As my previous post implied, I was up north for a couple of weeks in April
and haven't had a chance to do much birding or reporting since my return. As
much as I enjoyed the trip, it was great to see all the green and hear all
the singing when I got back. The winter birds had pretty much departed Maine
and only Hermit Thrushes were singing so far. Yellow-rumps were there
though. Sometimes I think those hardy birds are probably on the Moon too.
Only life bird on the trip was Black Guillimot but I did observe a Brown
Creeper singing. The little guy whistles while he works. Almost ran over
Grouse twice on the back roads. Fortunately all Moose observations were from
a safe distance.

New balcony bird(s) this year are a Veery definitely heard on May 7. I've
been hearing another Thrush song since my return on May 2 but still haven't
been able to determine what it is. Doesn't match anything on my Stokes CD's
although the pattern most resembles Swainson's. Haven't looked that up to
see if it's supposed to be here so maybe somebody can tell me? Other voice
observations have been Blackpoll and Parula. I love the Carolina Wrens but
they sure do make it difficult to pick out the more volume-challenged
singers.

At Goddard I've seen and heard Scarlet Tanagers since May 5. Actual count is
4 different birds and yesterday I suspect there were that many in one
location. I could visually confirm only two but was hearing song from
different directions in the vicinity. My 15 minute walk also counted G.C.
Flycatchers, Kingbirds, Tree Swallows and a pair of Red Tailed Hawks. Heard
Ovenbird, R.E. Vireo, BG Gnatcatcher, RB Woodpecker.

fdp

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Fred Pierce (DNRC)- 
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