European Starling.

Common Grackle.

Here in Maine—at least my part of Maine—folks tend to call starlings “grackles.” I suppose from their grackle-y sounds.

This phenomenon struck me today when  I encountered a batch of overwintering starlings having brunch on my lawn (along with a flock of sober, upright robins) after having spotted a first-of-year Common Grackle at Beech Hill.

Also encountered singing cardinals, House Finches, titmice, and a number of cheerful chickadees.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:45 a.m., I hiked the open trail.

American Robin.

1. American Crow*
2. Northern Cardinal** (v)
3. Black-capped Chickadee*
4. Tufted Titmouse**
5. Downy Woodpecker (v)
6. American Robin*
7. Mourning Dove* (v)
8. American Goldfinch** (v)
9. Common Grackle
10. House Finch

Elsewhere

11. Herring Gull
12. Pileated Woodpecker (v)
13. European Starling
14. Rock Pigeon

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year bird

Black-capped Chickadee.