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Field Guides Tour Report
Maine 2017
May 27, 2017 to Jun 4, 2017
Eric Hynes & Cory Gregory

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.


After not one, but TWO fantastic looks at Bicknell's Thrush, the bird of the tour was no longer in question. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.

Thank you very much for choosing Field Guides for your Maine birding adventure. Cory and I had a blast sharing one of my favorite places to bird with all of you. This year's run was noteworthy for having a wonderful group of birders, the best weather on the most important days, the highest species total to date for this tour, and a serious survey of lobster rolls.

We first gathered in Portland and birded the southern coastal region for a couple of days. Highlights included 18 species of shorebirds: from displaying Upland Sandpipers and American Woodcock, to migrant Red Knots and White-rumped Sandpipers, to state endangered Piping Plovers. Species reaching the northern edge of their range in southern Maine included Orchard Oriole and Blue-winged Warbler. We tracked down the likes of Tufted Titmouse, Northern Mockingbird, and White-breasted Nuthatch knowing they would be thin on the ground as we headed up the coast. An impressive concentration of displaying Bobolinks broke up our journey up to Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor was our access point for major pelagic targets and Acadia National Park. After a lovely and productive morning walk at Sieur de Monts Spring, we boarded the Friendship V and smoothly motored to Petit Manan Island. While idling just off this seabird colony, we enjoyed excellent looks at Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Common Murre, and Arctic Tern before heading farther offshore. En route to the best whale watching areas we scored Red-throated Loon, Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar, and Red-necked Phalaropes. A cow Humpback Whale and her calf kept the whole boat entertained for more than half an hour. The next day we explored Seawall and the Valley Cove areas to experience a little more of Acadia National Park before heading inland. Roughly halfway between Bar Harbor and the Lakes and Mountains Region of western Maine, we paused at Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade and scored a host of new birds: Pied-billed Grebe, Sandhill Crane, Black Tern, and Purple Martin to name a few.

Rangeley was our launch point for birding the Lakes and Mountains Region where we worked on the back half of the checklist. Mostly birding along Route 16, we racked up an impressive concentration of flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. Highlights from the boreal forest were: point blank looks at Common Loons in full breeding plumage, drumming Ruffed Grouse, a family of Gray Jays, lots of Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a teed up Boreal Chickadee, Canada Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, plus three Moose.

Dipping into New Hampshire for a night, we struggled for optimism as we drove up Mount Washington under hellacious conditions. The chilly temperature and high winds did not deter us from finding not one, but TWO cooperative Bicknell's Thrushes for prolonged looks!

Not done yet, our travels back to Portland were highlighted by a productive detour to Brownfield Bog. Here we tacked on Wilson's Snipe, Least Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Vireo. Our final dinner together at The Well at Jordan's Farm was a legendary farm-to-table feast with a calling Common Nighthawk and two Black-crowned Night-Herons overhead making the evening even more special. Before we all said goodbye, we rallied back to Scarborough Marsh and cleaned up bigtime. A calling Virginia Rail eventually led to close, unobstructed views. We enjoyed a wonderful studying of both Nelson's and Saltmarsh sparrows in the scope. We picked up Marsh Wren and Killdeer literally on the drive back to the hotel to round out our list.

It was a pleasure birding with all of you. Cory and I hope we get the chance to do it again sometime.

Sincerely,

Eric

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant


Seeing a Common Loon this well is a quintessential summer birding experience in Maine. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BRANT (ATLANTIC) (Branta bernicla hrota) – Two observed from Pine Point were tardy migrants
CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis) – We saw a few pairs with goslings.
WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa) – Our looks at Capisic Pond Park in Portland were excellent.
GADWALL (Anas strepera) – Just a pair at Scarborough Marsh
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas rubripes) – Our best view was en route to our final dinner at The Well at Jordan's Farm.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – More days than not
COMMON EIDER (DRESSER'S) (Somateria mollissima dresseri) – We enjoyed good looks every day we were along the coast.
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (NORTH AMERICAN) (Melanitta fusca deglandi) – Skeins flew by Dyer Point in Cape Elizabeth our first evening and we had a few on the water in Acadia National Park.
BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta americana) – Good looks through scopes off Seawall in Acadia National Park
HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) – Found on several occasions on smaller ponds in the northern forest
COMMON MERGANSER (Mergus merganser) – On the rivers in the northern forest
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator) – A few late migrants along the southern coast


Razorbill came in third for favorite species of the tour. We enjoyed excellent looks at Petit Manan. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
RUFFED GROUSE (Bonasa umbellus) – It was so cool to hear that male drumming nearby and then have it fly across the opening. Were you looking the right way?
WILD TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo) – Spotted on half the days
Gaviidae (Loons)
RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata) – Several were observed during our boat trip and we had a pair in the scope off Seawall
COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) – A quintessential north woods experience; you couldn't ask for a better look off the boat ramp at Cupsuptic Lake
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – What a treat to see the pair well and hear them calling at Messalonskee Lake
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
NORTHERN FULMAR (Fulmarus glacialis) – We spotted more than a few individuals gliding on stiff wings during our boat trip and even saw a bird on the water during the Humpback Whale experience.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
NORTHERN GANNET (Morus bassanus) – Another boat trip only bird


Sandhill Crane is a localized breeder in Maine, having colonized the area less than 20 years ago. This handsome adult was at Messalonskee Lake. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Got it! At least three immature birds were on the rock off East Point in Biddeford Pool
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax auritus) – Lots along the southern coast
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Just a few individuals; this species seems to be on the decline in the Northeast
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common at Scarborough Marsh
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Common at Scarborough Marsh
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – On cue, a beautiful adult glided in for a landing right in front of us behind the Pelreco building.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Seeing the boldly patterned adults roosting in Biddeford Pool was great but the pair flying over us at dusk the last evening was really special.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Limited to the southern coastal marshes


This cow Humpback Whale and her calf kept us entertained for more than half an hour. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – More days than not
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We saw a fair number of these fish specialists
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) – Wow, what a great look at an adult male near the Purple Martin colony
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – An adult blasted through the forest behind the Maine Audubon Visitor Center
BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) – We watched perched adults through the scopes on multiple days.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – A common breeder in the northern forest
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – Seen daily early on in the trip
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) – What a treat to have a pair parading around right in front of us on the last morning!
Gruidae (Cranes)
SANDHILL CRANE (Antigone canadensis) – I was probably the most excited to see this rare breeder in Maine since I had missed it on all my previous tours to the region.


An adorable and state endangered Piping Plover posed for us in Scarborough. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – We observed these handsome shorebirds in breeding plumage by the hundreds the first full day of the tour.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – I don't have a good explanation for why we only saw one bird the whole tour?! Thankfully, we had a good look at an individual at East Point in Biddeford Pool.
PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) – This adorable beach specialist allowed for outstanding views on several occasions. It is an endangered species in Maine.
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – Last species to make the triplist; we had a bird in flight, calling, as we returned to the hotel the last morning.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – Seeing and hearing them perform their aerial displays was a thrilling highlight of the tour
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Dozens foraged on the mudflats of the Nonesuch River with the falling tide
RED KNOT (Calidris canutus) – Two gorgeous birds on the mudflats of the Nonesuch River were a real bonus.
DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) – We found just a few individuals during our coastal day early in the tour.
PURPLE SANDPIPER (Calidris maritima) – This was a bigtime target for some people
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – Only on day two
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis) – It was fun playing Where's Waldo among all the Semipalmated Sandpipers at Fortunes Rocks Beach.


Two of the four White-rumped Sandpipers we teased out of a large flock of Semipalmated Sandpipers can be seen in this image. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) – By the hundreds along the coast
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus) – Another species only found on the mudflats of the Nonesuch River
WILSON'S SNIPE (Gallinago delicata) – We finally caught up to this species at Brownfield Bog.
AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) – Runner-up for the species of the tour; our intimate experience with displaying birds the first evening can't be beat.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus) – A bonus from our pelagic birding
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Just a few days
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – We finally caught up to a few individuals off the Eastern Road Trail across Scarborough Marsh our last morning.
WILLET (EASTERN) (Tringa semipalmata semipalmata) – These noisy shorebirds were conspicuous in the coastal marshes.
Alcidae (Auks, Murres, and Puffins)
COMMON MURRE (Uria aalge) – We had an individual flying by the boat while we were floating just off Petit Manan and discovered several more on the rocks in photos after the fact.
RAZORBILL (Alca torda) – This charismatic Alcid was awarded the bronze medal.
BLACK GUILLEMOT (Cepphus grylle) – We had great views coming in and out of Bar Harbor. Those cherry red feet are stunning.


This Moose was one of three we encountered. Too bad it didn't feel comfortable sticking around for a longer view. Photo by participant Nancy Buck.

ATLANTIC PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica) – Maine is the only U.S. state where this species breeds.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
BONAPARTE'S GULL (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) – Surprisingly, just one immature bird was briefly seen while we drifted off Petit Manan.
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – By the hundreds at Petit Manan
RING-BILLED GULL (Larus delawarensis) – Common in the Rangeley Lakes region
HERRING GULL (AMERICAN) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) – Numerous
ICELAND GULL (Larus glaucoides) – An unexpected bonus; an immature bird was seen briefly on a dock as we pulled out of Bar Harbor
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus) – Hundreds
LEAST TERN (Sternula antillarum) – Like the Piping Plover, this is a state endangered species
BLACK TERN (Chlidonias niger) – Messalonskee Lake is the place to see this gorgeous tern in Maine and we saw it well.
ROSEATE TERN (Sterna dougallii) – We picked out the whiter, smaller terns with the shallower flaps among the Common Terns along the southern coast.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – Plenty
ARCTIC TERN (Sterna paradisaea) – Only around Petit Manan
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Yep [I]
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – More days than not
Strigidae (Owls)
BARRED OWL (Strix varia) – The very responsive pair during our night drive up in Rangeley was unforgettable. Be sure to click play to the right to relive the special moment.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – The bounding flight and distinctive calls of that bird that passed over our gazebo during the final dinner was a highlight.
EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Antrostomus vociferus) – The chorus was memorable and seeing three in one spotlight was surprising.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica) – Plenty of birds overhead
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris) – Several brief sightings
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – There was a distant bird on a snag behind the Pelreco building.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius) – We had a cooperative female on the south side of Rangeley Lake.
DOWNY WOODPECKER (Picoides pubescens) – We watched one visit a cavity at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – Good looks on the Hemlock Trail at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park.
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER (Picoides arcticus) – After hearing some soft pecking, we had one fly over then give several call notes when we hiked the Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park.


This male Pileated Woodpecker gave us a dramatic flyover and guide Cory Gregory was ready for him.

NORTHERN FLICKER (YELLOW-SHAFTED) (Colaptes auratus luteus) – Most sightings were early on in the tour
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus pileatus) – We enjoyed a dramatic flyover near Rangeley.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – We had a nice scope view our first morning in the field. Later, we routinely saw one or two birds on a wire over the same field outside of Rangeley.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Arguably the most dramatic event of the tour occurred at Seawall when we watched an adult repeatedly dive after a Common Tern before finally clutching it and flying off.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – A cooperative bird behind the MDI High School was the first on the list.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax flaviventris) – We ran into quite a few of these in the boreal forest, particularly around bogs.
ALDER FLYCATCHER (Empidonax alnorum) – More days than not
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii) – We finally caught up to this Empid at Brownfield Bog.
LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus) – A good concentration at Brownfield Bog
EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe) – More days than not


This boggy boreal habitat was loaded with avian treats like Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Canada Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) – Several pairs at Sieur de Monts Spring were really carrying on.
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) – We saw several nests at Brownfield Bog.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) – One of the last species to be added to the list but we got some great looks.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius) – Fairly common in the mixed northern forest
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus) – Way to tease it out of the flock Jean!
WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus) – Our most satisfying views were at the canoe launch at Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Common
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GRAY JAY (Perisoreus canadensis) – A family group visited us on Boy Scout Road.
BLUE JAY (Cyanocitta cristata) – An everyday bird
AMERICAN CROW (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – Also an everyday bird
FISH CROW (Corvus ossifragus) – Just a few of us heard one during a restroom break in Biddeford.
COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) – It took awhile to catch up to this beast.


We caught up to this handsome Yellow-throated Vireo in the forested floodplain of the Saco River. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Great looks at Capisic Pond in Portland
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – It was fun to see a few sticking their heads out of the cavities at the colony in Belgrade
TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor) – More days than not
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – A few were in the swarm of swallows behind the Pelreco building
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – More days than not
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – The birds nesting at the Pelreco building in Scarborough are arguably the most reliable spot to find the species in the state.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (Poecile atricapillus) – The state bird
BOREAL CHICKADEE (Poecile hudsonicus) – A great look at a bird teed up on a spruce in the western mountains
TUFTED TITMOUSE (Baeolophus bicolor) – Only in the forests of southern Maine
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis) – Most days the second half of the tour
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) – The birds at our pit stop in Kennebunk turned out to the only ones of the tour.


This Boreal Chickadee gave us a good show. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
BROWN CREEPER (Certhia americana) – The birds at the start of our walk at Sieur de Monts Spring were most obliging.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Mostly heard birds along the southern coast
WINTER WREN (Troglodytes hiemalis hiemalis) – That sprite at Beaver Brook Recreation Area in NH was really belting out its song.
MARSH WREN (Cistothorus palustris) – We finally cajoled a few of you out of the van so this species could at least make it onto the list as a heard bird since we never could get bins on one. [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (CAERULEA) (Polioptila caerulea caerulea) – We discovered this sprite in the bottomland forest edge habitat at Brownfield Bog.
Regulidae (Kinglets)
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus satrapa) – Fairly common in the boreal forest
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus calendula) – One male unleashed his full vocal repertoire for us along Route 16 west of Rangeley.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
EASTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia sialis) – We stopped to scope one the first evening but ended up catching up to a few more.
VEERY (Catharus fuscescens) – What wonderful looks we enjoyed of a singing male at Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade.
BICKNELL'S THRUSH (Catharus bicknelli) – This was the bird of the tour and for good reason. Optimism was running scared as we headed up Mount Washington in hellacious weather conditions. When that bird perched in the open for all to see at close range I was blown away; only to be topped by the foraging bird practically at our feet!


This leucistic American Robin greeted us as we arrived at Capisic Pond Park in Portland. Photo by participant Nancy Buck.

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Their beautiful song was heard frequently the second half of the tour.
HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) – Another species we observed very well at Sieur de Monts Spring
AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius) – An everyday bird; the leucistic individual at Capisic Pond Park was most memorable.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) – More days than not
BROWN THRASHER (Toxostoma rufum) – Lots of singing birds at Kennebunk Plains
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – Only found in southern Maine and closely associated with the coast
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – More days than not [I]
Bombycillidae (Waxwings)
CEDAR WAXWING (Bombycilla cedrorum) – We had our best look at Capisic Pond Park.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) – We heard them in numerous places but our best view was a singing bird in the scope at Sieur de Monts Spring -- its whole body pulsing as it belted out "TEACHER TEACHER TEACHER..."
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – We had lots of singing birds come in close but a prolonged view in the open proved elusive.


Participant Carla Bregman shared this pleasing image of a male Black-and-white Warbler.

BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora cyanoptera) – This species barely makes it into Maine as a breeder. We all heard one singing and some of us got to see it briefly.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – These zebras were increasingly common toward to the end of the tour.
NASHVILLE WARBLER (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) – Seen predominately toward the end of the tour.
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) – An everyday bird
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – One of the most common breeders in Maine
NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana) – We caught up to quite a few along Route 16 in the western mountains
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Setophaga magnolia) – Seen regularly in the northern forest
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – What a gorgeous bird
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Another everyday bird
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Setophaga pensylvanica) – We enjoyed an exceptionally close view at the back of the ball field near Kennebunk Plains
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – The passing Cooper's Hawk made our first bird freeze for several minutes at Gilsland Farm.
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens) – These guys were thick on the Morton Cutoff Road west of Rangeley
PALM WARBLER (YELLOW) (Setophaga palmarum hypochrysea) – A bog specialist
PINE WARBLER (Setophaga pinus) – We found a cooperative bird at Goose Rocks en route to our first Piping Plover.


This female Pine Warbler diligently gathered nest material from this tent caterpillar nest while her mate and all of us looked on. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE) (Setophaga coronata coronata) – Daily in the northern forest
PRAIRIE WARBLER (Setophaga discolor) – Great looks at Kennebunk Plains
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – One of the more common breeding warblers in Maine
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – A pair came in close at one of our first stops in the Rangeley Lake region and we cleaned up the species in NH on the penultimate day.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (Ammodramus savannarum) – Its insect-like song carries surprisingly well over the blueberry barrens. This is a very limited breeding species in Maine.
NELSON'S SPARROW (ATLANTIC COAST) (Ammodramus nelsoni subvirgatus) – This dull, washed out subspecies presented nicely our last morning.
SALTMARSH SPARROW (Ammodramus caudacutus caudacutus) – We had excellent views of birds teed up in the spartina marshes along the Eastern Road Trail across Scarborough Marsh.
CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizella passerina) – More days than not
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) – This one was a write-in. This species reliably makes its way to Maine during fall migration in very low numbers (found mostly on islands) but a singing bird in May was exceptional.


It is so tough to pick a favorite warbler but this Black-throated Blue Warbler would be a fine choice. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.

FIELD SPARROW (Spizella pusilla) – Love their song and we heard plenty of it at Kennebunk Plains
DARK-EYED JUNCO (SLATE-COLORED) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) – They were rather inconspicuous this year.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (Zonotrichia albicollis) – A classic song of the northern forest
VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetes gramineus) – Only at Kennebunk Plains
SAVANNAH SPARROW (Passerculus sandwichensis) – Only at Kennebunk Plains
SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia) – An everyday bird
SWAMP SPARROW (Melospiza georgiana) – Best looks were at Sieur de Monts Spring
EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) – These guys were a major part of the predawn chorus at Kennebunk Plains.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) – It took awhile but we eventually caught up to a cooperative male in the western mountains.
NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinalis cardinalis) – Mostly in southern Maine
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – One of the first birds we saw well the first morning in the field
INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea) – We struggled to get this bird on the list but we did hear one [*]


The ethereal song of a Veery is one of the most remarkable sounds in nature. Photo by guide Eric Hynes.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
BOBOLINK (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) – We had an impressive show of displaying males as we traveled from Portland to Bar Harbor.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus) – Nearly an everyday bird
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (EASTERN) (Sturnella magna magna) – Our first bird in Saco gave us a great look
COMMON GRACKLE (Quiscalus quiscula) – Almost an everyday bird
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater) – Just a few sightings
ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius) – This species is a rare breeder in Maine but we had a great look at a singing male.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) – Such a gorgeous bird
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
HOUSE FINCH (Haemorhous mexicanus) – Only during the first half of the tour
PURPLE FINCH (Haemorhous purpureus) – Some of the males we observed in the western mountains were absolutely brilliant.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (Spinus tristis) – An everyday bird


The haunting beauty of Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island is a classic coastal scene in Acadia National Park. Photo by guide Cory Gregory.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Yep [I]
MAMMALS
SNOWSHOE HARE (Lepus americanus) – A few bounding off the shoulder of Route 16 in the early morning
PLAIN EASTERN CHIPMUNK (Tamias striatus) – Quite a few heard and seen
WOODCHUCK (Marmota monax) – At Gilsland Farm and a few other places
EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) – In the hardwoods of southern Maine
RED SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) – Tied to conifers
MUSKRAT (Ondatra zibethica) – Swimming at Messalonskee Lake
HARBOR PORPOISE (Phocoena phocoena) – A few were spotted during our boat trip
HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – Wow -- what a show. The female was Caliche. She was first named in 1993. She has had two other calves (in 2010 and 2014). She was seen in Saint Andrews and Brier Island, Nova Scotia last summer.
COYOTE (Canis latrans) – A few people in the front of the van spotted one in the headlights predawn
BLACK BEAR (Ursus americanus) – Rearview mirrors are important for more than just safety. Cory noticed a bear crossing the road behind his van and Frank spotted it crossing as well.
HARBOR SEAL (Phoca vitulina) – Seen well during our boat trip
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Seen regularly during the first half of the tour
MOOSE (Alces alces) – Two during our night drive and then one the next day on the side of the road
Herps
GREEN FROG (Lithobates clamitans) – Heard only
PAINTED TURTLE (Chrysemys picta) – Seen several times in southern Maine
AMERICAN TOAD (Anaxyrus americanus) – Their beautiful trill was heard during our night drive
SPRING PEEPER (Pseudocris crucifer) – Just plain loud at times

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 181 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa