Birding in Vacationland

For Memorial Day, I birded one of my favorite states in the Union.  Maine.  I always refer to the Union when I talk about Maine because of its history.  Maine became its own state as part of the Compromise of 1820 to create a balance between the Slave-Holding States and the Free States.  Its motto, Dirigo, means 'I Lead' and lead it did!  But that's the topic of a different blog.  Maine is called Vacationland and there are times that the name fits.  For me, there's always a tension between being on vacation and being a birder on vacation.  I want to get out and see the sights and birds, but then, after a stressful school year, all I want to do is sleep.  Sleeping of course takes time from birding.  The rainy, drizzly weather helped make some decisions for me because it allowed me to wait for better light to see the birds.

Birding Maine was great.  Lots of sounds and old forests to look for birds.  The two best spots I'd recommend include Morse Mountain and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  These two sites offer great insights and examples of Maine's Ecology and Environments.  Morse Mountain has a rich diversity of habitats for birds from swampy/marsh wetlands to beach/shoreline to dense forest/conifer forest.  The Botanical Gardens also offered a variety of habitats.  Warblers aplenty at the Botanical Gardens as well!  The only thing I'd recommend is more time in Maine!

Links:
Morse Mountain - Link
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - Link

Glossy Ibis

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

A Classic Maine Scene

2013 Year List: 225
Olive-Sided Flycatcher (Lifer)
Blackburian Warbler
Willow Flycatcher
Common Eider

Life List: 308

Glossy Ibis

The Glossy Ibis.  Besides Birding, my other love is history and the Ibis is a historic bird.The Egyptians loved the Ibis and it formed part of their mythology.  Egrets and Hawks also did, but the Ibis has been found mummified and made into statues.  Many of the Ancient Peoples believed that Ibis and many birds held secrets as important as the origins of Civilization and life itself!  Ancient Egyptians believed that hawks were the first forms of life on the earth and believed that they held the secrets to the notions of Justice, Truth, and  Creation.  Pretty impressive and understandable.  Birds have mastered the sky, ground, and water and with such grace.

When I see the Glossy Ibis, I feel a part of that early Human tradition of appreciating and wondering about the birds before me.  What I need technology to do, move around the planet efficiently and quickly, find food/directions, and protect myself from the elements, birds seem to conquer on a daily basis.  The Hummers that show up the next few days will have braved a cross continental flight that we couldn't match in terms of speed and challenge.  The Glossy Ibis shape, color, and habits all have a mystery that we haven't mastered yet.  Perhaps one day, we'll know a little more!

Glossy Ibises

Glossy Ibises

Glossy Ibises

Great Egrets

A Nearby Killdeer

2013 Year List: 153
American Redstart
Black-Throated Green Warbler
Blue-Winged Warbler

Migration is Coming...

This is a a well known fact that spring is on its way.  Every day my phone lights up with bird alerts from around the state.  This makes for exciting outings.  Every time you go out, there's seems to be something new.  As the past week worked out, I saw all sorts of new birds and sights.  I've attached some pictures below from my travels.

I am hoping to get many more pictures of migrants as they pass through.  There are some impressive sights to be had.  At Bombay Hook, I have over 150 American Avocets.  Seeing Shorebirds move in and warblers move in really helps me to understand and appreciate the journey the birds make.  Migration is an amazing feat.  Well, enough writing and get outside!

Purple Martins

American Avocets

Blue-Winged Teal

Bass Spawning

Hermit Thrush

Carolina Wren