Andrews, sw. NB (fide D. Christie), they are not yet confirmed in Washington Co. Nesting season appears to be late: adult
observed carrying nesting material in Richmond, 20 May 1998
(PDV); 2 adults feeding fledged young in Cape Elizabeth, 20 Jul
1987 (K. Gammons); adults feeding fledged young at Biddeford Pool, 22 Jul 1987 ( JVW).
Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor
An increasingly familiar backyard feeder bird from the South
Status in Maine: Since their arrival in southern Maine in the 1950s, Tufted Titmice have continued to spread throughout southern and central parts of the state, where the species is now resident. Titmice remain occasional to rare visitors in the western mountains, northern forests, and in Washington and Aroostook Counties, but it appears likely they will continue to spread north and east in coming decades. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer reported a single specimen apparently collected near Orono some time prior to 1890. Knight (1898, 8) stated, “Prof. Harvey is very sure that it was shot near Orono by one of the students. At any rate it was taken in Maine, received by him in the flesh, and sent thus to S.L. Crosby by whom it was mounted.” Tufted Titmice first overwintered in ME in the late 1950s–early 1960s: two seen in Cape Elizabeth, Jan 1961; numerous reports from s. ME feeders in 1962 (MFN 18: 27); two in Kittery, 8–10 Feb 1962 (MFN 18: 44); and one on 14 Apr 1963 (R. Spinney, MFN 18: 76). The species increased rapidly in York and Cumberland Cos. in the 1970s, then spread north in small numbers in the winter of 1982–1983 and was reported east to Bangor by 1985. CBCs indicate that Tufted Titmouse numbers increased substantially east to Bangor– Bucksport and Orono–Old Town during the 2000s. Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Resident in deciduous and mixed forests from cen. ME and New England, and rarely NB, to MI, e. MN, south to FL and TX. 428
Tufted Titmouse W inter :
Maine CBCs clearly reveal spread of Tufted Titmouse
through s. and cen. ME. Titmice first found on Biddeford–
Kennebunkport count in Dec 1972 (2 individuals). Species
became more widespread in York and Cumberland Cos. by 1980;
10-year average for 1980s was 30.6 titmice/year on York CBC
and 14.1/year on Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC. A noticeable
movement north during winter 1982–1983 with simultaneous
increases in s. ME (Biddeford–Kennebunkport: 15 birds; Bath:
14) and first CBC reports east to Mount Desert I. (1), Orono–
Old Town (4), and Schoodic Pt. (1). Ten-year average for 1990s
remained low for most counts except for York (100/yr), Biddeford–
Kennebunkport (63.5/ yr), and Portland (52/yr).
Titmice more numerous in cen. ME in 2000s when notably
larger averages reported from CBCs in Pemaquid–Damariscotta
(20.9/yr), Thomaston–Rockland (14.9/yr), Augusta (60.1/yr),
Waterville (45.6/yr), Bangor–Bucksport (39.1/yr), and Orono– Old Town (22.3/yr). Titmice remained rare to occasional in
western mountains, Hancock and Washington Cos., and from n. Penobscot to Aroostook Cos. Farmington CBC averaged
500, 1 Sep 1957 (MFO 2: 105).
W inter :
Winters throughout ME. Numbers vary substantially
on CBCs; review of 6 long-term CBCs (Augusta, Mount Desert
I., Orono–Old Town, Schoodic Pt., Thomaston–Rockland, York)
Order Passeriformes • Family Sittidae
1970–2012 averaged 157 individuals, with counts occasionally as
low as 50 (1973–1974) and 61 (1982–1983), or following flight years,
as high as 327 (1993–1994) and 320 birds (1997–1998). Eastport
2016 CBC totaled 251 Red-breasted Nuthatches. On Monhegan
I. CBC, Red-breasted Nuthatches varied from the low of 1 on 31
Dec 1980 to a high of 63, 1 Jan 1993 (PDV et al.). PDV
most extraordinary of all my observations in nearly 30 years in the Maine forests and mountains” (Taber 1952). Taber reported that this species was also seen on the peak by R. Mazzeo on 13 Sep 1949 (Taber 1952, 79). S pring :
Little evidence of spring migration although some
birds move north after occasional fall flights. On Monhegan I.,
species is uncommon in spring, when daily counts usually do
not exceed 2 birds; counts of 5 birds on 5 May 2010 (N. Lund),
White-breasted Nuthatch
4 on 6 Apr 2011, and 6 on 27 Apr 2011 (both T. Magarian,)
A familiar, often upside-down silhouette on trees and feeders throughout Maine
Apr 2012, 18 Mar 2014, and 25 Mar 2014, may have been spring
Sitta carolinensis
Status in Maine: Found locally on deciduous ridges of the western mountains and northern Maine, White-breasted Nuthatches are common residents in deciduous forests throughout the rest of the state. Breeding Bird Surveys show a 2.6% annual increase in nuthatches since 1966, which is reflected as well in Christmas Bird Counts on the coastal plain, where numbers have also grown dramatically (see Winter). White-breasted Nuthatches occasionally migrate south from September through November, but these movements are irregular and difficult to monitor. Spring movements are equally challenging to quantify, but occasionally small movements occur in late March–April. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 598) considered White-breasted Nuthatches “generally distributed as a resident all over the state.” Palmer (1949, 390) stated the species was “uncommon on a few inshore islands and the mainland of the southern half of the state west of Penobscot Bay, decreasing to rare elsewhere.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident in deciduous and mixed woodlands from NS and Maritime Provinces west through s. Canada to BC, south in e. N. Am. to n. FL, TX, and cen. Mexico; occasionally makes fall migrations but in smaller numbers than Red-breasted Nuthatch. Remarks: As a resident of deciduous forests, White-breasted Nuthatches are unexpected on open mountain peaks. This species was reported by W. Taber on the summit of Mt. Katahdin at an altitude of 5,267 ft. (1,605 m), 9 Jul 1949, “[T]he bird ‘did’ the Knife Edge ahead of me. I saw it on South Peak, and finally on the summit of Pamola… I think this is the
probably reflect migrants. In Richmond, winter feeder counts typically 3–5 residents; high counts of 8 on 10 Mar 2012, 14
migrants (PDV). In MA, Veit and Petersen (1993) reported spring migrants on several offshore islands in Apr.
S ummer :
Breeds in mature deciduous and mixed forests and
large cemeteries throughout ME. ABBM (Adamus 1987) noted few reports from Aroostook Co. and western mountains, but
this is undoubtedly due to lack of adequate coverage. Species is
uncommon but regular on deciduous ridges throughout this area
(eBird). F all :
Generally inconspicuous fall migrants moving south
Sep–Nov. On Monhegan I., normal daily totals 1–3 birds; larger
counts indicating moderate flight years: 8 on 13 Sep 1981 and 12
on 26 Sep 1981 (PDV); 12 on 2 Oct 1997 and 8 on 24 Sep 2001 ( J.
Trimble); 20 on 5 Oct 2003 (WJS); 6 on 27 Sep 2010 (E. Hynes); 11 on 9–10 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble); 8 on 11 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz). W inter :
Common resident of cen. and s. ME, generally
increasing since 1970, but number of wintering birds can vary
widely year to year. Counts from 6 selected long-term CBCs
1970–2012 (Biddeford–Kennebunkport, Portland, Augusta, Farmington, Presque Isle, Bangor–Bucksport, Eastport)
averaged 144 birds/year. Cumulative totals as low as 24 in
1971–1972 and as high as 393 birds in 2008–2009: Augusta
CBC recorded 1 in Dec 1992 and 196 in Dec 2010. Species
increased substantially in past 40 years along s. cen. ME coast;
10-year CBC totals from these counts: 665 birds, 1971–1980; 914, 1981–1990; 1,415 birds, 1991–2000; and 2,511, 2001–2010.
During this 40-year period, White-breasted Nuthatch
numbers on Presque Isle CBC remained constant: average 3.3
birds with high of 17 in Dec 1996. Species remains uncommon
to rare in e. and n. ME: reported in BSP on 17 Feb 2007 ( J.
Mays); unreported from forests north and west of BSP. PDV
431
Birds of Maine
Creepers (Certhiidae)
Other presumed migrants: 5 in W. Bath, 4 Apr 2009; 5 at
Among two genera and 10 species across Europe, Africa,
Phippsburg, 24 Apr 2009 (all M. Fahay); 6 in Ft. Kent, 8 Apr
and Asia, only the Brown Creeper occurs in North America. Seen spiraling up tree trunks, base to crown, creepers glean insects and spiders while using their long toes and a stiff tail to climb .Brown Creepers live in Maine year-round, often roosting communally and feeding in mixed-species flocks in winter.
Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 10 Apr 2009; 6 on Hermit I.,
1998 (G. Flagg); 4 in Eliot, York Co., 25 Apr 1998 (B. Dorr);
4 in Casco, Cumberland Co., 4 May 2000 (B. Dorr); 4 in
Augusta, 20 Apr 2004 (N. Famous); 4 in Orono, 13 Apr 2008 (M. Burgess); 4 on Vinalhaven, 30 Apr 2008 (K. Gentalen).
Single Brown Creeper banded on Appledore I. notably late on
26 May 1996 (fide D. Holmes).
Brown Creeper
Certhia americana
This unobtrusive bird blends in with bark as it spirals up tree trunks
Status in Maine: Brown Creepers breed regularly beneath the bark of mature, usually dead, trees throughout Maine. The species occurs throughout the year, but most birds migrate south in September and October, moving north again March through May. In winter, Brown Creepers are regular and may be increasing in south-central Maine but are less numerous in northern and inland eastern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 393) said Brown Creepers bred uncommonly in n. ME, were more common in cen. ME, and were “rare and local” in sw. ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL through forested cen. Canada to coastal AK, south to PA and WV (Appalachian Mtns.), WI, through Rocky Mtns. to Mexico, also in CA; southern populations south to Costa Rica. Winters through much of breeding range south through U.S. and ne. Mexico. S pring :
Movement cryptic; difficult to distinguish residents
from migrants especially because males start singing late Feb– early Mar. Small congregations on offshore islands shed light
on protracted migration, early Mar through May, peaking in
late Apr–early May. Earliest migrants: 1 in Woodland, 4 Apr
2016 (WJS, eBird); 12 individuals on Deer I., 5 Mar 1983 (M. H. Hundley); 3 at Dead R. bridge, Long Falls Dam Rd., Somerset Co. 6 Mar 2016 (C. Ring and G. Hodgkins, eBird). In Saco
and Gorham, Cumberland Co., S. Pollock reported creepers
were “numerous in twos and threes,” 5–8 Apr 1991 and a “small
migratory wave through Saco,” 20 Apr 1989. On Monhegan I.,
Apr reports typically 2–4 birds (W. Boynton); larger numbers include 10 on 6 Apr 2013 (D. Hitchcock), 12 on 29 Apr 2011
(T. Magarian), 15 on 6 May 1984, and 8 on 7 May 1984 (PDV).
432
Brown Creeper
S ummer :
Breeds commonly throughout state, coastal
Washington Co. to western mountains, north to Ft. Kent
(ABBM, Adamus 1987). Brown Creepers typically breed under loose scaling bark of coniferous and mixed forest tree snags,
and also on human structures like window shutters and rain
gutters. Nesting may begin in Apr, usually occurs May–Jun.
Palmer (1949, 395) reported most clutches complete “from about May 16 to early June.” Recent reports of confirmed breeding
activity: nest with 3 eggs in Turner, 21 May 1983 ( J. Despres); in
Orono, nest building on 21 Apr 1985 and 6 eggs on 13 May 1985
( J. Markowsky); nest building in Scarborough, 12 Jun 2007
(C. Spedden); adult feeding young in Oquossoc, Franklin Co,
1 Jul 2009 (E. Giles); family group of 5 in Kittery, 18 Jul 2005 (D. Lovitch). F all :
Migrants readily detected on outer islands and
immediate coast. Species typically migrates south throughout
Sep–Oct, main flight late Sep–early Oct. An exceptional
number of 36 Brown Creepers banded on Appledore I., early
date of 14 Aug 1999 (D. Holmes). Early migrant banded in
Martinsville, Knox Co, 9 Sep 1991 (M. Plymire). On Monhegan
I., high counts >10 typically occur 25 Sep–11 Oct: 30 on 9 Oct
1991 (P. Moynahan), 50 on 30 Sep 2007 and 25 on 1 Oct 2007
Order Passeriformes • Family Troglodytidae
(D. Lovitch), 25 on 4 Oct 2010 (L. Seitz), 16 on 28 Sep 2012
(B. Nikula), and 7 on 3 Oct 2016 (D. Moulton and A. Ellis III;
eBird). Notably late Monhegan I. flight of 25 creepers on 26 Oct
1996 (S. Abbott). On Appledore I., 25 creepers banded on 29 Sep
2001 for seasonal total of 105 banded individuals (D. Holmes,
NAB 56: 31); 10 on 30 Sep 2017 (m.ob., eBird). Elsewhere, 18
creepers reported from Hermit I., 30 Sep 2007, and 10 birds notably late migrants on Davis I., Edgecomb, 8 Nov 2008
(E. Hynes). W inter :
Review of ME CBCs indicates Brown Creepers
most common in s. and cen. ME from Penobscot, Hancock,
and coastal Washington Cos. west to s. Piscataquis, Somerset,
and Franklin Cos. Infrequent on Aroostook Co. CBCs and on
CBCs at Eastport, Calais, and Danforth, Washington Co.
(10 pairs were ever reported in ME after 1940; it is likely the scarcity of Sedge Wrens in ME may be partially explained by this widespread winter mortality. In any case, the species has yet to recover its former local abundance in ME.
8 birds also on 4 Jan 2007 (PDV et al.); and individuals in Bath,
11 Feb–14 Mar 2007 ( JVW et al.), and Bridgeton, 16 Feb 2007 ( J. Preis). On Monhegan I., species reported more frequently with
Jan and Feb reports in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2007 (W. Boynton),
! !
26 Jan 2013 (D. Hitchcox, eBird), and 5 Jan 2016 (m.ob., eBird). Noteworthy inland reports: 1 at Auburn (Androscoggin Co.)
feeder, Dec 1938–Jan 1939 (Palmer 1949); 1 in Farmington, 4 Jan
1968 (P. Cross); 1 in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 2 Jan 1999 ( J.
Markowsky); 1 in Bridgton, 16 Feb 2007 ( J. Preis);. 1 on 3 Dec
!
2011 Sunkhaze Meadows NWR (G. Smith, eBird); on 12 Dec
! ! ! !
2015 Sebasticook L. (R. Ostrowski, eBird); and 1 at Carlton Pond,
Waldo Co., on 11 Dec 2017 (T. Aversa, eBird).
! ! !
PDV
!
! !
!
Sedge Wren Breeding Season Records 1989-2006
Sedge Wren
Cistothorus platensis
! ( Confirmed Breeding ! ( Observations
This classically irregular breeder is a state endangered species
Status in Maine: Sedge Wrens were little known prior to 1898 when Knight first found the species in Bangor. Their numbers increased substantially between 1900 and 1940, especially in Penobscot, Hancock, and Washington Counties (Palmer 1949), but the harsh 1940–1941 winter apparently decimated the East Coast population. Since 1940, Sedge Wrens have appeared irregularly in Maine and are now at best occasional. Nonetheless, the few nesting records may underestimate this cryptic species’ actual breeding status in the state.
Global Distribution: W. Hemisphere. Breeds from s. QC and ON west to s. Canadian prairies SK, MB, and e. AB, south to IL, MO, and NE, irregularly east to ME and formerly in NB. Winters from s. NJ south to FL, Gulf Coast, and Mexico. Resident populations in S. Am. may represent a separate species.
Maine Conservation Status: Endangered.
Jun–Jul with few May reports: 1 in Chesterville, Franklin Co.,
Historical Status in Maine: Knight found six pairs in Bangor in 1898 and considered these wrens the only documented occurrences in ME. Palmer (1949, 404) reported “the largest number of colonies and birds” in s. Penobscot and e. Washington Cos. but noted Sedge Wrens bred, at least irregularly, south to York Co. He also reported >50 pairs in Sunkhaze Bog, Milford, 2 Jun 1934. Palmer subsequently noted seven males at the same locality in Jun 1941 and none in Jul 1946. Griscom and Snyder (1955) reported that the winter of 1940–1941 was severe and that it decimated the East Coast Sedge Wren population, which they claimed had not 436
S pring :
1900–1949, Palmer reported Sedge Wrens first
observed on breeding grounds mid- to late May with earliest record by Knight near Bangor, 4 May 1904. Palmer said
migrants likely to continue to arrive into Jun. Fewer records since 1950 as species became scarce in ME; most reports
11 May 1976 (AB 30: 814); 1 at Brownfield Bog, 11 May 2000
(NAB 54: 262); 2 at Penjajawoc Marsh, 13 May 2006 (S. Smith). Single Sedge Wren found dead in Bowdoinham, 19 Apr 1954, exceptionally early (V. Dunlap, BMAS 10[3]: 44).
S ummer :
Since 1950, Sedge Wrens irregular at limited
localities, primarily in s. Penobscot Co. (Sunkhaze,
Passadumkeag, Penjajawoc Marsh); also at Messalonskee L.;
in Chesterville (1960–1975); in Moosehorn NWR, Baring; in
Waldoboro, Lincoln Co.; and at Northeast Creek Marsh, Bar Harbor.
Usually found in sedge meadows or wetlands, species also
found in dry, sometimes brushy, fields and along grassy margins
Order Passeriformes • Family Troglodytidae
of blueberry barrens in Washington and Hancock Cos. (Palmer
1949). Recent confirmed nesting records: 3 adults and 4 nestlings in Winslow, Kennebec Co., with 1 young fledging on 26 Aug
1989 (S. Melvin, JVW, and PDV, ph.; AB 43: 1290); 1 nest with
3 or 4 young at Northeast Creek Marsh, 23 Jul 1996 (C. Witt,
FN 50: 930); 1 or 2 pairs with at least 2 fledglings in Waldoboro, 15 Jul–25 Aug 1996 (D. Reimer, T. Arter, ph.; FN 51: 26); adults
feeding young at Penjajawoc Marsh, Aug 2000 (T. Hodgman,
P. deMaynadier).
A review of Sedge Wren occurrences in Maine, 1950–2010, indi-
cates that fewer than 20 Sedge Wrens were reported in any decade.
Number of Sedge Wrens reported in Maine, May–Aug 1951–2018 1951–1960
12
1971–1980
8
1961–1970 1981–1990
9
1991–2000
18
2011–2018
3
2001–2010
F all :
16
18
It is probably inappropriate to consider the small
numbers of Sedge Wrens present in fall as a true migration.
in these areas. Wrens generally arrive in mid-May, returning south again in September and October. Since 1992, a few wrens have been found along the southern coast in November and December. Historical Status in Maine: Remarkably, Knight did not list Marsh Wrens as occurring in ME. Palmer (1949, 403) said that Marsh Wrens appeared in ME as a regular breeder during the 1920s: “In view of the fact that this wren now breeds in a number of localities that were familiar to ornithologists in former years and where it was not found by them, it seems safe to conclude that the establishment of this species as a regular breeder has occurred since about 1920.” Brewster (1925), who spent considerable time in the L. Umbagog region from the 1880s to 1920, did not list this species as occurring in the area. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from ME, locally in NB and NS (Erskine 1992), s. QC and ON through cen. Canada, south through New England, PA, s. OH, IN, n. KS, and CO southwest to n. AZ, locally in CA, also along Atlantic Coast to n. FL, and Gulf Coast. Disjunct population in cen. Mexico. Winters from NJ south on Atlantic Coast to Mexico; also winters in CO, NM, AZ to WA, OR, and CA.
Knight contended that Sedge Wrens remained on breeding
grounds until early Oct. Given that wrens nest until late Aug,
this may be correct, but most recent reports suggest that Sedge
Wrens are observed at migratory stopovers in late Sep. Since
1970, 6 records from Monhegan I. occurred 8 Sep–5 Oct and 4
of these the last week of Sep. Single wren in Brunswick, 18 Oct
2008 (S. Walker), probably a late migrant, as was a wren found in a garage in Portland, 28 Oct 1961 (MFO 6: 110).
W inter :
There are only 2 winter records as of 2018: 1 found
along the edge of Scarborough Marsh, 19 Dec 1992 (L. Brinker,
MBN 6: 39), and 1 seen and heard on Monhegan I., 5 Jan 2010 (PDV, CDD). PDV
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
A relatively recent addition to southern and central Maine’s common breeding avifauna
Status in Maine: Marsh Wrens are common summer residents in cattail marshes throughout the southern and central part of the state. Cattail marshes are less widespread in western, northern, and eastern Maine, and it is not surprising that this species is more local
Marsh Wren
Remarks: Recent research demonstrated two distinct evolutionary groups of Marsh Wrens recognizable as separate subspecies: “Eastern Marsh Wren” (C. p. palustris) and “Western Marsh Wren” (C. p. paludicola, Monroe and Sibley 1993). The eastern form occurs in ME, along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast west to 437
Birds of Maine
NE, and has a smaller song repertoire than its western counterpart; the western form is more likely to be polygynous (Kroodsma and Verner 2013). S pring :
Most spring reports of early arrivals on breeding
grounds, with males singing by mid-May. Migrants rarely
(A. Aldrich, eBird) and a possible example of an overwintering
individual at Gilsland Farm seen in same location 15 Dec 2013, 18
Jan 2014, and 22 Feb 2014. The only inland wren recorded was in Old Town, Penobscot Co., 14 Nov 2005 (E. Grew). PDV
reported away from breeding sites, but on Appledore I. migrants
were banded from 12 May 1983 to as late as 31 May 1999 (S.
Morris, D. Holmes). Unusually early reports: in Wilton, 3 each
on 2 and 5 May 1982 (P. Cross); 1 in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 30
Apr 1994 (D. Ladd, L. Brinker); 2 in Sabattus, Androscoggin Co., 20 Apr 2002 (E. Eklund, fide J. Despres); 1 in New Gloucester, Cumberland Co., 27 Apr 2005 (S. Walsh); 2 in Scarborough,
26 Apr 2008 (fide E. Hynes); 1 in Damariscotta, 1 May 2005 ( J.
Adams); 1 in Freeport, 1 May 2009 (D. Lovitch). S ummer :
First confirmed nesting in ME in 1920s (Palmer
1949). Almost invariably found in colonies in cattail marshes along fringes of salt marshes and ponds, lakes, and other
freshwater wetlands. Colonies generally small (5–30 singing
males), with a maximum of 36 at Messalonskee L., 2 Jun 2010
Marsh Wren Breeding Range
(M. Fahay). ABBM (Adamus 1987) reported breeding along
southern coast to Mount Desert I., where species is local and
! Regular ( ( Local !
uncommon; in 1968, 2 pairs nesting in Bar Harbor considered
first nesting record for ANP (W. Townsend). In Lincoln Co.
prior to 1950, A. Cruickshank (1950b) considered this species a rare and local summer resident.
Marsh Wrens breed inland to Kennebec (Belgrade), s.
Franklin (Wilton), s. Somerset (Norridgewock, Mercer), and
Penobscot Cos. north to Howland. In Aroostook Co., species nests irregularly at L. Josephine (WJS). In Washington Co.,
Marsh Wrens local but regular in cattail marshes, breeding in
Baring (Moosehorn NWR); Whiting; Grand L. Stream, along
Tomah Stream, Indian Twp., and Waite, and along E. Machias Stream in Northfield (N. Famous). F all :
Generally, remain close to breeding areas until mid-Aug:
30 at Scarborough Marsh, 5 Sep 2007 (PDV). Species appears to migrate south throughout Sep and becomes uncommon
after mid-Oct. Early reports of clear migrants: 1 landed on a
boat ~12 mi. (19.3 km) southeast of Monhegan I., 6 Sep 1960 (M.
Libby); 1 banded on Appledore I., 9 Sep 1991 (S. Morris et al.). Numerous surveys on Monhegan I. 1–10 Sep in 1980s failed to
find this species (PDV), although eBird reports for Monhegan I.
indicate species is regular later in the season from 22 Sep–10 Oct.
Only known Nov record prior to 1992 was at Fortune’s Rocks,
Biddeford, 18 Nov 1979 (obs. unk.).
Since 1992, Marsh Wrens observed occasionally along
southern coast in Nov–Dec. Not surprisingly, nearly all these
wrens found in cattails or reeds (Phragmites spp.). One wren at
Great Pond, Cape Elizabeth, 30 Dec 2009 (M. Page) notably late.
But also notable were 6 birds on 8 Dec 2017 at Sanford Lagoons
438
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus This jaunty-tailed colonist from points south is now resident in southern and central Maine
Status in Maine: Carolina Wrens are regular in small numbers in York and Cumberland Counties, occasional to rare in other parts of Maine; they nest irregularly north to Bangor and Old Town, Penobscot County. They are nonmigratory, experiencing substantial mortality in severe winters. Being primarily insectivorous, the depth of snow and cold may be limiting factors in some winters (Brown 1963). Maine CBCs show fluctuating numbers. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 585) believed this species was “a straggler into Maine, being rare, even in southern New England.” He also reported a single breeding record from Norway L., Oxford Co., Jun 1893, confirmed based on eggs he identified in a collection, although he did not confirm their provenance. Palmer (1949, 401) considered Carolina Wrens “rare visitants, and perhaps nonbreeding residents, in summer and fall . . . in coastal areas;” however, he accepted Knight’s nesting report.
Order Passeriformes • Family Troglodytidae
He noted nine records, 1897–1949: seven of these reported from the coast, one collected inland in Waterville sometime after 1865, and most notably, a singing male reported from Beaver Pond, T3 R5 BKP WKR, Franklin Co., 21 Jun 1916 (Palmer 1949).
!
After 1950, Carolina Wrens were reported nearly annually along the coast east to Mount Desert I. with six individuals reported in fall 1976 (m.ob.). Wrens occasionally observed inland: one each date in Bethel, Nov–Dec 1964 and 15 Oct–26 Dec 1980 (P. Cross), and in Bangor on 15 Dec 1976 (PDV). During early colonization (1950–1980), 31 individuals were reported in fall (Aug–Oct), 15 birds were observed in late fall and winter (Nov–Feb), and 17 were found in spring and summer (Mar–Jul). Single wrens were banded in e. ME in Milbridge, Washington Co., 14 Aug 1966 and 25 Oct 1973 (F. Graham). The most northerly report before 2000 was from Danforth CBC, December 1960, the wren having been present since 12 Nov 1960. Carolina Wrens seem to wander from their nesting areas in nonbreeding season, including northward. Since 1980, this pattern of late-summer and fall dispersal into ME is corroborated by birds on Appledore I., five banded 17 Aug–16 Sep 1989 (D. Holmes et al.), and 10 banded 16–28 Aug 1990 (S. Morris, D. Holmes, et al.).
! ! ! ! ! !!
S pring :
!! !
! ! ! !
Carolina Wren May-July Records ! Before 2000 ( ( Since 2000 !
Regular along south coast in spring; scattered
observations east to Mount Desert I. and inland to Old
Town, Penobscot Co.: 1 at Stuart St., Fryeburg, 4 Mar 2016 (E. Marcello, eBird); 1 in ANP, 7 Mar 2015 (D. Losier, eBird); 2 at
Veazie St., Bangor, 16 Mar 2012 (L. Bevier, eBird); 1 in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 23 Mar 2016 ( JVW); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 4
Apr 2013 (M. Viens); 1 in Portland, 12 Apr 2002 (K. Gammons, eBird); 1 in Meddybemps, Washington Co., 20 Apr 2008 (K.
Holmes); 1 male singing in Bath, 2 May 2001 (PDV, eBird); 4 on Monhegan I., 18 May 2014 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); 1 in N. Haven,
31 May 1988 (K. Quinn/NHBC, eBird). S ummer :
First confirmed nesting in Camden, Knox Co., 1956,
F. Hebard (1960) reported family with young Jul–Aug 1956;
species probably already bred in s. ME. Hebard also reported a
singing male and several newly fledged young on Isleboro, 16 Jul
1960. F. Heyl reported that Carolina Wrens nested in Boothbay Harbor region for several years prior to 1970. First observed
in Aroostook Co. at Collins Pond on 27 Jul 2012 (WJS, eBird); the following year at Limestone Stream impoundment in
Limestone, on 5 Sep 2013, WJS reported the “4th ever for me in Carolina Wren
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds and resident from s. and cen. ME, rarely NB, west to s. Great Ls. and Iowa, south through New England to FL, Gulf Coast to ne. Mexico, also Yucatán Peninsula, locally in Cen. America to Nicaragua. Remarks: Carolina Wrens were first confirmed nesting in NB on Grand Manan in 2002 (Guillemot 32: 38) and as far north as Fredericton in 2005 (fide D. Christie).
No. ME.”
More recently, an adult and juvenile on Appledore I., 20 Aug
1988, and a juvenile banded on 28 May 1989 confirmed local
nesting (D. Holmes et al.; MBN 2: 29). In Portland, a family
group observed as late as 12 Sep 1991 (R. Eakin). On Monhegan
I., 2 adults with 3 short-tailed fledglings seen 19 May 2000 (L.
Brinker), and 2 adults and 3 fledglings found in late May 2001 (K. Lindquist). Likely this species nested on the island for at
least 10 years prior to this report. In Falmouth, 2 adults and 2
fledglings banded on 8 Jul 2003 ( J. Walker), and in Yarmouth,
439
Birds of Maine
adult observed carrying food to nestlings on 5 Aug 2007 ( J.
Cross); 1 in Buckfield, Aug–25 Dec 1988 (P. Ledlie et al.); and 1
observed feeding 4 fledglings, 22 Jun 2003 ( J. Markowsky), and
Co.: 1 in Livermore, 31 Nov 1959; 1 in Turner, 4 Jan–23 Feb 2003 (L.
Krasne). Northern breeding confirmed in Bangor when 2 adults an adult and 3 fledglings seen on 4 Sep 2011 (S. Smith). Carolina
Wrens raised 3 young which fledged 21 Jul 2011 in Camden (G. Jenks). Not found nesting north of Bangor–Old Town area or in Washington, Somerset, Franklin, and n. Oxford Cos.,
although reported in Franklin Co. in Farmington 5 times (W.
Howes, I. Balodis), in Wilton once, 9 Jul 2002 ( J. Dwight), and
from Beaver Pond, T3 R5 BKP WKR, 21 Jun 1916 (Palmer 1949).
Recorded in Washington Co., nesting not confirmed: 1 on Tide
Mill Creek Conservation land, 24 Jul 2014 ( J. Lake, S. Benz, and
in Fryeburg, 31 Dec 2001 (B. Crowley, eBird). In n. Androscoggin
LeBlanc); 1 at Essex St., Lewiston, intermittently 6–24 Jan 2015
(D. Marquis, eBird); and 2 on Auburn Riverwalk, Androscoggin Co., 15 Jan 2017 (D. Nickerson, eBird).
Carolina Wrens are rare in n. ME and only occasional in w.
ME. Aroostook Co. records: 1 in Caribou, 4 Dec 2001–23 Apr
2002 (WJS, NAB 56: 286) and 16 Jan 2002 (WJS, eBird)). PDV 50
G. Hawkins; eBird). F all :
One in Steuben, 23 Aug 1991 (AB 46: 66); in Milbridge,
40
1 banded on 14 Aug 1966 and another banded 25 Oct 1973 (F. Graham); J. Trimble reported 20 wrens on Monhegan I., 25
30
Sep 2002. One in Lincoln on 30 Oct and 15 Nov 2013 (B. Way, eBird); 1 in Limestone, 5 Sep 2013 (WJS; see Summer) and 1 in
Presque Isle, 27 Oct 2010 (B. and S. Pinette), remarkable for
20
northerly locations.
W inter :
Numbers fluctuate depending on severity of
10
winter: in Richmond, 2 first appeared 19 Aug 1992, and in Dec, both birds seen roosting together in an Eastern Phoebe nest,
remaining through 27 Jan 1993. After prolonged cold single bird remained; remaining wren did not sing, the male presumably
died. Female last seen 18 Mar 1993 (PDV).
Analysis of selected CBCs reveals species occasional in small
numbers until CBC year 1989. Species increased 1989–1992,
then declined and was largely absent until 1999. Since, numbers
increased steadily with temporary declines in 2004, 2006, 2011,
and 2015.
Despite regularity along s. Penobscot R. in Bangor–Old Town
region, where 1–3 are nearly annual on local CBCs, Carolina
Wrens remain sporadic and occasional in Hancock Co. and rare
0
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 18. Carolina Wren on Christmas Bird Counts Counts of Carolina Wrens on continuous southern Maine CBCs increased dramatically after 2001. Only a handful of these birds (average 1.3 per year) were reported annually before 1994. Severe winters may contribute to sharp declines but the population appears to recover readily. CBCs included: Augusta, Bangor–Bucksport, Biddeford–Kennebunkport, Freeport–Brunswick, Greater Portland, Lewiston–Auburn, Mount Desert I., Pemaquid–Damariscotta, Thomaston–Rockland, and York County (NAS 2019a).
in Washington Co. Mount Desert I. CBC data reveal 2 wrens in Dec 1958 and 1 in 1959 with a long hiatus until single birds
seen in 1974, 1980, 1994, and 2006. In Washington Co., Carolina
Bewick’s Wren
Wren observed on Machias Bay CBC in 2002; yet to be observed
Thryomanes bewickii
Jonesport. Washington Co. reports: 1 in Danforth, 12 Nov 1960–4
There is one report in Maine for this potential Southwestern accidental
on CBCs in Calais, Eastport, E. Machias, Schoodic Pt., or
Jan 1961 (noted on CBC); 1 in Cherryfield, winter 1989–1990 (AB
44: 238); 1 in Machias, 7 Feb 2002 (F. Marenghi); 1 at Grand L.
Stream, 13 Feb 2016 (C. Brown, eBird). Apparently unrecorded in Piscataquis Co. and rare in n. Penobscot Co., only known
records: 1 in Millinocket, 29 Jan 2003 ( J. Markowsky), and 1 on
Taylor St., Lincoln, 18 Dec 2013 (B. Way, eBird). In Somerset Co., reported at least 10 times in Skowhegan: first occurrence 15–17
Jan 1960 (AFN) and 4 times 2001–2014 (C. Cleaver). Observed
in Canaan 4 occasions 1990–2011 (W. Sumner). In n. Oxford Co.,
3 reports: 1 in Bethel, Nov–Dec 1964 and 15 Oct–26 Dec 1980 (P.
440
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. There is one sight report that should be considered hypothetical: a single bird seen in the Ship Harbor area of Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, 2 July–7 August 1970 (R. Foxall). W. Russell has doubts about this record and has removed this species from his list for Mount Desert Island (Russell and Witt 2009). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer noted that the species was erroneously reported for ME by Forbush (1929), citing a possible report from Seguin I., 6 Oct
Order Passeriformes • Family Polioptilidae
1899, and a separate report from Winnegance, W. Bath, 21 Oct 1937, cited in Eliot (1938). We concur with Palmer that the circumstances surrounding both these possible reports are inadequately documented to constitute credible sight records. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Primarily sw. U.S. and Mexico north through CA to WA and BC; formerly bred to s. cen. PA. Bewick’s Wren reported from NS, NB, QC, MA, NH, VT, and RI. PDV
Gnatcatchers (Polioptilidae) Closely related to wrens, 19 species of gnatcatchers in three genera live in North and South America. Among the
one on 29 Aug 1880 and one on 18 Apr 1896. Palmer reported ~15 individuals observed, 1878–1948, and said that the species was expanding its range north. The status of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers changed from the 1950s to 1970s, when they became nearly annual, then expanded their breeding range into ME from the 1970s into the early 1990s. The first confirmed nesting was reported in Berwick, York Co., in 1979 (ABBM, Adamus 1987). The expansion has since ceased, and the species appears to be less regular now. The BBS reported an annual decline of 5.1% for gnatcatchers in New England and the Mid-Atlantic Coast since 1999 (Sauer et al. 2017), but no statistically significant trend could be detected in Maine, most likely because of insufficiency of data.
smallest songbirds anywhere, insectivorous gnatcatchers are largely tropical and sedentary, inhabiting a range of habitats from dry scrub to tropical forest. The migratory Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, found in Maine, is the only temperate-zone species.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
A tiny bird with a high-pitched, buzzy song, and a notably long, gray-and-white tail
Status in Maine: Among Maine’s smallest birds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are regular, though never numerous, spring and fall migrants in southern coastal Maine and on the outer islands, but seldom inland. With range expansion into Maine in the 1970s, the first breeding record for the state was confirmed in 1979. The species has been a regular (although local) breeder since, occurring regularly in specific southern Maine locations, notably Brownfield; Gray, Cumberland County; New Gloucester, Cumberland County; and, more recently, Dresden. In Maine, breeding Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are generally confined to lowlands, especially near rivers and lakes where they prefer moist areas with deciduous trees, often near habitat edges. They usually nest in open wooded or scrubby areas. Spring migrants arrive in late April and are most widespread the first two weeks of May. Fall migration occurs primarily in late August and early September, but there are as many as 11 November records. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 619) considered this species a “mere casual straggler to Maine,” listing two records from Cape Elizabeth:
! !
!
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Breeding Range !
! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 May-July Records
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. ME, cen. NH, s. QC to MN south to FL and TX; largely absent from Great Plains states; farther west, from w. CO to NV and CA south to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. Winters from coastal NC to FL, Cuba, TX, w. AZ, and se. CA to Mexico, south to Nicaragua. Remarks: Forbush (1929) published an observation of a female Blue-gray Gnatcatcher feeding two young in s. ME sometime prior to 1929. This report was certainly known to Palmer who chose to ignore it. Given the vagueness of Forbush’s account and that gnatcatchers were first found breeding in s. New England in the 1950s (Veit and Petersen 1993), it is difficult to give this report credence. 441
Birds of Maine S pring :
First migrants arrive in coastal and s. ME mid- to
late Apr, peak early May. Notably early records: in Cape
Sep 1983 (DWF), 4 at same locality, 27 Sep 2012 ( J. Trimble
and B. Nikula, eBird); and 7 on Great Duck I., 29 Aug 1986
Elizabeth, 1 on 6 Apr 1998 (K. Gammons) and 1 on 14 Apr 2006
(PDV). Uncommon migrants inland and in e. ME. Notable
Falmouth, 14 Apr 1991 (G. Therrien); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 15 Apr
Somerset Co., 23 Aug 1998 (W. Sumner); in Kennebec Co., 1
18 Apr 1896 (Auk 13: 264). Migration continues through May
Sumner); 1 in Fairfield, 3 Oct 1999 (D. Mairs); 3 records from
(R. Harrison); 1 at Pemaquid Pt., 13 Apr 2006 (M. Libby); 1 in
2006 (M. Dauphin). Late 19th century record in Cape Elizabeth,
inland records: 1 in Lincoln Ctr., 2 Sep 1979 (PDV); 1 in Canaan, in Benton, 9 Sep 1988, and 1 at same locality, 6 Sep 1995 (W.
with occasional reports into Jun: 1 on Appledore I., 1 Jun 1988
Wilton, Franklin Co., latest on 23 Oct 2001 ( J. Dwight). In
1 in Orono on 25 Apr 1993 ( J. Markowsky); 2 in Old Town,
1 from Roque I., Jonesport (R. Milardo, N. Famous); and 2
(D. Holmes). Spring migrants north and east of usual range:
Penobscot Co., 19 May 2002 (A. White); 1 in Mattawamkeag
Wilderness Park, Mattawamkeag, Penobscot Co., 18 May 1983
(PDV); Petit Manan NWR, 2 on 16 May 1988 (R. Widrig); 1 in
Addison, 7 May 1981 (N. Famous); 1 in Eastport, 29 Apr 2009 (C. Bartlett). S ummer :
First confirmed nesting in ME when family unit
observed in Berwick, 10 Jun 1979 (MB 1: 36). From 1978–1983,
ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed species at 4 localities: York;
Berwick (record mentioned above); Turner with a nest with 2 young, 17 Jul 1983, young fledged 24 Jul ( J. Despres); and east
Washington Co., several records from Petit Manan NWR;
records from Lubec, 1 on 30 Aug 1984 and 1 on 29 Aug 1990
(W. Howes). Surprisingly, at least 9 Nov records, primarily
from south coastal ME, as far east as Roque I., 15 Nov 1992 (R.
Milardo and N. Famous, AB 47: 66). Late records: 1, Hallowell,
Kennebec Co., 21 Nov 2006 ( JVW); 1, Shore Path, Bar Harbor,
4 and 22 Nov 2017 (S. Mroz and J. Potter, respectively; eBird); 1 in Portland, 11 and 22 Nov 2013 (N. Gibb, eBird); 1 on Saco
Riverwalk, 20 Nov 2014 (D. Thompson, eBird). PDV
to Richmond, family unit of 4 birds observed 13 and 23 Jul 1982
Kinglets (Regulidae)
Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 10 Jul 1984 (N. Holler and P. Ledlie);
Among the smallest songbirds, two of the seven species
Gammons). Species regular in this area and nearby in Intervale
both live in Maine. A rapid metabolism means these
(PDV). Additional reports during 1980s: family group of 4 in
2 adults nest building at Gray Meadow, Gray, 29 May 1986 (K. area of New Gloucester for past 30 years (W. Hancock).
At Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, nesting activity observed
in 1990s and early 2000s with 2 nesting pairs: 1 pair nest
building, 12 May 1999 (D. Ladd) and nest found 2 May 2001
in this monotypic family are found in North America and insectivorous birds are constantly foraging. Although tiny, Ruby-crowned Kinglets are the largest member of the family. Golden-crowned Kinglets, Maine’s smallest breeding songbirds, overwinter here.
(T. Rousseau). It appears species no longer nests at this locality. Several pairs observed at Brownfield Bog since 1987, where
they remain regular: female on nest, 28 May 2005 (T. Duddy); 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet
nest building on 11 May 2008 (M. Fahay); 1 nest building on 9
Regulus satrapa
and likely breeding at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden (M. Fahay,
This tiny but tough Maine resident occurs in varying numbers in winter
May 2009 ( J. Potter). Pairs of gnatcatchers observed annually D. Suitor, and PDV). Given wide range in breeding activity from early May nest building to mid-Jul family units, likely
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers produce 2 broods at least occasionally. Single gnatcatcher in Masardis, Aroostook Co., 4 Jul 1979 ( J.
Greenlaw) unusually far north and remains only county record
(AB 33: 845). F all :
Extended fall migration begins mid-Aug with occasional
earlier arrivals: 1 at Pine Pt., 5 Aug 2003 (G. Carson). Greatest
numbers appear late Aug to mid-Sep in Midcoast ME. Regular
on outer islands: 17 observed on Appledore I., 14 Aug–22 Sep
1994 (D. Holmes, FN 49: 23), and seen annually on Monhegan
I., 2009–2017 (eBird), including 4 on 18 Sep 2016 (D. Mahlstedt) and 2 on 10 Sep 2017 ( JVW).
Species never numerous; uncommon to observe more than
1 or 2 individuals in a day. High counts: 5 on Monhegan I., 25
442
Status in Maine: The Golden-crowned Kinglet is the smallest passerine breeding in Maine; only Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are tinier. The species nests commonly in coniferous forests and pine groves throughout most of Maine but is an uncommon and local nester in York and Cumberland Counties. It is a common but somewhat inconspicuous spring migrant, appearing in small numbers from mid-April through May. Kinglets tend to be conspicuous fall migrants mid-September to October. Kinglet numbers vary substantially in winter; CBC data indicate that approximately every five years large numbers remain in Maine. The species is generally more numerous along the coast.
Order Passeriformes • Family Regulidae S ummer :
Common breeders in coniferous forests throughout
most of ME. Annual breeding densities can vary substantially. Given its size, low densities probably related to high mortality in severely cold winters. Species has highest clutch size
(7–10 eggs) of any ME passerine (Palmer 1949), and typically
produces 2 clutches/summer. This unusually high productivity
may have evolved in response to high winter mortality. ABBM
(Adamus 1987) showed species most common in Washington and Hancock Cos. and in spruce–fir forests of n. and w. ME.
Although largely absent from York, s. Cumberland, and Oxford Cos. (Adamus 1987), probably occurs locally in large White
Pine stands within this area. In Turner, J. Despres found an Golden-crowned Kinglet
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 614) said that Golden-crowned Kinglets were a “generally distributed and common resident throughout the state.” Palmer, on the other hand, considered kinglets to be common along the coast, less numerous in Hancock and Washington Cos., and uncommon elsewhere. Both authors considered this species to be a regular spring and fall migrant. Palmer noted that kinglet populations varied considerably in winter. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in boreal forests and pine stands from NL and Maritime Provinces, and cen. Canada to s. AK, south along Appalachian Mtn. spine to NC, west through Rocky Mtns. to AZ and NM, also in CA, local in Mexican and Guatemalan highlands. Winters in breeding range but withdraws from northernmost range south to n. FL, TX, and n. Mexico. S pring :
Generally, migrates north mid-Apr to May; small
numbers occasionally appearing in late Mar: 8 in Saco, 19 Mar
1999 (P. McGowan); 7 in Portland, 13 Mar 2004 ( J. Despres);
adult male feeding >5 young, 24 Jul 1983, and a family group was
observed in Albany Twp., Oxford Co., 28 Jul 1996 ( J. Berry).
Kinglets often respond to insect infestations, with substantial
population increase reported during Spruce Budworm outbreak,
1970s–1980s (Crawford et al. 1983). BBS reported annual
declines of 1.0% and 3.3% from 1966–2015 and 2005–2015, respectively.
F all :
Main flight occurs mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Golden-
crowned Kinglets disperse at end of breeding season in Aug;
may form multi-family flocks: several family groups congregated into foraging flock totaling 17 kinglets in Addison, 5 Aug 2009
(E. Smith). In Turner, earliest migrant observed on 3 Sep 1976
( J. Despres). Migrant kinglets closely monitored on Monhegan I. since 1970s; large flights of migrants appear late Sep–early
Oct: 80 on 26 Sep 1986 (PDV), 100 on 26 Sep 1991 (S. Surner),
150 on 29 Sep 1995 (B. Nikula), 90 on 26 Sep 2000 ( J. Trimble). Large Oct flights: 800 on 7 Oct 1991 (S. Surner), 100 on 5 Oct
2003 (WJS), 100 on 4 Oct 2010 (L. Seitz), 85 on 9 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble), 105 on 5 Oct 2013 (N. Gibb), 80 on 12 Oct 2014 (L. Seitz). Latest major flight: 75 kinglets on 29 Oct 2013 ( JEP).
Notably large mainland flights: >100 on Roque I., Jonesport,
9 Oct 1995 (FN 50: 23); 200 on Seawall Beach and Morse
Mtn., 15 Oct 1995 (PDV); 100 on Matinicus I., 23 Sep 1998 (K.
Disney); 200 at Hermit I., Phippsburg, 30 Sep 2007 (M. Fahay);
and 8 at same locality, 30 Mar 2004 (R. Eakin). Farther north,
200 on Petit Manan Peninsula, 5 Oct 2007 (S. Smith et al.). On
northern reports: 8 in Topsfield, 5 Mar 2016 (T. Aversa); 1
Oct 2008 (D. Lovitch et al.). Migration continues in diminished
Penobscot Co., on 5 Mar 2016 (R. Ostrowski); 1 in Dead R. Twp,
(D. Doubleday); 7 on Vinalhaven, 29 Nov 2008 (K. Gentalen).
first Golden-crowned Kinglets arrive by late Mar. Early
in Lincoln, 8 Mar 2016 (B. Way); 1 at Pond Farm WMA,
Somerset Co., 3 Mar 2018 (L. Parker). In Aroostook Co., 1 in Ft.
Kent, 6 Apr 2004 (G. Flagg); 1 in Frenchville, 5 Apr 2005 (WJS);
2 in Stockholm, 5 Apr 2010 (L. Seitz et al.).
Largest counts reported in Apr: in Turner, 7 on 17 Apr 1995
Cousins I.: 155 on 6 Oct 2008, 93 on 12 Oct 2008, and 113 on 18
numbers into Nov: 15 in Cape Porpoise, York Co., 24 Nov 2002
In Aroostook Co., kinglets sometimes linger into Nov: 3 in
Houlton, 28 Nov 2000 (L. Little); 21 in Hainesville, 12 Nov 2009
(C. Smith); 3 in each town: Caribou, Limestone, Presque Isle, and Woodland, 16 Nov 2009 (WJS); 14 in Square L. Twp., 26
and 10 on 20 Apr 1996 (both J. Despres); 30 in Biddeford, 17 Apr
Nov 2011 (WJS).
20 in Falmouth, 10 Apr 2008 (E. Hynes); 13 in Phippsburg, 24
W inter :
2001 (P. Moynahan); 10 in Blue Hill, 2 Apr 2006 (C. Moseley);
The Golden-crowned Kinglet is the smallest
Apr 2009 (M. Fahay). Late migrants on Monhegan I. occur
insectivorous bird wintering in ME. Given its tiny size,
(PDV); 10 on 27 May 1995 (S. Surner); 10 on 20 May 2010 (N.
winters. Interestingly, Heinrich (2003) found the species
through late May: 12 on 20 May 1983 and 6 on 29 May 1983
Houlihan); 12 on 27 May 2013 (L. Seitz et al.).
just 0.2 oz (~6 g), kinglets can suffer high mortality in cold
443
Birds of Maine
minimizes heat loss by huddling together on horizontal limbs as darkness falls. Kinglet numbers in ME vary considerably: a review of long-term CBCs revealed unusually large wintering
populations approximately every 4–5 years. Large numbers reported in 1984–1985, 1988–1989, 1994–1995, 1998–1999,
2002–2003, 2006–2007, 2010–2011, and 2011–2012. For example, Mount Desert I. CBC averaged ~21 kinglets/year since 1940, but Dec totals in major wintering years were considerably
higher: 78 in 1974, 66 in 1979, 49 in 1996, 63 in 1997, 56 in 1992,
56 in 2002, 55 in 2006, and 57 in 2011. In Aroostook Co., 30
kinglets on 2006 Presque Isle CBC substantially higher than
previous counts. PDV
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Breeding Range
Regulus calendula
An energetic breeding species in decline, possibly due to forest management
Status in Maine: Ruby-crowned Kinglets are common spring and abundant fall migrants. Spring migrants are reported mid-April to mid-May with the fall passage occurring mid-September to midOctober. Ruby-crowns breed in mature spruce-fir forests through much of Maine. Although the species is largely absent from southern Maine, it nests locally along the immediate coast and offshore islands in Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties. Breeding Bird Surveys indicate population declined by 4.0% annually, 1966–2017, and 7.3%, 2008–2017 (Sauer et al. 2017). Part of this decline may be explained by the loss of mature coniferous forests due to extensive harvesting. In winter, this species has been consistently reported on Christmas Bird Counts since 1980. However, few individuals survive into late January and February. There have been more February reports since 2000, and they apparently overwintered successfully on Monhegan Island, 2011–2012. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 428) said the breeding status of Ruby-crowned Kinglets was “not well known, but apparently uncommon throughout.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in coniferous forests from NL, Maritime Provinces, to s. ME (local) and NH, west through cen. Canada to AK, south through the Rocky Mtns., AZ, NM, and mountains of CA. Winters from s. New England, s. IL, west to coastal BC, south to FL, TX, and Mexico. 444
S pring :
Migration occurs mid-Apr to mid-May. Unlike many
species, Ruby-crowned Kinglets seem to appear throughout
the state simultaneously. Rarely appears in coastal areas in
Mar, 1 bird each unless noted: York, 15 Mar 1973 (L. Phinney);
Brunswick, 22 Mar 1973 (C. Packard); Petit Manan NWR, 29 Mar 1989 (R. Widrig); Berwick, York Co., 21 Mar 2011 (A.
Aldrich); remarkably, 1 in Waldoboro, Knox Co. 2 Mar 2016
(D. Reimer and J. Hassett); and 4 on Monhegan I., 6 Mar 2012
(D. Hitchcox). Early Apr reports: 1 in Martinsville, Knox Co., 4
Apr 1988 (K. Shafee, fide M. Plymire); 1 in Scarborough, 10 Apr 1990 (G. Carson); 1 in Hermon, Penobscot Co., 2 Apr 1991 (M.
Lucey); 1 in Turner, 8 Apr 1991 ( J. Despres); 1 in Scarborough, 10
Apr 2012 (N. Gibb). In Aroostook Co., species normally arrives 20–30 Apr (WJS); earliest report: single bird in Caribou, 17
Apr 2005 (WJS). On Monhegan I., major flights occur midApr to mid-May: 15 on 18 Apr 2012 (D. Hitchcox); 41 on 29
Apr 2011 (T. Magarian); 50 on 4 May 2010 (N. Lund); 40 on 13 May 1997 (PDV). Large mainland counts: 10 in Falmouth, 18
Apr 2013 (N. Houlihan); 15 in Orono, 19 Apr 2013 (S. Smith); 20 at Biddeford Pool, 24 Apr 2007 (M. Illiff ); 50 observed in 1 hour in Turner, 26 Apr 1988 ( J. Despres); 40 in Richmond,
28 Apr 1983 (PDV); 21 on Hermit I., Phippsburg, 1 May 2007 (M. Fahay); 30 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 2 May 1983
(PDV); 20 in Phippsburg, 11–12 May 1996 (PDV, FN 50: 256);
and 28 on Appledore I., on the same date (D. Holmes, FN 50:
256). Numbers diminish late in May: high count on Monhegan I., 8 birds on 20 May 1983 (PDV). Late migrant banded on
Appledore I., 27 May 1987 (D. Holmes). S ummer :
Breed commonly in mature spruce-fir forests in
ME, but largely absent in s. ME north to cen. Oxford and n.
Order Passeriformes • Family Muscicapidae
Kennebec Cos., and east to interior Lincoln and Waldo Cos.
Reported as uncommon in Penobscot Bay in early 20th century
(Hebard 1960). They remain local in mature conifer forests along
reported only 4 times in 1950s–1960s. Notably, 3 CBCs reported
kinglets in 1961–1962. Species observed on multiple CBCs in
1974–1975 (6 counts), 1989–1990 (4), 1994–1995 (5), 1996–1997 (4),
coast in Lincoln and Sagadahoc Cos. Confirmed breeding at
2002–2003 (8), and 2009–2010 (4). Reported more consistently
coniferous bog in Bremen, Lincoln Co., 1947 (Cruickshank
and 8 in 2000s.
Pemaquid Pt., Jun 1946, and observed throughout summer in 1950b). Southernmost confirmed breeding records in Phippsburg, Sagadahoc Co., and on Hog I., Bremen (Adamus 1987). Species
in past 30 years, occurring in 7 of 10 winters in 1980s, 7 in 1990s, Few appear to survive into late Jan–Feb; those that do
primarily found at feeding stations: 1 in Danforth, Washington
found on territory at Morse Mtn., in 1985 and 1987, but not
Co., 23 Dec 1961–Jan 1962 (N. Ross); 1 in Camden, Knox Co.,
from central coast: 2 on Matinicus I., 13 Jun 2007 (M. Illiff et
1994–29 Jan 1995 (D. Reimer); 1 in Bar Harbor, 5 Jan–9 Feb
(Z. Pohlen). Inland, 2 reported in Jefferson, Lincoln Co., on
(N. Schwarzel). Additionally, single Ruby-crowned Kinglets
observed there in summer since (PDV). More recent reports
al.); 1 on Hog I., 13 Jun 2011 (D. Lee); 1 on Metinic I., 9 Jun 2013
6 Jun 2002 possible late migrants (R. Mason). Average clutch
through Feb 1970 (MN 1[9]: 7); 1 male in Rockland, 29 Nov
1995 (fide A. Bacon); 1 in Scarborough, 23 Jan–21 Feb 2011
reported from Monhegan I., 23 Jan 2001 (NAB 55: 149); Wells,
size is 7.6 eggs, unusually large for a small passerine (Swanson
2 Feb 2010 ( J. Stevens, N. McReel); Berwick, 21 Jan 2014
in 1966–2015 and 2005–2015, respectively. Declines possibly
overwintered successfully on Monhegan I.: species seen in Jan
et al. 2008). BBS reported an annual decline of 4.0% and 3.1%
associated with heavy spruce-fir harvesting in n. and e. ME. F all :
Small numbers of migrants or postbreeding dispersers
appear in s. ME late Aug–early Sep: 1 on Appledore I., 28 Aug
1988 (D. Holmes); 8 on Monhegan I., 13 Sep 1980 (PDV). Peak migration mid-Sep to mid-Oct and on Monhegan I., major
flights generally occur 26 Sep to mid-Oct, with daily counts of
20–60 individuals. Larger flights on Monhegan I.: 100 on 26 Sep
1986 (PDV), 300 on 7 Oct 1990 (S. Surner), 250 on 1 Oct 1993 (B. Nikula), 100 on 12 Oct 2009 ( J. Mays, eBird), 133 on 10 Oct 2010
( J. Trimble, eBird). Large mainland counts: 25 in Deer Isle, 20
Oct 1970 (M. Hundley); 150 on Roque I., Jonesport, 9 Oct 1995
(FN 50: 23); at Seawall–Morse Mtn., Phippsburg, 30 on 8 Oct
1995 and 20 on 12 Oct 1998 (PDV); 36 in Bath, 25 Sep 2009 (M. Fahay); 60 at Green Pt., Dresden, 9 Oct 2009, and 20 at same locality, 2 Oct 2013 (PDV). Palmer listed 2 Nov records, but
(A. Aldrich, eBird). Ruby-crowned Kinglets apparently have
and 4 observed on 6 Mar 2012 (D. Hitchcox). It should be noted that this was a mild winter.
PDV
Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) With 324 species in 51 genera, this expansive Old World family has only one North American representative. The Northern Wheatear breeds in northeast Canada and Alaska, as well as northern Eurasia, and occasionally ventures south into the continental U.S. Northern Wheatears more typically migrate to sub-Saharan Africa to winter, following one of the longest migration routes of any passerine.
species now regular late in season and reported >50 times since
1990, primarily on southern coastal plain. Northernmost Rubycrowned Kinglet observed in Lincoln Ctr., 4 Nov 1979 (PDV);
Northern Wheatear
a male notably late in Canaan, Somerset Co., 26 Nov 1989 (W.
Oenanthe oenanthe
(S. Hall). In Aroostook Co., latest report from Presque Isle, 29
This Palearctic breeder is a fall vagrant in coastal Maine
Sumner); and 15 birds recorded on Matinicus Rock, 3 Nov 2010
Oct 1992 (M. Trombley).
W inter :
Reported on CBCs since 1950 (Calais) and 1952
(Freeport–Brunswick). Most observations along coast and
inland to Bangor–Bucksport (1989 and 2002), Orono–Old Town
(1968, 1974, 1979), Waterville (2002 and 2011), and Augusta (1984,
2003, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011) with exceptional reports from
Dover-Foxcroft (1999 and 2001). While impossible to ascertain accuracy of all reports, especially as many as 7 individuals on
Mount Desert I. in 2002, a pattern of Ruby-crowned Kinglets
reported on multiple CBCs in a single winter exists, indicating
a number remain in ME through late Dec–early Jan. Relatively few counts were conducted continuously prior to 1970s; species
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine, occurring most often during fall migration. There are at least 30 records since 1950, nearly all of which were along or near the coast in fall. There are three spring records. Northern Wheatears prefer open, sparsely vegetated, usually rocky habitat. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 424) considered the species hypothetical in ME and listed two reports. One was closely observed on Cadillac Mtn., Mount Desert I., 1 Sep 1913. A secondhand report of an individual at a bird feeder, Jan 1934, in 445
Birds of Maine
Vassalboro is almost certainly incorrect and is excluded (see Remarks). Global Distribution: Primarily Palearctic. Breeds east to Greenland and Baffin, Ellesmere, and Devon Is. south to n. Quebec, coastal NL, and in AK and YT in w. N. Am. Reported from all New England states and e. Canadian provinces, primarily as fall vagrants. Remarks: Palmer (1949, 424) included in his Greenland Wheatear account a report forwarded to him by E. Perkins. The bird was seen Jan 1934 by a “music teacher in Vassalboro [Kennebec Co., who] had a bird in her yard about half an hour, which she described as being smaller than a Robin, with white on head and upper part of tail, and with wings and tail black. It was feeding on the ground. The description seemed to fit a Wheatear better than anything I could think of.” Given the vagueness of the description and the fact that Northern Wheatears do not have white on the head or conspicuous black wings in winter and are unknown at feeding stations, it is difficult to give this report credence.
6[11]: 120). Nearly all sightings occurred along or near coast
with 4 inland fall records: 1 in Monmouth, Kennebec Co., 4
Oct 1955 (H. Erickson, fide PDV); 1–2 at BSP given above; 1 in
W. Fryeburg, 5 Oct 1965 (Briggs, MFN 21[5]: 14); 1 in Raymond, Cumberland Co., 23 Sep 1978 (AB 33: 157). PDV
Thrushes (Turdidae) Encompassing 170 species in 17 genera, thrushes enjoy a worldwide distribution. Maine regularly sees 10 species, of six genera, as well as two other accidental species. Most are ground-feeding and tree-nesting birds; bluebirds are the only cavity-nesters among them. Many thrushes are beloved for their ethereal songs. Three are state species of special concern.
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
A cheerful presence in most of Maine
Status in Maine: Eastern Bluebirds are increasingly common migrants and breeders in Maine, now even regularly nesting in Aroostook County. Spring and fall migration is protracted, and this species, though once rare, is increasingly common in winter. Eastern Bluebird populations are healthy in Maine, largely thanks to the efforts of those who build and maintain bluebird nest boxes. These efforts were instrumental in the nationwide recovery of the species following a decline suffered in the 1920s–1970s due to changes in land use and the introduction of non-native species (Gowaty and Plissner 2015). Northern Wheatear S pring :
Three spring records: earliest report an individual
found dead in Falmouth, 13 May 1950 (ref. unk.); specimen was
carefully examined in hand but not preserved. An adult seen and carefully described in Boothbay Harbor, 5 Jun 1981 (W.
Thompson, pers. com.), and an adult male closely observed and described inland at Nesourdnahunk L., Piscataquis Co., 13 Jun
1992 (T. Persons; MBN 6: 18, AB 46: 1121). F all :
First southbound vagrants seen mid-Aug: 2 birds
together on Baker I., off Mount Desert I., 13 Aug 1982 (W.
Townsend), and 1 in Scarborough, 15–17 Aug 1979. Late season
records: at least 18 in Sep (13 in mid- to late Sep), 6 Oct reports,
and 1 Nov report from BSP, 4 Nov 1961 (P. Coolidge, MFO
446
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Eastern Bluebirds locally common but noted that numbers fluctuated substantially, presumably a result of winter mortality. Palmer’s assessment remains apt today—he said bluebirds were common residents in southwestern counties, uncommon north and east, and rare in winter. The BBS registered an increase in ME, 1966–2015. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from NS and NB, n. ME, to s. QC, ON, MB, south to FL, TX, NM, Mexico, sporadically through Cen. Am. Winters within much of breeding range but contracts from far north; present from s. ME, coastal New England, s. IL through breeding range.
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae S pring :
Prolonged spring migration; earliest males arrive
Feb, most appear late Mar–Apr; late arrivals in May. Between
Jul 2011 (WJS and C. Kesselheim); 1 in Winterville, 5 Jun 2016
(WJS); 5 at Blackstone Rd., Westmanland, Aroostook Co., 8
1950–1990, first bluebirds arrived Mar–early Apr. Earliest: 3 in
Aug 2014 (WJS, eBird).
migrant bluebirds appear as early as mid-Feb: 3 at Summer St.
species occurs in variety of natural habitats and was found
2 males in N. Berwick, 18 Feb 1991 (R. Randall); 1 in Pemaquid,
1953, BMAS 9: 30–33). Similarly, bluebirds found nesting in
2 at mouth of Webb R. in Dixfield, Oxford Co., 15 Feb 2013 (B.
Nesowadnehunk Field, T4 R10 WELS/T4 R11 WELS, 4
Hermon, Penobscot Co., 13 Mar 1977 (M. Lucey). Since 1990,
Park, Stillwater R., Orono, 7 Feb 2017 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird);
Bristol, and 5 in Bremen, Lincoln Co., 13 Feb 2001 (M. Libby);
Palmer, eBird); 6 in Harrison, Cumberland Co., and 6 in Wells,
16 Feb 2007 (fide E. Hynes); 5 at Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, 16 Feb 2013 (D. Tefft, eBird). In Aroostook Co., 1 bluebird in
Collins Pond area of Caribou on 4 Apr 2010 (K. Braeuninger,
eBird) and 1 in Mapleton, 10 Apr 1993 (WJS), considered early
as most arrive in the county late Apr–May. One in Winslow,
Kennebec Co., 15 Mar 2000 (W. Sumner) also early. Late
migrants on outer islands: Appledore I., 2 on 30 May 1988, one lingering to 1 Jun 1988 (D. Holmes) and 2 on 18 May 2017 (P.
Ackerson and R. Suomala, eBird); Monhegan I., 1 on 2 Jun 1997
(W. Boynton). Spring migrants usually appear in small numbers
(1–6); larger flocks: 10 in Pownal, 22 Apr 1997 (A. Stackhouse); 12 in Bath, 20 Feb 2001 (C. Dauphin); 20 in Biddeford, 5 Mar 2009
(fide E. Hynes).
Although affinity for suburbs and bird boxes is well-known,
breeding on Mount Desert I. the year after the 1947 fire (Bond
BSP in open slash after severe 1977 wildfire (C. Ferris); at
Jun 1987 (S. Oliveri); and in harvested forest openings near
Greenville (N. Famous). Bluebirds occupy nest sites immediately upon arrival and were found brooding eggs in Norway, Oxford
Co., as early as 26 Apr 1973 (MN May 1973) and carrying nesting
material as early as 26 Apr 2008 in Kennebunk (S. Finley).
Bluebirds often produce 2 broods per summer, second fledging Jul–Aug. F all :
Long period of local movement and migration: primary
dispersal Aug–early Sep. Migration mid-Sep to Oct; numbers diminish in Nov. Fall records: 30 in Falmouth, 15 Sep 2005
(L. Seitz); 18 in Kennebunkport, 19 Sep 1997 ( J. Junker); 20 in
Bowdoinham, 25 Sep 2006 (PDV); 21 in Pownal, 28 Sep 1999 (A. Stackhouse); 7 reports in Oct 1956 for total of >109 (MFO 1: 118);
50 in Alna, Lincoln Co., 1 Oct 1992 ( J. Hamlin); 5 at Grand Isle
Boat Landing, Aroostook Co., 6 Oct 2013 (WJS); and 5 at Rt. 11,
Patten, 7 Oct 2012 (WJS); 12 in Wilton, 6 Nov 1988 (S. Frechette;
AB 43: 66); 14 in Phippsburg, 12 Nov 2002 (C. Dauphin); 13 on
Monhegan I., 12 Nov 2011 (P. Miliotis and D. Hitchcock, eBird);
18 in York, 21 Nov 2009 (E. Giuliani). High count: 60 at Hermit I., Phippsburg, 24 Oct 2010 (M. Fahay, eBird).
W inter :
Rare in ME prior to 1970. Since 2000, regular from
Old Town, Penobscot Co., south and along coast, few inland
records. Palmer listed only 4 winter reports. Later records: 2 in
Camden, Knox Co., on 3 Dec 1952 feeding on barberry (Berberis
spp.), and 1 on 24 Feb 1953 (G. Perry, BMAS 9[2]: 42). Regular in
1970s: in Turner, J. Despres observed single bluebirds on 31 Dec in 1970, 1977, and 1984. Since 1999, moderate winters brought reports annually in Dec, Jan, and Feb, primarily in York and
Cumberland Cos., extending east to Lincoln Co. (Dresden),
Knox Co. (Camden; Rockland; Rockport; Clarry Hill, Union), and Franklin Co. (Wilton). Increasingly frequent on state
Eastern Bluebirds S ummer :
Breeds regularly along pasture edges, in orchards,
and suburban habitats in s. and cen. ME. More local and
CBCs: 11 in Lewiston, 18 Dec 1999; 22 in York Co., 16 Dec 2002;
27 in Greater Portland, 16 Dec 2006. CBC bluebird observations have increased consistently from 68 birds on 5 counts in 2007 to 464 on 15 counts in 2016. This trend is likely to continue,
in smaller numbers in w. and e. ME, with its range limit
although an especially harsh winter across the region may result
population high). In 2009, bluebirds were common in
PDV
in Aroostook Co. (though range appears to expand when
in acute mortality.
Aroostook Co., found in Woodland, Portage L., Stockholm, Oxbow Plt., Garfield Plt., Perham Plt., and Presque Isle (all
WJS). Other Aroostook Co. records, fide eBird: 1 in Garfield, 16
447
Birds of Maine
Mountain Bluebird
Sialia currucoides
A bright blue vagrant from the West
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two accepted records for Maine. A single female was photographed on East Royce Mountain, Evans Notch, on 13 November 2011 (ME-BRC #2011-012). The bird was seen on the south summit, just off the trail adjacent to the last cairn marking the summit at over 3,000 ft. (914 m) elevation (L. Webb, A. Zboray). The second record was a bird seen in Lincoln, 23 November 2014 (T. Oliver). Historical Status in Maine: This species was not recorded in Maine prior to 2011. Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds from cen. AK, w. Canada to MB, south to CA, NM, and w. TX. Winters from OR, NE, south to cen. Mexico. Vagrant in the East, reported from NS, NB, QC, VT, MA, CT, NY, and NJ. PDV
Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi
A slender wanderer from the Rocky Mountains
Status in Maine: Townsend’s Solitaire is casual in Maine, with three photographic records and at least seven carefully documented sight records. Most reports occur along the coast in fall or winter (8 October–early March). The only New England sighting that does not fall within this period is a single bird reported in Cape Elizabeth on 9 June 1982. An increase in winter sightings was noted in 2000 in both Maine and Massachusetts (fide P. Hunt, NAB 54: 157). Historical Status in Maine: Unreported in ME prior to 1979. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in open montane forests in w. U.S. from Rocky Mtns. to s. AB, BC, YT, west to s. AK and CA. Winter populations withdraw from northern breeding range, expanding through w. U.S., MT to WA and to n. Mexico. Fall and winter vagrants found in all New England states, NS, NB, and NL. 448
Remarks: Birds in ME are usually associated with berry patches. The Port Clyde and Enchanted Pond individuals were reported as singing warbling phrases, sometimes for several minutes. S pring :
1 at Waldo Mtn., Waldo Co., on 5 Mar 1987 (fide
W. Townsend, AB 41: 403); 1 on 28 Mar 2009 at ANP ( J. Mays, eBird); 1 on Bradbury Mtn., 11 Apr 2017 (D. Lovitch).
S ummer :
Few summer reports: 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 9 Jun 1982
(MBL 4[4]: 51), and 1, N. Main St., Whitneyville, Washington Co., 13 Jun 2017 (W. Sawyer, eBird). F all :
Most reports coastal: Cadillac Mtn., 1 during hawkwatch,
8 Oct 2003 (fide W. Townsend), and 2 on 29 Oct 2004 (K. and J. Zeman, fide W. Townsend); 1 in Bar Harbor, 13 Nov 1998
(Guillemot 17: 59); 1 in Milbridge, 7 Nov 1986 (F. Graham, fide
W. Townsend; Guillemot 15[6]: 56). Elsewhere, 1 on Monhegan I., 27 and 31 Oct 1988 (AB 43: 66), and 1 inland at Enchanted Pond, Somerset Co., 13 Nov 2004 (R. Joseph et al.). Recent records, all
fide eBird: 1 on Monhegan I., 2 Oct 2013 (obs. unk.); 1, Hermit
I., Phippsburg, 25 Oct 2014 (m.ob.); 1 at ANP, 4–5 Nov 2015 (S.
Benz, M. Fischer); 1 at Viles Arboretum, Augusta, 14 Nov 2015
(G. Hodgkins); 1 intermittently 23 Nov–20 Dec 2014 at Florida L., Freeport (m.ob.)
W inter :
Male ph. in Port Clyde, 21 Jan–7 Feb 1987, first
documented ME winter record (AB 41: 256) although there was
an undocumented report in Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 21 Dec 1979
(obs.unk.). One on Mount Desert I. CBC, 15 Dec 1990 (AB 45:
611); 1 in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., 17 Feb 1992 (PDV, MBN 6:
43); 1 in Friendship, Knox Co., 27 Dec 1997 (FN 52: 172). Recently, 1 ph. in Stacyville, Penobscot Co., 1–26 Feb 2005 (WJS, eBird), and 1 ph. at Clarry Hill, Union, 17 Mar 2005 (AB 59: 407); 1 on
Dixmont Rd., Etna, Penobscot Co., 30 Jan 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). One ph. on Matinicus I. during CBC on 5 Jan 2014
( JVW, J. Roushdy). PDV
Veery
Catharus fuscescens
This woodland breeder is a state species of special concern
Status in Maine: The Veery’s distinctive, doublefluting song can be heard at dawn and dusk throughout Maine in breeding season. This thrush prefers moist, deciduous second-growth woodlands, alder thickets, and stream and lake fringes. It arrives in May and is an early-fall migrant, departing between mid-August and mid-September. There are fewer than 20 October records and only two November records.
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae
Veeries experienced an average annual decline of 3.2% in ME 1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017), but remain common.
2013 (C. Cole). ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed species in every
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
produce one brood annually.
Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer indicated that Veeries were common north to Bangor but were uncommon and more local in northern and eastern counties. This species is currently common in Aroostook Co.: 15–33 birds are regular on BBS counts (WJS) and 30 were heard at Allagash Falls, 10 Jul 1983 (PDV). Veeries are similarly common in Washington Co. (N. Famous). Presumably, the current status marks a change from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Schlotterbeck); 1, Lower S. Branch Pond, Piscataquis Co., 30 Jul
county. In one ME study, 36% of nests were located in Red
Maple stands and 24% in alder swales (Morse 1971b). Veeries F all :
Fall migrants depart as early as mid-Aug, main
migration early to mid-Sep, all eBird: 7 at Seal I. NWR, 27
Aug 2017 (K. Yakola); 4 on Stone Hill Rd., Limerick, York Co., 28 Aug 2016 (L. Kramer); 8 at River Pt. Conservation Area,
Falmouth, 9 Sep 2016 (S. Roberts); 6 on Monhegan I., 28 Sep
2012 ( J. Trimble). Between 1975–2001, departure dates in Turner ranged 27 Aug–27 Sep ( J. Despres). On Appledore I., banding
totals peak late Aug–early Sep: 32 birds 26 Aug–9 Sep 1983 (AB
39: 28); 65 birds 1–8 Sep 1984 (AB 39: 28); 16 birds 19 Aug–14 Sep 1986 (AB 41: 59); 66, 23 Aug–11 Sep 1987 (AB 42: 236); 17, late
Aug–16 Sep 1988 (D. Holmes, AB 43: 66). Numbers diminish Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from sw. NL by late Sep; 60% of fall records occur 20–30 Sep, latest on 8 Oct in 2000
(L. Brinker) and 2012 (D. Hitchcock and J. Trimble, eBird).
Most birds detected at night when distinct buzzy call notes
heard overhead. Large thrush flight documented on Monhegan
I. when 150 primarily Gray-cheeked (with some Bicknell’s
Thrushes and 800 Swainson’s Thrushes) were heard during a 2-hour period, 25 Sep 1994 (PDV, V. Laux et al., FN 49: 23).
Other notable counts: 16 around Seal Harbor, Mount Desert
I., 30 Sep 1969 (Russell and Witt 1997). Late reports: 1 in Bar
Harbor, 3 Nov 1973 ( J. Biderman and W. Russell), and 1 “gray
cheek seen, within 5 feet” in Kittery, 3 Nov 1990 (L. Phinney, AB
45: 78). Recent records: 1, Richmond, 16 Sep 2012 (PDV, eBird);
1, Hog I., Lincoln Co., 23 Sep 2013 (S. Benz and PDV, eBird); 1, Metinic I., 5 and 17 Oct 2009 (N. Strycker, eBird). PDV
450
Bicknell’s Thrush
Catharus bicknelli
This vulnerable species’ haunting song is a familiar sound on Mount Katahdin and other high-elevation peaks where it was once far more common
Status in Maine: Bicknell’s Thrush occurs as a regular but increasingly uncommon and secretive breeder in high-elevation stunted, montane spruce and fir forests of the central and western mountains. There are also recent breeding season observations in regenerating clear-cuts at low elevations in Northwest Maine. It once occurred along the immediate coast of Washington County, but its current status in eastern Maine is unclear. Its migration is poorly understood; in spring it migrates from late May into early June. In autumn this species is irregular and rare, as it appears to largely bypass Maine for the Mid-Atlantic region. Bicknell’s Thrush appears to be declining in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York, while stable in Vermont. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Bicknell’s Thrush as a summer resident of higher mountains in Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis Cos. Earliest date for singing at Mt. Katahdin was noted as 16 Jun 1937. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Restricted breeding range extends from s. QC to higher elevations of NB, ME, NH, VT, and Adirondack and Catskill Mtns. of NY. Restricted winter range; species known to occur only on four Caribbean islands, mostly at higher elevations: Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico (Townsend et al. 2015, Rimmer et al. 2019). Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable; PIF: Watch List. High vulnerability due to small population and range, high threats, and range-wide declines. Remarks: Bicknell’s Thrush has a highly unusual breeding ecology (Goetz et al. 2003, Townsend et al. 2015). This species is not monogamous, males do not hold discrete territories, and females usually have multiple males attending the nest. In VT, >75% of broods were sired by multiple males, and some males attended nests of more than one female (Goetz et al. 2003). Male home ranges are large and overlap to a great degree, whereas female home ranges are largely non-overlapping (McFarland et al. 2008).
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae
Bicknell’s Thrush was identified as a species of
conservation concern by Rich et al. (2004), and
Rosenberg and Wells (2005) because of its restricted breeding range, limited winter range, and small
population size. Recent estimates place the U.S. breeding population at ~70,000 individuals, of which nearly
19,000 birds are estimated to occur in ME; the global population is estimated at 90% in Dominican Republic, and >98% in Haiti (McFarland et
al. 2013). Predation is also a threat. A study in Dominican
spring migrant. JVW regularly recorded nocturnal call notes
(2 individuals), 29 May 2006 (3), 31 May 2006 (4), 31 May 2007
(4). In VT, earliest occurrence on breeding grounds 16 May, and
during most years species well established in Green Mtns. by 25
Republic cloud forests found that 9% of radio-tagged
May (Townsend et al. 2015).
introduced rats. A significant longer-term threat to
S ummer :
Bicknell’s Thrushes were eaten by nocturnally foraging Bicknell’s Thrush survival is climate change. Rodenhouse et al. (2008) modeled effects of climate change on
Bicknell’s Thrush breeding habitat and found a change of 2º F (1º C) is likely to eliminate >50% of Bicknell’s Thrush montane habitat and a 4º F (3º C) average
increase has “the potential to nearly eliminate the habitat of [Bicknell’s Thrush] in the Northeast” (Rodenhouse et al. 2008, 526). S pring :
Rare spring migrant with few verifiable spring
reports in ME: Wallace (1939) noted N.C. Brown collected one
in Deering, Cumberland Co., 3 Jun 1872; Brewster reported
a calling individual at L. Umbagog, Oxford Co., 7 Jun 1897.
Limited number of Appledore I. captures (3 banded 1997–2012 on 23–27 May; S. Morris, unpubl. data) suggests species is
rare along coast. Records from elsewhere in New England:
CT, banded thrushes occurred 15–27 May; e. MA, thrushes
Largely restricted to stunted Balsam Fir and spruce
in upper-elevation montane forests of w. and n. ME, typically
above 2,700 ft. (823 m). Ouellet (1993) considered species
especially adapted to naturally stunted high-elevation and
exposed coastal conifers, and to natural disturbances such as fir
waves, insect outbreaks, snow and ice damage, and fires. In 1993,
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (now Vermont Center for Ecostudies [VCE]) staff and volunteers found this species on
55 of 65 ME mountain peaks (AB 47: 1091). Also reported along coast of e. Washington Co. in Jun (N. Famous), especially at
Quoddy Head S.P., but nesting not documented in this area. Potentially breeding Bicknell’s Thrushes recently found in
regenerating spruce and fir subsequent to clear-cutting in n.
Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis Cos. (N. Famous, D. Valleau, pers. com.). In Canada, Chisholm and Leonard (2008) reported
species in clear-cuts 11–13 years post-harvest at elevations as low
as 570 ft. (174 m). In Aroostook Co., species likewise occurs at
low elevations and reported in Ft. Kent area in summer 1979 ( J.
Gibson) and 3 Aug 1982 (PDV); in Allagash Twp., 8 Jul 1997 (G.
banded 20 May–11 Jun, latter a notably late date; Manomet,
Flagg); and on Mt. Chase, at 2,440 ft. (744 m), 24 Jun 1997 (WJS).
(Townsend et al. 2015).
survey on Old Speck Mtn., Oxford Co., 30 Jun; these birds were
MA, banding dates 23 May–6 Jun with mean date of 29 May
In 1983, >30 thrushes heard during an overnight camping
451
Birds of Maine
abundant in stunted spruce and fir at 3,500 ft (1,067 m) and
higher elevations. Generally quiet during day, giving occasional
vee-urr call notes; sang sporadically in later afternoon. At 21:30 hours woods were filled with Bicknell’s Thrush song for a
period of 10–15 minutes (PDV). In a repeat survey of Old Speck
conducted 4 Jun 2013 only 4 individuals heard (PDV). Nineteen reported on Black Mtn., Oxford Co., 12 Jun 2010 (M. Oyler). Katahdin has long been recognized as a breeding site for
Bicknell’s Thrush. In 1952, Taber’s (1952) lowest observation was
2,799 ft. (853 m). In 1974, species was heard singing at ~2,500 ft.
(762 m) above the Basin Ponds (PDV). There were >10 thrushes heard during a camping trip at Chimney Pond, 3,300 ft. (1,006
m) on 11 Jun 1977 (PDV), but on 20 Jun 1999 there was no song and only 1 call note heard at 21:00 hours (PDV), although it is
possible vocalization was affected by weather.
Recent records: 3, Whitecap Mtn., Oxford Co., 30 Jun 2012
(A. Webb, eBird); 3, Coburn Mtn., Somerset Co., 7 and 9 Jun
2013 (A. Van Keuren, eBird); 4, Bigelow Mtn., 9 Jul 2015 (M.
Fahay, eBird); 3, Tumbledown, Little Jackson Mtns., Franklin
Co., 5 Jul 2016 ( J. Fecteau and N. Hall, eBird); 4, Kibby Mtn.,
Franklin Co., 10 Jun 2017 (N. Bibb, eBird); and 1, Sugarloaf Mtn., Franklin Co., 3 Jul 2017 (D. Lovitch). F all :
Fall migration poorly recorded, possibly because many
make a nonstop flight over ME and New England coast. Seems more regular in fall from Long I., NY, through Mid-Atlantic
breeds in York and Cumberland Counties. Arriving in mid- to late May, Swainson’s Thrushes return south from late August to October, peaking in September. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered this species a common spring and fall migrant and a common to abundant summer resident in coniferous forests. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL west through cen. Canada to AK, south through cen. ME, n. NH, and VT, farther south locally in Appalachian Mtns. to PA and WV, also through Rocky Mtns. to n. NM and AZ, and west to coastal CA. Winters from cen. Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. to nw. Argentina. Remarks: It appears Swainson’s Thrushes are not only retracting their breeding range northward but are also nesting at higher altitudes in the mountains of ME and New England. On 20 Jun 1999, >40 males were noted on Mt. Katahdin, where they were abundant and higher on the mountain than 20 years earlier (PDV). This shift was also observed in NH’s White Mtns. Whether this altitudinal shift will affect the breeding activity of Bicknell’s Thrush is unclear.
states where there are more fall banding records (Townsend et
al. 2015). Species is also difficult to accurately distinguish from
NFLD subspecies of Gray-cheeked Thrush (C. m. minimus). In
coastal New England, fall banding dates ranged from 26 Sep–16
Oct (Wallace 1939). At Manomet, MA, 19 banded birds occurred
22 Sep–20 Oct, with a mean date 6 Oct (Townsend et al. 2015).
Brewster (1925, 606) reported 2 “very small birds, both obviously
bicknelli” in Newry, Oxford Co., 2 Oct 1899. Palmer noted 2 fall
records, both collected in Cumberland Co.: 1 by A. Norton on 30
Sep 1878; 1 by N. C. Brown, 12 Oct 1913. On Mt. Mansfield, VT,
latest Bicknell’s Thrush observed on 3 Oct, and a thrush banded 29
Aug 1996 was recaptured 30 Sep (Townsend et al. 2015). PDV
Swainson’s Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Breeding Range
Distinctive nocturnal calls reveal the true magnitude of this northern breeder’s migration through Maine
Status in Maine: Swainson’s Thrush is a common to abundant breeder in coniferous forests in northern, eastern, and western Maine, and is more local southwest of Bangor. This species’ breeding range has shifted north, and it appears that this thrush no longer 452
S pring :
Typically arrives mid- to late May, largest numbers
seen or heard last week of the month. Unusual in early May;
rare in Apr, but ~10 reports, usually following strong southerly
weather fronts: 3 in Harpswell, 27 Apr 1983 ( JEP), and 4 at
Reid S.P., 24 Apr 1983 (PDV); earliest observed in Portland,
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae
14 Apr 2006 (S. Walsh). Late migrants regularly into Jun: 1
nocturnal migrant over Richmond, 7 Jun 1997 (PDV); 2 banded
Hermit Thrush
on Appledore I., 8 Jun 2007 (S. Walsh). Species’ distinctive
Catharus guttatus
evenings when it is possible to hear thousands of individuals.
This common thrush’s melodious song rings through forests all over Maine
nocturnal call notes can be heard overhead, especially on foggy
For example, a large flight on 24 May 2007 when hundreds were heard in Gardiner, Kennebec Co. ( JVW), and >300 estimated
over Outer Green I. (fide D. Lovitch). JVW also reported
hundreds of thrushes as late as 5 Jun 2007 and 27 May 2008.
Fewer thrushes (1–5 typical) reported as diurnal migrants. Larger counts from Monhegan I.: 30 on 25 May 1982 ( JEP), 200 on 25
May 1983 (S. Tingley), 40 on 29 May 1983 (PDV), >75 on 25 May
1990 ( JVW). Additionally, 17 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, unusual on 24 May 2011 (B. Cole).
S ummer :
Common to abundant in coniferous forests
throughout most of ME, though this species appears to have
contracted north since the 1970s. Swainson’s Thrush no longer nests regularly in York and Cumberland Cos. but remains on
coastal islands from Lincoln Co. east. Single ABBM (1978–1983) record in Cumberland Co. reported from Harpswell (Adamus
1987). Species formerly bred in S. Portland ( Jul 1971; MN 3: 15) and was regular at Morse Mtn. up to early 1980s but has since
disappeared (PDV). Regular summer resident in mountains, all
eBird: 2 at KWWNM, 14 Jun 2017 (L. Benner); 8 at Togue Pond
Beach, BSP, 25 Jun 2016 (C. Cimino); 1 at Umbazooksus Stream, Piscataquis Co., 5 Jul 2016 (K. Lima); 2 at E. Outlet, Moosehead
L., 29 Jul 2017 (S. Roxbrough). ME BBS registered an average annual decline of 0.9% from 1966–2015, and 1.9%, 2005–2015. F all :
Notably protracted fall migration late Aug–Oct, peaking
in Sep. Early migrants reported 26–31 Aug from N. Berwick
(D. Tucker), and Falmouth (L. Seitz), where 1 was banded
on 27 Aug 2005 ( J. Camuso). Highest migrant thrush counts
reported at night: in Kennebec Co., numerous thrushes reported
flying overhead in Gardiner on night of 31 Aug 2009, and many evenings with counts >100 individuals ( JVW). On Monhegan
I., >800 birds heard passing over on 25 Sep 1994 (PDV, V. Laux,
FN 49: 23); hundreds heard on 24 Sep 2009 (W. Russell); and
same night, L. Seitz reported 150 individuals 22:30–23:30 hours but saw only ~5 birds the following day. Late season birds in
Aroostook Co., all fide eBird: 1 at Pleasant L., 5 Aug 2014 (L.
Stanfill and K. McAnally); 1 at Muscovic Rd., Stockholm, 13 Sep
2014; and 1 at Haystack Mtn., 16 Sep 2012 (both WJS). Numbers diminish through Oct; at least 50 reports 1–10 Oct; more than
30, 11–20 Oct; and minimum 15, 21–31 Oct, with 12 Swainson’s on Monhegan I., 5 Oct 2003 (WJS) and 7 at same locality, 12 Oct
2009 ( J. Mays). Latest record in Falmouth, 19 Nov 2007 ( J. Stevens). W inter :
Several Dec reports lack details and may involve
misidentified Hermit Thrushes. PDV
Status in Maine: Hermit Thrushes are common breeders throughout the state. This species typically arrives in April, with the protracted fall migration extending from late September through early November. Although Hermit Thrushes are found regularly on coastal Christmas Bird Counts, it appears that few individuals survive the winter. Maine’s Hermit Thrush population decreased by 0.7% annually, 1966–2015, and by 3.2% between 2005 and 2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 416–417) described this species as a “common to uncommon” summer resident throughout ME and a “numerous to abundant” spring and fall transient. Palmer considered the species a “very rare winter resident in southwestern Maine” (1949, 416), citing two winter records. Brewster (1925, 610) said the species was common around L. Umbagog, 8–22 Oct 1882: “[F] ound everywhere but especially partial to thickets by wood paths and along Cambridge River, places where it never occurs during the breeding season.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL through cen. Canada and n. MI and MN west to AK, south to PA and WV in Appalachian Mtns., also in Rocky Mtns. south to n. NM and AZ, and CA. Winters regularly from south coastal MA, CT, s. OH, OK, NM, to coastal WA and OR, CA, south to FL, Gulf Coast, and Mexico. Remarks: “To know and love the hermit thrush—the Voice of the Northern Woods—and to receive his benediction in the twilight is one of the privileges Nature confers on those who worship at her shrine.”— Cordelia Stanwood. S pring :
Arrives in s. and cen. ME mid-Apr, with
considerable annual variation. J. Despres reported arrival dates in Turner mid-Apr (median date: 16 Apr) 1982–2002; first
arrival dates range 31 Mar 1988–29 Apr 1984. Earliest Mar
reports, 1 bird each: Salt Bay Heritage Trail, Damariscotta, 10
Mar 2017 (M. Fahay, eBird); Boody St., Brunswick, 15 Mar 2016
(R. Robinson, eBird); 1 at Dragon Fields, Portland, 17 Mar 2016 (B. Bunn, eBird); 1 at Whitten Hill Rd., Kennebunkport, 17 Mar 2017 ( J. Fecteau, eBird); and Portland, 25 Mar 2008
(T. Duddy). A notably late migrant banded on Appledore I.,
19 May 1991 (S. Robertson et al.).
453
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Common to abundant throughout ME, breeding in
variety of woodland habitats in York Co.: 20 at Waterboro Barrens,
Waterboro, 12 Jul 1991 (PDV); in w. ME, 22 on Wilton BBS, 21
Jun 1997 (L. Brinker); >40 at Caribou Mtn., Oxford Co., 23 Jun
2007 (PDV); in e. ME, 44 on Aurora BBS, Hancock Co., 22 Jun
1998 ( J. Markowsky); and n. ME, 15 at Clayton L., Aroostook Co., 10 Jun 2010 (PDV and R. Joseph). Possibly 2–3 broods produced annually. Nests with eggs reported as early as 1 May, but most
first clutches typically found 17 May–10 Jun (Knight 1908). Two
active nests (one with 2 eggs, the other with 3) at Rangeley Ls. S.P.,
Rangeley, 21 Jul 1999, probably second clutches ( J. Markowsky). BBS indicates a 0.7% annual decrease, 1966–2015. F all :
Protracted fall migration, mid- to late Sep to mid-Nov
with many lingering along southern coast into Dec. Single
adult thrush “in major body and flight-feather molt” banded
on Appledore I. on early date of 3 Sep 1988 (D. Holmes, AB 43:
66). Main flights and largest counts in s. ME occur mid- to late Oct. From 1982–2001 in Turner, J. Despres noted last dates for
Hermit Thrushes, 5 Oct 1989–1 Nov 1983 and 1999. In Somerset
Co., W. Sumner observed a late thrush in Canaan, 27 Nov 2014.
Species largely absent from Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, and n. Franklin Cos. by 1 Oct. Notable records for n. ME: 1 at
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
A bird with a lush, fluting song, now in serious decline
Status in Maine: This species is annual in deciduous and mixed forests throughout the state and especially in southern Maine. After expanding their breeding range across the state in the 1970s and 1980s, Wood Thrush populations declined substantially, and the species is now notably less common. Maine Breeding Bird Surveys show an average annual decline of 5.6% from 1966–2015, and a decidedly more acute decline (8.1% annually) from 2005–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Wood Thrushes generally arrive in early May, with small numbers appearing in April. Fall migrants leave Maine in August and September, occasionally lingering into October, and rarely, November. There is a single winter record in Wells in January 2007. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 622) reported that Wood Thrushes were “confined to 1 in Hersey, Aroostook Co., 13 Oct 2012 (WJS). Large counts in extreme southwestern Maine as a rare and possibly s. ME: on Cousins I., 25 on 12 Oct 2004 and 16 on 8 Oct 2008 (D. regular summer resident.” He did not encounter this Lovitch); at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 50 on 17 Oct 2007 and species in the Bangor area in the late 19th century. 250 on 17 Oct 2010 (M. Fahay); at Hermit I., Phippsburg, 155 on 26 Brewster (1925) considered the species very rare Oct 2006 and 65 on 5 Nov 2011 (M. Fahay). around L. Umbagog, noting a single record on 14 May 1896. By 1949, this species’ status had not changed W inter : Since 1950, 1–3 Hermit Thrushes usually, but not appreciably. Palmer (1949, 414) said this thrush was annually, found in winter along coast, primarily from Mount “rare in summer, breeding records for Oxford, Franklin, Desert I. to s. York Co. Palmer noted only 2 winter records: 1 and Kennebec Counties, probably having bred in from Cape Elizabeth, 25 Dec 1904, and 1 in Portland, Jan 1905. York and Cumberland, and known only as a visitant Evidence suggests most thrushes feeding on crabapples (Malus in Somerset, Androscoggin, Lincoln, Penobscot, and spp.), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and other fruiting shrubs do Hancock.” Chamberlain (1949) did not list this species not survive the winter unless they subsist at feeding stations. In as occurring in Aroostook Co. Munsungun L., T8 R10 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 15 Oct 1994 (S.
Pollock); 1 at Kibby Mtn., Franklin Co., 16 Oct 1994 (W. Howes);
1950–2009, there were >53 Hermit Thrush reports in Jan. Reports diminished to 29 for Feb and only 11 for Mar (1–18 Mar). Bird
reported at Brunswick Landing, 15 Feb 2016, was noted as “eating
fruit on a vine [at] the mere point boat landing, has been there
all month” (C. Jack, eBird). Species is unreported in Jan and Feb from Aroostook, n. Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset Cos.
Notable inland records: 2 in Orono through Jan 1970 (MN 1[8]:
7); 1 in Veazie, Penobscot Co., 16–19 Feb 1989 (C. Guidotti, AB
43: 286); 1 in Veazie, 15 Mar 1998 ( J. Markowsky); 1 in Liberty, Waldo Co., 2 Feb 2002 (D. Valleau); 1 in Orono, 10 Feb 2002
(obs. unk.); and 1 in Brewer, 20 Jan–17 Feb 2005 ( J. Markowsky).
The only late-winter record for Washington Co. was observed in Lubec, 6 Feb 1992 (G. Hazelton). PDV
454
Between 1950 and 1980, the Wood Thrush’s breeding range rapidly expanded from s. ME to throughout the state. The species was first recorded on Mount Desert I. at Great Pond, 20 May 1942, and returned to same locality, 19 Jun 1944 (Bond, BMAS 5[1] 1949). By Jul 1968, five nests were found in Sieur de Monts Spring, Mount Desert I., although species is currently scarce on the island (fide R. MacDonald). Cruickshank reported a single Wood Thrush in Newcastle, 14 Jun 1957, which he considered the fourth Lincoln Co. record; species reported from same locality, 27 Jun 1958, presumably the fifth county record. By Jun 1967, in n. Penobscot Co., more than a dozen males reported
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae
singing in T5 R8 WELS, and considered common, two nests with eggs found by 6 Jun (Chapman; PMNH report, Jun 1967, ref. not found). By 1979, Wood Thrushes had expanded; D. Folger, who conducted 12 BBSs in n. ME, found 1–16 singing males on each survey in Somerset, Piscataquis, Franklin, and Aroostook Cos. In n. Aroostook Co., three males heard near Ft. Kent, summer 1980 (G. Flagg).
S ummer :
Prefer mature, closed canopy deciduous and mixed
White Pine forests with moderate subcanopy and shrub layer, and moist soil and leaf litter (Evans et al. 2011). Common throughout s. cen. ME north to Bangor and cen. Penobscot Co. as of last
breeding bird atlas (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Species less ubiquitous
in n. and e. ME, where local and limited to higher deciduous ridges (WJS). Since 1966, Wood Thrushes have declined
substantially throughout ME. BBS measured an annual decline
of 5.6% per year, 1966–2017. For example, in Richmond in early
1980s, PDV regularly recorded >6 territorial males at his residence. Despite no harvesting or obvious alteration of forest, Wood
Thrushes declined to 2–3 males by mid-1990s, disappeared by 2004, and had not reappeared by 2016 (PDV).
Wood Thrush
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. QC, NB, and NS to MN, south to n. FL and e. TX. Winters in Mexico and Cen. Am. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats, including forest fragmentation and changes in forest structure on both breeding and wintering grounds (Evans et al. 2011). S pring :
Arrives throughout ME first 2 weeks of May. Regular
in Ft. Kent, 5–9 May (G. Flagg); at least 30 reports in s. ME
mid- to late Apr. Early Apr reports, 1 bird each: Alexander,
Washington Co., 15 Apr 1980 ( J. Dudley); Sidney, Kennebec Co., 14 Apr 1998 (D. Ladd); Bar Harbor, 13 Apr 1999 (W. Townsend); Bangor City Forest, 22 Apr 2015 (D. Bernstein, eBird); and
Oak Ridge Rd., Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 16 Apr 2017
(R. Speirs, eBird). Single Wood Thrush described at Kittery
Pt., exceptionally early on 17 Mar 1990 (L. Phinney; MBN 4:
8, AB 44: 399). In Aroostook Co., single thrush notably early at
Hale Pond, Moro Plt., 28 Apr 2002 (WJS). Spring migrants not usually present in large numbers, fewer than 30 seen on Morse
Mtn. during fallout of migrants following cold front, 11–12 May
1996 (PDV, FN 50: 256).
Wood Thrush Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Local !
F all :
Migrate south mid-Aug to Sep, numerous records
in early Oct. Uncommonly encountered in migration, even
at notable offshore migrant traps Monhegan and Appledore
Is. where 1–3 birds unusual. However, distinctive nocturnal call notes reveal dozens of individuals migrating overhead
at night, especially in late Aug–Sep ( JVW). Late records: 1,
Monhegan I., 30 Sep 2017 (D. Lovitch); 1 at Bigelow Hill Rd.,
Norridgewock, 6 Oct 2014 (M. Viens, eBird); 2 “repeatedly giving their loud three to five noted ‘bup-bup-bup’ call” on
Pownal Borough Courthouse Trail, Lincoln Co., 8 Oct 2016
(PVD); 1 in Hallowell, Kennebec Co., 28 Oct 1957 (MFO 2: 116);
1 on Vinalhaven, 21 Oct 1960 (MFO 5: 111); 1 in Warren, 21 Oct
2006 (N. O’Brien). Few Nov reports: 1 in Wells, 19 Nov 1997 (N. McReel); 1 in Brunswick, 4 Nov 2005 (N. Smith).
W inter :
Accidental in winter. One record of single bird ph. in
Wells, 21 Jan 2007 (D. Lovitch, ph.). PDV
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Birds of Maine
Fieldfare
Turdus pilaris
An Old World cousin of the American Robin finally crosses the pond
Status in Maine: Accidental. A long-awaited first record for Maine, a single Fieldfare occurred in Newcastle, 19 April 2017, lingering until 23 April. First seen and photographed by J. Cherry foraging on a lawn in the company of American Robins, it was eventually seen nearby by many observers. Accepted as Maine’s first record by the Maine Bird Records Committee in June 2017. While a regular winter visitor to Iceland and frequent stray to Atlantic Canada, the Fieldfare was previously seen in New England only in Massachusetts in 2013 (Pushcock 2013). Global Distribution: Palearctic. Iceland, Europe, and Russia. BSV
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A cheerful, familiar sight year-round
Status in Maine: American Robins are abundant summer residents that migrate in large numbers in late March and April. The species is a very common breeder throughout the state but is less numerous in forested habitat. Fall migration is prolonged; flocks are seen from September to November, with the largest of these usually in October. There is considerable winter movement and numbers vary annually; the species is generally common along the coast and occurs irregularly north to Aroostook County. Historical Status in Maine: The status of American Robins has not changed since Palmer’s assessment, except in earlier spring arrival dates and frequency of spring flocks of the NFLD subspecies. Interestingly, Knight posited that many reports of robins in winter were likely misidentifications of Pine Grosbeaks, but acknowledged robins probably wintered regularly along the coast in limited numbers, although only as rare stragglers inland. By the 1940s, Palmer described robins as fairly common winter residents on the coast and uncommon but regular inland in winter.
456
American Robin
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds across most of N. Am., from high Arctic to n. FL, and n. cen. Mexican highlands. Winters from ME and Maritime Provinces west to BC, south to FL, s. CA, and Mexico. Remarks: The “Newfoundland” American Robin (T. m. nigrideus) is the darker, blacker-backed e. Canadian subspecies. This subspecies is probably regular as a spring and fall migrant and winter resident, but current records are limited, and identification of this taxon can be challenging. The situation has not changed appreciably since Palmer’s observation (1949, 413): “What proportion of the transient Robins seen in Maine are of the northern race nigrideus is unknown.” It is sometimes common but whether it is annual is unknown. Palmer reported three records, all collected in spring in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., by Norton: one each on 17 May 1897, 10 May 1902, and 28 Mar 1904. There were no further reports until 1984, when a male was seen in Orono, 30 Mar 1984 (PDV). T. m. nigrideus robins subsequently reported from Mount Desert I., when several birds were seen on 13 Mar 1997 (W. Townsend), and a single bird was reported from Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 12 Apr 1997 (L. Brinker). Since 2000, spring reports of nigrideus robins have been more numerous: one to 40 individuals observed in Richmond, Bowdoinham, and Dresden, on six or more occasions (PDV). Large numbers of nigrideus robins reported in early 2008: 75 in York and Ogunquit, 9 Feb 2008 (obs. unk.); 75 in S. Portland, 12 Feb 2008 (S. Cronenweth); 40 later reported in Richmond, 31 Mar 2008 (PDV), the largest number seen in this area. In 2009, a sizable wave of robins, thought to be primarily nigrideus, reported from Aroostook Co., 28 Mar (WJS), and three in Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert I., 3 Apr (C. Kesselheim).
Order Passeriformes • Family Turdidae
Additionally, a small number of black-backed, richly chestnut-breasted male robins can be found breeding in ME. These darker individuals are similar to the nigrideus subspecies, but the subspecific affinities of these dark birds are unclear. S pring :
Palmer stated robins generally appeared by 20 Mar,
noting migration was frequently earlier; this remains the case
today. Flocks of 20–100 widespread in a variety of open habitats
with largest numbers reported early to mid-Apr: “thousands” in greater Bangor area, 19 Apr 1997 (M. Lucey); 2,000 in
Dayton, York Co., 4 Apr 2014 (D. Doubleday, eBird); 2,000 in
CBCs in 2008, for example. Robins sometimes undergo large-
scale winter movements. In 1978, large robin flocks presumably
from NS seen crossing Gulf of ME to Jonesport and e. ME on
17 Dec 1978 (PDV and N. Famous), and Moose I.–Jonesport CBC recorded 757 robins that day. Large winter movements
not necessarily limited to birds migrating south. Hunt (FN 52:
172) reported: “By February, the species had moved N at least as far as c. New Hampshire and Maine, suggesting some sort of facultative migration in response to warm weather” (1998). In
1999, L. Leidwinger reported 250 robins at Quoddy Head, 31
Jan 1999, “a large flight of robins in several flocks going north
past the lighthouse. At least 250 robins were seen in 30 minutes.”
Richmond, 6 Apr 2001 (PDV); 500 in Scarborough, 5 Apr 2007
In Richmond–Bath area, several flocks represented an influx
400 in Washburn, Aroostook Co., 21 Apr 2007 (WJS); 4,000 in
flocks arrived from the north, including several nigrideus types.
( J. Stevens); 460 over Bradbury Mtn., 1 Apr 2009 (D. Akers);
Aroostook Co., 16 Apr 2008 (WJS). In Aroostook Co., robins generally arrive in late Mar (M. Trombley, G. Flagg, WJS);
earliest 3 recorded in Presque Isle, 18 Mar 1990 (M. Trombley).
Historical arrival dates in Portland, 1759–1774, from 30 Mar 1760 to as late as 9 Apr 1765 (MFN 13: 27).
S ummer :
Commonly produce 2 broods each summer with first
nest constructed late Apr–early May. Breed in variety of open
to wooded habitats, most abundant in suburban environments.
on 23 Jan 2008 (PDV). Similarly, Jan–Feb 2012, numerous
Winter robins feed primarily on a variety of fruits such as apples, Winterberry, and rose hips (Rosa spp.). Robins are mobile at
this season, and flocks up to 300 birds found in orchards and
hedgerows until fruits are depleted and birds move on. Reported
occasionally along intertidal zone: D. Reimer noted 20 robins
foraging “in seaweed appeared to be retrieving invertebrates” in
Spruce Head, Knox Co., 15 Feb 1992. PDV
Late nesting records: 1 still on nest in Phippsburg, 2 Sep
2006 (D. Reimer); 2 adults feeding speckled young in Enfield, Penobscot Co., 21 Oct 1967. F all :
Postbreeding robins congregate as early as late Jul (45 at L.
Josephine, 24 Jul 2009; WJS), but this generally occurs Aug–early
Sep. Migration Oct–Nov but variable, often continuing into early winter. In Turner, J. Despres’ extensive notes 1967–2001 reveal a broad range of departure dates. Last observations occurred in
Oct in 4 years, in Nov in 15 years, and in Dec in 7 years; earliest departure 23 Oct 1985, and latest 23 Dec 1992. Fall movements
frequently widespread, large numbers seen throughout ME early
Nov 1988: 150, Lower Enchanted Twp., Somerset Co., 6 Nov 1988
(T. Skaling); 100 in Waldo, Waldo Co., 6 Nov 1988 (R. Milardo);
200 in N. Berwick, 7 Nov 1988 (D. Tucker); 436 in Kennebunk
Beach, 9 Nov 1988 ( J. Ficker). Major movements at migrant trap
Sandy Pt., Cousins I.: 687 on 7 Oct 2008; 200 on 15 Oct 2008; 656 on 18 Oct 2008; 735 on 14 Oct 2009 (D. Lovitch, E. Hynes); 350
on 19 Oct 2015 (B. Marvil, eBird); 149 on 11 Oct 2016 (R. Garrigus, eBird). Other notable counts: 1,656 between 06:30–12:00 hrs at
S. Harpswell, 16 Oct 1970 (G. Appell); 800 at Green Pt. WMA,
Dresden, 15 Oct 2007 (E. Hynes); 1,200 at Scott’s Landing, Deer Isle, 14 Oct 2009 (C. Moseley).
W inter :
Winter in varying numbers s. and cen. ME coast.
Reported on 70–100% of CBCs along coast to Eastport with
maximum of 1,594 birds on Portland area CBC, Dec 2008. Less
common in some winters and widespread in others; many on
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius
This festive thrush is nearly annual at feeders in winter
Status in Maine: Varied Thrushes are casual winter visitors often seen at feeding stations from November and December to late March or April. The first state record for this species was on Monhegan Island, 15 March 1939 (Palmer 1949). Since then, there have been numerous records throughout the state, primarily in southern and central Maine and as far north as Fort Kent, Aroostook County. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 413–414) listed one sight record: “One individual, apparently a male, appeared on Monhegan on March 15, 1939, and, after about a week, was joined by a paler individual, presumed to have been a female. The pair left the island sometime after the 27th… The identity of these birds is beyond question, for the observer, Mrs. Josephine A. Townsend, drew an unmistakable picture of one, indicating the colors and pattern of the plumage, without suspecting the true identity of the bird.” 457
Birds of Maine
Since 1951, Varied Thrushes have been reported almost annually in ME with a maximum of five individuals at as many localities during winter 1969–1970 and 1980–1981. Almost all reports involved single birds at feeding stations, and most were males, presumably because they are more easily identified. First sightings occur in Nov: greatest numbers in Dec–Jan, and fewer new sightings in Feb–Apr. A single bird in Ellsworth, 26 Oct 1992, was notably early (AB 47: 67) and more recently, one at N. Main St., Whitneyville, Washington Co., 19 Nov 2014 (W. Sawyer, eBird). The timing of these reports and this species’ use of feeding stations is probably closely correlated to snow cover. Sightings in Apr probably reflect spring migratory activity. Many remain at feeding stations through the winter, with most departures in late Mar–Apr. An adult in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., on 18 May 1993 was exceptionally late (AB 47: 395). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Primarily occurs in western coniferous forests from AK and YT south to n. CA and w. MT. Mostly migratory, wintering south to s. CA and adjacent Mexico (George 2000). Varied Thrushes reported in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and NL. PDV
indicates Gray Catbirds declined by 2.3% annually, 1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Spring migrants appear in May and fall migrants depart the state from midAugust to early October. Gray Catbirds were rarely reported in winter prior to 2000, but the species has become nearly annual since then. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 580) considered Gray Catbirds “rare, local or absent from the northern and eastern half of the state and not found in the deep, dense wooded regions.” Palmer agreed that this species was rare in extensive wooded areas but occurred north to Aroostook Co., at least locally. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS, NB, s. QC, west through s. Canada to BC, south to FL, TX, and ne. AZ. Winters from coastal MA (occasional) and CT south along Atlantic Coast to FL, w. Caribbean, Mexico to Cen. Am. S pring :
Generally, arrives throughout May with largest
numbers arriving second half of the month. Numerous late
Apr reports; few records earlier in the month: 1 in New Sharon, Franklin Co., 15 Apr 1960 (MFO 5: 37); 1 in Cape Neddick, 19
Apr 2007 (L. Scotland). On Monhegan I., counts of 20–30 occur 14–31 May: 30 on 14 May 1997 (PDV); 28 on 26 May 2014 ( J.
Trimble). Count of 10 on 28 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian) notable
for the date. In Aroostook Co., first migrants arrive 14–20 May.
Early reports: 1 in Washburn, 13 May 2006; 1 in Easton, 10 May
2010; and 1 in Presque Isle, 12 May 2012 (all WJS).
Mockingbirds and Thrashers (Mimidae) Most closely related to starlings, the mimic thrushes are a New World family of 35 species. Three occur in Maine, where Brown Thrashers are a state species of special concern, and Sage Thrasher is accidental. The Northern Mockingbird’s extensive vocal repertoire may be underappreciated by humans when it sings incessantly through the night. Gray Catbird
Gray Catbird
Dumetella carolinensis Flashy in song rather than color, this breeding species has also become nearly annual in winter
Status in Maine: Gray Catbirds are common to abundant summer residents in southern and central Maine. The species is regular but more local in shrubby areas in forested northern Maine. The BBS 458
S ummer :
A common to abundant passerine of low shrubs
and thickets throughout s. ME north to cen. Franklin Co. and s. Somerset and Piscataquis Cos.: 13 on Kennebunk Plains, 27
Jun 2006 (R. Heil). Species more local in heavily forested areas in n. and w. ME but found regularly in forest clearings and in
alder thickets along wetland margins. ABBM (Adamus 1987)
confirmed this species in all counties. BBS detected a 2.3%
annual decline 1966–2015. Two recently fledged young in Bar
Harbor, 3 Jul 2002 (W. Townsend), and 2 adults with 3 fledglings
Order Passeriformes • Family Mimidae
in Windham, 30 Jun 2006 (E. Eklund), represented first broods.
Gray Catbirds often produce double broods: in Kennebunk, an
Brown Thrasher
adult observed carrying food on 10 Aug 1999 (S. Richardson); in
Toxostoma rufum
tailless juvenile seen 16 Sep 2011 (S. Richardson); in Brunswick,
A declining, inconspicuous species of thickets and shrublands in southern Maine
Berwick, York Co., adults feeding young on 6 Aug 2000 and a second broods remained until mid-Sep 2014 (S. Walker). At
Avian Haven, a bird rehabilitation center in Freedom, Waldo
Co., late nestlings admitted annually from late Jul–24 Aug 2010
(D. Winn). In Yarmouth, juvenile Gray Catbirds banded into Sep 2014 (S. Walsh). F all :
Protracted fall migration mid-Aug to Sep, continues
in diminishing numbers through mid-Oct. On Monhegan I.,
major flights >10 individuals reported as early as 17 Aug 2006
(15 birds) and 4 Sep 1983 (12); fall maximum of 20 birds on 26
Sep 1981 (all PDV). Late count of 15 observed on 8 Oct 2012 ( J.
Trimble). In Aroostook Co., catbirds generally depart in Sep;
latest report from Easton, 17 Oct 2007 (WJS). Small numbers
of late migrants linger on southern coast through Nov. On
Appledore I., 237 individuals banded in fall of 2001 an aboveaverage count (D. Holmes, NAB 56: 31).
W inter :
Palmer did not record Gray Catbirds as wintering in
ME, noting a record from Cape Elizabeth on 16 Nov 1916 was
late. He apparently ignored the report of a catbird that wintered in Portland through at least 23 Feb 1946 (A. Ghering, BMAS
2: 53). Species rare in 1950s–1960s with 3 reports: 1 in Portland,
Status in Maine: Brown Thrashers are locally regular in dry shrublands, near power lines, and in sandy blueberry barrens. Thrasher populations have suffered a significant decline in Maine according to Breeding Bird Survey data, 3.6% annually from 1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Spring migration starts in late April and peaks in early May, approximately a week earlier than reported by Palmer. The species breeds regularly but locally in southern Maine. It is regular on blueberry barrens in Washington and Hancock Counties and local along agricultural margins in Aroostook County. Brown Thrashers migrate south in September and October, the peak occurring the last 10 days of September. A small number remain resident through winter. Given the profound population decline, it is not surprising that this species has become rare on Maine Christmas Bird Counts. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
3 Feb 1951 (G. Reeves, BMAS 7: 36); 1 in Lewiston, 7 Jan 1962 (Rock, MFN 18: 27); 1 in Fryeburg, 20 Dec 1969 (obs. unk.).
CBC reports by decade reveal general increase along coast since
1970s: total of 6 catbirds reported in 1970s, 9 in 1980s, 4 in 1990s, and 19 in 2000s. Since 2000, 1–5 Gray Catbirds occur along the
coast almost annually. Exceptional number of Gray Catbirds reported during winter 2005–2006: >30 individuals observed
in coastal regions with a number successfully overwintering.
During this winter, CBCs reported following: Portland (5
birds), Pemaquid–Damariscotta (3), Thomaston–Rockland (2),
Biddeford–Kennebunkport (1), York (1), Mount Desert I. (1),
Machias Bay (1). Other notable observations: 3 in Biddeford, 6
Jan 2006 (fide D. Lovitch), and 2 in Portland, 22 Jan 2006 (D.
Lovitch).
Noteworthy inland CBCs, 1 bird each: Farmington, 17 Dec
1983; Lewiston–Auburn, 17 Dec 2011; Orono–Old Town, 23 Dec 1972; Sweden, Dec 1993; Waterville, 16 Dec 2001. Catbirds on
Washington Co. CBCs, 1 each: Calais, 30 Dec 2004; Eastport, 23 Dec 1979; Machias Bay, 31 Dec 1988, 2 Jan 2006, and 14 Dec 2008. Northernmost winter records: Stockton Springs, Waldo
Co., 22 Dec 2015 (K. Kravik, eBird), and Houlton, 1–14 Jan 2003
(L. Little). PDV
Brown Thrasher
Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Brown Thrashers regular in s. ME west of the Kennebec R. Palmer called the species “fairly common, though diminishing in numbers,” and reported only two records for Washington Co. (1949, 410). In n. Oxford Co., Brewster (1925) observed this species on four different occasions from May 1881–Sep 1905. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from n. ME and NB, where irregular, to s. QC, ON, west to AB, south to FL and e. TX. Winters primarily from s. NJ and IN south to FL and TX. 459
Birds of Maine
(all WJS); Bancroft in 2008 (M. Ballanger).
Typically breeds May–Jun: downy fledgling with adult
at Kennebunk Plains, 15 Jun 2007 (B. Herrgesell); nest at
Kennebunk Plains, 29 Jun 2001 (D. Tucker), possibly second
breeding attempt. Family unit of 5 birds in Brunswick, 27 Aug
2000 ( J. Perotta), also likely second nesting attempt. Recent
nesting records: 6 at Biddeford Pool, 25 Jun 2002 ( J. Suchecki);
4 in Dover-Foxcroft, 7 Jun 2006 (A. Larrabee); 4 birds in Bath, 26 Jun 2008 (M. Fahay); 2 on Monhegan I., 7 Jun 2007 (K.
Lindquist); in Washington Co., 5 at Montigal Pond, T19 MD
BPP, 21 Jun 2005, and 4 in Columbia Falls, 28 Jun 2005 (both
N. Famous); 1 adult carrying food in Bangor, 28 May 2012 (L.
Bevier); a family unit in Chelsea, Kennebec Co., summer 2014 ( JVW ).
Brown Thrasher Breeding Range ! ( Regular ! ( Occasional
Fall:
Migration second week of Sep–Oct, peaks late Sep. On
Monhegan I., Brown Thrashers noted as early as 28 Aug 2001
(possibly resident; W. Boynton), 10 Sep 2010 (T. Magarian), 12
Sep 2006 (PDV ), 12 Sep 2016 (H. Merker, eBird), 2 individuals noted on 13 Sep 1980 (PDV ), and 3 on 18–19 Sep 2016 (W.
S pring :
First arrive on territory last week of Apr, ~1 week
earlier than reported by Palmer. Most thrashers appear first 2
weeks of May. On Monhegan I.: 4 on 13 May 1997 (PDV and
D. Abbott) and 5 on 14 May 2011 (T. Magarian). Migration
continues in diminishing numbers through May. At least 13
occurrences 17–30 Apr. Notably early migrants, 1 each: Peaks I.,
Russell, eBird). Nine or more daily counts of 3–4 birds from
19–29 Sep (eBird). Oct daily counts maximum 3 birds (eBird). One Nov report: 6 Nov 2001 (W. Boynton). Late migrants
away from coast, 1 bird each: Lincoln Ctr., 22 Oct 1977; Orono,
11 Oct 1979 (both PDV ); Brewer, 10 Oct 1988 (M. Lucey); Clinton, 10 Oct 2013 (L. Bevier); E. Machias, 14 Oct 1988
(CDD); Steuben, 7 Oct 1989 (R. Widrig); 1 in Lubec, 5 Oct
Portland, 23 Mar 2007 (fide J. Walker); Scarborough, 4 Apr 1997
2008 (F. Pierce). In Aroostook Co.: 1 at Cross L. on 1 Sep
9 Apr 1911 (A. Norton, in Palmer 1949); S. Portland, 16 Apr
2015 (WJS, eBird). At least 20 records in sw. ME, latest in
(G. Carson); Skowhegan, 8 Apr 1905 (Palmer 1949); Portland,
2009 (D. Lovitch). Early thrashers at northern range limit, 1
each: Canaan, Somerset Co., 26 Apr 1995 (W. Sumner); Dexter,
Penobscot Co., 26 Apr 2007 (A. Larrabee); Anson, Somerset Co.,
26 Apr 2007 (G. McElroy). Uncommon and local in Aroostook Co., arrives more or less simultaneously with birds in s. ME,
generally 4–24 May. Single thrasher in Ft. Fairfield notably early
on 27 Apr 2013 (D. Smith). S ummer :
Occurs locally in dry shrubby areas, especially along
2014 ( J. Hadley, eBird); 1 in Woodland, 25 Oct, 11 and 29 Nov Biddeford Pool, 24 Nov 1991 (L. Brinker); 1 in Kennebunk, 26
Nov 2005 (N. Rich); 1 on Unity College campus, Unity, 29 Nov
2014 (D. Potter, eBird). Winter:
Palmer listed only 3 winter reports though Brown
Thrashers were regular on CBCs in 1970s–1980s; few reports since 1990. In 1970s, a total of 15 birds tallied on CBCs
statewide. In 1980s, number diminished to 10 birds. Three
thrashers reported in each decade, 1990–2000, and 7 thrashers
power lines, in secondary growth bordering fields, and sandy
recorded on CBCs, 2010–2016. In Washington Co., Thrashers
common (12 at Kennebunk Plains, 27 Jun 2006; R. Heil), species
latest 27 Dec 1994), Jonesport (Dec 1990), and Schoodic Pt. (4
blueberry barrens. Although Brown Thrashers can be locally
declining at precipitous rate. ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed
reported from Danforth (26 Dec 1969), Machias Bay (3 CBCs,
different CBCs, latest 1 Jan 2006). Northernmost report from
breeding in s. ME north to cen. Franklin Co., and s. Somerset
Dover-Foxcroft, 2 Jan 1988.
Co., where found in brushy areas bordering blueberry barrens.
in 1958; on 6 different CBCs in 1960s, with high counts of 3
Rare and local in Aroostook Co.: Wade in 1979 and 1980 (A. and
1987–2016. Two Aroostook Co. records: 1 in Easton, 1 Jan
to n. Penobscot Co. (Lincoln), east through Washington
Species largely absent from Piscataquis and cen. Somerset Cos.
Notably, Mount Desert I. CBC recorded Brown Thrashers
birds on 3 separate counts; and on 2 counts in 1980s; but none
G. Robbins); confirmed nesting in Estcourt Station, Big Twenty
2013, and 1 in Woodland, intermittently 25 Oct 2015–1 May
Houlton in 2002, 2005, and 2006 (L. Little); Presque Isle in 2005
Thrashers now rare in coastal s. ME; fewer than 10 reports
Twp., 29 May 2001 (G. Flagg); Ft. Kent in 2002 (G. Flagg);
and 2009 (WJS); in 2007 in Masardis, Easton, and Portage L.
460
2016, “continuing in my yard. Day #187” (WJS, eBird). Brown since 2000: 1 in Kennebunkport, intermittently 16 Dec 2016–19
Order Passeriformes • Family Mimidae
Feb 2017 (K. Donahue, eBird). Noteworthy observations from cen. ME: 1 at Unity College, 3 Dec 2014 (A. Vilag, eBird); 1
in Winterport, Waldo Co., 4 Feb–31 Mar 1998 ( J. Wyatt); 1 in
Brooklin, Hancock Co., 19 Dec 2008 (fide E. Hynes); in Bar
Harbor, 1 on 31 Dec 2008–27 Feb 2009 (W. Townsend); 1 on 7
Jan 2013 in Mount Desert I. (M. J. Good); 1 in Orono, 13 Feb
2017 (K. Lena, eBird); 1 in Veazie, Penobscot Co., 21 Mar 2009 ( J. Mays). PDV
Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus
The smallest thrasher leaves the “sagebrush sea" for a trip East
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is a single record of this western thrasher seen at Cape Neddick. The bird was first identified and photographed on 17 November 2001 and remained in the immediate area until 12 December 2001 (NAB 56: 29; PDV, ph. arch.). Other regional Sage Thrasher records include a bird banded and photographed on Kent Island, New Brunswick, 20 July 1999; one seen on Plum Island, Massachusetts, 26 October 1965 (Veit and Petersen 1993), and another there 6 November 2005 (fide D. Larson); and two records from New York, April 1942 and 18 October 1958 (Levine 1998).
September and early October, but migration may be protracted. This species regularly winters in southern coastal Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered most Northern Mockingbird reports from ME likely to be escaped cage birds, despite the fact that the species bred, at least occasionally, in MA in the late 19th century (Griscom and Snyder 1955). Knight did consider a mockingbird in Portland Jan–Feb 1897 a likely natural vagrant. Palmer (1949, 406) rejected the escaped cage bird theory, reporting that this species was “resident, of regular, though rare and local occurrence.” He further noted there were >80 records from 1871–1947, with at least three nesting records: Leeds, Androscoggin Co., 1885; Bangor in 1930; and Corinna, Penobscot Co., in 1944. Interestingly, though probably a matter of inadequate reporting, there were apparently no observations of nesting in southern Maine at this time. Wright (1921) documented an increase in mockingbirds along the northern edge of the range in ME, n. New England, and Maritime Provinces in 1900–1920. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Resident and breeding from NS, s. NB and ME, s. ON, east to n. CA, south to FL, Mexico to Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and Greater Antilles. Withdraws from northern fringe of breeding range in winter.
Global Distribution: Breeds from southernmost SK, AB, and BC south through Great Basin to n. NM, AZ, and s. CA. Winters in desert southwest to cen. Mexico. Considered a sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligate, it is dependent upon large patches and expanses of sagebrush steppe for successful breeding. PDV
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
The flash of this bird’s white wing patches is increasingly common in southern Maine
Status in Maine: Northern Mockingbirds are not particularly well-studied in Maine, though the species is now more common than it was historically. Records suggest that mockingbirds arrive in early May to breed throughout the state, but primarily on the southern coast. The birds appear to withdraw from the northern edges of their breeding range in late
Northern Mockingbird Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Local !
461
Birds of Maine S pring :
Appears to migrate or spread into n. ME in May as
F all :
Fall movements difficult to discern. Most observations
there are no eBird records for Mar–Apr and few other spring
on Monhegan I. involve 1–3 birds in late Sep. High counts
migrant group [3 birds] heading north along the Penobscot
1990 (S. Surmer).
reports for the region. In Orono, J. Markowsky reported a “small
River edge,” on 9 May 1987, noting the species is “clearly
W inter :
migratory at the northern edge of its range.” Typical May
records: Piscataquis Co.: 2 in BSP, 15 May 2006 (T. Gordon); n.
Penobscot Co.: 1 in Lincoln Ctr., 25 May 1977 (PDV); 1 in Mt. Chase, 15 May 2009 ( J. Getchell).
S ummer :
include: 12 on Monhegan I., 14 Sep 1981 (PDV), and 8 on 7 Oct Regular in winter in settled areas of coastal s.
ME east to Waldo Co. Occurs regularly along Kennebec
R. north to Waterville and along the Penobscot R. north to
Bangor and Orono. Mockingbirds appear to withdraw from
n. ME with few winter records: 1 in Millinocket, 1 Feb 2003
( J. Markowsky); 1 each on Presque Isle CBCs, Dec 1981, 1982,
ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed nesting
primarily in s. cen. ME west and south of Bangor; nesting
confirmed north to Aroostook Co. (Presque Isle and
1983, and 1986 (2 birds); and 1 on Caribou CBC in Dec 2010.
A review of CBCs by decade reveals that mockingbirds did
Mapleton), and east to Washington Co. (Machias). In
not increase on all CBCs; increases were largely restricted
1981 (G. Stadler), and nest with 4 young found in Masardis,
in Portland (maximum of 89 birds, Dec 2003), Biddeford–
to several south coastal counts. Highest counts in 2000s
Aroostook Co., 2 pairs also reported in Ashland, 11 May
23 Jul 1995 ( J. Greenlaw). In Washington Co., nest with 2
young observed in Columbia, 20 Jul 1985 (R. Long), and a
pair seen at Cobscook Bay S.P., 22 May 1989 (G. Farthing).
Species usually produces 2 broods. Fledglings attended by adults in Augusta, 30 May 2008 (M. Smith), clearly first
Kennebunkport, and Bangor–Bucksport; high counts in 1980s
included Augusta, Mount Desert I. (none reported since 1998),
and Thomaston–Rockland; high counts for 1990s included
Orono–Old Town and York Co. BBC high count for ME
2000–2017: 127 birds in 2012.
brood. Whereas adults feeding young in Saco, 23 Jul 1957;
PDV
and fledgling in S. Portland on 31 Jul 2007 from second
Starlings (Sturnidae)
decrease of 1.1% in ME, 1996–2015, and 1.5% decline, 2005–
Apparently originating in Asia, the starling family
2 adults and 3 young in Newcastle, 15 Jul 1991 ( J. Hamlin); broods (M. Jordan). BBS indicates an annual, nonsignificant
2015 (Sauer et al. 2017).
later expanded into Africa and Europe, and now encompasses more than 100 species worldwide. From
175
an estimated 100 birds released in New York in 1890 SC
to more than 200 million today, the European Starling
150
has had a negative impact on native cavity nesters with which it competes.
125
100
European Starling
75
Sturnus vulgaris
A gregarious invasive species of human-altered habitats
50
25
0 1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
Figure 19. Northern Mockingbird on Christmas Bird Counts Despite annual variation, there was a small increase in the average number of Northern Mockingbirds reported on representative southern coastal CBCs through the early 2000s; numbers have since declined. CBCs included: York County, Biddeford–Kennebunk, Greater Portland, and Thomaston– Rockland (NAS 2019a).
462
2020
Status in Maine: Introduced. European Starlings are found throughout the state, though at low densities in areas with extensive forest. This species also has been reported from offshore islands such as Monhegan and Matinicus Rock. Historical Status in Maine: European Starlings were introduced to Central Park in New York City in 1890 (Cabe 1993). According to Palmer, starlings were reported from Rumford, Oxford Co., in Jan 1913, and were breeding across Maine by 1930.
Order Passeriformes • Family Bombycillidae
Global Distribution: In N. Am., from NL to s. AK, south to n. Mexico. In native range, ne. Mongolia to Scandinavia and Iceland, south to n. India, n. Saudi Arabia, and Mediterranean coast of Africa. Also introduced in the Río Plata region of S. Am., s. Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Remarks: Starlings, along with House Sparrows, Rock Pigeons, and Mute Swans, are exempt from state and federal protections offered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. S pring :
Although European Starlings occur year-round in
ME, seasonal northward movements occur Mar–Apr, as well
as what Palmer called “a dispersal of winter residents into rural areas and elsewhere” (1949, 438). Spring migration difficult to
detect; 20 “deemed migrating” at Bradbury Mtn., 27 Mar 2007
(D. and J. Lovitch).
Starlings produce multiple broods/year. Egg-laying occurs
mid-Apr to mid-May. Breeding observations include the
following: 1 gathering nest material at Leonard St., Portland,
12 Apr 2011, and in Turner “first nestlings of the season,” 16 May 1995, and “first nestlings peeping” on 16 May 2001 (all
J. Despres). Young fledge late May–early Jun. First of year fledgling observations by J. Despres in Turner include 3
Jun 1997; 28 May 1998; 1 Jun 2000; and “1st proper mob of fledglings” on 9 Jun 2001.
S ummer :
Records from North Woods: 1 northwest of Saint
Francis L., Somerset Co., 2 Jun 1981 ( J. Cherry, eBird), and
22 in BSP, 18 Jun 2005 (A. MacKinnon), corroborate Palmer’s observation that in summer, starlings can be found in “many
places remote from occupied human habitations, such as forest
clearings” (1949, 438).
High count for York Co.: ~3,500 at Wells National Estuarine
Research Reserve, 23 Jul 2012 (C. Wintanley, eBird). F all :
Palmer said fall movements occurred early Sep to mid-
Nov, “with starlings gradually concentrating in urban areas”.
Fall high counts: ~6,500 starlings at pastures and feedlots at
Langley Farm, Aroostook Co., 7 Oct 2013 (WJS), and ~2,500 in Scarborough, 6 Nov 2014 (N. Perlut, eBird).
W inter :
Waxwings (Bombycillidae) One genus and three species, two of which occur in North America and Maine, are the sum total of this family spanning Eurasia, Asia, and North and Central America. The exquisite plumage of these fruit- and berry-eating birds makes them a favorite. Not true migrants, their nomadic and irruptive movements are difficult to predict.
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulus
Now a frequent winter resident, with large flights in central Maine every two to three years
Status in Maine: Since 1975, Bohemian Waxwings have become more regular in winter and are now reported almost annually. Waxwing numbers have increased since 1980, especially during irruption winters, which typically occur every two to three years. It is now common for several thousand birds to appear during irruptions; e.g., 3,000–5,000 birds reported in Bangor and environs, 16 February 1991 (AB 45: 252). The first waxwings typically appear in October, but there are two September reports. Numbers generally peak December–March, the last birds departing in April and, more rarely, in May and June. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 463) noted “it has been years since there has been any definite report of the occurrence of this species in Maine.” Palmer (1949, 431) considered this species to be an “incursion visitant” and did not report any flocks >100 individuals. He also commented on the general pattern of this species appearing in ME every three to five years, a pattern also noted by Knight (1909). Chamberlain (1949, 53) considered this species to be a “very rare winter visitor” in Aroostook Co.
Palmer cited starlings as numerous to abundant in all
population centers in winter and present in all villages, including islands such as Monhegan I. In 2010, total of 14,168 starling records on 27 of 29 CBCs in ME. In 2017, high counts in
Caribou (2,505), Presque Isle (2,101), and Augusta (1,877); lowest
on coastal CBCs in Schoodic (23) and Matinicus (20), although
York Co. CBC reported 732. RVJ
463
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. regularly from MB west to AK and south to BC and AB, and recently confirmed in NS (rare; Erskine 1992) and cen. QC (rare; WJS). In winter withdraws from northern areas. Notably irruptive, now occurring with regularity from NL, Maritime Provinces, and n. New England, to MI, CO, and e. OR. More consistent and numerous in Northeast since 1975.
2014 (S. Benz); 1 at Saxl Park, Bangor, 5 Oct 2016 (R. Ostrowski). Exceptionally early records: 1 in Corea, 3 Sep 1993 (AB 48:
89); 1 in Brewer, 14 Sep 1977 (N. Famous, Guillemot 6: 41); 1 in Greenville, 20 Sep 2006 (N. Famous).
W inter :
Frequent, occasionally numerous, winter visitors.
Major flights generally every 2–3 years, (see Figure 20), although there are some consecutive years of large flights; only small
numbers in intervening years. Before 1985, Bohemian Waxwing total on 7 long-term CBCs did not exceed 200 individuals.
CBC data shows species first surpassed 1,000 (1,499 birds) on
1986–1987 CBCs. Frequency and magnitude of high counts have increased since.
CBCs show Bohemian Waxwings primarily concentrated
along Penobscot R. on Orono–Old Town (maximum 781 in
Dec 2001) and Bangor–Bucksport CBC (maximum 2,016 in
Dec 2007, state high count for single CBC), and to lesser degree along Kennebec R. in Augusta (maximum 693 in Dec 2007)
and Waterville (453 in Dec 2007) CBCs. Bohemians less regular and numerous in coastal s. ME and Washington and Hancock
Cos.: maximum number on Mount Desert I. CBC, 78 birds
in Dec 2010. High counts on 2007–2008 CBCs in this region:
Bohemian Waxwing S pring :
Often lingers into mid- to late Apr following major
flight years: >1,000 in Appleton, Knox Co., 7 Apr 1992 (AB 46:
396); 200 in Augusta, 21 Apr 2000 (D. Ladd, NAB 54: 262); 70
Thomaston–Rockland (513), Freeport–Brunswick (145), Portland (76), Biddeford–Kennebunkport (35), York Co. (4). Pemaquid–
Damariscotta CBC recorded maximum of 456 birds in Dec 1993, unusual for Midcoast ME.
PDV
in Sabattus, Androscoggin Co., 27 Apr 1996 (D. Reimer, FN
50: 256); 80 in Bangor, 26 Apr 2011 (B. Cole); 65 in Falmouth,
28 Apr 2011 (R. Lambert); 25 on Beech Mtn., ANP, 25 Apr 2013 (M. Good, eBird); 10 in Essex Woods, Bangor, 30 Apr 2016 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird); 12 in Cooper, Washington Co., 16 Apr
2017 (K. Holmes, eBird). More rarely, small numbers found into late May–Jun: 1 in Northport, Waldo Co., 29 May 1919 (Palmer
1949); 1 in flock of Cedar Waxwings on Monhegan I., 9 Jun 1998 (W. Boynton, FN 52: 437); 1 in Gouldsboro, 14 May 2008 (D.
Pluym); 1 in Corea, Hancock Co., 24 May 2008 (D. Santoni); 12
on Little Androscoggin R., 5 May 2017 (M. Fahay, eBird); 29 on
Bangor Waterfront, 6 May 2017 ( J. Smith, eBird). F all :
In flight years, Bohemian Waxwings often arrive last
week of Oct, and can be numerous by mid-Nov: >1,000 in
Orono, 17 Nov 1993 (R. Milardo, FN 48: 184); >1,000 in Roque
Bluffs, late Nov 2000 (N. Famous, NAB 55: 29). Early Oct
observations: 40 in S. Bristol, 9 Oct 1976 (M. Libby); 3 in Roque
Bluffs, 19 Oct 1989 (I. Balodis, P. K. Donahue, AB 44: 59); 3 in Orono, 23 Oct 1989 ( J. Markowsky); unreported number first
week of Oct 1995 (FN 50: 24); unreported number in n. ME, 19
Oct 1999 (NAB 54: 29); 1 in Woodland, 11 Oct 2004 (WJS); 20 in
Presque Isle, 8 Oct 2007 (WJS); 30 in Washburn, Aroostook Co.,
20 Oct 2012 (WJS); 3 at Schoodic Pt., Winter Harbor, 21 Oct
464
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0 1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Figure 20. Bohemian Waxwing Winter Irruptions Total number of Bohemian Waxwings counted on representative Maine CBCs, 1976–2017, show an irregular irruptive pattern. CBCs included: Augusta, Bangor–Bucksport, Greater Portland, Orono–Old Town, Thomaston–Rockland, and Waterville (NAS 2019a).
Order Passeriformes • Family Bombycillidae
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
The sweet, cricket-like song of this demure species may be heard practically any time of year
Status in Maine: Cedar Waxwings breed commonly in a wide variety of habitats throughout Maine. The short spring migration takes place primarily in late May and early June when flocks of 30–400 individuals can be found, especially on outer islands. The fall migration is more protracted, from August through mid-October. Cedar Waxwings were historically irregular in winter but have become more numerous on Christmas Bird Counts since the 1980s and 1990s (e.g., a maximum of 2,740 individuals was tallied on the 2008–2009 Christmas Bird Count). Historical Status in Maine: Knight noted that Cedar Waxwings were common in summer in the Bangor area where they arrived in late May, and indicated they were irregular in winter. Palmer concurred with Knight, reporting that this species generally arrived 23–30 May and was a common summer resident throughout the state. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Widespread from NL, cen. Canada to se. AK, south to VA, n. GA, CO, and n. CA. In winter, withdraws from northern areas to ME, s. Canada, south to FL, Cen. Am., and irregularly, the Caribbean. S pring :
Brief, punctuated spring migration. Birds arrive
throughout ME in large numbers last week of May and
first days of Jun: e.g., 3 arrivals in Presque Isle, 28 May 1991
Falmouth, 20 Aug 2009 (E. Hynes). Given species’ proclivity for fruit and berries, not surprising that waxwings have a
prolonged nesting season; 2 adults with 1 young observed in
Sheepscot, 2 Sep 1991 ( J. Hamlin); 3 late nestlings noted in
Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 7 Sep 1988, found dead 9 Sep 1988
(R. Palmer, AB 43: 66). Apparent first nesting on Appledore I.
confirmed when adults observed feeding young on 13 Aug 1997
(D. Holmes). Significant long-term decline of 1.7% in ME
1966–2015; this does not appear to be a continental trend (BBS).
F all :
Protracted fall migration. On Monhegan I., species is
common, often in large numbers, late Aug to mid-Oct. Earliest concentration: 250 birds on 31 Aug 2014 ( JEP). Early Sep
concentrations: 400 on 5 Sep 1980, 800 on 7–10 Sep 1984, 400
on 4 Sep 1987 (all PDV). Late Sep–Oct flocks of 150-400 birds
nearly annual on Monhegan I. ( J. Trimble, L. Seitz, E. Hynes, A.
Wagner, B. Marvil, JEP, eBird). Waxwing numbers diminish to flocks of 15–40 by late Oct and Nov.
W inter :
Historically, irregular and uncommon in winter,
appearing sporadically at orchards and ornamental plantings.
Currently regular from Mount Desert I. south and inland
south of Old Town, Penobscot Co. CBC numbers increased in
1980s. Since 1990, counts increased substantially on CBCs from s. Penobscot Co. to York Co. In 1980–1989, Cedar Waxwing
numbers averaged 44.6 birds/winter with a maximum of 145 birds in 1984–1985. Since 1990, Waxwings average 564 birds,
maximum of 2,740 counted on 2008–2009 CBCs. Numbers
generally diminish Mar–Apr, presumably result of diminished fruit abundance. Moderately large flocks late Mar–Apr: 100
in Farmington, 31 Mar 1983 (P. Cross); 200 in Bangor, 11 Apr
1983 (B. Barker); 150 in Saco, 1 Apr 1997 (P. McGowan). This species continues to be unusual and irregular in Aroostook
and Washington Cos. and western mountains, fide eBird: 28 in
(M. Trombley). On Monhegan I., T. Magarian observed
Eastport, 26 Dec 2016 (C. Bartlett); 76 in Charlotte, Washington
Waxwings the following day, 25 May 2011. Review of Monhegan
5 in Moosehead area, Piscataquis Co., 19 Jan 2008 (B. Porter); 35
week of May–early Jun. High counts there: 400 on 26 May 2010
13 Feb 2015 (K. Hogan); 2 in Woodland, 16 Feb 2005 (WJS); 17 at
Lambert); while only 8 seen on 25 May, 250 observed on 26 May
Gillies).
2 individuals on 24 May but reported 90 or more Cedar
eBird records in May and Jun reveal numerous counts >100 last
(E. Hynes); 450 on 27 May 2012 and 530 on 30 May 2012 (R.
2014 (B. Nikula); 385 on 28 May 2014 and 303 on 26 May 2015 ( J.
Co., 29 Dec 2015 (W. Gillies); 1 in Lincoln, 14 Jan 2016 (B. Way); in Stacyville, Penobscot Co., 8 Feb 2005 (WJS); 50 in Houlton,
Garnet Head Rd., Pembroke, Washington Co., 18 Feb 2017 (W. PDV
Trimble); 120 on 1 Jun 2008 ( J. Scott). No eBird reports of >50 after first week of Jun.
S ummer :
Breeding status of Cedar Waxwings unchanged
since Knight’s and Palmer’s reports. Breed commonly in
secondary growth, shrublands, road margins, and along lakes
and other waterways across ME (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Nest building begins mid-Jun; adults carrying nesting material
in Falmouth, 18 Jun 2009–Jul and Aug with fledglings in
465
Birds of Maine
Old World Sparrows (Passeridae) House Sparrows are one of 43 species of true sparrows native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Old World sparrows typically live in open landscapes, nesting in small colonies and gathering in immense flocks outside the breeding season. Primarily seed-eaters, sparrows have an extra bone in their tongues to help manipulate seeds. Two species have been established (only one widely) in North America.
broods. As a result, they often preempt or even evict native songbirds like Eastern Bluebirds from nest boxes. In fact, the increasing sparrow population has been identified as a primary cause of the historic decline in bluebirds. Because they are common and ubiquitous, House Sparrows have been subject to an enormous array of biological and ecological studies. BBS surveys show 84% decline in N. Am. since 1966, likely due to agricultural industrialization. Similar declines have occurred in the species' native range in Europe. BSV
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
This adaptable urban species is now a nearly ubiquitous resident of Maine
Status in Maine: Introduced. This Old World sparrow is a common nonmigratory resident in most parts of the state, especially near urban centers in winter. This species occurs north to the St. John River valley and eastern Aroostook County farm country but does not occur in northern forests away from human habitation. Although Palmer did not report House Sparrows on coastal islands, they now occur on all inhabited islands. Historical Status in Maine: House Sparrows were introduced in NY in 1850 to control a Snow-white Linden Moth (Ennomos subsignaria) infestation. In ME, the species was introduced in Portland in 1854 and again in 1855 by T.A. Deblois. Following several other liberations in Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor, the species became an established breeder by 1875 and reached as far as Houlton and Eastport by 1886 (Palmer 1949). Palmer said the population peaked in the early 20th century and that at the time of his writing was still abundant but declining due to the replacement of horses by cars, and the decline of agriculture, especially grain-growing, in ME. Global distribution: Global. Considered “the most widely distributed wild bird on the planet” (Anderson 2006). Originated in the Middle East and Europe and now found on every continent except Antarctica, usually associated with urban, suburban, and wheat-growing areas, but rarely in tropics or the Arctic. In W. Hemisphere, ranges from NL west to s. BC, south across U.S. to n. S. Am. and s. Brazil to Chile and Argentina. Resident in Iceland, attempted introductions to Greenland failed. Remarks: House Sparrows are early cavity nesters, nesting as early as Mar and continuing with multiple 466
Pipits (Motacillidae) Of the 65 species of pipits, wagtails, and longclaws, pipits are the most cosmopolitan; longclaws are strictly tropical African birds and wagtails are primarily found in the Old World, with two Alaskan breeding species. Primarily insectivorous and noted for their exceptionally long hind toes, there are also three pipit species in North America, of which only the American Pipit breeds in Maine.
American Pipit
Anthus rubescens
This state-listed endangered species nests only on Mount Katahdin
Status in Maine: American Pipits are common spring and fall migrants. The main spring flight takes place in April and May, and the fall flight occurs primarily late September to mid-October. Pipits breed regularly in small numbers on Mount Katahdin. Formerly rare in winter, pipits are now regular in small numbers in York and Cumberland Counties. Maine Conservation Status: Endangered (breeding population). Historical Status in Maine: Knight said that American Pipits were rare spring migrants and common in fall, but he did not comment about the possibility of this species nesting in ME. Palmer (1949, 430) noted pipits were uncommon summer residents on Katahdin and that nesting was rare: “apparently occurrence there in summer is irregular, and breeding a rare event.” Palmer and Taber (1946) reported that American Pipits were seen occasionally in summer on Katahdin, possibly as early as 1900. They indicated that nesting was confirmed in 1939 when an unhatched egg was removed from a nest and identified as that of an American Pipit at the American Museum of Natural History.
Order Passeriformes • Family Motacillidae
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in alpine tundra and sparse montane shrublands and sedge meadows from w. Greenland, n. Canada through AK, NL, QC (Gaspé Peninsula), ME (Mt. Katahdin), and NH (Mt. Washington), south through Rocky Mtns. to CO, NM, AZ, and CA, also in e. Siberia. Winters primarily NJ to FL, along Gulf Coast, west to s. coastal BC, s. ID, CA to Mexico, and Cen. Am. south to Nicaragua.
Aug 1991 (R. Eakin and S. Mirick); 1 in Machiasport, 18 Aug
Earliest pipits appear in open areas such as beaches,
migration records in Turner, J. Despres’ earliest fall migrant,
S pring :
salt marshes, and agricultural fields in late Mar. Peak flight
occurs Apr–May when small numbers (1–15) are widespread.
There are >20 late Mar reports, earliest: 3 in Cape Elizabeth, 18 Mar 1998 (G. Sharpe); 1 in Falmouth, 18 Mar 2010 (E. Hynes);
2 at Seapoint Beach, Kittery, 9 Mar 2013 (D. Rankin); 1 in
F all :
Protracted fall migration; first birds appear regularly first
week of Sep. Main flight peaks late Sep to mid-Oct when flocks
of 2–20 widespread, numbers diminish through Nov. Migrants rare in late Aug; notably early arrivals: 1 at Biddeford Pool, 17
2009 (H. Fogel); 1 in Boothbay Harbor, 26 Aug 2007 ( J. Morse);
1 on Harbor I., Lincoln Co., 30 Aug 1955 (A. Cruickshank et al.);
2 in Kennebunkport, 1 Sep 2008 (P. Sanborn); 1 at Reid S.P., 2
Sep 1998 (M. Libby); 1 on Appledore I., 2 Sep 2001 (L. Brinker);
1 in Eastport, 3 Sep 2006 (N. Famous). More than 25 years of 4 Sep 1994; median arrival date 13 Sep; median departure
date 6 Nov; and latest departure 8 Dec 1996, one of four Dec
observations at this locality. Despres regularly counted flocks of >75 individuals, almost exclusively 20 Sep–10 Oct. Largest
flock (200 birds) recorded on 9 Oct 1986. Other large flocks:
Sanford, 19 Mar 2013 ( J. Stevens). Over 30 years of migration
150 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 13 Oct 1956 (MFO 1: 118); 80
median arrival date, 6 Apr; and last spring departure, 3 Jun
15 Sep 1998 and 130 on 21 Sep 2012 (both WJS); 215 in Berwick,
records in Turner, J. Despres’ earliest arrival date, 20 Mar 1992;
1976, one of three Jun observations at this locality and latest
spring record for ME. Only other Jun report from Houlton,
where 2 pipits observed 1 Jun 2004 (L. Little). Flock size
generally smaller in spring than fall; J. Despres’ largest spring
flocks typically numbered 25–60, maximum 125 on 8 May 2000
( J. Despres). Large counts: >200 at Kennebunk Plains, 11 May
1996 ( M. Iliff ); >50 in Scarborough, 12 May 1962 (C. Packard);
50 in Orono, 15–22 May 1973 (G. Freese); 25 in Dixmont,
at Kittery Pt., 29 Oct 1972 (MN 4: 72); in Presque Isle, 200 on
York Co., 16 Sep 2005 (A. Aldrich); 100 in Gray, Cumberland
Co., 4 Oct 2009 (D. Nickerson); 95 in Sanford, 22 Sep 2012 (A.
Aldrich). Notable Nov records: 100 at Clinton, 2 Nov 2008 ( J.
Mays); 60 in Mapleton, Aroostook Co., 3 Nov 1999 (WJS); 75 in Sanford, 2 Nov 2011 (A. Aldrich). Species observed feeding
on Kelp Flies (family Coelopidae) during fall migration (MFO
3: 11).
Rare in winter during first half of 20th century;
Penobscot Co., 17 May 1982 (B. Barker); in Aroostook Co.,
W inter :
(both WJS). Other recent observations, fide eBird: 2 at
Spinney shooting a single bird on Seguin I. on 13 Dec 1902,
60 in Easton, 11 May 2004 and 55 in Caribou, 22 May 2013
Cape Neddick Light, 24 Mar 2013 (W. Nichols); 1 in Cooper,
more regular since 1990s and early 21st century. Palmer reported apparently a first winter record. Not recorded on CBCs until
Washington Co., 13 Apr 2017 (K. Holmes); 1 on Sears I., 29
1976, when observed on Bath area CBC, 20 Dec. Increasing
(WJS); 1 on Cliff I., Portland, 18 May 2017 (D. Thompson); 1,
(10 individuals); 1980s (4); 1990s (17); 2000s (40, with 21 birds
Apr 2017 ( J. Wyatt); 6 at Presque Isle airport, 16 May 2016 BSP, 27 May 2013 (A. Dudley). S ummer :
American Pipits nest in small numbers (~3–7
pairs) on Mt. Katahdin, BSP. Taber returned to the Katahdin
tablelands in 1946 and was unable to find any pipits, stating, “I
doubt if breeding is of regular occurrence,” (BMAS 8: 80).
Species annual with reports of 12–20 individuals: ~15 birds
including several young at ~4,600 ft. (1,402 m) in Thoreau
Springs area on 13 Jul 1987 (D. Czaplak, M. Todd); at least 20 on
20 Jul 1995 (H. Wilson); 7 birds in 2 families, 23 Jul 2006 (WJS); 7, still feeding young at nest, 20 Jul 2008 (WJS); 1 carrying food,
12 Jul 2009 (WJS). Pipits reported on Mt. Katahdin as early as 20 May 1999 when 7 individuals observed (R. Geredien).
Late reports for Mt. Katahdin: 1 on tablelands, 7 Sep 1996 ( J.
Markowsky), and 10 on 9 Sep 2006 ( J. Potter). Notable records:
1 in Vinalhaven Village, 5 Jul 2017 (V. and R. Stoll, eBird);
1–2 on Saddleback Mtn., Franklin Co., 4 and 6 Jun 2016 (M. Zimmerman, R. VanBuskirk, and K. Lima; eBird).
thereafter on south coastal CBCs. Decade totals include: 1970s
recorded on York Co. CBC, 17 Dec 2001). Recent CBC record:
2 in Unity, 15 Dec 2012 (D. Potter, eBird). Additional reports: 1 in Phippsburg on 3 Dec 1983 (P. Donahue); at Scarborough
Marsh, 5 on 15 Dec 2012 (L. Seitz, eBird); and 1 on 16–27 Feb
1989 ( J. Despres, AB 43: 286); 3–8 birds at Rachel Carson NWR, intermittently 8 Jan–6 Feb 2017 (m.ob., eBird); single birds on
Monhegan I., 4 Jan 2007 (PDV), and on Vinalhaven I., 10 Feb
2012 (M. Fahay); 4 at Ft. Foster, 23 Feb 2011 ( J. Kelly). Since
1990, species nearly annual in small numbers in coastal York and Cumberland Cos., notably at Seapoint Beach, Kittery: 12 on 2
Dec 1983 ( J. Ficker), 1 on 17 Dec 1984 (PDV), 1 on 3 Dec 1989 (L. Phinney), 10 on 5 Dec 2012 (D. Tucker), and 12 on 3 Mar 2001
(D. Abbott), likely wintering birds rather than spring migrants.
Two winter records for Washington Co.: S. Lubec Bar, Lubec,
15 Jan 1995 (FN 49: 129), and Petit Manan NWR, 7 Jan 2007 ( J. Mays). Also noteworthy, 21 in Kittery, 18 Dec 2000 ( J. Berry). PDV
467
Birds of Maine
Finches (Fringillidae) This family of 228 species, absent only from Australia and the poles, includes Maine’s breeding crossbills, redpolls, goldfinches, siskins, and two grosbeaks. More nomadic and irruptive than traditionally migratory, these seed-eating birds sing beautifully and occur in most habitats. Fourteen finches, including three accidentals, have occurred in Maine.
Common Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
This European species is a spring accidental in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two confirmed records for this species in Maine: an adult male observed in Lincoln Center on 3 April 1980, the first state record (Vickery 1980a, ME-BRC #1987-001). The second was a male seen and fully described in Camden, Knox County, 23 May 1997 ( Jenks 2000). There is an additional record from Monhegan Island, videotaped 28 September 1989 and reviewed by PDV (AB 44: 60). This record remains under review by the Maine Bird Records Committee.
Evening Grosbeak gradually expanded its range eastward through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This expansion was likely facilitated by two factors—the planting of nonnative ornamental trees, most notably Box Elder (Acer negundo), a North American native planted beyond its range in the East; and cyclic Spruce Budworm outbreaks (Bolgiano 2004). In Maine, the grosbeak population was highest in the mid- to late 1900s during a severe budworm outbreak. No major outbreaks have occurred since then and the population has subsequently declined in eastern North America. Breeding Bird Survey data show a 6.7% annual decline in Maine, 1966–2017 (Sauer pers. com.), but it remains an uncommon breeder in northern, western, and eastern Maine, and a rare breeder in southern and central Maine.
Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 1980. Global Distribution: W. Palearctic. Breeds from cen. Russia to Norway. Resident from Turkey and Ukraine to Portugal and U.K. to n. Africa. Introduced in New Zealand. Winters locally in Palearctic montane regions. Some n. Common Chaffinch populations migratory, traveling south to n. Africa (Harrison and Fisher 1982). The species was seen in Chatham, MA, Apr 1961 (MA Avian Records Committee); Scituate, MA, Apr 1997 (MA Avian Records Committee, fide eBird); and in Placentia Bay, NL, 31 Jan–7 Feb 2011 (ABA 65: 2). PDV
Evening Grosbeak
Coccothraustes vespertinus
A large irruptive finch that is becoming scarce in Maine
Status in Maine: The Evening Grosbeak breeds in North American boreal forests and tends to make large southward invasions every other winter (Bock and Lepthien 1976). Historically a western species seldom found east of the Rocky Mountains, the 468
Evening Grosbeak
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern (breeding populations only). Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 364) considered Evening Grosbeaks “distinctly a species of the north and middle west” and only a casual visitor to the Northeast. He did, however, cite an irruption occurring in winter 1889–1890 that brought large flocks to most of New England. The first specimens collected in ME were taken 10 Jan–18 Mar 1890. Following this irruption, Evening Grosbeaks were unrecorded in ME for 19 years (Norton 1918b). By Palmer’s time (1949), this species was an irregular winter visitor with flocks sometimes lingering as late as the final week of May. The first confirmed breeding in ME occurred when a fledgling was found in Hampden, Penobscot Co., in early Jul 1946; the first nest was found in T5 R8 WELS, Penobscot Co., on 20 Jun 1961 (AFN 15: 5).
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae
R11 WELS, Aroostook Co., 9 Jul 1983 (PDV, eBird), and 40 in
BSP on 11 Jun 1980 (PDV, eBird.) No eBird records of flocks >10 birds 1984-2018.
F all :
Palmer reported migrants start to appear in late Oct.
High counts of migrating fall flocks, fide eBird: >400 in Lincoln Ctr. on 19 Oct 1978 (PDV); 27 in Cumberland Co., 7 Nov 2012
(P. McCormack); 40 in Bremen, Lincoln Co., 5 Nov 2012 (D.
Hitchcox); 40 north of Lincoln, Penobscot Co., on 4 Sep 1967
(L. Jones).
W inter :
Highest ME CBC numbers in late 1960s–early 1990s,
spikes in winter abundance generally occurring every two years.
Comparatively few recorded throughout state over most recent
2 decades. Flocks readily visit feeders. Project FeederWatch Evening Grosbeak Breeding Range ! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2013-2018 Records
data indicate overall decline in percent of feeders visited in
Northeast since 1990, but do not show significant difference in average flock size. Large CBC counts occur throughout ME:
100 in Jonesport, 17 Dec 1978 (PDV, eBird); 42, Biddeford–
Kennebunkport, 23 Dec 1978 (PDV, eBird); 51, Monhegan I., 28
Dec 1982 (PDV et al., eBird). Other high counts, fide eBird: >55
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD west through Maritime Provinces and n. New England extending to se. NY, s. ON to AB and BC south to high-elevation areas in w. NV, n. CA and Mexico. Winters in breeding range and irregularly as far south as n. SC through TX to s. CA. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable; PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
In irruption years, overwintering flocks linger late in
and 35 in Richmond, 11 Feb 1981 and 13 Dec 1982 (both PDV);
41 at Westbank Farm, Kennebec Co., 8 Dec 1991 (W. Wilson and B. Brown); 55 in Sorrento, Hancock Co., 31 Dec 1993 ( J.
Murnane); >130 in Aroostook Co., 12 Feb 2006 (WJS); 240 on
Webb Rd., Thorndike, Waldo Co., on 23 Feb 2008 (lsdj Potter); 110 in Upton, Oxford Co., 17 Dec 2008 (L. Tanino et al.); 35 at Camden Snow Bowl, Knox Co., 9 Feb 2011 (M. Good); 30 in
Blue Hill, 6 Feb 2013 (L. Gray); 26 at Claybrook Mtn. Lodge, New Portland, Somerset Co., 23 Feb 2013 (M. Viens); 160,
Woodland, 30 Jan 2016 (WJS). WJS
spring: regional last dates in 1987, 12 May in Sweden, Oxford
Co., and 29 May on Appledore I. (MBN 1: 1). Large spring
flocks reported in southern areas generally northward migrants, fide eBird: 24 in Aurora, Hancock Co., on 11 Mar 2007 (D.
Pine Grosbeak
Pinicola enucleator
Simsay); 100 at Colby College Ski Property on 8 May 1991 (W.
An irruptive winter finch of far northern boreal forests
2012 (lsdj Potter, eBird); 31 in Appleton, Knox Co. on 10 Apr
Status in Maine: Pine Grosbeaks regularly winter in Maine and, periodically, in great numbers during irruption years. Rare to abundant in the north and in the western mountains, they are irregular but found annually in southern Maine. Rare and declining as a breeding species, Pine Grosbeaks prefer open coniferous (less commonly mixed coniferousdeciduous) forest and forest edge for nesting. Its Latin name, meaning “Pine-living kernel remover,” is apt; the grosbeak feeds on seeds of various conifers. In migration and winter, Pine Grosbeaks are also found in deciduous forest, woodland, and second growth where the species feeds on ash and maple samaras, Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia), and Highbush
Wilson and B. Brown); 30 in Winslow, Kennebec Co., on 6 Mar 2004 (S. White); 50 in Richmond on 11 Apr 1984 (PDV); 60 in
Waldo Co. on 9 Mar 2006 (D. Potter); 67 in Waldo Co. on 18
Mar 2008 (lsdj Potter, eBird); and an unknown number in Old
Town House Park, Penobscot Co., on 20 May 2017 (D. Lovitch). High counts in n. ME, fide eBird: 46 in Aroostook Co. on 5 Apr
2015 (WJS) and >100 reported in Lincoln Ctr., on 10 May 1978 following a Spruce Budworm outbreak (PDV).
S ummer :
Confirmed breeding in 10 ME counties as far south
as Lincoln Co., 1978–1983, which was a time of peak abundance in ME (ABBM Adamus 1987). Although breeding is more
regular in north, species recorded in all ME counties during
summer. Largest counts occur in north, and include: 180 at T18
469
Birds of Maine
Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum). They feed on Box Elder and crabapple in developed and urban areas. Pine Grosbeaks can be quite confiding and will allow close approach at times.
cen. CA, extreme w. cen. NV, n. and e. cen. AZ, n. NM. East of Rocky Mtns., southern limit n. AB and SK to n. MI, cen. ON, through n. New England and NS.
Pine Grosbeak
Historical Status in Maine: An early report of Pine Grosbeaks in ME came from Audubon (1838) who noted the species bred “…from Maine northward. Common.” Knight reported encountering Pine Grosbeaks during breeding season in Franklin, Somerset, n. Penobscot, and Hancock, as well as Aroostook Cos. The only Pine Grosbeak nest documented in ME was found in 1903 or 1904 near Heald Pond in Moose R. Twp., north of Jackman, Somerset Co. Originally reported in Knight and further detailed in Palmer, the account by M. Maddox described a nest constructed in a fir tree in an open pasture, located about four feet (1.3 m) from the ground. Juvenal-plumaged Pine Grosbeaks were documented on several occasions in n. ME: W. Brewster collected a male in juvenile plumage, 27 Aug 1874, Upton, Oxford Co. (Griscom 1938), and a juvenile was collected on 31 Aug 1897 by Dr. D.L. Hughes in King and Bartlett Twp., Somerset Co. (Specimen #75064, Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia). Palmer reported earliest fall arrivals were typically noted from mid-Sep to mid-Oct; records since show later first-arrival dates. Palmer suggested these earlier individuals may have summered in the state or were reared nearby. As this species has retracted its breeding range, it follows that first arrivals from more distant summering locales would arrive later. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds in N. Am. in open coniferous forest QC, notably in Gaspé Highlands and NFLD, west to AK. Southern breeding range limit s. AK and BC to mountains in 470
Pine Grosbeak Breeding Range
! 1978-1983 ABBM ( ( 2010s May-July records !
Remarks: Audubon (1838) described how Pine Grosbeaks are easily approached when feeding or bathing and said, “They are easily caught under snow-shoes put up with a figure of four around the wood-cutters’ camps in the State of Maine, and they are said to afford good eating.” A “figure of four” refers to a simple trigger mechanism formed of three sticks and used by trappers. S pring :
Departure data limited; available records show in
irruption years, Pine Grosbeaks vacate s. ME by mid-Mar and
northern areas by early Apr. Late records: 2, 29 Apr 2015, Bethel
(N.V., eBird); 1, 25 Apr 2017, UMaine campus, Orono (K. Lima, eBird); and 2, 5 Apr 2015, Woodland (WJS, eBird).
S ummer :
Rare breeder in the state. Confirmed breeding in 2
locations: nw. Aroostook Co. and near Flagstaff L., Somerset–
Franklin Co. (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Noted as probably
breeding in 7 other locations in Aroostook Co. and western
mountains in northernmost Oxford Co. Several family groups
(8 adults and 7 juveniles) seen in T19 R12 WELS, Aroostook
Co., on 11 Jul 1983 (PDV). Three Pine Grosbeaks reported in
T15 R9 WELS, Aroostook Co., 8 Jul 1984 (D. Boucher). Three
reported on St. Francis L., Somerset Co., 20 Jun 2017 (N. Pearce, eBird), with no indication of age or possible breeding status.
In previous decade, a handful of eBird reports during Jun–Jul, all single birds and all in n. ME. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the
Maritime Provinces (1986–1990) found Pine Grosbeak breeding
in NB, PEI, and NS (Erskine 1992). The Second Atlas of Breeding
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae
Birds of the Maritimes Provinces (2005–2010) confirmed nesting in only 2 locations in NB and with reduced breeding shown
across Maritime Provinces (Stewart et al. 2015). It is likely ME experienced a similar retraction of breeding abundance.
Failed breeders or unpaired individuals seen in summer south
of nesting range. A single bird on Hog I. in Bremen, Lincoln
Co., 28 Jul 1938 (D. Borror). Two at Pemaquid, Bristol, 23 Jul 1951
(M. Libby). F all :
First fall arrivals occur typically late Oct to mid-Nov.
Earlier dates usually precede an irruption year in which large
numbers move south. In most irruption years, Pine Grosbeaks spread to southern coastal areas by end of Nov. Early birds
predominantly female/juveniles with adult male birds decidedly
rare until well into winter. The geographical progression of arrival
is from northwest towards south and east with earliest birds seen
in n. Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, and Aroostook Cos. Preceding large winter irruption 1961–1962, Pine Grosbeaks
widely reported in Oct, starting 10 Oct in Danforth, Washington
Co., and spreading south to Cape Elizabeth and Biddeford by
25–27 Oct 1961 (MFO 6: 112). A significant fall incursion also
preceded 1993–1994 irruption. Pine Grosbeaks seen last week of
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
Leucosticte tephrocotis
A western montane species seen only once in Maine
Status in Maine: Accidental. There is one historical specimen record from 1937. The species has not been seen since. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed one record of a bird at a feeding station in Gorham, Cumberland Co., 15 Dec 1936–10 Mar 1937. A.O. Gross (1937, 396) of Bowdoin College trapped, banded, and measured the bird on 7 Mar 1937: “The bird was practically identical with a male Hepburn’s Rosy Finch (Museum of Comparative Zoology, #25, 762) collected in March at Fort Simpson, British Columbia.” Knowing that the species is not known for its long-distance vagrancy, Palmer opined that the bird may have found its way into a freight car of grain and was transported to Portland.
Global Distribution: Northwest Nearctic. Breeds in AK, YT, and AB, from montane regions of MT east as W. Quoddy Head, Lubec, and south to Cumberland, south to CA. Winters east to SD, CO, and NM. Cumberland Co., by 25 Nov (L. Brinker, MBN 7: 1). Five birds on Occasionally recorded to St. Lawrence I., AK, east 20 Oct 2012 in Fryeburg (P. and D. Albert); 2 on 21 Oct 2012 in to MB (Turner and Taylor 1980), MN (14 records Woodland (WJS); 2 on 27 Oct 2012 in Orono ( J. Tengeres); and 2 as of 2017; Janssen 1987), IA, WI, IL, MI, and OH. on 26 Oct 2012 in Totman Cove, Phippsburg (R. Robinson, eBird), Accidental farther east: Saint-Francois-du-lac, QC, earliest precursors to 2012–2013 winter flight. 4 Dec 1999 (D. Jauvin, eBird); Saint-Charles-deBellechasse, QC, on 30 Jan 2016 (L. Gaboriault, W inter : As an irruptive species, movements dependent on, eBird); in NY, Blackhead Mtn. in 2011 and Talcottville, and in response to, food abundance. In irruption years, species 2012. Only a handful of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch begin to arrive in late fall, while in some years, incursions may records elsewhere in e. N. Am. Oct 1993 in Canaan, Somerset Co.; Farmington; Norridgewock; and Winslow, Kennebec Co. (W. Sumner); and reached as far
not be evident until midwinter, suggesting exhaustion of food supplies in other locations. Flight of winter 1960–1961 began
PDV
in ME in Jan 1961 and was without typical autumn vanguard.
Typically, in flocks of 20 or fewer in early winter, occasional high counts on CBCs. Higher counts midwinter: 75 observed along
BSP Tote Rd. between Matagamon L. and S. Branch Pond,
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
Piscataquis Co., 27 Feb 2004 (WJS), and 58 on 21 Dec 2014,
A native of the Southwest comes to stay
Buckfield, Oxford Co., 23 Jan 1960; 34 in Brunswick, 29 Dec
Status in Maine: Introduced. From a handful of birds released in New York in 1939, the House Finch colonized most of eastern North America (Badyaev et al. 2012). Now common in Maine, the first known state records are from the 1970s. A ubiquitous breeding species in southern Maine, it is regularly recorded on Breeding Bird Surveys and as far north as Millinocket and east through Washington County. The most recent decade of Breeding Bird Survey data (2005–2017) indicate a non-significant decrease in Maine’s House
Woodland (WJS, eBird). High counts in s. ME include: >50, in 2012 (D. Hitchcox); 50 in Saco, 9 Jan 2013 (D. Doubleday); 34 in Nobleboro 8 Feb 2017 (eBird).
Found on 46 ME CBCs, regularly on inland counts:
Danforth, Bangor–Bucksport, Orono–Old Town, Farmington,
and Presque Isle. Among coastal counts more frequently found
on Downeast CBCs (Calais, Eastport, and Mount Desert I.).
Highest number tallied on ME CBC: 859, Bangor–Bucksport,
3 Jan 1998; 687, Farmington, 17 Dec 1977; and 425, Orono–Old
Town, 20 Dec 1997, all corresponding to known irruption years. WJS
471
Birds of Maine
Finch population. Mostly nonmigratory, northern birds may move short distances in winter. House Finches have been recorded annually on Christmas Bird Counts since 1972.
Remarks: House Finches are prolific breeders as noted by J. Hamlin: “Again this summer I report with pride (!) that our house, or the eaves, have become a House Finch condominium. There are at least 8 nests, all of which have housed at least two broods. Several Historical Status in Maine: House Finches colonized pairs of adults (about 6) have been here all summer most of N. Am. but had not reached ME before 1949, and every few days I see another batch of young. My when Palmer released his classic book. First recorded guess for the year so far is 35–40 fledged—and that’s observations in ME according to Maine Bird Life: probably a low estimate” (Sheepscot, Newcastle, 31 Jul Cape Neddick, Jan 1966, an observer unfamiliar with 1991; MBN 5:19). Yellow variants occasional in Maine, the species did not make a positive identification (H. “normal red on the head; chin, and upper breast was Card); Aug 1968, moving to Saco from CT, A. Thomas replaced with yellow—not orange,” at a feeder in reported House Finches and attempted to convince Scarborough, 25 Jun 2002 ( J. Stevens). neighbors that these birds were not Purple Finches; Maine Nature noted a House Finch at Cape Elizabeth S pring : Common and widespread along coast and in cen. in Jul 1970 but did not indicate it was the first; and C. ME, occasional in Washington Co. and w. ME. Most birds Robbins reported his first House Finch in Biddeford nonmigratory or move short distances during winter. Winter Pool, Dec 1971. The species was recorded the following residents northbound by early Feb; southern migrants return year on the Biddeford–Kennebunk CBC, Dec 1972 mid-Feb to May, peak early May when recorded on 13.6% (MB 4: 37). of eBird checklists. Notable spring records: male and female Global Distribution: Nearctic. Showing remarkable genetic plasticity, this Southwest desert species now occurs in most habitats from s. Canada to n. Cen. Am. Population expanded east and north toward Dakotas and Midwest. Introduced population in East grew from NY release point to resident population across Mid-Atlantic Coast states, NY, PA, and s. New England by early 1980s. Eastern population expanded west, almost merging with western population. Most birds are nonmigratory; northern population appears to move no more than few hundred kilometers to winter ranges.
in Vinalhaven Village, 19 Feb 2012 (M. Fahay, eBird); 10 at
Kennebunk Beach, 1 Mar 1982 ( J. Ficker); 1 at Rim Rd, E.
Machias, 17 Mar 1988 (CDD and I. Balodis, MBN 2[1]: 11); 1,
“this bird was the first of a noticeable northward return flight,” Turner, 18 Mar 1996 ( J. Despres); Franklin Co. arrival, 2 and
4 in Wilton, 21 and 25 Mar 1989 (P. Cross); 15, Mere Pt. boat
launch, Brunswick, 28 Mar 2015 (C. Plimpton and C. Blauvelt, eBird); Washington Co. arrival, male in Milbridge, 8 Apr 1991
(G. Hazelton, MBN 5[1]: 14); 2, “First since 1996” in Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 4 May 2000 (D. Mairs). Known spring historical records: 11 Apr 1971, Dixmont, Penobscot Co. (P. Cantino); 10
May 1973, 3 birds at Bates College, Lewiston (A. Gurka); 12
May 1974, Marginal Way, Ogunquit (R. LeBlanc); 27 Jun 1977, 1, Monhegan I. (K. Zwick); 10 birds on 2 Mar 1979 in Harpswell
(C. Huntington et al.). High count: 50 on Bailey I., Harpswell,
16 Mar 1982 (C. Huntington). S ummer :
Relatively uncommon Jun–Sep, recorded on
6.0–7.3% of eBird checklists through summer months. First
BBS record Biddeford, 3 birds recorded 1978. Other first-in-
county summer records: Hartford, Oxford Co., 1 bird in 1979;
Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 1 in 1980; Newcastle, Lincoln
Co., 1 in 1982; Bowdoin Ctr., Sagadahoc Co., 5 birds in 1984; E.
Troy, Waldo Co., 1 in 1988; Deblois, Washington Co., 2 in 1992;
St. David, Aroostook Co., 1 bird in 2005; Greenville, Piscataquis Co., 3 birds in 2016. ABBM (Adamus 1987) recorded confirmed breeding along southern coast and Midcoast, north to s.
House Finch Range Expansion
! 1966-1972 ( ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2010s May-July !
Franklin, Somerset, and Penobscot Cos. and east to Hancock
Co. Nesting observations: early nesting male “Lugging nesting
material” in Augusta, 19 Mar 2001 (R. Spinney); first reported nesting on Appledore I., 22 May 1988 (D. Quinby); “3 out of
4 House Finch eggs hatched on our porch” in W. Falmouth, 8 May 2006 (L. Seitz). Few western and northern summer
472
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae
records: 1 at Upper Kennebago R. Rd., Franklin Co., 2 Jun
2014 (H. Brewer, eBird); 1 in Millinocket, 3 and 7 Jun 2015 (F.
Izaguirre and M. J. Good, respectively; eBird); 4 in BSP, 16 Jun
2015 (A. Perko, M. Watson, and M. Viens; eBird); 1, Greenville,
10 Jul 2012 (E. M. Ganin, eBird); 5 in W. Forks, Somerset Co., 20 Jul 2013 (B. Blauvelt, eBird). F all :
Population increases mid-Sep to early Oct, drops in
mid-Oct, presumably as summer residents move south. Steady increase to mid-Nov peak when species reported on 15.5% of eBird checklists and concentrates along coast as far east as
Jonesboro and inland to Old Town, Penobscot Co. Higher
counts include 15 on Monhegan I., 22 Sep 2016 (T. Marceron,
eBird); 11 at Taylor St., Lincoln, 21 Oct 2014 (B. Way, eBird); 6
at Ridge Rd., Waterville, 31 Oct 2017 (M. Viens, eBird); 20, Bar
Harbor, 4 Nov 2002 (W. Townsend); 35 “enjoying the black oil sunflower seeds” in Wilton, 18 Nov 2002 ( J. Dwight).
W inter :
Commonly found in small flocks, along coast,
Hancock Co. south and inland to Old Town, Penobscot Co.,
south: 3, Saxl Park, Bangor, 11 Dec 2015 (R. Ostrowski, eBird); 8
in Bar Harbor, 31 Dec 2015 (D. and K. Lima, eBird); unknown number at feeder on Cape Porpoise, York Co., 9 Jan 2003 (D.
Doubleday); 4 at Pemaquid Pt., 17 Jan 2009 (D. Carlucci, eBird);
6 at Sabattus Pond, 15 Feb 2014 (C. Jack, eBird); 5, Bailey’s I.,
Land’s End, Cumberland Co., 26 Feb 2016 (Smorton, eBird).
Uncommon Washington Co., reports, fide eBird: 2 in Cooper, 22
Jan 2017 (K. Holmes); 6 at Pleasant L., 17 Feb 2013 (R. Buker);
5, Eastport, 15 Jan 2107 (C. Bartlett). Rare Aroostook Co. winter records: 1 each in Caribou and Houlton, week of 14 Feb 2008
(WJS). First recorded on 1972 CBC: 5 birds on 1 count in ME;
1982, 457 birds on 9 counts; 1992, 2,545 birds, 19 counts; 2002,
1,885 on 17; and 2012, 1,361 birds on 19 counts. A high count: 210 at Biddeford Pool, 31 Dec 2005 (PDV).
TE
years. The majority of recent records in all seasons report fewer than 10 individuals at a time, although larger flocks are still reported during fall, winter, and spring in irruption years. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Purple Finch a common breeder throughout most of the state and an uncommon winter resident in cen. and s. ME. He described the species as nomadic and typically occurring in small numbers outside of the breeding season. Palmer wrote that the species was a common summer resident in e. ME and fairly common elsewhere in the state. He noted that the number of wintering Purple Finches in ME varied annually, with large numbers sometimes occurring in incursion years. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD south to s. New England northwest through n. U.S. and s. Canada to BC; in the east, range extends south into Appalachian Mtns. as far as VA; in the west, breeding range extends along Pacific Coast to nw. Mexico. Absent from U.S. Rocky Mtns. Winters in southern breeding range; during irruption years can occur as far south as cen. FL and TX. In west, winters east into cen. WA and cen. OR, south to AZ and n. Baja California. Remarks: Purple Finch decline in e. N. Am. is attributed primarily to interspecific competition with the introduced House Finch, which expanded into ME following release of captive birds in NY in 1939 (Wootton 1987). The Purple Finch remains more numerous in n. ME and in many undeveloped areas. S pring :
In years of winter irruptions, large numbers can
remain in southern areas into late spring. Palmer reported large
irruption occurred Portland–Presque Isle in 1939, peaking 15
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus This declining boreal species sometimes makes dramatic winter movements
Status in Maine: The Purple Finch has declined in Maine and the rest of eastern North America over the past half-century but remains a common summer resident in much of Maine’s coniferous forests. Breeding Bird Survey data show an annual 1.2% and 1.9% decrease for the eastern survey region and Maine, respectively, through 2016 (Sauer et al. 2017). The species is nomadic during the nonbreeding season, and large-scale southward invasions tend to occur every other winter. The number wintering in Maine varies greatly between irruption and non-irruption
Mar–10 Apr with birds dispersing soon after, and flocks of 200–
300 occurring that spring. Recent spring high counts smaller,
examples from eBird records: 14 in Appleton, Knox Co., 12 May
2004 (S. White); 12 in Cooper, Washington Co., 12 May 2014 (K. Holmes); 32 on 23 Mar 2016 in Bar Harbor (M.J. Good); and
140, L. Josephine, 9 Apr 2016 (WJS). S ummer :
Summer reports from all ME counties, and breeding
likely occurs in appropriate habitat throughout state. BBS reports a 1.9% annual decrease in ME, 1966–2015.
F all :
Migrants occur throughout fall, sometimes in large
numbers: Monhegan I., 300 reported on 26 Sep 1981 and 250
reported on 6 Sep 1985 (both PDV, eBird). High counts on
Monhegan I. in recent years generally smaller, both eBird
records: 95 on 23 Sep 2007 (L. Seitz) and 45 on 22 Sep 2016 (W.
Russell).
473
Birds of Maine W inter :
Numbers variable; more abundant in n. ME during
non-irruption years; spikes in winter abundance reported
by CBCs in southern counties often concurrent with low
numbers in northern counties. Sometimes occurs in larger
numbers: 21 at Broad Cove Field, Knox Co., 17 Dec 2011 (M.
Fahay, eBird). Banding records show individuals primarily
move on a north-south axis during winter, with ME and s.
Canada breeders moving along Atlantic Coast (Wilson and
Brown 2012). National CBC data indicate southward invasions generally occur every 2–4 winters in response to synchronized
mast cycles of important seed-producing boreal tree species
(Bock and Lepthein 1976). It has been suggested that winter
feeding stations allow this species to winter farther north than
in the past (Wilson 1999). CBC data reflect cyclic irruptions.
For example, Thomaston–Rockland CBC counts for the
2000s: 2000, 6 birds; 2001, 14; 2002, 3; 2003, 10; 2004, 17; 2005, 2; 2006, 11; 2007–2008, 0; 2009, 1; 2010, 6. High CBC counts: Farmington, 100 in 2004; and Presque Isle, 77 in 2006. PD
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
A bright, cheery beauty of the far north
and n. MB into NU, NT, YT, northwesternmost BC, and AK. Winters south to New England and NY, s. Great Ls., n. MN, ND, MT, ID, and WA. Irruptive south to NC, KY, AR, OK, CO, UT, NV, and OR. Remarks: Two subspecies recorded in Maine. Most records pertain to “Southern” Common Redpoll (A. f. flammea) but the larger, darker “Greater” Common Redpoll (A. f. rostrata) has been recorded, typically in years of large incursions. “Greaters” typically observed as singles or pairs among large flocks of “Southerns”: Palmer listed 10–12 historical records, including one collected at Patten in the spring of 1926 after it was killed by a Northern Shrike (E.O. Grant). The bird was examined by both Palmer and Forbush and the specimen was retained at the MCZ in Cambridge, MA. Recent documented records of “Greater” Common Redpolls: one or two in Richmond, 28 Feb–10 Mar 2011 (PDV); one photographed in Winterport, Waldo Co., 13–31 Mar 2013 ( J. Wyatt); one photographed in Fairfield, Kennebec Co., 27 Mar 2013 (L. Bevier) and one photographed in Woodland, 6 Dec 2014 (WJS). S pring :
Palmer noted N.C. Brown’s latest bird reported on
19 May 1875, in Portland. Modern late-season records: 1 in
Fairfield, Somerset Co., 1 May 2011 (L. Bevier); 3, Belgrade, Status in Maine: Common Redpolls are irruptive Kennebec Co., 3 May 2000 (D. Mairs); 1 in Wilton, 3 May finches of the subarctic and Arctic, appearing in 1994 (W. Howes, MBN 7[2]: 39); 1 in Greenville, 7 May greater numbers in Maine cyclically when boreal 1982 (P. Johnson); 1 at Roque Bluffs, 8 May 1988 (T. and forest and taiga trees fail to set seed crops (Knox and Lowther 2000, Dougherty and Wilson 2018). Redpolls G. Preston, MBN 2[1]: 12); 1, Bar Harbor, 11 May 2006 (W. Townsend); 1, Ridge Rd., Waterville, 13 May 2011 (M. Viens, maintain a schedule similar to that which Palmer eBird); 1, Presque Isle, 16 May 1987 (M. Trombley, MBN 1[1]: identified in 1949: arriving from the north in early unnumbered page 14); 1, Warren, 18 May 2005 (N. O’Brien); October, most depart again by mid-April with a few Wilton, “last single Common Redpoll 20 May; most left by more lingering into May than in Palmer’s era. Birds may be scarce, but few years are devoid of observations. the end of April” (W. Howes, MBN 10[1]: 14). Recent maxima include: 350 on 7 Apr 2012, Woodland (WJS, eBird); 177, “still Recorded annually on Christmas Bird Counts since inundated with Common Redpolls,” New Sweden, Aroostook 1968, redpoll numbers range from one in 1982 to 6,012 Co., 18 Apr 2013 (N. Hudak); 100 in Clinton, 3 Mar 2013 (P. in 2012.
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer stated that Common Redpolls were winter residents and transients, abundant some years and apparently absent others. He reported observations from 5 Oct–15 Apr, the largest flocks Feb–Mar, and only stragglers after mid–Apr. Subject to “incursions”; Palmer noted 15 high flight years for redpolls from 1875–1947, many with three to 10 years between flights (1949, 533–534). Global Distribution: Old and New World Arctic and subarctic. Breeds in N. Am. from e. Baffin I., Greenland, and NL west across n. QC, n. ON, n. SK, 474
Blair, eBird); 80 in Freeport, 9 Mar 2015 (D. Nickerson, eBird). Some previous high counts: ~1,500, New Sweden, 18 Apr 2011
(N. Hudak); 700 in Farmington, 27 Mar 1987 (A. Wells and
JVW, MBN 1[1]: unnumbered page 14); 500, St. Agatha, 5 Apr
2005 (WJS); 407 in New Sweden, 29 Mar 2009 (N. Hudak);
340, Pembroke, Washington Co., 23 Mar 2000 (D. Feener); 300,
Woodland, 21 Mar 2006 (WJS, fide K. Gammons); 250, Cape Porpoise, York Co., 15 Mar 2011 (D. Doubleday). S ummer :
1 reported in Indian Twp., Washington Co., 9 Aug
2005 (fide W. Townsend, Guillemot 35[4]: 39), “An uncommon
sighting for the season was a Common Redpoll seen flying at
Indian Twp. on 8/9 (M. B[ates]).”
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae F all :
Early arrivals late Sep–early Oct: 20 on Roque I.,
Jonesport, 29 Sep 1993 (N. Famous, MBN 7[1]: 15); female in
Windham, 14 Oct 2012 (B. Briggs); 12 on Mount Desert I., 14
Oct 2010 (M. Good); 1 in Belfast, 15 Oct 2003 (fide N. O’Brien);
7 at Tenants Harbor, Knox Co., 19 Oct 1957 (Logan, MFO 2[11]:
118); 2 on Vinalhaven, 20 Oct 2008 (N. Famous); 1 in Lubec,
25 Oct 2012 (F. Pierce, eBird); 1 on Aroostook R., 26 Oct 2012 (WJS); 2 in Kennebunk, 26 Oct 2012 (S. Schulte, eBird); 3 at
Biddeford Pool, 27 Oct 2005 (E. Hynes). But by Nov, there are
observations of small flocks statewide. An early larger flock was
30 on 5 Nov 2012 at Biddeford Pool (D. Rankin, eBird). W inter :
Recorded on 10 CBCs 1913–1957, Common Redpolls
considered “local and exceedingly rare” when 90 birds recorded in Scarborough on 26 Dec 1956 (McCord et al.). Recorded
on 56 CBCs 1958–2016. High and low CBC counts by decade:
1960s, 1,915 in 1969 and 2 in 1963; 1970s, 2,901 in 1977 and 20 in 1970; 1980s, 3,863 in 1981 and 1 in 1982; 1990s, 5,117 in 1999 and
3 in 1996; 2000s, 5,917 in 2003 and 31 in 2006; 2010s, 6,012 in
2012 and 55 in 2013. J. Despres’ >20 years’ observations include
first-of-season birds in Turner: 1 on 30 Oct 1981; 12 on 22 Nov
1985; 8 on 15 Dec 1986; undetermined number, “my first of the
entire year,” 10 Dec 1991; 1, 29 Oct 1993 (MBN 7[1]: 15); 25 on 28
Oct 1997; 1 on 29 Oct 1999; >2 on 28 Oct 2001 and first flock of
20 a week later on 4 Nov 2001 (all J. Despres). First of season elsewhere: 2 at Kennebunk Plains, 6 Nov 2012 (D. Rankin,
eBird); 15 in Sapling Twp., Somerset Co., 7 Nov 2011 (R. Speirs, eBird); 1, Presque Isle, 18 Nov 2003 (WJS); 150, Owl’s Head,
Knox Co., 18 Nov 2003 (S. Kauffman); 22 in Portland, 22 Nov
2003 (L. Brinker); 7, “first I’ve seen here since the irruption a couple winters ago,” Holmes Bay, Machiasport, 27 Dec 2002
(H. Fogel). High counts: 2,000, Roque Bluffs, 3 Dec 1986 (fide
W. Townsend, AB 41: 258); 700, Cutler on 28 Nov 1986 (CDD,
AB 41: 60); 500, UMaine, Orono, 24 Feb 1994 (fide A. Bacon, MBN 7[1]: 25); 400 in ragweed patch, Turner, 5 Dec 1999 ( J.
Despres); 365 on Presque Isle CBC, 2 Jan 2002 (WJS, fide K. Gammons); 250, Black Stream, Carmel–Hermon, Penobscot Co., 18 Jan 1998 ( J. Smith); and 130, Long L., Aroostook
Co., 15 Nov 2015 (WJS, eBird). Winters without Redpolls are
notable: “No Pine Siskins or Redpolls this winter at all,” New
Sweden, 2 Mar 2014 (N. Hudak); undetermined number heard
in flight in Turner, “My only record of the season,” 19 Mar 1996
( J. Despres); 1 in Richmond, “first in several years, it seems,”
25 Oct 1993 (PDV, MBN 7: 15); 1 in E. Machias, 1 Dec 1991,
“Redpolls have been scarce or absent the past three winters,”
(CDD, MBN 5: 45); only 2 reports, Dec 1992–Feb 1993, 1 in Ft. Kent on 8 Dec 1992 and 20 in Gray, Cumberland Co., 5 Feb
1993 (fide ME Audubon).
TE
Hoary Redpoll
Acanthis hornemanni
An occasional paler flash among flocks of winter finches
Status in Maine: A regular but uncommon winter visitor with an irregularly irruptive cycle, the Hoary Redpoll is often seen with Common Redpolls. It is found at feeders across Maine, although less often in the central and western mountains. First appearing in late November, hoaries sometimes linger as late as April. The species is regularly recorded in small numbers on Maine Christmas Bird Counts in irruptive years. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer acknowledged a 1909 specimen identified by Norton, and that contemporary published sight records of Hoary Redpolls in flocks with Common Redpolls existed. However, he cautioned that accepting sight records was inadvisable due to difficulty distinguishing the species from Common Redpolls. He also acknowledged that Norton recognized a hoary in a flock of commons two days before the 1909 specimen was taken. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in Canadian high Arctic, NU, NT, YT, and n. AK, Arctic Ocean islands, e. and w. Greenland, and Siberia. Winters from NL, Gaspé Peninsula, south to Great Ls., west to AB, NT, YT, and AK. Irruptive south to ME, NJ, PA, west to IA, WY, and WA. Remarks: Two subspecies have been reported in Maine. The “Southern” Hoary Redpoll (A. h. exilipes) and the larger nominate subspecies “Hornemann’s” Hoary Redpoll (A. h. hornemanni). Most records pertain to A. h. exilipes. Hoary Redpolls reported as “Hornemann’s”: one “large” bird in Orono, 27 Feb 2000 ( J. Markowsly), and one large, pale individual seen and photographed with at least three A. h. exilipes birds and more than 150 Common Redpolls, 10 Mar–13 Apr 2013, Woodland (WJS). Recent genetic research, however, has found little genetic divergence even between Hoary and Common Redpolls, suggesting they (along with Lesser Redpolls in Europe) be treated as a single, circumpolar species (Mason and Taylor 2015). F all :
One bird at Wainwright Field, S. Portland, 11 Nov
2012 (N. Gibb, F. Mitchell, and D. Hitchcox, eBird); 1, Flood
Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 17 Nov 2012 (L. Bevier, eBird); 1, Bay Pt.
Rd., Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 25 Nov 2007 ( J. Frank). W inter – early S pring :
Seen infrequently across ME
and throughout winter, Hoary Redpolls most readily seen in
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Birds of Maine
irruptive years Dec–Mar: 2–4 at feeders on May St., Portland, 9
Feb–4 Mar 1987 (E. Stanley); 15–20, Ft. Kent, week of 19 Jan 1994 (fide ME Audubon, FN 48: 185); 1 in a flock of ~100 Common
Redpolls at Land of Nod Rd., Windham, 24 Jan 1994 (fide ME
Audubon); 1 in Northport, Waldo Co., 8 Feb 1994 (fide ME
Audubon); 1 “classic” Hoary with “hoard [sic] of Commons” in
Waterville, 4 Dec 1999 (L. Bevier); 5 in Machiasport, 14 Jan 2000 (H. Fogel); 1 male at feeders daily with Commons, Pembroke,
Washington Co., 13 Jan–13 Mar 2000, joined by a female, 13–14
Feb (D. Feener); 1, Phippsburg, 21 Dec 2003 (M. Dauphin, fide J. Frank); 1 in Belfast with >50 Commons, 24–25 Jan 2004 ( J.
Walker); 3 in Caribou, 3 Feb 2004 (fide WJS); 1, Woodland, 20 Dec 2005 (WJS); 2 in Presque Isle, intermittently 18 Jan–1 Feb
2005 (fide WJS); 1 in Eastport, 23 Dec 2007 (fide E. Hynes and S. Walsh); 3 at Griffin Ave., Hampden, Penobscot Co., 8 Feb
2015 (B. Cole, eBird). Late season birds: 1 in Phillips, Franklin
Co., 4 Apr 2000 (P. Donahue, fide K Gammons); 1 in Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 22 Apr 2000 (D. Mairs); 1 with ~70 Commons, at Beechwood Ave., Old Town, Penobscot Co., 8 Apr 2004
(B. Duchesne); 2 in Woodland, 13 Apr 2004 (WJS); 1 with ~70
Commons, Orono, 11 Mar 2004 (S. Smith); 1, Fairfield, 29 Mar
2005 (L. Bevier); 1, “the first in two years” at Pushaw L., Old
Town, 26 Mar 2006 (B. Duchesne); female in Fairfield, 25–27
Apr 2011 (L. Bevier); 1 at Slab City Rd., Lovell, Oxford Co., 4 Apr 2015 (M. Zimmerman, eBird). Recorded on CBCs every
other year 1993–2007, not again until 2012. Most CBC reports in
2003, 8 birds in 5 circles. TE
Red Crossbill
of n. and e. ME, and Palmer (1949, 540) thought them most regular in n. counties. Both authors noted irregular movements of this species and its potential to occur in coniferous forests anywhere in the state at any time of year. Palmer wrote, “after raising one brood, and very likely two sometimes, in one place, this species may not breed or even occur there again in any number of months or years.” Palmer reported 3 records of L. c. percna, a now-scarce subspecies that breeds almost exclusively in NFLD. Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds in NFLD, Maritime Provinces, and n. New England west through s. AK. In east, breeds in high-elevation areas of Appalachian Mtns. south to n. GA. In west, breeds south along Sierra Nevada Mtns. into n. CA, through Rocky Mtns., into high elevation areas of Cen. Am. south to Nicaragua. In winter, highly nomadic northern-breeding populations occur from s. Canada south to cen. GA and west to nw. Mexico. Old World birds breed throughout Europe south into nw. Africa, east through s. cen. Mediterranean and n. Middle East. Also breeds on s. Tibetan Plateau. Remarks: At least 10 types of Red Crossbill are identified in N. Am. based on flight call and bill size (Young and Spahr 2017). The most frequent type in ME is Type 10, although Types 1, 2, and 3, which also feed on spruce and pine cones, have been recorded. A type breeding in s. ID was recognized as a distinct species (Cassia Crossbill) by AOS in 2017.
Loxia curvirostra
A wanderer throughout Maine’s coniferous forests
Status in Maine: The Red Crossbill is a highly nomadic species that travels widely in search of bumper cone crops. This bird and the White-winged Crossbill are among the most irregular of the irruptive finches. Red Crossbills breed in the coniferous forests of Maine’s central and western mountains and along the Downeast coast. However, timing and location of breeding varies year to year depending on the availability of seed cones. Flocks appear sporadically throughout Maine in all seasons. Most significant movements into southern Maine occur in the winter, with visiting flocks sometimes lingering late into spring. Historical Status in Maine: The overall occurrence pattern of Red Crossbills in ME has not noticeably changed over the past century. Knight considered crossbills to be common residents in coniferous forests 476
Red Crossbill Breeding Range ! ( Occasional
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae S pring :
Individuals wintering south of typical breeding range
seen late into spring; high counts include: 57 on Morse Mtn.,
6 May 2012 (PDV, eBird); 38, Fryeburg Fairgrounds, 24 May
2015 (A. Robbins, eBird); 15, 29 Apr 2015, Evergreen Cemetery,
Portland (T. Duddy, eBird). Sometimes breed before returning
north: pair seen feeding young at nest in Shapleigh, York Co., 29
Mar 2015 (L. Waters, eBird). S ummer :
Confirmed breeding on Mt. Desert I. and s. Lincoln
Co., and noted possible breeding throughout Downeast
coast and central and western mountains. (ABBM, Adamus
1987.) Two modern breeding records: 5 adults and 3 juveniles at a feeder in Presque Isle, 8-9 Jun 2013, and a female with 3
juveniles at Collins Pond, Caribou, 11 May 2016 (both WJS).
Palmer reported species was common in L. Umbagog, Oxford Co., in certain years. Although total number recorded in ME varies greatly year to year, BBS found an overall 2.2% annual
increase in ME, 1966–2015. Notable summer high counts, all eBird reports: 15 at Trescott Twp., Washington Co., 27 Aug
1992 (S. Mlodinow); 15 on Harbor I., Lincoln Co., 19 Jun 2012
(T. Johnson); and 30 on Gott’s I., Hancock Co., 16 Jun 2012 (M.
Rosenstein). F all :
In years of southern invasions, southward movement
often begins in fall. Numerous fall records from locations south of normal breeding ranges. High counts: 14 at Moose Pt. S.P.,
Waldo Co., 1 Sep 2012 (N. Paulson, eBird). Many reported on Monhegan I., 12 Sep–7 Oct 2012, with high count of 21 on 19 Sep 2012 (PDV et al., eBird).
W inter :
Highly irregular. CBCs show variation across
state, but less in winter abundance and smaller total numbers
over past 50 years. More likely to appear outside typical
breeding areas in winter. Palmer reported crossbills abundant
in Cumberland Co. some winters. Recent high counts from s. ME, all eBird records: 32 at Raven Ridge, Kennebec Co.,
on 17 Feb 2011 ( J. MacDougall); 30 on Little Bigelow Mtn.,
Somerset Co., 11 Feb 2012 (A. Gilbert); 15 at Newfield Rd,
Shapleigh, 7 Feb 2015 (M. Zimmerman). Remains in n. ME
year-round when food supplies are sufficient: 60 at Grand
L. Stream, Washington Co., 13 Feb 2016 (C. Brown); 20 in
Aroostook Co., 22 Dec 2001 (WJS); 25 in Sunkhaze NWR on 8 Jan 2009 (P. Corcoran); 18 at Foss Pond, Piscataquis Co., 11
Feb 2012 ( J. Kelly; all records eBird). Regardless of location,
species known to breed opportunistically in late winter when seed cones are abundant (Hahn 1998). Audubon (1838, in
Palmer) mentioned reports of species nesting in midwinter; a
pair was observed constructing a nest in Waterboro, York Co.,
on 14 Feb 2015 (N. Gibb, eBird). PD
White-winged Crossbill
Loxia leucoptera
An irruptive finch with highly variable abundance
Status in Maine: The White-winged Crossbill occurs in coniferous forests throughout Maine. Like its congener, Red Crossbill, the White-winged Crossbill is specialized to feed on conifer seeds and occasionally wanders great distances in search of sizeable cone crops. Distribution in Maine varies year to year. Overall, the species is more regular in northern and coastal Maine with significant numbers moving south in some winters. There is tremendous variation in abundance nearly everywhere, and breeding can occur in almost any month. White-winged Crossbills generally occur in larger flocks than Red Crossbills; sometimes more than 100 individuals reported at once. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered this species a local resident in Aroostook Co., a rare and irregular breeder in Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo Cos., and an irregular winter visitor in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Piscataquis, and Washington Cos. He noted that White-winged Crossbills are similar to Red Crossbills with respect to variable migratory behavior; the two species sometimes occur together in flocks. Palmer similarly acknowledged the White-winged Crossbill’s irregularity, saying the species could occur and even breed in any coniferous habitat throughout ME at any time of year. He wrote that the species was most likely never a permanent resident at any locality but indicated it was more regular on the north and eastern coasts. Palmer believed the White-winged Crossbill occurred in greater numbers than the Red Crossbill. Global Distribution: Holarctic. Breeds from NL south to n. New England, west through Canada to s. NU, NT, YT, and cen. AK, also breeds locally in Rocky Mtns. south to NM. Winters throughout breeding range and, during irruption years, occurs south across cen. U.S. from VA to n. CA. In Old World, breeds from e. Scandinavia, east to se. Russia and ne. China. S pring :
Most birds wintering in southern areas during
irruptions typically move by late winter. Palmer reported that high numbers wintering in Cumberland Co. in 1882–1883
departed by 11 Mar. High spring counts in northern and coastal
areas: 30 or more in Rangeley, Franklin Co., 16 Mar 1997 (PDV, eBird); 30 in Presque Isle, 10 Mar 2001 (D. Dunford and WJS);
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Birds of Maine
>30 on Muscovic Rd., Stockholm, 4 May 2003 (WJS); and 40 on Monhegan I., 4 Apr 2008 (D. Hitchcox, eBird).
S ummer :
Confirmed breeding in Downeast, Midcoast, and
extreme ne. ME, and evidence of possible breeding in cen.
and n. ME (ABBM Adamus 1987). Most summer records
from these areas, although some Jun, Jul, and Aug reports in nearly all ME counties (eBird). Even in areas with regular
breeding, considerable variation in annual numbers. Summer
high counts: 100 at ANP, 25 Aug 1977 (D. Overacker, eBird),
and 250 at W. Quoddy Head S.P., Saco, 18 Aug 2006 (W.
Wilson, eBird). Dramatic changes in abundance make assessing population trends difficult, but BBS reports an overall 1.9%
annual decrease in ME, 1966–2015. Recent record: unreported number, 10 Jul 2017, BSP (D. Lovitch).
F all :
During irruption years, individuals begin to arrive
in southern areas in fall. High counts, fide eBird: 50 in S.
Harpswell, 27 Oct 1997 (M. Libby); 80 at N. Haven, 1 Sep
2004 (R. Oren, eBird); 61 in Gilsland Farm, 12 Nov 2004
(E. Hynes); 45 at Head Beach, Phippsburg, 12 Nov 2004 (M.
Fahay); 60 near Nesowadnehunk L., Piscataquis Co., 19 Nov
2007 (D. Hitchcox); 150 at Monhegan I, 25 Oct 2008 ( JEP);
35 at Hermit I., Phippsburg, 26 Oct 2008 (G. Smith et al.); 35 in Troy, Waldo Co., 29 Sep 2009 (D. Potter). High counts in
White-winged Crossbills
n. ME: 50 on Muscovic Rd., Aroostook Co., on 25 Nov 2002,
and >60 at Irving Lot, New Sweden, 18 Nov 2002 (both WJS).
Palmer wrote singing behavior occasionally occurs in fall;
singing males reported in Aroostook Co., 13 Nov 2005 (WJS).
W inter :
Most records in s. ME occur in winter. High counts,
fide eBird: 26 reported on York Co. CBC at Ft. Foster, 20 Dec
1977 (PDV); 70 in Scarborough, Portland Area CBC, 13 Dec
report of species breeding in mid-Jan in NB in 1868. There are reports of singing males in ANP, 11 Feb 2003 (C. Kesselheim, eBird).
PD
2004 (C. Governali); 58, Freeport CBC at Mast Landing Bird Sanctuary, Freeport, 26 Dec 2004 (D. Suitor); 50 in Fairfield,
Waldo, 13 Dec 2004 (D. Smith), 87 at Forks, Somerset Co., 30
Eurasian Siskin
Dec 1990 (B. Brown and W. Wilson); 35 at Morse Mtn., 25
Spinus spinus
(A. Gilbert); 115 at Small Pt., 18 Dec 1983 (PDV); >100 at BSP,
This small, sweet Palearctic species has visited Maine twice
Dec 2008 (G. Smith); 100 at Popham Beach S.P., 19 Dec 1993 Piscataquis Co., some singing males, 18 Jan 2008 (D. Suitor);
39, Old Town–Orono CBC, 13 Dec 2004 ( J. Mays); 150, at
Matinicus I. CBC, 3 Jan 2009 (M. Fahay). Monhegan I. high
counts: 300, 29 Dec 1977 (PDV, eBird); 251, CBC, 26 Dec 1983
(PDV, eBird); 85, CBC, 4 Jan 2008 (D. Hitchcox et al., eBird).
Winter highs in n. ME: >50 at Irving Lot, 20 Dec 2002 (WJS); 38 in Mapleton–Chapman, Aroostook Co., 29 Dec 2002 (M.
Fahay, eBird); >30 in Aroostook NWR, Limestone, 27 Jan 2003;
44 on Beaver Brook Rd., Aroostook Co., 17 Jan 2006; and 50 at BSP, 10 Feb 1999 (last 3, WJS).
Like Red Crossbill, this species breeds opportunistically
during winter. Knight reported winter breeding in Washington Co. Palmer wrote that species breeds as early as Feb, but cited
478
Status in Maine: Accidental. This species has been recorded twice in Maine. The first report was a male captured in Kittery, 24 March 1962. The bird was kept in captivity at the University of New Hampshire until it died in November 1962 (Borror 1963). The specimen is now at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (specimen #262138, AFN Aug 1962, p. 391). The second record was a bright male among a large flock of Pine Siskins observed for approximately 10 minutes in Richmond on 31 January 2009 (Persons et al. 2015).
Order Passeriformes • Family Fringillidae
Historical Status in Maine: Unrecorded in ME prior to 1962. Global Distribution: Palearctic. Breeds widely across Eurasia, from United Kingdom and Europe east to Asia and e. Russia, n. China, and Japan. Winters irregularly in southern range, sometimes with large irruptions south of usual range. Eurasian Siskins observed in MA: Cambridge, Aug 1904; New Bedford, Mar–Apr 1969; Rockport, May 1983. Also observed in St. Pierre et Miquelon (French territory off coast of NFLD), Jun 1983; Etobicoke, ON, Feb–Mar 1988; Terra Nova N.P., NL, Feb 1980; and Bloomfield, NJ, Feb 1983 (McLaren et al. 1989). PDV
S pring :
Known to breed in southern areas during irruption
years before returning north, depending on seed availability.
Fide eBird: fledglings found in Cumberland Co., 27 Apr 2005 (K. D’Andrea), and in Sagadahoc Co. on 8 May 2008 (M. Fahay).
Forbush (1929) reported finding young almost ready to fledge on 19 Mar in VT. Palmer reported that, following irruption,
species departs wintering grounds in Apr to sometimes early
May. Late departures include: 29 May in Portland and 31 May
in Newcastle in 1993 (MBN 6: 1). In such years, variable number
of migrants seen throughout ME. First banded on Appledore
I. on 24 May 1987 (D. Holmes, MBN 1: 1). Notable high counts include: 60 in E. Machias, 16 Mar 1980 (PDV, eBird); 110 in
Bradbury Mtn. S.P., 15 Mar 2005 (D. Akers, eBird); 70 in Hersey,
Aroostook Co., 15 Mar 2008 (WJS et al., eBird). S ummer :
Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus
High numbers visit southern Maine during irruption years
Status in Maine: Like many other finch species, the abundance and distribution of Pine Siskins varies from year to year in Maine. While it is most regular as a northern and eastern Maine resident, it can be found in coniferous and mixed forests throughout the state. Movements are driven by availability of spruce and pine seeds, and large numbers occur in the south some years. When such irruptions occur, migrants and overwintering birds are seen from September to May in southern Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 388) described Pine Siskins as an irregular and local resident in n. and e. ME and “occurring in sporadic abundance,” Oct–Mar in s. ME. Both he and Palmer commented on the nomadic and erratic nature of the species. Palmer said it does not breed in the same locality two years in a row and that flocks can appear throughout ME in any season. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL south to n. New England west through s. Canada into NT, s. YT, and s. AK extending south through Rocky Mtns. into Mexico, Guatemala, and Pacific Coast, to s. CA and n. Baja California. Remarks: The fact that Pine Siskins at least occasionally migrate at night was documented through nocturnal flight call research in Maine (Watson et al. 2011).
BBS reported a 2.2% annual decrease in ME,
1966–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Breeds most regularly in n. and e.
ME; summer records from all ME counties. Nested in ANP in
Jul 2011 (M. Good, eBird). F all :
When large southward movements occur, migrants seen
late Sep–early Nov: 100 in Lincoln Ctr., 14 Dec 1974 (PDV,
eBird); >300 in Richmond on 13 Oct 1983 (PDV, eBird); 1,000
on Monhegan I., 28 Sep 1989 (MBN 3: 3); 100 on Seal I. on 6
Oct 2004 (Project Puffin, eBird); 300 on Hermit I., Phippsburg,
1 Nov 2004 (M. Fahay, eBird); 169 on Monhegan I. on 23 Oct
2006 (T. Magarian, eBird); 80 in Freeport on 25 Oct 2007
(D. Nickerson, eBird); 350 on Monhegan I. on 27 Sep 2008
( J. Trimble, eBird); at least 300 comprised of flocks of 15–40 at Seawall Beach, 10 Oct 2008 (PDV, eBird); at least 125 in
Kennebunkport, 21 Oct 2008 (D. Doubleday, eBird); 80 on Sears I., 27 Sep 2010 (R. Ostrowski, eBird); at least 874, Monhegan I.,
10 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, eBird); 130 on Hermit I., comprised of flocks of at least 30 on 24 Oct 2010 (N. Gibb et al., eBird).
W inter :
Winter records throughout ME; species often
congregates near feeders. Large numbers sometimes occur in
s. ME during irruption years. High counts: 180 in Richmond,
11 Jan 1983 (PDV, eBird); 325 reported on Farmington CBC
and 319 reported by Augusta CBC, 19 Dec 1987 (MBN 1: 4); 85 in Belfast on 31 Dec 2004 (S. Benz, eBird); 250 in Clinton, on
2 Jan 2005 (P. Blair, eBird); 170 comprised of flocks of 20–50 individuals at Sunkhaze Meadows, 2 Dec 2007 (G. Smith,
eBird); 150 at Little Bigelow Mtn., Somerset Co., 10 Feb 2008
(A. Gilbert, eBird); 120 in 3 flocks, ANP on 5 Nov 2010 (S. Benz, eBird); 80 in downtown Orono on 19 Dec 2010 (B. Barker,
eBird); 68 in Phippsburg, 29 Jan 2011 (R. Robinson, eBird); ~115
in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 29 Jan 2011 ( J. Smith; eBird); ~100 in Kennebunk, 7 Feb 2011 (M. Zimmerman, eBird); 75 in St.
Albans, Somerset Co., 16 Feb 2011 (B. and D. Witham; eBird);
40 at Sebasticook L., 27 Dec 2014 (T. Aversa, eBird). PDV
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Birds of Maine
Lesser Goldfinch
Spinus psaltria
A species of the desert Southwest finds the Northeast
Status in Maine: Accidental. The Lesser Goldfinch has been recorded three times in Maine. Two of these records have been accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee. The earliest record, as yet unreviewed, is a black-mantled male photographed and observed by many in Georgetown, Sagadahoc County, from December 1992–April 1993 (Maine Bird Records Committee, ph. archive). The second record was reported 7 July 2009 at Parks Pond, Clifton, Penobscot County ( J. Zievis, ph., ME-BRC #2009-009). A black-hooded male photographed and described at Whetstone Pond, Abbot, Piscataquis County, 5 August 2015, is the most recent report (E. Blanchard et al.; ph., eBird). Global Distribution: Western N. Am. CO and NE, west to Pacific Coast, south to TX, NM, AZ, Mexico and Cen. Am. Occasionally found east of normal range; records from PA, NC, VA, KY (Sibley 2000), and ON. PDV
birds in Bethel in 1900 and at L. Umbagog in 1886. Palmer said that goldfinches were common summer residents throughout ME, late migrants, and winter residents locally. Nesting did not occur until Jul or later, and he noted at least one nest that was initiated as late as 5 Sep. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD and NB west to n. AB, s. BC, south to GA, LA, west to OK and cen. NV. Breeding range overlaps winter range from New England south to n. LA and GA, west to NY, Great Ls., and WI, south to cen. NV, cen. WY, and MT. Winters from ME south to NC, e. cen. Mexico to Gulf Coast, and FL, west to OR and CA, south to U.S.–Mexico border in AZ and NM. Remarks: Varying degrees of melanistic and leucistic coloring relatively common: a melanistic bird reported interacting well with the rest of the flock (“dark gray/black with light wingbars. Slight goldish tint on throat and face”), 2 and 5 Dec 2004, Presque Isle (A. Sheppard). Leucistic bird, seen periodically through Nov 2004, was “always alone” in Cozy Harbor, Southport, Lincoln Co. (N. Bither). A partial albino whose social status was not remarked upon (“Golden head and throat, dark wings, and the rest of it was white”) was in S. Portland, 13 Mar 2002 (M. Jordan).
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
A flash of gold and a taste for thistle
Status in Maine: American Goldfinch winter and summer ranges overlap in Maine; the common summer residents often initiate nesting from late June into August, and as late as early September. The species typically produces one brood, the timing of which seems to be related to thistle (Cirsium spp.) bloom and seed set. Unique among finches, goldfinches molt in spring as well as in the postbreeding season. Although many Maine breeders move south for colder months, goldfinches are common winter birds at feeders throughout the state, when residents may be joined by birds from farther north (McGraw and Middleton 2017). Historical Status in Maine: Known by a variety of names from “wild canary” to “thistle bird,” American Goldfinches were common in ME from May to Oct and led a “roving existence in small flocks” (Knight 1908). Griscom (1938) reported two wintering 480
American Goldfinch
Order Passeriformes • Family Calcariidae S pring :
Early birds: earliest record of song since 1991 in
Portland on 7 Feb 2008 ( J. Despres); goldfinches starting to
goldfinches “thinning out,” 23 Sep 2003; visiting feeder after
month’s absence, 26 Oct 2004; and seen daily by 18 Nov 2003
“color up” in Aroostook Co., 14 Feb 2006 (fide WJS); 25, “A few
(all WJS). Flocks of >50 in Caribou and Washburn, Aroostook
Mar 2007 (S. Shanahan); “After a long winter absence…found
timber lot in Stockholm, 6 Dec 2006 (WJS).
goldfinches are nearly all yellow,” Raymond, Cumberland Co., 14
my thistle feeders covered with goldfinches,” Cape Neddick, 19
Mar 2006 (L. Scotland); 2, first of season after storm, Casco, 30 Mar 2002 (B. Dorr); “one male that is literally all yellow” in W.
Falmouth, 31 Mar 2005 (L. Sietz); “some beginning to brighten
up,” on Hollywood Blvd., Whitefield, Lincoln Co., 4 Mar 2004
(B. Dalke, fide J. Suchecki); 2 arrived in S. Hiram, Oxford Co.,
2 Apr 2006 ( J. Potter); 3, “one of which was almost completely yellow,” in Brunswick, 23 Apr 2004 (B. Bullock); “males at my
feeder were fully molted into their alternate plumage,” 23 Apr
2007 (R. MacDonald). Peak mid-May when 56% of ME eBird checklists include goldfinches. High numbers: 53, at feeders
after big storm in W. Falmouth, 9 Mar 2005 (L. Seitz); 50 and
65 on N. Haven I., 15 Mar and 23 Mar 2007 (T. Sprague); 70 in Raymond, 26 Mar 2007 (S. Shanahan); 120 in Woodland, 18
Apr 2007 (WJS); 95, W. Falmouth, 4 May 2005 (L. Seitz). In
Aroostook Co.: “still no sign of goldfinches…” as of 24 Mar 2004 (fide WJS); single goldfinches returning to feeders, Woodland,
18 Apr 2004 (WJS); “almost completely molted and males are
starting to disperse from the winter’s flocks and are singing,” 24
Apr 2007 (WJS). S ummer :
Typically produce single brood although nesting
occurs throughout summer. J. Despres’ extensive Jun–Sep nesting and fledging notes from Portland include: pair eyeing yarn
on plant stakes, presumably nest material, 24 Jun 2016; female
tugging at maypole yarn, 1 Jul 2017; “female grabbed a strand of
the Chicory [Cichorium intybus] yarn in her bill and tried to pull
it loose by jumping into midair, only to wind up hanging by her bill,” 18–20 Jul 2009; female gathering nest material, 1, 8, and 15
Aug 2015, and 3 and 7 Aug 2016. First fledglings in Evergreen
Cemetery, Portland: first calls, 31 Jul; first definite family group,
1 Aug 2010; unseen nestling/fledgling calling on 3 Aug 2016;
Co., week of 24 Nov 2004 (WJS), and hundreds on White Oak
W inter :
Winter flocks common, often disappearing for
extended periods before reappearing unexpectedly: S. Shore
Dr., Rangeley Plt., Franklin Co., 2 Jan 2005, “we have been
swamped with goldfinches for several weeks now” ( J. Perry);
40 at feeders, Lewiston, 22 Feb 2005 (D. Marquis); “after a
near absence of goldfinches for a couple of weeks, yesterday I
counted a flock of 50+ on feeders,” 17 Jan 2006 (T. Sprague);
140, W. Falmouth, 29 Jan 2006 (L. Seitz); 150 in Talmadge,
Washington Co., 16 Feb 2007 (R. Follette). Aroostook Co.:
flocks of 50–70 or more, Presque Isle and Woodland, mid-Jan to Feb 2005 (WJS); “Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and
American Goldfinches are being seen together in unusually high numbers,” 16 Feb–early Mar 2005 (WJS); “waves of
finches in northern Maine show no sign of waning yet,” 23 Mar
2005 (WJS). However, the biennial irruptive cycle of American Goldfinch in the East appears to be out of sync with that of Common Redpoll (Dougherty and Wilson 2018).
CBC surveys tallied 7,302 goldfinches on 24 CBC circles in
2000, 5,098 on 28 circles in 2010, and 8,091 on 33 counts in 2015. TE
Longspurs (Calcariidae) Migratory ground-feeders of open landscapes and cold climates, four species of longspurs and two buntings comprise this family. Four members, including Maine’s two accidentals, are strictly North American, whereas the ranges of Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting span North America and Eurasia. Absent in summer, they enliven Maine during migration and winter.
first calls 9 Aug 2008 and 21 Aug 2005 (all J. Despres). Unseen fledgling calling at Leonard St., Portland on 3 Sep 2010, 5 Sep
2013, and 11 Sep 2015. In Turner, adult female collecting webworm tents presumably for nest material on 16 Aug 1993; on the same
day in 2000, the first fledglings called ( J. Despres). BBS data
indicates small but significant decline in continental population
1966-2015 and a 3.6% but not significant decline in ME, 2005–
2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). F all :
American Goldfinch at lowest annual numbers in
mid-Oct when recorded on 25% of ME eBird checklists. High
counts: 200 at Dragon Fields, Portland, 5 Nov 2004 (M. Resch,
fide J. Suchecki); 328, Cadillac Mtn., 7 Dec 2015 (M. Good, eBird). In Woodland: “finch species and numbers remain
unchanged with Gold and Purple Finches common,” 15–21
Sep 2004; following year, Purple Finches increasing while
Lapland Longspur
Calcarius lapponicus
An uncommon visitor from the tundra
Status in Maine: Uncommon but annual spring and fall migrants, Lapland Longspurs are found primarily along the coast and at a few inland localities. Uncommon to rare in winter, this species is most usually found in southern and coastal Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Lapland Longspurs rare, but noted, “recently they appear to occur regularly in limited numbers at Pine 481
Birds of Maine
Point, near Scarboro” (1908, 398). According to Palmer, longspurs were regularly reported in small numbers at Scarborough. Brown, who spent many years hunting in the Scarborough area, mentioned that “the longspur was really rare in the Portland region until 1882 at least,” explaining, “Pine Point, where most examples have been taken or seen, was covered very thoroughly by myself during several years’ collecting” with no sightings. However, “during the winter of 1912–13… I at once found Lapland Longspurs to be regular and prominent visitors” (Brown 1923, 131). Global Distribution: Holarctic. In N. Am., breeds on open tundra from n. NL west and south along Hudson Bay, across Arctic Canada to AK. Winters from s. QC and s. ME to NJ, VA, and TX. S pring :
Spring migration begins in early Mar, continuing
to early Apr. During this period Lapland Longspurs reported
from many townships, including many inland localities: e.g., 2 birds on Corn Shop Rd., Fryeburg, 1 Mar 2015 (S. Walsh and
B. Marvil, eBird); 1 in Rockwood, Somerset Co., 6–7 Mar 1961 (obs. unk.); 1 male in Lincoln Ctr., 6–8 Mar 1977 (PDV ); 4 in Clinton, 14 Mar 2000 (obs. unk.); 15 in Bowdoinham, 18 Mar
1961 (A. Smith), and 4 on 11 Mar 1981 (obs. unk.); 19 at Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 19 Mar 2014 (M. Veins, eBird); 4 in
Benton, Kennebec Co., 26 Mar 1997 (obs. unk.); 1 on Winter’s Hill, Somerset Co., 28 Mar 2017 (M. Fahay, eBird). Single
bird in Scarborough, 11 Apr 1956 (MFO 1[5]: 53), and 2 males
in Scarborough, 24 Apr 1957, listed as late dates for ME (AFN
issue unk.). In Turner, J. Despres registered longspurs 15–31 Apr no fewer than 13 years since 1970 and recorded small numbers
(5 males found at
Sanford Airport, 18 Jun 1988; 5–13 males recorded annually
singing in Fryeburg airport May 2017 (fide B. Zitske); 1 on E. Fall migration appears protracted. Most breeding birds
at Kennebunk disperse early to mid-Sep; few birds observed
here after 15 Sep (PDV, JVW ). Recent exceptions, 1 bird each,
fide eBird: 15 Sep 2012 (N. Gibb) and 26 Sep 2017 (T. Foley). A single migrant on Appledore I., 30 Aug 1987 (MBN 1: 36), and
2 in Cutler, 2 Sep 1993 (AB 48: 90), seem to indicate dispersal
or migration begins late Aug–early Sep. Numerous reports in
coastal York and Cumberland Cos. in Oct. Species reported
on Monhegan I. in Oct, one banded in 1962, and more sighted in 2003 (obs. unk.). Recent Oct reports from Monhegan, 1
bird each, fide eBird: 29 Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble, L. Seitz), 6 Oct
2014 (m.ob.), 8 Oct 2016, and 15 Oct 2017 (both D. Hitchcox).
Uncommon occurrences: 1 at Clarry Hill, Union, 20 Oct 2004
(Guillemot 34: 49); 1 at Green Pt. WMA, Dresden, 23 Oct 2015 (PDV, eBird); 1 at Cape Neddick, 28 Oct 1979 (D. Abbott, PDV; MBL 2[1]: 14); 1 at Petit Manan NWR, 11 Nov 1987
(MBN 1: 36); 1 at Back Cove, Portland, 25 Nov 1989 (AB 44:
60); 1 in Portland, week ending 13 Nov 2001 (NAB 56: 32); 1 ph. at Cape Neddick (The Nubble), 18–19 Nov 2001 (NAB 56: 32).
for at least a decade (N. Famous, PDV, JVW, L. Brinker)
and presence of singing males confirmed as recently as 2016
(B. Zitske, pers. com.). Nesting was confirmed at all four
sites. In 2016, a new population of Grasshopper Sparrows
was discovered at California Fields, Hollis, York Co., in
appropriate habitat, possible breeding reported ( J. Rutford eBird); breeding confirmed with at least a dozen singing
males reported in 2017 (C. Todd, J. Fecteau, eBird).
A nest found at Kennebunk Plains, 30 May 1985, had 5 eggs
on 7 Jun and 5 young reported on 18 Jun; the young subsequently
fledged on 19 Jun 1985. Another nest with 3 eggs discovered at
same locality, 8 Jul 1985, was depredated by 15 Jul ( JVW). With
multiple broods, Grasshopper Sparrows observed feeding recently fledged young as late as 7 Aug 1984.
Grasshopper Sparrows occasionally establish territories
north to Augusta and east to Washington Co., sometimes for
! !
several years in same location, but with no evidence of nesting.
! !!
At the Augusta airport, a male singing, 3–28 Jul 1988 and Jun
1989 (MBN 3[2]: 22); and 2 males observed there on 8 Jul 1994
Grasshopper Sparrow Known Breeding Sites
(G. Therrien et al.). Two males found on Columbia blueberry barrens, early Aug 1996 (PDV, N. Famous); 2 on barrens in
Rare in winter but recorded along coast at least 8
Wesley, Washington Co., 16 Jul 2002 (N. Famous); 1 found
W inter :
Guillemot 34[4]: 39); 3 singing males in Black Brook barrens,
once. Winter records, 1 bird each: Mount Desert I., 15–20 Dec
near Montegal Pond, Twp. 19, 8 Aug 2004 (fide W. Townsend,
times. Species successfully overwintered at a feeding station
Twp. 19, throughout Jul 2005 (N. Famous). Recent observations,
1965 (obs. unk.); at a feeder in Bar Harbor for about a week
Blue Hill, 15 Jul 2016 (Z. Holderby and T. Bjorkman); 4 “birds
Southport, 7 Dec 1976–7 Jan 1977 (P. Adamus, PDV et al.);
1 bird each, fide eBird: a bird calling in an unmowed field in
486
in Dec 1971, and in Seal Harbor, 7–9 Jan 1974 (W. Russell);
freshly dead bird in Yarmouth, 23 Dec 1979 (DWF); wintered in
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Ellsworth, 25 Dec 1980–28 Feb 1981 (obs. unk.); Seapoint Beach,
21 Dec 1987 (PDV, DWF et al.); adult at Back Cove, Portland, 10–11 Jan 1991 (AB 45: 253); Kennebunk Plains, 4 Dec 1996
(PDV); Biddeford Pool, 4–5 Dec 2005 (obs. unk.); Dyer Pt., 1–12 Dec 2015 (m.ob., eBird). PDV
north to MB, and west to BC, WA, and OR, south to TX, NM, and AZ. Formerly bred east to Atlantic states after European settlement. Winters from OK, TX, and CA through Mexico. Recorded in all New England states and neighboring Canadian provinces. S pring :
More than 12 spring records, including 3 inland. Three
birds reported in 1960s: 1 ph. in T5 R8 WELS, n. Penobscot Co.,
Black-throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata
1 Jun 1962 (F. Chapman), thought to be first spring record; 1 in Mercer, Somerset Co., 25 May 1963; 1 in N. Harpswell, several
weeks in May 1968. Two birds on Appledore I., 25 May 1993 (AB
From desert to sea, a cross-continent visitor
47: 396). Single birds on Monhegan I.: 25 May 1998 (MFN 52:
Status in Maine: Accidental. Two winter records. A single bird was studied by many observers and carefully described from Monhegan Island, 29 April–3 May 1983. No photographs were taken (AB 37: 849). Another individual was photographed by many from 1 January–27 February 2016 in Winter Harbor. It was first observed on a Christmas Bird Count (C. Whitney, E. and D. Hawkes, fide D. Hitchcox; eBird) and was accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee.
21 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird); 14 May 2014 (E. Goldberg,
Global Distribution: Black-throated Sparrows normally occur in dry brushy areas of sw. U.S. and Mexico. Breeds from UT west to sw. OR, south to sw. TX, NM, AZ, NV, and se. CA. Casual in ne. N. Am. There are at least two records from MA, both in Apr (Veit and Petersen 1993). PDV
307); 19 and 23 May 2002 (NAB 56: 287); 17 May 2003 (R. Eakin); eBird); and 21–23 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird). A singing male in
New Sharon, Franklin Co., 29 May 2000 (NAB 54: 263), and 1
bird in Cooper, Washington Co., 1 Jun 2013 (K. Holmes, eBird)
particularly unusual. F all :
Annual fall transients, found in small numbers along
coast and particularly outer islands, notably Monhegan and
Appledore Is.; 4–10 birds occur almost every fall (D. Holmes, B. Nikula, P. Moynihan et al.). Birds usually single but 3–4
recorded on same day on Monhegan I. (WJS). On Appledore I.,
Holmes reported in 1990 that this sparrow was “missed for the
first time since 1985,” and in 1991, “there were at least 5 individual
Lark Sparrows on [the] Island this fall, each with different
amounts of breast streaking” (D. Holmes, AB 45: 78). Recent
Appledore I. records: 2 on 18 Aug 2014 (K. Whittier, eBird) and 1 on 30 Sep 2017 (m.ob., eBird). Unrecorded number at Sandy Pt., Cousins I., on 13 Sep 2017 (D. Lovitch).
Most Lark Sparrows reported in late Aug–10 Oct (78%
Lark Sparrow
of all reports); clear peak in Sep (55%). Earliest fall transient observed in Round Pond, 20 Jul 1958 (A. Cruickshank).
Chondestes grammacus
Reports diminish after 15 Oct: Southwest Harbor, Nov 1954
An annual arrival from the hedgerows and shelterbelts well to our west
18 Nov 1979 (obs. unk.); Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 26 Nov 1953
Status in Maine: Lark Sparrows are rare annual fall transients from western open lands, most commonly seen on offshore islands. Casual in spring; there is one winter record.
Krasne, eBird).
(obs. unk.); Biddeford Pool, 2–5 Nov 1977 (obs. unk.); W. Bath, (D. Hayes, fide J. Keene, BMAS 38: 47); Freeport, 5 Dec 2009 ( J. Lark Sparrows notably rare inland in fall: 1 in Turner, 18 Aug
1996 ( J. Despres); 1 in Kokadjo, Piscataquis Co., 18 Sep 1962
(Mrs. A.M. Smith); 1, Ayers I., Orono, 11 Sep 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); 1 in Richmond, 20 Sep 1982 (PDV); 2 in Sanford, 1 Oct
Historical Status in Maine: Knight did not include this species in The Birds of Maine. Palmer considered Lark Sparrows casual visitants with ~13 records 7 Aug–10 Sep 1913–1946. Most of these records were from offshore islands.
2001 (B. Grabin); 1 in W. Fryeburg, 5 Oct 1965 (obs. unk.); Ridge
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in open habitats: grasslands, shrub-steppe, piñon-juniper openings, and roadsides from IL and LA, to WI,
intermittently 10–23 Dec 2015 (m.ob.). Inland records: 1, Maple
Rd., Waterville, 28 Nov 2014 (M. Veins, eBird). W inter :
Single bird on Lewiston–Auburn CBC, 22 Dec 1984.
Recent records, fide eBird: 1 in Stockton Springs, Waldo Co., 29 Dec 2012 (W. Nichols); and 1, Fessenden Rd., Cape Elizabeth,
Ridge Rd., China, Kennebec Co., and Winslow, Kennebec Co.,
25 Dec 2016–3 Jan 2017 (m.ob., eBird). PDV
487
Birds of Maine
Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys A long way from the Great Plains
Status in Maine: This species is casual in Maine. All but two records are from late summer or fall migration. Lark Bunting was first observed in Maine on Hog Island, 25 August 1950, by A. Cruickshank, R. Peterson, and J. Cadbury et al. (BMAS 6[4]: 50–51). A female photographed on Monhegan Island, 30 September–3 October 1978 (PDV and W. Townsend), represented the first confirmed female in Maine. Interestingly, most reports are from coastal islands. The few mainland records include a young male on Scarborough Marsh, August 2003 (L. Brinker et al.); 2 birds on Scarborough Marsh, 6 October 2005 (M. Goldfarb, eBird); an adult male at the Orono Bog Boardwalk, May 28 2006 ( J. Markowski et al.); and a lone bird in Kennebunk from 9–12 June 2009 (NAB 63: 571–572). These last two records represent notable departures from the previous spatial and temporal pattern of appearance. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds primarily on the Great Plains, from s. AB and SK, south to CO, KS, n. NM, and TX panhandle. Winters from OK, TX, and AZ, south through Mexico. Reported in all Maritime Provinces and New England states except NH. Vagrant in all western states, Midwest, and Atlantic Coast states; notably absent from much of the Ozark and Appalachian Mtns. in the Southeast. PDV
Global Distribution: Primarily Nearctic. Chipping Sparrow is one of the most widespread N. Am. passerines. Breeds from sw. NL, n. Canada, and cen. AK south to GA, TX, CA, and Cen. Am. Winters from NJ, NC, AR, TX, and CA, south to FL and Cen. Am. Remarks: Chipping Sparrows can be difficult to identify in winter and few CBC reports are accompanied with adequate documentation. Despite these uncertainties, it is clear that this species is not as rare as prior to 1977. However, the report of seven birds on the Pemaquid–Damariscotta CBC, Dec 1992, should be viewed with skepticism. This species occurs in a variety of shrubby and open habitats but is most abundant in suburban and rural areas and less numerous in heavily forested or wetland habitats. Knight reported that he found nests in many kinds of trees and shrubs: “apple, pear , spruce, fir, maple, cedar, elm, hemlock, hackmatack, poplar, willow, birch, and alder trees and in honeysuckle and woodbines” (1908, 422). He noted that the species is double-brooded and typically lays four eggs to a clutch. S pring :
Chipping Sparrows generally arrive in s. ME in
late Apr–early May, where found in small flocks of 4–15 birds.
Palmer reported they appeared in Cumberland Co. 22–24 Apr, but recognized much annual variation. Typical arrivals include
10 Apr reports in 1957, earliest: 4 in Scarborough on 12 Apr. In
1961, 14 reports in Apr, earliest: 1 in Auburn, Androscoggin Co.,
21 Apr. Spring migration apparently several weeks early in 1966; Packard noted a heavy migration 19–23 Mar and early migrants that year included 3 in Yarmouth, 8 Mar; 1 in Fairfield, 19 Mar;
Chipping Sparrow
and 2 pairs in Alna, Lincoln Co., 23 Mar (MFN 22: 82). In 1968,
main flight occurred 29–30 Apr, with 2 early migrants in Union,
Spizella passerina
21 Mar 1968 (NMAS ref. unk.). Other Mar records: 5 in Wells,
An abundant summer breeder, now more frequently wintering on the coast
Mar 1970 (obs. unk.); 1 in Cape Neddick, 17 Mar 1973 (Card); 1
Status in Maine: Chipping Sparrows are common to abundant summer residents, very common in spring and fall migration, and occasional in winter. Since 1980, this species has become more regular at feeders in winter. Historical Status in Maine: Prior to 1977, Chipping Sparrows were very rare in winter. Palmer noted only one record on Mount Desert I., 26 Dec 1940. Two other records were reported 1940–1977. Since the 1980s, 15 CBCs have reported at least one individual, usually along the coast. 488
30 Mar 1958 (MFO 3: 39); 1 in Durham, Androscoggin Co., 31
in Cape Elizabeth, first week of Mar 1985 (P. McGowan); 1 in
Martinsville, Knox Co., 16 Mar 1985 (P. Koelle). More recent early records, 1 bird each, fide eBird: Blake Rd., Orrington,
Penobscot Co., 2 Mar 2017 ( J. Smith); Clinton, 9 Mar 2014 (T.
Aversa); Biddeford Pool, 12 Mar 2016 (P. Moynahan); N. Main St., Bar Harbor, 31 Mar 2008 (K. Ransier). In Aroostook Co.,
birds arrive in Presque Isle, 9–21 May (M. Trombley). A single bird in Caribou, 26 Apr 1987, then notably early (D. Boucher).
Now Apr arrivals in Aroostook Co. are more regular, fide eBird:
1 on 16 Apr 2015, Ft. Fairfield; 1 on 19 Apr 2008 in Woodland; 2 in St. Agatha, 21 Apr 2012; 7 at Portage L., 23 Apr 2010; and 1
on 24 Apr 2016 in Woodland (all WJS). In Washington Co., 1 at
Roque Bluffs, 8 Apr 1988 unusually early (T. Preston). Migration
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
persists throughout much of May: 15–30 individuals seen
regularly on Monhegan I., 5–15 May, usually diminishing to 5–10
individuals by 25–30 May (PDV). Early birds on Monhegan
I., fide eBird: 1 on 6 Apr 2011 and 20 on 28 Apr 2011 (both T.
Magarian), 8 on 19 Apr 2012 (P. Moynahan, D. Hitchcox), and 3 on 30 Apr 2015 ( J. Boegel).
S ummer :
Chipping Sparrows are common to abundant
throughout Maine in summer. The ABBM confirmed breeding
in 186 blocks. F all :
As with many sparrows, fall migration is protracted,
occurring early Sep–Oct; smaller numbers seen into early Nov,
thereafter numbers diminish quickly. Consistent observations on
Monhegan I. indicate migrants do not usually appear until 8–15 Sep, when small flocks join 6–15 summer residents; 15 appeared on 9 Sep 1985, whereas 3 birds seen previous day. Thereafter,
migrant waves of 20–40 birds appear sporadically late Sep–Oct.
Notably large flights observed 29 Sep 1983 (60 individuals), 26
New England as well as Maine (Brinker and Vickery 1997). Its regularity in summer at Kennebunk Plains and Wells Barren suggests additional breeding pairs are present. Historical Status in Maine: Clay-colored Sparrows were first recorded in Maine when an individual was netted and banded in Castine, 13 Sep 1958 (MFO 3: 121). Prior to 1970, Clay-colored Sparrows were casual spring vagrants and only occasional fall transients on some outer islands, most notably Monhegan I. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in shrubby grasslands, e. NY and sw. QC, west through s. ON to NU, south to MT and MN. One ME breeding record. Species winters primarily in TX and Mexico. S pring :
Since 1974, Clay-colored Sparrows have appeared
regularly in spring, 12–31 May, primarily in s. coastal ME. Single
Sep 1986 (>40), and 17 Oct 1986 (>80; all PDV). Late migrant
bird in Blue Hill, 24–25 May 1966 (W. Hinckley), appears to
immature in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 13 Nov 1995 (L.
1974, 6 individuals reported from as many localities in e. ME
43: 67); Monhegan I. on 22 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); N.
1976, constituted first inland occurrence (PDV). Two birds on
records, 1 each: KWWNM, 4 Nov 2017 (D. Rogers, eBird);
Brinker); Back Cove, Portland, 22 Nov 1988 (R. Eakin, AB
Berwick, 29–30 Nov 1987 (D. Tucker); Bethel, 1–3 Dec 1982. W inter :
There appear to be three records 1940–1977: 1 banded
be first spring record. In 1972, 1 in Bar Harbor, 17 May, and in
(AB 29: 129). Singing male found in Lincoln Ctr., 24 May
Monhegan I., 15 May 1977, provided first spring island records
(W. Russell); 1–4 individuals almost annually since. Recent
Monhegan I. observations, fide eBird: 19–20 and 25 May 2014,
in Brunswick, 12–14 Dec 1959; 1 on Kittery Pt., 29–31 Dec 1966; 1
21 and 26 May 2016, 19 and 22 May 2017. Since 1987, spring
on 3 CBCs (Augusta, Orono–Old Town, Biddeford). In
Steep Falls, Standish, Cumberland Co., 13–14 May 1987 (AB
in York, through Jan 1970. In 1977, Chipping Sparrows reported
transients more regular at inland sites, 1 bird each: singing at
1979–1980, single birds overwintered in Southwest Harbor and
41: 404); male ph. in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 24 May 1992
reported on 1-8 counts/year with 0 to 13 birds counted in total/
Comins); Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 10 May 2001 (D. Mairs);
Oxford, 1979–1980. On CBCs 2007-2017, Chipping Sparrows year, primarily along coast: single bird in Norridgewock, 10
Feb–25 Mar 1993 (W. Sumner, AB 47: 242) was particularly
unusual. A single bird was intermittently observed in Woodland,
10 Dec 2016–21 Jan 2017 (WJS, eBird). PDV
(B. Milardo, B. Barker, J. Markowsky); Bethel, 27 May 2000 (P. singing in Orono, 12 May 2001 ( J. Markowsky); Penjajawoc
Marsh, 27–30 May 2012 (R. Speirs and E. Hendricks, m.ob.;
eBird); Ward Hill, Unity, 13 May 2014 (T. Aversa, eBird). Species
also reported from several coastal localities, 1 each: Grondin
Pd., Scarborough, 10 May 2002 (P. McGowan); Wells, 11
May 2002 (D. Tucker); Bar Harbor, 11–14 May 1999 (D. Fox,
Clay-colored Sparrow
fide W. Townsend); Stratton I., 23 May 2000 (PDV, fide K.
Gammons); Biddeford Pool, 8 May 2012 (K. Fenton, eBird);
Spizella pallida
and 2 in Harpswell, 4 May 2016 (A. Dalton, eBird). Single
An annual coastal visitor from the Great Plains and prairies
on Brothers I., 22 May 2008 (L. Harter, eBird), constitute only
Status in Maine: This species is a rare but regular transient along the coast during spring migration. Recently, Clay-colored Sparrows have been found at a number of inland localities, and since 1990 have become regular in fall. It is also a regular but very local summer visitor with a single confirmed nesting record in Arundel, York County, June–July 1996, a first for
birds on Roque I., Jonesport, late May 1999 (N. Famous), and
spring records for Washington Co.
S ummer :
Since 1976, found sporadically in Jun and Jul; many
appear territorial for several weeks. Species first reported from
Howland, Penobscot Co., 17 Jun 1976 (N. Famous), and 2 years later a male found ~5 mi (8 km) north in Lincoln, 27 Jun–7 Jul
1978 (PDV). A singing male in Freeport, 11 Jun 1982 (obs. unk.),
and another singing male observed in Canaan, Somerset Co., 25
May 1991 (W. Sumner, AB 45: 419). Two males reported during
489
Birds of Maine
Jun–Jul in 1993 (AB 47: 1091). A male found at Quoddy Head S.P., 10 Jun 1997 (N. Famous, FN 51: 974), and singing males
Nov 2003 (L. Brinker); 1 adult at Scarborough, 23 Nov 1988 (R.
Eakin, fide G. Carson, ); 1 in Bar Harbor, 6–7 Dec 1985 (fide
reported from Bangor, 14 Jul 1999 (D Mairs, NAB 53: 366);
W. Townsend). Inland records: 1 in Clinton, 5–9 Nov 1990 (W.
Jul 2005 (D. Mairs).
both exceptional as most late-fall records coastal.
Orono, 1 and 12 Jun 2002 ( J. Markowsky); and Freeport, Jun and Clay-colored Sparrows observed at Kennebunk Plains, 1987–
1999. Most summers a single male, 3 or fewer singing males
noted 1 Jun 1989 (AB 43: 1291). In addition, a male observed
at Wells Barren, adjoining Kennebunk Plains, 8 Jun 1996 (L.
Brinker, D. Mairs). Despite persistence of territorial males,
careful investigation failed to demonstrate nesting (PDV, JVW).
On 9 Jun 1996, L. Brinker located singing male in Arundel, ~5.5
Sumner), and 1, Ward Hill, Unity, 30 Nov 2017 (T. Aversa, eBird),
W inter :
Few winter records. 1 in Benton, Kennebec Co., 24
Dec 1997 (W. Sumner) exceptional both for its date and inland
locality. Other records: 1, Belfast Harbor, 3–4 and 6 Jan 2012 (S.
Hall, C. Kesselheim, and M. Viens; eBird); 1, Rockland Harbor breakwater, 20 Dec 2014 (K. Lindquist and W. Nichols, eBird).
PDV
mi (9 km) north of Kennebunk Plains. On 23 Jun, a second bird observed at this site and both birds observed during following
8 days. On 6 Jul, L. Brinker located a nest with 3 young, still present on 14 Jul; nest empty 16 Jul. Both adults observed
!
!
feeding young on 20 Jul. Adults and fledglings last observed
3 Aug 1986. This constituted first confirmed nesting record for
ME and New England (Brinker and Vickery 1997). Since then, Clay-colored Sparrows rare but regular at Kennebunk Plains
(m.ob., eBird) and up to 4 heard singing at Wells Barren 2018 (N. Sferra).
!
Other recent summer records, fide eBird: 1, Penjajawoc
Marsh, 1 and 4–5 Jun 2012 (M. Iliff et al.); 2, Cape Wash
!
Wetland, Washington Co., 17 Jun 2014 (B. Griffith); 1, Seal
!
I. NWR, 11 Jul 2015 (K. Yakola); 1–2 birds, Bowdoin Sand
Zimmerman et al.). F all :
!
!
Plain, intermittently 15–30 Jun 2017 (T. Fennell et al.); and 1,
Laudholm Farm, Wells, intermittently 17 Jun–22 Jul 2017 (M.
!
!
!! ! ! ! !!!!
!
!
Clay-colored Sparrow May-July 2010s Records
First documented ME record: adult banded in Castine,
13 Sep 1958 (MFO 3: 121). Single bird on Monhegan I., 5 Sep
1964 listed as second ME record (AFN 19: 8). Thereafter, Claycolored Sparrows observed annually, primarily on Monhegan
I. and other coastal localities. Fifteen individuals reported on
Field Sparrow
Monhegan I., 26 Sep–10 Oct 1970 (T. Martin). First appear
Spizella pusilla
8 Sep 1995 (D. Holmes); E. Machias, first week Sep 1980 (obs.
A warm-toned sparrow of shrubby fields, with a pingpong ball song
early Sep on Appledore I.: 4 Sep 1999, 8 Sep 1987, and 2 birds on unk.); Day’s Landing, Biddeford, 8 Sep 1998 (P. Moynahan).
Primary movement occurs late Sep–Oct, maximum 3–4 on
Monhegan I., 27 Sep–13 Oct. Recent fall records, 1 each, fide
eBird: Fryeburg Harbor, 25 Sep 2010 ( J. Stevens); back beach
and Lopaus Pt., Hancock Co., 12 Oct 2014 (C. Kesselheim);
Sears I., 16 Oct 2016 ( J. Wyatt); Petit Manan NWR, 1 Oct
2017 ( J. Garver); and Monhegan I., 2 Oct 2017 (L. Seitz et al.).
Fewer records after 20 Oct: 2 ph. in Yarmouth, 20–22 Oct 1992 (L. Brinker, MBN 5[2]: 34); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 26 Oct 1992
(K. Gammons); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 27 Oct 1994 (G. Carson). Species mostly gone Nov–early Dec, observations since 1988:
1 in Somerville, Lincoln Co., 5 Nov 1992 ( J. Hassett); 1 in
Martinsville, Knox Co., 10 Nov 1990 (M. Plymire); 1 at Cliff
House, York, 16–25 Nov 2000 (D. Mairs et al.); 1 in Portland, 17
490
Status in Maine: Field Sparrows are local breeders in brushy habitat through southern and central Maine north to Houlton, and are uncommon in Washington County. This species is uncommon in migration and rare in winter, when it occurs primarily in south coastal Maine. Breeding Bird Surveys indicate a decline in Maine of 6.04% annually, 1966–2015. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer reported Field Sparrows as breeding, primarily south of Aroostook Co. Palmer also reported sightings during fall migration. Although never common, this species was thought more regular in Hancock and
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Washington County blueberry barrens, 1970s–early 1980s (N. Famous). Since 1970, evidence suggests this species makes a more protracted southerly migration extending into Oct–early Nov, rather than late Aug– early Sep dates reported by Palmer. Global Distribution: Breeds from s. NB, cen. ME, s. QC, and ON, west to MT, south to GA, n. FL, and TX. Winters in s. New England, n. OH and IL to OK, TX, and FL. Species has occurred in NFLD and NS. S pring :
F all :
Historically, Field Sparrows dispersed from breeding areas
late Aug–early Sep. Palmer reported migration was underway by
13 Sep and peaked late Sep–early Oct, ending by 19 Oct. A single bird in S. Freeport was considered late, 1 Nov 1961 (MFO 6: 122).
Noteworthy inland records: 2–3 birds in Farmington, 27 Nov
1976. Single birds: in S. Berwick, York Co., on 29 Nov 1987, and at same locality 18 Nov 1988 (D. Tucker); Fairfield, 2 Nov 1996 (W.
Sumner); Prince’s Cove Beach, Eastport, 19 Nov 2009 (C. Bartlett, eBird); Mount Desert I. High School, 25 Nov 2017 (M.J. Good, eBird); and Dresden, 2 Dec 2007 (M. Fahay).
Although rarely numerous (2–5 birds commonly seen
in migration), Field Sparrows generally arrive in s. cen. ME
16–30 Apr–early May. Few birds arrive in early Apr. Records
from 1957 typical: 4 Apr reports, first in Auburn, Androscoggin
Co., 13 Apr 1957 (MFO 2: 49). Similarly, in 1961, 6 Apr reports,
first in Brunswick, 12 Apr 1961 (obs. unk.). Notably early records:
2 on Cape Porpoise, York Co., and 2 in York, 30 Mar 1968 (obs. unk.); 1 in Cape Elizabeth on 1 Apr 2006 (D. Lovitch); 1 in
Kennebunk Beach, 1 Apr 1973; most birds that year arrived 12–29
Apr 1973 ( J. Ficker; MN, May 1973). In Somerset Co., spring
migrants recorded in Canaan, 20 Apr 1991; Skowhegan, 27 Apr
1995 (both W. Sumner); and Good Will Hinckley, 30 Apr 2009 (D.F. Smith, eBird). Recorded 3 times in 14 years on Sugar I., Moosehead L.: May 1955, May 1957, and 20 May 1959 (MFO
4: 52). Field Sparrows appear in Washington Co. in mid-May: Petit Manan NWR, 14 May 1988 (R. Widrig); 15 May 1996
Field Sparrow Breeding Range
(PDV, fide A. Bacon); 28–29 May 2016 (m.ob., eBird); and on
( Local !
Garnet Head Rd., Pembroke, 10 May 2017 (W. Giles, eBird).
Only known spring report in Aroostook Co., 21 Apr 2013 in
Woodland (WJS, eBird). S ummer :
Field Sparrows breed in “old brushy fields and
pastures where the territory is rather open, spotted with
bushes here and there” (Knight 1908, 424). They are usually
double-brooded in ME; nests with full sets of 5 eggs found in
Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 1 Jun 1902 (Palmer 1949). ABBM confirmed breeding in 23 blocks with probable breeding at an
additional 41 blocks. It found the species most common in York
W inter :
CBC data indicate that Field Sparrows are
occasional on southern coastal counts and rare north to Bangor
(Dec 1971), Orono (Dec 1993), and Unity (Dec 2004). One to
3 individuals counted on Mount Desert I. (6 different counts),
Thomaston–Rockland (6), Bath (1), Portland (5), Biddeford (2),
and York (4) counts, with maxima of 5 on York CBC, Dec 1973.
Other winter records (most obs. unk.): 1 in Bowdoinham, 14
and Cumberland Cos., but nesting confirmed in cen. Franklin
Jan 1967; 1 in Union, 18 Dec 1967; 4 in Gorham, Cumberland
Deblois, Washington Co. (Adamus 1987).
Hull’s Cove, Mount Desert I., 16–31 Jan 1969; 1 in Calais, 12 Jan
and Oxford Cos., north to Lincoln, Penobscot Co., and east to At the Lincoln locality, 6 pairs and 2 nests (4 and 3 eggs,
respectively) found 27 Jun 1987 (PDV), along with an unusual
assemblage of birds: 5 pairs of Chipping Sparrows, 4 Lincoln’s
Sparrows, 3 Savannah Sparrows, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 2 Gray Catbirds, 2 Black-billed Cuckoos, 1 Brown Thrasher, and
3 Wilson’s Warblers (all PDV). Not confirmed breeding in
Aroostook Co. but occurred in small numbers near Houlton,
Co., 15 Dec 1967–Jan 1968, 1 remaining through Feb 1968; 1 in
1969; 1 in Bethel, through Jan 1973; 1 in Orono, 18 and 23 Jan
1988 ( J. Markowsky, MBN 1: 45); 1 in Falmouth, 11 Feb 1990 (W. Sumner); 1 in Winterport, Waldo Co., Nov 2005–Apr 2006;
1 in Yarmouth, Dec 2005–Apr 2006 (D. Lovitch); on Clarry
Hill, Union, 2 Jan 2012 (S. Hall, eBird). Finally, 1 bird sighted
inland in Farmington, 12 Jan 2007 (W. Sumner). Unlikely Field
Sparrows survive winter in ME away from feeding stations.
where breeding was suspected but not confirmed (S. Rooney).
Disappearance of individuals at feeders Jan–Feb suggests even
Grindstone Rd., Stacyville, Penobscot Co., on 15 Jul 2017 (R.
during this season.
Singing male in Woodland, 2 Jul 1997, and a single bird on MacDonald, eBird), farther north than usual.
these food sources may be insufficient to sustain this species
PDV
491
Birds of Maine
Brewer’s Sparrow
Spizella breweri
An visitor from sagebrush steppes, ‘the bird without a field mark’
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single record of one adult sighted on Monhegan Island, 25–29 May 2014, and documented by both photo and recorded song (L. Brinker, J. Trimble; ME-BRC #2014-006).
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Four major forms and numerous subspecies (Weckstein et al. 2002). The rusty eastern form of Fox Sparrow breeds from NL and cen. NB, west through n. QC and ON to AK and south to n. ME, NH, and perhaps VT and NY. Winters from s. ME and coastal New England, south to n. FL and west to IL and s. MN, south to TX. It occurs regularly in all New England states and Canadian provinces.
Global Distribution: Western Nearctic. Brewer’s Sparrow breeds in nw. U.S. and se. Canada from MT and s. SK west to s. BC, south to ne. AZ and west to CA. Winters in w. TX, west to CA and south to n. Mexico.
The Fox Sparrow is characteristically found in Canadian
Remarks: “When we come upon the Brewer Sparrow, we are ready to wager that here the dame [Nature] has done her utmost to produce a bird of non-committal appearance. Mere brown might have been conspicuous by default, but brownish, broken up by hazy streakings of other brownish or dusky, call it what you will, has given us a bird which, so far as plumage is concerned, may be said to have no mark of distinction whatever: just bird” (Dawson 1923, 313).
Maine in 1983 and subsequent movement into the
BSV
boreal forests. Its surprising recent southward range
extension is not unique to Maine; observers in Quebec
and Nova Scotia began noticing Fox Sparrows breeding south of the St. Lawrence in the mid-1980s (Lloyd
2018a). Since the discovery of breeding in northern western mountains, nesting has been confirmed in northern New Hampshire and there are summer
observations in the Green Mountains of Vermont and in the Adirondacks of New York; this is a breeding range extension of about 250 mi. (400 km) in a span of three
decades (Lloyd 2018a). Such a southward range extension for a boreal species runs counter to our assumptions
about how bird ranges will shift in a warming climate. Indeed, Fox Sparrows are also breeding farther north
than they used to, as shrub cover increases at the tundra’s
Fox Sparrow
southern edge in Labrador, for instance (Whitaker 2017). Breeding-season Fox Sparrows found in the
Passerella iliaca
northeastern U.S. are most often found in high elevation
A boreal sparrow expanding its range south
stands. Lloyd (2018b) pointed out that the southward
Status in Maine: Fox Sparrows are uncommon to common migrants in spring and fall. Numbers vary year to year though this species is rarely abundant. Since nesting was first confirmed in Northwest Maine in 1983, singing males are increasingly observed in summer in that area, in and around Baxter State Park, and in the western mountains where this species likely breeds, albeit uncommonly. Fox Sparrows were previously more regular in winter than at present. Since 1990, they are uncommon to casual in winter along the southern coast. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered the species a common spring and fall migrant, though Palmer noted that abundance varied between years. He considered the species rare in winter. 492
krummholz forest or in young regenerating spruce-fir
expansion in northern Maine coincided with a significant increase in young spruce-fir stands in the decades
following Spruce Budworm outbreak salvage harvests and speculated that increased habitat availability may have
facilitated the range expansion. However, the subsequent appearance in high elevation krummholz forests in
western Maine and New Hampshire suggests there may be other causes.
Spring: First movement early to mid-Mar, main migration 17
Mar–10 Apr. One to 4 early migrants reported from various
localities, especially in e. and cen. ME: Owl’s Head, Knox Co., 8
Mar 1985 (D. Spaulding); Scarborough, 9 Mar 1990 (G. Carson); Cherryfield, 28 Feb 1991 ( J. Bush, fide G. Hazelton); Veazie,
Penobscot Co., 3 Mar 1995 (fide A. Bacon); Ward Hill, Unity, 2 Mar 2013 (T. Aversa, eBird); Skowhegan, 1–7 Mar 2016
(M. Taylor, eBird). By mid-Mar, common in small numbers
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Comstock Twp., Somerset Co., 14 Jun 2005 (both M. Smith). Territorial Fox Sparrows in BSP since 1992: 3 along Hunt
Trail, Mt. Katahdin, T3 R10 WELS, 18 Jun 1992 ( J. Greenlaw); 1 singing near Basin Pond, 20 Jun 1999 (PDV ); and 1 singing along Hamlin Peak Trail, Mt. Katahdin Twp., 19 Jun 2000
(PDV, NAB 54: 361); 8 in BSP at “high elevation and they
were all singing,” 30 Jun 2011 (T. Bjorkman, eBird); and 2–3
“vocal birds at different locations” at Nesowadnehunk Field Fox Sparrow
(5–15) at feeding stations and in open woodland and shrubland:
11 were spotted in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 31 Mar
2007 (L. Brinker). In 1903, Brownson saw several flocks of at
least 50 birds in Cape Elizabeth on early date of 14 Mar. Apr
snowstorms can bring large numbers to feeders and road edges.
In 1956, an enormous spring migration, >100 at many feeding
stations: “Thousands concentrated along the coast from Cape
Elizabeth east to Washington Co.,” 6–9 Apr 1956, when there was still snow cover in the woods (MFO 1: 53). Similarly, in
1989, >50 individuals seen in Steuben, grounded by 8 inches
(20 cm) of fresh snow, 3 Apr 1989 (AB 43: 451). Fox Sparrows
depart s. ME 6–15 Apr; in 1973 a widespread decrease noted in s. ME by 12 Apr 1973 (MFN 5: 7).
Single birds on Stratton I. to 10 May 2003 (obs. unk.);
Ward Hill, Unity, 1 May 2015 (T. Aversa, eBird); Rangeley area, Franklin Co., 21 May 2012 (L. Seitz and I. Davies, eBird), may be notably late migrants or arriving breeders. Single bird in
Topsham through Jun 1973 apparently failed to migrate north
(MFN 5: 7). These sparrows arrive in Aroostook Co. 16–24 Apr
Campground, 10–11 Jun 2014 (S. Benz). Few lingering birds in
BSP in Aug: 6 on Tote Rd. to Phoenix Camp, 8 Aug 2012 (M.
Fahay, eBird), and 1 at Roaring Brook, 12 Aug 2017 (G. Ward, eBird).
Fall:
Fall migration protracted and varies annually; first
migrants ~15 Oct, birds may linger into late Nov. Generally, 2–8 individuals together, larger flocks also reported. In 1957, fall
migrants arrived 27–30 Oct, with 30 birds in Castine, 26 Oct
1957 (MFO 2: 119). In 1965, >20 reports occurred 15–30 Oct
(MFN 21[5]: 16). No evidence of progressive fall migration, north to south; migrants arrived in Woodland 15 Sep 2012,
and 24–29 Oct in 2004 and 2005 (WJS). Unusually early fall
migrants: BSP, Mt. Katahdin Twp., 23 Sep 1995 ( J. Brink); 1 in
Lincoln Ctr., 28 Sep 1978 (PDV ); Canaan, Somerset Co., 30
Sep 1995 (W. Sumner); Monhegan I., 30 Sep 2004 (S. Walsh);
Ellsworth, 3 Oct 1910 (Palmer 1949); Cushing, Knox Co., 6 Oct 1985 (L. Brinker); Portland, 8 Oct 2001 (L. Brinker);
Avon, Franklin Co., 8 Oct 1904 (Palmer 1949); Damariscotta,
9 Oct 1908 (Palmer 1949); 1, Telos Rd., W. Baxter, 11 Oct 2013 (D. Shepler, eBird); Monhegan I., 14 Oct 2010 (T. Magarian, eBird).
and depart north in last days of the month (WJS). Earliest
arrivals for Aroostook Co. reported from Rt. 205 Pond, 1 Apr
2008 (WJS); Woodland, 5 Apr 2006 (WJS); and Presque Isle,
!
12 Apr 1992 (M. Trombley). Single bird in Ft. Kent, 9 May 1984 (S. and G. Flagg), within species’ breeding range. Summer:
Unknown in summer prior to 1981. In Jun 1981,
singing male on territory near Baker L., in n. Somerset Co.,
provided first indication of breeding in ME, although no
further evidence of nesting found (MB 3: 38). Breeding was
confirmed in 1983, 2 adults observed carrying food, giving
distraction displays in a cut-over spruce forest with dense low brush in T18 R13 WELS, Aroostook Co., in n. tip of
ME, 12 Jul 1983 (MB 5: 34). Subsequently, singing male seen
! ! ! !! ! !
! !
!
!!! ! !!! ! !! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!
near Square L., in T16 R5 WELS, Aroostook Co., 28 May
1988, but no evidence of nesting (MBN 2: 19). Three singing
males reported in suitable nesting habitat in n. ME, late Jun
1993 (AB 47: 1091). More recently, singing males observed on territory, 31 May 2004, in T19 R12 WELS, Aroostook Co.,
approximately 4.8 mi (8 km) from confirmed 1983 nesting
Fox Sparrow Range Expansion ! ( ! ( ! ( ! (
1980s May-July Records 1990s May-July Records 2000s May-July Records 2010s May-July Records
(WJS); in Tomhegan Twp., Somerset Co., 4–10 Jun 2005 (obs. unk.); at T4 R12 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 13 Jun 2005 and in
493
Birds of Maine Winter:
Migration continues Nov–Dec, with local movement
into Jan, demonstrated by arrival of single birds on Seguin
I. (where species does not winter), 2 Dec and 17 Dec 1903
(JMOS 6: 16), and by appearance at other inland localities such as Seal Harbor, Mount Desert I., in Jan 1993 (fide A. Bacon).
Although they feed on native foods during winter, 1 “busy
stripping an Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) of its fruit” in Lisbon,
Androscoggin Co., 31 Jan 1954 (BMAS 10: 34), unlikely many Fox Sparrows survive winter unless they remain at feeders.
One to 5 birds reported nearly annually on CBCs along
s. and cen. coast 1955–1983, species increasingly irregular since.
Annual on Mount Desert I. CBC from 1957–1982, recorded 20
years reveal same pattern of inland rarity: Presque Isle (recorded on 1 count), Bangor (3), Orono–Old Town (4), Farmington (0),
Waterville (2), Augusta (3). Fox Sparrows especially numerous
in winter of 1976–1977, many individuals seen on coastal CBCs:
York Co. (17 birds), Biddeford (19), Bath (28), Vinalhaven (14), and Mount Desert I. (45), but not inland. Unusual numbers reported from e. ME in 1980, not elsewhere: 116 individuals
recorded, including 48 birds on Machias Bay CBC and 42 on
Mount Desert I. CBC, Dec 1980. PDV
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL across Arctic Canada to n. AK. Winters from s. Canada through ME to NC, TX, and n. CA. Occurs regularly in all New England states and Canadian provinces. Remarks: Reports of single birds in Ellsworth, 10 Jun 1982 (MB 4: 45), and in Rangeley, 28 Jul 1984 (Guillemot 34: 39), both lacked supporting details and should be disregarded. Single flock of at least 140 observed in Dresden along Kennebec R., 12 Jan 2007 (PDV). Spring:
American Tree Sparrows remain in s. ME until
early Apr, most depart by 15 Apr. First northern migrants
in Presque Isle reported 7 Apr (Palmer 1949), which is
consistent with early Apr migration. Five records 1–5 May.
Notably late reports: 1 in Ft. Kent, 8 May 1982 (obs. unk.); 1 in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 12 May 1960 (MFO 5: 62); in
Wilton, 23 May 1958 (Fernalds, MFO 3: 65). Palmer noted
“in southwestern Maine, numbers increase the second week
of March and continue high from then until about April 14”
(Palmer 1949, 561). It is unclear on what basis or information he asserted the early northward migration in Mar, for which there is no contemporary support. Knight noted that spring
migration went through Bangor from 20 Mar–5 Apr, and
individuals occurred as late as 16 May. Recent late reports, fide
eBird: on May 9, 2 in Irving Lot, near Stockholm, in 2010, and
1 in T11 R11 WELS, Aroostook Co., in 2011 (both WJS); 2 in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Orono, 11 May 2011 (P. Corcoran); 1 on Monhegan I., 23 May 2013 (F. Mantlik).
American Tree Sparrow
Fall:
Palmer noted first reliable report for s. ME from
Spizelloides arborea
Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 13 Oct 1925, seen by Norton. More
The tree sparrow is one of Maine’s winter birding delights
more common dates for s. ME late Oct, fide eBird: 3 at Beach
Status in Maine: American Tree Sparrows are generally common winter residents in brushy habitat throughout Maine, but the number of birds varies substantially between years. The species arrives from its subarctic and Arctic breeding grounds in midOctober and remains through mid-April. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer reported that birds arrived in n. ME, 8–14 Oct, and were generally in Portland area by 20 Oct; consistent with more contemporary reports, 1970–2005. There are no reliable ME records prior to 10 Oct. Palmer had good reason to doubt the accuracy of Knight’s assertion that fall migrants arrived in Bangor area in early Sep and occurred in Ft. Kent by early Aug. 494
recently, individual observed in Turner, 11 Oct 1991 ( J. Despres);
Plum Farm, York Co., 30 Oct 2013 (D. Doubleday); 3 at Ft.
Foster, 30 Oct 2007 (D. Lovitch); and 4 in N. Berwick, 31 Oct
2012 (A. Aldrich). Fall migration peaks late Oct to mid-Nov with small flocks of 20–40 individuals. Because this species
commonly winters in ME, it is difficult to determine concluding dates of fall migration, although Veit and Petersen (1993) note that this species arrives in MA in late Oct.
Winter:
Common winter residents throughout ME but
numbers vary considerably from one year to the next. Species
recorded annually on nearly every mainland CBC from
Presque Isle to York Co. As of 2006, average number on counts varies from 20 individuals/year in Eastport to 122 individuals/
year on York Co. CBC. In n. ME, fewer birds reported on
Presque Isle CBC (1–80 birds, average 27.6/year) than on other central interior CBCs: Bangor–Bucksport (8–270, average
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
61), Orono–Old Town (12–180, average 64), Waterville (2–244, average 68.5), Augusta (15–159, average 75.6), Farmington (11–
278, average 91.6), Lewiston–Auburn (7–182, average 59). CBCs in Hancock and Washington Cos. generally lower (Danforth,
average 44.5; Calais, 28.8; Eastport 20.1) but Machias Bay
(82), Moose I.–Jonesboro (49), and Mount Desert I. (52.7)
similar to counts in s. coastal ME (Thomaston–Rockland,
82.3; Pemaquid–Damariscotta, 20.9; Bath, 48.2; Freeport, 61.9; Portland, 88.4; Biddeford, 122.0; York Co., 52.6). At least 140 in a single flock in Dresden along Kennebec R., 12 Jan 2007
(PDV ). PDV
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
A ground-feeding and -nesting boreal bird with a sweet song and subtle beauty
Status in Maine: The nominate “Slate-colored” race of the Dark-eyed Junco (J. h. hyemalis) is common in summer throughout most of Maine but local in York and Cumberland Counties. Abundant in spring and fall migration, juncos are now common in winter at many feeding stations throughout Maine, although less numerous in Aroostook County. Western subspecies in the “Oregon” Dark-eyed Junco group, including J. h. thurberi, occur rarely in Maine in winter; it is unclear if some Oregon-form records might actually be “Pink-sided” Dark-eyed Junco (J. h. mearnsi). Historical Status in Maine: Norton’s summary of junco summer distribution in 1904 has not changed appreciably: “[B]eing a bird of the Canadian fauna it does not breed in much of the lower lands of southwestern Maine, yet it is a common summer resident and breeds in part of York Co.” (A. Norton, JMOS 6: 54). Palmer said that juncos overwintered irregularly in small numbers, mainly coastally. He listed the “Oregon” Junco as a hypothetical with one sight record in Camden, Knox Co., 1947. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from ME north to NL, west to Hudson Bay and AK, south through most of New England and along Appalachian Mtns. to SC, and in Rocky Mtns. south to NM. Winters throughout much of breeding range, but withdraws from northern latitudes, south to FL, TX, and n. Mexico.
Remarks: AOS recognizes five main subspecies groups, most common being the “Slate-colored” Junco group on the eastern coast of N. Am., and the “Oregon” Junco group on the western coast. “Oregon” Juncos sighted nearly annually in ME in winter, first confirmed in Cumberland Mills, Cumberland Co., and Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 26 Dec 1957 (MFO 3: 7). Those identified as “Pink-sided” Juncos (J. h. mearnsi) reported six times: S. Portland, 8 Nov 1988 (K. Gammons, AB 43: 67); Turner, 13 Mar 1995 ( J. Despres); Gilsland Farm, 20 Jan 1998 (R. Duddy); Wilton, week ending 15 Oct 2001 ( J. Dwight); and Bar Harbor, 14 Jan to mid-Feb 2003 (W. Townsend). One unusual sighting of possible “White-winged” Junco (J. h. aikeni) in Bar Harbor, 19 Apr 1997 (C. Witt), would be second sighting of this subspecies in New England. “This subspecies, which breeds primarily in the vicinity of the Black Hills of South Dakota, has rarely, if ever, been definitively identified in New England. Apparently, ‘Slatecolored’ Dark-eyed Juncos may occasionally possess white wing bars, but these rare individuals also possess less than 3 completely white outer rectrices and a gray plumage darker than their slightly larger Dakota relatives. Such atypical ‘Slate-coloreds’ may represent intergrades, ‘hybrids’ from ‘White-winged’ parentage and some other junco subspecies” (FN 48: 278–279). Spring:
Dark-eyed Juncos among first migrant passerines,
arriving early to mid-Mar, occasionally as early as late Feb. In
1980, 3 Juncos arrived in Parsonsfield, York Co., 22 Feb (M.
Lucey); 1 in T4 R11 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 25 Feb (S. Roy);
6 in Vassalboro, Kennebec Co., 25 Feb (S. Oliveri); and 1 in
Mexico, Oxford Co., 28 Feb (W. H. Arnold). Five migrants in Mapleton, Aroostook Co., 27 Feb 1982 (M. Holmes),
exceptionally early for n. ME. More typical arrival dates
in Aroostook: 28 on Red R. Rd., Winterville, 12 Mar 2016
(B. Sawtelle and R. O’Connell, eBird); 6 in Woodland on 12
Mar 2016 (WJS, eBird); 6 in Ft. Kent, 27 Mar 1982 (G. and S.
Flagg); 1 in Presque Isle, 25 Mar 1989 (M. Trombley); and 25
in Houlton, 11 Mar 1997 (fide K. Gammons). Main migration
occurs late Mar–Apr when flocks of 10–50 birds common.
Counts of 200 in Brunswick, 7 Apr 2005 (M. Doucette); 143
in Falmouth, 3 Apr 2006 (L. Seitz); 100 on Pennamaquan R.,
Pembroke, Washington Co., 3 Apr 2014 (W. Gillies, eBird); 90 on Monhegan I., 29 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird); 80 birds
in Ft. Kent ( J. Gibson) and Solon, Somerset Co. (M. Lucey), both on 30 Apr 1982; 70 in Wilton, 11 Apr 2006 ( J. Dwight).
Most juncos pass through York and Cumberland Cos. by late
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Birds of Maine
Apr. Nearly all migrants departed by early May with lingering
birds in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 28 May, and 2 on Orr’s I.,
Cumberland Co., 29 May 1973 (MN Jun 1973). Additional late record: 1 on Appledore I., 28 May 1997 (D. Holmes).
ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed nesting
S ummer :
throughout ME; juncos especially common in n. and e. ME.
BBS in n. and w. ME varied from 2–21 males on 18 routes in
1979 (D. Folger). Species found and confirmed in few sites in
York and Cumberland Cos. (Adamus 1987) but breeds annually on Mt. Agamenticus. Common at Morse Mtn.: >6 males, 29
Jun 1999 (PDV, R. Ridgely); 12 on 26 Jun 2010 and 8 on 17 Jun
2016 (both G. Smith, eBird). BBS data show significant declines of 1.9% and 5.9% in ME’s junco population, 1966–2015 and
and 33 on 5 Jan 2016 (D. Hitchcox et al., eBird); 30 in Houlton,
2 Jan 2001 (L. Little); 10 in Woodland, 9 Nov 2004 (WJS);
60 in Brunswick, 21 Nov 2004 (P. Doucette); 6 on 13 Dec
2005 and 30 on 2 Dec 2006, both in Houlton (L. Little); 15 on Gamage Ave., Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 31 Dec 2017
(A. Boss, eBird). Notably late records: a flock wintering in Ft. Kent, 1905–1906 (JMOS 8: 52); 3 in Parsonsfield, York Co., 22
Feb 1987 (M. Lucey); 1 in T4 R11 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 25 Feb 1987 (P. Roy); >2 in N. Chesterville, Franklin Co., mid-
Feb 1989 (H. Wyckoff, W. Howes); 2 in Woodland, 25 Jan 2005 (WJS); and 26 in Chapman, Aroostook Co., 14 Feb 2016 (M.
White, eBird). PDV
2005–2015, respectively (Sauer et al. 2017).
Species nests in shrubby or wooded habitats in ME,
placing ground nest along slope, road cut, or among tree
White-crowned Sparrow
roots. Unusual was a nest with 4 eggs in American Beachgrass
Zonotrichia leucophrys
placed in small cavity on exposed slope along path in back
Long tail, short bill, and jaunty black-and-white striped head add up to elegance
(Ammophila breviligulata) behind Seawall Beach. Nest was
dune area with scattered Pitch Pine canopy (PDV ). Males occasionally appear in unexpected habitats: male “singing
persistently” on open sandplain grassland at Kennebunk Plains throughout Jun 1991 ( JVW ). Open xeric grassland supports
Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and
Eastern Meadowlark, not typically found nesting with Darkeyed Junco.
F all :
Dark-eyed Juncos common to abundant late Sep–early
Oct. Flocks sometimes number >200 birds. In 1957, a major
flight reported in late Oct: >100 in Pownal, 21 Oct; 60 in St.
George, Knox Co., 27 Oct; >100 in Biddeford, 27 Oct; >40 in
Milbridge, 27 Oct (MFO 2: 118). Thousands seen in cen. coastal
ME, 29 Oct 1985 (AB 40: 259). Concentrations on Monhegan I.:
75 on 25 Sep 1982 and 80 on 27 Sep 1983 (both DWF); 300–400 on 29 Sep 1995 (B. Nikula, FN 50: 25); 5,000–10,000 from 8–13
Oct 1997 (S. Surner, FN 52: 32); 40 on 24 Sep 2012 (S. Barnes et al., eBird); 710 on 12 Oct 2014 (L. Seitz et al., eBird). Notable
mainland concentrations: 300–400 in Turner, 24 Sep 1995 ( J.
Despres, FN 50: 25); 100 in Wilton, 21 Oct 2003 ( J. Dwight);
>100 in S. Portland, 29 Oct 2003 (D. Lovitch); 150 at Penjajawoc Marsh, 27 Sep 2008 (P. Corcoran, eBird); 30 at Bald Mtn., 22
Oct 2017 (C. Marland, eBird). W inter :
Common feeder visitors Nov–Feb throughout
most of s. and cen. ME. Sighted on at least one ME CBC
every year since 1984 and in increasing numbers. In 2000–2001, juncos “occurred in numbers large enough to exceed C.B.C.
records throughout the [New England] Region” (fide P. Hunt,
NAB 55: 149). Earlier season records often include larger
flocks: 13, including 1 “Oregon” Junco, in Sedgwick, Hancock
Co., 5 Dec 1994 (fide A. Bacon); 17 in Turner, 28 Dec 1994 ( J.
Despres); 46 on Monhegan I., 2 Jan 1997 (PDV, D. Mairs),
496
Status in Maine: The abundance of eastern Whitecrowned Sparrows in Maine varies substantially from year to year. In spring this species is usually common in small numbers (two to six individuals). In fall it can be scarce in some years, abundant in others (e.g more than 40 individuals). It is rare in winter at feeders. There are several summer records, but breeding has not been documented. Historical Status in Maine: In 1904, Norton noted, “our present information indicates that [the Whitecrowned Sparrow] is considerably less common east of the Penobscot Bay and River than in western Maine… irregular in its seasons of abundance… and passes almost entirely beyond our borders within the space of a fortnight” (JMOS 6: 53). There is no clear evidence that this species is less common in e. ME; it is more likely that the irregularity of migration led Norton to this viewpoint. Citing Chamberlain’s observations for Presque Isle, Palmer said that spring arrival dates were usually 7–16 May and listed several summer and fall records. Palmer also listed “Gambel’s” White-crowned Sparrow, a northern subspecies, as a likely hypothetical. Global Distribution: Nearctic. The White-crowned Sparrow is a wide-ranging species with five recognized subspecies (AOU 1957). The eastern subspecies, Z. l. leucophrys, is the only regular spring and fall migrant in ME. It breeds from n. NL, QC, and ON to Hudson Bay. Winters from s. CT south to FL and Gulf Coast.
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
The western subspecies “Gambel’s” White-crowned Sparrow (Z. l. gambelii) occurs in ME uncommonly. It breeds from w. Hudson Bay through n. Canada and AK and winters primarily in OK, w. TX, and n. Mexico. Three other western subspecies are not known to occur in ME. Remarks: “Gambel’s” White-crowned Sparrow (Z. l. gambelii) is rare in ME. Palmer listed it as hypothetical, citing A.O. Gross, a Bowdoin College ornithologist, who reported to Norton that one of these sparrows was coming to his feeding station in Brunswick through Apr 1942: “I have determined beyond a doubt that it is a Gambel’s Sparrow. The space in front of the eyes is distinctly white without any black; the black line on the side of the head stops behind the eye. I have checked on all details so that I am now certain of the identification.” There are at least three spring records of “Gambel’s,” all on Monhegan I., one bird each: 15 May 1977, 15–18 May 2003, and 5–6 May 1984, an adult (PDV). This subspecies is rare but regular on Monhegan I. in fall. S pring :
First White-crowned Sparrows arrive in s. ME
late Apr, widespread in small numbers by 5 May, with main
flight later in the month. Palmer noted 2 Apr dates, 26 Apr
1908 and 30 Apr 1893 in Portland, both seen by Norton. Since 1958, White-crowned Sparrows appear late Apr in s. ME,
notably: 1 on Seal Cove Rd., Southwest Harbor, 1 Apr 2007
(C. Kesselheim, eBird); 1 in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 8
Apr 2003 ( J. Frank); 1 in Kennebunk, 11 Apr 2011 (S. Schulta,
eBird); 1 in Lovell, Oxford Co., 16 Apr 1990 (E. McNerney); 1
in Portland, 17 Apr 1999 (PDV); 6 in Bar Harbor, 19 Apr 2003
(W. Townsend); and 6 in Brunswick, 21 Apr 1957 (MFO 2: 49).
Recent late Mar records, 1 bird each, fide eBird: Sky Harbor Dr.,
departures by 19 May in Brunswick. Last bird seen in Topsham,
29 May 1973 (obs. unk.).
Spring concentrations of >8 individuals rare. Monhegan I.,
high counts: 12 on 25 May 1983 (S. Tingley), 25 on 22 May 1984
(B. Bochan), 30 on 13 May 1997 (PDV, D. Abbot), and 45 on 15 May 2003 (DWF et al.). Notable mainland concentrations: 15 in Phippsburg, 12 May 1996 (FN 50: 256); 12 in Scarborough,
11 May 1996 (G. Carson); and 9 in Farmington, 11 May 2000,
seen by W. Sumner, who said, “White-crowned Sparrows were
present in May in numbers that I’ve never seen. For about
a week there were up to 9 at the feeder in Farmington, and they were singing all day.” WJS’s observation of 18 birds in
Woodland, 11 May 2004, and 45
“under almost every feeder in town and singing from hedgerows” in St. Agatha, 14 May 2011 (WJS, eBird),
unprecedented that far north. Reports of late migrants: 1 in
T5 R8 WELS, 31 May 1961 (MFO 6: 58); birds on Monhegan, 1 Jun 2004 (1, obs. unk.) and 2008 ( J. Scott, eBird), and 2 on
13–16 Jun 2006 (B. Boynton); 1 in Topsham, 1–17 Jun 1973 (obs. unk.); 1 and 2 on Appledore I., 1 and 5 Jun 1993 (D. Holmes,
S. Morris); 1 in Milbridge, 9 Jun 1956 (MFO 1: 76); and 1 in S.
Freeport, 11 Jun 1966 (MFN 22[8]: 138). S ummer :
Rare in ME during summer; breeding never fully
documented. Palmer reported a bird shot near Bangor, 27 Jul
1880. Recent summer records, fide eBird: 1 on Mount Desert
Rock, 1 Jun 2013 (L. Bevier); 1 on Matinicus Rock, intermittently 1–17 Jun 2008 (Project Puffin); and 1 on Seal I. NWR, 15 Jun
2016 (I. Brofsky and K. Yakola). On 2 occasions adults seen
carrying food, a conspicuous behavior usually associated with feeding nestlings or young fledglings. An adult observed and
ph. on blueberry barrens north of Machias in summer during
1980s (CDD) and single bird seen repeatedly carrying food
near Daicey Pond, BSP, early Jun 1995 (D. Ladd, WJS, fide L.
Brinker). Given that this species breeds north of St. Lawrence
Biddeford Pool, 15 Mar 2013 (P. Moynahan); 21, 26, and 30 Mar
R., >500 mi. (805 km) north of ME, more probable these food
E. Machias, 13 Apr 1980 (N. Famous); 2 in Lincoln, 18 Apr 2014
fledglings were found at either site.
2013 at Capisic Pond, Portland (N. Gibb and obs. unk.). Birds in (B. Way, eBird); and 1 in Bethel, 22 Apr 1980 (P. Cross) unusual, but individual in Woodland, 30 Apr 2004 (WJS), unusually far
north for the date.
In some years, the species is common and widespread, but it
is rarely numerous. In 1959, 17 reports in May, but only 1 report
of 6 or more individuals (MFO 4: 52). Reports during good
flight years provide a clear pattern of spring migration. In 1961, first birds reported from Monhegan I. and in Portland, 7 May,
with many reports 8–17 May, and a single bird in T5 R8 WELS,
carrying behaviors were related to pair bonding; no nest or F all :
Fall migration variable; White-crowned Sparrows
common and numerous in some years (e.g., 1965, 1975, 1988,
1989, 2000), but scarce in intervening years. Main migration usually takes place early Oct, but first birds arrive by 15–20
Sep. Earliest record: 1 bird on Appledore I., 2 Sep 1998 (A.
Borror). Representative records for mid-Sep, 1 bird each unless noted: Biddeford Pool, 10 Sep 2006 (L. Brinker); Petit Manan
Pt., 10 Sep 1994 and Bar Harbor, 10 Sep 1995 (both A. Bacon);
Penobscot Co., 31 May 1961, was the last (MFO 6: 58). Migration
Appledore I., 12 Sep 1999 (D. Holmes); 3 birds on Monhegan I.,
Rumford, 1 May, with main movement occurring 5–20 May
Marsh, on 10–11 Sep 2009 (P. Corcoran, eBird). Numerous
in 1967 was viewed as excellent: >22 reports in May, first in
1967. Similarly, in 1973, first migrants seen in Topsham (2), 25
Apr, and York (4), 30 Apr 1973; most arrived 4–15 May 1973, with
17 Sep 2013 (PDV et al.; eBird); and 2 and 5 birds in Penjajawoc additional records for late Sep, with maximum concentration an unprecedented 175: “most patches of lawn had at least a
497
Birds of Maine
few, feeders had 25+ each. Seemingly equal mix of adults and
immatures” on Monhegan I., 30 Sep 2007 (D. Lovitch, eBird).
Golden-crowned Sparrow
More typical Monhegan I. numbers for late Sep, 8 birds on 28
Zonotrichia atricapilla
(L. Master, eBird).
A taiga-breeding species that winters along the Pacific and rarely strays east
Sep 1983 (DWF), 25–26 Sep 2013 (m.ob., eBird), and 26 Sep 2016 Oct migrants primarily immature birds, often widespread
in small numbers (1–6) throughout state, “not one adult
among roughly 80 individuals seen during censuses” in e. ME in 1993 (N. Famous, AB 48: 90). Larger concentrations rare
or uncommon except in flight years. In 1957 flight year, 18
recorded in Mattawamkeag, Penobscot Co., and 6 reported
from St. George, Knox Co., both on 4 Oct (MFO 2: 119). In
1965, another flight year, 15 reported from W. Fryeburg, 5 Oct
(MFN 21[5]: 15), and >15 seen in Danforth, Washington Co., 6 Oct. Flocks of >30 individuals common in e. ME in 1988 (N.
Famous) and >60 individuals reported from Monhegan I., 3
Oct 1988 (PDV ). In 1989, White-crowned Sparrows reported as “pouring into [Maine] from Oct 6–10 with almost daily
reports through early November” (W. Townsend, Guillemot
18: 45). Twelve birds in Portland neighborhood, 8 Oct 2000 (R. Eakin); 16+ also seen along Eastern Promenade, Portland, 14
Oct (obs. unk.); and 15 more found in Cape Elizabeth, 15 Oct
(K. Gammons). Eight birds on Mount Desert Rock, 6 Oct
2006 (L. Brinker) noteworthy. Report of 3,000–5,000 birds on Monhegan I., 8–13 Oct 1997 (S. Surner, FN 52: 32) far exceeds any previously known concentrations.
Main migration has passed through ME by Nov. Single
birds, usually immature, uncommon along southern coast
and occasional to rare inland in Nov. Single birds: Holden,
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are three confirmed reports of Golden-crowned Sparrows in Maine, primarily along the southern coast in spring. The first record was an immature bird photographed on Cliff Island, Portland, 8 January–20 April 1985 (D. Thompson, AB 39: 148, ph. arch., Maine Bird Records Committee). Another immature bird was sighted in West Bath, 3–6 May 1992 (AB 46: 396). The most recent Maine observation, an adult, was recorded in Oakland, Kennebec County, 6 May 2000 (G. York, NAB 54: 263). There are two additional unconfirmed sightings: one bird reported at a feeder in South Freeport, 19 May 1966 (obs. unk.), and one seen in Fort Kent, 27 October 1998 (F. Dumond, fide S. Flagg), which would represent a significant departure from the geographic and temporal pattern of the other sightings. An adult was photographed on Machias Seal Island, 28 June 2003 (D. Larson). Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds in forested and shrubby tundra habitats from AK, YT, BC, and adjacent AB. Winters from BC to CA and Mexico. PDV
Penobscot Co., 22 Nov 2002 ( J. Markowsky); on Monhegan,
18 Nov 2003 and 16 Nov 2005 (both B. Boynton); and 2 in Buckfield, Oxford Co., 5 Dec 2002 (M. Ackley) unusual.
Harris’s Sparrow
Immature birds in Presque Isle, 12 Nov 2002 and same day 2003,
Zonotrichia querula
of range for Nov.
A subarctic breeding bird that winters in the central Plains
and at Christina Reservoir on 26 Oct 2015 (all WJS), well north
W inter :
White-crowned Sparrows are casual to rare in
winter, primarily in s. ME. One to two individuals recorded on
coastal CBCs in York Co. (6 times), Bath (6 times, maximum
4), Mount Desert I. (3 times), Pemaquid (1), Vinalhaven (1),
and Thomaston–Rockland (1). Single birds on Sweden CBC
( Jan 2000), Waterville (Dec 1973), and Misery Township,
Somerset Co. ( Jan 1986) considerably more unusual. Other
inland wintering records, 1 bird each: Farmington, 1955–1956
(obs. unk.); Lewiston, 31 Dec 1965 (MFN 22[1]: 15); Hampden, Penobscot Co., 30 Dec 1967 (Weston, NMAS Dec 1967);
Milo, Piscataquis Co., 28 Jan 1970 (MN 1[8]: 7); Danforth,
Washington Co., Dec 1979–Mar 1980 (MB 2[1]: 14); Unity, 8
Jan 2006 (D. Davis); and ANP, Schoodic Peninsula, 1, 5, 9, and
23 Jan 2016 (m.ob., eBird). PDV
498
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are at least 10 Harris’s Sparrow records since 1958, but only two certain records since 1987. Sightings occur across seasons, including one wintering bird, and from the coast to Fort Kent. Historical Status in Maine: Interestingly, neither Knight or Palmer reported this species for Maine. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in open forested tundra of Arctic and subarctic cen. Canada: NT, NU, n. MB, nw. ON. Winters primarily in s. cen. Great Plains: SD to TX. Harris’s Sparrows appear regularly in e. N. Am., reported from all New England states and Maritime Provinces.
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: The account in Maine BirdLife (6[2]: 28) erroneously stated two birds were found in Maine in May 1984, one each at Moody and Wells. In fact, there was only one bird. Moody is not a separate town but is a community within the township of Wells. S pring :
There are 3 spring records: 1 in Ft. Kent, May 1981
(PDV); an adult in Wells for ~2 weeks, May 1984 (MBL
6[2]: 28); and a bird on Monhegan I., 24 Mar–8 May 2012 (D. Hitchcox et al.). F all :
Seven fall records. Earliest a single adult in Calais on
25–26 Aug 1958. This individual flew across the St. Croix R. to
become a first NB record (Squires 1976). Three mid-Oct reports:
1 on Little Cranberry I., Hancock Co., 13–14 Oct 1972 (A.
Stanley, AB 27: 30); 1 in Blue Hill, 14–15 Oct 1965 (MFN 21[5]:
17); and 1 immature in Orono, 15–17 Oct 1977 (N. Famous, PDV;
AB 32: 180). Single Nov record: 17 Nov 2016 (S. McKeon) at a feeder in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., accepted by ME-BRC.
W inter :
A single bird wintered in Union, 1971–1972 (ME-
BRC); an immature bird was found in Buckfield, Oxford Co.,
5–22 Dec 1987 (AB 42: 231); and an adult was seen in Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 26 Nov 2007 ( J. Hassett, fide D. Reimer).
patterns were similar to what is seen today. He acknowledged some birds were found in winter but “not more than three birds . . . at any one place” (1949, 568). Palmer also noted that they are gregarious, most commonly associating with juncos, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and Hermit Thrushes. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds throughout ME, north to Labrador, west to NT, YT, AB, and BC, south to PA, MI, and MN. Species winters from coastal ME, New England to MI and s. MN, south to FL, TX, and n. Mexico. Remarks: “White-throated Sparrows exhibit plumage polymorphism (white-striped and tan-striped morphs) during the breeding season, associated with a difference in their chromosomes. Such differences in plumage and genetic material are maintained by negative assortative mating—each morph nearly always mates with its opposite. These plumage differences are paralleled by differences in behavior, with white-striped males being more aggressive, territorial, and apt to seek matings outside the pair bond than their tan-striped counterparts, and with tan-striped females providing more parental care than their counterparts” (Falls and Kopachena 2010).
PDV
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
An irregularly abundant breeding sparrow with a pure song
Status in Maine: White-throated Sparrows are common to abundant in coniferous and mixed forest environments, usually in openings with thick, shrubby vegetation. They occur in especially high densities in recently harvested forest clearings. Common but late-spring migrants and common fall migrants, they often occur in flocks of 50–100 birds. This species regularly winters in Maine in small numbers along the coast and uncommonly inland to Aroostook County and toward the mountains. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered White-throated Sparrows common throughout the state except perhaps southern York Co., and especially numerous at higher elevations. His reports of migrant
White-throated Sparrow
S pring :
First spring migrants usually arrive 15–30 Apr.
However, recently appearing more regularly in Mar–early Apr;
1 bird each, unless noted, fide eBird: Carpenter’s Boat Shop,
Bristol, 2 Mar 2009 (D. Carlucci); Unity College, 6 Mar 2015
(T. Aversa); Belfast Harbor, 10 Mar 2017 (F. Kynd); 10 White-
throated Sparrows on Monhegan I., 15 Mar 2011 (T. Magarian);
Ripley Pond, Somerset Co., 21 and 24 Mar 2016 (K. Butler);
Great Wass I., Cape Pt. Trail, 24 Mar 2009 (G. Watkevich);
Bellamy R. Wildlife Sanctuary, Dover, Lincoln Co., 25 Mar 2010 (P. Brown). In 2006, sparrows in Saco (1), 2 Apr; Wilton (6), 6
499
Birds of Maine
Apr ( J. Dwight); Bridgton (1), 11 Apr ( J. Preis); and Lewiston
(1), 12 Apr (D. Marquis). In Aroostook Co., sparrows generally arrive in Presque Isle and Ft. Kent late Apr–11 May (G. and S.
Flagg, M. Trombley); birds on 12 Apr 1981 ( J. Gibson) and 13
have flown south of ME; occasional flocks reported into early
Nov: in Portland, 115 on 24 Oct 2005 (G. Neavoll), 125 on 29
Oct 2003 (D. Lovitch), 27 on 1 Nov 2006 (R. Eakin), and 45 on the Eastern Promenade, 16 Nov 2013 (N. Gibb, eBird); and on
Apr 2008 (S. Seymour) exceptionally early.
Monhegan I., 53 on 2 Nov 2010 (T. Magarian, eBird).
May. In Turner, migrant numbers increased from 15 birds on
W inter :
The main migration passes through Maine late Apr to mid-
20 Apr 1996 to 50 on 21 Apr 2006 ( J. Despres); >40 observed
in Richmond on same date (PDV) and 25 on 29 Apr 2011 (D.
Suitor, eBird). Flocks of 40–300 birds regular in s. coastal ME,
2–13 May: 40 in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 2 May 2000 ( J.
Frank); in Portland, >35 seen on 30 Apr 2004 (L. Seitz), 40 on
3 May 2001 (PDV), >300 on 5 May 2006 (PDV, D. Lovitch),
and >140, 11 May 1999 (PDV); 61 on Appledore I., 11–12 May
1996 (D. Holmes, FN 50: 256); on Monhegan I., 35 on 6 May
2017 (D. Hitchcox, eBird), 80 on 13 May 1997 (PDV, D. Abbott), and 48 on 17 May 2013 (K. Lindquist, eBird). Number of birds
diminishes 24–31 May: 10 on Monhegan I., 26 May 1983, were unusual for the date (S. Tingley).
S ummer :
White-throated Sparrows are common “in
White-throated Sparrows generally uncommon in
winter, primarily found at feeding stations in coastal Maine
where CBCs annually record small numbers (1–40 individuals).
This sparrow occasionally remains in substantial numbers:
hundreds reported on CBCs, winter 1976–1977: Biddeford
(319), Portland (115), Jonesport area (192), Mount Desert I. (270). Unusually large numbers also reported 1980–1981 CBCs, largest counts on Mount Desert I. (145) and Machias Bay (146). In
general, fewer sparrows reported from interior Maine: Orono–
Old Town (61); Waterville (28); Augusta (47); Farmington
(18); Danforth, Washington Co. (20); Calais (30); Eastport (19). Irregular farther north: Presque Isle (seen on ~10% of counts,
maximum 4), Dover-Foxcroft (10%, 10). A single bird wintered in Greenville, Dec 1952–Mar 1953, unusually far north. Given
this species’ habit of remaining near feeders in populated areas,
coniferous and mixed forests, especially those with numerous
one in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 29 Jan 1990 was “particularly
after logging, fires, or insect damage; around edges of beaver
in its normal summer habitat. The nearest available feeder was 1
openings with low, dense vegetation; areas of second growth
ponds, beaver meadows, or open bogs” (Falls and Kopachena
2010). They also nest along edges of clearings made for cottages
and roads. ABBM confirmed nesting throughout ME (Adamus
1987). BBS registered a 3.6% decline in ME, 1966–2015 (3.9%,
interesting because this was a ‘wild’ bird, seen deep in the woods to 1–1/2 miles away” (B. Barker). Similarly, report of 8 individuals
“in the wild” in a remote area of regenerating spruce-fir forest
near W. Forks, Somerset Co., 25 Jan 2007, particularly unusual
(T. Skaling). Few Aroostook Co. reports, 1 bird each, fide eBird:
2005–2015). In 1979, 33–97 males recorded on 12 different routes
4 Dec 2014 near Caribou (N. Hudak); 1 Jan 2016 on Hanson L.
across the same years, total number birds recorded in 1998, 6–61;
PDV
in n. and w. ME. On 7 n. and w. routes for which there is data
Rd., Presque Isle (obs. unk.); 31 Jan 2009 in Woodland (WJS).
in 2009, 5–29; in 2017, 1–28. On Wilson Mills BBS (Oxford Co.),
>50 birds recorded on 15 counts, 1983–2000, including 5 years
>100 (high 138 in 1997); from 2001–2017, 2 years >50, with highest count 72 birds. F all :
First fall migrants usually appear late Sep, main
flight occurs end of month through mid-Oct, when large
congregations sometimes conspicuous. Single bird on Appledore
I., 18 Aug 1998 (D. Holmes), and two individuals on 9 Sep 2005
(S. Mirick), both notably early. High counts on Monhegan I.: 75 on 25 Sep 1982, 150 on 28 Sep 1983 (both DWF), 300 on 29 Sep
1995 (B. Nikula), 50 on 14 Oct 2003 (S. Mirick), 315 on 12 oct
2014 (L. Seitz et al., eBird). Flocks of 50–75 birds regular inland. In Turner, 200 birds on 7 Oct 1997 unusual but 1,000 birds at
same locality, 26 Sep 1998 unprecedented ( J. Despres, NAB 53:
34). Other notable coastal counts: 200 in Portland, 10 Oct 2003 (G. Neavoll); >200 in Yarmouth, 12 Oct 2004 (D. Lovitch); 30 at Roque Bluffs S.P., 25 Oct 2010 (D. Nickerson); 50 at Sandy
Pt., Cousins I., 11 Oct 2017 (B. Marvil, eBird). Species remains
in n. ME until early Oct: >8 seen in Woodland, 7 Oct 2004, and
28 on 14 Oct 2012 (both WJS, eBird). By late Oct, most sparrows
500
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
Named for its sweet evening vespers to the setting sun
Status in Maine: Vesper Sparrows are an abundant summer resident on blueberry barrens in eastern Maine, and occur regularly on agricultural fields in Aroostook County. Local and uncommon in dry grassland habitats elsewhere. Uncommon spring migrants, they are generally seen in mid-April; during fall migration, they occur throughout September and into mid-October. The species is extremely rare in winter. Historical Status in Maine: In the early 20th century, Knight felt Vesper Sparrows were common to abundant summer residents throughout ME. By 1949, Palmer thought this species was fairly common in Kennebec and Androscoggin Cos. only and was
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
uncommon and local elsewhere. BBS data indicate that Vesper Sparrows declined in New England and on the Mid-Atlantic Coast, 1966–2015, but there are no reliable population estimates for Maine.
of these quiet periods. Vesper Sparrows are currently abundant in the barrens of Hancock and Washington Cos. and it seems unlikely that there would have been such a marked decline for such a brief period.
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in dry grasslands and blueberry barrens from NB and NS, s. QC, to cen. Canada west to BC, south to CA, AZ, NM, east to VA. Winters from NC to FL and along the Gulf coast from FL to Mexico. Vesper Sparrows occur in all New England states and in all e. Canadian provinces.
However, it is clear Vesper Sparrows declined substantially after 1949. Griscom (1938) considered Vesper Sparrows fairly common near Bethel and Upton, Oxford Co., but rare breeders at L. Umbagog. Norton (1904, 44) wrote that this species was distributed throughout the state. “On the rocky foothills of York County, I have found it to be the characteristic finch, abounding in pastures. On the more level and grassy fields of certain parts of Cumberland Co., and indeed in similar localities in York Co. it is less abundant, giving place to Savannah Sparrows and Bobolinks. In late summer it becomes the characteristic feature of the roadside in much of the state’s area.”
Vesper Sparrow
Remarks: Although it seems likely that Vesper Sparrow populations in Maine declined by 1949 (Palmer), this view was probably influenced by J. Bond, whom Palmer admired. Bond (1947, 11) reported a substantial decline in abundance and considered the species a “very rare, perhaps merely casual, summer resident” in Hancock and Washington Cos. (BMAS 3: 10–11). Bigelow (1958, 89) disputed Palmer’s assessment, stating, “If you leave Route 1 and go back into the blueberry barrens, and especially up into Township 18, there is a Vesper Sparrow singing in nearly every bush in the early morning. Again, in Franklin, Hancock Co., if you drive up the road that runs to Georges Pond, Vesper Sparrows fly up every little way.” Bigelow also said that meadowlarks and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were regular in Washington Co., although unreported by Palmer. While studying grassland birds in York Co., Vickery and Wells noted Vesper Sparrows were retiring and did not sing much when they were feeding young. It seems more likely that Bond traveled through Washington and Hancock Cos. during one
Vesper Sparrow Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Local !
S pring :
First spring migrants arrive early to mid-Apr,
continuing to late Apr–early May. Knight said spring migrants arrived as early as 5 Apr, and Palmer placed the species’ arrival in Portland at 1–12 Apr, usually around 10 Apr. Palmer also
reported that on Seguin I., Spinney found Vesper Sparrows
were common the last two weeks of Apr, reflecting peak spring
migration. Consistent records maintained 1957–1961 generally
confirm Spinney’s observations: 9 reports in Apr 1957, first
included 5 birds in Pownal, 13 Apr 1957 (MFO 2: 49); 14 reports
501
Birds of Maine
in Apr 1958, including 3 in Scarborough, 15 Apr 1958 (ref. unk.);
Single birds at Sanford Lagoons, 18 Oct 2017 (T. Foley, eBird);
13 reports in Apr 1960, with 10 birds in T5 R8 WELS, Penobscot
Benton, Kennebec Co., 25 Oct 1995 (W. Sumner); Saxl Park,
WELS, 20 Apr, and minimum 30 found in T5 R8 WELS on
1993 ( J. Despres) were unusual inland.
Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 2 Mar 1896; Brunswick, 26 Mar 1922
W inter :
Co., 14 Apr 1960 (MFO 5: 39–40). In 1961, 2 birds seen in T5 R8
24 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 43). Unusually early reports, 1 bird each:
(Palmer 1949); Saco, 29 Mar 1988 (K. Gammons, K. Disney); and
Bethel, 1 Apr 1967. A singing male in Presque Isle, 13 Apr 1945,
was unusually early for Aroostook Co.; species normally arrives
in this area ~22 Apr (Chamberlain 1949). Recent early records in
Aroostook Co., 1 bird each, fide eBird: in Mars Hill, 1 May 2002 (N. Donaldson), and in Caribou, 2 May 2010 (WJS). Early bird
Bangor, 26 Oct 2014 (R. Ostrowski, eBird); and Turner, 9 Nov Late dates include single birds on Monhegan I.,
3 Dec 1939 (Mrs. J. A. Townsend, fide Palmer); 1 at Jackson
Laboratory, Bar Harbor, 4 Dec 2016 (K. Lima et al.; eBird); 1
in Portland, 25 Dec 1934 (Norton); CBC records include: 1 in
Augusta, Dec 1976; 1 in Jonesboro, Dec 1977; and 1 on Schoodic Pt. CBC, Jan 1983. PDV
in Washington Co. in Cooper, 26 and 30 Apr 2013 (K. Holmes,
eBird). A single bird in Lower Enchanted Twp., Somerset Co., 2
May 1987, was first local record in 35 years (T. Skaling). S ummer :
Vesper Sparrows prefer to breed in dry sparse
grasslands and blueberry barrens, and on open agricultural land.
Thus, abundant in Washington and Hancock Cos. in summer, where several thousand pairs undoubtedly occur: at least 100
individuals seen and heard in Columbia Falls, Washington Co.,
26 Jun 2001 (N. Famous, NAB 55: 415). Species more local in s.
and cen. ME, but locally abundant on extremely dry sites such
as Kennebunk Plains: minimum 24–48 males recorded annually,
1984–2005 (PDV, JVW, T. Schuerman); 10 on 14 Jun 2013 ( J.
King, eBird). Smaller numbers occur on sandplain grasslands in
Wells (~15–25 pairs), e.g., 6 on Wells Barren Preserve, 20 Jun 2017 (G. Smith, eBird); and on airfields such as Brunswick Naval Air
Station (10 or more pairs, down to 3 birds in recent decades) and Sanford Airport (~8–15 pairs in 1980s and 1990s but 0 in 2017).
In Aroostook Co., vespers uncommon but regular on potato
fields: 2 males singing on potato field, Loring, 25 Jun 2005 (WJS, eBird). Comprehensive survey of 1,140 grassland and agricultural sites in New England and NY, 1997–2000, clearly demonstrated barrens of e. ME support largest concentration in this area and
therefore are a conservation priority (Shriver et al. 2005a). F all :
Knight reported Vesper Sparrows generally migrate
south in Oct and considered the 19th as a late date. Palmer (1949,
556) noted in Sep this species appeared on Seguin I., where
they do not breed, indicating an earlier dispersal or movement.
“Spinney first noted ‘many’ on Seguin I., Sep 16, 1897, recording ‘numbers’ on the 29th, and ‘hundreds’ on the 30th.” This must
have been an exceptional movement because it is rare to observe
more than 2–5 migrants at a given locality. Palmer said most migrants departed 8–24 Oct; this pattern has not changed.
Regular in Sedgwick, Hancock Co., until late Oct (C. Moseley).
At least 40 at Kennebunk Plains, 9 Sep 1995, 30 in a single loose flock, suggests species gathers in pre-migratory flocks early to
mid-Sep (PDV). Recent high counts at Kennebunk Plains, fide
eBird: 12 on 13 Aug 2016 (A. Steenstrup and J. Berry), 9 on 5 Sep
2015 (E. Murray and C. Murray), and 6 on 26 Sep 2017 (T. Foley).
502
LeConte’s Sparrow
Ammospiza leconteii
A shy Midwesterner hits the East Coast
Status in Maine: Accidental. First reported when a singing male was found at Thompson’s Island, Bar Harbor, June 1968 (W. Russell); there are three photographic records and four sight records of LeConte’s Sparrow in Maine. Another summer observation occurred when a singing male was seen and heard in Lincoln Center, 26 June 1976 (PDV). The first photographic confirmation was on Monhegan Island, October 1974 (DWF et al.). Single birds were later reported at Biddeford Pool, October 1998 (P. Moynahan), and on Cape Elizabeth, 9 November 1992 ( J. Dole). Two additional records documented with photographs include one bird observed on Cape Elizabeth, 24 October–6 November 2010 (L. Brinker, ph.), and another on Monhegan Island, 7 October 2012 (L. Brinker, ph.; m.ob.; Maine Bird Records Committee). Historical Status in Maine: Neither Palmer or Knight mentioned this species being sighted in Maine. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in wet grasslands and sedge meadows throughout cen. Canada (SK, AB, MB), east to n. MI, and sporadically east to s. ON and along the St. Lawrence R. in QC. Winters from s. IL, e. KS, south to e. FL and TX. Reported from NB, NS, QC, MA, CT, RI, and VT. Remarks: The limited ME records are surprising given the small breeding population of LeConte’s Sparrows in QC, north of ME. PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Seaside Sparrow
Ammospiza maritima
A unique sparrow of salt and brackish maritime wetlands
Status in Maine: Formerly accidental in Maine, the Seaside Sparrow is now a nearly annual, though rare, visitor. There is one breeding record from 27 June 1995 at Scarborough Marsh (L. Brinker). One to three males have been present at Scarborough Marsh each summer since 1986. Historical Status in Maine: Prior to 1957, Seaside Sparrows were considered accidental or rare in ME. Knight listed one specimen, collected on Shark Rock, in outer Muscongus Bay, Knox Co., 18 Aug 1884. Palmer cited the same record and did not provide any additional details. Since 1957, this species has been reported almost annually, usually in fall. Reasons for the increased reports are unclear, but Griscom and Snyder (1955, 238) noted Seaside Sparrows increased in numbers and distribution in coastal MA during the 1950s, having been a “rare straggler from the south,” in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Increases in ME records probably related to its expansion in MA. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. U.S. endemic that breeds almost exclusively in salt marshes along Atlantic Coast from NH to FL, and along Gulf Coast to TX. Winters mostly in breeding range from MA south. Not recorded in NL, QC, or VT. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List. Species not declining but vulnerable due to small range or population and moderate threats. One subspecies, “Cape Sable” Seaside Sparrow (A. m. mirabilis) listed as ESA: Endangered, has not been recorded in ME. S pring :
Rarely encountered in spring; notable records, 1 each:
Deer Isle, May 1957 (obs. unk.); Biddeford Pool, 27 May 1973
(DWF, D. Abbott, AB 27: 751); Appledore I., late May 1977 (E.
Phinney); Biddeford Pool, 19 May 1984 (MB 6: 27); Portland, 8
May 1998 (FN 52: 307); Outer Green I., 7 May 2004 (R. Lambert,
L. Brinker); Stratton I., 26 May 2005 (fide S. Hall), 18 May 2010, and 17–18 May 2011 (both Project Puffin, eBird); Scarborough
Marsh, 17 May 2009 (E. Hess, eBird). Earliest record: 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 13 Mar–19 Mar 2012 (m.ob., eBird).
S ummer :
Since 1986, 1–3 Seaside Sparrows encountered
regularly on Scarborough Marsh, late May to mid-Aug. Single
adult seen sporadically Jun–Jul 1986 (D.J. Abbott, PDV, JVW).
Three adults found on 22 May 1987 (AB 41: 404), but single, nonterritorial bird located Jun–Jul (S. Oliveri, K. Oliveri, PDV). In
1995, Brinker found 2 singing males (11 Jun–19 Jul) and flushed
female from nest with 4 eggs, 27 Jun 1995 (PDV, L. Brinker, R.
Eakin). On 3 Jul, 3 eggs missing and a single dead chick. This constitutes only known nesting record for ME. Single males observed on Scarborough Marsh on 15 Jun 1996 (L. Brinker,
JEP), 18 Jun 1997 (L. Brinker, FN 51: 974), and 13 Jun 2000 (S.
Surner, FN 52: 33); 1-2 males present 2011-2015 (B. Olsen), but
no further evidence of nesting. Seaside Sparrows not found on
Wells marshes, despite survey effort. Adult bird on Matinicus
Rock, 19 Jul 1970, and another in Bath, 2 Jul 1992 (AB 46: 1122)
very unusual. Recent records, fide eBird: 2 each on Seal I. NWR,
27 Jul 2005, and E. Egg Rock, 13 Jul 2006 (both Project Puffin
Data); 1 at Popham Beach S.P., 13 Jun 2009 (M. Fahay); 1–2 at Scarborough Marsh, intermittently 13 Jun–29 Jul 2008 and 18
Jun–4 Jul 2013 (m.ob.). F all :
More regular in fall than spring. Protracted movement
in ME probably represents postbreeding dispersal in early Aug,
peaking in late Aug–early Sep. Another pulse in late Sep–early
Oct. Late records, fide eBird: 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 13 Nov
2008 (PVD); 1 at Biddeford Pool, 29 Oct 2017 (L. Seitz); 1 at Popham Beach S.P., 21 Oct 2008 (M. Fahay). Observed at
Scarborough Marsh, 10 Oct 1991 (L. Brinker, AB 46: 66), and same day in 2017 (D. Lovitch). Species more unusual east of
Scarborough, observed at following locations: 1 on W. Egg Rock,
19 Aug 1957 (listed in AFN as second state record); 1 banded in
Bremen, Lincoln Co., 1 Sep 1957 (ref. unk.); 2 on E. Egg Rock, 23
Aug 1960 (MFO 5: 88); and 1 each on Monhegan I., 14 Sep 1981
(PDV), early Oct 1997 (FN 52: 33), and 6 and 10 Oct 2014 (m.ob., eBird). In Washington Co., 1 each: Lubec, 20 Aug 1976 (S.
Bahrt); Machiasport, late Sep 1983 (AB ref. unk.); Petit Manan NWR, 28 Aug 1991 (AB 46: 66). PDV
Nelson’s Sparrow
Ammospiza nelsoni
A coastal salt-marsh breeder with a variety of inland cousins
Status in Maine: At least two subspecies of Nelson’s Sparrow are known to occur in Maine. The coastal subspecies, A. n. subvirgata, is a common breeder in scattered salt marshes from southern Maine east to Lubec. More abundant here than anywhere else in the northeastern U.S., 96% of the Northeast population breeds in Maine (Hodgman et al. 2015a). This subspecies has also been known to occur at Sunkhaze 503
Birds of Maine
Bog, Passadumkeag, an inland freshwater wetland, where it was first reported in 1960 (MFN 18: 109). Spring migrants arrive in late May and early June. Fall migrants depart in September and October but the timing of the main migration is poorly understood. A. n. subvirgata is rare in winter. The species apparently declined by 4.2% annually on average between 1998 and 2012 (Correll et al. 2017). One inland subspecies, A. n. nelsoni, has been reported in Maine but there is uncertainty whether the reports also include A. n. altera, the other inland subspecies. Movements of these two subspecies in Maine warrant further investigation, although recent studies do not substantiate a genetic difference between these two subspecies (Walsh et al. 2017). Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight quoted Norton, who thought spring migration was 21 May–5 Jun for A. n. subvirgata, the coastal subspecies. Status in ME of the two inland subspecies (A. n. nelsoni and altera) is unclear. Palmer (1949) considered nelsoni a rare transient in spring and fall and listed three records late May–early Jun: one collected by Norton at Scarborough, 22 May 1897; another observed at same locality, 5 Jun 1897; and one collected by Palmer at Maquoit Bay, Brunswick, 30 May 1929. Norton collected a number of nelsoni, 9–16 Oct, and noted that a female was collected at Scarborough, 13 Sep 1882 (#3832 in the Portland Society of Natural History collection [Palmer 1949], but sadly that collection is no longer extant). A. n. altera was first described in 1938 (Todd 1938), after Norton’s work in ME and Palmer’s specimen collection. Thus, although these were clearly one of the inland subspecies, it is unclear whether these records pertain to A. n. nelsoni or altera. Palmer recognized this ambiguity and recommended that all ME specimens be re-examined, which has not yet been undertaken. Knight, referring to inland nelsoni, stated, “there is no evidence that the species breeds in Maine,” although it was thought to be a regular spring and fall migrant (1908, 411). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds in two distinct habitats. Coastal subspecies, A. n. subvirgata, found in ME, breeds primarily on salt marshes from QC, NS, and NB, south to NH and n. MA (Shriver et al. 2018). Inland subspecies A. n. nelsoni breeds in freshwater marshes in cen. Canada, s. NT, AB, MB, to n. SD and w. MN; second inland subspecies, A. n. 504
altera, breeds along southwestern shore of Hudson Bay. A. n. subvirgata winters on Atlantic Coast, s. NJ to FL. Both inland subspecies winter primarily along Gulf Coast, w. FL to s. TX (Greenlaw and Rising 1994). Nelson’s Sparrows have been found in VT and NFLD as vagrants. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List. Species vulnerable due to small range or population and moderate threats (sea level rise for coastal subspecies). S pring :
In general, coastal subspecies, A. n. subvirgata, arrives
in ME 24 May–6 Jun, usually 5–10 days later than Saltmarsh
Sparrow. Observation of >6 Saltmarsh Sparrows but no Nelson’s on Scarborough Marsh, 22 May 1997 typical (PDV). By 30 May
1997, 3 Nelson’s observed and heard in flight song at this locality
(PDV, L. Brinker). Nelson’s arrived at Atkin’s Bay and Morse R. Marsh, Phippsburg, 28 May 2005, whereas Saltmarsh Sparrows had already been present since 20 May 2005 (all A. Stowe).
Unusually early arrivals: 3 at Scarborough Marsh, 10 May 1994
(PDV); 1 at Back Cove, Portland, 16 May 1983 (R. Eakin); 3 at
Weskeag Marsh, 17 May 1991 (D. Reimer); and 1 at Morse Mtn.,
17 May 2012 (G. Smith, eBird); 1 on Machias Seal I., 21 May 2017 (K. Lima, A. Roth, and K. Leary; eBird). S ummer :
Breeding occurs on salt marshes from Wells and
Scarborough Marsh east to Lubec with an estimated 3,000 pairs
(Hodgman et al. 2002). In 4-year banding and radio telemetry study of Nelson’s Sparrow, 1999–2001, at Scarborough Marsh,
Shriver et al. (2007), estimated a 1:1 sex ratio with ~52 males and
~52 females on a 100 ha (247 ac.) study site. Fifty-three nests
were located; nest success was determined to be 34.9% (Shriver et al. 2007; see Saltmarsh Sparrow account, Summer, p. 506).
Earlier nest dates range from 2–11 Jun. Vickery (2004) recorded
>59 Nelson’s at Atkin’s Bay–Morse R. Marsh, Phippsburg, with
9 individuals in a single 100-meter (328 ft.) radius circle. At least 36 Saltmarsh Sparrows also present in this study area.
Nelson’s recorded at Sunkhaze Bog: >4 observed, 30 Jun 1962,
third consecutive year found at this locality (G. Freese, MFN 18:
109), and for several years thereafter. Likely this species breeds
on other inland bogs in e. ME, as well as occasionally in wetland seeps on offshore islands (B. Olsen, pers. com.).
F all :
Both Norton (1897) and Palmer provided numerous
reports, 17 Sep–31 Oct; both thought this subspecies generally remained in ME through Oct. Pattern appears the same
100 years later. Recent observations during lunar flood tides at Scarborough provide best contemporary data regarding
Nelson’s Sparrows: 50 or more A. n. subvirgata on Eastern Rd.,
8 Oct 2002, indicating many birds not yet departed (PDV); 6
subvirgata (2 Saltmarsh Sparrows also present) at this locality,
26 Oct 2003; at least 10 subvirgata observed at same site, 16 Oct
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
2005 (1 Saltmarsh Sparrow present) (PDV). Additional records: 1 at Sprague R. Marsh, Phippsburg, 13 Oct 2004 (PDV); 2 at
Back Cove, Portland, 28 Oct 1981 (R. Eakin); 1 juvenile female collected at Scarborough, 15 Nov 1877 (Palmer 1949); 5 at Petit
Manan NWR., 1 Nov 1989 (R. Widrig); 1 at Weskeag Marsh,
18 Nov 1989 (obs. unk.). A single bird “in a wet, brushy area”
in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5 Oct 1992, was in unusual habitat for this subspecies (R. Eakin).
Two inland subspecies of Nelson’s Sparrows regular but
uncommon migrants in fall, confirming Norton’s (1897) earlier
observations. Because the two inland forms cannot be separated in the field, the subspecific identity of these birds remains in
doubt. Following observations from Scarborough Marsh, 1 each:
8 Oct 2002 (PDV), 26 Oct 2003 (D. Landes), 28 Oct 2003 (D.
Mairs), 3 on 13 Nov 2008 (PDV), and 1–2 on 7–8 Nov 2017 (D.
Allen, eBird). Elsewhere, 3 seen on Monhegan I., 28 Sep 1984 (PDV), and 2 seen same day in 2013 ( J. Gamble, eBird); and
notably early migrants at Biddeford Pool, 8 Sep 2012 (T. Allen, eBird), and 20 Sep 2005 (D. Landes).
W inter :
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight thought that fewer than 100 pairs bred in s. ME. Palmer, although he had no doubt that Saltmarsh Sparrows bred in ME, pointed out that no nests had by then been found to confirm breeding. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Restricted to coastal salt marshes; breeds from central coastal ME south to VA. Winters primarily NJ south to FL and Gulf coast. Species recorded in NS, but not found in VT, NB, QC, or NL. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered; PIF: Watch List. High vulnerability due to small population and range, high threats due to predicted sea level rise, and range-wide declines.
One confirmed winter record. Single Nelson’s
Sparrow (A. n. subvirgata) carefully studied in salt marsh at Biddeford Pool, 2–9 Jan 1993 (PDV, S. Pollock). Three
additional reports likely refer to A. n. subvirgata, but details do not eliminate possibility of A. n. nelsoni, altera, or Saltmarsh
Sparrow: 1 at Reid S.P., 3 Jan 1954 (obs. unk.); 1 on Deer Isle
CBC, 20 Dec 1971 (MFN 4: 4); 1 at Back Cove, Portland, 10 Dec
1983 (R. Eakin). PDV
Saltmarsh Sparrow
(formerly Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow)
Ammospiza caudacuta A secretive breeder hiding out on southern Maine’s coast
Status in Maine: As the name implies, Saltmarsh Sparrows nest exclusively in salt marshes. Although showing significant recent declines, this species is common during breeding season in York and Cumberland Counties, becoming less common east to South Thomaston (Hodgman et al. 2002, Hodgman et al. 2015a). Late-spring migrants, Saltmarsh Sparrows arrive at breeding sites in late May and early June. Scattered reports in September and October suggest that fall migration is more protracted than in spring but most birds depart by mid- to late October. This species is rare in winter (Shriver et al. 2005b).
Saltmarsh Sparrow S pring :
Species arrives in late May, usually last 10 days. Six
Saltmarsh Sparrows observed on Scarborough Marsh, 21 May
2001; >6 on 22 May 1997 (no Nelson’s Sparrows [A. nelsoni] apparent on this date; no singing heard on either of these
visits). Twenty Saltmarsh Sparrows on 26 May 2011 (N. Gibb,
eBird); 7 birds on 26 May 2014 (R. Lambert, eBird); >20 birds
present and singing on 30 May 1997 (PDV, L. Brinker). Knight stated this species first appeared in ME in late May. Early
records at Scarborough Marsh, fide eBird: 2 on 16 May 2009
(D. Hitchcox), 1 on 17 May 2017 (N. Gibb), 1 on 19 May 2012 (L. Seitz, I. Davies, W. Nichols).
505
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Saltmarsh Sparrows are still relatively common on
salt marshes in York and Cumberland Cos., despite significant
declines of 10.6% annually 1998–2015 (Hodgman et al. 2015a; see also Correll et al. 2017). In three-year study (1999–2001)
of Saltmarsh Sparrow breeding ecology, Shriver et al. (2007), banded 317 Saltmarsh Sparrows on Scarborough Marsh and
estimated 320 males and 181 females in a 100 ha (247 ac.) site,
which meant sex ratio biased with 1.8 males for every female.
Shriver et al. (2007) also found 69 Saltmarsh Sparrow nests at this site. Vickery studied distribution and relative abundance
of Saltmarsh Sparrows at Morse R. Marsh, Phippsburg in 2004, and found a total of >36 Saltmarsh Sparrows and >59 Nelson’s
(D. Hitchcox, eBird); and 1 on Eldridge Marsh, 7 Nov 2016
(obs. unk., eBird). Easternmost records, fide eBird: 2 and 1 on
13–14 Oct 2013 (T. Green and L. Bevier) and 1 on 2 Oct 2014 (S. Zagorski and T. Green), both at Weskeag Marsh. W inter :
Species rare in winter; 2 carefully documented sight
records. One bright individual seen along marsh at Biddeford
Pool, 31 Dec 1988:
“It was an adult in crisp plumage. Most conspicuous
feature was the bright orange supercilium, post-ocular stripe and jaw-line that framed the gray cheek, which
was bordered posteriorly with a brown vertical stripe/
Sparrows at this site, which was previously recognized as an area
crescent. We were close enough to observe the dark
Nest with 3 eggs at Scarborough Marsh, 3 Jun 1995 (MBN 9:
dark brown lateral crown-stripes that joined at the base
of overlap between these two species (Hodgman et al. 2002).
36), earliest ME nesting reported. Although a male Saltmarsh
Sparrow was observed singing at Bass Harbor Marsh during the breeding season in 2010, it was not detected in 2011; Weskeag
Marsh is the easternmost breeding population known to date (B.
Olsen, pers. com.).
brown eye line. Gray center-crown was bordered with
of the upper mandible. Long, robust bill was grayish/
horn, darker on the culmen, clearly not as stout or curved
as Seaside Sparrow. Whitish chin was framed by a very narrow, difficult-to-observe brown malar stripe. Yellow
washed upper breast and flanks had thin, neat dark
brown streaks, which crossed the breast in a narrow band.
Flank streaks extended below the legs; this part of the
lower flank was especially buffy and quite conspicuous.
Remaining lower parts were white. The nape and side of
the neck, below the orange post-ocular stripe, were gray; the wings brownish, pale-edged tertials. We could see
the sharply-pointed retrices and pink legs. The back was
dark brown with very conspicuous, cleanly white stripes; these were brighter than I typically observe in summer .
Saltmarsh & Nelson's Sparrows Breeding Ranges ! ( Saltmarsh Sparrow ! ( Nelson's Sparrow
. .We devoted considerable effort to observing the breast clearly. The dark streaks that extended across the breast,
along with the conspicuous flank streaks and crisp facial
pattern, including the brown post-ocular crescent, all appear to eliminate nelsoni, and clearly establish this individual as A. c. caudacutus” (MBN 2: 43).
Second bird well described in Portland, 25 Jan 2006 (G.
F all :
Data too incomplete to determine when most Saltmarsh
Sparrows migrate from ME marshes. It seems clear some
remain into late Sep–Oct, but preliminary evidence from nanotagged adults indicates most leave New England by mid-Oct
(Greenlaw et al. 2018).
Fall lunar flood tides provide excellent opportunity to assess
abundance because sparrows are concentrated along marsh borders. Following observations gathered at Scarborough
Marsh: >8 Saltmarsh Sparrows on 30 Sep 1999 (only 1 A. n.
subvirgatus present), more than 30 seen on 8 Oct 2002, 1 on 16 Oct 2005 (at least 10 A. n. subvirgatus present; all PDV), 2 on
26 Oct 2003, and 1 on 28 Oct 2003 (both D. Mairs). In addition, 1 bird at Sprague R. Marsh, 12 Oct 1996 (PDV). Late season records: 2 on Eastern Rd., Scarborough Marsh, 1 Nov 2012
506
Neavoll): “Bright orangish breast first drew attention to bird;
orange head markings, broad gray crown, flat head, long sharp bill, whitish throat, distinct breast streaking, white belly also
apparent as bird faced me for 5–10 minutes while clinging to
cattails” (G. Neavoll). PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Henslow’s Sparrow
Centronyx henslowii
A cryptic bird named for Rev. John Stevens Henslow, an English botanist and mentor of Charles Darwin
Status in Maine: There are 12 sight reports, with varying documentation and certainty, of Henslow’s Sparrow in Maine, five of these in the last 30 years. There are two spring records from Monhegan Island in May. Five summer records include a male singing in West Fryeburg, 26 June 1966; another male singing at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, July 1986; and an individual on Seal Island in June 2003. All fall migration observations are coastal, including single sightings from Monhegan Island and Cedar Island in the Isles of Shoals. Historical Status in Maine: In the 19th to mid-20th centuries, Henslow’s Sparrow bred in MA and NH, but this inconspicuous grassland bird has never been confirmed nesting in ME (Herkert et al. 2018). Neither Knight nor Palmer listed the species as occurring in ME, though Knight listed it as a future possibility for a hypothetical list. This species no longer breeds in New England and it is unlikely to establish itself in ME in the near future. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Currently breeds from NY and PA, west to MN, and ND, south to ne. OK and KY, with sporadic isolated breeding populations in NJ and NC. Winters from NC to FL, west to MO and TX. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List. Vulnerable due to small range or population and moderate threats. BBS data indicate the range-wide breeding population decreased by an estimated 10%, 1970–2014 (Herkert et al. 2018). S pring :
One adult sighted on Monhegan I., 20 May 1983
(PDV, AB 37: 969) and 25 May 1984 ( JEP, AB 38: 887). S ummer :
Adult reported from W. Fryeburg, 26 Jun 1966
(MFN 22: 138); 1 male singing, 25 Jul 1969, Popham Beach (S.
Higginbotham, fide C. Packard; AFN 23: 642); male singing at
Brunswick Naval Air Station, 21 Jul 1986 (PDV, JVW; MBN 1:
25); another individual sighted at Sidney Grasslands, Kennebec Co., 10 Aug 2005 (C. Caron, eBird). F all :
These birds primarily sighted in fall along the coast, 1
32); Kittery Pt., 19 Nov 1972 (D. Abbott, O. Smith; AB 27: 30);
marsh behind Seawall Beach, 6 Oct 1996 (PDV; MBN 10: 13);
Monhegan I., 1–3 Oct 1997 (B. Nikula et al.; FN 52: 32); Seal
I., 30 Jun 2003 (fide V. Lane); and Monhegan I., Sep 2003 (P.
Trimble, notes and sketch on file, fide ME-BRC). PDV
Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
Maine’s summer air buzzes with the insect-like song of this grassland sparrow
Status in Maine: Savannah Sparrows are one of the most common birds found in grassland and agricultural habitats in Maine. They also breed commonly in sand dunes, the upper margins of salt marshes, peatlands, bogs, and on many Maine islands. Savannah Sparrows arrive in early April and generally migrate south in October. This bird winters occasionally in sand dunes and other open coastal habitats. Historical Status in Maine: Unlike many species of grassland birds whose populations have declined substantially since 1966, the population status of Savannah Sparrows has not changed appreciably since the late 19th century. Both Knight and Palmer considered Savannah Sparrows common, especially along the coast. Global Distribution: Nearctic. An abundant species occupying a wide range of grassland, marshland, and shrubland habitats. Breeds throughout much of temperate and Arctic N. Am., from the North Slope of AK to n. NL, south to CA, n. AZ to WV. Winters primarily NJ, MO, and sw. CO, south to FL, Mexico, and Cen. Am. Remarks: Palmer noted two records of “Labrador” Savannah Sparrow (P. s. labradorius): one collected by Brewster on ME side of L. Umbagog, near Upton, Oxford Co., 24 Sep 1890, and another specimen found by Norton in the Portland Museum of Natural History that was collected in the Portland area in fall, year unknown. This subspecies is probably a regular spring and fall transient. The “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow (P. s. princeps), a subspecies whose breeding range is restricted to Sable I., NS, migrates through ME annually (see “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow account, pp. 508–509).
bird each: Cedar I., Isles of Shoals, 1 Nov 1970 (DWF; MN 2:
507
Birds of Maine
“Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis princeps
A distinctive, heavier, and paler subspecies of Savannah Sparrow that breeds only on Sable Island, NS, and winters along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Georgia
“Ipswich” Sparrows are locally uncommon but regular migrants in late October and early November. They are usually seen alone or with Savannah Sparrows in sand dunes and salt marshes along the southern Maine coast from Georgetown, Sagadahoc County, to Kittery. Since 1999, these sparrows have been found regularly in inland salt marshes as much as two miles (three kilometers) from coastal dunes. They are also irregular spring visitors along the coast and irregular winter residents. Knight, citing Brown (1882), considered “Ipswich” Sparrows rare in spring and common in fall in Cumberland Co. and generally rare elsewhere along the Midcoast with no records east of Penobscot Bay. Brown (1882) stated that it was possible to collect 12 or more birds from 13 Oct–6 Nov. Palmer noted the species was occasional in spring, uncommon in fall, and had only two winter records. S pring :
“Ipswich” Sparrows appear briefly and irregularly
in spring, passing through York and Cumberland Cos., 14
Mar–15 Apr, predominantly first 10 days of Apr. Earliest spring records, 1 bird each: 9 Mar 2013 on Seapoint Beach, Kittery (m.ob., eBird); 14 Mar 2006, Back Cove, Portland (PDV); 15 Mar 2012, Granite Pt. Rd., Biddeford (D. Doubleday,
eBird); 18 Mar 2016, Goose Rocks Beach ( J. Fecteau, eBird). Previously, earliest was on Cape Elizabeth, 19 Mar 1989 (S.
Pollock). Palmer noted an early migrant from Cape Elizabeth, 20 Mar 1875. Eakin reported 1 at Back Cove, 21 Mar 2000, and another at the same locality, 28 Mar 1989. Other noteworthy records, 1 bird each: Highland Rd., Brunswick, 27 Mar 2010
(M. Fahay, eBird); Eastern Rd., Scarborough Marsh, 28 Mar 2013 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); Pemaquid, Bristol, 30 Mar 2002
(M. Libby); 1 on Seguin I., 8 Apr 1896 (Palmer); at Weskeag Marsh, 13 Apr 2000 (D. Mairs, M. Libby). A single bird at
Petit Manan Pt., 15 Apr 1988 (R. Widrig), is the only spring record east of Penobscot Bay. F all :
First migrants usually arrive 5–30 Oct, but early
individual seen along edge of Scarborough Marsh, 30 Sep 1999 (PDV), and another particularly rare on Roque I.,
Jonesport, 2 Oct 1996 (N. Famous). Recent early records, 1
508
bird each, fide eBird: County Rd., Alley I. overlook, 27 Sep
2016 (M. Good); Matinicus I., 27 and 30 Sep 2016 (M. Fahay); Monhegan I., 22 Sep 2008 ( J. Mays) and 30 Sep 2007 (D.
Lovitch); and 2 birds at Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool (m.ob.). Single birds observed on 3 occasions at Seawall Beach, 6–9
Oct 1996 and 1998 (PDV), and Spinney collected 1 and saw another on Sequin I., 11 Oct 1900 (JMOS 1904: 45). Other
reports, 11 Oct–18 Nov, during which small flocks observed:
6 at Biddeford Pool, 31 Oct 2017 (L. Seitz, eBird); 6, 4, and 4
at Popham Beach, 12 Nov 2014, 14 Oct 2013, and 28 Oct 2011,
respectively (all M. Fahay, eBird); 5 at Hills Beach, 1 Nov 2013 (D. Rankin, eBird); 3 along Eastern Rd., 16 Oct 2005 (DWF, PDV, et al.); 2 at Eastern Rd., 23 Oct 1999 (L. Brinker);
2 at Back Cove, 23 Oct 1999 (L. Brinker); 3 at Biddeford
Pool, 27 Oct 1998 (N. McReel); 3 at Hills Beach, 1 Nov 2002 (M. Jordan et al.); 3 at Scarborough Marsh, 12 Nov 1994 (S. Pollock); and 4 at Seapoint Beach, 12 Nov 2006 (L. Seitz). Seven birds in loose flock at Seawall Beach, 7 Nov 2002,
and another flock of 9 at same locality alighting on beach grass and feeding on the seeds, 13 Nov 2005 (both PDV).
“Ipswich” Sparrows appear as only accidental fall transients
in e. ME, 2 records: 1 in Jonesport, 2 Oct 1996 (N. Famous),
and 1 in Lubec, Oct 1978 (PDV). Rare inland records, 1 each,
fide eBird: Thornhurst Farm, Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 30 Oct 2009 (PDV, C. Bartlett); and Flood Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 12 Oct 2014 (L. Bevier). Winter:
“Ipswich” Sparrows winter irregularly in small
numbers at several localities in s. Maine, particularly
Scarborough Marsh and Seawall and Popham Beaches.
Wintering “Ipswich” Sparrows nearly always found in or
near sand dunes with American Beachgrass; 2 exceptions at Back Cove and 1 bird in Jefferson, Lincoln Co., 11 Feb–24 Mar (K. Brown, eBird). First winter record apparently collected at Back Cove, 11 Jan 1883 (JMOS vol. unk.),
although Palmer (1949, 548) referred only to “an indefinite statement by Smith that he had seen this sparrow ‘in
December when there were several inches of snow on the ground.’” Goodale (1886) collected two birds at Pine Pt., 23 Jan 1886. Additional Scarborough records: 1 on 12 Jan 1952 (obs. unk.); 2 on 19 Jan 1953 (obs. unk.); 1 on 27 Feb
1989 ( J. Despres); 8 Feb 1990 (G. Carson); 1 on 11 Jan 1991
( J. Dwight); 1 on 3, 16, and 18 Jan 1992, and 22 Jan 1994 (all
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
L. Brinker); 1 on 16 Dec 1995 (Portland CBC). Popham
Single birds also recorded at Reid S.P., 17 Dec 2002–17
Beach records: 1 bird each on 8 Dec 1946 (Drury, in Palmer
Feb 2003 ( J. Berry); Saco, Jan to mid-Mar 1954 (obs. unk.);
Dec 1999 (D. Mairs); and 3 on 1 Feb 1961 (MFO 6: 21). At
Biddeford Pool, Dec 1974, Dec 1984, and Jan–3 Mar 1990
1949); 23 Feb 1952; 27 Feb 1998 (D. Mairs, M. Libby); 29
Back Cove, 3–26 Dec 1983 and 8 Dec 1984 (both R. Eakin);
Seawall Beach, 1 bird on 15 Dec 2002 (PDV, JEP). Six at
(S. Pollock); Parson’s Beach, Kennebunk, 10 Feb 1998 ( J.
Popham Beach, 3–10 Jan 1993, represented largest wintering
Dwight); Kittery Pt., 15 Dec 1970 (MN 2: 47), 17 Dec 1984,
concentration (PDV, N. Wheelwright).
and Dec 1998 (Biddeford CBC); Freeport CBC, Jan 2003. PDV
QC
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Map 21: “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow Migration Nesting only on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, the large, pale “Ipswich” subspecies of Savannah Sparrow migrates first to Maine and then south to beaches along the Mid-Atlantic Coast in autumn, as shown by nanotag data from the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Phil Taylor, Acadia University).
S pring :
First Savannah Sparrows migrate north in early
1958, 3 in Scarborough, 11 Apr 1958; in 1967, 6 reports of migrants,
Apr; most birds arrive late Apr–early May. Small numbers
4–21 Apr 1967; in 1968, first report of 2 birds in Bethel, 4 Apr,
Mar 1985 (K. Jones); 8 on 7 Mar 2012 at Flood Brothers Dairy,
Isle, first arrival 21 May 1992 (M. Trombley). Migrants continue
(R. Eldridge, eBird); 1 at S. Lubec Bar, 26 Mar 1995 (fide A.
as late as 15 May, in 1901. In Phippsburg, PDV saw 40 migrants
occasionally appear in late Mar: 3 on Duck I., Isles of Shoals, 4 Clinton (L. Bevier, eBird); 11 on Machias Seal I., 24 Mar 2007
Bacon); 1 at Scarborough Marsh, 28 Mar 1991 ( J. Despres); 1
in Hermon, Penobscot Co., 29 Mar 1985 (M. Lucey); and 2 in
Cutler, 29 Mar 1995 (fide A. Bacon). Palmer said average arrival
date was 8 Apr for Cumberland Co. and ~14 Apr for Bangor.
More recent observations confirm this pattern: first reports in
there being 12 reports 17–27 Apr 1968 (ref. unk.). In Presque
into May; Palmer noted Spinney reported flights on Seguin I.
on 11 May 1996 and another 30 the following day (FN 50: 256).
On Monhegan I., >30 migrants seen 12 May 1997, >25 observed
13 May 1997 (PDV, D.J. Abbott), and 37 on 15 May 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird).
509
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Savannah Sparrows less common in n. Somerset,
Piscataquis, and w. Aroostook Cos.; confirmed as breeders at 4 localities in this forested region (Adamus 1987). Most
Savannah Sparrows initiate nesting immediately upon arrival on breeding grounds, as Griscom (1938, 537) noted in an 1896
Feb 1989 ( J. Despres); 1 at Sprague Neck, 19 Jan 1996 (fide A.
Bacon); 1 intermittently in Buxton, York Co., 3–28 Jan 2012 (obs. unk., eBird); 1–8 birds at Flood Brothers Dairy, intermittently, 2
Jan–20 Feb 2017 (m.ob., eBird). PDV
report: “[T]wo birds were seen May 11 near Bethel, the species
was abundant on the 12th, a finished nest was found on the
15th, it contained two eggs on the 21st, and was collected with
Song Sparrow
four eggs on the 26th!”
Melospiza melodia
ecology at Kennebunk Plains, Vickery et al. (1992a) found
Summer in Maine sounds like the Song Sparrow
In a three-year study (1984–1986) of grassland bird breeding
5 nests: in 1984, 1 nest with 4 eggs on 24 May (outcome
unknown); in 1985, a nest with 4 eggs found 19 Jun (1 day-old
nestling on 25 Jun); and in 1986, 3 nests found, 1 with 2 eggs
31 May (depredated), 1 with 4 eggs 19 Jun (depredated), and 1 with 4 eggs 29 Jun (depredated). Incidental predation by
Striped Skunks probably primary cause of nest loss at this site
(Vickery et al. 1992b). Nests usually found at base of Little
Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) clumps. Successful Savannah Sparrow territories tended to have less bare ground, and a greater
percentage of short grass, forb, and blueberry cover
(Vickery et al. 1992a). F all :
Fall migration takes place mainly in late Sep–last week
of Oct. Savannah Sparrows usually depart northern areas and
mountains by early Oct (Griscom 1938). Typical counts along
coast generally range 10–30 individuals: 30 birds on Monhegan
I., 25 Sep 1983; >15 at Scarborough, 29 Sep 2005; 10–15 per day at Seawall Beach, 5–9 Oct 1996; >12 at Seawall Beach, 11 Oct 1999;
>10 in Phippsburg, 12 Oct 2005 (all PDV); 12 on Monhegan I., 21 Oct 2017 ( JEP, eBird). Recently, larger numbers of migrants
found congregating along fringes of Scarborough Marsh during
flood tides: >60, 30 Sep 1999; >30, 8 Oct 2002; >150, 16 Oct 2005
(all PDV, L. Brinker); 30, 7 Oct 2010 (PDV, eBird); 25 on 15 Oct
2017 (WJS, eBird). W inter :
Uncommon but regular in small numbers (usually
1–3 individuals) on coastal CBCs in York and Cumberland
Cos.; no reports east of Mount Desert I. Single birds reported
Status in Maine: Song Sparrows are common to abundant throughout most of Maine in summer. Although less common in the boreal forests of northern Maine, Song Sparrows breed in more regions of Maine than any other sparrow species. They are common migrants in spring and fall and can be found in a variety of habitats. In winter, this species is most common, though still rare, along the Maine coast. Historical Status in Maine: Spring migration has not changed since Knight and Palmer reported that the first migrants arrive along coastal areas by 20 Mar and are seen north to Presque Isle 17 Mar–12 Apr. Palmer reported one breeding pair might initiate three to four, and occasionally five, broods annually. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds throughout ME, north to NL, QC, and ON, west to NT and s. AK, south to n. GA, MO, AZ, CA, and n. Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter to s. ME, New England, FL, TX, and Mexico. One of the most diverse species in N. Am., there are at least 24 subspecies. Eastern subspecies, M. m. melodia, breeds in ME. S pring :
Early migrants arrive along the coast by 20 Mar and
arrive north to Presque Isle 17 Mar–12 Apr.
Common to abundant breeders throughout most of
5 times, 1990–2001, on Eastport CBC; not recorded there
S ummer :
Savannah Sparrows counted on 11 ME CBCs, 2006–2017.
of brushy habitats and are very common near wetlands and
individuals, Dec 1988), Bangor (2016, eBird), Kents Hill (2015,
river, brook and pond shores, meadows and marshes, but it is
again until 2 birds reported on 2016 count. Since 2006, 105
Inland, species found on several occasions: Waterville (max. 4
eBird), and Fryeburg (2011, eBird). One in Turner, 3–4 Dec 1984
( J. Despres), was notable. Number of Jan–Feb reports indicate
some overwinter successfully: single bird wintered successfully
in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 1953–1954 (BMAS, 10[2]: 35); 1 at
feeder in Harrison, Cumberland Co., through Feb 1960 (MFO
5: 22); 1 in York, early Jan–Feb 1970 (ref. unk.); 1 in Wells, 18
Jan 1985 ( J. Lortie, M. Mills); 2 at Scarborough Marsh 16–18
510
Maine, especially in more populated areas. They occur in a variety stream borders. Knight wrote, “The species best loves the brushy
common along the country roadsides in the bushes” (1908, 428). F all :
Fall migration takes place throughout second half of
Sep–Oct, continuing on smaller scale into early Nov. Species
often associates with other sparrows and usually found in small numbers (5–15 birds). L. Seitz reported a large Song Sparrow
migration of >150 individuals at Gilsland Farm, 6 Oct 2006, when
“there were ~10 around the edge of the orchard, ~20 back behind
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
the pond and up the hill, ~10 around the community garden and
the brush pile there, ~10 at the feeders, and the rest ~100 scattered through the south edge of the north meadow, and all throughout the west meadow edges and small trails around that area.” W inter :
Song Sparrows occur regularly in small numbers
along the coast from Mount Desert I. to York Co., where CBCs usually record 6–50 individuals (Portland, maximum 84; York
infrequently from SC, FL, and more commonly in TX, south through Mexico and Cen. Am. This is the only subspecies sighted in ME. Remarks: This sparrow was named by John James Audubon for his friend Thomas Lincoln, a resident of Dennysville, Washington Co.
Co., maximum 78). Species regular but less numerous along e. ME coast: Eastport (1–15), Machias Bay (1–17), Schoodic
Pt. (1–15); and less frequent in inland Washington Co.: Calais
(1–4), Danforth (1–5); and n. and cen. ME: Presque Isle (1–5, irregularly), Orono–Old Town (1–7), Bangor (1–6), Dover-
Foxcroft (1 individual on 1 CBC), Waterville (1–16), Augusta (1–16), Farmington (1–17). Palmer also noted some Song Sparrows seem to overwinter in coastal counties. PDV
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
An elusive boreal breeder with a wren-like song
Status in Maine: Lincoln’s Sparrows are common, though rarely numerous, spring and fall migrants. This species arrives in spring later than most sparrows, usually appearing in mid- to late May. Fall migrants generally arrive late September to mid-October. Typically a bird of bogs and heaths, the Lincoln’s Sparrow’s breeding range in Maine extends from Mount Desert Island (Great Heath) and the Downeast coast to the Bangor area, then west to the mountains and north to Fort Kent (Adamus 1987). Not known to nest in southern coastal counties (York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Knox, Lincoln), although recent breeding in Belgrade, Kennebec County, may indicate Lincoln’s nesting range is extending south. They are rare in winter. Historical Status in Maine: Knight noted that this species passed through ME during a short period in May (12–18 May), which he felt explained the relative paucity of records. Palmer considered Lincoln’s Sparrows generally uncommon, but regular summer residents of western mountains, n. ME, and Downeast, usually breeding in bogs. He considered them more numerous in migration, especially in s. ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Nominate subspecies, M. l. lincolnii, breeds commonly in NL, west to AK, AB, and BC, south to cen. ME, n. NH, VT, and NY, also south along Rocky Mtns. to AZ and n. NM, and Cascade Mtns. in WA, OR, and CA. Winters
Breeding Range
S pring :
Lincoln’s Sparrows are late migrants to ME,
appearing in mid- to late May. Usually seen singly or in small numbers (2–4) in dense thickets, usually with other sparrows.
Both Knight and Palmer noted relatively short migration
period, which formerly began after the first week of May in
s. ME. A single bird in Norridgewock, 5 May 1961, was early;
more recent arrival 22 Apr 2016 (G. Vigna, eBird) is exceptional. Since 1990, first migrants have arrived 3–5 days earlier, 1 bird
each: Capisic Pond, Portland, 29 Apr 2017 (B. McKay, eBird);
Bar Harbor, 3 May 1993 (S. Benz); Pembroke, Washington
Co., 3 May 1999 (D. Feener); Richmond, 4 May 2001 (PDV);
Old Town, Penobscot Co., 5 May 2002 ( J. Markowsky); 1
in Portland, 5 May 2003 (A. Stowe); 1 in Tomhegan Twp.,
Somerset Co., 5 May 2006 (N. Famous). Numerous records
6–10 May. However, main migration occurs in second half of
May, considerably later than most emberizids, most of which arrive in Apr. Concentrations occasionally observed on outer islands: >40 individuals on Monhegan I., 25 May 1983 (S.
Tingley); 12 at same locality, 24 May 1997 (L. Brinker); and
10 on 15 May 2015 (Project Puffin, eBird). Most birds arrive in n. ME late May: 10 birds in Ft. Kent, 21 May 1983 (G. and S.
Flagg); early flock of 4 on 17 May 2010 at Cyr Plt. (WJS, eBird). Migration persists into Jun; latest spring migrant record is for Monhegan I., 7 Jun 2005 (B. Boynton).
511
Birds of Maine S ummer :
Common, but inconspicuous, in open, brushy
bogs and heathlands, where they sing from short trees and
Swamp Sparrow
shrubs. Also, commonly along margins of blueberry barrens in
Melospiza georgiana
occupies brushy thickets along roadways and in raspberry
A sparrow that occasionally hunts aquatic invertebrates by sticking its head underwater
Washington and Hancock Cos. In n. Aroostook Co., species (Rubus spp.) thickets in recently harvested forest openings, habitat normally occupied by Song Sparrows in cen. and s.
ME. An observation of an adult feeding a fledged chick in
a low boggy patch not far from Great Pond Bog, Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 15 Aug 2006 (D. Mairs), is well south of species’ previously known breeding range. Whether these sparrows are
breeding in bogs and heathlands in s. cen. ME warrants further
investigation. F all :
Main fall movement mid- to late Sep to mid-Oct
when small numbers (1–6 birds) usually recorded, more
frequently near coast. Exceptionally early migrant reported in
Medomak, Lincoln Co., 13 Aug 1956 (A. Cruickshank); and
single birds in Richmond, 30 Aug 2001 (PDV ); and Turner,
7 Sep 1999 ( J. Dupres); were unusually early transients. Six
birds banded on Appledore I., 4–13 Sep 1987 (D. Holmes, AB
42: 237), earlier than usual. Larger concentrations seen more frequently on outer islands: >25 and 20 on Monhegan I., 16
Sep 1982 and 22 Sep 2004, respectively (M. Iliff ), although
the high on Monhegan since 2008 is 7, 19 Sep 2008 (L. Seitz eBird). Thirty birds in Turner, 26 Sep 1998 ( J. Dupres, NAB
53: 34), exceptional inland. By Nov species has migrated south, few late Nov–early Dec sightings, 1 bird each: Monhegan I., 5
Nov 2016 (D. Hitchcox, L. Bevier, F. Kind, eBird); Popham
Beach, 16 Nov 2003 ( J. Adams); Portland, 21 Nov 2002 (G.
Neavoll); Biddeford Pool, 27 Nov 2004 (D. Lovitch); Hermit I., Phippsburg, 29 Nov 2015 (M. Fahay, eBird); and Wells, 3 Dec
2002 (N. McReel). W inter :
Lincoln’s Sparrow rare in winter, primarily reported
at feeding stations along s. coast. Single bird seen in Warren,
22 Dec 1957–10 Mar 1958 (MFO 3: 8 and 40); 1 on Monhegan I., 27 Dec 1984 (PDV, JVW ); 1 present sporadically in N. Berwick, 28 Nov 1987–Jan 1988 (D. Tucker); 1 in Orono, 21 Dec 1996 ( J.
Status in Maine: Often inconspicuous, Swamp Sparrows breed commonly in brushy marshes and wet thickets throughout Maine. Spring migrants arrive in April and May and fall migrants move south September–October, usually in small numbers with other sparrows. Uncommon in winter along the Maine coast, it is rare inland at this season. Historical Status in Maine: The breeding and migratory status of Swamp Sparrows has not changed substantially since 1908 when Knight (1908, 433) said they were common in “wet meadows and sedgy, rushy marshes, the reedy borders of ponds and streams and similar situations, and in such places locally common in almost every section of Maine as summer residents.” ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed nesting throughout Maine. Prior to 1960, these sparrows were rare in winter with only four records (MFO 5: 22). Since 1960, the species has been observed on many coastal CBCs from Mount Desert I. to York Co., but it is not annual at any given locality. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in a variety of wetland habitats NFLD and s. Labrador west to NT, south to IA and VA. Winters primarily from s. New England and s. MI, south to se. U.S., TX, and e. Mexico. S pring :
Knight observed first spring migrants arriving in
early Apr; this pattern unchanged since that time. Migration
is protracted and continues into mid-May. Species usually
solitary or found in small sparrow congregations; rare to see >5
Swamp Sparrows together at this season. Palmer listed 3 late
Markowsky); 1 in Cape Elizabeth, 31 Dec 2002–6 Jan 2003
Mar records (earliest: Lincoln Co., 24 Mar 1903). In addition, 2
in Kennebunk, 9 Jan 2010 (S. Walsh, eBird); and 1 on Bradley
Single birds recorded at Capisic Pond, Portland, 3 and 13 Mar
(K. Gammons); 1 in Boothbay, 16 Dec 2006 (K. Gammons); 1
early birds on Monhegan I., 21 Mar 2012 (T. Magarian, eBird).
St., Portland, intermittently 2–28 Jan 2014 (m.ob., eBird).
2013 (F. Paul, N. Gib, respectively; eBird); Great Meadow,
AB 45: 253). Two recent observations of 1 Lincoln’s Sparrow
Mar 1990 (W. Sumner); Topsham, 30 Mar 1973 (obs. unk.);
Individual in Clinton, 28 Jan 1991, rare inland (W. Sumner, each on Kennebunk and Ellsworth area CBCs, 5 Jan 2010
(A. Aldrich) and 26 Dec 2015 ( J. Smith and J. Wyatt, eBird),
Hancock Co., 23 Mar 2012 (C. Moseley, eBird); Portland, 25–27 Steuben, 31 Mar 1989 (R. Widrig); Hills Beach, Biddeford, 31
Mar 2006 (E. Hynes); Cider Ct., Augusta, 31 Mar 2015 (M.
respectively. Note: an injured bird reported on Eastport–
Veins, eBird). Species appears at many coastal sites and inland
NB (W. Townsend).
1 Apr 2006 (N. Famous); Durham, Androscoggin Co., 8 Apr
Campobello I. CBC, 26 Dec 1983, was seen on Campobello I., PDV
first 10 days in Apr; notably, single birds at Messalonskee L.,
1997 ( J. Lortie); and Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 9 Apr 1981 (B. Barker). Two birds in Mapleton, Aroostook Co., 13 Apr 1981
512
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
(M. Holmes) probably mark early arrival date for n. ME. More typical Aroostook Co. arrivals: 21 Apr 2012 in St. Agatha; same
day in 2014 in Stockholm; and 2013 on L. Josephine (all WJS,
eBird). Unusual spring concentrations: >10 on Monhegan I., 13
(>7 counts, 4), Monhegan I. (8 counts, 7), Pemaquid (2 counts,
4), Bath (>8 counts, 6), Biddeford (>9 counts, 6), Freeport
(>3 counts, 2), Portland (>13 counts, 3), York (>16 counts, 5).
Swamp Sparrows occur less frequently in e. ME: Eastport (3
May 1997 (D. Abbott, PDV), and 5 at same locality, 26 May 1983
counts, 1), E. Machias (1 count, 1), Jonesport (3 counts, 2). Rare
migrants reported from Appledore I., 3 Jun 1996 and 4 Jun 1999
Bangor CBC (2 counts, 1), and 1 inland in E. Wilton, 19 Dec
(S. Tingley) and 28–29 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian, eBird). Latest (D. Holmes). S ummer :
Swamp Sparrows can be numerous in large wetland
complexes; 25 territorial males reported from Gray Meadows,
New Gloucester, Cumberland Co., 2 May 2000 (G. Sharpe);
12, “seems like all singing at once, many perched” at Intervale
inland: Waterville CBC (1 count, 1), Sweden CBC (1 count, 1),
1991 (W. Howes), and 1 in Hampden, Penobscot Co., 6 Jan
1988 ( J. Markowsky, MBN 1: 45). A single bird in Highland Plt., Somerset Co., 20 Jan 2007, was exceptionally far northwest for
ME (R. Joseph et al.). PDV
Preserve, Cumberland Co., 7 May 2013 (M. Fahay, eBird); and
>10 heard at Messalonskee L., 25 Jul 2000 (D. Mairs, PDV).
Palmer noted that some birds established territories and were singing by 20 Apr.
F all :
Protracted fall migration begins second week of Sep,
usually after the 10th. Main southward movement occurs in
Oct, diminishes through Nov. Annual surveys on Monhegan
I., 4–10 Sep 1982–1988, failed to document any migrant Swamp Sparrows (PDV et al.). Few current records from Monhegan I. in early Sep, fide eBird: 1 bird on 2 Sep 2014 ( JEP), 1 on 5 Sep
2016 (D. Hitchcox), 3 on 10 Sep 2016 (W. Russell, P. Reaman), 1 each on 6 and 10 Sep 2017 (P. Magnus, JVW, respectively). By
late Sep, many migrants noted: 8 individuals, 24 Sep 1995 (PDV,
V. Laux); 30 on 25 Sep 2009 (L. Seitz, eBird); 15 birds, 26 Sep
1986 (PDV); 20 on 28 Sep 1982 (DWF); >100 on 1 Oct 1993 (B. Nikula); 20 on 28 Sep 2013 (S. Surner, eBird).
Swamp Sparrows remain inland into Oct; in Aroostook Co., 1
bird reported from Presque Isle on 7 Oct 1997; 2 in Ft. Fairfield,
28 Oct 2003 (both WJS); and 6 on Caribou Stream bog, Caribou, 13 Oct 2014 (WJS, eBird). In Somerset Co., a late individual in Norridgewock, 10 Oct 1995 (W. Sumner) and 14 Oct 2017 (K.
Green-tailed Towhee
Pipilo chlorurus
A rare visitor with a brilliant red cap, contrasting with yellow-green primaries and tail
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two photographic records, both in winter. The first Maine record for this western towhee was one frequenting a feeder in Biddeford Pool, January–March 1975 (AB 30: 695). The second was in Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, 15 November 1988–27 April 1989 (AB 43: 286). Global Distribution: Green-tailed Towhees are common in brush and chaparral from CA and w. Mexico east to Rocky Mtns., appear casually in e. N. Am., usually in late fall and winter. Reported from NB, NS, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, and NJ. Interestingly, the three NS sightings were all in May. PDV
Brown, eBird). In Penobscot Co., 24 birds reported from Bangor, 13 Oct 2006 (S. Smith), and 2 on 27 Oct 2017 (R. Ostrowski, eBird). Since 2000, major flights recorded on mainland in Oct:
Spotted Towhee
>100 in Falmouth, 6 Oct 2006 (L. Seitz); >50 in Portland, 7 Oct
Pipilo maculatus
in Bangor, 13 Oct 2006 (S. Smith). By Nov, nearly all reports
An accidental visitor, formerly considered a subspecies of the Rufous-sided Towhee
Despres); 1 in Augusta, 20 Nov 2004 ( J. Adams); and 1 on Unity
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single male was sighted at a Bar Harbor feeder 31 December 1966– early February 1967 (C. Jellison, P. Favour, et al.; Russell and Witt 2009). At the time it was seen, this species was considered a subspecies of Rufous-sided Towhee; despite that, it was photographed by many, including D. Dorr, who hosted the towhee. The presence of this bird was noted in the Bar Harbor Times, 23 February 1967.
2004 (D. Lovitch); 30 in Augusta, 12 Oct 2005 (M. Smith); 24
coastal with few individuals inland: 1 in Turner, 11 Nov 1997 ( J.
Pond, Waldo Co., 20 Nov 2013 (T. Aversa, eBird).
W inter :
Prior to 1960, Swamp Sparrows were rare in winter
with only 4 records: 1 in Castine, 3 Feb 1950 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Scarborough, 25 Dec 1957 (obs. unk.); 1 in S. Portland, and
another in Saco, through Feb 1960 (MFO 5: 22). Since 1960,
species observed on many coastal CBCs from Mount Desert
I. to York Co., but not annual at any locality: Mount Desert
I. (>8 counts, maximum 3 individuals), Thomaston–Rockland
513
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds in shrubby habitat from southern MB, AB, and BC to SD, CO, NM, w. to CA and s. to Mexico. Generally, winters from KS and TX west to BC, CA, and Mexico. Reported from NFLD, NS, NB, QC, NH, MA, and CT. Remarks: In 1995, the AOU elevated Spotted Towhee to full species status, separating it from the Eastern Towhee (AOU 1995). PDV
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
A scrappy bird of shrubby habitats that insists you drink your tea
Status in Maine: Towhees are uncommon to locally common in southern and eastern Maine, usually arriving between late April and early May and leaving mid-September to late October. Breeding occurs from the southern coast through the central and western mountains. Eastern Towhees have declined significantly in the last 50 years, probably because of loss of their preferred shrubby habitat as old farm fields grew into forest. They are also irregular winter residents along the southern coast. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: The distribution and abundance of Eastern Towhees in ME has changed substantially in the past 150 years. Knight considered towhees rare summer residents in Androscoggin Co. He cited Norton’s observations (JMOS 6 [1]: 56) that there were a few colonies in the Portland area, but that they were abundant in York Co. and common in Sagadahoc and Oxford Cos. Griscom (1938) considered this species very rare at L. Umbagog. Palmer (1949, 547) said that, “in 1860, the Towhee was known to occur in summer and to be locally uncommon to common in parts of York County, at Norway in Oxford County, and from Portland westward and south of Sebago L. in Cumberland County. There was some increase in range and a decided increase in numbers since then, mainly after 1900, and there has been a marked decline in numbers since about 1941.” This decline continues. 514
Eastern Towhee
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from cen. ME and sw. NB through s. Canada west to s. SK, south to FL and LA. Winters primarily s. New England, OH, and IL south to FL, Gulf Coast states, and TX. The species has occurred beyond its expected limit in NFLD and NS. Remarks: Eastern Towhees appear to benefit from disturbances such as fire, timber harvesting, or agriculture that promote or maintain shrubby conditions. Despite substantial population declines, they can be common in the brushy margins of old fields, sandplain grasslands, openings in Pitch Pine, Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia), and Black Oak (Quercus velutina) barrens, and are regular along power lines. Mead reported a large concentration of scores of birds on the top of Pleasant Mtn., 31 Jul 1906 (Knight 1908), an area that probably experienced frequent fires. Palmer (1949, 547) said a small colony of a few pairs in Brunswick increased to some 60 pairs around 1928–1934. “This was in a very wet, boggy area of acid soil covered mainly with a thick carpet of moss… There were large areas of standing water on the ground when the birds first arrived in spring, but later the area became very dry and hot. This colony since has diminished to only a few pairs, either because the birches are taller and more dense… or because of decreased numbers of this bird in recent years.” It seems likely that absence of disturbance as Palmer observed contributed to this local decline. S pring :
Eastern Towhees migrate into ME primarily 20
Apr–10 May. Appears migration is earlier than in 1940s; Palmer noted a single Apr record (Seguin I., 30 Apr 1894); numerous
Apr records since. Migration reports in 1968: 11 reports in Apr,
first in Nobleboro, 4 Apr 1968, but most birds arrived 20 Apr–6 May 1968 (ref. unk.). Limited evidence suggests migration in e.
ME similar to southern part of state: 1 in Ellsworth, 20 Apr 1995
(fide A. Bacon), and 1 in Harrington, 7 May 1990 (G. Hazelton).
Order Passeriformes • Family Passerellidae
Notably early migrants, 1 each: an unknown number in Berwick,
Elizabeth, 26 Nov 1987 (K. Gammons); 1 on Monhegan I., 4
Farmington, 1987 (W. Howes); and Pine Pt. in 1989 (G. Carson).
30 Nov 1989 (G. Therrien); and 1 at Frazier Pt., Winter Harbor, 4
York Co., 30 Mar 2003 (S. Richardson, eBird); on 29 Mar in
North of their breeding range, single towhees observed on Sugar I., Moosehead L., May 1957 and May 1958; these were the only
records at that locality in 14 years (MFO 3: 65); recent northern record in Greenville, again on Moosehead L., 20 May 2016 (N.
Magnusson, eBird). S ummer :
Witham and Hunter (1992) found Eastern
Towhees declined at an annual rate of 10.7% in cen. coastal
ME and coastal NH, 1966–1988. More recent trends from ME
Nov 1988 (B. Boynton); 1 male in N. Monmouth, Kennebec Co., Nov 1996 (P. Beckett).
W inter :
Although irregular, Eastern Towhees generally
winter along coast, Eastport–York Co.; less common inland.
From 1952–1970, towhees nearly annual in winter in s. coastal
ME from Mount Desert I. to York Co.; 5 or fewer individuals overwintered on Mount Desert I., Dec 1969–Mar 1970 (ref.
unk). Since 1970, towhees increasingly rare and have declined
on CBCs. Analysis of 5 CBCs conducted for 30 or more years
BBS indicate annual decline of 5.8%, 1966–2017 (Sauer, pers.
(Mount Desert I., Bath area, Portland, Biddeford, York Co.)
or absent from traditional sites (MBN 5: 12). This decline is
70%, 1961–1970; 50%, 1971–1980; 38%, 1981–1990; 20%, 1991–2000;
com.). In 1991, Sumner and others noted this species was rare probably attributable to the decrease in shrubby habitats left on abandoned farmland and non-forested upland (Witham and
revealed towhees were found on 60% of these counts, 1951–1960;
and only 4%, 2001–2005. In recent CBCs, only 8 towhees total
recorded in ME in years, 2005–2015. Eastern Towhees appeared
Hunter 1992).
on CBCs in Hancock and Washington Cos. with surprising
in sw. Maine (Adamus 1987). Breeding also confirmed or probable
Bay (3), Schoodic Pt. (3), Ellsworth (2), Moose I.–Jonesport
Cos., east to Mount Desert I. and Deblois, Washington Co.
Waterville, and Farmington CBCs, and twice on Dover-
edges of blueberry barrens in Hancock and Washington
north to Houlton, 20 Dec 1959 (MFO 5: 8); Presque Isle, 20 Feb
ABBM confirmed breeding in 50 atlas blocks, most commonly
north to n. Oxford, s. Franklin and Somerset, and Piscataquis
Towhees not found in cen. and n. ME. Fairly common along Cos., 1970s–1980s, but decreased in number since (N. Famous).
frequency: Mount Desert I. (17 counts), Eastport (6), Machias
(1). However, recorded only once on Bangor, Orono–Old Town,
Foxcroft CBC. Particularly unusual were single birds found
1988 (M. Trombley, fide M. Holmes); and Mapleton-Chaman,
Interestingly, a nest found in Orono, 25 Jun 1950, was apparently
30 Dec 2006 (M. Fahay, eBird); and inland to Solon, Somerset
Male in Lower Enchanted Twp., Somerset Co., 27 Jun 1987, north
PDV
only second confirmed nesting record for ME (BMAS 7: 34).
Co., Jan 1980 (obs. unk.), and Bethel, 2 Dec 1983 (fide P. Cross).
of species’ traditional breeding range, “my first record of this
species in the Lower Enchanted region . . . not a likely breeding bird, not having been heard before or since” (T. Skaling). Two birds recorded in BSP on 11 Jul 2010 (Z. Smart, eBird), no
indication of breeding status. Recent northern records, 1 bird
each, fide eBird: Grivois Rd., Aroostook Co., near Sainte-Anne-
de-Madawaska, 21 Jun 2015 (E. Neil); Harvester Rd., Piscataquis Co., 1 Jul 2014 (M. Resch); BSP, 19 Jun 2015 (S. Brunette-Hill). F all :
Fall migration more variable, begins mid- to late
Sep, continues through Oct, with numerous records of birds
lingering into Nov: 5 reports of 9 individuals in Nov 1957 (ref.
unk.). Fourteen birds in Cape Porpoise, York Co., 13 Sep 1965,
reflect early migration. Records from Monhegan I. indicate
towhees do not arrive until 10 Sep or later; species not observed
3–9 Sep 1983, 1985, or 1987; 1–2 individuals recorded regularly, but
not annually, 28 Sep–17 Oct (PDV). Towhees occasionally found north and east of normal range. In 1995, migrants were north
to Houlton and Ft. Kent in mid-Oct 1995 (FN 50: 24). In 1988,
migrants found farther east in Washington Co. at Roque Bluffs,
Eastern Towhee Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Occasional !
8 Oct, and E. Machias, 14 Oct (AB 43: 67). In 2005, 3 birds on
Machias Seal I., 17 Oct (R. Eldridge, eBird), and in 2015, single
migrant in Cutler, 10 Oct 2015 (B. Blauvelt, eBird). Notable Nov records: 1 in Ellsworth, 7 Nov 1951 (obs. unk.); 2 males in Cape
515
Birds of Maine
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteriidae) The only member of its family, the Yellow-breasted Chat was previously included in the wood-warbler family. Found in shrubby habitat across North America, chats winter south to Central America. These secretive omnivores are most easily seen during breeding season, thanks to their display flights, odd, mimicry-rich songs, and bright colors.
May 2012 (R. Lambert); and 1, Monhegan I., 16 May 2017 (R. MacDonald). S ummer :
Generally rare in summer; since 1937, ~10 records.
Palmer listed 1 in Portland, 16 Jun 1937. Cruickshank reported singing male in Bremen, Lincoln Co., 23 Jun–10 Jul 1939, and
another in same locality, 14 Jun–17 Jul 1941 (Cruickshank
1950b). Singing males reported from Brunswick, 22 Jun
1953; Portland, 30 Jul 1957; and inland in Auburn (Danville),
Androscoggin Co., 12–30 Jun 1960 (MFO 5: 61). A chat in Alexander, Washington Co., 4 Aug 1968 (a rare summer
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens
A skulking denizen of brushy habitat coast to coast
occurrence in e. ME), may have been early fall migrant (obs. unk.). Singing male in Winthrop, 15 May–early Jul 1988
“apparently on territory but unmated” ( JVW ). More recently,
single bird observed at Biddeford Pool, 15 Jun 1996 (L. Brinker,
FN 50: 930); 1 singing at Kennebunk Plains, 17 Jun 2007 (H.
Status in Maine: Yellow-breasted Chats are rare, annual fall migrants normally seen in low shrubs along the coast and outer islands. The species is occasional in spring and winter and rare in summer. It is rare inland in both summer and fall.
Wilson); 1, also at Kennebunk Plains, 8 and 16 Jun 2013 (F.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 561) considered this species “a mere straggler to the State,” citing three records. Palmer listed the species as a rare visitant 16 May–10 December and listed 11 records 1876–1948.
8[4]: 72). Most migrants reported 21 Aug to mid-Oct with
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NJ and NY (formerly in CT and RI), west to s. ON, MI, and sporadically AB and CA, south to n. FL and TX. Winters primarily in Mexico and Cen. Am. Reported from all New England states, NFLD, and Maritime Provinces. Remarks: While Knight and Palmer considered Yellow-breasted Chats a rare species in ME, it is now clear that the species is more regular, especially in fall, than previously thought. Likely this apparent difference is not due to a change in abundance or distribution but can be attributed to Palmer’s wellknown distrust of sight records by birdwatchers, and to the fact that Knight did not recognize the value of the coast, and especially the outer islands, as places to monitor migration. S pring :
Occasional in spring; ~20 records since 1952. Appears
along s. ME coast, 11 May–6 Jun. Rare inland: 1 shot in N.
Bridgton, 6 Jun 1880 (Palmer); single bird in N. Waterford
(Albany), Oxford Co., 21 May 1967. Spring records for e. ME: bird found dead on Petit Manan I., 16 May 1988 (T. Goettel);
and following eBird records: 1, Monhegan I., 21 May 2010
(E. Goldberg); 1, River Pt. Conservation Area, Falmouth, 8
516
Marenghi, A. Treher, eBird). Fall:
Rare fall migrants, annual in small numbers, especially
along coast and outer islands. Six early records 1–20 Aug, earliest at Pemaquid Pt., 1 Aug 1951 (Townsend, BMAS
no obvious peak, although Oct records appear more often
than Aug–Sep. Species reported through Nov to mid-Dec,
appears some attempt to overwinter. Usually alone but up to 4
observed on Butter I., 21 Aug 1957 (Hebard, MFO 2: 96). One to 3 individuals daily on Monhegan I. and outer islands in
late Sep–early Oct: 7 banded on Appledore I., 5–14 Sep 1987
(D. Holmes, AB 42: 237); and 3 observed there, 20 Sep 1999 (D. Holmes, NAB 54: 30). Recent eBird records: all Stratton I., 1
each, 25–26 Aug 2005, 31 Aug 2011, and 1–3 birds intermittently
19–30 Aug 2012 (all Project Puffin); 1 at Gilsland Farm, 30
Sep 2010 (E. Hynes, eBird); 1 at Battery Steele Park, Peak’s
I., Portland, 27 Nov 2017 (D. Lovitch). Nearly annual on Monhegan I., 7 Sep–29 Oct 2000–2017 (eBird).
Yellow-breasted Chats appear less regular in e. ME, but 3
individuals at Petit Manan NWR, 8–10 Oct 1989 (R. Widrig), suggest species may be more numerous than limited number
of reports indicate. Chats also reported from Danforth,
Washington Co., Oct 1961 (MFO 6: 112) and Nov 1962 (2 birds,
MFO 6: 121); Roque Bluffs, 19 Oct 1989 (I. Balodis, P. Donahue); and Machias Seal I., NB, on numerous occasions.
Rare inland in fall: Gray, Cumberland Co., 7 Nov 1957;
Brewer, 30 Nov 1961 and 5 Nov 1967; Bethel, Nov 1962 (MFO 6:
121); Norway, Oxford Co., 26 Sep 1967; W. Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 26 Oct 1972 (all obs. unk.); and Industry, Franklin Co., 16
Aug 2001 (P. and J. Armstrong); 1, Harvard Turf Farms, York Co., 13 Sep 2016 (S. and L. Benedetto, eBird). W inter :
Occasional in winter along coast. More than 30
reports since 1953, at least 8 from Mount Desert I. No inland records this season. First reports of Yellow-breasted Chats
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae
attempting to winter found in Yarmouth, 6 Dec 1952–12 Jan
1953, and in Kennebunkport, Nov 1952–Mar 1953 (both obs.).
Notable inland spring records: 1 with cowbirds at feeder
in Brownville, Piscataquis Co., 25 May 1987 (S. and D. Boss);
More recently, several Dec and Jan reports. Recent Feb report:
1 in Old Town area, Penobscot Co., 25 May–5 Jun 1995 (fide J.
Thayer). It appears most chats do not overwinter; few reports of
(A. and B. Ketch); and 1 adult male ph. at Sabattus Pond, 2 May
intermittent observation 29 Jan–10 Feb 2017, Cousins I. (A. birds persisting into Feb and only 1 Mar record.
JVW
Markowsky); 1 adult male ph. at Madawaska L., 13 May 1997
2003 (E. Eklind). S ummer :
Blackbirds and Orioles (Icteridae) Approximately 94 species in 28 genera comprise this varied, and primarily tropical, New World family for which strong, pointed beaks are a defining characteristic. Species in this family exhibit sexual dimorphism in both plumage and size, and many species are colonial nesters. Fourteen species, including five accidentals, fill Maine’s ranks.
Most lingering spring transients: 1 at a feeder on
Swetts Pond Rd., Orrington, Penobscot Co., 3 Jun 2013 ( J.
Smith, W. Nichols et al.); 1 male on Monhegan I., week of 18
Jun 2002 (B. Boynton, fide K. Gammons). Midsummer records:
1 at Messalonskee L., 12 Jul 2003 (K. Gammons, eBird), and
1 reported at Foreside Estates, Falmouth, 26 Jul 2016 (fide D. Hitchcox). F all :
More than 40 records. Dispersing postbreeding birds
begin to occur in Aug with most records from early Sep–Oct.
Primarily found along the coast with more than one third of the
records from Monhegan I. Inland records of note: one at Turner,
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
4 Oct 1990 ( J. Despres); 1 at Clinton, 28 Aug 1996 (W. Sumner);
and a young male ph. at Barren Pond, Caribou, 3 Sep 2010 (WJS, eBird). Single birds seen at the S. Lubec Sand Bar, Lubec, on 26
A western blackbird of open wetlands that occasionally strays east
Aug 2011, and another on 2 Sep 2015 (S. Benz, R. Duchesne et al,
Status in Maine: Irregular along coast. Casual inland. Wanders into Maine in spring and fall, with a handful of summer records. Monhegan Island seems to be a frequent stop. This species mixes with, and often bullies, other species of blackbirds, especially evident among mixed flocks at bird feeders.
Gammons, MBN 1[2]: 25); 1 on Eagle L. Rd., Bar Harbor, 5 Nov
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer tallied three records of Yellow-headed Blackbird in ME prior to 1949: Metinic I. (Aug 1882), Monhegan I. (Sep 1925), and Harpswell (Aug 1934). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from WI to BC, south to NE, NM, and NV. Winters from NM and AZ to Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. Remarks: Most records are of males. Dispersal to the East Coast is shown to correlate with years of strong reproductive success in the species’ normal breeding range (Veit 1997). It is likely that reproduction and survival are supported in some regions by growth in commercial crops such as corn and sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) (Twedt and Crawford 1995); this may explain the increase in records since 1949. S pring :
More than 20 records. Most along coast in Apr to
early Jun, peaking in May. Earliest records: male at a feeding station in Scarborough, 8 Mar 1991 (F. Cyr), and one in
Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 29 Mar 2005 (M. Libby, eBird).
eBird).
Latest fall records: 1 female in Cape Elizabeth, 8 Nov 1985 (K.
1995 (Mrs. Parsons, fide A. Bacon); and 1 in Bowdoinham, 2–3 Nov 2004 (fide S. Walsh).
W inter :
No confirmed records though the species has
overwintered in QC and NS. RVJ
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus A grassland specialist, one of of the longest migrating songbirds
Status in Maine: Common summer breeder in large meadows and hayfields, although both of these habitats (along with their avian residents) have become fewer. Uncommon spring and fall migrant on the coast, along rivers, and around inland lakes and marshes. Breeding Bird Surveys show a 3% annual decline of Bobolinks in Maine from 1966–2017 (Sauer, pers. com.), an 88% drop over the 50-year period continent wide (Sauer et al. 2017). Listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need because of concern about harmful effects of cutting hay and silage during the nesting season (MDIFW 2016a). 517
Birds of Maine
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 502) quoted Alexander Wilson in an 1809 letter to William Bartram: “[T]he people of the District of Maine… declare that these birds breed in vast numbers.” Without specifying a cause, Palmer went on to suggest a “marked population decline beginning about 1905,” which became less severe in the 1940s. At the time of his writing, Bobolinks were apparently common summer residents in settled areas, including larger islands, as well as common spring and early-fall transients.
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
Arrival begins 1st week of May, a week later farther
north; e.g., earliest Aroostook Co. record 10 May (1993 and
2010; WJS, eBird). A single Apr record in Great Meadows,
Bar Harbor, 28 Apr 2007 (C. Moseley). Despres’ remarkable
long-term data set for arrivals in Androscoggin Co., 1969–2005, shows no trend across years, ranging 1–9 May. Maxima: 200 at
Castine, 17 May 1958 (M. Morse, fide J. Despres); more recently,
80 at Kennebunk Plains, 11 May 1996 (M. Iliff, eBird), and 75 at
W. Penjajawoc Grasslands, 13 May 2013 (P. Corcoran).
Bobolinks
Global Distribution: Breeds in grasslands across broad swath of n. U.S. and southernmost Canada, QC to BC, and PA to NE, as well as disjunct locales of more western states, including AZ. In east, south to Appalachian Mtns. in VA and WV (Renfrew et al. 2015). Southbound migrants from breeding range pass through Caribbean to Venezuela for five-to-sixweek stopover, then travel to natural and agricultural grasslands of S. Am. in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina (Renfrew et al. 2013).
518
S ummer :
Widespread in suitable habitats Jun–Jul. High
counts: 91 at W. Penjajawoc Grasslands, 8 Jul 2010 (P.
Corcoran), and 85 at Brunswick, 25 Jul 2010 (G. Smith). By
Aug, flocks build at preferred sites, staging and gaining weight for southbound migration. Flocks totaling >1,600 birds at
Abagadassett R. wild rice fields, Sagadahoc Co., on 28 Aug 2016 (PDV) exceptional. Other high late-season counts include 600 at Bay Bridge Landing, Brunswick, 30 Aug 2017 (H. Heuer);
400 at Abadagasset, 1 Sep 2012 (PDV); and 375 near Unity, 5 Sep 2014 (T. Aversa).
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae F all :
Almost exclusively coastal by end of first week of Oct.
and mostly in small numbers, but 15 seen on Monhegan I., 11
Oct 2010 ( J. Trimble). Latest reports: individuals at Flood
Brothers Dairy, Clinton, 11 Nov 2011 (D. Smith), and 3 in Turner, Nov 2002 ( J. Despres). CDD
Eastern Meadowlark
Remarks: MDIFW: Priority 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the 2015 Statewide Wildlife Action Plan revision, because of a 70% population decrease during the previous 20 years. Threats to the species in ME include loss of suitable grassland habitat and hay harvests during nesting period (MDIFW 2016a). As is the case with other grassland bird species in ME, dairy farms and airport managers are key stakeholders for providing habitat (Askins 1995).
Sturnella magna
A sweet singer that breeds in hayfields and sandplains
Status in Maine: Eastern Meadowlarks breed uncommonly in Maine’s grasslands and are a rare year-round resident in some locations along the coast. Mostly confined to southern Maine, there are occasional sightings in the open areas of Aroostook County. Their populations have declined by 70% between 1995–2015 (Sauer et al. 2017). Meadowlarks winter in small numbers, mostly on the coast, particularly near sandy beaches and in salt marshes. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer noted a range expansion and increase in population of Eastern Meadowlarks in ME at the end of the 19th century, saying, “In the 1860’s and 1870’s, this species was somewhat rare and local, being seen chiefly in migration” (1949, 504). He described the species as a “[s]ummer resident, fairly common in coastal counties to western Penobscot Bay and north to the southern sections of Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, and central Penobscot Counties, diminishing to rare in, or absent from, much of northern and eastern Maine; winter resident, uncommon and local, chiefly near the coast” (1949, 502). Palmer reported only four records for Aroostook Co. There have been a handful of reports from this region since: Presque Isle, Portage and Eagle Ls., and Ft. Kent. More recent population declines in New England are attributed to habitat loss due to forest succession, development, and conversion of hayfields to row-crops.
Eastern Meadowlark Breeding Range
S pring :
Arrival begins as early as 7 Mar, but peaks end of
Mar–early Apr. According to Palmer, “only the breeding birds are seen” after late Apr. However, reported arrival dates as late as mid-May; “arrival” in Turner and Bangor, 13 May 1997 ( J.
Despres and M. Lucey, respectively; MBN 11[1]: 11). Sightings
on offshore islands in May might indicate tail end of migration:
10 May 1991, 11 May 2008, 12 May 2012, and 18 May 2001, all Stratton I. (Project Puffin, eBird); 1 on Seal I., 16 May 2001
(Project Puffin, eBird); 1 on Monhegan I., 26 May 2016 (B.
Barker, eBird); 1 on Metinic I., 26 May 2016 (M. Baran, eBird); and 1 on Matinicus Rock, 30 May 2011 (Project Puffin, eBird).
High counts: 17 at Kennebunk Plains, 15 May 2010 (C. Homler, eBird), and at least 6 at Kennebunk Plains, 2 May 1996 (PDV).
S ummer : Recent records with evidence of breeding include: Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NB west 1 fledgling observed in Unity, 17 Jun 2017 (T. Aversa, eBird); to MN, south through Appalachian Mtns. to n. WV. Year-round resident MA to e. NE, KS, and AZ. South “highly territorial” adults seen at Kennebunk Plains, 19 Jun of U.S., year-round resident from Mexico south to n. S. 2017 ( J. Coleman, eBird); recently fledged young observed at Kennebunk Plains, 6 Jul 2017 (G. Ulsamer, eBird); and 4 pairs Am. and Cuba.
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened.
and 2 fledglings observed in Richmond, 20 Jul 1983 (PDV,
eBird). Offshore summer records scarce: 1 on Harbor I., Lincoln
519
Birds of Maine
Co., 20 Jul 2008 (P. Folsom, eBird); 1 over Muscongus Bay, 21
Jul 2008 (M. Garland, eBird); 18 on Great Duck I., 22 Aug 1985
(PDV, eBird); and 1 over Muscongus Bay, 5 Sep 1987 (K. Barton, eBird). According to Palmer, “Beginning about mid-July, post-
breeding flocks wonder [sic] about a great deal from one stubble
field to another” (1949, 503–504). F all :
Palmer wrote, “Migration may begin in early September
as flocks are seen moving about at this time. Most migrants
depart in October and the first week in November, with records by no means uncommon to November 20 in places where the
species does not winter” (1949, 502). Often seen in greatest
numbers in fall: 20 in Skowhegan, 25 Sep 1958 (Messer, MFO
3[10]: 109); 20 in Augusta, 29 Sep 1988 (S. Oliveri, MBN 2[3]: 33); 35 in Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 29 Sep 1957 (D. Morse,
MFO 2[10]: 107); 20, Warren, 2 Oct 1958 (Lord, MFO 3[11]:
120); 20, Lisbon, 6 Oct 1957 (D. Morse, MFO 2[11]: 117); 20 in
N. Yarmouth, 13 Oct 1995 (L. Brinker, MBN 8[1]: 29); and 18 at
Brunswick Executive Airport, 16 Oct 2015 (M. Fahay, eBird).
Autumn records on offshore islands include 2 Oct sightings on
Monhegan I.: 1 on 15 Oct 1982 (PDV, eBird) and 1 on 7 Oct 1989
(S. Surner, eBird). W inter :
Inland winter records, 1 each: Hampden, Penobscot
Co., 12 Jan 1957 (Dority et al.); Auburn, Androscoggin Co.,
14 Jan 1954 (H. White, fide S. Stoddard, eBird); Farmingdale, Kennebec Co., 19 Jan 1958 (Emery, MFO 3[2]: 16); Bradley,
Penobscot Co., 8 Feb 1958 (Coulter, MFO 3[3]: 28); 1 found
dead, Bethel, 9 Feb 1984 (fide P.A. Cross); Sidney, Kennebec
Co., week of 18 Feb 1997 (D. Ladd, fide K. Gammons); Clinton,
25 Feb 2004 (M. Libby, fide K. Gammons); Benton, Kennebec Co., 27 Feb 2004 (M. Libby, eBird). More frequent coastal
records: 1 at Rachel Carson NWR, Timber Pt. Trail, 9 Feb 2017
(B. Harris, eBird). Offshore island records, 2 sightings of lone
birds on Monhegan: 27 Dec 1994 and 27 Dec 2004 (both PDV,
eBird). CBC data suggest a decline in winter numbers between
Palmer’s writing in 1949 and 2016: 7 birds in 1950 and 14 in 1953
followed by the discovery of a male in Dayton, York County, 13 July 1970 (K. Elkins, MN 2[1]: 7). What was apparently the same male returned to the same fields in Dayton in June 1971, 1972, and 1973 (MN 3: 15). Another male was reported in Wells, 8 April 1973 (D. Abbott, AB 27: 751). A male was reported singing near Augusta, 9 July 1983 (AB 37: 969). In 1984, PDV and JVW found a singing male at Kennebunk Plains, 3–8 July 1984 (MBL 6[3]: 54), and what was possibly the same individual was observed at Kennebunk Plains one day the following year, 31 May 1985 (PDV). J. Despres reported a singing male in Turner, 21 June 1995 ( J. Despres, FN 49: 910) and at the same locality, 18 May 2002 (NAB 56: 287). W. Sumner discovered a singing male in Norridgewock, 25 May–14 June 2001 (NAB 55: 277 and 415). No eBird records for Western Meadowlark, 2002–2018. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer reported Western Meadowlark in ME. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Species expanded rapidly to Northeast in the 20th century. In the 19th century, it bred east to MO, IL, and WI, west through cen. Canada to BC, south to TX, CA, and cen. Mexico. It currently breeds east to n. OH, s. ON, and w. NY (Davis and Lanyon 2008). Winters in southern portion of breeding range, east to s. MS, LA, and nw. FL. This species has been reported from all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and QC. Remarks: The Western Meadowlark is probably overlooked in Maine. All records come from skilled observers, usually close to their residences or study sites. There are undoubtedly other occurrences that go unobserved. PDV
on York Co. count, but only appearing in 5 count years between then and 2015, with totals not exceeding 3 individuals.
RVJ
Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius
Western Meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta
This look-alike visitor is distinguished by its song
Status in Maine: Western Meadowlark is casual in Maine. Each sighting has occurred in late spring or early summer, primarily in May and June. There are at least eight records since 1960 when Gail Freese reported a singing male in Hermon, Penobscot County, 8–9 May 1960 (MFN 16: 65–66). This was 520
An uncommon breeder in southern Maine, this smallest North American oriole sings a chattering, whistled song
Status in Maine: Orchard Orioles are uncommon but regular breeders in York and Cumberland Counties. Increasing in Maine since the 1970s, the species was confirmed breeding as far north as Augusta in 2007 and 2008. These orioles generally arrive in mid-May and early June with a few late April reports. Orchard Orioles are early-fall migrants, generally departing
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae
Maine by late July. The species is rare in September and there is a single October record from Monhegan Island, 5 October 2012 (D. Hitchcox). Remarkably, there are three winter records for this Neotropical migrant. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight reported three records, considering Orchard Oriole to be a “mere straggler to Maine” (1908, 350). Similarly, Palmer logged one additional record, as well as several sight records but noted that A.O. Norton had doubts about the accuracy of these latter reports. The Orchard Oriole’s breeding range has expanded into ME within the past 60 years. Though it seems likely Orchard Orioles nested in York Co. prior to 1958, the first ME nests were reported in York, 1–30 Jun 1958, when “2 nests [were found] in same tree with young in both nests, 2 males and 2 females” ( J. Wells). ABBM (Adamus 1987) did not confirm this species as nesting and only recorded one possible nesting occurrence in York Co. Orchard Orioles nested regularly at Pine Pt. in the 1970s and 1980s (G. Carson). In 1987, Orchard Orioles were confirmed breeding at Capisic Pond, Portland, when R. Eakin observed a pair feeding young at a nest 17 Jun 1987 (AB 41: 404). Global Distribution: Eastern Nearctic. Breeds from NB (rare and local, one record), s. ME, NH, and ON, west to e. SK, south to FL, TX, and e. Mexico. Winters in Cen. Am. and n. Colombia and Venezuela.
S pring :
Adults generally arrive in York and Cumberland Cos.
mid-May; many immature birds continue to migrate late May– early Jun. On Appledore I., Jun migrants include: 1 immature
male 3–7 Jun 1985 (D. Holmes, AB 39: 888); 2 on 4 Jun 1997 (fide
D. Holmes); and 1 on 5 Jun 1997 (fide D. Holmes). Orioles
at established breeding sites such as Capisic Pond, Portland,
often arrive in early May and immediately start nest-building:
1 on 3 May 2011 (D. Lovitch); 1 adult male on 7 May 2000 (K.
Gammons); 1 nesting pair on 4 May 2002 (Guillemot 32: 29); and
1 pair with female nest-building by 17 May 2001 (L. Bevier). At least 6 Apr records, 1 bird each: immature male in Biddeford
Pool 29 Apr 1968 (C. Robbins Jr.); 1 banded on Appledore I.,
29 Apr 1995 (fide D. Holmes); Capisic Pond, 28 Apr 2011 (S.
Walsh); Bar Harbor, 29 Apr 2011 (C. Kesselheim); Monhegan I., 30 Apr 2011 (T. Magarian); and Falmouth, 26 Apr 2013 (A.
Gilbert et al.). High counts on Monhegan I.: 15 on 15 May 1983
(T. Martin); at least 10, 21–23 May 1984, including 4 banded
birds on 22 May (B. Bochan et al.); 5 on 25–28 May 1984 ( JEP);
11 or more on 13 May 1988 (A. Wells and JVW, AB 42: 410);
minimum 5 on 20 May 1995 (L. Brinker et al.); 4 on 14 May 1997
(PDV and D. Abbott); and 6 on 8 May 2011 (PDV et al.). Increasing north and east of York, Cumberland, and
Sagadahoc Cos., though still uncommon and irregular: 1 in
Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 21 May 2017 (M. and J. Mahnke, eBird), and Capisic Pond on same day (D. Lovitch); 1 on
abandoned rail line, Kennebunk, 24 May 2017 (M. Weber,
eBird); 1 at Washington St., Bath, 10 May 2014 (H. Heuer,
eBird). Casual north and east of Bangor–Orono area. More than
12 spring reports for Knox and Waldo Cos., and >12 Hancock
Co. reports, including 9 from Mount Desert I. At least 7 spring records in Washington Co, 4 since 2005: 1 male in Danforth,
11–20 May 1970 (AB 24: 581) and 21 May 1985 (M. Gillis); 1, Petit Manan NWR., 10 May 1995 (Ralph Widrig); 1 immature in
Perry, 20 May–1 Jun 2005 (fide PDV, ph.); 1, Lubec, 26 May
2008 (D Lovitch et al.); 2 in Eastport, 11 May 2009 (C. Bartlett); 1, Baring, 29 May 2010 (L. Starr et al.); 1 in Machias, 8 May 2012 (B. Southard). In Penobscot Co, oriole found at Essex Woods Marsh, Bangor, 6 May 2014 ( J. Wyatt), and another far north
in Howland, May 1997 (Guillemot 27: 29). Notable that species found in unusual numbers in e. ME in 1970 with 5 separate
occurrences: 1 female in Ellsworth, 23 May 1970; 3 separate
males on Mount Desert I., 14–21 May 1970 (fide C. Jellison); and
!
! !!
!
! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! Orchard Oriole !! ! !! !! !! May-July 2010s Records ! !! ! !
1 male in Danforth, 11–20 May 1970 (AB 24: 581). S ummer :
Currently nests in York and Cumberland Cos.
Becoming more widespread in s. ME and nesting confirmed
north to Augusta but seen north to Orono and east to Calais.
Prefer open areas with scattered deciduous trees, shrub fringes,
particularly along riparian borders, and farmland with occasional large trees. Since 1987, 1 to 2 pairs regular at Capisic Pond,
Portland; 2 pairs on 4 Jun 2002 (L. Brinker). Seen regularly at
Brownfield Bog, pair on 11 Jun 1999 (G. Carson); and Cape
521
Birds of Maine
Elizabeth (K. Gammons); also in Calais where pair sighted
regularly over 3–4 years, confirmed 25 May 2012 (M. Mills).
Confirmed breeding at Viles Arboretum, Augusta, 2007–2008:
3 recently fledged young attended by immature male and
female found on 3 Jul 2007 (M. Smith). Family with 3 juveniles
observed 9 Jul 2008 (D. Suitor). Continue to be regular at this
site but more recent nesting not confirmed. Family unit of 2–4
individuals in Ogunquit, 25 Aug 1984, notably late (A. Childs).
BBS indicates 0.8% annual increase in New England and Mid-
Atlantic states, and a 0.9% decrease in U.S., 1966–2015. F all :
Usually depart ME by late Jul. Few Aug reports include:
1 male in Oakland, Kennebec Co., 22 Aug 1967 (F. Noyes); 2 in
Biddeford, 4 Aug 1967 (M. Fournier); 1 on Mount Desert Rock
on 6 Aug 1986 (Baraff and Corbett, in Witt and Russell 1987); 1
on Appledore I., 20 Aug 1989 (D. Holmes, AB 44: 60); and 1 on
N. Bath golf course, 14 Aug 2016 (H. Heuer, eBird). Species rare by Sep: 1 female in Lewiston, 15 Sep 1957 (Ramsdell); 1 female
in Wilton, 15 Sep 1960 (C. Fernalds); 1 on Mount Desert Rock
on 26 Sep 1986 (Baraff and Corbett, in Witt and Russell 1987);
1 immature at Biddeford Pool, 10 Sep 2012 (L. Bevier); and 1
in Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert I., 9 Sep 2015 (K. St. John, eBird). Five well-documented late records for Monhegan I.: 1
on 6–15 Sep 1957 (G. Fredricks); 1 on 29 Sep 1982 (PDV, AB 37:
158); 1 on 25 Sep 2012 (B. Nikula, J. Trimble); 1 on 5 Oct 2012 (D. Hitchcox); 1–3, intermittently 20–25 Sep 2016 (m.ob., eBird).
W inter :
Remarkably, 3 winter records. Immature oriole in
Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 4 Dec 1952, banded and measured, identity confirmed by Bowdoin College ornithologist, A.O.
Gross. Released, it remained until 1 Feb 1953 (BMAS 9: 22–23,
BMAS 9: 42–43). Another banded in Castine, 13 Dec 1957–Jan
1958 (M. Morse, Jr.). Female ph. in Kennebunkport, 20 Dec 1987 (DWF, D. Abbott, and PDV). PDV
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer noted a single bird collected in Sorrento, Hancock Co., in mid-Nov 1889. The specimen was formerly held in the Manly Hardy collection but is “no longer extant” (Palmer 1949, 510). The only other historical specimen record is an immature male found dead at a feeder in Hallowell, Kennebec Co., on 7 Dec 1964. This specimen was photographed in the UMaine Zoology collection (spec. #2603; PDV, ph.). Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds from w. Great Plains north to AB and SK, south to w. TX and n. Mexico. Winters largely in Mexico. Species has occurred in all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and NL. Remarks: Prior to 1983, Bullock’s Orioles and Baltimore Orioles were considered separate species although the two regularly hybridized in range overlaps in the w. Great Plains. In 1983, AOU (1983) considered both forms to be a single species, Northern Oriole (I. galbula). Subsequently, AOU (1995) determined that this complex comprised two species as originally described, Bullock’s Oriole and Baltimore Oriole, and they were split again in 1995. S pring :
Only known spring occurrence: adult male in Lubec,
16 Apr 1972 (E. Thompson), presumably same individual seen in
Jacksonville, E. Machias, Washington Co., ~18 mi. (29 km) from
Lubec, on 26 Apr 1972 (C. Dorchester). F all :
Seven sight records late fall–winter. Although some
reports probably valid, confirmation impossible because none
were critically described: 4 reports, winter 1966–1967, probably
correct given species was reported in numbers from MA at
the same time (Veit and Petersen 1993). These reports include:
female in Cape Neddick, 23–31 Dec 1966 (H. Card, MASFC);
Bullock’s Oriole
Icterus bullockii
A brilliantly eye-catching rarity from the West
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are only six documented records for this species, all of which are from late fall and winter: two historic specimens and, more recently, an adult male photographed in Brunswick on 4 November 2012 ( JEP and ECP); single birds 1–8 December 2016, Alexander, Washington County (G. Kirsch); 14 November 2016–2 April 2017, Camden, Knox County (M. Sortwell); and 11–13 November 2017, Monhegan Island (A. Iannicelli), all accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee. 522
female in W. Scarborough, 29 Nov–22 Dec 1966 (N. Bradford
et al., MASFC): female in Old Orchard Beach, 26 Nov 1966–
Jan 1967 (I. Rollins et al., MASFC); and bird in Bowdoinham through Feb 1967 (L. Jewel, MASFC).
Species reported rarely since 1966–1967 flight. Female
described in N. Berwick, 29 Oct 1987 (D. Tucker, MBN 1:
37), but critical identification characters not well established.
Additionally, notably dull female-type orioles most similar to
Bullock’s Oriole observed among migrant flocks of Baltimore
Orioles in late fall on Monhegan I. (K. Kaufman and PDV): 1
on 18 Oct 1989 (PDV). These observations should be considered
oriole spp., but this demonstrates at least a possibility of vagrant
Bullock’s Orioles on Monhegan I. PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
May 2015 (D. Doubleday, eBird); and 14 over 2 hours at Gilsland
Farm, 28 May 2016 (T. Mazerall, eBird).
Brilliant orange Neotropical songbird of hardwood forests
Status in Maine: Baltimore Orioles are a common breeding species in southern Maine, with fewer birds Downeast and in northern Maine, where they are most frequent along river valleys. Spring migration occurs in May; fall migration lingers late August– October. Some orioles, especially first-year birds, survive Maine’s winters by frequenting bird feeders. Historical Status in Maine: Knight described Baltimore Orioles expanding northward with European settlement in the 1800s, arriving in Bangor area “about 1860” and “at least north to Lincoln” by 1908 (1908, 352). Palmer (1949, 508) reported Baltimore Orioles as “fairly common in coastal counties to Penobscot Bay and north to include the southern parts of Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Penobscot, and perhaps southern Piscataquis, uncommon but regular in a few settled areas east of the Penobscot drainage, and of rare occurrence (not known to breed) on a few larger islands; two winter records.” Birds observed in Presque Isle area by 1942 (Chamberlain 1949). It is unclear whether the drastic decline of the oriole’s preferred nesting tree, American Elm (Ulmus americana), from Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma spp.) in the late 1960s affected Baltimore Oriole populations in ME. However, they are now frequent nesters in other deciduous trees, often aspens, in riparian areas.
Baltimore Oriole
Earliest record cited by Palmer, 17 Apr 1922, Brunswick.
Regular Apr sightings since: 1 in Readfield, Kennebec Co., 4
Apr 1999 (R. Spinney); 1 at Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert I., 7
Apr 1983 (C. Jellison, fide WJS); 1 male in Falmouth, 10 Apr 1957 (D. Payne, MFO 2[5]: 48); and 1 Eight Rod Rd., Augusta, 11 Apr
2006 (N. Famous). Birds typically arrive in Aroostook Co. 3rd
week May; notably early: 1 in Ft. Kent, 29 Apr 1998 (G. Flagg,
fide K. Gammons; MBN 11[1]: 22). S ummer :
Reported throughout ME in summer, but more
frequent in human-altered habitats, and, especially in n.
ME, in riparian habitats with deciduous trees. Not found
in coniferous or upland habitats. Remote, forested location
records: 1 Black Pond–Deboullie Public Land, Aroostook Co.,
5 Jun 1980 ( J. Gibson, eBird); 1 on BBS Route 059, Baker L., Somerset Co., 2 Jul 1996 (S. Mierzykowski, eBird); and 1 T9
R9 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 31 May 2009 ( J. Toledano, eBird).
Nest building in Saco, 20 May 2017 (R. Hussey, eBird). Palmer recorded nests with eggs on 3 and 5 Jun and freshly fledged
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NS west to AB, south through Mississippi R. Basin and Appalachian Mtns. to GA, LA, and AR. Nonbreeding in FL, Cuba, Jamaica, and s. Mexico, south to Colombia and Venezuela.
D. Donsker); 2 fledglings, Sheepscot, 5 Aug 1990 ( J. Hamlin);
Remarks: Hybridization with Bullock’s Oriole caused dispute over Baltimore Oriole as a separate species, and from 1983–1995 the two were lumped together as Northern Oriole.
2009 (Project Puffin Data, eBird); 1 on Monhegan I., 22 Jul 2008
S pring :
Common in suitable habitat. Migration late Apr–May,
peak during middle 2 weeks May. High counts: 60 over 9 hours
on Monhegan I., 14 May 1997 (PDV, eBird); 25 at Totman
Cove, Sagadahoc Co., 15 May 2007 (R. Robinson, eBird); >20,
Windham, 13 May 2005 (fide D. Lovitch); 16 at Brownfield Bog, 14 May 2009 (M. Oyler, eBird); 15 over 3 hours at Ft. Foster, 8
young on 21 Jun (1949). Contemporary records: 1 fledged
immature Capisic Pd., Portland, 1 Jul 2000 (M. Resch and
unreported number of adults with young, week of 11 Jul 2000
Houlton, (L. Little, fide J. Walker).
Baltimore Orioles do not appear to breed on ME’s offshore
islands, but some Jul records: 1 at Matinicus Rock, 12 and 15 Jul
(P. Folsom, eBird) and 7 Jul 2015 ( J. Fischer, eBird); and 1 on Seal I. NWR, week of 31 Jul 2006 (S. Walsh, eBird). F all :
Migration mid-late Aug–Oct, peaking in Sep, stragglers
into Nov. Timing later than indicated by Palmer: “Migration
occurs in August, the species being scarce during the last ten
days of that month” (1949, 508). Island records indicate 1994
migration peak: 23 banded on Appledore I., 2 Sep–7 Sep 1994
523
Birds of Maine
(fide D. Holmes), and 25 on Monhegan I., 26 Sep 1994 (PDV, m.ob.). High counts: Monhegan I., 50 on 27 Sep 2011 (D.
Hitchcox, eBird), 40 on 6 Sep 1985 (PDV, eBird), and 35 on 25 Sep 1995 (B. Nikula, MBN 8[1]: 30); and 19 on Machias Seal
I., 19 Sep 2005 (R. Eldridge, eBird). Late northern reports: 1 in
Lincoln, 17 Oct 1977 (PDV), and juvenile male in Caribou, 11 Nov 2006 (fide WJS).
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 505) described Red-winged Blackbirds as “common to numerous” summer residents (except in densely forested parts of the interior) and “numerous” spring and fall migrants. Since Palmer’s era, they arrive in ME earlier and depart later. Palmer listed 8–10 Mar as the earliest arrival dates and the latest known record as “one seen the week of the 14th [of November] in 1939, on offshore Monhegan (Mrs. J.A. Townsend),” making no mention of this species between Dec and Feb (1949, 506). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL to YT and isolated patches in AK, south to NH, MI, n. WI and MN, MT, and interior BC. Year-round resident south to Costa Rica, with nonbreeding wintering population in nw. Mexico. S pring :
First migrants appear mid-Feb; more typical arrival
date early Mar. Adult males arrive first. Migration in n. ME
occurs 1–4 weeks later, e.g.; Ft. Kent, 19 Mar 1982 ( J. Gibson);
compare: arrival Eliot, York Co., 4 Mar 1982 (N.B. Talbot).
Notable: 1, Greenville, 15 Feb 1984 (P. Johnson and S. Roy); 6,
Baltimore Oriole Breeding Range
Turner, 20 Feb 1981 ( J. Despres); 3–4, Cherryfield, 21 Feb 1992 ( J. Bush, fide G. Hazelton; MBN 5[2]: 45); and 4 males, Clinton, 27
Feb 2002 (W. Sumner). Aroostook Co. records: Houlton, 4 Mar
1979 (S. Rooney) and 5 Mar 2000 (L. Little, fide K. Gammons); and Presque Isle, week of 14 Mar 2006 (G. Flagg, fide K.
W inter :
Palmer reported 2 winter records. Numerous s. ME
observations since, mainly at bird feeders: bird visited J. Wyatt’s feeder in Winterport, Waldo Co., 3 Nov 2012–23 Apr 2013.
Species reported on 7 of 10 CBCs (2005–2016). Highest count in a year: 7 birds in 5 count circles.
RJV
Gammons).
Spring high counts include: 450, Sanford, 28 Mar 1957
(Prosser, MFO 2[4]: 36) and 500, Saco, 4 Apr 2014 (P. Moynahan, m.ob.; eBird).
S ummer :
Knight (1908, 346) wrote, “eggs are laid from as early
as June first to as late as the first of July, usually in early June.”
Palmer added, “All data at hand indicate that, for the greater
part, laying occurs during the first ten days of June throughout
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
most of the state, although somewhat earlier in York and Cumberland Counties” (1949, 506).
Recent breeding records: 1 female ph. gathering nesting
A loud, flashy harbinger of spring
material at Capisic Pond, Portland, 19 May 2017 (R. Garrigus,
Status in Maine: Red-winged Blackbirds are common breeding birds throughout Maine, with a preference for wetlands and open areas. A welcome messenger of spring, this species is one of the first migrants to return to Maine each year. Formerly entirely absent during winter, individuals now occasionally overwinter in the state. This familiar bird is declining at 2.6% annually on Maine Breeding Bird Surveys 1966–2017 (Sauer, pers. com.) and now is much less common than it once was.
Jun 2016 (C. Nims, m.ob.; eBird); 1 female ph. carrying food
524
eBird); 1 female observed carrying food in Brownfield Bog, 15
in Bangor, 22 Jun 2017 ( J. Smith, eBird); recently fledged
individual ph. on Sanford Lagoons, 18 Jul 2017 (A. Aldrich,
eBird); and 2 recently fledged birds ph. on Little Eddy Pond,
Topsham, 22 Jun 2017 (M. Barker, eBird). A fledgling observed
and ph. begging for food, Parsonsfield, York Co., 23 Jul 2017 (S.
Wilcox, eBird).
In late summer, Red-winged Blackbirds sometimes form
large foraging flocks: e.g., ~500 in cornfield in Turner, 20 Aug
1993 ( J. Despres), and ~3,100 feeding in wild rice at mouth of
Abagadassett R., Bowdoinham, 28 Aug 2017 (H. Heuer, eBird).
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae F all :
Palmer wrote, “Most birds depart in September, but
occasional flocks are seen throughout October” (1949, 505).
Bronzed Cowbird
Red-winged Blackbirds now linger in s. ME into Nov and
Molothrus aeneus
2004; 2 young males, Woodland, 10 Nov 2005; 1 young male,
This Central American icterid normally ranges only to Texas and the Southwest
Dec. Late records in Aroostook Co.: 1 male, Woodland, 9 Nov
Woodland, 6 Dec 2007 (all WJS); and 1 male, Washburn, 21 Dec 2013 (E. Grover, eBird). Despres recorded date of last
sighting of the year for 28 years, 1968–2001, in Turner: these
ranged 27 Oct–15 Dec, with most “last of year” records 2
Nov–26 Nov.
Some of the largest Red-winged Blackbird flocks form in
autumn: ~12,000 west end Sebasticook L., Penobscot Co., 31
Oct 2014 (B. Barker, eBird), and 1,100 foraging with Common Grackles in farm fields, Brunswick, 29 Oct 2016 (G. Smith, eBird).
Winter:
Palmer made no mention of Red-winged Blackbirds
in winter; numerous records since. Mainly confined to coast
and few inland locations in s. ME. Not always clear whether
late-winter records represent birds wandering from northern edge of wintering range, migrants arriving early, or birds
overwintering in ME. Winter records often from bird feeders.
Birds have occurred on 2–8 CBCs each year, 1997–2016, with
notable statewide highs of 47 in 2008 and 46 in 2014. Notable
Status in Maine: Accidental. This species was recorded only once in Maine; a male was photographed in Rockland, 24–28 October 2010 (R. Moore et al., ph. arch., ME-BRC #2010-012). This was the first record for both Maine and New England. Global Distribution: Neotropical and sw. Nearctic. Breeds from s. TX, locally in s. MI and LA, and sw. NM, s. AZ, and se. CA to Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. Colombia. Winters largely within breeding range; northern populations withdraw to Mexico and Cen. Am. Three previously recorded sightings in NS: Seal I. on 8–10 May 1991, Cape Sable I. on 21 Oct 1997, and Dartmouth on 8 Jul 2000 (McLaren 2012). Not otherwise reported from ne. N. Am. PDV
inland winter records: 1, Ft. Kent, 9–10 Jan 1984 (Smart, fide G.
and S. Flagg); and 4, Wallagrass, Aroostook Co., 4 Jan 1978 ( J.
Gibson, eBird). RJV
Shiny Cowbird
Molothrus bonariensis
This native of South America recently spread to the Caribbean and southern Florida
Status in Maine: Accidental. One confirmed record of a male photographed on Monhegan Island, 24–25 May 1991 (C. Mardeusz; MBN 5[1]: 1, AB 45: 510). Historical Status: Unknown in New England and Maritime Provinces prior to 1990. Shiny Cowbirds since reported in ME, NB, NS, and MA. Global Distribution: Primarily S. Am. but recently throughout Caribbean and now resident in s. FL. PDV
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
A stealthy, ubiquitous, and successful brood parasite from the Great Plains
Status in Maine: Brown-headed Cowbirds are an abundant breeder throughout Maine, except in northern spruce forest away from human habitation. Normally foraging in open fields, cowbirds may lay eggs in forest species’ nests many meters from the forest edge. They are common in spring and especially fall migration, when they mix with other blackbirds, starlings, and House Sparrows in large flocks. A small number overwinter annually, often frequenting bird feeders. Historical Status in Maine: The earliest ME breeding records are from Norway, Oxford Co., and Calais in 1862 (Knight 1908). Brewster puzzled that he saw one bird in the Umbagog region, a male in 1876, yet a Brown-headed Cowbird egg was found in a Magnolia Warbler nest in the same town in 1880 (Griscom 1938). By the early 20th century, cowbirds were summer residents in all counties, including Oxford, although less common in Washington and Aroostook Cos. (Knight 1908). Palmer reported spring arrivals 525
Birds of Maine
in mid-Mar in s. ME, mid-Apr in n. ME. While cowbirds remain common in ME, their abundance has declined since mid-20th century; records from the 1950s of >1000 birds, and 1960s–1970s CBCs with high frequency and abundance, are not matched by recent records. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from southern NL, Maritime Provinces, across s. Canada to s. YT, south through continental US and Mexico. Winters from s. New England through IL, IA, and south to FL, Gulf Coast, and Mexico. Remarks: Brown-headed Cowbirds parasitize a surprising variety of species. Common hosts include: Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Red-eyed Vireo, and Red-winged Blackbird. Palmer reported range in size of documented host species in ME from Veery to Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Historically a Great Plains species, numbers exploded with eastern forest clearing. They prefer foraging in open country and near livestock and are recorded parasitizing nests 150 in Presque Isle, Aug 1959 (Holmes, MFO 4[6–7]: 89); >300 in Brunswick, 20 Aug 1957 (Varney, MFO 2[9]: 96); >50 in
Lamoine, Hancock Co., 16 Aug 1957 (Sawyer, MFO [9]: 96). F all :
Palmer wrote, “Migration occurs throughout September
and October, with a few records to as late as November 9” (1949,
515). Current data from Monhegan I. support this with peak
first half of Sep. Migration as early as mid-Aug, evidenced by 1
juvenile caught in a mist net on Appledore I., 14 Aug 1994 (fide
D. Holmes). Species mostly gone from Aroostook Co. by mid-
Sep. By Oct, absent from much of state; birds form large flocks locally. High counts: >500, Saco, 12 Oct 1988 (K. Gammons);
Turner, ~150 on 23 Oct 1997, ~200 and ~110 on 8 Oct and 13 Nov 1995, respectively ( J. Despres); and >50 Cape Neddick, 18 Oct
2005 (fide D. Lovitch). W inter :
Winters consistently in low numbers in s. ME.
Observed annually on CBCs, 1952–2017; numbers declined
considerably after 1970s when CBC reached 2,432 in 1973. High counts: >200 Cape Elizabeth, 1 Dec 1958 (Dearborn, MFO
4[1]: 8); 140 in Stonington, 2 Dec 1959 (Hundley, MFO 4[10]: 118); 200, Winter Harbor, 15 Jan 1981 (R. Heil, fide PDV).
Northernmost winter record: 6 at sunflower patch, Presque Isle,
19 Dec 2014 (WJS, eBird). RVJ
males on 23 Feb 1990, N. Berwick (D. Tucker, MBN 3[4]: 46).
Typically, later in Aroostook Co.; early records: 1 in Woodland,
23 Mar 2007 (fide WJS), week of 25 Mar 2003 (WJS, fide K.
Gammons), and 6 Apr 2005 (WJS); and 1, Presque Isle, 29 Mar
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
1991 (M. Trombley, MBN 5[1]: 13). Spring high counts: 1,000 and
A boreal blackbird in deep trouble
respectively; both MFO 2[4]: 37); 370 in Acton, York Co., 17 Apr
Status in Maine: Rusty Blackbirds are uncommon and local breeders in bogs and other wetlands in wooded areas of northern Maine. During spring and fall migration, they can be seen throughout the state, including offshore islands. Occasionally, Rusty Blackbirds winter in Maine, frequenting bird feeders. Since about 1970, Rusty Blackbirds have experienced a significant population decline and reduction in breeding range (Greenberg et al. 2011). Exact causes of the decline are not certain, but high levels of mercury were found in the eastern breeding population; boreal habitat lost to human activities and climate change are also implicated for the continent-wide decline (Greenberg et al. 2011). In Maine, Powell (2008) found their current range is 46% of their 1983 range, with the steepest loss occurring in the 1980s–1990s.
500 in Topsham, 31 Mar and 18 Mar 1957 (Courson and Emery,
1957 (Prosser, MFO 2[5]: 48); and 150, mostly male, Biddeford, 29 Mar 2014 (D. Doubleday, eBird).
S ummer :
Because Brown-headed Cowbirds are brood
parasites that do not build their own nests, timing of egg-
laying varies and depends on nesting of host species. Palmer
(1949, 515) reported egg records “range from May 25 to July 13,
the two latest dates being for a fresh egg on July 12, 1936, and a
well incubated one found the next day, by Mendall, in Blackthroated Green Warbler nests at South Thomaston, Knox
County.” Nestling records include 1 chick among unhatched
Eastern Phoebe eggs in Bath, 21 May 2017 (H. Franklin, eBird). Juveniles being fed by hosts: 1 by Ovenbird in Turner, 7 Jul
1997 ( J. Despres); 1 fledgling ph. being fed by Eastern Phoebe, Portland, 8 Jul 2016 (B. Blauvelt, eBird); 1 fledgling fed by
Chestnut-sided Warbler and 1 by Pine Warbler in Turner, 15 Jul
1992 ( J. Despres); 1 by Common Yellowthroat in Scarborough, 15 Jul 2003 (G. Carsons, fide K. Gammons); 1 and 1 “tended”
526
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern.
Order Passeriformes • Family Icteridae
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer described Rusty Blackbird as a “fairly common” breeder in n. ME and “very common” during migration, with two winter records (1949, 510). Brewster recalled seeing flocks of “hundreds” in early Oct at L. Umbagog (Brewster 1937). Palmer suggested numbers of Rusty Blackbirds were stable, remarking, “The population of this species appears not to have changed in the past 40 years at least” (1949, 511). However, in the last century the population has declined, and range has shrunk considerably (Powell 2008, based on data from Knight 1908, Palmer 1949, Adamus 1987, Yates, 2007, and Hodgman and Herman 2003). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL to AK, south to n. New England, n. MN, MB, and n. SK, n. AB, and n. BC. Winters from s. New England to s. NY, NJ, and MD, west to e. NE, south to FL and e. TX. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable due to 85–99% population decline since 1966. S pring :
Palmer reported migration ~20 Mar–3 May, with
strong flights in s. ME ~30 Mar, little lag before arrival in n.
Rusty Blackbird Range Contraction ! ( ( ! ( ! ( !
1908 1949 1983 2007
The breeding range of the Rusty Blackbird in Maine has contracted significantly since 1908, echoing this species’ dramatic and still largely mysterious population decline across much of its range, especially in recent decades. (After Powell 2008.)
ME. Since Palmer’s writing, migrant records both earlier and later than this period. Early records: 100, Brunswick, 10 Mar
1958 (Varney, MFO 3[4]: 38); 1, E. Machias, 16 Mar 1996 (CDD, fide A. Bacon; MBN 9[1]: 29); 6, “arrival” Readfield, Kennebec
Co., 10 Mar 1981 (R. Spinney); and 1, “arrival” Waterville, 14 Mar
1980 (A. Van Keuren, fide P. Cannell). Late records (outside
F all :
Migration mid-Sep to early Nov, peaks late Sep–early
Oct: 40 on Monhegan I., 25 Sep 2005 (L. Seitz et al.), and 41
“crossing” at Cousins I., 6 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz, eBird). Migration preceded by postbreeding dispersal in Aug (Palmer 1949).
of breeding range): ph. at Seal I. NWR, 5 May 2015 (K. Yakola,
Palmer listed “a single individual” seen by Norton near Portland
eBird); and 1 immature male, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5
writing, numerous Nov records, mostly individuals, from
eBird); 1 on Matinicus Rock, 23 May 2002 (Project Puffin Data,
May 2006 (D. Lovitch). S ummer :
Scant breeding records due in part to inaccessibility
of wetlands in coniferous woods where Rusty Blackbirds nest.
Palmer reported nests with eggs on 10 May 1931 and 19 Jun 1900; parents feeding fledglings on 20 Jul 1918. Birds carrying food
for young: 1 in Bangor, 4 Jun 2015 (L. Ireland, eBird); 2, BSP, 21
Jun 2006 (D. Lovitch et al.); 2 carrying food, T8 R18 WELS,
Somerset Co., 26 Jun 2005 (D. Mairs, fide K. Gammons); and
2 at Crystal Bog, Aroostook Co., 29 Jun 1987 (PDV, eBird).
Fledglings: “unreported number of adults with young” at Pittston
on 5 Nov 1939 as latest fall record (1949, 511). Since Palmer’s
Sebasticook L. south, including Monhegan I. (6 Nov 2016; L.
Bevier, m.ob.) and Matinicus Rock (3 Nov 2010, S. Hall). M.
Viens ph. and counted 14 at Cobbosseecontee L. on 16 Nov
2013 (eBird). High counts: >100, Cape Elizabeth, 25 Sep 1958
(Dearborn, MFO 3[10]: 109); ~200 Wilton, 8 Oct 1988 (P. Cross,
MBN 2[3]: 33); ~400 at Togus Pond, Augusta, 8 Oct 1994 (G.
Therrien, MBN 8[1]: 13); >200 in Pittsfield, Somerset Co., 18
Oct 1999 (PDV, eBird); ~50 with hundreds of other icterids in cornfield, Newport, 14 Oct 2014 (D. Suitor, eBird).
W inter :
Palmer listed 2 ME winter records for Rusty
Academy Grant, Somerset Co., week of 11 Jul 2000 (D. Mairs,
Blackbirds; numerous winter sightings since, especially in s. ME.
Twp., Somerset Co., ~10 Jun 2000 (R. Geredien); unreported
Feeders may facilitate northward winter range expansion,
immature at Fields Pond Nature Center, Holden, Penobscot Co.,
1997 (W. Sumner, MBN 10[2]: 23). Notably northern records: 1
Jul 2001 (D. Mairs, R. Joseph, M. Libby); and >7 in T19 MD BPP,
eBird); 2 males in Lincoln, 8 Dec 1978 (PDV, eBird); 1 female/
fide J. Walker). Southernmost records, Jun–Jul: 1 at Pierce Pond number at Brownfield Bog, 30 Jun 1999 (B. Rapoza, eBird); 2
11 Jul 2014 (A. Baron, eBird); 3 at Sidney Bog, Kennebec Co., 6 Washington Co., 18 Jul 1959 (Randall, MFO 4[5]: 75).
Many at bird feeders: 6 in Machias, 9 Jan 1999 (P. Donahue).
though not all sightings at feeders: 1 in Norridgewock, 25 Feb
ph. near feeders in Chapman, Aroostook Co., 3 Dec 2014 (WJS, immature in Presque Isle, repeatedly 23–29 Dec 2007 (WJS, fide
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Birds of Maine
P. Cyrs, eBird); and 1 at stream near Pogy Pond, BSP, on 25 Jan
2013 (H. Lake, eBird). High count: 23, Scarborough, 21 Jan 1958 (Mayberry et al.; MFO 3[2]: 16).
In the decade of CBCs from Dec 2007–Jan 2017, Rusty
Blackbirds seen 9 years. Highest CBC total, 60 birds in count year 1979–1980. RVJ
Brewer’s Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus
A western cousin to Rusty Blackbird, a vagrant in the East
Status in Maine: Accidental. One confirmed record and three well-described sight records. A male was photographed on Monhegan Island, 24–25 September 1985 (K. Jones, AB 40: 259). The three sight records with convincing details include a female observed at Popham Beach State Park, 2 October 1977 (C. Livesay, D. Dorr; AB 32: 180); a female at Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert Island, October 1981 (W. Russell, AB 36: 155); and a male in East Pittston, Kennebec County, 25 November 1987 (S. Oliveri, MBN 1: 37). There are other less well-documented reports unconfirmed; e.g., a bird seen in Sheepscot, 26 December 1989 (fide B. Nikula, AB 44: 240). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Primarily western species. Breeds from ON, IL, west through s. SK to BC, south to CO, AZ, CA, and Baja California. Winters from SC, GA, n. FL west to s. BC, south to Mexico. Recorded in all New England states, except NH, and in Maritime Provinces and NL. PDV
Historical Status in Maine: Palmer (1949, 512) described the species as “rather common throughout” in summer, “except uncommon and not known to breed on islands east of Casco Bay,” “numerous” in migration, and an “uncommon” winter resident. He said, “This bird has increased in numbers markedly during the past 60 years, the increase continuing to present, but at a slower rate than in the period from 1910 to 1928, as shown by numerous data” (1949, 514). According to Palmer, the species colonized much of inland ME before it expanded Downeast. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL to AB, south to ME, n. NH, n. VT., n. NY, MI, WI, MN, and west to MT, WY, CO, and e. NM. Year-round from s. New England to s. MN, south to FL and TX. Nonbreeding population nw. to se. TX. Remarks: Common Grackles, like corvids and some woodpeckers, are occasional nest predators of other bird species. S pring :
Migrants arrive last week Feb–first 2 weeks of Apr,
peaking mid-Mar to early Apr. Palmer writes, “flocks arrive before the ice is out of ponds and streams, or snow is off the ground”
(1949, 513). Typical arrival in Aroostook Co. late Mar–May. Early
Aroostook Co. records: 2 on 16 Mar 2012, Masardis (WJS), and 3
on Square L., 12 Mar 2016 (B. Sawtelle and R. O’Connell). High
counts: 2,000, Litchfield, Kennebec Co., 17 Mar 1957 (Emery,
MFO 2[4]: 36); 900 and 825 in Falmouth, 4 Apr 1958 and 17 Mar 1957 (Robinson; MFO 3[5]: 50 and MFO 2[4]: 36, respectively); and ~100 roosting in Machiasport, 16 Mar 2000 (A. Graham).
S ummer :
Palmer said Common Grackles prefer to breed “in
deciduous or mixed woods near water,” and “earliest date for eggs known to be fresh is for a set of five on May 12, 1911, at Brewer,
and the latest for four on June 22, 1938, in Somerset County, both
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
A gregarious and aggressive icterid that thrives in human habitats
Status in Maine: Common Grackles are widespread breeding birds in most of Maine, especially in anthropogenic habitats and open wetlands. An early-spring migrant, this species occasionally winters locally in small numbers, usually near the coast. Trends in Breeding Bird Survey results indicate Common Grackles have declined by 2.5% per year in Maine, 1966–2017 (Sauer, pers. com.) Now listed as near-threatened by IUCN due to the steepness of its decline (BirdLife 2018). 528
taken by Eckstrom.” Recently fledged birds observed week of 15
Jun (2004, in Garfield, Aroostook Co.; fide WJS) and 26 Jul (2017, at Great Pond, Kennebec Co.; M. Viens, eBird). Other fledgling
observations: 1 ph. in Bangor, 27 Jun 2015 (D. and K. Lima,
eBird); “grackle fledglings are everywhere in central Aroostook
Co.” week of 5 Jul 2005 (WJS); and “recently fledged young” at
Capisic Pond, Portland, 6 Jul 2012 (N. Houlihan, eBird). Adult
male ph. carrying a frog (presumably to feed young) in Greenville,
28 Jun 2017 (N. Magnusson, eBird). High count: 350, Pemaquid L., Lincoln Co., 29 Jul 2003 ( JVW, eBird). F all :
Palmer asserted migration “begins by the last week in
Sep but occurs chiefly throughout Oct and to Nov 14” (1949, 512).
In Aroostook Co., frequency tapers Sep–Oct, dropping off end of Nov. Despite Palmer’s claim, “fall flocks are rarely as large as those seen in spring,” some high counts occur in fall: ~12,000,
Sebasticook L., 31 Oct 2014 (B. Barker, eBird); ~12,000 “calling
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
and singing,” 29 Oct 1986, and 5,000 on 20 Oct 1987 in Turner ( J.
Despres); ~5,500, “flock . . . stretched for at least a mile,” Hermon, Penobscot Co., 17 Oct 1999 (M. Lucey); and 5,000, Canaan,
Somerset Co., week of 23 Oct 2001 (B. Barker, fide L. Woodard).
W inter :
Prevalence in winter in ME has increased
considerably since Palmer, who wrote grackles were “noted
during at least ten different winters beginning in 1884” (1949,
513). Now, birds seen annually on CBC count circles, with state
tallies of 4 in 2004 to 157 in 1976. Increased food in grain fields,
cattle yards, garbage dumps, and bird feeders allow winter range expansion northward and inland: ~100 at feeder on Matinicus
I., 2 Jan 2016 (R. MacDonald, eBird); 1 “hanging around a cattle
farm” in Hermon, 14 Jan 1997 (M. Lucey, MBN 8[2]: 39]. Palmer
observed commensalism, saying “Some wintering birds seem
to be strictly dependent on man for food, living on scraps and
garbage, while others get at least part of their livelihood from the salt water flats between the tides” (1949, 514).
RVJ
Boat-tailed/Great-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus sp.
Which of these long-tailed, iridescent icterids has been to Maine?
Status in Maine: Hypothetical. In 1994, S. Pollock observed a large male grackle at Great Pond, Biddeford Pool on 7 May (S. Pollock; MBN 7: 38–39, FN 48: 279). Pollock’s description suggested Boat-tailed Grackle (Q. major) but did not clearly eliminate Great-tailed Grackle (Q. mexicanus). While it is certain a grackle was seen, the species is uncertain and thus is counted as a large Quiscalus sp. Another large grackle, reported from Monhegan Island, 21 September 2010, likewise could not be verified to species level. Perkins’s (FN 48: 279) thoughtful analysis indicated that it is often difficult to separate vagrant large grackles. At the time of this observation, Boat-tailed Grackles were the more likely option, as they breed as far north as Connecticut. However, Great-tailed Grackles have been reported from Ontario and Nova Scotia. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed a sight record of two Boat-tailed Grackles at Second L., Washington Co., 1 Aug 1877, by E. Smith, which he accepted because Smith had recently spent four months in TX where the species was plentiful and thus “undoubtedly knew whereof he wrote.” Knight had rejected this observation and Palmer reported that it was criticized by Brewster (1883) and G. Allen (1909). Given that the habitat at Second L. is unlikely for Boat-tailed Grackles, it seems more likely these
were misidentified Common Grackles (Q. quiscula). Global Distribution: Boat-tailed Grackles are e. Nearctic, resident and breeding along coast from Long I., NY, and Fairfield Co., CT, south to e. TX and FL. Boat-tailed Grackles also reported from RI (one record) and MA (two records listed as Boat-tailed/ Great-tailed Grackles). Great-tailed Grackles are Nearctic and Neotropical, expanding their range north and east; resident and breeding from MO west to cen. CA and south through TX, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. Remarks: An undocumented report from Capisic Pond, Portland, 31 May 1997 (FN 51: 847) should be ignored. PDV
Wood-warblers (Parulidae) Seventeen genera of wood-warblers, comprising 115 species, radiated across the Americas from their apparent origin in Central America. These small, colorful birds are both spring's highlight and a challenge. Mostly arboreal, they taunt birders with momentary glimpses and tax their memories with lovely songs. Forty-two species, mostly Neotropical migrants, occur in Maine, including seven accidentals.
Ovenbird
Seiurus aurocapilla The “teacher-teacher-teacher” is in school throughout Maine
Status in Maine: The Ovenbird is an abundant breeding species throughout many forested habitats in Maine. It is a common, although rarely numerous, spring and fall migrant whose migrations in both seasons are more protracted than most wood-warblers. Ovenbirds are rare in winter; there are seven records, most from south coastal Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Ovenbirds to be common breeders, although Palmer said the species was uncommon in e. and n. ME and that it was generally absent from coastal islands. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD, cen. QC and ON, to s. NT, south to NC and Appalachian Mtns. of GA, west to n. AR. Winters
529
Birds of Maine
primarily in s. FL, Caribbean, Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. Venezuela and Columbia. S pring :
Common to abundant spring migrant, its “tee-chur
tee-CHUR tee-CHUR” song heard more often than the bird is seen. Ovenbirds arrive first week of May, rapidly become
widespread in variety of forested habitats throughout s. and
cen. ME. Apr records increasing in last decade, most 29–30
Apr. Early exceptions, 1 bird each: Kennebunkport, 14 Apr 2017 and 21 Apr 2015 (both D. Doubleday, eBird); Brunswick Town
Commons, 24 Apr 2017 (L. Taylor, eBird); Dyer Pt., 26 Apr
2011 (R. Romano); Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 27 Apr 2011 (PDV). Found on highest number of ME eBird checklists
(36%) week of 15 May. Banding records on Appledore I. reveal main migration 10–20 May (~50 birds annually), continues in
smaller numbers to end of May (~28 birds, 20–31 May) and Jun
(2.7 birds 1–5 Jun). In Aroostook Co., earliest migrant reported
in Houlton, 11 May 2004 (L. Little); since 1997, species normally
arrives 15–20 May, ~6–10 days earlier than arrival dates in
Presque Isle, 1987–1990 (M. Trombley).
Not gregarious, usually heard scattered throughout forest.
Migratory fallout in s. coastal ME coincidental with cold
front grounded thousands of Ovenbirds in Phippsburg: 110
Ovenbird
conservatively estimated on Morse Mtn., 11 May 1996, and 100 or more observed at same locality, 12 May 1996 (PDV, FN 50:
256). Appledore I. banding records revealed another major flight: 122 birds netted 16–20 May 1995. S ummer :
Probably most abundant wood-warbler breeding
in ME; confirmed throughout state (ABBM, Adamus 1987).
Occupies wider range of habitats than most warblers, including
W inter :
Remarkably, at least 7 documented winter records in
ME. First wintered at feeder in Brunswick, 23 Dec 1983–Mar
1984 (T. Skaling, ph.), “fed exclusively on white millet, endured
at least 11 nights with temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit
including -20 degrees F. temperature on January 22” (T. Skaling).
Only truly inland record in Farmingdale, Kennebec Co., 25–27
mature deciduous forests, pine groves, mixed coniferous forests,
Dec 1998 (G. Howard), reported on Augusta area CBC. Other
audible simultaneously in preferred habitat. BBS recorded 5–26
2000 (M. J. Northrup); 1 critically identified in Montville,
and Red Maple forested wetlands. Five to 7 males readily
males per route in Somerset, Piscataquis, and Aroostook Cos.
in 1979 (D. Folger) and 49–70 birds reported from Aurora BBS,
Hancock Co.. in 2008–2013. Lowest count on Aurora BBS
1997–2016 was 21 birds. F all :
Fall migration protracted, mid-Aug to Sep, diminishing
records: 1 at feeding station, Falmouth, mid-Nov 1999–2 Jan
Waldo Co., 15 Dec 2000 (S. Benz); 1 ph. at Kittery Pt., 17–20
Jan 2001 (S. Mirick, NAB 55: 149); 1 carefully described at Cape
Neddick (The Nubble), 16 Dec 2002 (D. Tucker et al.); 1, Bath, mid-Nov 2006 to Apr 2007 (M. Tetreault). PDV
by 10 Oct. No conspicuous peak in migration. Found on highest
number of ME eBird checklists (2%) across protracted period
from weeks of 1 Aug to 8 Sep. Sixty-two banded in Chamberlain,
Worm-eating Warbler
Lincoln Co., 27 Aug–17 Sep 1961 (MFO 6: 103). Appledore I.
Helmitheros vermivorum
8.9, 21–30 Aug; 10.4, 1–10 Sep; 6.8, 11–20 Sep; 7.0, 21–30 Sep; 3.6
A ground-nesting interior forest songbird of the Appalachians
banding project annually recorded average of 5.3 birds 11–20 Aug; birds 1–10 Oct (D. Holmes et al.). Hatch-year bird banded on
Appledore I., 14 Sep 1990, later captured in Bradley, Penobscot
Co., 8 Jul 1996 (D. Holmes). One banded on Metinic I., 17 Oct
2010 (A. Leppold). Unusually late inland records: 1 in Turner, 1
Oct 1991 ( J. Despres), and 1 in Richmond, 13 Oct 1997 (D. Ladd).
Late coastal records: 1 in York, 19–26 Oct 2006 (B. Coullon), and
1 in Bar Harbor, 11 Nov 1980 (MBL 2[4]: 56).
530
Status in Maine: Prior to 1971, Worm-eating Warblers were accidental in Maine. They are now considered casual with at least 17 fall records since 1971 and more than 15 spring records since 1980. Nearly all Maine records are along the southern coast, east to Mount Desert Island.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Historical Status in Maine: Knight included Wormeating Warbler in his list of hypotheticals. Palmer listed one sight record of a bird in Jackman on 1, 5, and 12 Sep 1935 by Foerster (1949, 449–450), adding that Foerster was “a competent observer.” It is interesting that Palmer, who generally distrusted birdwatchers, did not list this observation as hypothetical. Given the duration of this bird’s presence in Jackman and the fact that all other ME records are coastal, this record is surprising and possibly incorrect. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds at scattered locations across MA (but is local and uncommon) and s. New England, s. NY, PA, to MO, AR, south to GA, AL, and MS. Winters in Cuba, Jamaica, and Caribbean to s. Mexico and Cen. Am. Recorded in NB, NS, QC, NH, and VT. S pring :
Rare in ME prior to 1980, only 5 documented records:
1 in E. Bowdoinham, 23 May 1949 (BMAS 5: 60); 1 in Falmouth, 13 May 1956 (MFO 1: 62); 1 in Old Orchard, 19–23 May 1957,
heard singing for 3 days; 1 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 18
May 1965 (both obs. unk.).
Since 1980, at least 19 spring records along coastal ME east to
Mount Desert I., including >10 birds on Appledore I., 1986–2005
(9 banded). Bird banded on 20 May 1997 re-trapped on 23 May
1997 and another banded on 4 May 2001 recaptured on 10, 13, and
14 May (both D. Holmes). Earliest seen in Blue Hill, 20 Apr 1988 (AB 42: 410), and latest on Monhegan, 30 May 2003 (L. Brinker).
Bird in Bar Harbor, 27 May 1983 (W. Townsend); another landed
on a boat and ph. near Matinicus Rock, 18 May 1986 (AB 40: 445), somewhat farther east than other records. Recent records, 1 each;
Matinicus Rock, 21 May 2014 (A. Ellis, eBird); River Pt.
Conservation Area, Falmouth, 3–4 May 2011 and 3 May 2017 (S.
Walsh, R. Lambert; L. Seitz, respectively); Ft. Foster, 6 May 2015 (G. Smith); 1 on 14 May and number unknown on 16 May 2014,
Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (S. Hall and S. Walsh). F all :
At least 17 fall records since 1971. Eleven on Appledore I.
(8 banded); 6 occurred 22–31 Aug (D. Holmes). Male banded 31
Aug 1988 re-trapped in same nets on 9 Sep 1988; another banded on 21 Aug 2005 re-trapped on 25 and 28 Aug (D. Holmes). First
confirmed ME record banded and ph. in Brunswick, 5 Oct
1979 ( J. Cherry, ph. on file). Easternmost fall record “landed on a whale watch boat fifteen miles south of Bar Harbor,” 4 Oct
2004 (Z. Klyver, Guillemot 34: 48). Recent records, all eBird: 1,
Appledore I., 31 Aug 2010 (K. Whittier); 1, Stratton I., 16 Sep
2012 (R. and J. Borzik); 1, Cape Neddick, 3 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz);
1, Metinic I., 6 Oct 2011 (N. Strycker); 1 each, 8 Oct 2010 and 9 Oct 2011, both Monhegan I. (T. Magarian; J. Mays).
Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
A large wood-warbler of stream edges, spreading north
Status in Maine: Louisiana Waterthrushes are now a regular, though scarce, breeding species in southwestern Maine, preferring fast-running forest streams. They arrive in Maine in late April and are early-fall migrants, usually departing in August and early September. Historical Status in Maine: Louisiana Waterthrush was largely unknown in ME prior to 1980. Both Knight and Palmer listed a single specimen record collected in Norway, Oxford Co., in May 1865 (Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, MA). But Griscom remarked on the range expansion of Louisiana Waterthrushes in MA, “[I]n the past few years . . . the species has been rapidly spreading north and east from the Connecticut Valley” (1949, 295). Cruickshank (1950b) reported the second ME record, a carefully studied individual near Muscongus, 8 Aug 1946 ( J. Cadbury). There are six records, 1956–1963: a singing male found south of Jackman Station, 25 Jun 1956 (R. Clement); one in Harrington, 2 Aug 1958 (MASFC); a singing male in Kennebunk, 5 Jun 1961 (MFO 6: 65); and birds banded in Brunswick, 13 Aug 1961 (MFO 8: 90) and 13 Aug 1962 (H. Tyler, MFN 18: 140). An individual in Acton, York Co., 11 Jun 1963, with “food in beak by a steep hillside stream,” provided suggestive evidence of breeding (Dyson, MFN 19: 114). Records became more frequent after 1969: one in Waterford, Oxford Co., 1 Jun 1969; male singing in York, 30 Apr 1972 (D. Abbot); and bird in Seal Harbor, Mount Desert I., during third week of May 1975 (W. Russell). A search of brooks and streams in foothills north of Fryeburg revealed five territorial males; a pair feeding young in Sweden, Oxford Co., 14 Jun 1980 was first confirmed breeding in ME (Vickery 1980b) Since 1980, species has become annual and now widespread in sw. ME and in 2005 found breeding east to Hallowell, Kennebec Co. ( JVW). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. cen. ME, NH, VT, s. ON, to WI and e. MN, south to n. FL and TX. Winters in Caribbean and cen. Mexico to Panama.
PDV
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Birds of Maine
Cemetery, Portland, 20 Aug 1996 (R. Eakin); 1, Monhegan I.,
5 Sep 1982 (PDV et al.); 1 on 9 Sep 2005 and 2 on 9 Sep 2005, both Machias Seal I. (R. Eldridge). Individuals banded on
Appledore I., 28 Aug 1999 and 12 Sep 1999 (D. Holmes, NAB 54: 30), the latter being late for this species in New England. JVW
Louisiana Waterthrush S pring :
Arrives in s. ME late Apr. Earliest record in
Martinsville, Knox Co., 18 Apr 1985 (P. Koelle, M. Plymire),
east of current breeding range. Singing male in Turner, 19 Apr
1988 ( J. Despres), also notably early. Thereafter, birds found
on territory 20 Apr–10 May. Late migrants found in Portland,
13 May 1997 (R. Eakin); on Monhegan I., 15 May 2001 (B.
Boynton) and 26 May 1997 (L. Brinker, FN 51: 847); and on
Appledore I., 26–27 May 1987 (banded, D. Holmes, AB 41: 404). Unclear if singing male was late migrant, Belgrade, Kennebec
Co., 22 May 1996 (W. Sumner). Bird in Manchester, Kennebec Co., 2 May 1981 (R. Spinney), east of known breeding range.
Louisiana Waterthrush Breeding Range
Easternmost spring record and rare individual, Seal Harbor,
Mount Desert I., third week May 1975 (W. Russell). Notable northern and inland observation: 1, Long Falls Dam Rd.,
Somerset Co., 1 Jun 2006 (M. Libby). S ummer :
Since 1980, Louisiana Waterthrush increasingly
Northern Waterthrush
regular breeder in s. and sw. ME: 3, adults feeding fledglings,
Parkesia noveboracensis
Prima, eBird); and 2 adults feeding 2 juveniles, Sebago L. S.P.,
A stream-side bobber with a ringing song
number of each unrecorded, Cornish, York Co., 24 Jun 2016 (D.
28 Jun 2017 (W. Tatro, eBird). Since 1985, has bred regularly in w. Oxford Co. north to Turner ( J. Despres). More recently, species confirmed breeding northeast to Hallowell, Jun 2005 ( JVW), where it now occurs annually. Territorial male in Highland
Plt., Somerset Co., 25–26 May 2002 (R. Joseph, NAB 56: 286),
was north of known breeding range, but with recent expansion
north and east, species may be found nesting here in future. Two
birds on Ducktrap R., Lincolnville, Waldo Co., 20 May 2007 (K.
Lindquist), also east of current breeding range but may presage further eastern expansion. F all :
Fall movements not well known or documented. Early-
fall migrant, often appearing at migratory traps (e.g., Cape
May, NJ) by early to mid-Aug. Limited evidence for ME
suggests species migrates mid-Aug to early Sep but further
investigation may reveal some birds move south late Jul–early
Aug. First obvious migrants in ME include: 1 carefully studied
near Muscongus, 8 Aug 1946 (Cruickshank 1950a); single birds banded in Brunswick, 13 Aug 1961 (H. Tyler, MFO 8: 90) and
13 Aug 1962 (H. Tyler, MFN 18: 140); individual in Evergreen
532
Status in Maine: Northern Waterthrush tends to be a common, early migrant in both spring and fall. The species is found in a variety of wetland habitats during breeding season. Breeding Bird Survey data show a significant 2.1% decline in Northern Waterthrush populations in Maine, 1966–2015, and a non-significant 1.2% increase survey-wide across North America. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered this species to be rare and local in s. ME, but more common in e. ME. The species was “decidedly uncommon” in e. and n. ME according to Palmer, which may reflect the fact that he spent little time in wetland habitat (1949, 486). Most suitable habitat in Washington Co. is little changed and the species was common in e. ME based on BBS data, 1975–2005. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD, n. QC, west to n. AK, south along Appalachian Mtns. to WV, n. MI and WI, and w. MT. Winters from s.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
FL, abundant in Caribbean, Mexico, Cen. Am. to n. S. Am., south to n. Peru and Brazil. Remarks: Griscom reported: “I discovered this evening that the Water Thrush sings in the air like the Oven Bird. I saw one rise to the height of several hundred feet above the tallest trees and then descend, uttering its usual song, followed by a continued, tremulous, varied, and exquisitely tender warble. This termination is very similar to that of the Oven-bird… The flight song of this species puts that of the Ovenbird . . . quite to shame” (1938, 585). S pring :
1974–2016: 21–25 Aug (average 23.6 birds/week/year), 26–31 Aug (34.4 birds), peaking 1–5 Sep (47.2 birds), 6–10 Sep (33.2 birds).
Annual netting totals varied from low of 88 birds in 1982 to high of 270 in 1998 (D. Holmes et al.). Found on highest number
of ME eBird checklists (2–3%) week of 1 Aug–week of 22 Sep.
Uncommon by Oct. Unusual late occurrence: 5 birds banded
on Appledore I., 5 Oct 1995 (D. Holmes). Notably late records:
1 at Biddeford Pool, 22 Oct 2007 (D. Lovitch); 1 in Cutler, 25
Oct 1994 (N. Famous); 1 in Biddeford, 7 Nov 2004 (L. Bevier,
D. Mairs). Notable in Penobscot Co., single bird in Orrington, Penobscot Co., 7 Oct 1997 ( J. Markowsky). PDV and JVW
Early migrants, occasionally in late Apr, becoming
regular by early May (1–5) and common throughout month.
In Dixmont, Penobscot Co., first males recorded on territory
Golden-winged Warbler
29 Apr 1983, 30 Apr 2005, and 28 Apr 2006; more commonly
Vermivora chrysoptera
Apr 2002 (N. Famous); and Readfield, Kennebec Co., 19 Apr
A species in decline due to habitat loss and hybridization
in early May (B. Barker). Notably early males: Augusta, 18
2005 (R. Spinney). Main flight generally 6–15 May. Found on
highest number of ME eBird checklists (10%) week of 15 May.
In Aroostook Co., first migrants arrive 3–6 days later than s.
cen. ME: singles in Woodland, 4 May 2004, and Presque Isle, 5
May 1988 (both WJS); Wallagrass, 8 May 1983, and Allagash
Twp., 8 May 2001 (both G. Flagg). On Appledore I., 16–23 were banded 25–30 May 1992, 1997, 2003, and 2005. Not gregarious
and generally seen individually or in small groups, 1–3 birds.
Unusual concentrations during migratory fallouts: at least 25 on Monhegan I., 25 May 1983 (S. Tingley); 40 or more on Morse Mtn., 11 May 1996, and minimum 60 seen at same locality
following day, 12 May 1996 (PDV, FN 50: 256). Number of birds
in mid-coastal region during this flight must have numbered
many thousands. S ummer :
Common to abundant breeding species throughout
ME in wetland habitat. Species prefers wooded lakeshores, forested wetlands, particularly Red Maple swamps, bogs,
slow-moving streams, and alder swales. Local in York and
Cumberland Cos., where habitat is restricted, but abundant in e. and n. ME where preferred habitat widespread. Appears to
be uncommon on coastal islands, pair breeding in Bar Harbor,
Jun 2003, considered unusual (W. Townsend). BBS registered significant 2% decline 1966–2015 (BBS 2017).
F all :
Among earliest fall migrants, with clear southward
movements early–late Aug. Early migrants: Little Stratton
I., Saco, 5 Aug 2006 (R. Lambert); Boothbay Harbor, 6 Aug
2000 ( J. Morse); Kennebunk Beach, 7 Aug 2001 ( J. Ficker);
Portland (2 birds), 9 Aug 2005 ( J. Kocknovate); S. Portland, 11
Aug 2006 (D. Lovitch). Numerous along coast 15 Aug–15 Sep: 34 banded in Brunswick through Aug 1961 (MFO 6: 90), 8 on
Monhegan I., 18 Aug 2006 (PDV). Latest record for Caribou,
19 Aug 2005 (WJS). Weekly capture rates on Appledore I.
Status in Maine: Golden-winged Warblers are casual in Maine in spring and fall and are most frequently reported from York and Cumberland Counties. This warbler is rare in Washington County and has not been reported from northern Maine. This species was reported breeding in Sanford in 1922 and may continue to breed at least irregularly in York County. Populations decreased 2.3% annually in eastern North America from 1966 to 2015 (Breeding Bird Survey). Declining populations are attributed to forest successional changes and to hybridization with Bluewinged Warblers, which are expanding their breeding range into northern New England and Maine. There are two general hybrid types, Brewster’s and Lawrence’s, that are readily identifiable. While both hybrid forms are relatively rare, the Brewster’s hybrid is now seen almost annually in the state; Lawrence’s is recorded perhaps once every three to five years. Historical Status in Maine: Knight did not list this species as occurring in ME, but Palmer noted two specimen records: one from Brunswick, late May 1931 ( J.M. Dudley collection), and a male from Shapleigh, York Co., 6 Sep 1929 (Boston Society of Natural History collection). Palmer also reported clear evidence of nesting in Sanford. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Local and diminishing, breeds from MA, VT, NY, s. QC and ON, west to MN and SK, south along Appalachian Mtns. to NC and GA. Winters in Cen. Am. and n. S. Am. Vagrant in NS, NB, and NFLD. 533
Birds of Maine
Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List. High vulnerability due to small population and range, high threats, and range-wide declines. Rapid population decrease in southern breeding range and moderate declines in northern breeding population. Remarks: Although it increased in abundance and expanded its distribution for more than a century, the Golden-winged Warbler is now declining in many areas and has disappeared from previously occupied regions. It appears to thrive initially with appearance of shrubby, early-succession fields that follow logging, fire, or abandoned farmlands. Local declines then correlate with advancing succession and reforestation, as well as with the invasive range expansion of its sister species, the Blue-winged Warbler. Other possible causes of the population decline are loss of wintering habitat, especially forest edge and open woodland in Cen. and n. S. Am., nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds, and hybridization with Blue-winged Warblers (Confer et al. 2011). S pring :
Casual spring migrants, >30 records since 1955,
primarily s. ME. At least 8 Monhegan I. reports and at least 6
from Mount Desert I., including first ME record: 1 on 5 Jun 1916
(Tyson and Bond, 1941). Other records, 1 each: Capisic Pond,
Jun 1992 (C. Lewey, J. Despres, m.ob.); and male singing a
Blue-winged Warbler song, Dexter–Garland, Penobscot Co.,
25 May–26 Jun 1999 (G. Haas, J. Markowsky, m.ob.). Another at same locality, 26 May–20 Jun 2000 (G. Haas, D. Mairs, R.
Joseph, m.ob.). In addition, 1 female, “possibly mated with male
Blue-winged” observed, S. Berwick, 8 Jun 1996 (L. Brinker, FN
50: 930). Single birds at Sieur de Monts Spring, Mount Desert
I., late May–Jun 1974 and near Bar Harbor, late May–21 Jun 1974
(W. Townsend), and at Otter Cove, Mount Desert I., 24 Jul 1971 (AB 25: 836) probably stragglers.
The report of a Golden-winged Warbler in T1 R9 WELS,
Piscataquis Co., 28 Aug 1962 (Bartley, MFN 18: 139) lacked any details and should be disregarded. F all :
Occasional fall migrants; at least 40 fall records since 1955,
20 Aug–20 Sep. Four records before 1980: 1, Shapleigh, 6 Sep
1929 (Palmer 1949); 1 male, Gorham, Cumberland Co., 22 Oct 1955; 1, Ducktrap, Lincolnville, Waldo Co., 28 Sep 1968 (both
obs. unk.); 1, Chamberlain, Lincoln Co., 26 Sep 1969 (AB 24: 19).
Species recorded with regularity 1980–1998, minimum 30 reports. Since 1983, 18 or more banded on Appledore I. (1 spring record), only 1 record since 1998 (D. Holmes). Most banded 27 Aug–21
Sep (D. Holmes). At least 6 Monhegan I. records: 4, 1981–1986;
1, late Sep 2003 (B. Boynton); 1, 21 Sep 2009 (C. Moseley);
1, 23–26 Sep 2012 (D. Hitchcox, m.ob.). Unusual fall records: worn adult male, Turner, 10 Aug 1994 ( J. Despres); female
banded, Martinsville, Knox Co., 22 Aug 1991 (M. Plymire); male,
Portland, 7 May 2006 (M. Zimmerman, F. Paul, P. Moynahan);
Richmond, 10 Sep 1988 (PDV); 1 in Bucksport, 11 Sep 2017 (B.
2014 (L. Eastman, P. Moynahan); Green Pt. WMA, Dresden,
1996, only fall record for island (6 spring records; C. Witt, FN 51:
Cape Neddick, 10 May 2013 (D. Losier); Biddeford, 19 May
17 May 2010 (PDV) and 22 May 2012 (D. Suitor and B. Casey).
Only 1 spring record for Appledore I., 30 May 1994 (D. Holmes). Other e. ME migrants: 1 male, Warren, 2 May 1980 (obs. unk.);
Jordan). A male on Otter Creek Rd, Mount Desert I., 22 Sep
27). Latest fall record: 1, Rockport, 26 Oct 2002 (Guillemot 32: 48). PDV and JVW
and 1 male, Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 26 May 1997 (M. Libby).
Rare in Washington Co.: 1, Edmunds, 9 May 1972 and 1, Roque I., Jonesport, late May 1999 (both N. Famous). Early migrants
arrive first week of May, most (12 or more) reported 20–31 May.
S ummer :
Palmer (1949, 450) provided clear evidence of ME
nesting, citing a letter from Dr. Anne Perkins: “I saw parents
feeding young at Sanford in early August 1922.” Palmer relied
on nests as proof of breeding and viewed this as probable
evidence. Perkins was a careful and competent observer, so there
is no doubt regarding the accuracy of her observations, thus
confirming nesting in ME. Although J. Dudley’s report does not suggest nesting, he stated he “saw a Golden-winged Warbler at
Calais in June 1946” (Palmer 1949, 450).
No further evidence of nesting until 1980, a male singing in
suitable habitat for at least 1 week in Jun in S. Berwick, York Co., breeding not confirmed (Adamus 1987). Subsequent breeding
season records, all singing males: 1, Canaan, Somerset Co., 18–19
Jun 1988 (W. Sumner); 1–2 males, Brownfield Bog, 17 May–6
534
Blue-winged Warbler
Vermivora cyanoptera
Moving north, one forest clearing and regenerating old field at a time
Status in Maine: Unknown in Maine prior to 1950, Blue-winged Warblers breed locally in York County, and have been documented defending territories in Cumberland County, although nesting there and elsewhere in south-central Maine is not confirmed. Uncommon during spring migration, they are more numerous in fall. Blue-winged Warblers readily hybridize with Golden-winged Warblers, resulting in two generally identifiable hybrid types, Brewster’s and Lawrence’s Warblers (see Golden-winged Warbler account above).
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Blue-winged Warbler was not listed in either previous compilation of ME bird species (Knight 1908, Palmer 1949). In The Birds of Massachusetts (Griscom and Snyder 1955), the species was noted as rare in that state through the 19th century. However, the population increased rapidly after 1900, was regularly breeding in MA by 1955, and by 1993 was “locally fairly common” as a breeding species (Veit and Peterson 1993). The species was not recorded in ME until 1951. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. ME and NH, s. New England, s. ON, WI, s. MN south to n. AL and AR. Winters in e. Mexico and Cen. Am.
S ummer :
Several pairs confirmed as first nesting records in S.
Berwick, York Co., Jun 1980 (Adamus 1987). Also documented in W. Kittery, 8 Jun 1991, ME’s second nesting record (B.
Coullon, MBN 5: 19). Locally common in shrubby areas under power lines, overgrown pastures, and brushy margins of early to mid-successional forests in York Co. Seven singing males
observed along 3.5 mi. (5.6 km) powerline in Eliot, York
Co., 27 May 1995, and 10–11 males recorded in S. Berwick,
8–9 Jun 1996 (both L. Brinker). Three singing birds reported from York, 18 Jun 2001 (F. Dehler), and 2 males found in
N. Berwick, 16 May 2002 (D. Tucker). Since 1993, territorial
Blue-winged Warblers observed on Kennebunk Plains, and
since confirmed nesting there, 27 Jun 2006 (R. Heil). Nesting
also confirmed for Biddeford and Scarborough. Farther north, territorial males found in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 1997
and 1999 (L. Brinker); Standish, Cumberland Co., in 1991 (P.
Jahn); Brunswick ( JEP); and Readfield, Kennebec Co., 1991
(R. Spinney). Out-of-range summer records: 1 Swanville,
Waldo Co., 7 Jun 2017 (L. Ireland); an unknown number on Rogue Bluffs, Englishman R., Washington Co., 2 Jul 2010
(M. Bornstein); 1 in Indian Twp., Washington Co., 5 Jul 2005; and 1 singing male near Greenville, early Jul 2006 (both N.
Famous). F all :
Blue-winged Warblers range widely into ME after
breeding season in Aug and Sep. Since first documented fall
record in Cape Porpoise, York Co., 28 Aug 1960 (C. Littlefield),
followed by a male banded in Brunswick, 2 Sep 1961 (MFO
6: 100), this warbler is nearly annual, increasingly since 1990. Now uncommon but regular migrant along south coast, east to Mount Desert I., and frequently recorded 20 Aug–15
Sep. A male in Scarborough, 9 Aug 1988 (G. Carson), and Blue-winged Warbler Range Expansion !
! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 1990-2018 Records
another in Portland, 9 Aug 2005 ( J. Kocknavate) represent
early dispersers or migrants. Regular migrants on Appledore I. since at least 1974, where an average of 13.7 birds were banded
annually 1974–1999, maxima 38 in 1988 (AB 43: 66), and 26 in
1990, including 16 birds between 27–29 Aug 1990 (D. Holmes S pring :
Uncommon but regular spring migrant in s. ME.
Nearly annual on Appledore I. (D. Homes). First arrivals in
York and Cumberland Cos. by 5 May; full migration occurs
et al.). At least 5 records for Richmond; earliest, 23 Aug 1991,
and latest, a male, 10 Sep 1988 (PDV ). Other late records of
birds beyond usual fall range along coast to Mount Desert I.:
north to Lincoln Ctr., Aug 1975 (PDV ); inland in Turner, 15
10–20 May, when many birds already on established territories.
Aug 1991 and 18 Sep 1997 ( J. Despres); east to Petit Manan
another in Brunswick, 25 Apr 1989 (D. Anderson). Late records:
and 11 Sep 1989 (R. Widrig). Latest records: 4 Oct records: 1,
Earliest records: 1 male in Wells, 15 Apr 2006 (N. McReel), and
on Monhegan I., 24 May 1997 (L. Brinker) and 24 May 2006 (B.
NWR, 17 and 23 Aug 1987 (R. Widrig; 2 birds), 31 Aug 1988,
Monhegan I., ~9 Oct 2001 (B. Boynton); 1 in Rockport, 6 Oct
Boynton); and on Appledore I., 25 May 1996 and 1 Jun 1998 (D.
2002 (Guillemot 32: 48); and 1 in ANP, Mount Desert I., 19 Oct
records: Lincoln Ctr., 18 May 1979 (PDV); a male in Bar Harbor,
Nov 2016 (B. Cole).
Holmes). Rarely stray north of south coast in spring; unusual
Mount Desert I., 12 May 1996 (A. Bacon); 1, Farmington, 11 May
2003 (Guillemot 33: 48). One Nov record: 1 Saxl Park, Bangor, 7 JVW
2015 (K. Weatherby).
535
Birds of Maine
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
If you hear a squeaky wheel in a tree, look for this bird
Status in Maine: The Black-and-white Warbler breeds commonly throughout Maine in deciduous and mixed-wood forests. Breeding Bird Survey results show a significant decline since 1970 in both North America and Maine, although Maine’s population has been stable over the last decade. This common spring migrant usually occurs in small numbers, but given the right migration conditions, Black-and-white Warblers are sometimes recorded in large numbers along the coast. One of the earliest-returning warblers, its high-pitched wee-see-wee-see-wee-see song is welcome in the otherwise quiet early-spring landscape. Peak migration is in early May, but birds are found from early April through mid-May. Fall migration stretches from mid-August through mid-October, although birds sometimes remain into November and December. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Black-and-white Warbler a common migrant and locally common as a breeding bird throughout the state but often absent from coniferous-dominated woodlands in n. ME. Palmer noted that it may have decreased slightly in numbers in the decade prior to 1949. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NT and extreme se. YT, east to NFLD, and south to TX and Gulf States to n. GA and SC. Winters from s. FL and south coastal TX south through Mexico, Cen. Am., and Greater Antilles to n. S. Am. S pring :
2 Mar records: 1, Sebasticook R., Benton, Kennebec
Co., 30 Mar 2016 (A. Fuller); and 1, Steuben, 31 Mar 2006 (C.
Leach, fide E.J. Raynor). Nineteen records early Apr., including:
1, Eight Rod Rd., Augusta, 1 Apr 2007 (N. Famous); 1, Granite
12 May 1996 (PDV et al.); 125, Monhegan I., 14 May 2011 (L.
Seitz); 90 banded on Appledore I., 11 May 2014 (fide S. Walsh);
70 on Hurricane Rd., Falmouth, 18 May 2009 (L. Seitz); 60 on
Monhegan I., 14 May 2011 (T. Magarian); 27 and 25 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 5 May 2006 (D. Lovitch) and 11 May 2010
(E. Hynes et al.). Spring peak, based on highest number of ME
checklists including this species (39%), is week of 8 May (eBird).
S ummer :
Common and widespread breeder throughout
ME in early to mid-successional deciduous and mixed forest
with well-developed understory. Uniformly distributed across
southern two-thirds of ME, more sparsely distributed in n. ME
though unclear if lack of observers and difficult access may
skew results (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Highest recorded densities
of Black-and-white Warblers from BBS consistently in e. ME.
Highest BBS route totals: 48 and 36 on now-discontinued
Northfield BBS, Washington Co., Jun 1981 and 1976; 44 and 42 on Cooper BBS, Washington Co., Jun 1978 and 1981. Highest
counts on Cooper BBS since 1981: 28 and 20, 2014 and 2017. BBS shows long-term decline of 2.42% per year in ME 1966–2015.
Across N. Am., BBS indicates more modest decline of 0.86% per year from 1966–2015. F all :
Fall migration late Jul–early Oct, peaking in late Aug
and Sep but with individual birds persisting into Nov (9 records) and Dec (4 records). Species is reported from highest percentage
of Maine eBird checklists (13%) weeks of 15 Aug–1 Sep and highest eBird counts recorded weeks of 1 and 15 Sep.
Black-and-white Warbler migrants counted during early
morning crossing to mainland from Sandy Pt., Cousins I.,
usually at least 10 but more frequently more birds in late Aug
to mid-Sep (D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum counts from Sandy
Pt.: 100, 1 Sep 2009 (E. Hynes, L. Seitz); 43, 23 Sep 2013 (D.
Lovitch); 41, 26 Sep 2013 (D. Lovitch); 33, 24 Aug 2013 (D. Lovitch); and 31, 29 Aug 2012 (D. Lovitch).
High counts elsewhere: 30, Monhegan I., 22 Sep 2004 (M.
Iliff ); 27, W. Falmouth, 1 Sep 2006 (L. Seitz); and 25, Monhegan I., 26 Sep 2013 (Steve Mirick). Latest Nov records (of 9 Nov
records): 1 on 9 Nov 2004 at Ft. Foster, Kittery (D. Lovitch); one
on 11 Nov 2006 in the Wilton area (fide ME Audubon); one
on 11 Nov 2018 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (B. Bunn, fide
eBird); one on 19 Nov 2015 in Chapman, Aroostook Co. (WJS);
and 1 on 21 Nov 2015 in Rockport (S. Johnson).
4 Dec records: 1, York Village, 4 Dec 2008 ( J.
Pt., Biddeford, 3 Apr 2010 (D. and E. Doubleday); 1, Evergreen
W inter :
Rd., 11 Apr 2012 (N. Famous); 1, Fryeburg, 12 Apr 1980 (P.
1 discovered on Mackworth I., Falmouth, 14 Dec 1996 (T.
earlier than in 1900s, given that Palmer wrote that they arrive
recent winter observation: 1 in Southwest Harbor, 16 Dec 2017
Cemetery, Portland, 11 Apr 2006 (K. D’Andrea); 3, Eight Rod
Richards). Black-and-white Warblers appear to be returning
in s. ME as early as 30 Apr but usually ~3 May. He noted the earliest arrival on 27 Apr. Maximum counts are coastal and
recorded 5–18 May, including: 120 and 150 in Phippsburg, 11 and
536
Normandin); 1, Cape Elizabeth, 22 Dec 1996 (M. Jordan); Urquhart), persisted until at least 26 Dec 1996 (R. Eakin). Most
(C. Kesselheim). JVW
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Prothonotary Warbler
Protonotaria citrea
A large golden warbler of southern wooded swamps
Status in Maine: Formerly accidental, now a casual spring and fall vagrant, primarily in south coastal Maine. There is one summer record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed one record of a bird collected in Calais, Washington Co., 30 Oct 1862 (Bulletin of Nuttall Ornithological Club 3: 153). However, Palmer corrected Knight’s record, noting that the Calais specimen was actually collected in St. Stephen, NB. Palmer listed one male specimen collected on Matinicus I., Aug 1868, currently in the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds primarily e. PA, cen. NJ, to MI, and e. MN, south to FL and TX. Winters in Caribbean from s. Mexico, through Cen. Am. to Colombia and Venezuela. Reported from all New England states, NFLD, and Maritime Provinces. Several nesting attempts in MA (Veit and Petersen 1993). Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
Occasional spring vagrant, at least 30 records since
1983. Earliest record: adult male from Chebeague I., Casco
Bay, 26 Mar 1969 (M. Friis, MASFC). Of 8 Apr records, 3 earliest appeared on 4 Apr in Cushing, Knox Co., 1983; in
Kennebunkport, 2005 ( J. Junker); and a specimen found
at Goose Rocks, Biddeford, 2005 (“must have hit window; broken neck,” J. Junker). Recent early records: 1, Cape
Elizabeth, 15 Apr 2017 (E. Bornhofft, eBird); 1, Wilson Cove
Trail, Cumberland Co., 29 Apr 2017 (G. Smith, eBird); and 1,
Wilson Cove Preserve, 2 May 2017 (D. Lovitch). Few inland
records: 1 male in Bethel, 16 May 1976 (fide PDV ); 1 in Abbott,
Piscataquis Co., 5 Jun 1977 (F. Gramlich); 1 in Milbridge, 4
May 1983 (V. Heck); 1 singing at Brownfield Bog, 19 May 1986
(P. Richards); and 1 in E. Winthrop, Kennebec Co., 7 May 1999 (P. Stevens). S ummer :
One record, a male carefully observed singing on
Swans I., 8 Jul 1989 ( J. Murnane, MBN 3: 21). F all :
At least 30 fall records, primarily from coastal areas. First
ME record collected on Matinicus I., Aug 1868 (Palmer 1949).
Most records 16 Aug–30 Sep. Earliest records, 1, Matinicus Rock,
6 Aug 2009 and 10–11 Aug 2011 (both Project Puffin Data; latter also B. Van Doren, eBird); and Kennebunkport, 13 Aug 1967
(AB 22:12). Latest dates: Bucksport, 18 Oct 1954 (obs. unk.), and
Jackson Lab, Bar Harbor, 4 Nov 2017 after sustained southern winds (B. Gwynn, ph., eBird). More than 9 records from
Pemaquid–Monhegan I. (5 reports), including immature male
and immature female both collected in Chamberlain, Lincoln
Co., 7 and 16 Sep 1966 (respectively, Weske, RNEB 22: 22; MCZ
spec. #287210). Ten Appledore I. records, 6 banded (D. Holmes).
Unusual records: 1 banded and ph. in Milbridge, 19 Aug 1962 (G.
Parks, MASFC); 1 taken by a Merlin on Mount Desert Rock,
10 Sep 1985 (AB 40: 259); and 1 near Mt. Tom, Fryeburg, 26 Sep 1998 (N. McReel, NAB 52: 33). PDV and JVW
Swainson’s Warbler
Limnothlypis swainsonii
An elusive bird of southeastern forests and canebrakes
Status in Maine: Accidental. One record. A bird tentatively identified as a Swainson’s Warbler in Otter Cove, Mount Desert Island, 22 September 1996 (Witt 1997), responded vigorously and aggressively to a tape recording of Swainson’s Warbler song, providing ample opportunity to carefully observe it, leaving no doubt about its identity. Witt (1997) noted the following details: “This was a medium-sized to large warbler… The upperparts were a warm olivish [sic] brown, with a distinct reddish cast on the remiges. The top of the head was rich brown, contrasting very slightly with the color of the back. The face was marked by a narrow blackish eyeline from the base of the bill through the eye. Contrasting with the dark eye-line was a long, broad, whitish supercilium. The bill was proportionally very long and pointed; its tapered shape made it appear as a smooth extension of the head. The legs were pinkish, the throat and underparts grayish white, fading to a pale cream towards the vent.” This record was accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee. Global Distribution: Se. Nearctic. Breeds in wet forests from VA, WV, MO to n. FL and e. TX. Winters in Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), and Cen. Am. Recorded in MA, NS, and QC, but not in NFLD, NB, CT, RI, NH, or VT. Remarks: Two to three Swainson’s Warblers were reported together in Columbia, Washington Co., 16–28 Jun 1960. Packard, editor of MFO at the time, noted, “these birds seen by several observers under good field conditions. The species has never before been recorded in ME. I am not including this species 537
Birds of Maine
on the 1960 State List. Details of the report will be found in the PSNH files” (MFO 5: 59). We reviewed the PSNH files; the report provided no details and appeared to be certainly incorrect, as Packard intimated by not including it on the 1960 Maine state list. This report should be disregarded. PDV and JVW
Earliest migrant: 1 in Falmouth, 20 Apr 1954. Four banded on
Appledore I., 23 May–4 Jun 1998 (S. Morris, D. Holmes, MBN 11[1]: 9). MBN commented species “becoming a scarce bird”
(MBN 11[1]: 9). Early northern migrant: 1, Caribou Stream Bog,
Aroostook Co., 16 May 2014 (WJS, eBird). S ummer :
Appears scattered and local across ME in summer
months, observations clustered in Aroostook Co., BSP region,
Mount Desert I., and Rangeley–Carrabassett Valley region.
Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina
Although breeding confirmed in northern, eastern, western
mountain regions and Penobscot valley during ABBM, 1978–1983
(Adamus 1987), there are no recently confirmed breeding records.
A summer resident of the northern boreal forest
However, numerous eBird accounts and consistent appearance
Status in Maine: A casual spring and fall migrant, Tennessee Warbler primarily breeds in Maine’s northern boreal forests. Regularly observed in June and July, records of males singing south of known breeding range may be late migrants or nonbreeders. As with several other boreal warblers, the population and distribution appear to fluctuate with Spruce Budworm outbreaks. However, Breeding Bird Survey data show a 3.7% annual decline in Maine 1966-2017, and a 1.6% annual decline continent-wide in the same period. (USGS 2020).
males recorded in 1987 in s. ME showed no obvious evidence of
on BBS indicate clear breeding season presence. Multiple singing breeding: 1, Belmont, Waldo Co., 26 Jun (B. Barker); 3–4, The
Heath, Wells, 3 Jul ( JVW); 1, Gray, Cumberland Co., 6 Jul (B.
Barker); and 7, Brunswick, 7 Jul ( JVW).
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer considered Tennessee Warbler common in Aroostook Co. but uncommon in other northern counties and rare southward. He regarded them as relatively late migrants, arriving in Brunswick 8–27 May. Brewster likewise recorded their comparatively late arrival in L. Umbagog area, 20 May–9 Jun. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in boreal forest of cen. ME north to NL, west to se. AK, BC, NT, and YT, south across AB, MB, SK at U.S.–Canada border, n. MN, and Upper Peninsula of MI. Winters in s. Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. Remarks: This species, and several close relatives, have undergone two scientific name changes in quick succession. In 2009, the AOU reclassified some members of the genus Vermivora to Oreothlypis, then, in 2019, the AOS reassigned them to Leiothlypis based on genetic evidence. Tennessee Warblers complete their fall migration while molting flight feathers, a phenomenon uncommon in passerines. S pring :
Spring migration peaks week of 22 May when
recorded on highest number of ME eBird checklists (3%).
538
Tennessee Warbler Breeding Range ! ( Regular ! ( Occasional
F all: Fall migration extends Aug–Oct and peaks week of 8 Sep
when recorded on highest number of ME eBird checklists (3%).
Remains relatively widespread from Mount Desert I. to York
Co. into Oct. Late inland record: 1, 27 Oct 2017, near Skowhegan
(M. Taylor). Late migrants: 1, Mackworth I., Falmouth, 25 Oct
1993 (R. Eakin); 1, eating Euonymus berries at Pine Pt., 1 Nov 1993 (G. Carson, AB 48: 89); 1, Great Wass I., 5 Nov 1976; 1, Gilsland
Farm, 6 Nov 2014 (N. Houlihan and D. Hitchcox); and 1, Portland,
9 and 13 Nov 1986 (R. Eakin, AB 41: 60). Latest Aroostook Co. observation: 2, Woodland Bog, 1 Sep 2015 (WJS, eBird).
W inter :
1 recorded intermittently at Saco Riverwalk, Saco, 18
Nov–20 Dec 2015 (m.ob., eBird). PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Orange-crowned Warbler
Leiothlypis celata
A northern boreal and western migrant
Status in Maine: Orange-crowned Warblers are occasional spring migrants in May and uncommon during fall in late September and October. Formerly casual in winter, the species is now more regular with at least 16 records since 1992. Earlier assertions of nesting in Maine are unsubstantiated and almost certainly incorrect (see Remarks). There are four subspecies but only the eastern form of Orangecrowned Warbler (O. c. celata) has been reported in Maine. Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed Orangecrowned Warblers as hypothetical but provided no specific records. He suggested that Audubon was in error when he indicated this species bred in e. ME. Palmer listed three fall records. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Eastern race breeds from cen. QC and s. NL to cen. ON and AK. Winters primarily south from VA, to Gulf Coast, cen. CA south to Guatemala and El Salvador. Remarks: See Tennessee Warbler Remarks, p. 538, regarding genus classification. There is no clear evidence Orange-crowned Warblers ever bred in ME, despite Audubon’s (1834) and Chapman’s (1907) assertions. Chapman (1907, 87) stated that the species was “once found breeding at Brunswick, Maine,” apparently on the basis of a nest found in Brunswick. Knight (1908, 652–653) clarified these misconceptions: “Audubon records the species as breeding in eastern Maine, but it seems very likely it is a mistake, and subsequent writers have so regarded his statement. There is said to be a set of eggs in the Smithsonian Institution which were collected near Brunswick, Maine, and referred to as this species’ but the data from the set seems to be lacking, and I am more inclined to believe that the Nashville Warbler is the really responsible species for our Orange-crowned Warbler records.” A detailed study of N. Am. warblers (Dunn and Garrett 1997) shows the southern limit of the Orange-crowned Warbler’s eastern breeding range to be north of St. Lawrence R. in cen. QC and NL, ~900 km (~560 mi.) north of Brunswick. The likelihood of breeding in Brunswick is remote.
S pring :
Occasional in spring in coastal ME east to Steuben.
At least 40 records since 1952; 7 or more Monhegan I. records, with 3 birds recorded in 1997 (PDV et al.). Reported from
Petit Manan NWR on 4 occasions, 1987–1996 (R. Widrig).
Species usually observed throughout May, most common in latter half of month, 15–31 (>22 records). Three Apr records,
1 bird each: Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 6 and 11 Apr 1998 (S.
Russell, D. Mairs); Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 19 Apr 1952;
and Biddeford, 21 Apr 2001 (C. Dauphin et al.). Late migrant found dead in Ogunquit, 3 Jun 1956 (specimen in Portland
Museum of Natural History). Unusually far north and inland
records: 1, Pleasant R. Plt., Piscataquis Co., 26 May 1957 (MFO
2: 60); 1 singing in Lincoln Ctr., 25 May 1976 (PDV ); 1 in Viles
Arboretum, Augusta, 13 May 2015 and 9 May 2017 (D. Suitor and M. Veins et al., respectively). F all :
Uncommon fall migrants, primarily along coast. First
migrants appear early Sep, main migration takes place 20
Sep–Oct, diminishing by 10 Nov. Five recorded on Appledore
I., 24 Oct 1972 (DWF); and 4 observed on Monhegan I., 30 Sep 1978 (DWF) and 13 Oct 1982 (PDV), with a total of 11
individuals seen 13–15 Oct 1982 (PDV), a fall when 20 were seen in NS and 23 in MA (AB 37: 158). Found on highest number of
ME eBird checklists (2%) week of 8 Oct. Latest Monhegan I.
record: 22 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). Notably less common
inland, particularly noteworthy first ME record reported by
W. Brewster at Pine Pt., Magalloway Plt., Oxford Co., 2 Sep
1898 (Palmer 1949). W. Drury reported third ME record on Mt.
Bigelow, Dead R. Plt., Somerset Co., 12 Oct 1941 (Palmer 1949). Other inland records: 1 captured in Bangor, 13 Oct 1934 (Palmer
1949), and another in Bangor, 9–10 Sep 1957; 1 at Duck L.,
Springfield, late Sep 1975 (PDV). One in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 30 Sep 1988 (B. Barker); 1 in Turner, 4–5 Oct 2000 ( J.
Despres); and 2 in Wilton, 17–25 Sep 2001 ( J. Dwight). Recent inland records from Brownfield Bog; Saxl Park, Bangor; and
Unity. Late inland record: 2, Saxl Park, Bangor, 12 Nov 2015 (R.
Ostrowski, eBird). W inter :
At least 22 winter records since 1952. First winter
record in Bar Harbor, Dec 1952–30 Apr 1953 (G. Berry, MFN
9[2]: 42). Species casual in winter prior to 1992 (6 records). Since 1992, species more regular and considered occasional; at least
16 records, primarily at feeding stations near coast, easternmost in Machias through Feb 1998 (P. Donahue). Particularly rare
inland occurrences, 1 bird each: Auburn, Androscoggin Co., 1–17
Dec 1994 (T. Hayward, J. Despres); and Two-penny Bridge Trail, Kennebec Co., 11–12 Dec 2013 (L. Bevier, D. Mairs, M. Veins;
eBird). Reported from 6 CBCs, 2009–2016, and York Co. CBC
at Eldridge Rd., Wells, in 2017.
PDV
539
Birds of Maine
Nashville Warbler
Leiothlypis ruficapilla
A ground-nesting warbler of abandoned fields, clearcuts, and second-growth forest
Status in Maine: Common spring warblers first appearing early to mid-May, Nashville Warblers breed throughout the state in a variety of habitats. Numbers may fluctuate with insect infestations and, while the North American population has not appreciably changed since 1966, there were significant decreases of Nashville Warblers in Maine, 1966–2015, and especially in the decade 2005–2015 (3.0% and 4.6%, respectively) after a Spruce Budworm outbreak subsided. Nashvilles are regular fall migrants through September. No December records prior to 2015.
of 8.7%, 1966–1979, during a significant Spruce Budworm
outbreak in ME, n. New England, and surrounding Canadian
provinces. In ME and NH in 1982–1983, Crawford and Jennings
(1989) found Nashville Warbler stomachs contained an average of 3.5 budworms/stomach and estimated >10,000 budworms/ ha were consumed throughout nesting season. The budworm
outbreak subsided in early 1980s; not surprisingly, Nashvilles
declined annually by 1.9%, 1980–2005 (Sauer et al. 2017). Longer term Nashville populations in ME significantly declined by 3%
annually but have not changed appreciably across N. Am (BBS
data 1966–2015, Sauer et al. 2017). F all :
Fall migration protracted, late Aug–early Oct. Species
normally seen with other migrant warblers. Found on highest number of ME eBird checklists (7%) week of 22 Sep. In
Bancroft, s. Aroostook Co., often most common fall warbler
third week Aug–Sep, occasionally form single species flocks,
and >8/day regularly observed ( J. McDonald). In s. coastal ME,
Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Nashville Warblers common breeders throughout ME, and common spring and fall migrants. The status of this species in the state has not changed appreciably since Knight’s writing.
>4–6 birds uncommon in a day. On Monhegan I., 1–4 usually
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Disjunct breeding populations: eastern subspecies (L. r. ruficapilla) breeds in scrubby second-growth woodlands from s. QC and Maritime Provinces, west to MB and SK, south to New England and WV. Western subspecies (L. r. ridgwayi) breeds primarily from AB, w. MT, south to cen. CA. Winters from s. TX and Mexico to El Salvador.
18 Oct 1984 (P. Richards); 1 at Petit Manan NWR, 27 Oct 1988
Remarks: See Tennessee Warbler Remarks, p. 538, regarding genus classification. S pring :
Common spring migrants, appearing early to mid-
recorded daily in Sep, early migrant 29 Aug 2006 (B. Boynton).
Six birds on 12 Sep 1982 (PDV) and 8 reported on 3 Oct 2003
(WJS). Earliest migrant in York Co.: Biddeford Pool, 23 Aug
2005 (B. Coullon). Main southward passage abates by Oct;
minimum 30 late records notably: 3 on Hawk Mtn., Waterford,
(R. Widrig); and 1, Turner, 17 Oct 1996 ( J. Despres). More than
20 Nov records, most in s. coastal ME. Notably late inland record: single bird in Augusta, 4 Nov 1989 (G. Therrien).
W inter :
4 Dec records including 1 bird, Saco Riverwalk, York
Co., 24 Nov–27 Dec 2015 (m.ob., eBird). PDV and JVW
Virginia’s Warbler
May, sometimes 3–12 birds/day. Most arrive s. and cen. ME
Leiothlypis virginiae
(13%) week of 8 May. Migration in Aroostook and Penobscot
A southwestern warbler of piñon-juniper and oak woodland
4–16 May. Found on highest number of ME eBird checklists Cos. somewhat later. At least 10 late Apr records, earliest: 3
in Fryeburg, 20 Apr 1968 (obs. unk.), and 1 in N. Berwick, 24
Apr 2011 (A. Aldrich, eBird). Unusual concentrations: 15 on
Monhegan I., 17 May 2005 and 20 in E. Machias, 12 May 2005
(E. Raynor). Migrants on Monhegan I. seen as late as 30 May
2006 (B. Boynton). S ummer :
Breeds throughout ME (ABBM, Adamus 1987)
in variety of habitats: mixed forest, edges, and fields; borders
of sphagnum bogs; in conifer clearings and groves, especially
Balsam Fir ; and second-growth deciduous trees, such as birch and aspen.
Nashville Warbler populations can increase dramatically
during insect infestations. BBS data reveal an annual increase
540
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are four photographically documented records, all from Monhegan Island. An adult was photographed 21 May 1998 (G. Dennis, ph.; FN 52: 307 and 405, MBN 11: 18–19); a second individual seen 28–30 September 2006 (V. Laux; ph. L. Masters, image on file); a possible female, near Burnt Head, 8 November 2011 (D. Hitchcox, ph.with eBird checklist); and one at Lobster Cove Trailhead, 29–30 May 2014 (G. Willow, m.ob., ph. with eBird checklist). Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds sporadically from w. WY and s. ID, south to w. TX, NM, AZ, UT,
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
and s. CA. Winters in w. Mexico. There is one record each from RI (2006) and upstate NY (2016). No records for QC, Maritime Provinces, or NFLD. Remarks: See Tennessee Warbler Remarks, p. 538, regarding genus classification. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. JVW
11 May 1991 (AB 45: 419); 1, Great Chebeague I., Cumberland,
Cumberland Co., 15 May 2000 (C. Tubbesing); and 1, Brothers
I., Washington Co., 9 Jun 2008 (L. Harter and D. Vander Pluym, eBird).
F all :
Nearly annual fall migrants, primarily along coast and
outer islands. Reported 20 Aug–5 Oct, peak 5–20 Sep. Recent
coastal records, fide eBird: 2, Machias Seal I., 28 Sep 2005
(R. Eldridge); 1, Metinic I., 3 Oct 2011 (a banding capture;
N. Stryker); Monhegan I., 1 each, 7 Sep 2001, 21 and 23 Sep
2011, 21 Sep and 5 Oct 2016, and 28 Sep 2017 (m.ob.); and 1
Sandy Pt., Cousins I., 9 Sep 2017 (D. Lovitch). Since 1986,
Connecticut Warbler
3–9 individuals banded nearly annually on Appledore I.; peak
A geographically misnamed species of northern bogs and muskeg
Oct 2001 (B. Boynton); and 3–5 Oct 2003 (D. Abbott, DWF).
Oporornis agilis
Status in Maine: Connecticut Warbler is a casual spring and uncommon to occasional fall migrant, primarily along Maine’s southern coast and outer islands. It has not been recorded in Aroostook County. Historical Status in Maine: Knight and Palmer both listed nine records between 1878 and 1906. Palmer added a single record in Kennebunk, 7 Sep 1946. The first ME record was collected in Cape Elizabeth, 30 Aug 1878 (Knight 1908). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds locally in s. QC, west to ON, AB, and BC, south to n. MI, WI, and n. MN. Winters in S. Am., largely east of the Andes. Reported from all New England states, NFLD, and Maritimes Provinces. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: Often under-detected by field observers unfamiliar with the habitat preferences and skulking behavior of this species. Given that Palmer noted only a single report of this species, 1906–1949, and that there have been >100 subsequent observations, it seems the species was likely present, especially in fall, but unreported by observers of Palmer’s era. S pring :
A casual spring migrant; at least 8 records since 1954,
all on coast. Appears as late migrant mid-May to early Jun. First record, a female banded in Bar Harbor, 4 Jun 1954 (obs. unk).
One found dead in Ogunquit, 3 Jun 1956 (MFO 1: 75). Three Monhegan I. records since 1997: 1, 25 May 1997 (Guillemot
27: 28); 1, late May 1999 (NAB 53: 260); and 1, 17 May 2003 (R. Eakin, Guillemot 33: 29). Additional records: 1 male, Portland,
10–15 Sep (D. Holmes, S. Morris). Late records, all single
birds: Scarborough, 11 Nov 2017 (N. Perlut); Monhegan I., 5–8
Maximum of 10 inland records: 1, Skowhegan, 19 Sep 1957; 1,
Lincoln Ctr., 19 Sep 1977 (PDV ); 1, Old Town, Penobscot Co.,
18 Sep 1970; 1, Ward Hill, Unity, 18 Sep 2016 (T. Aversa, eBird); 1 banded in Orono, 16 Sep 1958 (MFO 3: 109); 1 in Turner, both 15 Sep 1991 and 16 Sep 2000 ( J. Despres); and 1, Millinocket, 1–2 Sep 1973 (R. Conn). PDV
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Geothlypis tolmiei
A skulker from the western mountains
Status in Maine: Accidental. This often difficult-toidentify species is found in fall and early winter. The Maine Bird Records Committee has accepted four records of MacGillivray’s Warbler. Maine’s first, an immature bird found by E. Hynes, was extensively photographed and seen by many observers at Gilsland Farm from 19–22 December 2009. There are three records of immature birds mist-netted and photographed separately at banding stations, the first at Petit Manan Point on 12 September 2010 (C. Runco, Doran); one on 27 September 2010 and another not yet considered by the Maine Bird Records Committee on 28 September 2011, both at Metinic Island (A. Leppold). These September records represent early dates for vagrant MacGillivray’s Warblers in the northeastern U.S. (Persons et al. 2015). The final record was a bird seen and recorded in Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 27–29 November 2015 (D. Lovitch, L. Seitz, D. Hitchcox et al., fide L. Bevier BO; 45: 103). Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer mentioned this species. 541
Birds of Maine
Global Distribution: Primarily w. Nearctic. Breeds from s. YT south through s. coastal AK, BC, and sw. AB, south to CA, AZ, and NM; small, isolated breeding population in n. cen. Mexico. Winters from Mexico south to Costa Rica. Species has occurred as a vagrant across many e. U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Documented in MA, CT, NY, NS, and ON. JVW
Mourning Warbler
in regenerating deciduous and coniferous clear-cuts 5–10 years post-harvest. Currently uncommon to rare near Moosehead L. due to fewer clear-cuts, herbicide control of brambles and deciduous shrubs and trees, and spruce-fir regeneration. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NFLD, west through boreal Canada to ne. YT, south to cen. ME, cen. NH and VT, and in higher elevation sites of NY, PA, locally in WV. Winters primarily in Costa Rica, Panama, and n. S. Am.
Geothlypis philadelphia
An early colonizer of disturbed habitat
Status in Maine: Given this species’ proclivity for recently disturbed habitats in forested landscapes, Mourning Warbler populations have undoubtedly varied with natural disturbance events and Maine’s forest management. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Mourning Warblers were common breeders throughout Maine except south of Bangor on the coastal plain. However, the species is now rare or locally common across its breeding range. Mourning Warblers are uncommon spring migrants and among the last to arrive, between 25 May and 5 June. Fall migration is more protracted, beginning in August, continuing through September, peaking 26 August–5 September. There are no winter records. Historical Status in Maine: It is remarkable that Knight never saw or heard a Mourning Warbler himself (1908, 554). Citing various authorities, he indicated that the species was common in Aroostook Co., a rare summer resident in Franklin and Washington Cos., and rare in Cumberland Co., and “not uncommon” as a migrant in Sagadahoc Co. Palmer considered the species generally uncommon from Oxford Co. to Aroostook Co. and rare in e. ME. It should be noted that there were no recent major forest disturbances when Knight and Palmer were preparing their books. Breeding abundance has changed substantially in ME in the past 30 years. Habitat in n. and e. ME altered dramatically as a result of Spruce Budworm outbreak in mid-1970s to mid-1980s, when larvae decimated many hectares of fir and spruce. Dead and moribund trees were harvested, leaving extensive clear-cuts quickly replaced by cherry trees and raspberry tangles. Mourning Warblers bred abundantly in successional habitats, becoming common in n., w., and e. ME. Around Moosehead L., they were common, especially 542
Mourning Warbler S pring :
Uncommon spring migrants usually seen individually
and occasionally in small groups (2–3). Typically found in dense
thickets and brushy areas, but males regularly sing from exposed
perches. Particularly late migrants, most birds arrive late May– early Jun. Banding records on Appledore I. exemplify pattern:
since 1983, 5 birds banded 5–20 May; 33 netted 21–25 May; >125 banded 26–31 May; >136 individuals 1–5 Jun; >42 individuals banded 6–10 Jun (all fide D. Holmes); and 13 birds on 1 Jun
1990 (D. Holmes, AB 44: 1115). Most frequently included on
eBird checklists (1.4%) weeks of 22 May and 1 Jun. Palmer listed
only 3 occurrences prior to 20 May, all 16–18 May. Since 1980,
>11 records prior to 20 May, earliest 15 May, E. Machias, 1980
(N. Famous); and Portland, 2000 (P. Moynahan). Inland: 1 in
Flint Woods, Farmington, 18 May 2018 (S. Cronenweth, eBird);
Rangeley, 18 May 2017 (D. Lovitch); and 2, Colby Arboretum, Mayflower Hill, 20 May 2015 (P. Blair, eBird). Other late
migrants south of known breeding range include: 1 female in
Richmond, 13 Jun 2000 (PDV); 1 on Monhegan I., 7 Jun 2005 (B. Boynton); and 1 in Freeport, 9 Jun 2006 (D. Lovitch).
Mourning Warblers arrive throughout ME simultaneously,
unlike many wood-warblers that have northward migrations
of 7–10 days through ME. Early Aroostook Co. migrants:
Woodland, 18 May 1999 (WJS); Ft. Kent, 24–29 May (G. and
S. Flagg, no year provided); Caribou, 28–30 May 2004 (WJS); and Mapleton, 29 May 1985 (G. M. Stadler). Other migration
records: Canaan, Somerset Co., 23–27 May 1999 (WJS); Turner,
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
21 May 2002 and 22 May 1995 ( J. Despres). Species more local in
Monhegan I., 16 Sep 1982 exceptional (DWF). Rare after 5 Oct;
Brooksville, Hancock Co., 22 May 2004 (L. Thorpe); and Winter
Late records on Monhegan I.: 3 Oct 2014 (D. Hitchcox, eBird);
e. ME but reported in E. Machias, 15 May 1980 (N. Famous); in
Harbor, 24 May 2001 (W. Townsend).
single bird in Turner, 7 Oct 1988, notable inland ( J. Despres).
9 Oct 2001 and 14 Oct 2003 (both B. Boynton); 14 Oct 2012 and 2013 (both D. Hitchcox); 20 (2 birds) and 21 Oct 1918 ( Jenney 1918). Late Matinicus I. record: 1 bird on 30 Sep 2017 (M.
Fahay, eBird). Single bird on Roque I., Jonesport, 17 Oct 2003 (N. Famous), and in Lubec on 15 Sep 2017 (P. Janzen, eBird) unusually late for Washington Co.
PDV
Kentucky Warbler
Geothlypis formosa
A distinguished and bespectacled southern visitor
Mourning Warbler Breeding Range
Status in Maine: Kentucky Warblers are casual spring and fall vagrants, with approximately 30 records for each season. Reported from coastal Maine east to Cutler, they are rare inland. There are only two summer records for Maine. Historical Status in Maine: This species is not listed in Knight or Palmer.
S ummer :
Breed in low brushy thickets, particularly raspberry
tangles. Species quickly occupies forested areas that have been
disturbed by fire, insect outbreaks, harvesting and wind damage. Confirmed breeding in 30 blocks in ABBM, primarily in
Aroostook, n. Piscataquis, n. Somerset, w. Oxford, Washington,
and e. Hancock Cos. (Adamus 1987). Confirmed south to Minot,
Androscoggin Co. (Adamus 1987), and once a regular, but local, summer resident in Turner, where breeding was confirmed in
1982 ( J. Despres).
Mourning Warbler is now local and uncommon throughout
breeding range in ME, except in Aroostook Co., where more
numerous but still local: 12 males recorded in Aroostook
NWR, Limestone, 28 Jun 2005 (WJS). BBS data shows a nonsignificant decline for this species in ME and U.S., 1966–2015, but a significant 1.2% decline survey-wide during the same
timeframe when data from Canada are included. F all :
First fall migrants appear along coast in early Aug,
main migration is protracted 16 Aug–15 Sep, with peak in late
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. NY, PA, west to MI, south to n. FL and TX. Winters primarily in Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. Colombia and Venezuela, uncommon in Caribbean. Reported from all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and NFLD. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
More than 30 spring Kentucky Warbler records since
1959, primarily along southern coast east to Stonington. One
Apr record identified and described at W. Head, Cutler, 20 Apr 1996 (E. Kindahl et al., MBN 9: 27, FN 50: 257). Only other
spring Washington Co. records: Petit Manan NWR, 24 May
1987 (AB 41: 404), and Seal I. NWR, 13 May 2017 (K. Yakola).
About 10 records for early May, including 1 bird 6–7 May 2011 (T. Magarian). More typically appear 16–31 May; >20 records during this period. Late vagrants reported from Stonington, 4 Jun 1959
(obs. unk.), and male seen on Matinicus Rock, 9 Jun 2003 (fide
Aug–early Sep. Exceptionally early migrants, or wandering
V. Lane). Two inland records: 1 in Livermore, Androscoggin Co.,
Bremen, Lincoln Co., 29 Jul 1936 (Cruickshank 1950a) and also
cat in Dixmont, Penobscot Co., 1 May 1980 (spec. identification
individuals, found by Cruickshank in Greenland Cove,
19–20 May 1959 (obs. unk.), and 1 specimen killed by a house
Muscongus, 23 Jul 1956 (A. Cruickshank). Appledore I. banding
confirmed G. Freese, PDV).
records show migratory peak 26–31 Aug (>110 banded) and 1–5
Sep (>90 banded). Found on highest number of eBird checklists
(0.8%) week of 22 Sep. More likely seen in small concentrations in fall than in spring: 5 on Wreck I., Muscongus Bay, 25
Aug 1952, considered unusual (fide Cruickshank); and 10 on
S ummer :
2 summer records, single birds, both inland: male,
Big Lyford Pond, Kokadjo, Piscataquis Co., 9 Jul 1960 (obs,
unk.); singing male in Canaan, Somerset Co., 17 Jun 1995 (W.
Sumner, FN 49: 910).
543
Birds of Maine F all :
Thirty or more fall records since 1952, mostly coastal.
First ME record described in Saco, 12 Oct 1952 (BMAS 9: 70).
At least 13 records, all in late Aug, from Appledore I.; 9 birds banded there since 1974 (D. Holmes). Remaining records
inland Apr records include: 1, Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 30 Apr
1994 (D. Ladd, L. Brinker); 1, Atkinson, Piscataquis Co., 23 Apr
1979 (P. Johnson); and 1, Mercer, Somerset Co., 30 Apr 1998 (W. Sumner). In Aroostook Co., birds arrive Presque Isle, 11–21 May
reported primarily late Aug–15 Sep. Three records for Mount
(M. Trombley); Chamberlain reported early migrant on 9 May
1975, and 1 at Sieur de Monts Spring, Bar Harbor, late Sep 1998
>20 individuals seen on Monhegan I., 29 May 1983 (S. Tingley);
presumed fall migrant record, Aurora, Hancock Co., 11 Aug
AB 39: 888). Spinney, the Seguin I. lighthouse keeper, reported
Desert I.; 2 banded in Somesville, 1 each in Aug 1974 and Aug (NAB 52: 33). Other records for e. ME, all single birds: earliest
1980; Petit Manan NWR, 28 Aug 2015 (L. Cannon, A. Leppold.
eBird); 1 banded in Cutler, 12 Sep 1996 ( J. Broka, FN 1: 27). One,
Hermit I., Phippsburg, Sagadahoc Co., 30 Aug 2017 (I. Turner,
(Palmer 1949). As noted, migration continues late May–Jun;
on Appledore I., 22 banded first week of Jun 1985 (D. Holmes,
“many” as late as 7 Jun (Palmer 1949, 492). Banded birds are regularly recaptured on Appledore I.: 1 initially banded as
hatch-year male, 19 Aug 1990, was re-trapped 29 May 1992,
eBird); 1 lingered at Biddeford Pool, 6–10 Sep 2013 (m.ob.,
30 Aug 1992, 14 May 1993, and 9 Jun 1997 (D. Holmes). An
Somerville, Lincoln Co., 25 Aug 1993 ( J. Fiore, Guillemot 22: 35).
Appledore-banded yellowthroat ever recaptured there (S.
eBird). Only inland occurrence in fall was immature bird in
A bird caught by a cat in St. George, Knox Co., 3 Nov 1976 (obs. unk.) constitutes the latest fall record.
PDV
adult banded Aug 1987 was re-trapped 10 Sep 1993, the oldest
Morris, D. Holmes, AB 48: 89).
Common Yellowthroats sometimes occur in substantial
numbers. On Appledore I., 117 banded, 19 May 1992 (D. Holmes,
AB 46: 396), and 186 banded with additional >50 birds released
Common Yellowthroat
unbanded, 13 May 1993 (D. Holmes, AB 47: 396). At least 100 seen in Phippsburg, 12 May 1996, following major migratory
Geothlypis trichas
fallout (PDV).
Vociferous, black-masked balls of energy
S ummer :
Status in Maine: The Common Yellowthroat is a common to abundant summer resident in brushy, semi-open habitats, and a common spring and fall migrant. In winter, it is occasional along the south coast and rare along the central and eastern coast, but it has not been reported north of Bangor.
peatlands, bogs, freshwater marshes, along river and lake
Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Common Yellowthroats to be common summer residents throughout the state, as they are currently. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in boreal Canada from NFLD west to YT, throughout U.S., and cen. Mexico. Winters from NC and Gulf states, south to Caribbean and Cen. Am., west to CA. S pring :
Migration more protracted than most warblers.
Males arrive first week of May; main flight builds through May,
Abundant in wide variety of shrubby habitats,
including wetlands, dry sandy areas, sub-alpine openings,
margins, and in overgrown brushy pastures and openings
in harvested forests throughout ME. Species less numerous,
but still common, in heavily forested Aroostook, Piscataquis,
Somerset, and Franklin Cos. Eighteen BBS in these counties
recorded between 12–18 males in 1979 (D. Folger). One of 3 most
common species confirmed by ABBM (Adamus 1987). BBS
trend for 1996-2015 shows species has declined both in ME, 1.8%,
and in N. Am., 1.0%. F all :
Common, sometimes numerous, fall migrants in wide
variety of brushy habitats. First migrants arrive on Appledore I.
10–20 Aug (550 or more banded during that period since 1992); migration remains steady 21 Aug–15 Sep with 360–510 birds
banded per 5-day sampling period within those dates, before
diminishing late Sep–early Oct. Reported from highest number of eBird checklists (20-22%) from 22 Aug through 22 Sep. Late birds on Monhegan I.: 20 birds, 25 Sep 1983 (D. Finch); 25,
peaking 21–31 May and diminishing first 2 weeks of Jun. On
26 Sep 1994 (PDV); and 25, 22 Sep 2004 (M. Iliff ). Notable
from >2,500 birds, 10–20 May; to >5,000 individuals, 21–31
50, Corea Heath, Gouldsboro, 6 Sep 1996 (N. Famous); and 19,
Appledore I., over a decade banded yellowthroats increased
concentrations on mainland: 50, Ft. Kent, 1 Sep 1998 (G. Flagg);
May; decreasing to 600, 1–10 Jun. Highest inclusion on eBird
Reid S.P., 23 Sep 2005 (C. Caron).
birds, Machias Seal I., 6 Jun 2006 (R. Eldridge).
occurs in small numbers along coastal ME through late Oct,
2004 (D. Doubleday); 1, Fryeburg, 20 Apr 1968 (obs. unk.); and
Aroostook Co., 14 Oct 2006 (N. Hudak), and immature female,
checklists (46%) the week of 15 May. Exceptional flight: 1,000 Earliest Apr records: 1, Cape Porpoise, York Co., 12 Apr
1, Cape Neddick, 20 Apr 2006 (L. Scotland). Unusually early
544
Palmer noted few Oct migrants but it is clear that the species
even into Nov and Dec. Late inland records: 4 in New Sweden,
Canaan, Somerset Co., 3 Nov 1990 (W. Sumner). Notable Nov
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Common Yellowthroat
records in e. ME: 1, Petit Manan NWR, 5 Nov 1988 (R. Widrig);
1, Cutler, 14 Nov 1993 (B. Duchesne); and 4, Corea Heath, 3 Nov 1994 (N. Famous). W inter :
Occasional in s. coastal ME, rare east of Rockland–
Bangor after 15 Dec. Absence of Feb and Mar records indicate
that this species rarely overwinters in ME. York Co. only s. ME
CBC to record them with regularity: species recorded ~25% of
counts; 1–2 individuals observed on 8 counts. Both Biddeford and Portland CBCs recorded birds ~10% of counts: 1 on 4
occasions for each CBC. Elsewhere recorded in Freeport, Bath,
Mount Desert I., Machias Bay, and inland to Waterville. The
Thomaston–Rockland and Bangor–Bucksport CBCs each
recorded single birds on 2 occasions. Other winter records:
1 female, Sorrento, Hancock Co., 27–28 Dec 1992 ( J. and B.
Murnane). A single female in Winterport, Waldo Co., Dec
2005–Apr 2006 ( J. Wyatt and m.ob., ph.), is the only confirmed ME wintering record. JVW
Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed one male collected in Falmouth, 10 Sep 1904 (Brownson 1905). Palmer cited Knight’s specimen and three sight records: two seen together in Fryeburg, 16–18 Sep 1917; one in Gorham, Cumberland Co., 18 May 1918; and one in Dexter, Penobscot Co., 6 Sep 1943 (see Remarks). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds in mixed hardwood forests from s. CT and NY, west to s. MI, south to n. FL and e. TX. Winters in e. Mexico, and Cen. Am.; lesser numbers in Cuba and Caribbean, rarely to n. S. Am. This species reported from all New England states, Maritime Provinces, and NFLD. Remarks: Given Hooded Warbler’s rarity inland, Palmer’s inclusion of two birds in Fryeburg (1917) and one in Dexter, Penobscot Co. (1943), would wisely be viewed as hypothetical. S pring :
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler first reported in Gorham, 18 May
1918 (Palmer 1949). Species not recorded again for 45 years,
although given subsequent records, must have been present in
Setophaga citrina
ME at least rarely. Second spring record carefully described in
Olive and yellow with a saucy tail flip and a black hood
records and species now almost annual along s. coastal ME.
Status in Maine: The Hooded Warbler is casual in spring and fall, with approximately 30 records for each season. Recorded almost exclusively on or near the coast.
Saco, 11 May 1953 (BMAS 9: 70). Since 1953, at least 30 additional
Hooded Warblers generally appear in May, particularly
16–31 May, when there are 21 records. Apr reports include: 1,
Criehaven, Ragged I., south of Matinicus I., 18 Apr 1954 (R.
Simpson, BMAS 10[3]: 43); 1, Biddeford Pool, 24 Apr 1976 (C.
Robbins). Hancock Co. records: 1 banded at Lamoine, 16 May
1974, and singing males at Sieur de Monts Springs, Bar Harbor,
545
Birds of Maine
1 May 1993 (M. Ross, W. Townsend; Guillemot 22: 15) and 25
May 1998 (C. Witt, FN 52: 307). Latest spring vagrant seen on
Monhegan I., 31 May–6 Jun 2000 (B. Boynton). Single male in Millinocket, 23 May 1963, rare inland (MFN 19[1]: 13). Recent records: 1, ANP, 23 Apr 2008 (R. MacDonald); 1 on Bailey I.,
Harpswell, 29 Apr 2017 (D. Lovitch); and 2 inland observations
in Bangor City Forest, 16 and 22 May 2004 (A. Stevens, B. Cole, respectively, eBird).
S ummer :
Single birds: Bar I., off Mount Desert I., 6 Jul 1975
( J. Creighton); Petit Manan NWR, 15–17 Aug 2015 ( J. Gillis);
Matinicus Rock, 20–21 Aug 2017 (F. Mayer); and ANP, 24 Aug
2014 (obs. unk.). F all :
Approximately 30 Hooded Warbler records since
1961, primarily along southern coast. Seventeen records from
27 Aug–30 Sep. Earliest banded on Appledore I., 27 Aug
1990 (D. Holmes), where 8 individuals recorded (6 banded),
Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered American Redstart a common summer resident throughout ME. Palmer wrote the same except to note that in “some inland areas of relatively unbroken forest” it was uncommon; overall, he felt that it was probably the most abundant breeding warbler species in Maine. He considered it “common to rather numerous” in migration (1949, 497). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. YT and NT, east to NL, south to UT, CO, and Gulf Coast states from e. TX to GA. Winters from Mexico through Cen. Am. to n. S. Am. and Greater Antilles of Caribbean. Winters in small numbers in s. FL.
1990–1999. Famous noted 3 individuals on Roque I., Jonesport, 13 Oct 1998, and 2 seen on Monhegan I. same period (NAB
52: 34). Observations coincided with extraordinary fallout: 55
birds in s. NS, 11–17 Oct (Mactavish 1999). Small influx noted
in 2004: 1 male ph. at Reid S.P., 15–24 Oct 2004 (N. Axelson,
ph. on file), and adult male ph. at Pemaquid Pt., 16 Oct 2004
(D. Reimer, J. Adams). Single birds: Monhegan I., 23 Sep 2011 ( J. Trimble, L. Seitz), 24 Sep 2012 (m.ob.), and 19 Sep 2016
(W. Russell, R. Hoyer, B. Thompson); 1 male ph. and banded
4 Oct 2011, Metinic I. (A. Leppold) and Bailey I., Harpswell, late Oct 2017 (D. Lovitch). Latest fall record observed in
Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 27 Oct 1993 ( J. Frank, Guillemot
23: 58). Immature bird in Fryeburg, 1 Sep 1969, provides the only documented fall inland record (D. Briggs). PDV
American Redstart S pring :
Seven or more Apr records: 1 female E. Winthrop,
Kennebec Co., 16 Apr 2012 (M. Deming); 1, in Sidney, Kennebec Co., 18 Apr 2012 (N. Famous); 1, Falmouth Nature Preserve,
Falmouth, 18 Apr, 2014 (K. Te Poel); 1, Sieur de Mont Springs,
American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
Abundant and flashy
Status in Maine: One of the most common and widespread breeding warblers in Maine, American Redstarts occur throughout the state, especially in early to mid-successional deciduous and mixed-wood forests with a well-developed understory. Breeding Bird Survey results show a steep decline in Maine over the past 50 years. A common and sometimes abundant spring and fall migrant, the American Redstart has a lengthy migration period from late April (exceptionally) through early June, and southbound from mid-August through October with occasional records into November and December. 546
Mount Desert I., 21 Apr 2006 (R. MacDonald); 1 in Sidney,
22 Apr 2008 (N. Famous); and 1, Phippsburg, 26 Apr 2012 (R. Robinson) and 25 Apr 2013 (R. Robinson). At least 25
records in first 5 days of May since 1980. It appears American
Redstarts now returning earlier than 1900s, as Palmer wrote
the species arrived in s. Maine 6–10 May with earliest arrival
in Bowdoinham 3 May 1908. Typical to find 3–5 birds together
during migration, sometimes 10–20 birds, and occasionally high numbers at coastal sites; reported in May 2013: 250,
Monhegan I., 23 May (F. Mantlik); 88, Ft. Foster, 12 May (D.
and J. Lovitch); at least 1,000 birds on 23 May on Damariscove
I. (N. Bither) and 30 May at Biddeford Pool (M. Iliff ). Other
spring maxima: 100, Frazer Pt., Winter Harbor, 25 May 2007 (S.
Smith); 85, Hermit I., Phippsburg, 21 May 2010 (M. Fahay); 80,
Hinckley Pt., S. Portland, 25 May 2007 (PDV); and 60 banded
on Appledore I., 3 Jun 1988 (D. Holmes). Spring peak, weeks of
15 and 22 May, when 32% of checklists included redstarts (eBird). Small numbers of migrants continue to appear at coastal
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
locations, including offshore islands where they rarely nest, into the first week of Jun.
S ummer :
ABBM (Adamus 1987) shows species widespread.
ME has third highest abundance of American Redstarts in
N. Am., exceeded only by NB and NS (BBS data), and in ME only outnumbered by Ovenbird and Common Yellowthroat.
Maximum BBS counts in 1970s–1980s were very high and may reflect large areas of previously harvested forestland reaching
forest age-structure preferred by the species: 64 on Hancock,
Washington Co., 1978; 54 on Moose R., Somerset Co., 1986; 46, Horse Mtn., Aroostook Co., 1986. Highest counts since 1990:
9, Hancock BBS, 2012 (route not run 2002–2008); 19, Moose R.
,1997 (discontinued 2008); 33, Horse Mtn., 1990. ME BBS trend shows decline of 3.8% per year from 1966–2015. N. Am. survey-
wide BBS data shows 0.28% decline, 1966–2015. F all :
Migration peaks late Aug–early Sep, with individuals
persisting into Nov (5 records) and even Dec (3 records). The species is reported on the highest percentage of ME eBird
checklists (12%) the week of 1 Sep. Highest counts reported to eBird weeks of 1 and 15 Sep. Early morning counts of
migrants crossing from Sandy Pt., Cousins I., to mainland,
yield ~5–40 most fall mornings late Aug–early Sep (D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum counts from Sandy Pt.: 500, 1 Sep 2009 (E.
Hynes); 408, 24 Aug 2013; 303, 1 Sep 2007; 233, 6 Sep 2013; 231 on 21 Aug 2010; 214, 27 Aug 2015; and 213 on 27 Aug 2008 (all
D. Lovitch). High counts elsewhere: 45, Monhegan I., 21 Sep
One record from MA (fide A. Keith) and one 1920 report from NH considered hypothetical due only to lack of a precise date (Keith and Fox 2013). There are no records for the Maritime Provinces or Newfoundland. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds almost entirely in Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) forests of n. and cen. MI. Winters in Bahamas and Turks and Caicos I. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened; PIF: Watch List. Species not declining but vulnerable due to small range or population and moderate threats. Remarks: Kirtland’s Warbler has a restricted range and by 1994 occupied only seven sq. mi. (18 sq. km.) of that range. The population of this formerly federally endangered species increased from 167 singing males in 1987 to 2,365 singing males in 2015 (BirdLife International 2019) and has been above the 1,000-breeding-pair recovery goal for more than a decade (Bocetti et al. 2014). It is entirely dependent upon specific forest habitat created and maintained by active forest management for the species recovery; perpetual management may be required to maintain the population into the future. PDV
2004 (L. Bevier); 27, W. Falmouth, 1 Sep 2006 (L. Seitz); and 12, Monhegan I., 25 Sep 1982 (DWF). Regularly found in Oct but fewer records at month’s end. Five Nov records: 1, Falmouth, 8
Cape May Warbler
Nov 2012 (C. Hynes); 1, Saco Riverwalk, Saco, 10–21 Nov 2014,
Setophaga tigrina
1, Saco Riverwalk, 17–27 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox, J. Stevens, D.
A boreal specialist at its southern breeding limit in Maine
persisting until 7 Dec (B. Marvel, D. Lovitch, N. Gibb et al.);
Lovitch et al.); 1, Portland, 22 Nov 2003 (L. Brinker); and 1,
Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 27 Nov 2009 (A. and L. Seamans). W inter :
3 Dec records: 1, Saco Riverwalk, 7 Dec 2014
(continuing from 10 Nov, N. Gibbs); 1, Westbrook, Cumberland
Co., 13 Dec 1998 (L. Brinker); and 1, Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC, 27 Dec 2014 (fide M. Jordan). JVW
Kirtland’s Warbler
Setophaga kirtlandii
One of the rarest songbirds, a singular treat to find
Status in Maine: Accidental. A single male was photographed along the edge of Kennebunk Plains, 2 June 2008 (T. Persons; ph. arch., Maine Bird Records Committee).
Status in Maine: One of the most specialized warbler species breeding in the state, the Cape May Warbler occurs in scattered pockets of mature spruce-fir forest in northern and eastern Maine. Its numbers often increase in response to Spruce Budworm outbreaks, as last occurred in Maine in the late 1960s–early 1970s. Breeding Bird Survey data indicate a significant decline in the North American population since 1966, but with a slight increase since 2005. In Maine, however, the species has continued to decline. Uncommon spring and fall migrants, Cape May Warblers migrate from early May into early June and in fall from mid-August into October. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Cape May Warbler rare and locally distributed in ME; he had not yet seen one when his book was published. He noted that Brewster had found it 547
Birds of Maine
nesting abundantly near L. Umbagog in w. ME, 1871–1875, but it was not evident after that. Palmer considered the species an uncommon breeder on the coast and on larger islands from Lincoln Co. east and in Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, and Piscataquis Cos. Lack of mention as a documented breeder in Aroostook or n. Penobscot Cos. is notable. In spring and fall migration Palmer said it varied from being uncommon to “sometimes fairly common” throughout the state (1949, 461).
27 May, 2013 (M. Fahay). Spring peak, week of 15 May when
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NT and ne. BC, east to s. QC, south to n. ME, NH, VT, and n. NY, MI, WI, and MN. Winters in W. Indies and Caribbean Is.
per year, 1966–2015, and 5.2% decline, 2005–2015. N. Am. BBS
Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats.
highest number of eBird checklists (2%) included species.
S ummer :
Preferentially breeds in mature spruce-fir forests;
breeding range primarily north of ME. Uncommon to rare
breeder patchily distributed across n., w., and e. ME (Adamus
1987). Of >1,400 BBS route surveys conducted in Maine since 1966, 4 or more Cape May Warblers recorded on single route
just 27 times. Highest recorded: 10 each on now-discontinued
Northfield BBS (Washington Co.) and Clayton L. BBS
(Aroostook Co.) in 1979. ME population trend declining 3.2% shows decrease of 2.5% per year 1966–2015, but an increase of
3.2% per year 2005–2015. F all :
Usually seen in small numbers during migration, mid-
Aug to Oct, peaking in Sep; several Nov and Dec records. The number of Cape May Warblers has been notably higher in
both spring and fall migration since about 2015 (fide eBird).
This may be because of high breeding season success in recent years as a result of super-abundant Spruce Budworm larvae
populations in parts of Quebec. Reported from highest number
of eBird checklists (4%) week of 22 Sep. Highest counts, all on
Monhegan I.: 30, 23–24 Sep 1983 (D. Finch); 17, 23 Sep 2013 (K.
Lindquist); 12, 28 Sep 1989 (B. Nikula). Apparent anomaly, 61
banded 20–23 Aug 1986, Appledore I. (D. Holmes). More than
25 Oct records since ~1980 and 3 Nov records: 1, Corea, Hancock Co., 3 Nov 1994 (N. Famous); 1 seen regularly 8 Nov–6 Dec
2007 on Hills Beach Rd., Biddeford (m.ob.); and 1 young bird at Milford Dam, 14 Nov 2017 (A. Leppold).
W inter :
The only winter record: Hills Beach Rd., Biddeford, 6
Dec 2007, a bird that lingered from 8 Nov (m.ob.). JVW
Cape May Warbler Breeding Range
Cerulean Warbler
Setophaga cerulea S pring :
Uncommon to rare spring migrant early May–early
Jun. Single Apr record: 1, Sidney, Kennebec Co., 29 Apr 2011
(N. Famous). Earliest May records: 1 on thistle feeder, Minot,
Androscoggin Co., 2 May 1991 (D. Haines); 1, Turner, 3 May
1983 ( J. Depres); 1 bright male in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland,
4 May 2013 (N. Gibb). Earliest records reported by Palmer: 6
May 1897 in Lewiston and 1 May 1916 in Brunswick. Since 1980,
>12 records 6 May or earlier and 43 records May 11 or earlier.
Usually alone; rarely in pairs. Maximum migration counts: 8 in
Orono, 13 May 1984 ( J. Markowsky); 6, Ft. Foster, 19 May 1994
(PDV); 4, Spurwink Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth, 16 May 2000 (P. McGowan); 4, Ft. Kent, 19 May 1981 ( J. Gibson); 4, Monhegan
I., 20 May 2009 (E. Hynes); and 4, Ft. Baldwin, Phippsburg,
548
A sky-blue treetop gleaner expanding into the Northeast
Status in Maine: A canopy-foraging species more typically found south of New England, the Cerulean Warbler is an occasional spring and rare fall migrant along the southern coast east to Mount Desert Island. The Cerulean Warbler population declined 2.6% annually in North America, 1966–2015, although they are currently expanding into the Northeast. Historical Status in Maine: Palmer listed this species as hypothetical, noting a sight record and description of two birds in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 26 Jul 1937.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds locally in New England: s. NH and w. VT to MA and CT, west to s. ON, e. MN, south in Appalachian Mtns. to SC and southwest to AR. Winters primarily in Andes (Colombia and Ecuador, to n. Bolivia). Reported from all New England states, NFLD, and Maritime Provinces. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable; PIF: Watch List based on rapid population decline due to continued habitat loss in both breeding and wintering ranges. Remarks: In 1957, Morse observed two Cerulean Warblers in Castine (MFN 13: 91–92): “The female Cerulean was first observed on June 3, 1957; and the male the next morning. The pair was observed that afternoon and the following morning, June 5th . . . The birds were not observed again until August 7th . . . They were seen off and on until August 23rd when they disappeared again, this time for good. Whether those birds actually nested at Castine (or in Maine, for that matter) is problematical. No bird could be positively identified as an immature Cerulean. In August the adult birds were in company with Myrtle Warblers (Dendroica coronata), whereas in June they were alone. On June 4th and 5th the male was observed in song; at no time during August was the male observed singing. I only regret that I have none of the data other than the sighting observations necessary to remove the Cerulean Warbler from the hypothetical in this State.” Cerulean Warblers sometimes appear in early Jun, lingering several days in a location. It seems prudent to concur with Morse that there was no evidence of nesting. Indeed, it is uncertain whether birds observed in Aug were the same individuals seen in June. Ceruleans were recorded nesting in NH in the 1980s (D. Abbott et al.) and confirmed as breeding 1995 (Keith and Fox 2013). First nesting in MA was in 1989 (Veit and Petersen 1993). S pring :
Occasional in spring; ~30 records since 1951, primarily
on south coast east to Monhegan I. and Bar Harbor; 5 records
since 2000, all in May on mainland (Portland, ANP, and Colby
College, Waterville). Nearly all observations 10–31 May; 4
additional records 1–5 Jun. First noted in spring by DeWindt,
who observed a male and female at Long Pond, Ocean Park,
Saco, 11–15 May 1951 (G. Webb, BMAS 8: 55). She subsequently reported single males in Ocean Park, 17 May 1952 and 18 May
1958. Thereafter, birds reported in Kennebunk, 1–2 Jun 1960 (1 bird) and 5 Jun 1961 (2 birds; DeWindt, MFO 6: 65). Birds
found on Appledore (3 records) and Monhegan Is. (4 records),
and in Biddeford, Portland, Bridgton, east to Bar Harbor. A singing male, ph. in Hudson, Penobscot Co., 5 Jun 2005 (B.
Duchesne, ph. on file) was especially rare inland. Recent records:
1, ANP, Wonderland Trail, 24 May 2010 (R. MacDonald, eBird); unknown number on Monhegan I., 21 May 2017 (D. Lovitch).
F all :
Rare in fall, 13 records since 1965. All from coast
and outer islands: 6 on Monhegan I. and 3 on Appledore I., including first specimen, a female, collected 26 Sep 1971 (H.
Cook Andersen, UNH). Species generally found in Sep (9
or more reports). Earliest bird banded in Wells, 11 Aug 2004
(Guillemot 34: 38), and latest, a male, in Kennebunkport, 21 Oct
1967 (obs. unk.). Only one fall eBird record: 1, Monhegan I., 17 Sep 2014 (PDV, M. and T. Johnson). PDV
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
A small, abundant warbler famous for nesting in Old Man’s Beard lichen
Status in Maine: The Northern Parula is a common and widespread breeding bird in Maine spruce-, fir-, and hemlock-dominated forests. It is found throughout the state, although local in coastal southern Maine. Breeding Bird Survey results show a consistent long-term increase both in Maine and North America since 1966. They are also common and widespread spring and fall migrants. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Northern Parula to be a common, sometimes local, breeder throughout most of the state. Palmer considered it a common spring and fall migrant, especially numerous along the coast. He noted that the species was a common summer resident in coniferous forests throughout ME except in two southernmost counties—virtually the same distribution as today. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Northern and southern breeding ranges. Northern range: se. MB east to s. QC and Maritime Provinces, south to s. New England, n. MI, WI, and MN, spotty distribution in NY. Southern range: IA east to PA, south to Gulf Coast, FL to e. TX. Winters in Greater Antilles, small numbers in s. FL, in s. and e. Mexico, south uncommonly to Panama. 549
Birds of Maine S pring :
Common spring migrant mid-Apr to May. Earliest
Apr records: 1, Scarborough, 10 Apr 2012 (K. D’Andrea); 1,
Magnolia Warbler
Biddeford Pool, 13 Apr 2010 (D. Lovitch); 1, Augusta, 13 Apr
Setophaga magnolia
Sanford, 21 Apr 2015 ( J. Fecteau). Northern Parulas return earlier
Informally called the ‘spruce warbler’ for its preferred northern breeding habitat
2012 and 20 Apr 2011; 1, Orono, 15 Apr 1995 (all N. Famous); 1,
now than in 1900s, when earliest record reported by Palmer was
29 Apr 1908 in Portland. Since 1980, 26 or more records earlier than 29 Apr. Five to 10 birds at single location not unusual
during spring migration. Exceptionally high numbers recorded occasionally: hundreds, 19–24 May 2002 (T. Vazzano), and
225 on 14 May 2011 (L. Seitz), both on Monhegan I.; 75 on 17
May 2013 on Hermit I., Phippsburg (M. Fahay). More typical highs: 40 on 26 May 1983 and 13 May 1997, on Monhegan I.
(respectively, S. Tingley; D. Abbott and PDV); and 40 on 12
May 1996 in Phippsburg (PDV). At least 25 records of 20 or more birds tallied from single location in May. Spring peak
weeks of 8 and 15 May when species reported on highest number
of eBird checklists (32%). S ummer :
Generally tied to breeding in coniferous and mixed
forest with abundant Old Man’s Beard lichen (Usnea spp.)
growing in masses on tree limbs in which Northern Parulas build nests. Likely to be found on forest edges near lakes,
ponds, rivers, bogs, other open wetlands, and on islands. Species
widely distributed across state except in Southern Maine
ecoregion (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Based on BBS data, ME
relative abundance averages 8.1 birds per route, exceeded in N.
Am. only by NB and NS. Twenty or more birds recorded on
single BBS routes 73 times since 1966. Single BBS routes with
highest numbers in the state: Cooper (Washington Co.), 67, 61,
50, 44, 37 in 1978, 1980, 1979, 1981, 2014; discontinued Northfield (Washington Co.), 62, 54, 50 in 1981, 1978, and 1980. Both ME and N. Am. BBS show significant increase of 1.2% per year,
1966–2017. F all :
Common and sometimes abundant throughout state
during migration mid-Aug to Oct, peaking in Sep. Some birds persist into Nov. Reported on highest percentage of ME eBird
checklists (11.5%) week of 22 Sep. Migrants counted during early
morning crossing to mainland from Sandy Pt., Cousins I., 20–100 with higher counts several mornings each year in Sep (D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum numbers from Sandy Pt.: 703, 17 Sep 2013; 416,
23 Sep 2013; and 265, 26 Sep 2016. Maxima from other locations: 70, 25 Sep 2009 on Monhegan I. (W. Russell) and 50, 22 Sep
1998 in Scarborough (G. Carson). Species seen regularly in small
numbers through Oct; 21 records Oct 15–20, 1989–2014. Nineteen
Nov records, 1986–2014. Latest records, all single birds: 25 Nov
1997, Freeport (D. Nickerson); 23 Nov 1999, Kennebunkport
(m.ob., fide K. Gammon); and 22 Nov 1994, Portland (R. Eakin). W inter :
There is one Dec record: 2 Dec 2011 in Stockton
Springs, Waldo Co. (W. Nichols). JVW
550
Status in Maine: The Magnolia Warbler is a common breeding bird of dense coniferous and mixed secondgrowth forest and forest openings. This warbler is found throughout the state, but only locally in southern Maine. Breeding Bird Survey data at the continental scale show a slight long-term increase since 1966 but a long-term decline in Maine during the same timeframe. Magnolia Warbler is a common and widespread spring and fall migrant. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Magnolia Warbler to be a common breeder throughout the state, occurring wherever there were forests that included spruce, Balsam Fir, or hemlock. Palmer also considered the species a common resident and wrote that it was probably only second to the American Redstart in breeding abundance in ME. He thought it more common as a spring migrant in southwestern coastal counties than as a fall migrant and speculated that the species used a different fall route. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NT, extreme se. YT, and ne. BC, east to s. QC and NFLD, south locally to TN and NC mtns., locally in OH and IN. Winters from Mexico south rarely to Costa Rica and Panama. Remarks: The first Magnolia Warbler specimen was procured during its migration through Tennessee and was named for the tree species in which it was found. S pring :
Common spring migrant late Apr–early Jun. Three
Apr records: 1, Bar Harbor, 21 Apr 1998 (W. Townsend); 1,
Scarborough, 24 Apr 1991 (G. Carson); 1, Ellsworth, 25 Apr
2006 (R. MacDonald). Earliest May records, 1 each: Calvary
Cemetery, S. Portland, 2 May 2001 (L. Brinker, WJS); Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 3 May 2001 (PDV et al.); Gilsland Farm, 3
May 2001 (L. Woodard); Scarborough, 3 May 2005 (G. Carson); and Tomhegan Twp., Somerset Co., 3 May 2006 (N. Famous).
Palmer wrote that species arrived in Cumberland Co. 6–10 May, with early arrival dates 3 May 1914, in Brunswick, and 5 May
1894, in Portland. More than 16 records before 6 May since
1991. Palmer claimed earliest recorded arrival date as 10 Apr
1901 based on Seguin I. lighthouse keeper H. Spinney’s journal. However, Palmer apparently made a clerical error, as Spinney’s earliest journal entry for Magnolia Warbler was 30 Apr 1901
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Magnolia Warblers counted on many fall mornings is between
1 and 20 with higher counts several mornings each year in Aug and Sep (D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum numbers from Sandy
Pt. include: 59 on 24 Aug 2013; 50 on 27 Aug 2008; and 46 on 1
Sep 2008 (D. Lovitch et al.). Maxima reported elsewhere: 30 on
Monhegan I., 21 Sep 2004 (L. Bevier et al.). Regular in small
numbers through Oct: 31 records 1–26 Oct 1995–2006. Latest
records: 1, Saco, 20 Nov 1999 (A. Aldrich); and 1, Petit Manan
NWR, 4 Nov 1988 (R. Widrig). W inter :
One winter record on 1 Dec 1996 at East Pt.,
Biddeford Pool (P. Comins). JVW
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
(Spinney 1903), when he noted the other species around the
Setophaga castanea
Savannah Sparrow, and “Yellow” Palm Warbler, all expected
A spruce-fir specialist at the southern edge of its breeding range
light that night as Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, species in late Apr. Highest numbers recorded: hundreds,
Monhegan I., 19–24 May 2002 (T. Vazzano); 90 banded,
Appledore I., 3 Jun 1988 (D. Holmes); 40 and 50, Phippsburg, 11 and 12 May 1996 (PDV et al.); 20 on Monhegan I., 28 May
1983 (S. Tingley et al.); and 20, Phippsburg, 16 May 1999 (PDV). Spring peak week of 15 May, when species appears on 27% of
eBird checklists. One to 4 individuals typically reported at single
locations during spring migration (eBird). S ummer :
Found throughout state in mixed spruce, Balsam Fir,
or hemlock forest, in forest openings, and edges. Also, in logged or burned sites with relatively thick understory and younger-
aged trees. Magnolias widely distributed across state; patchy in
s. ME ecoregion with limited spruce-fir forest (ABBM Adamus
1987). The relative abundance of Magnolia Warbler in ME, 7.3
birds average per BBS route, is highest of any state, though not
as high as in several Canadian provinces: NB (31.8), NS (31.0),
ON (25.1), QC (17.4), and MB (10.9).
Twenty or more birds recorded on single ME BBS routes
at least 111 times since 1966. Highest densities occur in n., w.,
and e. ME. Single BBS route representative high numbers: 66 in 1968, discontinued Pillsbury Pond, east of Chamberlain L.,
Piscataquis Co.; 53, in 2008, Wilson Mills, Oxford Co., west
of Rangeley; 46 in 1981, discontinued Northfield, Washington
Co.; 43 in 2001, discontinued Clayton L., Aroostook Co.; and 43 in 2000, Priestly Bridge, Aroostook Co. Significant decrease in
ME, 1.1% per year 1966–2015 and a steeper decline of 2.8% per year 2005–2015. F all :
Common and widespread fall migrant, mid-Aug to
early Oct, Sep peak. Occasionally 3–5 at once at single location.
Reported on highest number of eBird checklists (7.8%) week
of 22 Sep. At Sandy Pt, Cousins I., where migrants are counted in the early morning crossing to the mainland, the number of
Status in Maine: Although sometimes described as a Spruce Budworm specialist, the Bay-breasted Warbler is really a specialist of mature spruce and sprucefir forest. Although Bay-breasted Warblers show marked population increases in areas with abundant Spruce Budworm caterpillars, they are not reliant on outbreaks for survival. Found in small numbers in scattered pockets of mature spruce-fir forest in northern and eastern Maine, Bay-breasted Warblers are among the most sought-after warbler species breeding in the state. Breeding Bird Survey data show a slight continental-scale decline since 1966. In Canada, the Bay-breasted Warbler’s primary breeding range, the population has increased since 2005, while Maine’s population continues to decline since the height of the last budworm outbreak, 1966–1975, likely in large part due to loss of mature spruce-fir forest. This species is an uncommon spring and fall migrant. Spring migration extends from early May into early June; fall migration occurs mid-August through October. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Bay-breasted Warbler rare and locally distributed both in migration and as a breeder. He noted it had commonly bred around Flagstaff L. in the late 1800s and was a “not uncommon” breeder in Washington Co. (1908, 518). Palmer wrote that the Bay-breasted Warbler was a breeder, at least occasionally, in all but southernmost ME and abundance could vary tremendously, the species being locally common in some years and absent in others. Sometimes a 551
Birds of Maine
common breeder on islands like Hog I. in Muscongus Bay, Bay-breasted Warblers were abundant there in 1936 (R. Peterson, A. Cruickshank), then virtually disappeared by 1939, only to become common again in 1946 (Palmer 1949). Similarly, the species was rarely reported in Ellsworth until 1908 but became more common in following years (Palmer 1949). Abundance during migration also varied from year to year. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NT and ne. BC, east to s. QC and NFLD, south to n. ME, NH, VT, and n. NY, MI, and MN. Winters in s. Cen. Am. and n. S. Am. S pring :
(M. Hundley); 10, T4 R14 WELS, Piscataquis Co., 9 Sep 1959
(DeGarro, [MFO 4(6-7):88]); and 5, W. Falmouth, 1 Sep 2006 (L. Seitz). On Appledore I., annual banding totals reported
to average at least 30 during 1980s but 30 records of
Blackburnian Warbler before 8 May. Spring maxima: 50 and 12, both on Monhegan I., 23 May 1999 (B. Boynton), and 27 May
2006 (L. Seitz); and 12, Stonington, 12 May 1959 (M. Hundley). Spring peak week of 22 May when 12% eBird checklists included this species.
Blackburnian Warbler S ummer :
Widespread and locally common breeder, local in s.
ME (ABBM; Adamus 1987). According to BBS, ME has third highest relative abundance in U.S. Highest counts: 45 and 37
on now-discontinued Northfield BBS (Washington Co.), 1980
and 1978; 37 on Cooper BBS (Washington Co.), 1978; and 35 on
Wilson Mills BBS (Oxford Co., west of Rangely), 2008. Since 1989, Cooper BBS high count not above 5 birds. Wilson Mills recent highs: 10 birds, 2010 and 2014. ME BBS trends show
slight decline of 0.7% per year 1966–2015. N. Am. BBS trends stable 1966–2015, 1.2% increase per year, 2005–2015.
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia
Widespread and well known, a sweet-singing warbler of shrubby edge habitats
Status in Maine: One of the most common and widespread breeding warblers in Maine, Yellow Warblers occur throughout the state in shrubby habitat, second-growth forest, and along rivers, streams, and lakes. Breeding Bird Survey data show a slight population decline in North America, 1966–2015. A significantly steeper decline occurred in Maine in the same period. Nonetheless, the Yellow Warbler remains a widespread and abundant spring and fall migrant. It is a relatively early spring migrant, arriving in late April and early May. In fall, migrant Yellow Warblers appear as early as July and are largely gone by September, though occasional individuals linger into October. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Yellow Warblers one of the most common summer resident birds found throughout ME. Palmer wrote that the Yellow Warbler was a fairly common summer resident except “in areas of relatively unbroken forest” and that its numbers increased 1909–1949. Palmer also speculated that, “Before the forest was cut off, this warbler probably was restricted to nesting chiefly in young willows along watercourses and to 553
Birds of Maine
sprout growth in burned-over areas” (1949, 458). He noted that both Carpenter (1886) and Bond (1947) considered Yellow Warblers to be most common around human settlements. Palmer considered it numerous in spring and fall migration.
1966–2015 and declining 5.2% per year 2005–2015. N. Am. BBS
Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeding range encompasses most of N. Am.: AK (except North Slope), YT and NT, east to NL, south to n. GA, AL, and MS, and west to CA. Does not breed in TX and LA. Distinct “Mangrove” form breeds in s. FL. Many subspecies and forms breed from s. Mexico, across Caribbean. Winters from Mexico through Cen. Am. to n. S. Am. and Caribbean. Five Yellow Warblers fitted with light-level geolocators on Appledore I. in 2015 migrated to Columbia by way of Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean, and Cen. Am. (Witynski and Bonter 2018).
percentage of ME eBird checklists (15%) week of 1 Aug.
S pring :
Common and widespread spring migrant, often one
shows significant but less steep decline of 0.6% per year from
1966–2015. F all :
Migration early Jul–Sep, peaks Aug–early Sep. Individual
birds sometimes persist into Oct. Species reported from highest
Maximum fall counts lower than many other warbler species
with single location counts typically 1–5. Maxima: 15, Monhegan
I., 25 Sep 1983 (DWF), and 15 in Turner on 19 Aug 1992 ( J.
Despres). Species found regularly lingering into Oct with at least
13 records. Latest records: 1, Cape Elizabeth, 25 Oct 2010 (PDV, J. Mays); 1 on Sandy Pt., Cousins I., 21 Oct 2000 (R. Garrigus, eBird); 6, Machias Seal I., 17 Oct 2005 (R. Eldridge); 1 on 13
and 18 Oct 1998 on Monhegan I. (B. Boynton). Palmer (1949)
speculated late Yellow Warbler records may be a subspecies that
nests in n. Canada. We are not aware of any research on whether this may be true of late ME Yellow Warbler records.
W inter :
2 winter records, both Saco Riverwalk, Saco: 1, 8 Dec
of most abundant warbler species. Migration late Apr–late May.
2014 (N. Houlihan, eBird); 1–2 birds consistently 4–7 Dec 2015
reported observations (Apr 10, 11, 13, 20, 21) overlap with arrival
JVW
Many late Apr records. Although they may be correct, earliest
and then 1 bird, 8–28 Dec 2015 (m.ob., eBird).
of all-yellow eastern race of Palm Warbler and are not supported by any photos or other evidence. Earliest certain Yellow Warbler
report: 2 birds on 25 Apr 2011, River Pt. Conservation Area,
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Falmouth (P. Keenan, R. Lambert; eBird). Maximum spring
Setophaga pensylvanica
over wide span of years: 50, 1990 ( JVW and A. Wells); 40, 1983
A bird of early successional forest and shrubby edges
reports, all on Monhegan I. and, remarkably, all from 25 May
(S. Tingley); and 25 on 25–26 May 2006 (D. Lovitch). Spring peak week of 15 May when highest number of ME eBird
checklists (37%) include species. S ummer :
Common and widespread breeding warbler in
ME, occurs in shrubby field edges, along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, recently cut-over or burned forest, and abandoned hayfields with encroaching shrubs. Prefers low shrubs; will
disappear from cutover forest as trees increase in size and from
brushy fields if brush is removed. Along waterways, often found
in low willows and alders.
Species ubiquitous along coast, in s. ME, and parts of
St. John Valley in ne. ME; spotty distribution in areas with
significant forest cover in western mountains, nw. ME, and
interior Washington Co. Possibly related to less ABBM survey effort in nw. ME, no records from nearly entire w. Aroostook
Co. and only a few records from n. Androscoggin Co. (Adamus
1987). Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Quebec (Gauthier and
Aubrey 1996) shows similar spotty distribution of Yellow
Warbler records in region bordering nw. ME. Representative
maximum BBS counts: 35, in 1983, on Hermon BBS (Penobscot Co.); 30 in 1993, Boundary BBS (Aroostook Co.); and 26 in
both 1993 and 1997 on Washburn BBS (Aroostook Co.). BBS
trends for ME show significant decline of 3.3% per year from
554
Status in Maine: The Chestnut-sided Warbler is an abundant breeding species throughout many scrubby edge habitats and forest openings in Maine, but has declined in abundance in the Northeast over the last 50 years. It is a common, and occasionally numerous, spring and fall migrant. Maine supports approximately 6% of the global breeding population of this species (Rosenberg and Wells 1995). There are no winter records in the state. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Both Knight and Palmer considered Chestnut-sided Warblers common breeders throughout ME. Palmer said that the species was apparently rare during Audubon’s time and probably increased in abundance as mature woodlands were converted into the species’ preferred secondgrowth, shrubby habitat. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. QC and ON to cen. AB, south to n. IL, IN, and OH, through Appalachian Mtns. to n. GA and AL. Winters primarily in Cen. Am. from s. Mexico to Panama.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae S pring :
Common spring migrant. Palmer wrote that species
usually arrived in s. ME 6–8 May and in n. ME, 12–25 May.
Blackpoll Warbler
Recently, first arrivals increasingly reported 1–4 May in s. ME.
Setophaga striata
Savage); 1, Kennebunkport, 26 Apr 2011 (K. Janes); 1, Evergreen
A long-distance migrant of northern forests and krummholz
Four Apr records; 1, Windsor, Kennebec Co., 22 Apr 2010 (A. Cemetery, Portland, 30 Apr 2004 (L. Seitz et al.), and 30 Apr
2011 (K. D’Andrea). Recent earliest arrivals in Aroostook Co:
14–16 May (WJS). Chestnut-sided Warblers peak mid-May as
indicated by being on highest number of eBird checklists (28%)
week of 15 May. Average counts of 2–3 birds, but 5–10 at a single location is not unusual. Spring migration maxima: 45, Hermit
I., Phippsburg, 21 May 2010 (M. Fahay); 40, Hurricane Rd.,
Falmouth, 18 May 2009 (L. Seitz); and 35, Appledore I., 9 May
1990 (D. Holmes et al.).
Chestnut-sided Warbler S ummer :
Widely distributed and common across state, found
almost everywhere with shrubby edge and second-growth
habitat. Confirmed breeding throughout state with spotty
distribution in n. ME (Adamus 1987). BBS data indicate species more abundant in ME’s southern third. Maximum BBS counts:
52, Castine BBS (Hancock Co.), 1983; 47, Hancock (Hancock Co.), 1978; and 46, E. Troy (Waldo Co.), 1987. Long-term
annual decline 2.3% in ME and 1.2% in N. Am., 1966–2015.
Since 2000, maximum ME BBS count: 28, Hartford (Oxford
Co.), 2016. On 27 ME BBS routes in 2014, total 1–22 birds/route,
average 6 birds/route. In contrast, in 1984, on 28 ME BBS routes, totals 1–42 birds/route, average 11 birds/route. Two to 4 males
simultaneously not uncommon in preferred habitat, but 1–2 is
average on eBird checklists for Jun–Jul. F all :
Fall migration mid-Aug to Sep (inland), diminishing
first week of Oct; all Oct records coastal. Found on highest
number of eBird checklists (5%) week of 1 Sep. Latest records: 1,
Gilsland Farm, 10 Nov 2013 (N. Gibb); 1, Birch Pt., Washington Co., 30 Oct 2017 ( J. Hand); 1, Sandy Pt., Cousins I., 17 Oct 2010
(D. Lovitch); 1, Beech Hill, Rockport, 13 Oct 2013 (S. Caputo);
1, Monhegan I., 13 Oct 2013 (K. Lindquist); 1, Totman Cove, Phippsburg, 13 Oct 2010 (R. Robinson). JVW
Status in Maine: The Blackpoll Warbler is a locally breeding species in stunted spruce forest habitat on coastal headlands and islands Downeast. It can also be common in krummholz, the stunted spruce-fir forests of western and northern Maine that grow above 3,500 ft. (1,067 m) in elevation. Breeding Bird Survey data show declines in breeding populations both in Maine and North America. The Blackpoll Warbler can be an abundant spring migrant during the last two weeks of May and the first days of June. It is also common during fall migration, especially in mid- to late September and in coastal locations. Birds sometimes linger into November and early December. Historical Status in Maine: Knight recognized Blackpoll Warblers as often-common spring migrants throughout ME and common breeding birds at higher elevations in Franklin and Piscataquis Cos. Blackpolls also nested on wooded islands in Hancock Co., and were a “not uncommon summer resident” in Washington Co (1908, 520). Palmer found the breeding status of Blackpolls in ME to be somewhat unclear, as the species arrives late in spring and migration overlaps breeding season. Records of singing male Blackpolls in early Jun may be migrants and can lead to mistaken assumptions about where the species is breeding (Palmer 1949). Of course, the opposite is also possible, and a bird attributed as a migrant could be breeding. Regardless, Palmer noted this species nested on mountaintops in w. and n. ME and on several islands, including the Duck Is. off Mount Desert I. Bond (1971) also noted a few Blackpolls nesting on the Duck Is., possibly other regional islands, and occasionally on s. Mount Desert I. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from AK south to BC, across n. and cen. Canada, west to NFLD. In the east, south to n. New England, including one MA mountain, the Adirondacks, and Catskills of New York. Winters primarily in S. Am. from Venezuela south to Amazonian Peru and w. Brazil. S pring :
Common late-spring migrant, often abundant in
passage for few days in late May; migration extends into early
Jun. Palmer wrote that this species usually arrived in s. Maine
~May 8, some years not until 18–23 May. Palmer’s earliest arrivals: 3 May 1942 in Brewer; 4 May 1905 and 6 May 1906 in Portland;
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Birds of Maine
4 May 1905, Skowhegan; 8 May 1902 in Avon, Franklin Co.; 13
during early morning crossing to mainland from Sandy Pt.,
Hancock Co. Modern early dates generally later, except 29 Apr
al.). Maximum numbers from Sandy Pt.: 980, 16 Sep 2016
May 1929 on Mount Desert I.; and 13 May 1945 in Dedham,
Cousins I., usually exceed 100, 14 Sep–1 Oct (D. Lovitch et
2011 in Augusta (N. Famous) and 30 Apr 2009 on Outer Green
(T. Johnson); 728, 10 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz); 500, 10 Sep 2012
from 6–10 May. Peak numbers of 20–40 per locality typically
Lovitch). Count of 220 birds 15 Sep 2010 from W. Quoddy Head,
I. (Project Puffin, eBird). Since 1970s, early arrivals mostly
recorded end of May and mostly from coast. Spring peak is
(D. Lovitch); 444, 19 Sep 2009; and 243, 16 Sep 2012 (both D.
Lubec (L. Seitz). Typical 1-day highs late Aug–early Oct range
week of May 22 when 12.7% of eBird checklists include this
5–20 birds; occasionally larger numbers reported from coastal
(K. Lindquist). Migrants found regularly into early Jun and as
recorded across s. ME through end of Oct with >15 records of
species. One record of hundreds on Monhegan I., 29 May 2007
late as Jun 10.
migrant traps, e.g., Monhegan I. Scattered individuals generally birds persisting into Nov in south coastal ME. Latest records:
1, Hills Beach, Biddeford, 20 Nov 2005 (E. Hynes); 1, Crescent
Beach, Seapoint, Kittery, 20 Nov 2010 (P. Augusta); 1, Brunswick,
21 Nov 1983 (O’Brien, fide S. Mlodinow). W inter :
Not surprisingly for this Amazon Basin winterer,
there is only 1 winter record: in Turner, 3 Dec 1981 ( J. Despres).
JVW
Blackpoll Warbler
S ummer :
Breeding range spotty and widely dispersed as
species occurs in islands of preferred habitat—shrubby, low
spruce and spruce-fir growth found at higher elevation (above
3,500 ft. [1067 m]) in w. and n. ME, and uncommonly on
coastal islands and headlands in Hancock and Washington Cos.
Blackpoll Warbler Breeding Range
(Adamus 1987). In mountain krummholz, Blackpoll Warblers
can be abundant, with single day totals of 15–30 singing males:
40 birds heard on W. Kennebago Mtn., Upper Cupsuptic Twp., Oxford Co., 27 Jun 1996 (PDV). Other inland high counts: 25,
Old Speck Mtn., Oxford Co., 15 Jun 2006 (M. Freiberg); 25 and
20, Sugarloaf Mtn., Franklin Co., 13 Jul 2015 (A. Nicole) and 15
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Jun 2017 (D. Jones); 23, Coburn Mtn. Somerset Co., 10 Jun 2012
Setophaga caerulescens
Monhegan I., 3 Jun 2007 ( J. Scott). Because species typically
The male is the only blue warbler of the shady forest understory
limited sample size, BBS trend shows long-term decline of 9.3%
Status in Maine: A common breeding species in Maine. The Black-throated Blue Warbler’s buzzy song is commonly heard in deciduous and mixed-wood (especially beech-dominated) forest throughout most of the state. Maine supports approximately 19% of the global population and more than any other state. Breeding Bird Surveys show a 2.1% annual increase of the species in North America, 1966–2017, but
(T. Bjorkman, C. Moseley, and J. Berry); and coastal high, 8 on
occurs in remote habitats, it is rarely documented on BBS. With per year in ME and 4.9% in N. Am. from 1966-2015. F all :
Fall migration begins mid-Aug and peaks in Sep.
Migrants continue into Oct and Nov, exceptionally into Dec.
Fall peak is week of 22 Sep when species reported from highest number of eBird checklists (13%) and highest eBird counts
weeks of 22 Sep–1 Oct. Blackpoll Warbler migrants counted
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Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
no significant trend in Maine. A common spring migrant; most birds move through by mid-May. Fall migration begins in August, and regularly extends into October. Few birds are recorded in December; there is a single January record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Black-throated Blue Warbler generally common as a spring migrant but only locally common as a breeder. Noting the species might be considered “rather rare as a summer resident,” he wrote, “[m]uch, however, still remains to be known about the habits of these birds” (Knight 1908, 505). Palmer categorized the species as an abundant migrant and fairly common summer resident in western counties and regular but uncommon elsewhere.
and east of BSP. Highest single-day breeding season counts: 27
and 17, near Moxie Falls (Somerset Co.), respectively, 24 Jun 1995
(H. Wilson) and 14 Jul 2006 (B. Duchesne); 15, W. Kennebago Mtn., Upper Cupsuptic Twp., 27 Jun 1996 (PDV); and 14,
Steep Falls WMA, Standish, Cumberland Co., 13 Jun 2009 (L. Seitz). Maximum BBS counts, 1972–2017 (not all routes run all
years): 19 singing males on Seboomook L. BBS, 1993, and 13
on same route, 1996; 16, Horse Mtn. BBS (ne. corner BSP) in
2011, and 14 on same route, years 1996, 2000, 2007; 15, Benedicta,
Aroostook Co., 1976; 15, Aurora, Hancock Co. (near Ellsworth), 1983; 14, Nesowadnehunk and Andover, Oxford Co., both in
2016; 13 and 12, Wilson Mills, Oxford Co., 1997 and 1993; and 12, Searsport, 2015.
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from sw. ON east to s. QC, south across n. WI, MI, and New England to PA, south along Appalachian Mtns. to n. GA. Winters primarily in Greater Antilles of Caribbean. S pring :
Common and widespread, occasionally abundant,
spring migrant late Apr–late May. More than 24 Apr records.
Earliest recent arrivals: 1, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 23 Apr
2014 (C. Barnes); 1, Little Long Pond, Mount Desert I., 25 Apr 2012 (R. MacDonald); 1, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 25 Apr
Black-throated Blue Warbler
2014 (M. Gregoire); 1, Clark’s Pond, S. Portland, 26 Apr 2011
(fide E. Hynes, S. Walsh); and 1 each on 27 Apr, Turner, 2001 ( J. Despres); Monhegan I., 2004 (B. Boynton); Monhegan I., 2011 (T. Magarian); and Rotary Park, Biddeford, 2013 (D. Rankin).
Black-throated Blue Warblers are returning earlier than in 1900s, when species arrived in s. Maine 6-9 May; earliest historical
record, Portland, 4 May 1905 (Palmer 1949). Typical to find 5
or fewer birds together during migration. Maximum spring
migration counts: 50, Hermit I., Phippsburg, 17 May 2013 (M.
Fahay); 40, Monhegan I., 14 May 2011 (L. Seitz); 36, Ducktrap R. Preserve, Lincolnville, Waldo Co., 12 May 2015 ( J. Wyatt, eBird);
33, Biddeford Pool, 17 May 2012 (D. Lovitch); 30, Phippsburg, 12 May 1996 (PDV et al.); 25, Hermit I., 20 May 2009 (M. Fahay);
20, Hinckley Park, S. Portland, 17 May 2007 (E. Hynes); 18,
Phippsburg, 11 May 1996 (PDV et al.); and 16, Earle R. Kelly
WMA (also known as Dresden Bog), Dresden, 21 May 2009
(M. Fahay). Spring peak, week of 22 May (reported on 12.7% of ME checklists, eBird). Small numbers continue on coast and offshore islands into early Jun.
S ummer :
Common and conspicuous breeder in moist,
deciduous and mixed-wood forest (often beech-dominated), especially with well-developed understory and mature
deciduous canopy. Spotty south of Brunswick, in coastal ME,
and in agricultural St. John Valley, widespread elsewhere in state
(ABBM). Highest density from Rangeley L. to Moosehead L.
F all :
Mid-Aug to Oct migration, peaking late Sep–early Oct;
individuals into Nov (14 records) and Dec (3 records, detailed below). Highest percentage of reports week of 22 Sep and
highest counts late Sep–Oct (eBird).
Black-throated Blue Warbler migrants counted during
early morning crossing to mainland from Sandy Pt., Cousins I., usually at least 5 but occasionally higher in late Sep–early Oct
(D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum: numbers from Sandy Pt. include
46 on 26 Sep 2013 (D. Lovitch); 30, 2 Oct 2010 (W. Russell);
13, 6 Oct 2008; and 13 on 23 Sep 2013 (both D. Lovitch). High
counts elsewhere: 15, Monhegan I., 25 Sep 2009 (W. Russell); 14,
Monhegan I., 3 Oct 1997 (B. Nikula); and 12, Bar Harbor, 12 Sep
2006 (W. Townsend). Typical 1-day counts late Aug–Oct range 1–3 birds. Latest Nov records: 1, Cundy’s Harbor, Harpswell, 18 Nov 2013 (C. Hewson); 1, E. Brunswick, 26 Nov 2004 (G.
Sergeant); and 1, Biddeford Pool, 26 Nov 2006 (D. Lovitch).
W inter :
4 Dec records: 1, Portland, 6 Dec 2016 ( J. Fecteau); 1,
E. Brunswick, 7 Dec 2004 (G. Sergeant); 1, Windham, 9 and 23
Dec 2006 (fide D. Lovitch); and 1, Prout’s Neck, 17 Dec 2011 (L. Seitz, J. Camuso, and R. Lambert). One Jan record: 1, recently
deceased bird found in Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert I., 29
Jan 2012 (fide D. Hitchcox). Most Dec records from backyard feeders. No record of overwintering.
JVW
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Birds of Maine
Palm Warbler
Setophaga palmarum
The familiar tail-wagger of the boreal forest
Status in Maine: The eastern subspecies of the Palm Warbler (S. p. hypochrysea), usually called “Yellow” Palm Warbler, is one of the first spring warblers. Arriving in early to mid-April, this form can be seen in open areas into early May when numbers decrease. The “Yellow” Palm breeds in open sphagnum bogs with brushy or wooded margins throughout central and northern Maine, and along blueberry barren borders in Hancock and Washington Counties, especially along damp lowland fringes. In fall, the less colorful, gray-breasted western form (D. p. palmarum) is more common, especially along the coast. Palm Warblers migrate later than most other warblers, from mid- to late September through October. One of the hardier warblers, Palm Warblers are occasionally found on Christmas Bird Counts, but it seems unlikely that this species overwinters in Maine. Palm Warblers wag their tails more consistently than any other warbler. Historical Status in Maine: Although Palm Warblers were recorded by previous authors as breeding in ME (Bonaparte 1828, Boardman 1862, Samuels 1867), Knight (1904) discredited previous Palm Warbler nesting records and claimed to have discovered the first ME and U.S. record (Knight 1908). Palm Warblers were described by Palmer as rare summer residents/breeders in Somerset Co. but common in counties east of there and in Kennebec and Knox Cos. He considered “Western” Palm Warblers rare during fall migration. Palmer went so far as to discredit his own previous observations, accepting only two sight records by Brewster as valid. It is unclear whether the western form has increased conspicuously since the 1940s or whether identification was more problematic at that time. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds in bogs and fens of boreal forests of Canada and n. U.S. from ME, north to NL and n. QC, west to NT, YT, and e. BC, south to cen. AB, cen. MN, n. WI, and Upper Peninsula of MI. Winters in se. U.S., Gulf Coast, and Caribbean. Remarks: Palmer (1949, 482–483) quoted A. Brower describing Palm Warbler nesting habitat:
558
“. . . we generally found two to four nests each day by flushing the birds. The nests are completely sunk into the wet Sphagnum, or Sphagnum and other mosses, in the tops of the little hummocks or humps in the Sphagnum bogs. The edge of the top of the Sphagnum-covered hummock under a little spruce or larch is the favored place for a nest. Sometimes a little grass helped in concealment. Rarely an irregular bunch of grass would provide the shade and concealment for the nest. The nest is made of grass with some vegetable fiber. “In my experience on the bogs in Passadumkeag, Lincoln, Enfield, and Bangor, all in Penobscot County, the birds greatly prefer the small irregular patches of bog along the edges of open bog, usually cut off more or less by a group or strip of trees.” S pring :
Arrives first 10 days of Apr, peak numbers occur
mid- to late month. Found on highest number of ME eBird
checklists (15%) week of 22 Apr. Usually found in open areas near thickets, commonly along coast. All spring records fide
eBird. One Mar record: 1 bird, Mud Creek Rd., Hancock Co.,
14 Mar 2016 (R. Klyver). Early northern records: both 13 Apr
2015, 1, Moosehorn NWR ( J. Petersen), and 6 birds, Cooper,
Washington Co. (K. Holmes). Inland record: 10, Stratton,
Franklin Co., 22 Apr 2016 (G. Vigna). High numbers: 110, Paper Mill Trail, Lisbon, Androscoggin Co., 20 Apr 2016 (M. Fahey);
44, Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 22 Apr 2014 (N. Gibb); 29,
Sanford Lagoons, 22 Apr 2014 (A. Aldrich); 25, Monhegan I., 27
Apr 2011 (T. Magarian). “Western” Palm is a rare spring migrant. S ummer :
Breeds throughout n. ME, east to Hancock and
Washington Cos., south to n. Waldo and Kennebec Cos. Palm
Warblers also breed successfully along shrubby edge of blueberry barren as far south as Kennebunk (fide JVW, PDV, and Adamus
1987). However, unclear whether they breed regularly in s. ME bogs such as Saco Heath. BBS data indicate non-significant
population increase for ME, 1966–2015, and non-significant
decline for both e. BBS region and continent-wide. F all :
Both forms seen starting in mid-Sep, especially along
coast. Western form more common. Found on highest number of ME eBird checklists (14%) week of 1 Oct. Protracted fall
migration; remain common into Oct. Eastern form occurs
in small numbers (1–4); “Western” Palm Warblers can occur
along coastal headlands in higher numbers: 300, Monhegan
I., 4 Oct 2012 (D. Hitchcox, eBird); 165, 7 Oct 2012 (D. Lovitch,
K. Lindquist, and L. Seitz; eBird); 100, 28 Sep 2013 (S. Surner,
eBird); 75, 11 Oct 2011 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). Numbers diminish by mid-Nov after which considered rare.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae W inter :
One to five Palm Warblers usually found on coastal
CBCs annually; not recorded inland in winter. Most recent
non-CBC late season birds, all eBird: 1, intermittently, 7 Dec
2012–10 Feb 2013, Saco Riverwalk, Saco (m.ob.); 1, Minot Trail, Cumberland Co., 14 Dec 2014 (E. Kelly); and 1, Robinson
Woods Preserve, Cape Elizabeth, 23 Dec–28 Dec 2016 (m.ob.). JVW
that it bred in Hancock, Knox, and Lincoln Cos. However, Knight (1908, 533) also quoted Swain (1906) who found Pine Warblers “quite common” in Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo Cos. and “more or less abundant” in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset Cos. Palmer noted that there were “great gaps in an overall picture of breeding distribution in the state…” (1949, 480). Perhaps most telling for the discrepancies in reported breeding status in ME from the turn of the last century into the 1940s is Palmer’s remark emphasizing the degree to which Pine Warblers were tied to a patchy, local resource, pine forests. “Considering the rate at which the pine forests have been cut in this region, as well as elsewhere, it is doubtful that the Pine Warbler is now more than locally uncommon anywhere in the state” (1949, 480). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. ON, QC, and NB west to s. MB, south to Gulf Coast states, FL to TX. Range has expanded northward rapidly in recent decades. Resident subspecies also occur in Bahamas and on Hispaniola. Northern half of N. Am. breeding population winters in se. U.S.
Palm Warbler Breeding Range
S pring :
Uncommon but fairly widespread migrant, Mar–May.
Individuals occasionally overwinter; difficult to distinguish early arrival birds. Numerous Mar records usually of singing birds in
unlikely wintering locations. Most arrivals 1–2 birds, rarely 3–4,
at a single location. Maxima: 10 birds each sighting, Topsfield, 23
Apr 2006 (E. Raynor); Bar Harbor, 6 May 2007 (R. MacDonald,
Pine Warbler
Setophaga pinus
The source of the liquid, trilling song of summer in Maine’s pine forests
Status in Maine: The Pine Warbler commonly breeds in mature pine forests in southern Maine and increasingly in the north. Perhaps because it nests exclusively in pine forests, it never reaches the abundance of some other warbler species. Breeding Bird Survey data show a stable and increasing population across Maine, as in North America generally. Pine Warblers are uncommon migrants in both spring and fall, among the earliest to arrive and last to leave. Small numbers regularly occur into January and February, and individuals sometimes survive at feeders into March. Historical Status in Maine: The historical status of Pine Warbler based on available published sources is somewhat contradictory. Knight noted it as a common spring and fall migrant, a rare breeder in Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, and Waldo Cos., and
W. Townsend); and Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, 8 May 2003 (D. Lovitch). Spring peak: species reported on highest number of Maine eBird checklists (16%) week starting 22 Apr.
S ummer :
Widespread across s. ME, and recently in n. ME,
wherever there are pines. The 1978–1983 Breeding Bird Atlas
confirmed breeding in southern quarter of state and in small
pockets in s. Penobscot R. Valley and Washington Co. (ABBM,
Adamus 1987). Breeding range has moved north in ME with
numerous summer records in BSP area, but still rare in n. ME,
where fewer than 20 Jun–Jul eBird records reported since 1987.
Northern expansion of breeding range well documented in
Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces, with almost no breeding records in NB and NS in 1992 (Erskine
1992) but many across NB in 2015 (Stewart et al. 2015). Similarly, species underwent “explosive population growth” in ON, 1985–
2005, between first and second editions of Ontario Breeding Bird
Atlas (Cadman et al. 1987, Cadman et al. 2007). Highest BBS totals: 26, S. Arm, Oxford Co., 1999; 16, Brownfield, Oxford
Co., 2015; and 14 each, Biddeford, 1993 and 2008, and Turner,
Androscoggin Co., 2010. ME BBS trends show significant
increase, 5.25% per year, 1966–2015, compared to N. Am. BBS increase, 0.9% per year at the same time.
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Birds of Maine
! ! ! ! !! !! ! !
Pine Warbler Breeding Range
! ( 1978-1983 ABBM ! ( 2018 May-July Records
F all :
Migration mid-Jul to Nov, individuals persisting into
Dec and later. Species reported on highest percentage (6.7%) of ME eBird checklists week of 22 Sep and highest counts
(30 birds) reported to eBird weeks of 15 and 22 Sep. Migrants
counted during early morning crossing to mainland from Sandy
Pt., Cousins I., usually 1–2 late Aug–early Oct (D. Lovitch et
al.). High counts from other locations include an unprecedented
70 on 28 Sep 2011, Thrumcap Overlook, Bar Harbor (M. Good, M. and D. Clare); 20 on 7 Sep 2005, Pineland Farms, New
Gloucester, Cumberland Co. (D. Lovitch); 15 on 26 Sep 2011,
Babson Creek, Bar Harbor (M. Good, S. Yurkivitch); and 15 on
13 Sep 1998, Watson Mill Rd., Scarborough (G. Carson). Species regularly found through Nov (at least 47 records), often at
feeders later in the month: 1, Topsfield, 10 Nov 2015, and Lincoln,
18 Nov–19 Dec 2013 (both B. Way, eBird). W inter :
Regular but rare to uncommon, virtually all
persisting at feeders. At least 42 Dec records (largely excluding
CBCs), 28 Jan records, and 16 Feb records including a
remarkable 4 on 7 and 15 Feb 1995 on Monhegan I. (fide S.
Pollock and K. Gammons). JVW
results show a stable population trend in North America, 1966–2015, but a steep decline of 7.4% in Maine, 2005–2015. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the only warbler species that regularly lingers in numbers into early winter and occasionally overwinters in small numbers in coastal locations. “Audubon’s” Warbler, the western form of this species, which was once split from “Myrtle” Warbler, the bird of the East, has occurred in Maine at least a few times in fall. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Yellow-rumped Warbler a common summer resident and often abundant migrant throughout the state. Palmer wrote that the Yellow-rumped Warbler was a common summer resident throughout all but sw. ME and a numerous to abundant migrant. He noted that it was a rare but regular wintering species in coastal York and Cumberland Cos., citing a number of records from the late 1800s to 1928. Neither Palmer or Knight reported “Audubon’s” Warbler. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL, west to sw. NU, NT, and interior AK, south to Mexico (isolated population in w. Guatemala); in East along high elevations of Appalachian Mtns. south to WV. Winters from mid-cen. U.S., west along Pacific Coast north to WA and south to Costa Rica (rarely to Panama) and in Greater Antilles of Caribbean. S pring :
One of first warblers to arrive, abundant and
widespread migrant, Mar to mid- to late May. Difficult to
ascertain arrival dates because small numbers regularly persist through winter at coastal locations. At least 24 records Mar
1–15 and >50 Mar 15–31, indicating arrivals of migrants in latter half of Mar. Earliest inland (at locations where birds did not
winter) arrivals: Augusta: 1 on 19 Mar 2002, 21 Mar 2007, and
25 Mar 2000 (all N. Famous). Early records e. ME: 1, Babson Creek Preserve, Mount Desert I., 8 Mar 2012 (M. Good,
eBird); 1, Winterport, Waldo Co., intermittent, 4–27 Mar 2017
( J. Wyatt); 2, Vinalhaven, Lane’s I. Preserve, 9 Mar 2011 (M.
Fahey). More than 26 records 1–14 Apr; hundreds of records
15–30 Apr. Not unusual to find 5–15 birds at single location
during migration, particularly late Apr–May. Highest spring counts: 400 on 6 May 2006 in W. Falmouth (L. Seitz); 300
on 11 May 1996 in Phippsburg (PDV ); 300 on 28 Apr 2007 at
Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata
Among the first to arrive and the last to go
Status in Maine: The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a widespread breeding species in mid-aged and mature coniferous and mixed forest. Breeding Bird Survey 560
Great Meadow, Sedgwick, Hancock Co. (C. Moseley); 200 on
5 May 2006 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (D. Lovitch); 200 on 13 May 1997 in Waterboro, York Co. (D. Bateman); 100 on
14 May 1997 in Wilton (W. Howes); and 80 on 25 May 2005 at L. Josephine (WJS). Spring peak weeks of 1 and 8 May when
reported on highest number of ME eBird checklists (35% and
36%).
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae S ummer :
Widespread but not abundant breeding warbler
in ME, often in association with mid-aged to older spruce-fir
forest and small forest patches (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Warbler species that breed in higher relative abundances in ME include
Ovenbird, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Yellow-rumped Warbler relative
abundance in ME is comparable to Yellow Warbler and Blackand-white Warbler. Maximum BBS records: e. and w. ME: 31,
Maximum Jan counts: 50 on 21 Jan 1997 (T. Duddy) and 30 on
29 Jan 1991 ( J. Despres), both at Biddeford Pool; 30 on 7 Jan 1989 on Cliff I., Portland (D. Thompson); and 29 on 4 Jan 2007 on
Matinicus I. ( JVW). Maximum Feb counts: 18 on 18 Feb 1989
(S. Pollock) and 14 on 10 Feb 1992, both at Biddeford Pool ( J.
Brown, K. Disney); 9, Morse Mtn., 22 Feb 2013 (G. Smith); 7 on
2 Feb 1992 at Two Lights S.P. (S. Pollock). JVW
Northfield BBS (Washington Co.) in 1981; 36, Wilson Mills
BBS (Oxford Co.) in 2008; 26, Forest Station BBS (Washington Co.) in 2000; and 32, Winn BBS (Penobscot Co.) in 1996.
BBS trends for ME show a significant decline of 7.4% per year,
2005–2015, while N. Am. BBS trends stable, 1966–2015. F all :
Migration mid-Aug to Nov, peaking in Oct. Reported
on highest number of ME eBird checklists (38%) week of 1 Oct and highest eBird counts weeks of 8 Oct and 22 Oct. Migrants
counted during early morning crossing to mainland from
Sandy Pt., Cousins I., regularly exceed 100 in late Sep and Oct
(D. Lovitch et al.). Maximum numbers from Sandy Pt.: 782
on 6 Oct 2011 (L. Seitz) and 731 on 14 Oct 2009 (D. Lovitch).
Maxima other locations, all PDV: 500 on 6 Oct 1996 at Seawall
Beach, 400 on 26 Sep 1994 on Monhegan I., and 400 on 8 Oct
1997 and 7 Oct 2000. More recently on Monhegan I., 180, 2 Oct
2017 (L. Seitz). Three records of “Audubon’s” Warbler on eBird: 3 Nov 2008, Dyer Pt. (D. Hitchcox); 27 Oct. 2013 at Ft. Foster
(D. Lovitch, N. Gibb); 25–29 Nov 2017 at Biddeford Pool (M.
Watson ph., m.ob.).
Yellow-rumped Warbler W inter :
Birds regularly found at multiple locations, typically
coastal, through Dec and into Jan, small numbers sometimes
persisting Feb–Mar. Maximum counts: 109 in Dec 1997, Greater
Portland CBC; 100 on 28 Dec 1956 at Wells (Poole et al., fide
MFO); and 96 in Dec 1990, Biddeford–Kennebunkport CBC.
Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica
A southeastern warbler with the habits of a creeper
Status in Maine: Unknown in Maine prior to 1948, the Yellow-throated Warbler was accidental in spring and fall from then until 1970. There have been more than 40 records since 1970 and the species is now considered casual in spring and fall along south coastal Maine. There are a handful of summer records and approximately 10 winter records. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer listed Yellow-throated Warbler as occurring in ME. Given the number of records since 1949, it seems surprising that this species was not detected earlier. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. NJ and sw NY to FL and TX. Winters from s. GA and FL through Caribbean, and coastal TX and Cen. Am. Species reported from all New England states, NFLD, and Maritime Provinces. Single nesting record for CT. Remarks: Two historically recognized subspecies, S. d. dominica and S. d. albilora, probably have both occurred in Maine. More recent taxonomic work has demonstrated that the geographic variations in bill length and lore color are for the most part smoothly clinal, the lores whiter in the west and yellower in the east and bill length increasing from west to east. There are exceptions among individuals breeding along the Gulf Coast, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and possibly in coastal NC; these birds have markedly longer bills (McKay and Hall 2012). AOS has dropped recognition of subspecies in recent revisions. S pring :
Not reported prior to 1948. Thirty or more spring
records and only 5 records, 1948–1970. Since 1980, more than
25 additional records and species now occasional in spring and
almost annual since 1998. First ME record apparently found in
Edgecomb, 3 Jun 1948 (obs. unk.).
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Nearly all spring records reported in coastal ME, primarily
records: 1 at Martin’s Pt. Park, Sabattus, Androscoggin Co., 12
in York and Cumberland Cos., but documented as far east as
Nov 2017 (D. Lovitch); 1 at Mud Cove, Deer Isle, 20 Nov 2017 ( J.
distinct movements apparent. Early arrivals appear in Apr–early
2015 (D. Reimer, W. Nichols, and E. Volkwein; eBird); and 1 at
Harbor, Knox Co., 1–10 Apr 1974 (ph., obs. unk.). Other late
PDV
Mount Desert I. and Danforth, Washington Co. Two fairly
May (prior to 5 May). Earliest: 1 at feeding station in Tenants
and M. Davidson, eBird); 1 in Rockland Harbor, 16 and 19 Dec
Litchfield Rd., Bowdoin, 8 Jan 2016 ( J. Fecteau, eBird).
Apr–early May reports, 1 bird each: Southwest Harbor, 21 Apr 2016 (R. MacDonald, eBird); singing male in Scarborough, 22
Apr 1988 (K. Disney, AB 42: 410); S. d. dominica in E. Machias,
Prairie Warbler
21–28 Apr 1998 (C. Duncan, FN 52: 307, ph. on file); Bar Harbor,
Setophaga discolor
Beach, Biddeford, 4 May 2001 (P. Moynahan, NAB 55: 277);
The buzzy, rising, chromatic song of pine barrens and shrublands
2 May 1987 (K. Jones, MBN 1: 11, AB 41: 404); singing at Hills N. Haven I., 4 May 2003 (Guillemot 33: 18); Monhegan I., 7
May 2017 (D. Hitchcox, eBird). Probable these migrants are
overshoots of coastal form, S. d. dominica. At least 9 records 6–15
May, notably 1 white-lored individual in N. Harpswell, 9 May
1992 ( JEP, AB 46: 396). Second movement, >16 records, occurs 16 May–3 Jun. Most unusual inland records: New Sharon, Franklin Co., 17 May 1962 (AB 18: 93); in Danforth, 24 May 1972
(M. Gillis, AB 26: 740); and 1 at Sunkhaze Meadows, 1 Jun 2003 (P. Wells).
S ummer :
5 summer records: 1 on Bustin’s I., 19–25 Jun 1952,
described as third ME record (D. Kitchen, BMAS, 9[1]: 18); 1 in
Turner, 11 Aug 1959 (obs. unk,); 1 in E. Baldwin, Cumberland
Co., 30 Jul 1966 (obs. unk.). One on E. Egg Rock, 1 Jul 1979, and
1 on Matinicus Rock, 14–15 Jul 1979 (fide S. Kress, AB 33: 846). F all :
Since 1949, ~30 fall and early-winter reports, almost
exclusively along southern coast and outer islands. Subspecies
uncertain; only a few individuals banded or critically identified
and ph. Earliest Aug records: 1 at Pleasant L., T6 R1 NBPP,
Washington Co., 7 Aug 1998 (S. Walker); 1 in Turner, 11 Aug
1959 (obs. unk.); 1 on Appledore, 29 Aug 1983, identified as S. d.
albilora (A. Borror); 1 in Cushing, Knox Co., 17 Aug 1989 (obs.
unk.); 1 banded on Appledore I., 20–22 Aug 1997 (D. Holmes).
At least 17 Sep records and >4 Oct reports. Notably: 1 with
yellow lores, presumably S. d. dominica, banded on Appledore
I., 4 Sep 1988 (D. Holmes et al., AB 43: 66); S. d. albilora ph. on Appledore I., 10–12 Sep 1993 (PDV et al.). Monhegan I.
records: 1, 13 Sep 2016 (PDV, E. Matthews Lark, H. Merker); 1,
critically identified as S. d. albilora, 22 Sep 2004 (M. Iliff ); and
1, intermittently, 17–26 Oct 2010 (T. Magarian, eBird). At least
13 Nov records. First documented ME record, a specimen from
Portland, 5 Nov 1949, identified by A.O. Gross as D. d. dominica
(BMAS 6: 11). W inter :
~10 Dec records. Notable: “very dull, possibly a
Status in Maine: The Prairie Warbler has been steadily expanding its range northward from New York and southern New England since at least the 1920s. It is an uncommon breeding species in southern Maine, occurring in pine barrens and other dry, shrubby habitats. According to Breeding Bird Survey data, this species is declining across North America; however, the population has significantly increased in Maine and along the northern edge of its range since 1966. Uncommon spring and fall migrant in southern Maine, Prairie Warblers are rare in eastern coastal Maine and north of Waterville. They arrive in May and move south again in early August; there are a handful of November and December records. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight did not mention Prairie Warblers. Palmer considered them rare visitants with fewer than 10 records and described one apparently isolated breeding record in Sanford in 1921 and 1922. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. ME, s. ON, NY, west to MO, IL, MI, and e. NE, south to n. Fl, across Gulf Coast states to e. TX. Winters cen. FL through Greater Antilles and along Caribbean coasts of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, and Honduras. A subspecies occurs in mangroves of s. FL. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. S pring :
Uncommon migrant in s. ME, arriving early May
first-winter female,” apparently S. d. dominica, seen in Saco, 27
(1 Apr record), on offshore islands into early Jun. Rare migrant
in Waterville, 14 Dec 2006–2 Jan 2007 (D. Mairs), clearly S. d.
1 at Christina Reservoir, 30 May 2016 (WJS, eBird). Earliest
7 and 14 Dec 2017 (S. Cline, S. Bourque, eBird). Recent late
Moynahan); 2 on 1 May 1993 at Kennebunk Plains (S. Pollock);
Dec 1997–18 Jan 1998 (S. Pollock, FN 52: 172); individual ph.
dominica (L. Bevier, ph. on file); 1 at Place Cove Rd., Lubec,
562
east of Penobscot Bay and inland roughly north of Waterville:
records: 1 on 30 Apr 2006 at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland (P.
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
1 on 1 May 2004 at Boom Rd., Saco (L. Eastman); and 1 on 1
(York Co.) in 1982 and 1988. Highest single location records,
sites, usually 1–2 birds at a time. Highest numbers at known or
1989 ( JVW). Highest count elsewhere: 15 on 6 Jun 2006 along
Falmouth (L. Seitz); 12 on 26 May 1998 along Rt. 236, Eliot, York
show increase of 2.4% per year, 1966–2015, in ME, while N. Am.
May 2004 at Brownfield Bog ( J. Preis). At migration stopover potential breeding sites: 15 on 6 May 2006 at Hurricane Rd.,
Kennebunk Plains: 34, 27 Jun 2006 (R. Heil), and 20, 30 Jun
Hurricane Rd. power lines in Falmouth (L. Seitz). BBS trends
Co. (B. Dorr); and 10 on 28 May 1992 at Kennebunk Plains ( J.
BBS shows significant decline of 1.85% per year, 1966–2015.
May and 15 May, when 3–4% of checklists report species.
F all :
Despres et al.). Spring peak based on eBird checklists weeks of 8
Migration primarily early Aug–Sep, with individual
birds into Oct, 1 Nov record, and 3 Dec records. Reported
from highest percentage of ME eBird checklists (2.4%) week
of 22 Sep. Most records of just 1 or 2 birds. Higher counts: 18 on 27 Aug 2014 at Capt. William Fitzgerald Recreation and
Conservation Area, Brunswick (G. Smith, fide eBird); 12, Mount
Desert Rock on 8 Aug 1993 (T. Cole, fide Ann Bacon); 7 on 22
Sep 2003 ( J. Walker); and 6 on 27 Sep 1997, both Monhegan I. ( J.
Markowsky). Few Prairie Warblers counted at Sandy Pt, Cousins
I., where migrants cross to mainland in early morning; high of 7
on 10 Sep 2008 (obs. unk.). Species regularly found into Oct (>20 records), becoming rare after mid-Oct. One Nov record: 1, 10
Nov 1987 at Martinsville, Knox Co. (M. Plymire). W inter :
3 Dec records: 1 on 4 Dec 2005 at Ft. Foster
( J. Walker); 1 on 18 Dec 1993 on Thomaston–Rockland CBC (fide W. Petersen); and 1 on 23 Dec 1996 on York Co. CBC Prairie Warbler Breeding Range ! 1983 ABBM ( ( 2018 !
(fide W. Petersen). JVW
Black-throated Gray Warbler
S ummer :
Southern breeding species, has rapidly expanded
range northward through New England as part of larger trend
of northward expansion noticed as early as 1930s in NY and
continuing since (Nolan et al. 2014, Dunn and Garrett 1997,
Bonney 1988, Palmer 1949). Species occurs in dry, Pitch Pine barrens and edges (e.g., Kennebunk Plains), and in shrubby
powerline cuts, abandoned gravel pits, and similar habitats. The 1987 ABBM showed species confined to ME’s 2
southernmost counties and confirmed breeder in 9 atlas blocks
(Adamus 1987). Singing male Prairie Warblers now found
sparingly but regularly on territory from Naples, Somerset Co.,
Setophaga nigrescens
An almost monochromatic western bird with a dash of yellow
Status in Maine: Accidental. First recorded in 1936, the Black-throated Gray Warbler has made few appearances in Maine. There are certainly fewer than 10 records but there may have been more than three legitimate records in the last 30 years, making it possibly casual rather than accidental. The majority are fall observations.
to Turner and Sabattus, Androscoggin Co., eastward to Belgrade,
Historical Status in Maine: Bagg and Eliot (1937, 784) provided the following details in their book Co., and south to Swanville, Waldo Co., and Belfast. Recently, Birds of the Connecticut River Valley, which appear to males found along powerline cuts in Orrington, Penobscot describe a male Black-throated Gray Warbler seen on Co., and N. Belfast (all fide eBird). Occasional in Somerset Eagle I., Harpswell, on 18–19 May 1936. A. Marden and Oxford Cos., fide eBird: unrecorded number at Fahi Pond “saw near his house a Warbler which he took at first WMA, Somerset Co., 29 Jun 2008 ( J. Mays); 1 at Farrand Rd., glance for a Blackpoll, but he immediately noticed Canton, Oxford Co., 17 and 19 Jun 2012 (both D. Wardwell); and its black throat, the black below the eye, and white 1 at Hastat Rd., Greenwood, Oxford Co., 3 Jun 2017 ( J. Reddoch). above the eye. Fetching his Portraits of New England Species recorded from 9 BBS routes with maximum of 7 on Birds, he took it to the spot and got within five feet Westbrook (Cumberland Co.) in 2004 and 6 on Biddeford of the Warbler, clearly seeing ‘the wee yellow spot by Kennebec Co.; Sidney, Kennebec Co.; Augusta to Troy, Waldo
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Birds of Maine
the eye.’ Mrs. Marden corroborated the identification. They knew, of course, that they had never seen the species before, but did not know that it had never been recorded in Maine.” It is noteworthy that Palmer (1949, 467) listed Black-throated Gray Warbler as hypothetical, writing, “of the Black-throated Grey Warbler, no later records have come to me than one on the Maine coast, May 18–19, 1936 (S. A. Eliot, Jr., 1938: 10). The manner in which this—the only alleged ME occurrence—is recorded in print is too vague and indefinite to accept unquestioningly.” Palmer apparently ignored Bagg and Eliot (1937), as this volume is not cited in the bibliography to Maine Birds. In a Feb 1963 note from A.O. Gross, Bowdoin College ornithologist, to C. Packard, editor of MFO, Gross stated, “Palmer I know did not think much of the Birds of Conn. Valley by Bagg and Eliot so that may be the reason he ignored it. I must admit I overlooked it as I never thought of checking a Maine record in that book.” Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds from coastal AK and s. BC, to OR and s. WY, south to NM and n. Mexico. Winters primarily in Mexico. Reported from NFLD, NS, NB, QC, MA, CT, NH, and VT. All records: Three photographic records: one at Biddeford Pool, 30 Sep 1998 (B. Schram, NAB 52: 33); one in Cape Elizabeth, 31 Oct–6 Nov 2005; and one, Appledore I., 8 Sep 2006 (S. Mirick, accepted by ME-BRC). A single bird on Mount Desert Rock, 31 Aug 1987, was carefully described by H. Corbett and from the description the warbler appeared to be an immature male: “Head dark gray—almost black, darker than back or tail which were dark gray; 2 white wing bars; black streaking at sides of breast; breast and belly white, no complete black breast band; white cheek patch and gular stripe… yellow lore spot [seen] on two occasions. Legs dark; eye was surrounded by black (the cheek patch was behind the eye). Probably a female (but not certain) as the black breast band was absent” (MBN 1: 35). Additional sight records, one bird each: Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 26 May 1952, seen at close range by J. Keene, probably valid but uncertain; immature, ME Coastal Is. NWR, Steuben, 10 Aug 2007, well described (Guillemot 37[4]: 38); and Cape Elizabeth, 1 Nov 2015 (P. Moynahan, B. Crowley, M. Zimmerman). PDV
564
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi
A colorful treetop warbler from the Pacific Northwest
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are four fall and early-winter records in Maine for Townsend’s Warbler, a distinctive wood-warbler that nests in the treetops of western North American forests. All records: male photographed on Monhegan Island, 13 September 1993 (H. Tetrault, T. Martin; ph. on file); female photographed at a feeder in Portland, 15 December 1993–5 January 1994 (FN 48: 184); juvenile male observed on Monhegan Island, 13– 21 September 1999 (H. Nielsen, T. Martin); and a bird in Winterport, Waldo County, 28 November 2012–March 2013 ( J. Wyatt et al.; ph.). A fifth record not accepted by the Maine Bird Records Committee is worth mentioning briefly. L. Seitz found what he believed to be a Townsend’s Warbler among photos taken at Sandy Point, Yarmouth, on 26 September 2011. The photo is distant and somewhat blurry as the bird is moving and zooming causes graininess. Based on a single poor photo, the committee deemed the evidence too weak to support a definitive record. Nonetheless, the species is not well studied in the East. If more information becomes available, this record’s credibility may change, and we would do well not to lose the data point. Historical Status in Maine: Neither Knight or Palmer mentioned this species. Global Distribution: Primarily w. Nearctic. Breeds in coniferous forests coastal and cen. AK, BC, s. AB to OR. Winters along Pacific coast of WA, OR, and CA to Mexico and Cen. Am. Species has occurred as vagrant in NFLD, NB, NS, MA, NH, RI, and VT, but has not been reported in QC or CT. PDV
Hermit Warbler
Setophaga occidentalis
A rare visitor from Pacific coastal coniferous forests
Status in Maine: Accidental. There are two records: a young male photographed on Monhegan Island, 28 September–1 October 2008 (S. Surner, K. Lindquist, B. Marvil, et al.; ph. ME-BRC #2008-006), and a single bird in Harpswell, 18 November–13 December 2013 (Hewson, D. Lovitch).
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds in w. WA, OR, and CA. Winters in coastal CA and Mexico. Species appears along ne. Atlantic Coast, primarily in fall and winter. Records for MA, CT, NFLD, NS, and NB. PDV
number of Apr records since 1949 >50. Number of birds seen in
single location typically 2–3, although not uncommon to record
5–10 birds (eBird checklists). Maximum spring migration counts: 80 on 11 May 1996 and 40 on 12 May 1996, both in Phippsburg (PDV); and 37 on 13 May 2000 in Lubec (N. Famous). The spring peak is week of 15 May when 36% eBird checklists
included the species.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Setophaga virens
Its buzzy “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee” song is Maine’s forest soundtrack
Status in Maine: The Black-throated Green Warbler is one of the most widespread breeding warblers in Maine, occurring throughout the state, especially in medium-aged to mature coniferous and mixed-wood forests. Breeding Bird Survey results show a stable population trend both in Maine and North America. They are a common and sometimes abundant spring and fall migrant with lengthy migrations from mid-April (exceptionally) through early June, and in autumn from mid-August through October with occasional records into November. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the Black-throated Green Warbler a common summer resident throughout the state. Palmer wrote that the Black-throated Green Warbler population had significantly increased in the 40 years prior to the publication of his book. He considered it a “numerous” spring and fall migrant (1949, 467). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NL west to n. AB and ne. BC, south to n. MN, WI, and MI, and south through Appalachian Mtns. to AL. Isolated breeding populations in nw. AR, s. IN, and along coastal plain from se. VA to SC. Winters from s. TX through Mexico and Cen. Am. to n. S. Am. and Greater Antilles of Caribbean, and in small numbers in s. FL. S pring :
Common and widespread spring migrant, often one
of most abundant warbler species. Migration extends mid-Apr
(exceptionally) to early Jun. Earliest records: 1 heard, 9 Apr 2006, and 1 seen, 17 Apr 2004, both in Sidney, Kennebec Co. (both N.
Famous); 1 heard, 20 Apr 2002, Westbrook, Cumberland Co. (D. Malia); 1, 24 Apr 2001, Kennebunk (B. Poullin); and 1, 24 Apr
2007, Litchfield, Kennebec Co. (E. Hynes). Appears species now
returns earlier than in early 1900s. Palmer wrote that this species
arrived in s. ME 3–6 May, with earliest arrival 26 Apr 1908
in Portland. He noted only 3 Apr records prior to 1949, while
Black-throated Green Warbler S ummer :
Widespread breeder in ME, especially in coniferous
forests and mixed-wood forests with some mature spruce, fir,
or hemlock. Species widespread across ME (ABBM, Adamus
1987). ME has highest relative abundance of species in U.S.
and is exceeded in N. Am. only by NB and NS (BBS). While
widespread, species prefers coniferous-dominated forests, and as
such, does not reach abundance of deciduous forest warblers like
American Redstart or Ovenbird. However, relative abundance
is ~2.5 times more than Blackburnian Warbler, another relatively
widespread coniferous forest breeder in ME. Maximum
numbers recorded on BBS routes all from Washington Co. and
impressively large: e.g., 97, 87, 85 on Cooper BBS in 1981, 1978,
and 1980; 85, 68, 67 on Northfield BBS in 1980, 1981, and 1979.
More than 20 recorded 40 or more times on ME BBS routes since 1966. ME BBS trends show non-significant increase of
0.8% per year, 1966–2015, and a non-significant decrease of 1.5%, 2005–2015. Similar positive trend (0.9%) for species in N. Am., 1966–2015, and a smaller decline in most current decade’s data
(0.3%). Significant declines noted in NS although factors behind decline there remain unclear. F all :
Fall migration mid-Aug to Oct, peaking mid- to late
Sep with individuals occasionally into Nov (8 or more records).
Reported from highest percentage of ME eBird checklists
(14%) week of 8 Sep. Dozens of migrants counted during early morning crossing to mainland from Sandy Pt., Cousins I.
Sometimes higher; maxima including: 193, 26 Sep 2013; 179, 23
Sep 2013; and 122, 26 Sep 2016 (D. Lovitch et al.). High counts
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Birds of Maine
elsewhere: 55, 21 Sep 2004 (L. Bevier), and 30, 29 Sep 1995 (B.
Nikula), both Monhegan I. Latest record noted by Palmer, 1
on Monhegan I., 18 Oct 1918. More than 16 records after Oct
18 since 1949. Palmer noted single Nov record on 16 Nov 1934 in Bar Harbor. At least 13 Nov records since: 1, Kennebunk, 3
Nov 2017 (K. Janes); 1, Gilsland Farm, 6 Nov 2008 (E. Hynes);
1, Monhegan I., 7 Nov 2011 (D. Hitchcox, ph.); 1, Brunswick, 11
especially acute. Herbicides used to suppress broadleafed shrubs and saplings, thus promoting coniferous forest regeneration, and pesticides targeting forest insects, appear to have adversely affected Canada Warblers and their habitat (Environment Canada 2016; Harding et al. 2017).
Nov 2004 (fide D. Lovitch); 1, near Farmington, 15 Nov 2015
(fide L. Bevier, ph.); 1, Phippsburg, 16 Nov 1985 (PDV); 1, Saco
Riverwalk, Saco, 21–28 Nov 2015 (m.ob., eBird, ph.). W inter :
No records Dec–Mar in ME, although several Dec
records in NH and MA.
JVW
Canada Warbler
Cardellina canadensis
Canada Warbler
A boreal songbird of the forest understory
Status in Maine: A bird of riparian thickets, forest edges, and forested bogs, the Canada Warbler is one of the last to arrive and first to leave from its Maine breeding grounds. A ground-nesting species that gleans insects from foliage, its range-wide population has declined 65% since the 1960s, with the greatest decreases in the Northeast. Maine Conservation Status: Species of Special Concern. Historical Status in Maine: Knight thought Canada Warblers were fairly common. Palmer (1949, 495) considered the species common in n. and e. ME but “decreasing to rare, or absent from, coastal counties west of Penobscot Bay” (Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York Cos.). Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from QC, Maritime Provinces, ME, and cen. ON, west to AB and ne. BC, south along Appalachian Mtns. to n. GA, and west to MN, WI, and n. IL. Winters in S. Am. from Venezuela and Columbia to e. Ecuador and Peru. Global Conservation Status: PIF: Watch List due to population declines and moderate to high threats. Remarks: Approximately 9% of the Canada Warbler population breeds in ME and New England (half of U.S. breeding population); as such, it would behoove wildlife authorities to prioritize this species for conservation (Rosenberg and Wells 1995). The steep population decline since 1966 makes this need 566
S pring :
Among latest migrants in ME; most birds appear 20
May–5 Jun. Banding records on Appledore I. reveal notable peak last week of May; few birds banded prior to 20 May but annual rates climb to 16.1 birds, 21–25 May, peak at 23.6 individuals,
26–31 May, then diminish to 13.0, 1–5 Jun. Major flights reported mid- to late May, including: 12, S. Portland, 15 May 2007 (S.
Cronenweth); at least 25, Cumberland and York Cos., 19 May
2000 (PDV, JEP); 25, Portland, 22 May 2007 (D. Lovitch); 18, Monhegan I., 29 May 1983 (S. Tingley); 40, Monhegan I., 29
May 1987 (PDV et al.); and 22 banded on Appledore I., 29 May
1987 (D. Holmes). In Brunswick, 44 banded, May 1961 (MFO 6:
56).
Notably, most early records not from s. ME, but from e., n.,
and cen. ME, including: in Washington Co.: 1, Deblois, 21 Apr
1973 (MN, May 1973); and 1, Great Wass I., Beals, 9 May 1981 (N. Famous). In Penobscot Co.: 1, Bangor, 25 Apr (year unknown; Knight 1908); and 1, Orrington, 30 Apr 1962 (MFN 18: 78). In Somerset Co.: 1, Fairfield, 8 May 2000 (D. Mairs et al.). In
Kennebec Co.: 1, Augusta, 30 Apr 1962 (MFN 18: 78); and 1,
Belgrade, 8 May 2000 (D. Mairs). In Aroostook Co.: 1, Ashland,
1 May 1984 (G. Stadler); 1 in T14 R7 WELS, 6 May 1981 (G.
Stadler); and 1 in T11 R9 WELS, 4 May 1983 (G. Stadler). In
Lincoln Co.: 1, N. Edgecomb, 8 May 1961 (MFO 6: 56). In Cumberland Co.: 1, Portland, 8 May 2001 (P. Moynahan).
S ummer :
Canada Warblers breed in varied forested habitats.
Confirmed nesting throughout ME but only locally in York and Cumberland Cos. (ABBM, Adamus 1987). Often found
in moist forests; most important habitat feature seems to be
dense shrub or sapling understory. Avoids habitats with open understory; e.g., heavily browsed woodland, clear-cuts, and
burns; however, often occupies these sites 10–15 years later. In
Order Passeriformes • Family Parulidae
n. and cen. ME regenerating spruce-fir/hardwood clear-cuts,
Canada warblers select sites with high-density deciduous
woody stems 4.5 m (15 ft.; Titterington et al. 1979). In MA, species
Canada to AK, south in Rocky Mtns. to NM, also in CA. Winters in coastal LA and TX, Mexico, through Cen. Am.
more frequent in oak forests that are not thinned (DeGraaf et al. 1991). BBS shows annual decrease of 3.7% in ME
between 1966–2015, one of the largest declines for an eastern
wood-warbler. The decline beyond ME is most severe in New
England and the Mid-Atlantic Coast, 6.6% annual decline recorded, 1966–2015 (Witham and Hunter 1992).
F all :
Fall migration primarily 16 Aug–10 Sep, with no
strong peak. Annual Appledore I. banding records average 4.3
individuals, 16–20 Aug; 4.9, 21–25 Aug; peaking at 5.2 between
26–30 Aug and 5.0, 1–5 Sep; before declining to 2.3, 6–10 Sep; and then up to 1.4 birds after 11 Sep. Up to 49 individuals
banded in Brunswick in Aug 1961 (MFO 6: 90). Late records
include: 1 inland in Hermon, Penobscot Co., 27 Sep 1987 (M.
Lucey); 1, Monhegan I., 29 Sep 1982 (D. Finch); 1, Southport, Lincoln Co., 29 Sep 1994 (G. Weinberger); 1 banded on
Appledore I., 30 Sep 1994 (D. Holmes); 1, Monhegan I., 1–5
Breeding Range
Oct 2012 (A. Vial, m.ob.); and 1, N. Berwick, 24 Oct 2001
(D. Tucker). JVW
S pring :
Wilson’s Warbler
Cardellina pusilla
A bright and cheery northern warbler with a jaunty black cap
Status in Maine: Wilson’s Warbler is a common, but not numerous, spring and fall migrant throughout Maine. Protracted migration begins in early May, lingering into early June. In fall, migration extends from mid-August into early October. The species is usually found in low thickets and tangles, often close to wetlands and other mesic habitats. Breeding records are most common in northern and eastern parts of the state. Occasional in late October and November; there is one December record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight reported them as fairly common, but local, summer residents around Bangor. Palmer noted that Wilson’s Warblers were especially numerous in Washington Co., found in wetland margins, alder swales, clearings, and early successional coniferous forests east of Ellsworth, north of Bangor to Aroostook Co. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NL, QC, Maritime Provinces, and cen. ME, throughout
Common, but not numerous (1–5 individuals per
day) spring migrants, usually observed in thickets and wetland margins, first week of May–early Jun. Single male in Turner, 5
May 2000, particularly early inland ( J. Despres), also individual in Ft. Kent, 10 May 2002 (G. Flagg). Appledore I. banding
records average 1.3 birds, 6–10 May; increasing to 6.6 birds, 21–25
May; and 6.5 birds, 26–30 May; thereafter declining to 2.5, 1–5
Jun; and 2.0, 6–10 Jun. Few large concentrations reported in
spring; noteworthy records: 10 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland,
28 May 1997 (PDV, JEP), and 30 birds at various migration sites in Cumberland and York Cos., 19 May 2000 (PDV, JEP). Late
records on Monhegan I. include single birds, 13 and 16 Jun 2006
(B. Boynton). S ummer :
Breeding distribution and abundance notably stable
past 100 years. Confirmed single breeding records w. Somerset
Co. and Franklin Co., largely unknown as breeders in this
area otherwise (ABBM, Adamus 1987; W. Sumner, D. Mairs).
Current eBird reports include numerous Jun–Jul observations
in Franklin and Somerset Cos., north to BSP, and along coast
in Washington Co., but no confirmed breeding records: 2 males singing simultaneously at end of Oak Pt. Rd., Washington
Co., 26 Jun 2015 (R., A., and B. McGill); 2 males and 1 female,
on Long I., Frenchboro, 2 Jun 2017 (Acadia Birding Festival);
2 birds, Black Brook Flowage, Somerset Co., 8 Jul 2016 (A.
Steenstrup and J. Berry). Nest near Ship Harbor, Mount Desert
I., Jun 1957, considered unusually far south by Bond (MFO
2[7]: 74). None recorded on Mount Desert I. during ABBM
567
Birds of Maine
(Adamus 1987). If correct, breeding confirmation in e. Lincoln
Co. (ABBM) was considerably south of usual range; this record should be viewed with caution.
F all :
Common fall migrants, mid-Aug to late Sep, peak
1–15 Sep. Normally in small numbers, 1–4 individuals. Ten on
Monhegan I., 10 Sep 2004 (L. Brinker), very unusual. In Turner,
first migrants 11 Aug (2001)–19 Aug (1997, J. Despres). On
Winters from Mexico through Cen. Am. to n. S. Am., Bolivia, and Brazil. S pring :
Nearly annual as spring migrants, usually appearing
in May. Reported rarely in late Apr, primarily in s. coastal ME,
with at least one record in each decade, 1950s–2000s; annual records for decade 2008–2017. Large fallout in 1993 included
at least 7 reports and the earliest, and only Mar record, in
Appledore I., average of 3.7 birds banded, 25–30 Aug; increasing
Bowdoinham, 28 Mar. Other 1993 fallout records inland to
Sep; and 2.0 birds, 16–20 Sep. Numerous Oct records, primarily
E. Machias and Addison, the latter found dead, 28 Apr 1993
east at Petit Manan Pt., 4 Oct 1995 (R. Widrig); Turner, 13 Oct
(Bowdoin College collection), and another killed by a cat in
to 7.3 birds, 1–5 Sep; 7.1, 6–10 Sep; declining to 5.9 birds, 11–15
along s. ME coast. Noteworthy late records, 1 each: unusually far
2000 ( J. Despres); W. Commercial Street, Portland, 18 Nov 2012 (L. Bevier); freshly dead in S. Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 20 Nov
Pittston, Kennebec Co.; Oxford, Oxford Co.; and east to
(Guillemot (22: 15). Dead male found in Phippsburg, 7 Apr 1952 Steuben, 10 Apr 1974 (W. Townsend), also notably early. More typical records May–early Jun, primarily in s. and cen. ME:
1979; Brunswick, 4 Dec 1970 (MN 2: 47); 1, Canaan, Somerset
maximum 3 birds on Monhegan I., 24 May 1987 (DWF et
(E. Hynes).
Washington Co. record since 2000, Spark Plug Lane, Lubec, 10
Co., 30 Nov 2000 (WJS); Biddeford Pool, 30 Nov 2005
W inter :
JVW
One at feeder in Portland, 5–15 Dec 1961 (MFO 6: 56).
Grosbeaks and Buntings (Cardinalidae) A North and South American family with 50 species in 15 genera. Stocky, seed- and fruit-eating birds with heavy bills often found in open woodlands, 11 species of these colorful and vocal birds have been found in Maine, including several western and southern species that occur as vagrants. Atypically nonmigratory Northern Cardinals are relatively recent arrivals.
al.), and 1 observed 27 May 2017 (D. Lovitch). One known
May 2017 (L. Hanners, eBird). Few inland records, 1 each: E.
Andover, 26–28 May 1994 (L. Sager); Lewiston, 21 May 1997 (T.
Hayward); Corinna, Penobscot Co., 9–13 May 1997 ( J. Emerson, ph.); and near N. Berwick, 14 May 2012 (A. Aldrich); University
Place, Orono, 12 May 2014 (B. Olsen, eBird). Additional e. ME records: 1 at Graham L., 8 May 1975 ( Jellison) and 1 immature
male at Petit Manan NWR, 24 May 1988 (R. Widrig). S ummer :
Accidental in summer, 1 each: singing male in E.
Sebago, Cumberland Co., 22 Jul 1971 (MN 3: 15); Bowdoinham, 19
Jun 2002 (Guillemot 32: 28); Brothers I., 12 Jun 2008 (L. Harter);
Isles of Shoals, 1–8 Jun 2012 (m.ob., eBird); Long I., Frenchboro, 2
Jun 2017 (m.ob., eBird); and Monhegan I., 3 Jun 2017 (obs. unk.). F all :
Casual fall migrants; >20 records 31 Aug–1 Dec,
including: Appledore I., 31 Aug 1987 (MBN 1: 35); 1 Dec 1977,
Biddeford Pool (F. Cyr); and 1 Dec 2003 in Bangor (D. Gleason,
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
eBird). Most fall reports from s. ME and Monhegan I. Few
inland records: freshly dead specimen in Milford, 9 Oct 1979
(PDV, spec. to UMaine); immature bird in Orono, 1–8 Nov 1984
An inhabitant of southern pine-oak forests
(PDV et al.). Coastal records: 2, Cape Neddick, 4 Oct 2011 (D.
Status in Maine: Summer Tanagers are casual, annual spring and fall migrants, and accidental in summer and winter. They have been recorded in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, the Maritime Provinces, and all New England states.
Nov 2017 ( J. Fecteau, m.ob.). Female in Steuben, 4 Sep 1962 (obs.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed a single specimen from Wiscasset, taken prior to 1883. Palmer considered the species a rare visitant from 17 Apr–21 Oct. Global Distribution: Primarily Nearctic. Breeds from s. NJ, PA, OH to OK, TX, west sparingly to CA. 568
Doubleday); 1, N. Bath, 4 Sep 2016 (H. Heuer); 1, Biddeford, 1–4 unk.). Two on Machias Seal I. on 11 Oct 2005 and 1 on Johnson
Cove Rd., Washington Co., 31 Oct 2017 (both obs. unk.), were both late and far Downeast for this species.
W inter :
Accidental in winter. Four records: adult male ph. on
Cape Elizabeth, 22 Dec 1998–1 Jan 1999 (NAB 53: 147); female in
Bangor, 2–8 Dec 2003 ( J. Markowsky, Guillemot 33: 58); 1, Blue
Hill, 14 Dec 2008 (D. Hitchcox); and 1 observed on Harpswell
Rd., Cumberland Co., on 5 and 8 Dec 2015 and 13 Jan 2016 ( JEP). PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Cardinalidae
Scarlet Tanager
Piranga olivacea
An often-inconspicuous, flaming red bird of forest treetops
Status in Maine: Scarlet Tanagers are common summer residents in southern and central Maine and are locally common in deciduous and mixed woodlands in northern and eastern Maine. The species is a common but rarely numerous spring and fall migrant. It is accidental in winter; there is a single December record. Historical Status in Maine: Knight thought Scarlet Tanagers were rare. Palmer considered this species an uncommon spring and fall migrant, an uncommon breeder in w. Maine, and an occasional or rare breeder in the north and east. Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from e. QC (Gaspé), NB, NS, to s. ON, MN, south to GA and AR. Winters in n. and w. S. Am., south to Bolivia. Remarks: Palmer (1949, 518) felt that Scarlet Tanagers increased after 1900: “[T]he species has been reported from nearly every section of the state, and records for the past 40 years indicate, I believe, an increase in birds rather than merely better reporting of those present.” Although the trend may have been upward the first half of the last century, BBS data show a decrease of 1.2% from 1966–2015 across the 69 survey routes in ME and a 1.75% decrease on the same routes in the most recent decade for which there are data, 2005–2015. S pring :
Usually arrive 10–31 May. Early migrants usually 25–30
Apr, and early May. In 1973, first bird seen in York, 29 Apr; other migrants that year, 15–29 May. First 2 birds in St. John, 24 May
1973 (MN, Jun 1973). Earliest records in Gorham, Cumberland Co., 5 Apr 1978; Monhegan I., 8 Apr 1990 (K. Kemper), and
12 Apr 2005 (B. Boynton). Apr records in Washington Co.: Jonesport, 27 Apr 1983 (L. Frey), and Petit Manan, 30 Apr
2017 (R. Sharp, eBird). At height of migration, 1–4 individuals,
Scarlet Tanager
Species is not gregarious in migration; 15 or more seen
during large passerine fallout on Monhegan I., 25 May 1983 (S.
Tingley). Susceptible to persistent cold weather in May when foliage, and thus invertebrates, not yet emerged. In 1974, cold,
wet weather across New England forced thousands of Scarlet
Tanagers to forage along road edges, building foundations, and
waterways; many found dead. Local breeding populations were significantly lower in the several years following at Hubbard
Brook, NH (Zumeta and Holmes 1978). A similar, though not as acute, circumstance occurred in 1997, when many tanagers were reported at feeding stations, with at least 8 birds in Belgrade,
Kennebec Co., 17 May 1997; “[T]his species was very obvious for a week or so, feeding on orange slices, grape jelly, and sunflower hearts in yard” (D. Mairs).
S ummer :
Now common in mature deciduous (especially oaks
and maples) and mixed woodlands, including White Pines, throughout ME; species avoids thick spruce and fir forests.
Regular but not numerous in deciduous habitat in cen. and s. Aroostook Co., uncommon in St. John Valley. In 1979, 12
BBS surveys in n. and w. ME recorded 1–3 singing birds (D.
Folger). Scarcity in e. Aroostook Co. results from conversion of deciduous uplands to cropland. Remaining deciduous habitat mostly restricted to steep, non-arable slopes (WJS). Species
locally common in e. ME, restricted by amount of mixed and
deciduous woodland. Despite male’s bright plumage, its habit of sitting unobtrusively in upper branches can make it difficult to
most often heard, in deciduous habitats through May: 1961,
detect if its distinctive vocalization is not recognized.
reported 16–26 May, and species arrived in Caribou, 28 May
F all :
first reports from Kittery and Pownal, 12 May, numerous birds (MFO 6: 57). Arrival dates in cen. Aroostook Co. usually 17–22
May, all WJS, fide eBird: male singing at Madawaska L., first of year on 15 May 2012; singing male at West Rd., Stockholm, 22
Fall migration takes place mid to late Sep after local
dispersal Aug–early Sep when birds often congregate in
fruiting trees and shrubs. Numerous inland records through
mid-Sep: 8 in Skowhegan, 8 Sep 1957 (obs. unk.); 10 in Lisbon,
May 2016; and 1 singing on Loop Rd., near Portage L., 17 May
Androscoggin Co., 29 Sep 1957 (obs. unk.); 2 in Turner, 21 Sep
Suomala, eBird), and 7 Jun 1998 (obs. unk.); and on Monhegan
1999 (L. Little), and 1 in Woodland, 14 Sep 2006 (WJS). Latest
2012. Late migrants observed on Appledore I., 28 May 2016 (R.
1995 ( J. Despres); and in Aroostook Co., 1 in Houlton, 16 Sep
I., 13 Jun 2000 (obs. unk.); 8 Jun 2004 (B. Boynton), and 6 Jun
Aroostook Co. record female eating elderberries in Woodland,
2011 (T. Magarian, eBird).
569
Birds of Maine
25 Sep 2005 (WJS). Earliest migrants appeared on Appledore
W inter :
on Cousins I., 5 Sep 2006 (D. Lovitch). Most birds migrate
winter records notably sporadic: 6 records from 1953–1968 and 1
I., 4 Sep 1997 and 6 Sep 1995 (D. Holmes), and at migrant traps latter half of Sep when 1–3 individuals are normally recorded.
On Appledore I., 9 birds banded 30 Aug–4 Oct 1994, and 5
Winter birds normally appear at feeders late Nov–
Jan; unlikely many displaced birds survive. Distribution of
in 1979. More recent records, 1 bird each, fide eBird: Georgetown,
Sagadahoc Co., 4 Jan 2005 (PDV); S. Portland, 9 Jan–6 Mar
banded 12 Sep–7 Oct 1995 (D. Holmes). Small numbers linger
2006 (m.ob.); Wells, 18 Dec 2007 (S. Walsh); 2 sightings in 2012;
inland and in Washington and Hancock Co. in fall. Following
2015–25 Jan 2016 (m.ob.); 1 recorded on Highland L., Windham,
on Monhegan I., 22 Oct 2011 (P. Miliotis, J. Trimble, and
Dec 2017 (m.ob.). Remarkably, after this run of winter sightings,
in ME through Oct, primarily in south coastal region. Rare
especially notable: 1 in Bangor, 25 Oct 1970 (obs. unk.); female
M. Iliff; eBird); in Farmington, 11 Oct 1979 (obs. unk.); 1 in
Northeast Harbor, 20 Oct 1990 (AB 45:78); and 2 birds at Petit
3 Jan 2015 in Kennebunk (m.ob.); bird on Saco Riverwalk, 6 Dec 5 Feb–5 Apr 2017 (A. Goulatis, m.ob.); and Kennebunkport, 10 apparently no birds seen winter 2018.
PDV
Manan NWR., 25 Oct 1988 (R. Widrig). Rare in Nov: 3 birds
observed together feeding on grapes in Falmouth, 23 Oct–9 Nov
1954 exceptional (ref. unk.); 1 observed in Warren, 7–8 Nov 1966
Northern Cardinal
(NMAS, Nov 1966); 1 in Portland, 10 Nov 1987 (R. Eakin); 1 on
Cardinalis cardinalis
berries in Cape Elizabeth, 27 Nov 2004 (M. Jordan).
Red, crested, and vocal, a bird now easily found in southern and central Maine
Monhegan I., 6 Nov 1988 (AB 43: 67); and 1 female feeding on
W inter :
Only 1 record for winter: 1 found dead in Gardiner,
Kennebec Co., 19 Dec 1937 (Palmer 1949). PDV
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
A western migrant with a habit of winding up in the East
Status in Maine: Typically birds of the western United States, Western Tanagers are casual fall and winter vagrants, and accidental in spring and summer. Historical Status in Maine: Knight listed one specimen, an adult male taken near Bangor, ~1 Oct 1899, and identified by M. Hardy, a well-known collector. Palmer provided no additional records. Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds from YK and NT, south to CO, NM, w. TX, and CA. Winters in Mexico and Cen. Am. Recorded in QC, ON, NFLD, Maritime Provinces, and all New England states. S pring :
One in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, 17–20 May
2014 (m.ob.); 1, Kennebunkport, 10 May 2016 (K. Donahue); 1, Kennebunk, 21 May 2002 (D. Doubleday et al., NAB 56:287). S ummer :
2 summer records: 1 male singing in Winter Harbor,
28 Jun 2003 (L. and M. Scott, ph.), and 1 in Northport, Waldo Co., 27 Jul 2001 (fide W. Townsend, Guillemot 31[3]: 34). F all :
At least 12 fall records: 4 in Aug (earliest, W. Rockport,
2 Aug 1989), 3 in Sep, 4 in Oct, and 1 in Nov. Latest, 17–18 Nov
2017 at Pond Cove, Cumberland Co. (R. Garrigus, B. McKay).
570
Status in Maine: A vagrant in the 19th century (Knight 1908) and rare in the first half of the 20th century (Palmer 1949), the Northern Cardinal began to appear in Maine more regularly in the 1950s. Breeding was confirmed in 1969 and by 1980, they were fairly common in southern Maine. Although still rare in northern Maine, they are now common in towns and inhabited areas north through central Penobscot County (Bangor, Orono). Cardinals occur regularly in Washington County and in small numbers north to Aroostook County. Maine Christmas Bird Count data show a steady increase in cardinal numbers over the last fifty years. Historical Status in Maine: Norton (1909, 65–66), reported the first vagrants in ME: “[T]his species, with other southern birds, appeared in Portland in April, 1852, after a prolonged northeasterly storm.” Knight (1908, 438), apparently unaware of Norton’s information, cited only one record, “one was shot from a flock of three near Gardiner, [Kennebec Co.] Maine, by Homer R. Dill on December 19, 1895.” In 1949, Palmer considered the species a “very rare visitant, most records referring to escaped captives.” Palmer listed only three records considered wild birds: one in Portland, 11–12 Jun 1909; one in S. Portland, 18 Apr 1929; one in Sabattus, Androscoggin Co., winter 1945–1946. Other reports were thought to be caged birds, which were popular pets in the 19th and early 20th centuries (Veit and Petersen 1993). Although still rare, Northern Cardinals appeared regularly in the 1950s: one in Patten, early Jun 1951 was
Order Passeriformes • Family Cardinalidae
especially rare so far north (BMAS cit. unk.); one in Rangeley, Jan–Mar 1954 (R. Huntoon, BMAS 10[2]: 35); four reports in Dec 1957, north to Pittston (MFO 3[1]: 6); an adult male near Damariscotta, 6 Aug 1958, was considered the first Lincoln Co. record (ref. unk.). By 1968, there were 13 cardinal reports in Nov, including one as far north as Dover-Foxcroft (obs. unk.). First confirmed nesting in ME documented in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., in 1969, where flightless young were observed (ref. unk.). Breeding was also documented the same year in Pownal and Long I. (AFN 23: 642). By the time of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Maine 1978–1983 (Adamus 1987), cardinals were confirmed breeding in more than 30 blocks along the coast east to Penobscot Bay and through much of southern Maine and the central interior north to Orono. Global Distribution: Primarily Nearctic. Resident from s. NS, s. coastal NB, cen. ME, s. QC, and ON to MN, KS, south to FL, TX, AZ, and Mexico. Remarks: Generally nonmigratory, Northern Cardinal young disperse locally from parental territories, usually within 37 mi. (60 km, Halkin and Linville 1999). Non-territorial birds sometimes congregate in late fall and winter and may be confused for migratory flocks. S ummer :
1975; Thomaston–Rockland, 7, 1971. By then, species established
north to Orono: Orono–Old Town, 2, 1968; Bangor–Bucksport.
2, 1969; Augusta, 1, 1972; Waterville, 1, 1973; Farmington, 1, 1973. Ten-year CBC average, 1995–2004, ranged from 72 birds/
year for Portland to minimum 30 birds in Biddeford (48.5),
Waterville (43), Lewiston–Auburn (34), Augusta (30.5), and
at least 20 birds for Orono–Old Town (24), and Bath (22.5).
Recent 10-year (2007–2016) averages stable or increased,
most notably in inland s. cen. and s. coastal ME: 173.5 birds/
year for Portland, Biddeford (162), Waterville (51), Lewiston–
Auburn (36), Augusta (81), Orono–Old Town (43), and Bath (22). Maximum single year counts: 201 in Portland (2011)
and 200 in Biddeford (2015). Some sample averages for last
decade show cardinals less common along coast west of Bath
(22), Thomaston–Rockland (47), Mount Desert I. (13). In
Washington Co., birds first reported in 1970s in Eastport (1973), Schoodic Pt. (1974), Danforth (1979); cardinals not annual on
any Washington Co. CBC and no count since 1973 exceeds 10
(Eastport 2013).
Cardinals first reported in Aroostook Co. on Presque Isle
CBC in 1971 (1 bird). Notable early records for n. ME include:
1 female in E. Millinocket, Dec 1970-Jan 1971 (MN 2: 54); 1 in
Presque Isle, 19 Dec 1971 (MN 4: 6); 1 female in Houlton, Dec
1975 (S. Rooney); 2 in Ft. Kent, Jan 1984 (S. and G. Flagg). Up to 7 birds reported 8 of 10 years from 2007–2016. PDV
Breed regularly in suburban areas and rural
farmlands with sufficient shrubbery throughout southwestern
Maine north to Old Town, Penobscot Co., and locally farther north and Downeast. In Aroostook Co., confirmed breeding
in Hodgdon, 2005 (fide K. Gammons). Remarkable expansion into ME documented in BBS, with a 10.06% annual increase,
1966–2015, although most recent 10-year increase slower at 6.34%. Nesting season more protracted than many ME species; males start singing in Feb and Mar. Cardinals have multiple broods:
2 or more successful broods documented in Richmond (PDV). Nesting begins in Apr: pair in E. Winthrop, Kennebec Co.,
fledged young by 16 May 1985 and were constructing a second nest (S. Weston), and pair with fledged young observed on
Monhegan I., 26 May 1984 ( JEP). Nesting sometimes continues into Sep: an adult recorded feeding young on Cape Elizabeth, 6
Oct 1989 (K. Gammons). Northernmost reports: 1, Ft. Kent, 1
Aug 2014 (C. Miller, eBird), and 1, Camel Brook Camp, Ft. Kent,
4 Jul 2016 ( J. Caron, eBird). W inter :
Northern Cardinal Breeding Range ! ABBM 1978-1983 ( ( Regular 2010s ! ( Local 2010s !
CBC data provide best record of Northern
Cardinal’s northward expansion in ME. Mount Desert I. CBC
first to record species, 1 in 1960; not again until 1971. Many CBCs initiated in late 1960s–early 1970s reported birds on
their first counts: Biddeford, 4, 1970; Portland, 9, 1975; Bath, 1,
571
Birds of Maine
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Black and white and rose all over
Status in Maine: Still a common to abundant breeding bird in deciduous and mixed forests and regenerating forests throughout Maine, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks declined by 2.6% annually on Breeding Bird Survey routes in Maine, 2005–2015. This species is generally rare in conifer stands. It is common during spring and fall migration but rare in winter.
S ummer :
Common and widespread throughout ME in
summer. Birds prefer moist deciduous and mixed forests but
found in a variety of habitats, including shrubby edges along streams, wetlands, and pastures. Also found in gardens and
cemeteries but generally avoid conifers. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
usually have 1 brood, but re-nesting reported from ON (Peck and
James 1998). Males sometimes sing from nest while incubating eggs. In 1979, 18 BBS routes in n. and w. ME recorded 6–27
individuals (D. Folger). BBS data shows declining population trend since 1990 and 2.6% annual decrease, 2005–2015.
Historical Status in Maine: Knight (1908, 440) considered this species to be generally common but “rare along the coast and in certain of the central portions of the state.” Palmer (1949, 520) thought this species was uncommon in w. and cen. ME and “rather rare to the extreme north.” The substantial difference in distribution between 1907, 1949, and the present may possibly be explained by changing forestry practices and the shifting distribution of immature hardwoods, a preferred habitat for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from s. NFLD, s. QC, s. Canada west to AB, NT, and ne. BC, south to PA and SC (Appalachian Mtns.), IL, and NE. Winters in Mexico, Cen. Am., and n. S. Am. S pring :
Usually arrives first 10 days of May, but early migrants
occasionally appear in late Apr: 1973, 5 Apr records, earliest in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 22 Apr 1973. Most arrive 2–18 May,
first in n. ME in Ashland, 27 May 1973 (MN, Jun 1973). Other
notable Apr flights reported in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1999, 2005, and
2006, with following records: 1 in Industry, Franklin Co., 7 Apr 1982 (P. Cross); 1 in Springvale, York Co., 9 Apr 1956 (MFO 1[: 52); 1 in Southwest Harbor, 13 Apr 1993 (M. Hughes, A.
Bacon); 1 in Bangor, 16 Apr 2006 (S. Smith); 1 in Cumberland, Cumberland Co., 19 Apr 1954 (T. Werner, BMAS 10: 43); and 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
F all :
Fall migration appears protracted, starting in late Aug,
continuing through early Oct. Birds generally less conspicuous with large aggregations greater than 10 reported. Few Nov
records include: 1 in Kennebunk, 1 Nov 2012 (S. Schulte); 1,
Springvale, 7 Nov 2004 (fide D. Lovitch); 1, Scarborough, 9 Nov
2004 (G. Carson); 1 female at feeder in Cape Elizabeth, 9–13
Nov 1989 (K. Gammons); 1, ANP, 9 Nov 2017 (F. Yost); 1 in Bar
Harbor, 11 Nov 1985 (AB 40: 259); 1, Cutler, 25 Nov 1988 (CDD); and 1 in Danforth, Washington Co., 23–30 Nov 1968 (ref. unk.).
Easternmost: 1, Machiasport, 4 Nov 2017 (G. Bentley).
Casual in winter; 5 documented records and 10
in Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co., 19 Apr 1984 (P. Adamus). Also
W inter :
I. (T. Magarian), 1 in Phippsburg (M. Fahay), and 1 on Cape
15–31 Dec 1959 (MFO 4: 118); 1 in Farmington, 2–8 Jan 1970, died
28 Apr 2017 (T. Foley); and farther north, 1 near Bangor, 30 Apr
Bangor feeder, 9 Feb–4 Apr 1998 (FN 52: 172; FN 52: 307); 1 in
with numerous Apr records in 2011 and 2017: 1 on Monhegan
Neddick (D. Losier), all on 27 Apr 2011; 2 in Biddeford Pool on
2017 ( J. Smith and C. Todd).
Widespread throughout ME by late May. Not gregarious
in migration; most reports 1–5 individuals. Two spring fallouts
recorded on Monhegan I.: ~225 birds, 25 May 1983 (S. Tingley),
and more than 100, 24 May 2002 (T. Vazzano). Other unusual
counts: 13 in Bar Harbor, 2 May 2004 (W. Townsend), and at least 20 on Monhegan I., 13 May 1997 (D. Abbott, PDV).
572
undocumented sight records. Species first reported in Portland,
on 9 Jan (MN 1[8]: 5). More recently, an immature male ph. at
Bangor, 6–7 Jan 2015 ( J. Wyatt). This species reported on several coastal CBCs, 1975–1983, but unexpected on Presque Isle CBC,
Dec 1976, as was carefully described immature male on Presque
Isle CBC, 31 Dec 2005 (WJS). Given difficulty of distinguishing immature Rose-breasted Grosbeaks from Black-headed
Grosbeaks, these CBC records are difficult to evaluate, although presumably correct. PDV
Order Passeriformes • Family Cardinalidae
Black-headed Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Passerina caerulea
A rare visitor from western woodlands
This vibrantly blue southern bird visits Maine on an erratic schedule
Status in Maine: Black-headed Grosbeaks are casual in Maine. Such visitors are usually seen along the coast in fall or more rarely in spring, and three individuals have overwintered with apparent success. There are two photo records and nine welldocumented sight records; additional sight records lacking documentation have been excluded. The Maine Bird Records Committee has so far reviewed only the two most recent records and accepted both. Historical Status in Maine: Black-headed Grosbeaks were not reported by Knight or Palmer. A male seen in Buckfield, Oxford Co., 19 Nov 1958 (M. Irish, MASFC) was likely the first state record. There were three reports of individuals in 1967: at Kittery Pt., late Jan–8 Apr (m.ob.); at Southwest Harbor, 20 May (H. Mann); and in Lewiston mid-May–2 Jun (C. Webber). Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds commonly in variety of habitats through much of w. N. Am., BC east to NE and KS, south to NM and Mexico. Winters primarily in Mexico. Black-headed Grosbeaks have occurred irregularly in all New England states and Canadian provinces except Labrador. Remarks: Three male Black-headed Grosbeaks reported in ME, May 1983: one on Deer Isle, May 1983; one in Solon, Somerset Co., 9 May 1983; and one in Winter Harbor, 11 May 1983 (MBL 5: 24). Although identified as males, no further details were provided. Given the lack of documentation and without evidence that these reports were part of a larger movement into the Northeast, these ME records have been excluded. S pring :
1 on Monhegan I., 14–15 May 2014 (E. Goldberg and
D. Cundy, eBird). F all :
Bird reported near Biddeford, fall 1973 (A. Thomas); 1
on Monhegan I., week ending 25 Sep 2001 (V. Laux, fide W.
Boynton); and 1 on 3 Oct 2003 (NAB 58(1); D. Abbott and DWF, fide W. Boynton).
W inter :
Three reports of overwintering birds: immature male
ph. in S. Portland, late Sep 1978–Feb 1979 (AB 33: 265); female ph.
Status in Maine: Blue Grosbeaks are casual in spring and fall. Counts tend to be erratic: in flight years, four to eight birds may be observed, and then the species may be absent for several years. They are casual in summer and winter. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the species hypothetical. Palmer (1949, 523) listed one specimen record collected on Mount Desert I., May 1895, which is now at ANP Museum. Displaying his acute skepticism toward sight records and a lesser familiarity with small passerines, Palmer said of various sight records, “although some of these reports may have pertained to Blue Grosbeaks, I feel it is more than likely that most were based on Indigo Buntings.” Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds from NJ and PA to s. IL and ND, west to CA, and south to FL, TX, and cen. Mexico. Winters primarily in Cen. Am. S pring :
2 distinct arrival dates in flight years, first in Apr and
second May–early Jun. First flight usually occurs 12–24 Apr
(when Blue Grosbeaks normally appear on eastern breeding
grounds) and involves adults, often males. Major Apr flights
occurred in 1984 (5 reports totaling 6 individuals, 4 reports from
e. ME), 1993 (14 reports 12–24 Apr, including 4 birds together in
Franklin, Hancock Co.; C. Marino et al., Guillemot 22: 15), and
1996 (5 total, 4 in e. ME). More than half of Apr records from
Hancock and Washington Cos. Male in S. Gardiner, Kennebec Co., unusually early on 5 Apr 1958 (obs. unk.).
May–Jun flight protracted; birds appear throughout month,
though >60% reported 15–31 May. Fewer reports from Hancock
and Washington Cos. during this period, more inland reports: 2
males in Auburn, Androscoggin Co., May 1941 (BMAS 1: 97–98);
1 in N. Bridgton, 18 May 1984, and 1 in S. Bridgton, 25 May 1984 (fide P. Richards); 1 in Limington, York Co., late May 2006; 1
first-year male in Richmond, 12 May 1997 (PDV); 1 in Durham,
Androscoggin Co., 14–18 May 1999 (R. Watson); 1 first-year male
in Belgrade, Kennebec Co., 18 May 2004 (D. Mairs); 1 in Bangor,
17 May 2003 (Guillemot 33: 29); and 1 male and 1 female in
Orrington, Penobscot Co., 15–17 May 2004 ( J. Ryder). Monhegan
I. records, all via eBird: 26 May 1984, 28 May 1988, and 21 and
23–24 May 1997 (all S. Surner); 1, 29–30 May 1982 (PDV).
in Bath, 16 Dec 1980 to mid-Apr 1981 (PDV, ph. archive); and a
S ummer :
Apr 2009 (S. Walsh, eBird; D. Reimer, ph.).
Skowhegan, 1 Jul 1968; 1 in Waterville, 20 Jun 1976 (all obs. unk.);
bird in immature plumage in S. Hope, Knox Co., mid-Jan to 12
PDV
Casual in summer and, unlike spring and fall
migrants, usually found inland: 1 in Harpswell, 5 Jul 1967; 1 in
573
Birds of Maine
1 subadult male singing in Augusta, 8–17 Jul or later, 1994 (G.
Therrien et al., ph.); 1 carefully described female in Orono, 22 Jul 1998 (R. Giebfried). Inland exception: 1 on Monhegan I., 13 Jun
2011 (T. Magarian, eBird).
No evidence of breeding in ME. Forbush (1929, 116)
included several putative but unconfirmed reports of nesting
from Fryeburg (1918) and W. Baldwin, Cumberland Co. (1919), but concluded that there are “no fully authenticated breeding
records” for New England. Likely these reports confused Blue
Grosbeaks with similar but smaller Indigo Bunting. F all :
Occur annually (or nearly so) in small numbers. Main
fall migration takes place along coast and outer islands, 15 Sep–15
Oct. Regular on Monhegan I., 3–5 individuals reported each fall
Mount Desert Island, in October 1974 (W. Russell, AB 33: 158), remain under review by the Maine Bird Records Committee. Historical Status in Maine: This species was unreported in Maine prior to 1974. Global Distribution: W. Nearctic. Breeds in chaparral and open woodlands throughout the w. U.S. and sw. Canada, east to w. ND, SD, and NE. Resident in sw. U.S. from w. TX through CA and cen. Mexico. Winters in sw. Mexico. ME records among the few for this species in ne. N. Am. PDV
(DWF et al.) and recorded annually 2009–2017. Exceptionally early records: 1 female in Portland, 15–16 and 24 Aug 1998 ( J.
Kocknavate); 1 in Scarborough, 26 Aug 1999 (G. Carson); and
Indigo Bunting
1 on Appledore I., 12 Sep 1993 (PVD and J. Berry). The latest
Passerina cyanea
at Owl’s Head Lighthouse, Knox Co., same day 2012 (B. and
Startlingly blue breeding males are common in southern and central Maine
migrants: 1 on Cape Elizabeth, 1 Nov 1999 (K. Gammons); 1
D. Witham, eBird); and 1 at Hawkes Farm, Sagadahoc Co., 3 Nov 2002 (M. Fahay, eBird). Few inland records: 1 male in
Winterport, Waldo Co., 7–9 Sep 2002 (T. Hodgman, ph.); 1
“very patchy blue” bird in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., 14 Oct 1996
(M. Libby); 1 at Colby Community Gardens, Waterville, 19 Oct
2011 (M. Veins, eBird). Recent observation at Mount Desert I. High School, 7 Sep 2017 (D. Lovitch).
W inter :
Few winter records: 1 in Sebago, 3–31 Dec 1962
(MFN 19: 13); 1 successfully overwintered on Mount Desert
Status in Maine: Indigo Buntings are common breeders in brushy, open habitat in southern and central Maine, becoming uncommon to rare in eastern, western, and northern Maine. Indigo Buntings are generally uncommon migrants in spring and fall and are usually seen alone or in small numbers (two to five individuals). They are very rare in winter.
Jan 2006 (PDV, photo).
Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered the species common in s. ME but less common in n. and e. ME. Palmer (1949, 523) considered buntings “uncommon though regular east into Franklin, Kennebec, and Sagadahoc Counties” but rare elsewhere and absent in Aroostook Co.
Lazuli Bunting
Global Distribution: E. Nearctic. Breeds from s. NB and c. ME west to MN and SK, south to FL, TX, and AZ. Winters in FL, TX, Cen. Am., and the Caribbean.
I. 1979–1980 (C. Jellison, MBL 2: 13); 1 immature in first-basic
plumage on Monhegan I. CBC, 27 Dec 1982 (PDV); 1 observed in W. Bath, 4–5 Dec 2005, apparently relocated to Georgetown,
Sagadahoc Co., where a female was present from 14 Dec 2005– PDV
Passerina amoena
S pring :
This turquoise and cinnamon bunting sometimes strays east from western woodlands
occasional flight years, substantial numbers appear 5–30 Apr, a period when they are normally migrating to the Gulf states
Status in Maine: Accidental. A bird seen in St. George, Knox County, on 14 June 2010 (Munger) is one of two confirmed records for Maine. An additional report of a Lazuli Bunting seen on Rackliff Island, Seal Harbor, 8 June 2010 (M. Funkhouser, eBird), was possibly the same individual. The second is an immature bird photographed on Monhegan Island, 4–6 October 1978 (T. Martin, ph.; DWF et al.; AB 33: 158). This and a sight record from Northeast Harbor,
flights likely relate to cold fronts that displace migrants, often
574
Main spring migration occurs through May. In
and ~3 weeks prior to the normal arrival time in ME. Apr
adult males, crossing the Gulf Coast farther east than normal.
Displaced migrants are carried unusually far north over the
Atlantic Ocean by strong southwesterly flows (Bagg 1955). Many Apr reports are from e. coastal ME, lending support to the idea
that they have been displaced farther east and north than normal. First recorded Apr flight in 1954, when birds appeared 17–24
Apr in e. ME, Criehaven I., and Pemaquid Pt. Subsequent Apr records: 2 birds in Southwest Harbor, 6 Apr 1956 (obs. unk.); 1
Order Passeriformes • Family Cardinalidae
male in Warren, 15–30 Apr 1958, 1 male in Otter Creek, Mount
Desert I., 24 Apr 1958, 1 male in Augusta, 30 Apr 1958 (MFO 3:
50); 3 birds in St. George, Knox Co., 12 Apr 1961 (MFO 6: 42).
Uncommon and local in Washington Co., occurring along
the blueberry barrens in Princeton, Lubec, Columbia Falls,
Cherryfield, Deblois, and Machias (N. Famous, pers. com.).
During a substantial flight, 17–27 Apr 1983, birds were reported
Rare in Aroostook Co. (WJS, pers. com.).
Cherryfield; Deer Isle; Harpswell; Portland; Kennebunk; and
>10 at Augusta Airport, 25 May 2006 (M. Smith); >15 at Sanford
were seen in Cape Neddick, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, east
rights-of-way and other open habitats with scattered trees and
from Sullivan; Cutler; Corea, Hancock Co.; Gouldsboro;
Bethel. In 1984, birds appeared in s. coastal ME, 17–27 Apr, and
to Dedham, Hancock Co. Small numbers appeared in Hancock
and Washington Cos., 1991–1993. Other major flights: 1993
(Cherryfield, Southwest Harbor, Seal Harbor, Scarborough), 1998 (Kennebunkport; Harpswell; Lovell, Oxford Co.; Monhegan I.;
Often abundant in preferred habitat like municipal airports:
Airport, 17 Jul 1995 (PDV). Also seen along large transmission
brush; e.g., 10 in Falmouth, 11 Jul 2005 (L. Seitz). Prior to 1947,
Indigo Buntings were considered rare on Mount Desert I.;
became abundant by 1953 following a forest fire that denuded
much of the island (Long, BMAS 9: 30–33): >10 reported at
Bar Harbor), and 2005 (Biddeford; Scarborough; Phippsburg;
ANP in Jul 1968 (obs. unk.). By 2000, they were once again
record was noted in Southwest Harbor, 6 Apr 1956 (obs. unk).
and Witt, pers. com.).
Georgetown, Sagadahoc Co.; Machiasport). The earliest Apr Main migration throughout May peaking 15–31 May. A
single bird in Smyrna, Aroostook Co., 6 May 1997, was
particularly unusual (L. Little). Late migrants, usually first-
year birds, continue to arrive in early Jun. Unlike their arrival
on the Gulf Coast, Indigo Buntings are not usually gregarious when they arrive in ME; nearly all reports involve 1–3 birds.
Concentrations are rare but have been found on Monhegan
I.: >18 birds on 25 May 1983 (S. Tingley) and 8 on 14 May 1997
(D. Abbott, PDV). A male near Sourdnahunk Stream, T4 R11
WELS, Piscataquis Co., May 1950, was approximately 100 mi. (160 km) north of previous records (BMAS 7: 54).
considered uncommon on Mount Desert I. in summer (Russell F all :
Protracted fall migration. First migrants appear in late
Aug: 1 on Appledore I., 25 Aug 1995 (fide D. Holmes); 1 in
Scarborough, 26 Aug 1999 (K. Gammons). Migration continues through Sep, peaking 20 Sep–20 Oct. Few Nov records, all
from coastal counties. Two birds on Appledore I., 14 Aug 1999,
were exceptionally early (fide D. Holmes). The species is not
gregarious in fall; observations normally include 1–3 individuals.
Unusual counts: 6 in Scarborough, 24 Sep 2002 (P. McGowan);
5 in Portland, 6 Sep 2004 (D. Lovitch). W inter :
Very rare in winter with only 2 records: an immature
bird at a Scarborough feeder, 17–23 Dec 1981 (F. and L. Cyr, PDV,
et al.); another immature bird at a Georgetown (Sagadahoc Co.)
feeder, 16–24 Jan 1995 ( J. Frank).
PDV
Indigo Bunting S ummer :
Common in open brushy habitat throughout most
of s. cen. ME north to Bangor and Old Town, Penobscot Co., and east to Ellsworth. The ABBM (Adamus 1987) confirmed
breeding north to Lincoln and cen. Piscataquis, Somerset, and
Franklin Cos. In 1898, a pair confirmed nesting in Caribou,
Aroostook Co., apparently provided a first county breeding
record (Allen 1901). A singing male in Millinocket, 10 Jun 2002
( J. Davis); 3 young in a nest in Greenville, 16 Jul 1984 (S. Roy,
Indigo Bunting Breeding Range ! Regular ( ( Occasional !
P. Johnson); and a pair near the Greenville–Shirley town line in 2006 (N. Famous) are likely the northern limit of current breeding range.
575
Birds of Maine
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
A flying palette of colors from the South
Status in Maine: Painted Buntings are casual in Maine. The first documented individual was a specimen found dead in Portland in 1904, presumed at the time to be an escaped captive. The species did not appear in Maine again until 1951. Since then, it has been a casual visitor to the state with more than 20 spring records and, since 2007, seven winter records. Painted Buntings usually appear in Maine from midto late May into early June, but in 1983 single males appeared on Monhegan and Long Islands in late April. One male apparently spent late winter in Blue Hill, February–April 2010. Historical Status in Maine: The only occurrence before 1951, a 1904 Portland specimen (UMaine, Orono, specimen no. 2064), is thought to be an escaped caged bird. A. Norton wrote: “An adult male of this species, which had clearly escaped from captivity was found dead in the yard of Miss C.S. Eastman, in Portland, June 11, 1904. It was taken to Mr. W.H. Brownson, by whose kindness it came into my hands and has been preserved” (JMOS 11: 56). This bird was found at the same season as other, later natural spring vagrants; however, compared to other specimens in the collection, its tail tip is unusually frayed and apparently stained with droppings, and the feet are atypically yellowish, especially the soles of the toes, all suggesting probable captive origin (L. Brinker and PDV). Palmer did not include this record in Maine Birds, although Norton would undoubtedly have brought it to his attention, presumably because he believed it not to be a wild bird. Global Distribution: S. Nearctic. Breeds in Carolinas and GA and s. cen. US. Winters in south FL, Cuba, and Cen. Am. Current breeding range does not extend north of NC, but species has well-documented pattern of spring vagrancy in e. N. Am. with numerous records from all New England states, NB, and NS. Global Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened due to 55% decline in eastern population since 1980s. S pring :
Earliest record 1 in Blue Hill, 7 Apr 2010 (D.
Hitchcox). Four records in 1983: 2 early, 1 male on Monhegan
576
I., 27 Apr–6 May (ph.), and 1 male on Long I., Casco Bay, 29
Apr–5 May (ph.); and 2 later, 1 in Stonington, May 13–17, and 1 in Manset, Hancock Co., May 27 (all fide W. Townsend).
Recent spring records, all fide eBird: 1 on Monhegan I., 12 and 14 May 2014 (D. Cundy and E. Goldberg); 1 at Iron Ore Pt.,
Palermo, Waldo Co., 18 May 2017 ( J. Fecteau); and 1, E. Deering, Cumberland Co., 20 May 2017 (A. Linton). Occasional Jun
observations: 1 male on Spruce Head, Knox Co., 8 Jun 1991 (fide
W. Townsend, Guillemot 21[3]: 25), and 1 in Levant, Penobscot Co., 13 Jun 2013 ( J. Smith, eBird).
S ummer :
A male in E. Raymond, Cumberland Co., 30 Aug
1971 (MASFC); male, W. Tremont, Hancock Co., 19 Jul 2006 (fide W. Townsend). F all :
1 on Great Duck I., 22 Sep 2010 (E. Dittmar, D.
Grunzel). Remainder on Monhegan I.: immature, 6–8 Sep 1985
(AB 40: 259); 1 on 16–17 Sep 2017 (m.ob.); 1 on 1 Nov 2010 (T. Magarian).
W inter :
1 bird each: Scarborough, 16 Dec 2017 (N. Hall,
L. Chadbourne); female in Waldoboro, Lincoln Co., 30 Dec
2006–22 Jan 2007 (S. Morrison, ph.); Mt. Vernon, Kennebec
Co., 3–4 Jan 2016 (B. Skapa), 14 Jan 2016 (D. Hitchcox); 27 Jan
2013, noted again at same location 4 Feb 2013, Boothbay (P.
Moynahan, J. Stevens, M. Fahay); Blue Hill, 15 Feb–19 Feb 2010
(W. Nichols, m.ob.), possibly same bird at same location on 7
Apr 2010 (D. Hitchcox). PDV
Dickcissel
Spiza americana Casual in Maine, this prairie nester has been spotted in every season
Status in Maine: Dickcissels are casual spring and uncommon fall migrants, usually found along or near the coast. In fall, they sometimes occur in small flocks of five to 50. They are occasional in winter and rare in summer. Dickcissels are less numerous than they were 1950–1980. Historical Status in Maine: Knight considered Dickcissels to be stragglers in ME and listed three specimen records: a young male in Westbrook, Cumberland Co., 10 Oct 1888; a bird in St. George, Knox Co., no date; and a young male in Camden, Knox Co., 29 Sep 1884. Palmer considered the species a rare fall visitant occurring 19 Aug–20 Nov. Global Distribution: Nearctic. Breeds primarily in Midwestern grasslands from MI and MN south to w.
Order Passeriformes • Family Cardinalidae
IN, TN, TX, and CO, sporadically east to NY and PA. Winters primarily in Venezuela, also occurs in small numbers in n. coastal S. Am. and Mexico. Remarks: Dickcissels bred in MA 1835–1877 (Veit and Petersen 1993), but there is no evidence they nested in ME during this period. S pring :
Rare in spring; found most regularly on outer islands
or along s. coastal ME. Early records, 5 Mar–Apr, probably
individuals that joined migrant flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds
and Common Grackles; 2 in Machias, 5 Mar 1970 (MN 1[10]: 7)
particularly unusual. There are at least 10 Monhegan I. records of single birds between 26 Apr 1983 and 30 May 2017 (C. Lapierre,
L. Seitz, and J. Trimble; eBird). There are 2 or more records for
Appledore I., most recently, 17–19 May 1996 (D. Holmes). Rare
inland records: 1 in Alexander, Washington Co., 3 May 1980 ( J.
Dudley); 2 in Bethel, 15 May 1983 (C. Gorman); 1 in Mt. Vernon, Kennebec Co., 2 Apr 2006 ( J. Kinney); and 1 at Town Farm Rd.,
Thorndike, Waldo Co., seen intermittently 9–23 Mar 2016. S ummer :
Few summer records: 1 in Brewer, 4 Jul 1954 (P. Clish,
BMAS 10: 72); 1 in Camden, Knox Co., 12–22 Jul 1954 (BMAS 10: 72); and 1 in Lincolnville, Waldo Co., 18 Jun 1961 (Dailey, MFO
6: 66). Recent summer records, fide eBird: 1, Monhegan I., 17
Jul 2011 (T. Magarian); 1, Juniper Ledge, Yarmouth, 19 Jul 2011
(S. Walsh); and 1, Scarborough Marsh Pannes, 27 Jul 2016 (R. Lambert). F all :
Migration begins mid-Aug. Early records: 1 in Falmouth,
7 Aug 2005 (C. Kent); 1 in Brunswick, 11 Aug 2005. Multiple records from 15–31 Aug with a maximum of 4 individuals in
Cape Elizabeth, 21 Aug 1956 (MFO 1: 98). Numerous reports
(usually 1–2 birds) from coastal ME in Sep–Nov. Small flocks on Monhegan I.: 7 in Sep 1956, 9 on 1 Sep 1957, 6 birds 25
Sep–2 Oct 1962, 18 birds 6–10 Sep 1970, >12 on 24 Sep 1995 (all
An exceptional inland report from Wilton first 2 weeks of
Sep 1965: “A flock of upwards of 50 Dickcissels were feeding
upon an intervale field of ripening oats . . . I had not seen this species for several years, and because of the difficult nature of
early-fall identification, was reluctant to believe our suspicions.
However, after following the flock up and down the long narrow field on two different afternoons, we could accept no other
possibilities” ( J. Mudge et al. MFN 21: 17). Other inland records for single birds: in Gardiner, Kennebec Co., Nov 1976 and 14
Aug 2006 ( JVW); in Bethel, 27–31 Oct 1965 and Nov 1976 (C. Gorman); in Gray, Cumberland Co., 2 Nov 1970 (obs. unk.);
in Turner, Nov 1960 (2 birds, MFO 5: 123) and 22 Aug 2005 ( J.
Despres); in Patten, 22–25 Sep 1959 (MFO 4: 90); and in Unity,
29 Aug 2012 (T. Aversa, eBird). W inter :
Rare in winter. First reported in 1949, when a
male and a female appeared in Saco on 21 Jan and remained
through winter (BMAS 5: 35). Regular but not annual thereafter,
primarily along coast. CBCs reported Dickcissels from
Mount Desert I. (9 times, 1 each), Portland (5, 1), York Co.
(4, 1), Farmington (2, maximum 2 birds), Orono–Old Town
(2, 1), and once each Bangor–Bucksport, Eastport, Pemaquid–
Damariscotta, Thomaston–Rockland, and Monhegan I. Records for Danforth CBC not substantiated. A bird residing in
Freeport, 2 Nov–15 Dec 2017, reported on Freeport–Brunswick CBC.
Notable inland records: 1 in Danforth, Washington Co., and
2 in Bethel from Oct 1967–Jan 1968; 1 in Hampden, Penobscot Co., Feb 1969; 1 in Augusta, Dec 1969–Feb 1970; 1 in Orono, 9
Jan 1968 (all obs. unk.); and 1 in Kenduskeag, Penobscot Co., 28
Dec 1988 (AB 43: 286); 1, Pleasant St., Clinton, 10 Dec 2016 (L.
Powell, eBird); 1, Hermon, Penobscot Co., 6 Jan 2015 (E. Barber, eBird). A Dickcissel in Sherman Mills, Dec 1967–7 Jan 1968,
likely succumbed to severe winter conditions, “very cold weather
may have been too much for this bird” (Elwell, NMAS Dec
V. Laux et al.), and 5 on 6 Oct 2005 (M. Iliff ). More recent
1967); this is apparently the only Aroostook Co. record. Recent
Magarian, eBird), 29 Sep, and 1 Oct (both D. Lovitch); Seal I.,
Eastport, Washington Co., intermittently seen 19 Dec 2015–13
island reports: Monhegan I.: 1, intermittently, 11–27 Aug 2010 (T.
1, 8 Aug 2009 (Project Puffin, eBird), 1, 1–2 Aug 2015 (K. Yakola, eBird), and 2 on 24 Aug 2017 (I. Brofsky and K. Yakola, eBird).
winter records of note: 1 at a feeder in Prince’s Cove Beach,
Feb 2016 (C. Bartlett, eBird). PDV
577
Acknowledgments
T
his book, even more than is usual with such a massive undertaking, reflects the work, passion, expertise, and financial support of many, without whom it would have been impossible.
We are particularly grateful to the Nuttall Ornithological Club, especially David Larson and Allan Keith, for encouraging Peter Vickery’s publication of this work, advising on its overall framework, providing financial support for its publication, and for reviewing the entire manuscript.
The editors and co-authors acknowledge with gratitude the ornithologists who contributed important portions of this book’s text: Malcolm Hunter, Jody Despres, Jeremiah Trimble, Sara Morris, and Jan Pierson. We had the exceptional help of multiple research and editing assistants who also drafted a number of species accounts and sidebars: Rachel Prestigiacomo, Paul Dougherty, Isaac Merson, Heidi Franklin, Richard Joyce, Ian Carlsen, and Tamara Enz. (A special, heartfelt thanks to Tamara for applying her relentless eye for detail and passion for consistency of style, leavened with humor, to the project over two years of the editing process.) Alison Childs Wells also assisted with species account drafting. A book such as this ultimately owes its existence to the careful record-keeping of myriad bird observers, as well as a much smaller number of unsung heroes who compile and edit all of those records. Jody Despres was the titan who compiled Peter’s and his own species records, gleaned from many publications as well as Bird Alerts and e-lists, into a searchable database that became the basis for each species account. Stella Walsh transcribed all of Peter Vickery’s and Mark Libby’s field notes to eBird, from which additional data were gathered. We are deeply indebted to the reviewers, especially Chris Wood and Marshall Iliff, the editors of all the journals of bird records cited in the text, and the past and current members of Maine Bird Records facing page: Bohemian Waswings
Committee who made the tough calls on acceptance of reports of accidental occurrences. Thanks to the many people who provided information on particular species: George Appell, Chris Bartlett, Louis Bevier, Seth Benz, Don Dearborn, Mike Fahay, Norm Famous, Davis Finch, Jon Greenlaw, Karen Holmes, Steven Kress and the Project Puffin staff, Jerry Longcore, Derek Lovitch, Dan McCauley, Maurry Mills, Glen Mittelhauser, Julie Paquet, Jan Pierson, Ellen Robertson, Nancy Sferra, Paula Shannon, Bill Townsend, Diane Winn, Nat Wheelwright, and Herb Wilson. David Christie, Ralph Eldridge, and Anthony Diamond contributed information about gannets and alcids nesting in New Brunswick. Thanks to Rob E. Lambert for help in retrieving Mark Libby’s field notebooks, and to Don Mairs for tracking down specimens in the Maine State Library and UMaine collections, and to the staff of those institutions who helped in that effort, Paula Work and Ann Diefenbacher-Krall respectively. Lena Usyk provided data on band recoveries from BandedBirds.org. Thanks to Delaware Species Conservation and Research Program for shorebird banding and resighting data. We are indebted to the staff of Maine Audubon—to Andy Beahm and Dori Barnes for arranging the fiscal sponsorship that made our fundraising possible and for helping us keep the Birds of Maine, Inc., financial records straight; to Jeremy Cluchey for tracking down old journals; and to Sally Stockwell and Doug Hitchcox for advice along the way. State and federal agency staff who were especially helpful include: from MDIFW, Lindsay Tudor, Brad Allen, Tom Hodgman, Danielle D’Auria, Kelsey Sullivan, Charlie Todd, Adrienne Leppold, Judy Camuso, and Brad Zitske; from MNAP, Kristen Puryear and Lisa S. Hilaire; and from USFWS, Kate O’Brien and Linda Welch. Staff in Senator Angus 579
Birds of Maine
King’s office assisted in illuminating the international legal tangle surrounding Machias Seal Island. Many thanks to those who provided information and data files for the migration tracking maps: Joseph Moore (American Woodcock); David Okill and Malcolm Smith (Red-necked Phalarope); Kevin Regan (Willet); Robert Ronconi (Great Shearwater); Fletcher Smith (Hudsonian Godwit and Whimbrel); Project SNOWstorm (Snowy Owl); Danielle D’Auria (Great Blue Heron); Michael Langlois (Arctic Tern); Lawrence J. Niles (Red Knot); Tom Rothe (Black Scoter); Michel Robert (Harlequin Duck); Phil Taylor (“Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow). Additional spatial data for maps from Atlas of Breeding Birds in Maine 1978–1983; Cornell Lab of Ornithology; eBird Basic Dataset, November 2018; ESRI, Gulf of Maine Research Institute; Maine Departments of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Resources, and Transportation; Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Office of GIS, Natural Earth, and The Nature Conservancy. We thank those who reviewed species accounts, sidebars, and chapters for catching our errors of commission and omission and giving us the benefit of their enormous experience with Maine birds and natural history: Brad Allen, John Anderson, Chris Bartlett, Dave Brinker, Lysle Brinker, Rob Butler, Judy Camuso, Andy Cutko, Danielle D’Auria, Heather Deese, Jody Despres, Anthony Diamond, John Drury, Sue Gallo, Andrew Gilbert, Mac Hunter, Steve Kress, Adrienne Leppold, John Lloyd, Richard MacDonald, Don Mairs, Janet McMahon, Ed Minot, Glenn Mittelhauser, Larry Niles, Kate O’Brien, Brian Olsen, Wayne Petersen, Kevin Powers, Kristen Puryear, Don Reimer, Greg Shriver, Bob Steneck, Iain Stenhouse, Sally Stockwell, Lindsay Tudor, Charlie Todd, Herb Wilson, and Laura Zitske. Thank you, Liz Pierson, for creating the Birds of Maine style manual and patiently responding to myriad additional questions of editorial style. Our able, efficient, meticulous, and patient copy editor was Jennifer Hanson. We feel enormously fortunate to have had Charles Melcher and Margo Halverson of Alice Designs, with the help of Lucian Burg of LU Design Studios, work with us in designing this book. We appreciate their skill in bringing our vision to reality. We are 580
also pleased with the good luck of newly retired Bill Hancock’s availability to create our maps. His considerable GIS, cartography, and editing skills, ornithological knowledge, as well as imagination and an excellent design eye, made these maps a special feature of this book. Thanks to Dan Coker of TNC for providing GIS data to augment the Maine Office of GIS. Susan Marsh provided valuable advice throughout regarding design and book production. It is impossible to overstate our gratitude for the contributions made by our two extraordinary artists, Lars Jonsson and Barry Van Dusen; this work would have been vastly poorer without their graceful artwork. We extend an extra note of appreciation to Barry for donating the use of his ink drawings. We are grateful to these fine photographers for contributing their images of Maine’s iconic environments: Ian Patterson, Paul Cyr, Heather Perry, Patrick Higgins, Josephine Gingerich, Mark Berry, Josh Royte, John Andrew Rice, and Mike Fahay. We thank Lisa St. Hilaire and Tim Paul for helping to track down images from MNAP and TNC files. Thanks also to Desiree Butterfield-Nagy of the University of Maine Special Collections for assistance in retrieving a photo of Ralph Palmer. Finally, we thank Friends of Hog Island and the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary for historical photographs. It was a pleasure to work with you all. We are also grateful for the patience and support of our friends and families as we took on significant and sadly unexpected responsibilities in finishing this book on top of multiple prior commitments. Undoubtedly there are others we have inadvertently omitted whom Peter would have acknowledged if he were able to do so. We are certain he appreciated you all deeply. Finally, we have been fortunate to work with Robert Kirk of Princeton University Press, who embraced this joint project with the Nuttall Ornithological Club with enthusiasm, and who has given us a great deal of freedom to produce the book Peter had long envisioned. Nuttall Ornithological Club, the co-publisher, made a significant financial contribution to the book’s production. In addition, more than 100 individuals and organizations contributed funds that helped
Acknowledgments
defray the costs of editing, artwork, cartography, and the design of this work. We acknowledge gratefully the grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund; the advice of Kate Dempsey, Roger Milliken, Ellen
Baum, and Thomas Urquhart; the technical assistance of Bill Kunitz; and the generosity of the following who contributed directly or indirectly to the Birds of Maine fund:
Phillip Ahrens
William Ginn and June LaCombe
Kent Redford and Pamela Shaw
John and Meg Albright Anonymous
Michael Ware and Barbara Gravinese
Michael Ridgway
Anonymous
Babette Gwynn
C.D. and Beth Armstrong
Anne and Martin Hayden
Tom and Paula Bartlett
DeWitt and Jane John
Margaret Betts
Jody Jones and Jack Witham
Kate Dempsey and Tim Blair
William B. Krohn
Barry Burgason
Bill and Lucy LaCasse
Aram Calhoun and Mac Hunter
Roxanne Leighton
Mitchell Stokes and Cristina Squeff
Joyce and Les Coleman
Tom Longstreth
Ellen Theodores
David Courtemanch
Janet McMahon
Deanna and Charles T. Akre
Sally and Tony Grassi
Anonymous
Paul N. Gray
George and Laura Appell
Bill Hancock
Jeanne Bamforth
Julie Henderson and Tony French
Ellen Baum and Jeffery Fischer
Jack and Sally Ijams
Jerry Bley
The Kennebec Land Trust
Dirk Bryant
William Kunitz
Franklin and Susan Burroughs
Tonia Laliberte
Diane Clay
Clara and Bevis Longstreth
John Cook
Jay Levin
Robert P. Smith and Margaret Creighton
Nancy McReel
Jody Despres and Jan McDonough
J. Mason and Margaret C. Morfit
Doug and Shay DeAngelis
Michael and Nancy Dickinson Nancy and Dale Dorr David Doubleday
Olivia S. and Alexander Dreier Tamara Enz
Cindy and Michael Fahay Davis W. Finch
Mark and Kathy Fulford Janet R. Galle
David Mehlman
Roger and Margot Milliken Sarah and Harvey Moseley
John W. and Catherine Norris Bucky and Sue Owen Wayne R. Petersen
Roger and Shirley Piasio Liz and Jan Pierson Bancroft Poor
Kristen Puryear Josie Quintrell
Ala H. Reid
Juanita Roushdy
Anne-Seymour St. John
Christopher and Eunice St. John Michael St. John
Nathaniel St. John Susan St. John
Evelyn Sawyer Nancy Sferra
Gerald Smith
John and Sylvia Sowles Rob and Sue Speirs Stantec, Inc.
Bob and Joanne Steneck
Beth Swartz
Anna Marie and John E. Thron Adelaide Trafton
Richard and Barbara Trafton Thomas Urquhart Ian Vickery
Sally Volkert
Scott Weidensaul
Joseph Wetherold
E. John and Kathryn White
Marc Payne and Diane Winn Carol and Joe Wishcamper Kent Wommack
Dan and Linda Wood
The York County Audubon Society Sylvia Young
581
The Downeast coast is often enveloped in fog. Great Wass Island, Beals, Washington Co. (© Justin Schlawin)
582
Appendices The appendices include a guide to frequently cited place names and the map on which they can be located; a comprehensive listing of conservation designations of Maine species by international, national, and state entities; and lists of those species whose occurrence in the state is considered hypothetical and those for which introductions failed.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
583
Birds of Maine
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text Place names in text
Town
Acadia N.P. (ANP) Addison Albion Allagash Lake
T8 R14 WELS T7 R14 WELS
Allagash River Wilderness Waterway
County
Map(s)
Hancock
E
Washington
E
Waldo
W, S
Piscatquis
N
Aroostook/ Piscataquis
N W, N, S
Appalachian Trail Appledore Island
Kittery
York
S
Aroostook NWR
Caswell/Connor Twp/ Limestone
Aroostook
N
Aroostook
N
Somerset
W
Kennebec
W, S
Lincoln Plt.
Oxford
S
Portland
Cumberland
C
Penobscot
W, S, E
Hancock
E
Washington
C
Harpswell
Cumberland
S
Brookton Twp.
Washington
E, N
Hancock
C
Bath
Sagadahoc
S
Baxter S.P. (BSP)
Piscataquis
W, E, N
Waldo
W, S, E
Kennebec
W, S
Oxford
W, S
York
S
Biddeford
York
S
Bigelow, Wyman, and Dead River Twps.
Franklin and Somerset
W, S
Blue Hill
Hancock
E
Blue Hill Bay
Hancock
E
Boothbay
Lincoln
S
Boothbay Harbor
Lincoln
C
Bowdoin
Sagadahoc
C
Bowdoinham
Sagadahoc
C
Cumberland
S
Penobscot
C
Cumberland
S
Knox
C
Ashland Attean Pond
Attean Twp.
Augusta Aziscohos Lake Back Cove Bangor Bar Harbor Baring Barnes Island Baskahegan Lake Bass Harbor
Belfast Belgrade Lakes
Belgrade
Bethel Biddeford Biddeford Pool Bigelow Mountain
Bradbury Mountain S.P.
Pownal
Brewer Bridgton Brimstone Island
584
Vinalhaven
Appendix I
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
County
Map(s)
Lincoln
C
Oxford
S
Brunswick
Cumberland
S
Bucksport
Hancock
W, S, E
Hancock
C
Washington
E
Knox
W, S, E
Charlotte
C
Cumberland
C
York
S
Aroostook
N
Cumberland
S
Hancock
W, S, E
Piscataquis
W, N
Piscataquis
W, N
Cherryfield
Washington
E
Chesuncook Lake
Piscataquis
W, N
Bristol Brownfield Bog WMA
Cadillac Mtn.
Brownfield
Bar Harbor
Calais Camden Hills S.P.
Camden/Lincolnville
Campobello Island, NB Cape Elizabeth Cape Neddick (The Nubble)
York
Caribou Casco Bay Castine Caucomgomoc Lake Chamberlain Lake
T9 R12 WELS
Christina Reservoir
Fort Fairfield
Aroostook
N
Churchill Lake
T9 R12 WELS
Piscataquis
W, N
Union
Knox
W, S
Kennebec
W, S
Kennebec
W, S
Washington
E
Clary Hill Clinton Cobbosseecontee Lake (Cobbossee)
Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, West Gardiner, and Winthrop
Cobscook Bay Collins Pond
Caribou
Aroostook
N
Cooper Hill
Cooper
Washington
E
Yarmouth
Cumberland
C
Knox
C
Washington
E
Lincoln
S
Cousins Island Criehaven Twp. Cutler Damariscotta Damariscotta Lake
Jefferson/Nobleboro
Lincoln
S
Damariscove Island
Boothbay
Lincoln
C
Deblois
Washington
E
Deer Isle
Hancock
E
Deer Island, NB
Charlotte
C
Washington
E
Piscataquis
W, S
Lincoln
S, C
Washington/ Aroostook
E, N
Deblois-area blueberry barrens
Dennysville
Edmunds Twp.
Dover-Foxcroft Dresden East Grand Lake
Danforth/ Weston
585
Birds of Maine
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
County
Map(s)
St. George
Knox
C
Washington
E
Hancock
C
Hancock
E
Englishman Bay
Washington
E
Falmouth
Cumberland
S, C
Franklin
W, S
Harpswell
Cumberland
C
Flagstaff and Dead River Twps.
Franklin
W, S
Aroostook
N
York
S
Aroostook
N
Waldo
C
Waldo
C
Washington
C
Cumberland
S
Frenchboro
Hancock
C
Frenchman Bay
Hancock
E
Oxford
S
Falmouth
Cumberland
S
Kennebunkport
York
C
Eastern Egg Rock Eastport Eaton Island
Deer Isle
Ellsworth
Farmington Flag Island Flagstaff Lake Fort Fairfield Fort Foster
Kittery
Fort Kent Fort Point
Stockton Springs
Frankfort Freeman Rock
Jonesport
Freeport
Fryeburg Gilsland Farm Goose Rocks Beach
Hancock
E
Muscle Ridge Shoals Twp.
Knox
C
Grafton Twp
Oxford
W, S
Ellsworth and Mariaville
Hancock
E
Aroostook
N
Gouldsboro Graffam Island Grafton Notch S.P. Graham Lake Grand Isle Grand Manan, NB
E
Great Bay, NH
C Frenchboro
Hancock
C
Columbia/T18 MD BPP
Washington
E
Beals
Washington
E
Green Island
Milbridge
Washington
C
Green Point WMA
Dresden
Lincoln
S, C
Greenville
Piscataquis
W, N
Harpswell
Cumberland
C
Harrington
Washington
E
Kennebec
S
Charlotte
C
Sagadahoc
C
Great Duck Island Great Heath Great Wass Island
Hatch Hill
Augusta
Head Harbour Passage, NB Hen Island
586
Phippsburg
Appendix I
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
County
Map(s)
Phippsburg
Sagadahoc
C
Hills Beach
Biddeford
York
C
Hog Island
Bremen
Lincoln
C
Aroostook
N
Hancock
E
York/ Rockingham
C
Islesboro
Waldo
C
Jackman
Somerset
W
Hermit Island
Houlton Isle au Haut Isle of Shoals ME/NH
Jenny Island
Harpswell
Cumberland
C
Jericho Bay
Swans Island
Hancock
C
Washington
E
Milbridge
Washington
C
T4R8 WELS
Penobscot
N, E
York
S, C
York
S
York
S
Jonesport Jordan’s Delight Katahdin Woods and Waters Nat. Mon. Kennebunk Kennebunk Plains
Kennebunk
Kennebunkport Kettle Cove
Cape Elizabeth
Cumberland
C
Kezar Lake
Lovell
Oxford
S
Oxford
W, S
York
S
Kingfield Kittery Lake Josephine
Easton
Aroostook
N
Laudholm Farm
Wells
York
C
Androscoggin
S
Washington
C
Aroostook
N
Lincoln
Penobscot
N, E
Frenchboro
Hancock
C
Cumberland
S
Aroostook
N
Hancock
C
Lubec
Washington
E
Lyman
York
S
Washington
E
Washington
E
Lewiston Libby Island
Machiasport
Limestone Lincoln Center Little Duck Island Long Lake Long Lake Long Porcupine Island
Naples/Harrison/ Bridgton St. Agatha/Madawaska/ Sinclair Gouldsboro
Machias Machias Bay
Machiasport/Cutler
E
Machias Seal Island NB/ME Machiasport
Washington
C
Madawaska
Aroostook
N
Cumberland
C
Mark Island
Harpswell
587
Birds of Maine
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
Mars Hill
County
Map(s)
Aroostook
N
Marshall Island
Swans Island
Hancock
C
Matinicus Island
Matinicus Isle Plt.
Knox
S, E
Criehaven Twp.
Knox
S
Alexander/ Meddybemps/ Baring
Washington
E
Penobscot
N, E
Sagadahoc/ Lincoln
S
Belgrade/Oakland/ Sidney
Kennebec
W, S
Matinicus Twp
Knox
C
Washington
E
Penobscot
W, N, E
Knox
S
Piscataquis
W, N
Matinicus Rock Meddybemps Lake Medway Merrymeeting Bay Messalonskee Lake Metinic Island Milbridge Millinocket Monhegan Island
Monhegan Plt.
Moosehead Lake Moosehorn NWR
Calais/Charlotte/ Pembroke/Baring/ Edmunds Twps.
Washington
E
Morse Mountain
Phippsburg
Sagadahoc
C
York
S
Piscataquis
N, W, E
Mount Desert Island
Hancock
E
Mount Desert Rock
Hancock
E
Knox
C
Lincoln/Knox
S
Lincoln
C
Penobscot
W, S
Lincoln
C
Norridgewock
Somerset
W, S
North Berwick
York
C
North Haven
Knox
S, E
Ogunquit
York
S
Washington
C
York
C
Penobscot
W, S, E
Orono/Bangor
Penobscot
E
Portland
Cumberland
C
Kennebunk
York
C
Mount Agamenticus Mount Katahdin
Muscle Ridge Islands Muscongus Bay
Bremen/Bristol
Newcastle Newport Nobleboro
Old Man Island
Cutler
Old Orchard Beach Orono Orono Bog and Boardwalk (sometimes formerly called the Bangor Bog) Outer Green Island Parsons Beach
E
Passamaquoddy Bay, NB Patten Pemadumcook Lake
588
T1R9 WELS/T1R10 WELS
Penobscot
N, E
Piscataquis
W, N, E
Appendix I
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
County
Map(s)
Pemaquid Point
Bristol
Lincoln
S
Penjajawoc Marsh
Bangor
Penobscot
W, S, E
Hancock
W
Knox/Waldo/ Hancock
S, E
Penobscot Penobscot Bay Petit Manan
Steuben
Washington
C
Petit Manan Island
Steuben
Washington
C
Petit Manan NWR
Steuben/Milbridge
Washington
E
Franklin
W, S
Sagadahoc
C
Cumberland
C
Kennebec
S
Addison/ Harrington
Washington
E
Pond Island
Phippsburg
Sagadahoc
C
Popham Beach S.P.
Phippsburg
Sagadahoc
S
Knox
S
Aroostook
N
Portland
Cumberland
S
Portsmouth, NH
Rockingham
S
Pownal
Cumberland
C
Aroostook
N
Waldo
C
Phillips Phippsburg Pine Point
Scarborough
Pittston Pleasant Bay
Port Clyde Portage Lake
Portage Lake
Presque Isle Prospect Prospect Harbor
Gouldsboro
Hancock
C
Prout’s Neck
Scarborough
Cumberland
C
Jonesport
Washington
C
Glenburn/Orono/Old Town
Penobscot
E, S
Lubec
Washington
E, C
York/ Cumberland
S
Cumberland
C
Rangeley
Franklin
W, S
Rangeley Lakes
Franklin
W, S
Sagadahoc
S
Richmond
Sagadahoc
S
Rockland
Knox
S, E
Rockport
Knox
C
Roque Bluffs
Washington
C
Jonesport
Washington
C
Oxford
W, S
Androscoggin
S
York
S
Pulpit Rock Pushaw Lake Quoddy Head S.P. Rachel Carson NWR Ram Island
Reid S.P.
Roque Bluffs S.P. Roque Island
Portland
Georgetown
Rumford Sabattus Pond Saco
Greene/Wales/ Sabattus
589
Birds of Maine
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
Saco Bay Saddleback Mountain
Sandy River Plt.
Map(s)
York
S
Franklin
W, S
Aroostook
N
Newcastle/ Damariscotta/ Nobleboro
Lincoln
C
Yarmouth
Cumberland
S
York
S
Sanford
York
S
Scarborough Marsh
Scarborough
Cumberland
S
Schoodic Lake
Lakeview Plt.
Piscataquis
W, N, E
Schoodic Point
Winter Harbor
Hancock
E
Scopan Twp.
Aroostook
N
Vinalhaven
Knox
S, E
Searsport
Waldo
C
Waldo
W, S, E
Sagadahoc
S
Sebago
Cumberland
S
Sebago Lake
Cumberland
S
Penobscot
W, S
St. Agatha Salt Bay Sandy Point Sanford Sanford [Sewage] Lagoons
Scopan Lake Seal Island Sears Island Searsport Seawall Beach
Sebasticook Lake
Phippsburg
Newport
Piscataquis
W
Sebec Lake
Bowerbank/ Willimantic
Piscataquis
S
Seguin Island
Georgetown
Sagadahoc
C
Lincoln
C
Hancock
C
Somerset
W, S
Sagadahoc
S
Hancock
E
Washington
C
Penobscot
N, E
Aroostook
N
Washington
E
Stockholm
Aroostook
N
Stonington
Hancock
E
York
C
Hancock
C
Milford
Penobscot
E
Richmond
Sagadahoc
S, C
Hancock
C
Knox
C
Sebec
Sheepscot Ship Island
Tremont
Skowhegan Small Point
Phippsburg
Southwest Harbor Sprague Neck
Cutler
Springfield Square Lake
Square Lake Twp.
Steuben
Stratton Island
Saco
Sullivan Sunkhaze NWR Swan Island WMA Swans Island The Brothers
590
County
St. George
Appendix I
Appendix I
Geographic place names found in Birds of Maine text (continued) Place names in text
Town
County
Map(s)
Knox
S, E
Swans Island
Hancock
C
Biddeford
York
C
Topsfield
Washington
N, E
Topsham
Sagadahoc
C
Androscoggin
W, S
Cape Elizabeth
Cumberland
S
Upton/Magalloway Plt.
Oxford
W, S
Union
Knox
W, S
Unity
Waldo
W, S
Waldo
W, S
Van Buren
Aroostook
N
Vinalhaven
Knox
S, E
Androscoggin
S
Knox
C
Kennebec
W, S
Franklin
W, S
York
S
Thomaston Three Bush Island Timber Point (part of Rachel Carson NWR)
Turner Two Lights S.P. (Dyer Pt.) Umbagog Lake
Unity Pond
Unity/ Burnham
Wales Warren Waterville Webb Lake
Weld
Wells Wells Beach
Wells
York
C
Wells Harbor
Wells
York
C
S. Thomaston
Knox
S
West Grand Lake
T6 ND BPP
Washington
E
Western Egg Rock
Bristol
Lincoln
C
Western Island
Gouldsboro
Hancock
C
Wharton Point
Brunswick
Cumberland
C
Boothbay
Lincoln
C
Batchelders Grant, Mason Twp., Stoneham
Oxford
W, S
Franklin
W, S
Cumberland
C
Hancock
E
Lincoln
S
Biddeford
York
C
Matincus Isle Plt.
Knox
C
Woodland
Aroostook
N
Woolwich
Sagadahoc
C
Yarmouth
Cumberland
S
York
S
Weskeag Marsh
White Island White Mountain N.F. Wilton Windham Winter Harbor Wiscasset Wood Island Wooden Ball Island
York
591
Birds of Maine
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds Maine species with official conservation designations are shown; accidental, hypothetical, extinct, or introduced species are not included. If a designation is limited to a subspecies, only those that occur in Maine are listed.
Conservation entities and status designations Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife (MDIFW): E: Endangered; T: Threatened; SC: Special Concern. Maine Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Priority 1, 2, 3. Endangered Species Act (ESA): E: Endangered; T: Threatened. U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (USSCP): Greatest; Highest; Moderate Concern; ESA listed. Waterbird Conservation for the Americas: Waterbird Conservation Plan, High Concern; Moderate Concern. Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List: Red; R-Yellow: restricted range; D-Yellow: declining. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN): Near Threatened; VU: Vulnerable; EN: Endangered; CR: Critical. See definitions page 599. STATE SPECIES Greater Scaup
MDIFW
SGCN
SC
2
Common Eider Harlequin Duck
NATIONAL ESA
USSCP
INTERNATIONAL
Waterbird Conservation Plan
PIF
3 T
NT
1
Black Scoter
NT
Long-tailed Duck Barrow’s Goldeneye
3 T
VU
1
Spruce Grouse
3
Pied-billed Grebe
3
High Concern
Horned Grebe
3
High Concern
Red-necked Grebe Yellow-billed Cuckoo
IUCN
VU
Moderate Concern SC
Black-billed Cuckoo
3
Common Nighthawk
3
Eastern Whip-poor-will
SC
2
Chimney Swift
SC
2
Yellow-D
Yellow-D
NT VU
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
592
Appendix II
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES Yellow Rail
NATIONAL
MDIFW
SGCN
SC
2
ESA
USSCP
High Concern
Sora
3
2
American Coot (breeding pop.)
SC
3
American Oystercatcher
SC
Black-bellied Plover
NT
Greatest Concern (N. Am. breeding palliatus) 3
Moderate Concern
American GoldenPlover
High Concern
Killdeer
Moderate Concern
Piping Plover
E
1
Upland Sandpiper
T
1
T
SC
ESA Listed
E
ESA Listed
Hudsonian Godwit
High Concern
Marbled Godwit
High Concern
Ruddy Turnstone
1
CR
High Concern (morinella)
2 SC
NT
High Concern
Eskimo Curlew
T
ESA Listed (rufa)
Sanderling
2
Moderate (W. hemisphere pop.)
Dunlin
3
High Concern (hudsonia)
Purple Sandpiper
1
High Concern
Least Sandpiper
3
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
IUCN
High Concern T
Red Knot
PIF
High Concern
Purple Gallinule
Whimbrel
Waterbird Conservation Plan High Concern
King Rail
Common Gallinule
INTERNATIONAL
High Concern
NT
NT
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
593
Birds of Maine
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES
MDIFW
NATIONAL
SGCN
ESA
Pectoral Sandpiper Semipalmated Sandpiper
SC
2
High Concern
3
IUCN
NT
High Concern
Long-billed Dowitcher
Moderate Concern
American Woodcock
3
Solitary Sandpiper
2 SC
(High Concern)*
1
High Concern
Willet
3
High Concern
Greater Yellowlegs
3 SC
Red Phalarope Common Murre
PIF
Moderate Concern
Short-billed Dowitcher
Red-necked Phalarope
Waterbird Conservation Plan
High Concern
Western Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
USSCP
INTERNATIONAL
2
Moderate Concern
3
Moderate Concern
SC
3
Razorbill
T
2
NT
Atlantic Puffin
T
2
VU
Black-legged Kittiwake
VU
Bonaparte’s Gull
SC
3
Laughing Gull
SC
3
Least Tern
E
Black Tern
E
2
Roseate Tern
E
1
Common Tern
SC
2
T
1
Arctic Tern
E
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.) * American Woodcock is listed parenthetically in USSCP because although it meets the criteria for High Concern it is sport-hunted.
594
Appendix II
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES
MDIFW
Red-throated Loon
NATIONAL
SGCN 3
Pacific Loon
USSCP
Waterbird Conservation Plan
PIF
High Concern
3 SC
Moderate Concern
3
VU
Sooty Shearwater
NT
Great Shearwater Great Cormorant
3 T
American Bittern Least Bittern Great Blue Heron
1 3
High Concern
E
1
High Concern
SC
2
Snowy Egret
3
Little Blue Heron
3
High Concern Moderate Concern
Black-crowned Night-Heron
E
2
Golden Eagle
E
2
Northern Harrier
SC
3
Bald Eagle
SC
Broad-winged Hawk
2
Barn Owl
SC
3
Eastern Screech-Owl
SC
3
Snowy Owl
Yellow-D
Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Belted Kingfisher
IUCN
Moderate Concern
Common Loon Leach’s Storm-Petrel
ESA
INTERNATIONAL
3 T
VU
Yellow-D
2 3
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
595
Birds of Maine
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES
MDIFW
NATIONAL
SGCN
American Three-toed Woodpecker
3
Black-backed Woodpecker
3
Northern Flicker
3
American Kestrel
3
Peregrine Falcon (breeding pop.)
E
1
Eastern Kingbird
SC
2
Olive-sided Flycatcher
SC
2
Eastern Wood-Pewee
SC
2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher SC
Loggerhead Shrike
SC
Canada Jay
PIF
IUCN
Yellow-D
NT
3 NT
SC
3 1
Tree Swallow
SC
2
Northern Roughwinged Swallow
SC
3
Purple Martin
SC
2
Barn Swallow
SC
2
Cliff Swallow
3
Boreal Chickadee
2 E
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Veery
Waterbird Conservation Plan
3
Bank Swallow
Sedge Wren
USSCP
3
Least Flycatcher
Horned Lark (breeding pop.)
ESA
INTERNATIONAL
1 2
SC
2
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
596
Appendix II
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES Bicknell’s Thrush
NATIONAL
MDIFW
SGCN
SC
1
Swainson’s Thrush SC
1
Brown Thrasher
SC
2
American Pipit (breeding pop.)
E
2
SC
2
Pine Grosbeak
3
Purple Finch
3
Red Crossbill
3
White-winged Crossbill
3
Grasshopper Sparrow
USSCP
Waterbird Conservation Plan
PIF
IUCN
Red
VU
Yellow-D
NT
Yellow-D
VU
3
Wood Thrush
Evening Grosbeak
ESA
INTERNATIONAL
E
Field Sparrow
1 3
Fox Sparrow
SC
3
White-throated Sparrow
SC
3
Seaside Sparrow
Red
Nelson’s [Sharptailed] Sparrow
SC
2
Red
Saltmarsh [Sharptailed] Sparrow
SC
1
Red
EN
Yellow-R
NT
Henslow’s Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Eastern Towhee
3 SC
Bobolink
2 3
Eastern Meadowlark
SC
2
Orchard Oriole
SC
3
Yellow-D NT
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
597
Birds of Maine
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) STATE SPECIES
MDIFW
Baltimore Oriole Rusty Blackbird
NATIONAL
SGCN
ESA
USSCP
Waterbird Conservation Plan
INTERNATIONAL PIF
3 SC
1
VU
Common Grackle
NT
Louisiana Waterthrush
3
Blue-winged Warbler
SC
2
Black-and-white Warbler
SC
2
Tennessee Warbler
SC
2
Mourning Warbler American Redstart
3 SC
2
Cape May Warbler
3
Northern Parula
3
Bay-breasted Warbler
3
Blackburnian Warbler
3
Yellow Warbler
SC
3
Chestnut-sided Warbler
SC
2
Blackpoll Warbler Prairie Warbler
Yellow-D
3 SC
Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler
IUCN
2
NT Yellow-D
3 SC
2
Scarlet Tanager
3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
3
Yellow-D
MDIFW (SC: Special Concern, T: Threatened, E: Endangered). SGCN (Priority 1, 2, 3). ESA (E: Endangered; T: Threatened). USSCP (Greatest, Highest, Moderate Concern, ESA listed). Waterbird Conservation Plan (High Concern, Moderate Concern). PIF (Red-recover; Yellow-R: restricted range; Yellow-D: declining population). IUCN (CR: Critical; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near threatened.)
598
Appendix II
Appendix II State, Federal, and International Conservation Designations of Maine Birds (continued) Conservation status definitions MDIFW (2019) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) (USFWS 2019)
North American Waterbird Conservation Plan (Kushlan et al. 2002)
“Endangered”: determined to be in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;
“High Concern” species are known or thought to be in decline and have known or potential threats;
“Threatened”: determined likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range;
“Moderate Concern” indicates either declining with moderate threats or distributions, stable with known or potential threats and moderate to restricted distributions, or relatively small populations with relatively restricted distributions.
“Special Concern:” any species that does not meet criteria for E or T but is particularly vulnerable or could easily become E, T, or extirpated due to restricted distribution, low or declining numbers, or other factors.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) (MDIFW 2016) Priority 1, 2, and 3 species are designated by ranks, combining criteria that include current state, federal, or global species status; risk of extirpation; recent significant declines; regional endemic status; high regional conservation priority; global vulnerability; state special concern status; high climate change vulnerability; historical populations with a reasonable chance of rediscovery; understudied rare taxa; or culturally significant species. Priority 1 species are at greatest risk.
U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (USSCPP 2016) “Greatest,” “Highest,” “Moderate Concern” designations are based on a calculation of population trends, breeding, and nonbreeding distributions and threats; “ESA listed” indicates birds protected under the ESA.
Partners in Flight (PIF) (2016) Red Watch List: species with extremely high vulnerability due to small population and range, high threats, and range-wide declines. “R” Yellow Watch List: species not declining but vulnerable due to small range or population and moderate threats; “D” Yellow Watch List: species with population declines and moderate to high threats.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Definitions based on population size and geographic range criteria. “Critical” indicates extremely high risk of extinction based on criteria;
“Endangered” when evidence indicates a very high risk of extinction; “Vulnerable” when a species meets any criteria indicating high risk of extinction; “Near Threatened” for any species that does not qualify for other categories but is close or is likely to qualify as Threatened in the near future.
599
Birds of Maine
Appendix III
Hypothetical Species and Failed Introductions
Foreword Hypothetical Species
Labrador Duck (Extinct)
Greater Prairie-Chicken (Heath Hen) (Extinct) Band-rumped Storm-Petrel Cape Petrel Audubon’s Shearwater Black-billed Magpie Eurasian Jackdaw Bewick’s Wren Boat-tailed or Great-tailed Grackle Failed Introductions
Northern Bobwhite – still occasionally released, but never established Chukar – still occasionally released, but as yet not established Gray Partridge Monk Parakeet Erroneously Reported
Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), previously reported as at least hypothetical in Maine, was removed from that status by ME-BRC when it was determined the identification was likely in error.
600
A
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Weidensaul, S., T.R. Robinson, R.R. Sargent, and M.B. Sargent. 2013. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A.F. Poole, ed.). Ithaca, NY: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. doi.org//10.2173/bna.204. Weik, A.P. 1999. Conservation of Grassland Birds in Maine: Field Survey of Breeding Birds 1997–1998. Bangor, ME: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 48 pp. Weik, A.P. 2001. American Woodcock Assessment. Bangor, ME: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 72 pp. Weik, A.P. 2005. Waterfowl Assessment. Bangor, ME: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Wildlife Division. Wildlife Resource Assessment Section. 267 pp. Weik, A.P., and R.B. Allen. 2001. Ruffed Grouse Assessment. Bangor, ME: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Wells, J.V. 1994. Correlates of the distribution and abundance of wintering gulls in Maine. Journal of Field Ornithology. 65: 283–294. Wells, J.V. 2007. Birder’s Conservation Handbook: 100 North American Birds at Risk. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. 464 pp. Wells, J.V. 2010. “From the last of the large to the remnants of the rare: Bird conservation at an ecoregional scale.” In Landscape-scale Conservation Planning, edited by S.C. Trombulak and R. Baldwin, 121–137. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer Science+Business Media B.V. Wells, J.V., ed. 2011. Boreal Birds of North America: A Hemispheric View of Their Conservation Links and Significance. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 160 pp. [www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j. ctt1pphbp] Wells, J.V., D.K. Niven, and J. Cecil. 2005. The Important Bird Areas Program in the United States: Building a network of sites for conservation, state by state.” In Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners In Flight Conference, edited by C.J. Ralph and T.D. Rich, 20–24. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report PSW-GTR-191, Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 1296 pp. Wells, J.V., B. Robertson, K.V. Rosenberg, and D.W. Mehlman. 2010. Global versus local conservation focus of U.S. state agency endangered bird species lists. PLoS ONE 5(1): e8608. doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0008608. Wells, J., D. Stralberg, and D. Childs. 2018. Boreal Forest Refuge: Conserving North America’s Bird Nursery in the Face of Climate Change. Seattle, WA: Boreal Songbird Initiative.
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Mixed northern hardwoods and coniferous forests typical of northern Maine. Debsconeags Wilderness Area, Piscataquis Co. (© J. Gingerich)
Bird Species Index Notes: Bold-faced numerals refer to main accounts for species. Page numbers followed by “s” refer to text sidebars. Page numbers followed by “t” refer to tables.
Acanthis flammea, 474–75, 481 hornemanni, 475–76 Accipiter cooperii, 70t, 77, 162, 333–34, 338, 385, 595 gentilis, 71t, 162, 334–35 striatus, 162, 331–33 Actitis macularius, 45, 47, 69t, 227–29 Aechmophorus clarkii, 158 occidentalis, 158 Aegolius acadicus, 355, 356s, 358, 361, 362–64 funereus, 356s, 360–2 Agelaius phoeniceus, 45, 47, 49, 69t, 71t, 524–25, 526, 577 Aix sponsa, 45, 54, 90s, 101–3, 126, 137, 363 Albatross, Black-browed, 288–89 Yellow-nosed, 288 Alca torda, 1, 16, 23, 48, 54, 70t, 244, 247–248, 250, 594 Alectoris chukar, 2t, 145 Alle alle, 71t, 243–45, 247 Ammodramus savannarum, 19s, 22, 47, 51, 77, 150–1, 485–87, 496, 597 Ammospiza caudacuta, 21, 52, 54, 56, 60, 61, 504, 505–6, 597 leconteii, 502 maritima, 503, 506, 597 nelsoni, 54, 56, 60, 61s, 503–5, 506, 597 bilineata, 487 Anas acuta, 86, 90s, 112–14 crecca, 70t, 85, 90s, 104, 114–16 crecca crecca, 90s, 116 platyrhynchos, 2t, 49, 68t, 70t, 85, 90s, 105, 108, 110–1, 113, 114, 126 rubripes, 47, 61s, 90s, 111–12, 113 Ani, Groove-billed, 162 Anser albifrons, 89, 90s, 91, 92 brachyrhynchus, 5s, 90s, 91–92 caerulescens, 86–88, 90s, 92 rossii, 88 Anthus rubescens, 15, 466–67, 597 Antigone canadensis, 1, 7, 15, 44, 182–83, 249–50 Antrostomus carolinensis, 40s, 166–67 vociferus, 45, 52, 69t, 167–68, 592 Aquila chrysaetos, 328–29, 380, 595 Archilochus colubris, 170–1, 442 Ardea alba, 311–12 herodias, 45, 47, 57s, 69t, 78s, 182, 249, 308–11, 328, 335, 348, 595 Ardenna gravis, 29, 56, 78s, 289, 295–96, 298, 595 grisea, 29, 56, 289, 294, 595 Arenaria interpres, 203–5, 206, 593
Asio flammeus, 19s, 91s, 345, 346, 358, 359–60, 595 otus, 52, 357–59, 595 Athene cunicularia, 19s, 346, 354 Auk, Great, 3, 44, 48, 54, 182, 243, 249–50 Avocet, American, 2t, 183, 184 Aythya affinis, 70t, 121, 122–23, 157 americana, 7, 15, 90s, 117–18, 119 collaris, 35, 70t, 90s, 109, 117, 118–20, 121 fuligula, 120–1 marila, 49, 71t, 118, 121–22, 157, 592 valisineria, 116–17 Baeolophus bicolor, 1, 43, 44, 53s, 68t, 70t, 99, 60, 77, 425, 428–29 Bartramia longicauda, 16, 19s, 22, 47, 52, 68t, 150, 195–97, 199, 593 Bittern, American, 16, 48, 52, 91s, 306–7, 328, 595 Least, 15, 16, 48, 52, 307–8, 595 Blackbird, Brewer’s, 528 Red-winged, 45, 47, 49, 69t, 71t, 524–25, 526, 577 Rusty, 13, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 52, 54, 55, 58, 77, 526–28, 598 Yellow-headed, 517 Bluebird, Eastern, 36, 49, 53s, 68t, 70t, 446–47, 466 Mountain, 447 Bobolink, 19s, 21, 45, 47, 52, 69t, 501, 517–19, 597 Bobwhite, Northern, 2t, 144–45, 600 Bombycilla cedrorum, 49, 53s, 68t, 70t, 387, 464 garrulus, 70t, 463–64 Booby, Brown, 5s, 300 Bonasa umbellus, 55, 71t, 145, 147–48, 149, 150 Botaurus lentiginosus, 16, 48, 52, 91s, 306–7, 328, 595 Brant, 90s, 92–93 Branta bernicla, 90s, 92–93 canadensis, 43, 44, 49, 68t, 70t, 88, 89, 90s, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96–97, 126, 249 hutchinsii, 90s, 94–96, 97 leucopsis, 90s, 92, 93–94 Bubo scandiacus, 348–49, 352, 356s, 360, 595 virginianus, 70t, 225, 347–48, 355 Bubulcus ibis, 316 Bucephala albeola, 135–36, 137, 349 clangula, 47, 49, 71t, 136–38, 139, 140 islandica, 47, 71t, 137, 138–39, 592 Bufflehead, 135–36, 137, 349 Bunting, Indigo, 45, 77, 573, 574–75 Lark, 484, 488 Lazuli, 83s, 574 Painted, 40s, 575 Snow, 15, 70t, 481, 482, 483–84 629
Birds of Maine
Buteo albonotatus, 342 jamaicensis, 68t, 70t, 339, 341, 342–43, 348 lagopus, 327, 331, 343–44 lineatus, 77, 339–40, 344s platypterus, 43, 340–1, 344, 595 swainsoni, 341 Buteogallus urubitinga, 1, 5s, 327, 338 Butorides striata, 317 virescens, 69t, 91s, 317–18 Calamospiza melanocorys, 484, 488 Calcarius lapponicus, 481–83 ornatus, 483 pictus, 483 Calidris alba, 209–10, 211, 593 alpina, 209, 210–2, 221, 593 bairdii, 214 canutus, 52, 205–6, 593 ferruginea, 208–9 fuscicollis, 211, 216–17 himantopus, 207–8, 209 maritima, 52, 54, 77, 212–14, 593 mauri, 209, 221, 594 melanotos, 211, 217, 218–19, 594 minuta, 209 minutilla, 61s, 194, 215–16, 217, 593 pugnax, 207 pusilla, 52, 209, 219–21, 594 ruficollis 209 subruficollis, 217–18, 593 tenuirostris, 5s, 205 virgata, 206–7 Calonectris diomedea, 294 edwardsii, 294 Camptorhynchus labradorius, 44, 48, 54, 129, 600 Canvasback, 116–17 Capercaillie, 2t Caracara, Crested, 5s, 374 Caracara cheriway, 5s, 374 Cardellina canadensis, 47, 51, 52, 69t, 566–67, 598 pusilla, 69t, 491, 567–68 Cardinal, Northern, 1, 8, 10, 13, 43, 44, 49, 60, 68t, 70t, 568, 570–1 Cardinalis cardinalis, 1, 8, 10, 13, 43, 44, 49, 60, 68t, 70t, 568, 570–1 Catbird, Gray, 47, 68t, 458–59, 491 Cathartes aura, 43, 44, 60, 68t, 322, 323–25, 342 Catharus bicknelli, 1, 15, 51, 52, 55, 60, 450–2, 597 fuscescens, 46, 51t, 55, 69t, 448–49, 526, 596 guttatus, 43, 55, 453–54, 499, 551 minimus, 449–50 ustulatus, 59, 60, 450, 452–53, 597 Centronyx henslowii, 507, 597 Cepphus grylle, 23, 31, 58, 71t, 251–52 Certhia americana, 71t, 432–33, 561 Chaetura pelagica, 45, 52, 59, 69t, 168–69, 592 Chaffinch, Common, 468 Charadrius hiaticula, 191 melodus, 21, 48, 50, 52, 60, 61s, 63s, 192–94, 593 nivosus, 5s, 194 630
semipalmatus, 191–92 vociferus, 69t, 189–90, 593 wilsonia, 194 Chat, Yellow-breasted, 516–17 Chickadee, Black-capped, 36s, 43, 71t, 425–26, 434 Boreal, 11, 13, 46, 49, 55, 71t, 425, 426–28, 596 Chlidonias leucopterus, 275 niger, 15, 273–75, 594 Chondestes grammacus, 487 Chordeiles minor, 33s, 165–66, 167, 592 Chroicocephalus philadelphia, 7, 20s, 237, 257, 258–59, 260, 594 ridibundus, 20s, 259–60 Chuck-will’s-widow, 40s, 166–67 Chukar, 2t, 145 Circus hudsonius, 19s, 70t, 91s, 330–1, 342, 343, 344s Cistothorus palustris, 15, 437–38 platensis, 34, 433, 436–37, 596 Clangula hyemalis, 124, 134–35, 592 Coccothraustes vespertinus, 43, 44, 46, 49, 52, 53s, 60, 69t, 71t, 468–69, 597 Coccyzus americanus, 162–63, 592 erythropthalmus, 52, 69t, 162, 164, 491, 592 Colaptes auratus, 68t, 70t, 363, 373, 409, 596 Colibri thalassinus, 170 Colinus virginianus, 2t, 144–45, 600 Columba livia, 2t, 78s, 158–59, 333, 338, 349, 463 Condor, California, 5s Contopus cooperi, 13, 46, 52, 55, 69t, 387, 390, 596 sordidulus, 5s, 390 virens, 10, 46, 55, 69t, 387, 390–1, 596 Coot, American, 15, 91s, 180–2, 593 Coragyps atratus, 322, 323 Cormorant, Double-crested, 23, 35, 57s, 58, 70t, 301–3, 304, 328 Great, 11, 49, 71t, 302, 303–4, 335, 595 Corvus brachyrhynchos, 68t, 70t, 410–1 corax, 1, 43, 71t, 290, 301, 412 monedula, 409, 600 ossifragus, 44, 69t, 77, 411, 597 Coturnicops noveboracensis, 16, 52, 172–73, 593 Cowbird, Bronzed, 525 Brown-headed, 10, 13, 53s, 69t, 71t, 517, 525–26, 534 Shiny, 525 Crake, Corn, 83s, 173–74 Crane, Sandhill, 1, 7, 15, 44, 182–83, 249–50 Whooping, 5s, 182 Creeper, Brown, 71t, 432–33, 561 Crex crex, 83s, 173–74 Crossbill, Cassia, 476 Red, 476–77, 597 White-winged, 49, 71t, 476, 477–78, 597 Crow, American, 68t, 70t, 410–1 Fish, 44, 69t, 77, 411, 597 Cuckoo, Black-billed, 52, 69t, 162, 164, 491, 592 Yellow-billed, 162–63, 592 Curlew, Eskimo, 44, 52, 54, 199–200, 593 Long-billed, 2t, 200 Cyanocitta cristata, 71t, 333, 408–9 Cygnus buccinator, 99 columbianus, 99–100, 249
Bird Species Index
cygnus, 100–1 olor, 2t, 97–98, 101, 463 Daption capense, 292–93, 600 Dendrocygna autumnalis, 85 bicolor, 85–86 Dickcissel, 576–77 Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 19s, 21, 45, 47, 52, 69t, 501, 517–19, 597 Dove, Eurasian Collared-, 159 Mourning, 49, 68t, 70t, 161–62, 333 White-winged, 160–1 Dovekie, 71t, 243–45, 247 Dowitcher, Long-billed, 211, 223–24, 594 Short-billed, 52, 203, 221–23, 594 Dryocopus pileatus, 46, 68t, 373–74 Dryobates pubescens, 71t, 371–72 villosus, 46, 68t, 71t, 371, 372 Duck, American Black, 47, 61s, 90s, 111–12, 113 Black-bellied Whistling-, 85 Fulvous Whistling-, 85–86 Harlequin, 31, 70t, 78s, 126–29, 592 Labrador, 44, 48, 54, 129, 600 Long-tailed, 124, 134–35, 592 Ring-necked, 35, 70t, 90s, 109, 117, 118–20, 121 Ruddy, 70t, 90s, 133, 143–44 Tufted, 120–1 Wood, 45, 54, 90s, 101–3, 126, 137, 363 Dumetella carolinensis, 47, 68t, 458–59, 491 Dunlin, 209, 210–2, 221, 593 Eagle, Bald, 1, 3, 11, 23, 43, 45, 48, 50, 53s, 56, 57s, 68t, 70t, 87, 100, 125, 299, 302, 303–4, 308–9, 325, 327, 329, 335–37, 595 Golden, 328–29, 380, 595 Ectopistes migratorius, 3, 34, 44, 54, 158, 159–60, 188 Egret, Cattle, 316 Great, 311–12 Little, 5s, 312 Snowy, 7, 8, 20, 22, 312, 313–14, 315, 595 Egretta caerulea, 22, 314–15, 595 garzetta, 5s, 312 gularis, 312 thula, 7, 8, 20, 22, 312, 313–14, 315, 595 tricolor, 22, 315–16 Eider, Common, 23, 48, 49, 54, 57, 58, 93, 124–26, 129, 253, 348, 349, 592 King, 71t, 123–24 Steller’s, 123, 129 Elanoides forficatus, 327–28 Empidonax alnorum, 68t, 393, 394 flaviventris, 46, 391–92, 596 minimus, 46, 69t, 394–95, 596 traillii, 15, 68t, 393, 394 virescens, 392–93 Empidonomus varius, 383 Eremophila alpestris, 15, 47, 69t, 412–13, 416, 482, 483, 596 Eudocimus albus, 321 Euphagus carolinus, 13, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 52, 54, 55, 58, 77, 526–28, 598 cyanocephalus, 528 Falcipennis canadensis, 8, 11, 13, 16, 31, 46, 148–49, 150, 592 Falco columbarius, 1, 5s, 43, 44, 68t, 70t, 91s, 162, 374, 376–78, 537
peregrinus, 1, 3, 43, 50, 70t, 82s–83s, 91s, 162, 336, 374, 379–81, 596 rusticolus, 159, 378–79 sparverius, 15, 19s, 47, 49, 69t, 71t, 342, 344s, 374, 375–76, 377, 408, 596 Falcon, Peregrine, 1, 3, 43, 50, 70t, 82s–83s, 91s, 162, 336, 374, 379–81, 596 Ficedula hypoleuca, 60 Fieldfare, 5s, 456 Finch, Gray-crowned Rosy-, 471 House, 2t, 44, 70t, 471–73 Purple, 59, 68t, 472, 473–74, 481, 597 Flicker, Northern, 68t, 70t, 363, 373, 409, 596 Flycatcher, Acadian, 392–93 Alder, 68t, 393, 394 Ash-throated, 381–82 Fork-tailed, 5s, 386–87 Great Crested, 13, 382–83 Least, 46, 69t, 394–95, 596 Olive-sided, 13, 46, 52, 55, 69t, 387, 390, 596 Pied, 60 Scissor-tailed, 386 Variegated, 383 Vermilion, 1, 5s, 397 Willow, 15, 68t, 393, 394 Yellow-bellied, 46, 391–92, 596 Fratercula arctica, 1, 7, 8, 20, 23, 48, 50, 52, 54, 61–62, 62s, 248, 252–54, 297, 409, 594 cirrhata, 61, 254–55 Fregata ariel, 299 magnificens, 300 Frigatebird, Lesser, 299 Magnificent, 300 Fringilla coelebs, 468 Fulica americana, 15, 91s, 180–2, 593 Fulmar, Northern, 56, 292 Fulmarus glacialis, 56, 292 Gadwall, 7, 15, 90s, 106–7 Gallinago delicata, 68t, 226–27, 361 Gallinula chloropus, 179 galeata, 91s, 179–80, 593 Gallinule, Common, 91s, 179–80, 593 Purple, 179, 593 Gannet, Northern, 70t, 83s, 288, 300–1 Garganey, 103 Gavia adamsii, 287 immer, 7, 32, 45, 47, 49, 52, 58, 59, 63s, 66, 70t, 91s, 285, 286–87, 595 pacifica, 284, 285, 595 stellata, 52, 71t, 284–85, 349, 595 Gelochelidon nilotica, 272 Geothlypis formosa, 543–44 philadelphia, 60, 542–43, 598 tolmiei, 541–42 trichas, 47, 68t, 526, 544–45, 547, 561 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 44, 441–42 Godwit, Bar-tailed, 201 Hudsonian, 78s, 201–3, 593 Marbled, 203, 593 631
Birds of Maine
Goldeneye, Barrow’s, 47, 71t, 137, 138–39, 592 Common, 47, 49, 71t, 136–38, 139, 140 Goldfinch, American, 70t, 468, 480–1 Lesser, 480 Goose, Barnacle, 90s, 92, 93–94 Cackling, 90s, 94–96, 97 Canada, 43, 44, 49, 68t, 70t, 88, 89, 90s, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96–97, 126, 249 Greater White-fronted, 89, 90s, 91, 92 Greylag, 89 Pink-footed, 5s, 90s, 91–92 Ross’s, 88 Snow, 86–88, 90s, 92 Goshawk, Northern, 71t, 162, 334–35 Grackle, Boat-tailed, 32, 529, 600 Common, 45, 47, 49, 52, 54, 69t, 71t, 345, 525, 528–29, 577, 598 Great-tailed, 529, 600 Grebe, Clark’s, 158 Eared, 157 Horned, 49, 52, 71t, 154–55, 156, 157, 592 Pied-billed, 48, 52, 91s, 152–54, 349, 592 Red-necked, 52, 154, 155–57, 592 Western, 158 Grosbeak, Black-headed, 83s, 572, 573 Blue, 573–74 Evening, 43, 44, 46, 49, 52, 53s, 60, 69t, 71t, 468–69, 597 Pine, 8, 46, 71t, 456, 469–71, 597 Rose-breasted, 51t, 68t, 501, 572, 598 Grouse, Black, 2t Ruffed, 55, 71t, 145, 147–48, 149, 150 Spruce, 8, 11, 13, 16, 31, 46, 148–49, 150, 592 Guillemot, Black, 23, 31, 58, 71t, 251–52 Gull, Black-headed, 20s, 259–60 Bonaparte’s, 7, 20s, 237, 257, 258–59, 260, 594 Franklin’s, 262 Glaucous, 49, 71t, 265, 268–69 Great Black-backed, 43, 48, 49, 54, 57s, 69t, 125, 269–70, 288, 290, 597 Herring, 43, 48, 49, 54, 57s, 69t, 71t, 261, 264–65, 266, 268, 269, 277, 290, 348 Iceland, 265–66, 268 Ivory, 256–57 Laughing, 48, 260–61, 296, 594 Lesser Black-backed, 266–67 Little, 20s, 260 Mew, 262 Ring-billed, 49, 57s, 68t, 70t, 262, 263–64 Sabine’s, 20s, 257–58 Slaty-backed, 5s, 267 Gyrfalcon, 159, 378–79 Haematopus palliatus, 2t, 48, 185–86, 593 Haemorhous mexicanus, 2t, 44, 70t, 471–73 purpureus, 59, 68t, 472, 473–74, 481, 597 Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 1, 3, 11, 23, 43, 45, 48, 50, 53s, 56, 57s, 68t, 70t, 87, 100, 125, 299, 302, 303–4, 308–9, 325, 327, 329, 335–37, 595 Harrier, Northern, 19s, 70t, 91s, 330–1, 342, 343, 344s
632
Hawk, Broad-winged, 43, 340–1, 344, 595 Cooper’s, 70t, 77, 162, 333–34, 338, 385, 595 Great Black, 1, 5s, 327, 338 Red-shouldered, 77, 339–40, 344s Red-tailed, 68t, 70t, 339, 341, 342–43, 348 Rough-legged, 327, 331, 343–44 Sharp-shinned, 162, 331–33 Swainson’s, 341 Zone-tailed, 342 Helmitheros vermivorum, 530–1 Hen, Heath. See Prairie-Chicken, Greater Heron, Black-crowned Night-, 47, 318–20, 595 Great Blue, 45, 47, 57s, 69t, 78s, 182, 249, 308–11, 328, 335, 348, 595 Green, 69t, 91s, 317–18 Little Blue, 22, 314–15, 595 Striated, 317 Tricolored, 22, 315–16 Western Reef-, 312 Yellow-crowned Night-, 320 Himantopus mexicanus, 2t, 183–84 Hirundo rustica, 43, 57s, 69t, 422–23, 596 Histrionicus histrionicus, 31, 70t, 78s, 126–29, 592 Hummingbird, Allen’s, 171 Calliope, 172 Ruby-throated, 170–1, 442 Rufous, 171–72 Hydrobates castro, 290, 291–92, 600 leucorhoa, 16, 29, 37, 52, 61, 290–1, 595 Hydrocoloeus minutus, 20s, 260 Hydroprogne caspia, 273 Hylocichla mustelina, 10, 46, 52, 69t, 454–55, 597 Ibis, Glossy, 22, 61s, 321–22 White, 321 White-faced, 5s, 321, 322 Icteria virens, 516–17 Icterus galbula, 47, 55, 69t, 522, 523–24, 595 bullockii, 522, 523 spurius, 1, 21, 520–2, 597 Ictinia mississippiensis, 338 Ixobrychus exilis, 15, 16, 48, 52, 307–8, 595 Ixoreus naevius, 457–58 Jackdaw, Eurasian, 409, 600 Jaeger, Long-tailed, 242, 243 Parasitic, 242, 243 Pomarine, 241–42, 243 Jay, Blue, 71t, 333, 408–9 Canada, 11, 13, 31, 46, 49, 71t, 407–8, 596 Junco, Dark-eyed, 47, 49, 60, 68t, 71t, 495–96, 499 Junco hyemalis, 47, 49, 60, 68t, 71t, 495–96, 499 Kestrel, American, 15, 19s, 47, 49, 69t, 71t, 342, 344s, 374, 375–76, 377, 408, 596 Killdeer, 69t, 189–90, 593 Kingbird, Eastern, 31, 43, 69t, 384–85, 386, 387, 596 Gray, 385–86 Tropical, 383 Western, 383–84 Kingfisher, Belted, 11, 45, 343, 364–65, 419, 595 Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 71t, 83s, 442–44 Ruby-crowned, 69t, 83s, 442, 444–45, 526, 551, 596
Bird Species Index
Kite, Mississippi, 338 Swallow-tailed, 327–28 Kittiwake, Black-legged, 52, 255–56, 594 Knot, Great, 5s, 205 Red, 52, 205–6, 593 Lagopus lagopus, 149–50 Lanius borealis, 71t, 342, 397, 399, 474 excubitor, 399 ludovicianus, 44, 397–99, 596 Lapwing, Northern, 186 Lark, Horned, 15, 47, 69t, 412–13, 416, 482, 483, 596 Larus argentatus, 43, 48, 49, 54, 57s, 69t, 71t, 261, 264–65, 266, 268, 269, 277, 290, 348 canus, 262 delawarensis, 49, 57s, 68t, 70t, 262, 263–64 fuscus, 266–67 glaucoides, 265–66, 268 hyperboreus, 49, 71t, 265, 268–69 marinus, 43, 48, 49, 54, 57s, 69t, 125, 269–70, 288, 290, 597 schistisagus, 5s, 267 Leiothlypis celata, 539 peregrina, 11, 13, 69t, 538, 598 ruficapilla, 47, 60, 69t, 539, 540 virginiae, 83s, 540–1 Leucophaeus atricilla, 48, 260–61, 296, 594 pipixcan, 262 Leucosticte tephrocotis, 471 Limnodromus griseus, 52, 203, 221–23, 594 scolopaceus, 211, 223–24, 594 Limnothlypis swainsonii, 537–38 Limosa fedoa, 203, 593 haemastica, 78s, 201–3, 593 lapponica, 201 Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 483 Lapland, 481–83 Smith’s, 483 Loon, Arctic, 284, 285 Common, 7, 32, 45, 47, 49, 52, 58, 59, 63s, 66, 70t, 91s, 285, 286–87, 595 Pacific, 284, 285, 595 Red-throated, 52, 71t, 284–85, 349, 595 Yellow-billed, 287 Lophodytes cucullatus, 49, 68t, 70t, 139–41, 143 Loxia curvirostra, 476–77, 597 leucoptera, 49, 71t, 476, 477–78, 597 Magpie, Black-billed, 409, 600 Mallard, 2t, 49, 68t, 70t, 85, 90s, 105, 108, 110–1, 113, 114, 126 Mareca americana, 15, 70t, 90s, 108–10 penelope, 90s, 108 strepera, 7, 15, 90s, 106–7 Martin, Purple, 10, 45, 69t, 420–2, 596 Meadowlark, Eastern, 19s, 45, 47, 52, 69t, 151, 375, 496, 501, 519–20, 597 Western, 520 Megaceryle alcyon, 11, 45, 343, 364–65, 419, 595 Megascops asio, 346–47, 595 Melanerpes carolinus, 43, 44, 53s, 60, 68t, 70t, 366–67 erythrocephalus, 365–66
Melanitta americana, 34, 70t, 130, 132–34, 143, 347, 592 deglandi, 123, 130, 131–32, 133 perspicillata, 129–31, 132, 133 Meleagris gallopavo, 1, 43, 44, 49–50, 53s, 54, 68t, 70t, 151–52 Melospiza georgiana, 491, 512–13 lincolnii, 31–32, 60, 491, 511–12, 597 melodia, 47, 68t, 499, 510–11, 512, 526 Merganser, Common, 45, 57s, 137, 138, 141–42, 143, 328 Hooded, 49, 68t, 70t, 139–41, 143 Red-breasted, 142–43 Mergus merganser, 45, 57s, 137, 138, 141–42, 143, 328 serrator, 142–43 Merlin, 1, 5s, 43, 44, 68t, 70t, 91s, 162, 374, 376–78, 537 Mimus polyglottos, 1, 10, 13, 44, 77, 458, 461–62 Mniotilta varia, 51t, 68t, 83s, 536, 561, 598 Mockingbird, Northern, 1, 10, 13, 44, 77, 458, 461–62 Molothrus aeneus, 525 ater, 10, 13, 53s, 69t, 71t, 517, 525–26, 534 bonariensis, 525 Moorhen, Common, 179 Morus bassanus, 70t, 83s, 288, 300–1 Murre, Common, 23, 245–46, 594 Thick-billed, 246–47 Murrelet, Ancient, 5s, 252 Myadestes townsendi, 448 Mycteria americana, 298–99 Myiarchus cinerascens, 381–82 crinitus, 13, 382–83 Myiopsitta monachus, 2t, 381, 600 Nighthawk, Common, 33s, 165–66, 167, 592 Numenius americanus, 2t, 200 borealis, 44, 52, 54, 199–200, 593 phaeopus, 19s, 54, 78s, 197–99, 593 Nuthatch, Red-breasted, 60, 68t, 71t, 83s, 429–31 White-breasted, 46, 68t, 71t, 429, 431 Nyctanassa violacea, 320 Nycticorax nycticorax, 47, 318–20, 595 Oceanites oceanicus, 289–90, 291 Oenanthe oenanthe, 445–46 Onychoprion anaethetus, 271 fuscatus, 270–1 Oporornis agilis, 541 Oreoscoptes montanus, 458, 461 Oriole, Baltimore, 47, 55, 69t, 522, 523–24, 595 Bullock’s, 522, 523 Orchard, 1, 21, 520–2, 597 Osprey, 1, 11, 23, 43, 45, 48, 56, 57s, 68t, 325–27, 335, 344s, 348, 397 Ovenbird, 51t, 55, 68t, 406, 526, 529–30, 533, 547, 561, 565 Owl, Barn, 345–46, 595 Barred, 10, 70t, 348, 354–55 Boreal, 356s, 360–2 Burrowing, 19s, 346, 354 Eastern Screech-, 346–47, 595 Great Gray, 353, 355, 356s, 357 Great Horned, 70t, 225, 347–48, 355 Long-eared, 52, 357–59, 595 Northern Hawk, 353, 356s, 360 Northern Saw-whet, 355, 356s, 358, 361, 362–64 633
Birds of Maine
Short-eared, 19s, 91s, 345, 346, 358, 359–60, 595 Snowy, 348–49, 352, 356s, 360, 595 Spotted, 355 Oxyura jamaicensis, 70t, 90s, 133, 143–44 Oystercatcher, American, 2t, 48, 185–86, 593 Pagophila eburnea, 256–57 Pandion haliaetus, 1, 11, 23, 43, 45, 48, 56, 57s, 68t, 325–27, 335, 344s, 348, 397 Parakeet, Carolina, 381 Monk, 2t, 381, 600 Parkesia motacilla, 1, 56, 531–32, 598 noveboracensis, 47, 68t, 532–33 Partridge, Gray, 2t, 145–46, 600 Red-legged, 2t Parula, Northern, 51, 68t, 83s, 549–50, 598 Passer domesticus, 2t, 45, 53s, 59, 69t, 71t, 158, 333, 434, 463, 466, 525 Passerculus sandwichensis, 45, 47, 53s, 68t, 70t, 79s, 83s, 491, 496, 501, 507–10, 551 sandwichensis princeps, 79s, 507, 508–9 Passerella iliaca, 1, 8, 43, 44, 71t, 492–94, 597 Passerina amoena, 83s, 574 caerulea, 573–74 ciris, 40s, 575 cyanea, 45, 77, 573, 574–75 Patagioenas fasciata, 159 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 305 occidentalis, 5s, 305 onocrotalus, 305 Pelican, American White, 305 Brown, 5s, 305 Great White, 305 Perdix perdix, 2t, 145–46, 600 Perisoreus canadensis, 11, 13, 31, 46, 49, 71t, 407–8, 596 Petrel, Black-capped, 600 Cape, 292–93, 600 Trindade, 293 White-chinned, 293–94 Petrochelidon fulva, 424–25 pyrrhonota, 10, 69t, 417, 423–24, 596 Peucaea cassinii, 484 Pewee, Eastern Wood-, 10, 46, 55, 69t, 387, 390–1, 596 Western Wood-, 5s, 390 Phaethon aethereus, 5s, 284 lepturus, 283 Phalacrocorax auritus, 23, 35, 57s, 58, 70t, 301–3, 304, 328 carbo, 11, 49, 71t, 302, 303–4, 335, 595 Phalarope, Red, 239–40, 594 Red-necked, 3, 20s, 31, 45, 49, 52, 79s, 236–38, 240, 259, 380, 594 Wilson’s, 235–36 Phalaropus fulicarius, 239–40, 594 lobatus, 3, 20s, 31, 45, 49, 52, 79s, 236–38, 240, 259, 380, 594 tricolor, 235–36 Phasianus colchicus, 2t, 71t, 146–47 Pheasant, Ring-necked, 2t, 71t, 146–47 Pheucticus ludovicianus, 51t, 68t, 501, 572, 598 melanocephalus, 83s, 572, 573
634
Phoebe, Eastern, 57s, 391, 396, 400, 526 Say’s, 396–97 Pica hudsonia, 409, 600 Picoides arcticus, 13, 46, 368, 369, 370–1, 596 dorsalis, 13, 46, 368–69, 596 Pigeon, Band-tailed, 159 Passenger, 3, 34, 44, 54, 158, 159–60, 188 Rock, 2t, 78s, 158–59, 333, 338, 349, 463 Pinguinus impennis, 3, 44, 48, 54, 182, 243, 249–50 Pinicola enucleator, 8, 46, 71t, 456, 469–71, 597 Pintail, Northern, 86, 90s, 112–14 Pipilo chlorurus, 513 erythrophthalmus, 10, 19s, 47, 69t, 77, 514–15, 597 maculatus, 513–14 Pipit, American, 15, 466–67, 597 Piranga ludoviciana 570 olivacea, 46, 55, 569–70, 598 rubra, 40s, 568 Platalea ajaja, 5s, 321, 322 Plectrophenax nivalis, 15, 70t, 481, 482, 483–84 Plegadis chihi, 5s, 321, 322 falcinellus, 22, 61s, 321–22 Plover, American Golden-, 52, 54, 188–89, 211, 217, 593 Black-bellied, 52, 186–88, 593 Common Ringed, 191 European Golden-, 188 Pacific Golden-, 189 Piping, 21, 48, 50, 52, 60, 61s, 63s, 192–94, 593 Semipalmated, 191–92 Snowy, 5s, 194 Wilson’s, 194 Pluvialis apricaria, 188 dominica, 52, 54, 188–89, 211, 217, 593 fulva, 189 squatarola, 52, 186–88, 593 Podiceps auritus, 49, 52, 71t, 154–55, 156, 157, 592 grisegena, 52, 154, 155–57, 592 nigricollis, 157 Podilymbus podiceps, 48, 52, 91s, 152–54, 349, 592 Poecile atricapillus, 36s, 43, 71t, 425–26, 434 hudsonicus, 11, 13, 46, 49, 55, 71t, 425, 426–28, 596 Polioptila caerulea, 44, 441–42 Polysticta stelleri, 123, 129 Pooecetes gramineus, 16, 19s, 22, 47, 69t, 77, 151, 496, 500–2 Porphyrio martinica, 179, 593 Porzana carolina, 16, 48, 52, 173, 176, 177–79, 593 Prairie-Chicken, Greater, 2t, 35, 54, 150–1, 600 Procellaria aequinoctialis, 293–94 Progne subis, 10, 45, 69t, 420–2, 596 Protonotaria citrea, 537 Ptarmigan, Willow, 149–50 Pterodroma arminjoniana, 293 hasitata, 600 Puffin, Atlantic, 1, 7, 8, 20, 23, 48, 50, 52, 54, 61–62, 62s, 248, 252–54, 297, 409, 594 Tufted, 61, 254–55 Puffinus baroli, 298 lherminieri, 297–98, 600 puffinus, 29, 293, 296–97, 298 Pyrocephalus rubinus, 1, 5s, 397
Bird Species Index
Quail, European Migratory, 2t Quiscalus major, 32, 529, 600 mexicanus, 529, 600 quiscula, 45, 47, 49, 52, 54, 69t, 71t, 345, 525, 528–29, 577, 598 Rail, Clapper, 174 King, 52, 174, 175–76, 593 Virginia, 16, 48, 52, 173, 175, 176–77, 178 Yellow, 16, 52, 172–73, 593 Rallus crepitans, 174 elegans, 52, 174, 175–76, 593 limicola, 16, 48, 52, 173, 175, 176–77, 178 Raven, Common, 1, 43, 71t, 290, 301, 412 Razorbill, 1, 16, 23, 48, 54, 70t, 244, 247–248, 250, 594 Recurvirostra americana, 2t, 183, 184 Redhead, 7, 15, 90s, 117–18, 119 Redpoll, Common, 474–75, 481 Hoary, 475–76 Lesser, 475 Redstart, American, 46, 47, 51t, 69t, 83s, 546–47, 550, 561, 565, 598 Regulus calendula, 69t, 83s, 442, 444–45, 526, 551, 596 satrapa, 71t, 83s, 442–44 Riparia riparia, 43, 45, 69t, 416–17, 596 Rissa tridactyla, 52, 255–56, 594 Roadrunner, Greater, 162 Robin, American, 53s, 68t, 70t, 291, 410, 446, 456–57 Ruff, 207 Rynchops niger, 255, 282–83 Salpinctes obsoletus, 433 Sanderling, 209–10, 211, 593 Sandpiper, Baird’s, 214 Buff-breasted, 217–18, 593 Curlew, 208–9 Least, 61s, 194, 215–16, 217, 593 Pectoral, 211, 217, 218–19, 594 Purple, 52, 54, 77, 212–14, 593 Semipalmated, 52, 209, 219–21, 594 Solitary, 229–30, 291, 594 Spotted, 45, 47, 69t, 227–29 Stilt, 207–8, 209 Upland, 16, 19s, 22, 47, 52, 68t, 150, 195–97, 199, 593 Western, 209, 221, 594 White-rumped, 211, 216–17 Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 51, 55, 60, 68t, 170, 171, 367–68 Sayornis phoebe, 57s, 391, 396, 400, 526 saya, 396–97 Scaup, Greater, 49, 71t, 118, 121–22, 157, 592 Lesser, 70t, 121, 122–23, 157 Scolopax minor, 16, 35, 52, 78s, 224–26, 594 Scoter, Black, 34, 70t, 130, 132–34, 143, 347, 592 Surf, 129–31, 132, 133 White-winged, 123, 130, 131–32, 133 Seiurus aurocapilla, 51t, 55, 68t, 406, 526, 529–30, 533, 547, 561, 565 Selasphorus calliope, 172 rufus, 171–72 Setophaga americana, 51, 68t, 83s, 549–50, 598 caerulescens, 46, 51, 55, 556–57 castanea, 11, 13, 46, 55, 551–52, 598 cerulea, 40s, 548–49
citrina, 545–46 coronata, 57s, 60, 68t, 71t, 363, 549, 560–1 discolor, 1, 19s, 22, 44, 47, 60, 562–63, 598 dominica, 561–62 fusca, 51, 55, 56, 60, 552–53, 565, 598 kirtlandii, 547 magnolia, 68t, 83s, 525, 550–1 nigrescens, 563–64 occidentalis, 564–65 palmarum, 57s, 363, 551, 554, 558–59 pensylvanica, 47, 51t, 68t, 526, 554–55, 561, 598 petechia, 47, 69t, 526, 553–54, 598 pinus, 10, 44, 46, 55, 60, 68t, 526, 559–60 ruticilla, 46, 47, 51t, 69t, 83s, 546–47, 550, 561, 565, 598 striata, 15, 52, 60, 69t, 555–56, 563, 598 tigrina, 11, 46, 52, 55, 69t, 547–48, 598 townsendi, 564 virens, 56, 526, 565–66, 598 Shearwater, Audubon’s, 297–98, 600 Barolo, 298 Cape Verde, 294 Cory’s, 294 Great, 29, 56, 78s, 289, 295–96, 298, 595 Manx, 29, 293, 296–97, 298 Sooty, 29, 56, 289, 294, 595 Shoveler, Northern, 15, 90s, 105–6 Shrike, Great Grey, 399 Loggerhead, 44, 397–99, 596 Northern, 71t, 342, 397, 399, 474 Sialia currucoides, 447 sialis, 36, 49, 53s, 68t, 70t, 446–47, 466 Sitta canadensis, 60, 68t, 71t, 83s, 429–31 carolinensis, 46, 68t, 71t, 429, 431 Siskin, Eurasian, 478–79 Pine, 475, 478, 479, 481 Skimmer, Black, 255, 282–83 Skua, Great, 240–1 South Polar, 240, 241 Smew, 137 Snipe, Wilson’s, 68t, 226–27, 361 Solitaire, Townsend’s, 448 Somateria mollissima, 23, 48, 49, 54, 57, 58, 93, 124–26, 129, 253, 348, 349, 592 spectabilis, 71t, 123–24 Sora, 16, 48, 52, 173, 176, 177–79, 593 Sparrow, American Tree, 71t, 494–95 Black-throated, 487 Brewer’s, 83s, 492 Cassin’s, 484 Chipping, 488–89, 491 Clay-colored, 82s, 489–90 Field, 10, 19s, 45, 47, 77, 490–1 Fox, 1, 8, 43, 44, 71t, 492–94, 597 Golden-crowned, 498 Grasshopper, 19s, 22, 47, 51, 77, 150–1, 485–87, 496, 597 Harris’s, 498–99 Henslow’s, 507, 597 House, 2t, 45, 53s, 59, 69t, 71t, 158, 333, 434, 463, 466, 525 “Ipswich” Savannah, 79s, 507, 508–9 635
Birds of Maine
Lark, 487 LeConte’s, 502 Lincoln’s, 31–32, 60, 491, 511–12, 597 Nelson’s, 54, 56, 60, 61s, 503–5, 506, 597 Saltmarsh, 21, 52, 54, 56, 60, 61, 504, 505–6, 597 Savannah, 45, 47, 53s, 68t, 70t, 79s, 83s, 491, 496, 501, 507–10, 551 Seaside, 503, 506, 597 Song, 47, 68t, 499, 510–11, 512, 526 Swamp, 491, 512–13 Vesper, 16, 19s, 22, 47, 69t, 77, 151, 496, 500–2 White-crowned, 496–98, 499 White-throated, 47, 60, 69t, 363, 499–500, 597 Spatula clypeata, 15, 90s, 105–6 cyanoptera, 104 discors, 90s, 103–4, 110 querquedula, 103 Sphyrapicus varius, 51, 55, 60, 68t, 170, 171, 367–68 Spinus pinus, 475, 478, 479, 481 psaltria, 480 spinus, 478–79 tristis, 70t, 468, 480–1 Spiza americana, 576–77 Spizella breweri, 83s, 492 pallida, 82s, 489–90 passerina, 488–89, 491 pusilla, 10, 19s, 45, 47, 77, 490–1 Spizelloides arborea, 71t, 494–95 Spoonbill, Roseate, 5s, 321, 322 Starling, European, 2t, 10, 13, 59, 69t, 333, 349, 462–63, 525 Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 15, 77, 419–20, 596 Stercorarius longicaudus, 242, 243 maccormicki, 240, 241 parasiticus, 242, 243 pomarinus, 241–42, 243 skua, 240–1 Sterna dougallii, 23, 48, 52, 275–76, 277, 278, 594 forsteri, 279 hirundo, 35, 48, 50, 275, 276–77, 278, 594 paradisaea, 23, 48, 79s, 254, 275, 276, 277–79, 594 Sternula antillarum, 21, 48, 50, 59, 60, 61s, 63s, 271–72, 594 Stilt, Black-necked, 2t, 183–84 Stint, Little, 209 Red-necked, 209 Stork, Wood, 298–99 Storm-Petrel, Band-rumped, 290, 291–92, 600 Leach’s, 16, 29, 37, 52, 61, 290–1, 595 Wilson’s, 289–90, 291 Streptopelia decaocto, 159 Strix nebulosa, 353, 355, 356s, 357 occidentalis, 355 varia, 10, 70t, 348, 354–55 Sturnella magna, 19s, 45, 47, 52, 69t, 151, 375, 496, 501, 519–20, 597 neglecta, 520 Sturnus vulgaris, 2t, 10, 13, 59, 69t, 333, 349, 462–63, 525 Sula leucogaster, 300 Surfbird, 206–7 Surnia ulula, 353, 356s, 360 Swallow, Bank, 43, 45, 69t, 416–17, 596 636
Barn, 43, 57s, 69t, 422–23, 596 Cave, 424–25 Cliff, 10, 69t, 417, 423–24, 596 Northern Rough-winged, 15, 77, 419–20, 596 Tree, 45, 57s, 69t, 417, 418–19, 420, 424, 596 Violet-green, 5s, 419 Swan, Mute, 2t, 97–98, 101, 463 Trumpeter, 99 Tundra, 99–100, 249 Whooper, 100–1 Swift, Chimney, 45, 52, 59, 69t, 168–69, 592 Synthliboramphus antiquus, 5s, 252 Tachycineta bicolor, 45, 57s, 69t, 417, 418–19, 420, 424, 596 thalassina, 5s, 419 Tanager, Scarlet, 46, 55, 569–70, 598 Summer, 40s, 568 Western, 570 Tattler, Gray-tailed, 5s, 230 Teal, Blue-winged, 90s, 103–4, 110 Cinnamon; 104 “Eurasian” Green-winged, 90s, 116 Green-winged, 70t, 85, 90s, 104, 114–16 Tern, Arctic, 23, 48, 79s, 254, 275, 276, 277–79, 594 Black, 15, 273–75, 594 Bridled, 271 Caspian, 273 Common, 35, 48, 50, 275, 276–77, 278, 594 Forster’s, 279 Gull-billed, 272 Least, 21, 48, 50, 59, 60, 61s, 63s, 271–72, 594 Roseate, 23, 48, 52, 275–76, 277, 278, 594 Royal, 272, 279, 282 Sandwich, 282 Sooty, 270–1 White-winged, 275 Thalassarche chlororhynchos, 288 melanophris, 288–89 Thalasseus maximus, 272, 279, 282 sandvicensis, 282 Thrasher, Brown, 10, 45, 47, 69t, 394, 458, 459–61, 491, 597 Sage, 458, 461 Thrush, Bicknell’s, 1, 15, 51, 52, 55, 60, 450–2, 597 Gray-cheeked, 449–50 Hermit, 43, 55, 453–54, 499, 551 Swainson’s, 59, 60, 450, 452–53, 597 Varied, 457–58 Wood, 10, 46, 52, 69t, 454–55, 597 Thryomanes bewickii, 440–1, 600 Thryothorus ludovicianus, 43, 44, 53s, 60, 68t, 70t, 433, 438–40 Titmouse, Tufted, 1, 43, 44, 53s, 68t, 70t, 99, 60, 77, 425, 428–29 Towhee, Eastern, 10, 19s, 47, 69t, 77, 514–15, 597 Green-tailed, 513 Spotted, 513–14 Toxostoma rufum, 10, 45, 47, 69t, 394, 458, 459–61, 491, 597 Tringa brevipes, 5s, 230 flavipes, 52, 230–31, 594 melanoleuca, 211, 234–35, 594 semipalmata, 48, 52, 61s, 79s, 231–33, 594 solitaria, 229–30, 291, 594
Bird Species Index
Troglodytes aedon, 77, 433–34 hiemalis, 31, 435–36 pacificus, 435 troglodytes, 433, 435 Tropicbird, Red-billed, 5s, 284 White-tailed, 283 Turdus migratorius, 53s, 68t, 70t, 291, 410, 446, 456–57 pilaris, 5s, 456 Turkey, Wild, 1, 43, 44, 49–50, 53s, 54, 68t, 70t, 151–52 Turnstone, Ruddy, 203–5, 206, 593 Tympanuchus cupido cupido, 35, 54, 150–1, 600 Tyrannus dominicensis, 385–86 forficatus, 386 melancholicus, 383 savana, 5s, 386–87 tyrannus, 31, 43, 69t, 384–85, 386, 387, 596 verticalis, 383–84 Tyto alba, 345–46, 595 Uria aalge, 23, 245–46, 594 lomvia, 246–47 Vanellus vanellus, 186 Veery, 46, 51t, 55, 69t, 448–49, 526, 596 Vermivora chrysoptera, 533–34 cyanoptera, 21, 533, 534–35, 598 Violetear, Mexican, 170 Vireo, Bell’s, 83s, 401 Blue-headed, 51, 56, 68t, 402, 403–4, 406 Cassin’s, 5s, 402 Philadelphia, 13, 68t, 404–5 Plumbeous, 402, 404 Red-eyed, 59, 68t, 403, 404, 405, 406–7, 526 Warbling, 55, 405–6 White-eyed, 400–1 Yellow-throated, 15, 51, 401–2 Vireo bellii, 83s, 401 cassinii, 5s, 402 flavifrons, 15, 51, 401–2 gilvus, 55, 405–6 griseus, 400–1 olivaceus, 59, 68t, 403, 404, 405, 406–7, 526 philadelphicus, 13, 68t, 404–5 plumbeus, 402, 404 solitarius, 51, 56, 68t, 402, 403–4, 406 Vulture, Black, 322, 323 Turkey, 43, 44, 60, 68t, 322, 323–25, 342 Warbler, Bay-breasted, 11, 13, 46, 55, 551–52, 598 Black-and-white, 51t, 68t, 83s, 536, 561, 598 Blackburnian, 51, 55, 56, 60, 552–53, 565, 598 Blackpoll, 15, 52, 60, 69t, 555–56, 563, 598 Black-throated Blue, 46, 51, 55, 556–57 Black-throated Gray, 563–64 Black-throated Green, 56, 526, 565–66, 598 Blue-winged, 21, 533, 534–35, 598 Canada, 47, 51, 52, 69t, 566–67, 598 Cape May, 11, 46, 52, 55, 69t, 547–48, 598 Cerulean, 40s, 548–49 Chestnut-sided, 47, 51t, 68t, 526, 554–55, 561, 598 Connecticut, 541 Golden-winged, 533–34 Hermit, 564–65
Hooded, 545–46 Kentucky, 543–44 Kirtland’s, 547 MacGillivray’s, 541–42 Magnolia, 68t, 83s, 525, 550–1 Mourning, 60, 542–43, 598 Nashville, 47, 60, 69t, 539, 540 Orange-crowned, 539 Palm, 57s, 363, 551, 554, 558–59 Pine, 10, 44, 46, 55, 60, 68t, 526, 559–60 Prairie, 1, 19s, 22, 44, 47, 60, 562–63, 598 Prothonotary, 537 Swainson’s, 537–38 Tennessee, 11, 13, 69t, 538, 598 Townsend’s, 564 Virginia’s, 83s, 540–1 Wilson’s, 69t, 491, 567–68 Worm-eating, 530–1 Yellow, 47, 69t, 526, 553–54, 598 Yellow-rumped, 57s, 60, 68t, 71t, 363, 549, 560–1 Yellow-throated, 561–62 Waterthrush, Louisiana, 1, 56, 531–32, 598 Northern, 47, 68t, 532–33 Waxwing, Bohemian, 70t, 463–64 Cedar, 49, 53s, 68t, 70t, 387, 464 Wheatear, Northern, 445–46 Whimbrel, 19s, 54, 78s, 197–99, 593 Whip-poor-will, Eastern, 45, 52, 69t, 167–68, 592 Wigeon, American, 15, 70t, 90s, 108–10 Eurasian, 90s, 108 Willet, 48, 52, 61s, 79s, 231–33, 594 Woodcock, American, 16, 35, 52, 78s, 224–26, 594 Woodpecker, American Three-toed, 13, 46, 368–69, 596 Black-backed, 13, 46, 368, 369, 370–1, 596 Downy, 71t, 371–72 Hairy, 46, 68t, 71t, 371, 372 Pileated, 46, 68t, 373–74 Red-bellied, 43, 44, 53s, 60, 68t, 70t, 366–67 Red-headed, 365–66 Wren, Bewick’s, 440–1, 600 Carolina, 43, 44, 53s, 60, 68t, 70t, 433, 438–40 Eurasian, 433, 435 House, 77, 433–34 Marsh, 15, 437–38 Pacific, 435 Rock, 433 Sedge, 34, 433, 436–37, 596 Winter, 31, 435–36 Wrentit, 34 Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 517 Xema sabini, 20s, 257–58 Yellowlegs, Greater, 211, 234–35, 594 Lesser, 52, 230–31, 594 Yellowthroat, Common, 47, 68t, 526, 544–45, 547, 561 Zenaida asiatica, 160–1 macroura, 49, 68t, 70t, 161–62, 333 Zonotrichia albicollis, 47, 60, 69t, 363, 499–500, 597 atricapilla, 498 leucophrys, 496–98, 499 querula, 498–99 637
Subject Index Notes: Page numbers followed by “s” refer to text sidebars. Page numbers followed by “t” refer to tables. For individual bird species (English and scientific names), see the Species Index. General bird groups are listed under “birds” in this index. Topics are listed only to entries in chapters, sidebars and tables, with the exception of those topics marked by an *, which were also indexed to references in species accounts. Municipalities are listed only when there are multiple references in chapters.
Abenaki, 8 Acadia National Park, 62s, 63, 72t, 344s Adamus, Paul, 39 Adirondack Mountains, 11 agriculture, 8, 10, 45, 46, 50, 59, 67, 90s Allagash River, 13, 32 Allen, Arthur, 35 Allen, Clarence, 39s American Birding Association, 75 American Ornithological Society, 34, 75 American Ornithologists’ Union, 34, 35 American Rivers, 57s Androscoggin River, 15 Antarctica, 79s Appalachian Mountains, 7, 11, 15, 44, 344s Appalachian Trail, 63s Appledore Island, 37, 39s, 40s Appledore Island Migration Station, 40s Arctic, 3, 49, 79s, 356s Aroostook County, 8, 10, 11, 13, 33s, 43, 46, 49, 64, 90s Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, 62s Aroostook State Park, 63 Atlantic Coast, 3, 20s Atlantic Coastal Plain, 12 Atlantic Salmon Federation, 57s Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maine, 39, 44, 73t, 77 Auburn, 38s *Audubon, John James, 31–32, 93, 95, 96, 129, 150, 185, 254–55, 263, 301, 310, 349, 407, 470, 477, 485, 511, 539, 554 Audubon Naturalist Council, 37 Audubon societies, 34, 38s, 63s Augusta, 35, 38s, 57s Augusta Nature Club, 38s Auk, 36s Baird, Spencer Fullerton, 32 Ball, Rev. Dwight, 38s 638
Ball Bird Club. See Augusta Nature Club Bangor, 10, 32, 36s Bangor Bird Conservation Club. See Bangor Nature Club Bangor Mall, 46 Bangor Nature Club, 38s Banks Island, 356s Bates College, 38s Baxter, Percival, 38s Baxter State Park, 63, 72t Baxter State Park Authority, 63s Bay of Fundy, 8, 16, 20s, 23 Belgrade, 35, 44 Bent, Arthur Cleveland, 32, 36s Biodiversity Research Institute, 63s bird banding, 40s, 62s, 76, 77, 78s, 91s, 356s BirdLife International, 3, 52, 66 birds accidentals, 1, 5s, 83s aerial insectivore, 45, 54, 59 albatrosses, 50 alcids, 16, 48, 50, 83s beach-nesting, 21, 50, 56, 59, 60, 61s, 63s blackbirds, 21, 45 boreal, 1, 16, 29, 44, 45, 46, 49 cormorants, 31, 48, 49 distribution of, 3, 7 egrets, 3, 34, 44, 56, 61s extinct, 2t, 3, 44, 48, 52, 54 forest, 46 freshwater wetland, 47–48 grassland, 10, 19s, 22, 45, 46–47, 54, 58, 66 gulls, 20s, 34, 48, 78s herons, 44, 56, 61 historical events relevant to, 72t–73t hypothetical, 2 ibises, 44
Subject Index
introduced, 2t, 59 jaegers, 29 marine, 48–49 Neotropical migrants, 1, 3, 40s, 44, 51t, 55 nightjars, 45, 59 of conservation concern, 52, 54, 592–99 orioles, 82s owls, 54, 356s population trends of, 3, 43–49, 53s, 68t–71t range shifts of, 43–46, 60 raptors, 3, 35, 44, 78s, 82s seabirds, 3, 11, 19, 29, 34, 37, 40s, 45, 56, 63s, 83s shearwaters, 83s shorebirds, 3, 16, 21, 44, 45, 52, 54, 56, 61, 63s, 66, 76, 78s, 79s, 91s songbirds, 3, 40s, 55, 59, 82s species interactions, 11 swallows, 21, 45, 59 tanagers, 82s terns, 1, 11, 16, 34, 48, 50 threats to. See threats to bird populations thrushes, 55 vagrants, 1, 5s, 7, 76, 83s waterbirds, 44, 45, 49, 52, 54, 62s, 66 waterfowl, 3, 15, 21, 45, 46. 47, 52, 54, 56, 59, 61, 62s, 63s, 66, 76, 77, 78s, 90s–91s wintering, 49 wood-warblers, 11, 15, 23, 43, 55, 82s Birds of Maine (Knight), 32, 34, 38s Birdsacre-Stanwood Wildlife Center, 36s Blue Hill Bay, 19 blueberry barrens, 8, 16, 19s, 47, 344s Boardman, George, 32 Bold Coast, 16 Bond, James, 37 Borror, Arthur, 37, 39s Borror, Donald, 39s Boston, Massachusetts, 356s Bowdoin College, 35, 37 Bradbury Mountain, 22, 344s Breeding Bird Survey, 3, 40, 44, 45, 47, 49, 52, 53s, 66, 68t–69t, 76, 77, 80 Brewster, William, 15, 32, 34, 38s, 76 Browns Bank, 23 Brunswick, 35, 44, 47 Brunswick Commons, 19s *Budworm, Spruce, 11, 55, 58, 73t, 371, 375, 426–28, 443, 468–69, 492, 538, 540, 542, 547–48, 551 Bureau of Parks and Lands, 63s Buzzell, Florence, 36s Calais, 32, 344s California, 8, 34 Cambridge, Massachusetts, 34 Camden Hills, 19 Camp Chewonki, 39s
Canada, 1, 3, 8, 23, 29s, 44, 45, 49, 55, 63s, 75, 90s Canadian Coast Guard, 29s Canadian Wildlife Service, 29s Cape Cod, 23 Caribbean Sea, 3, 54 Carson, Rachel, 3, 62s, 67, 72t Casco Bay, 7, 19 Cashes Ledge, 23 Choristoneura fumiferana. See Budworm, Spruce Christina Reservoir, 13, 76, 90s–91s Christmas Bird Count, 3, 40, 45, 49, 53s, 66, 70t–71t, 72t, 76, 80 citizen science, 39–40, 49, 63s, 66 Clarry Hill, 19–20, 344s Clean Water Act, 3, 73t, 90s Cobscook Bay, 16 College of the Atlantic, 37 Connecticut, 61s conservation, 3, 43 action, priorities for, 51, 66–67 land, 63–64 partnerships, public and private, 62s–63s status designations, 52, 54 success stories, 49–50 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 35, 37, 39, 66 Cornell University, 35, 37 Cruickshank, Allan, 39s Cruickshank, Helen, 39s Cumberland County, 21, 22, 46, 56 Cummings, Bob, 63–64 Cutler, 16, 29s Despres, Jody, 76 development, 10, 45, 46, 47, 54–55, 56, 59, 64 Dow, Wilmot, 33s Drury, William, 37 Ducks Unlimited, 63s Eastern Coastal Current, 8, 23 Eastern Egg Rock, 7, 23, 48, 50, 62s Eastport, 8, 10, 16, 31, 32 eBird, 1, 5s, 39–40, 66, 77, 80 ecoregions of Maine, 11–22 Aroostook Hills and Lowlands, 13, 15, 76 Central and Western Mountains, 13, 15, 44, 46, 76 Central Interior, 13, 15, 45, 46, 76 Downeast Maine, 8, 11, 13, 16, 19s, 23, 32, 46, 47, 76, 344s Eastern Lowlands, 13, 16, 46, 76 Midcoast and Penobscot Bay, 11, 13, 19–21, 22, 46, 47, 56, 76 Northwest Maine, 13, 15, 46, 76 Southern Maine, 13, 19s, 21–22, 45, 46, 47, 48, 51 Ellsworth, 16, 36s Endangered Species Act, 3, 50, 52, 73t, 75 Europe, 1, 8, 15, 55, 60 European settlement, 8, 31, 46, 48 exotic species. See introduced species extinct species, 3 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 57s
639
Birds of Maine
fish, 3, 8, 11, 20s, 50, 56, 57s, 59, 61–62, 82s fisheries, 48, 56 Flag Island, 7 Forest and Stream, 32 Forest Legacy Program, 64 Forest Society of Maine, 63s forestry, 10, 13, 16, 45, 46, 63s, 64, 66 forests, 3, 7, 8, 10–11, 13, 45, 58, 59, 64 habitat degradation of, 55–56 habitat loss of, 54–55 mixed hardwood, 15, 46, 55 oak-pine, 15, 16, 20, 21, 55 spruce-fir, 13, 15, 16, 20, 23, 46, 55, 60, 82s succession of, 8, 10, 45, 46, 47, 54 Freeport Wild Bird Supply, 344s Fryeburg, 8, 22 Gardiner, 38s, 57s Georges Bank, 23 Georges Basin, 23 Grand Manan, New Brunswick, 29s Grant, William, 34 Great Heath, 16 Great Wass Island, 16 Gross, Alfred O., 35, 37 Gulf of Maine, 3, 8, 22–23, 29, 56, 57–58, 59, 61–62, 72t, 75, 82s, 90s Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, 57 Gulf of Maine Seabird Working Group, 63s Hardy, Manly, 34 Harpswell, 20, 44 Harpswell Neck, 344s Harvard College, 33s Hawk Migration Association of North America, 344s hawkwatches, 19s, 22, 44, 66, 344s Barnes Island, 344s Bradbury Mountain, 22, 344s Cadillac Mountain, 344s Clarry Hill, 19–20, 344s Cooper, 344s Mount Agamenticus, 22, 344s Head Harbour Passage, 20s history of Maine ornithology, 31–41 bird camps, 39s bird clubs, 38s–39s bird conservation movement, 34–35, 37 bird records, 37, 39, 41 female ornithologists, 36s modern era, 37, 39–40 shotgun ornithology, 31–34 Hog Island, 1, 39s Hog Island Audubon Camp, 39s Holmes, David, 76 Hundley, Margaret, 37 hunting, 8, 32, 33s, 34, 48, 50, 54, 62s, 67 Huntington, Charles E., 37 640
hypothetical species, 3t, 600t Important Bird Areas, 3, 63s, 66 insects, 3, 32, 55, 57s, 58–59, 60, 82s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 58 International Court of Justice, 29s International Union for Conservation of Nature, 75 invasive species. See threats to bird populations and introduced species introduced species, 3 Isles of Shoals, 75 Jeffreys Bank, 23 Jordan Basin, 23 Josselyn, John, 31, 100, 136, 151, 205 Junior Audubon Clubs, 38s Kaufman, Kenn, 39s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, 33s, 63s Kennebec County, 15 Kennebec River, 7, 15, 20, 56, 57s, 62s, 73t Kennebunk Plains, 8, 19s, 22, 59 Kent Island, New Brunswick, 37, 61 Kittery, 7, 8, 82s Knight, Ora Willis, 32, 34, 38s, 75 Kress, Steven, 39s, 50 Labrador, 31–32 Labrador Current, 8, 23 Lake Josephine, 15, 76, 90s–91s Lake Umbagog, 15, 34, 62s, 75, 76 Land and Water Conservation Fund, 64 Lands for Maine’s Future, 64, 72t Laurentide Ice Sheet, 7 Libby, Mark, 80 *Lincoln, Thomas, 31–32, 150, 512 Lubec, 7, 10, 82s Lubec Bar, 16 Lubec Narrows, 20s Machias Seal Island, 23, 29s, 75 Maine climate of, 8 ecoregions. See ecoregions of Maine geography of, 7 geology of, 7–8 land use in, 8, 10 ornithological history. See history of Maine ornithology topography of, 7–8 vegetation of, 10–11 Maine Audubon, 34, 37, 38s, 47, 48, 50, 56, 62s, 63s, 66, 72t, 77, 80 Loon Watch, 47, 56, 63s, 66 Maine Bird Atlas, 40, 62s, 63s, 66, 77 Maine Bird Records Committee, 1, 39, 75, 80 Maine Birds (Palmer), 1, 35–36, 37, 43, 72t, 75, 77 Maine Coast Heritage Trust, 62s, 63s Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, 29s, 62s Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 48, 49, 50, 52, 62s–63s, 66, 75, 76, 77, 91s
Subject Index
Maine Natural Areas Program, 62s Maine Non-Game Program, 72t Maine Wildlife Action Plan, 11, 13, 52, 52, 54, 62s, 66 Maine Woodland Owners, 62s mammals, 8, 19, 20s, 35, 55, 56, 59, 356s Maritime Provinces, 11, 20 marshes, freshwater, 7, 16, 20–21, 54 marshes, salt, 20, 21, 22, 48, 54, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62s Martha’s Vineyard, 35 Martin, Tom, 82s Massachusetts, 23, 36s, 63s, 64 Matinicus Rock, 23, 34 Mattawamkeag Lake, 33s Mendall, Howard L., 35 Merrymeeting Bay, 21, 62s migration tracking, 40s, 78s–79s, 356s GPS, 356s light-sensitive geolocators, 79s nanotags, 79s satellite and GSM telemetry, 78s Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 3, 48, 54, 62s, 72t Miller, Carrie Ella, 36s Monhegan Island, 59, 82s–83s Moosehead Lake, 8, 15, 32 Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, 16, 62s, 63, 72t Morris, Sara, 39s, 76 Motus Wildlife Tracking System, 79s Mount Agamenticus, 22, 344s Mount Desert Island, 7, 16, 37, 44 Mount Desert Rock, 23 Mount Katahdin, 7, 15, 32, 33s Muscongus Bay, 7, 39s, 50 Muskie, Edmund, Sen., 90s Natashquan, Quebec, 31 National Audubon Society, 3, 38s, 39, 48, 49, 50, 63s, 66, 72t, 76, 82s National Wildlife Refuge system, 33s, 62s Native Americans, 8, 19s, 31 Natural Resources Council of Maine, 57s, 63s, 72t Nature Conservancy, The, 36s, 54–55, 62s, 63s, 66, 72t New Brunswick, 13, 16, 19s, 20s, 23, 32, 75 New England, 7, 8, 11, 15, 20, 47, 48, 56, 57s, 61s, 83s New Hampshire, 15, 23, 31, 34, 37, 44, 75, 80 New York, 36s, 49 New York State Museum, 37 North American Waterfowl Conservation Plan, 48 North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, 52, 75 Northeast Channel, 8 Norton, Arthur H., 34–35, 37 Norton, Barna B., 29s Nova Scotia, 23, 29s Nuttall Ornithological Club, 34 Ohio State University, 39s Old Sow Whirlpool, 20s Oxford County, 21
Packard, Christopher M., 37 Palmer, Ralph S., 1, 3, 35, 37, 43, 44, 75, 77 Partners in Flight, 44, 51, 52, 66, 75 Passamaquoddy Bay, 20s, 45, 49 Penobscot Bay, 8, 19, 23 Penobscot River, 7, 15, 16, 20, 32, 56, 57s, 58, 73t Peterson, Roger Tory, 39s Pettingill, Olin Sewall, 35 Pineo Ridge, 8 Popham Beach State Park, 21 Portland, 5s, 356s Portland Museum of Natural History, 38s Portland Society of Natural History, 34–35, 72t Prestile Stream, 90s Project FeederWatch, 66 Project Puffin, 39s, 63s Quebec, 8, 13, 44, 356s Quebec City, Quebec, 356s Quoddy Head State Park, 16 Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 62s Reid State Park, 21 Roosevelt, Theodore, 33s, 311 Ruffed Grouse Society, 63s Saco River, 8, 22 Sagadahoc County, 21, 56 St. Croix River, 32, 75 St. John River, 13 St. Johns, Newfoundland, 7 St. Lawrence River, 90s St. Stephen, New Brunswick, 32 Scarborough, 22, 31, 62s, 76 Scarborough Marsh, 22, 62s, 76 Schoodic Institute, 344s Schoodic Peninsula, 16 Schoodic Point, 44 Scotia Shelf, 8 Seal Island, 5s, 23 Seawall Beach, 21, 76 Sebago Lake, 7 Sebasticook River, 15, 57s Seguin Island, 34 Sewall, Bill, 33s Shaw Marine and Environmental Research Institute, 58 Sheehan, Bill, 76, 80 Sheepscot River, 20 Shoals Marine Laboratory, 37 Smith, Everett, 32 Smith, Norman, 356s Smithsonian Institution, 32, 33s, 37 Spinney, Herbert, 34 Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, 63s Stanton, Jonathan, 38s Stanton Bird Club, 38s Stanwood, Cordelia, 36s, 38s, 166, 453 Star Island, 40s
641
Birds of Maine
Stratton Island, 22 Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 62s Thoreau, Henry David, 32 threats to bird populations, 3, 54–62 *climate change impacts, 3, 5s, 59–62, 125, 136–37, 207, 210, 221, 257, 272, 286, 287, 294, 344s, 349, 407, 451, 492, 526 coastal and marine habitat loss and degradation, 56–58 freshwater habitat loss and degradation, 56 forest habitat degradation, 3, 55–56 forest habitat loss, 3, 54–55 *habitat loss, 112, 189, 200, 209, 272, 292, 330, 385, 426, 428, 444, 451, 485, 514, 519, 533–34, 549, 551 invasive or introduced species, 55–56, 59 *pesticide and pollution impacts, 3, 5s, 19s, 49, 50, 54, 56, 58–59, 67, 72t, 73t, 90s, 257, 319, 325, 331, 336, 375, 376, 379, 380, 421, 542, 566 persecution, 3, 54 *sea-level rise, 61s, 185, 272, 504, 505 Trout Unlimited, 57s Tyson, Carroll Sargent, 37 Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, 15, 62s Ungava Peninsula, 356s U.N. Convention on Biodiversity, 64 United Ornithologists of Maine. See Maine Ornithological Society U.S. Department of Agriculture, 54 U.S. Department of the Interior, 36s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 48, 50, 52, 62s, 66, 67, 75, 77 U.S. Forest Service, 33s, 54 U.S. Geological Survey, 3, 44, 62s
642
U.S. Shorebird Conservation Council, 66 U.S. Shorebird Conservation Partnership, 52 U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, 75 U.S. State Department, 29s University of Maine, 32, 35, 37, 63s University of New Hampshire, 37 Vermont, 8, 44, 49 Vickery, Peter D., 1, 3, 39s, 76, 80 Wabanaki, 8, 72t Waldo County, 19s Wassataquoik Stream, 33s Waterbirds for the Americas, 66 Webb, Genevieve, 36s Weidensaul, Scott, 39s Wells Barren, 19s, 22 West Indies, 37 West Quoddy Head, 16 West Virginia, 44 wetlands, 7, 8, 15, 16, 20, 45, 47, 54, 56, 63s, 90s White Mountain National Forest, 63s, 72t White Mountains, 15 Wiscasset, 39s Wild Turkey Federation, 63s Wilkinson Basin, 23 Williamson, William D., 31, 32 Wilson, Alexander, 31, 160, 518 Wilson Bulletin, 36s World War II, 37 York County, 21, 22, 46, 49, 56