Around here, May is the month when things really start hoppin’. At least that’s been my observation over the past few decades. It’s why I timed my move with Jack back to Maine at the end of April a year ago. And today you could really tell it’s nearly May.
The most powerful blizzard I’ve ever experienced happened here in April about forty years ago. This morning’s chill was a blip by comparison. Still, it was coldish (low- to mid-40s (F)) and windy and overcast during my morning hike with Jack. I knew there wouldn’t be as many species on my list today as on yesterday’s—but still it was an awesome day.
Spooked a grouse, spied a raven, spied a kestrel, barely spied a well-camouflaged thrush, heard two dueling sapsuckers drumming.
The afternoon was less windy, with mostly blue skies and warm enough temps (about 60° (F)) that I wore a thin t-shirt when dog and I went on a dump run.
Spring is hard to pin down around here—which is what makes it so fun.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 7:13 a.m. real time (8:13 DST), I hiked all trails.
1. American Robin** (v) 2. Eastern Bluebird 3. Herring Gull* (v) 4. Black-capped Chickadee (v) 5. American Goldfinch** (v) 6. Song Sparrow** (v) 7. American Crow* 8. American Kestrel 9. Common Raven 10. Yellow-rumped Warbler 11. Ruffed Grouse 12. White-breasted Nuthatch (v) 13. Hermit Thrush 14. Tufted Titmouse (v) 15. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (drumming) 16. Eastern Phoebe (v) 17. Broad-winged Hawk† 18. Blue Jay (v)
Elsewhere
19. Mallard 20. Wild Turkey 21. Red-breasted Nuthatch (v) 22. House Sparrow 23. Canada Goose 24. Rock Pigeon
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere †First-of-year
Today I traveled with Captain Jack (who, ironically, hates boats) from Port Clyde, Maine, to Monhegan Island for a few days of birding. Since we’ll be busy wandering and visiting, I’ll just be posting a daily list and a photo or two until our return. It’s been I believe five years, and I missed this place. (Woo-hoo!)
Port Clyde to Monhegan List
1. Herring Gull 2. Broad-winged Hawk 3. Double-crested Cormorant 4. Belted Kingfisher 5. Common Loon 6. Northern Flicker 7. Blue Jay 8. Mallard 9. Red-eyed Vireo 10. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 11. Golden-crowned Kinglet 12. White-throated Sparrow 13. Dark-eyed Junco 14. Yellow Warbler 15. Gray Catbird 16. Red-breasted Nuthatch 17. Ring-necked Pheasant 18. Great Cormorant 19. Merlin 20. Peregrine Falcon 21. Cape May Warbler 22. Yellow-rumped Warbler 23. Blackpoll Warbler 24. Black-throated Green Warbler 25. Dickcissel 26. Song Sparrow 27. American Goldfinch 28. American Robin 29. Mourning Dove 30. Sharp-shinned Hawk
