Birdwalk Highlights for 5/9: Tour de Brunswick

Mixing things up a bit, we decided to do a little chasing around Brunswick this morning - there were just too many notable birds being seen!

We began at Brunswick Landing/Bowdoin Sand Plain, where we eventually spotted the 4 UPLAND SANDPIPERS. They have been breeding here for years, and our birdwalks often visit them once or twice a season. Recently they have been more reliable closer to the trail than usual, so it was too good to pass up. Unfortunately, they were not close to the trail at all, but hey, we saw them! Success number 1.

While looking for them, and while enjoying the grassland denizens afterwards, we were treated to fantastic views of EASTERN MEADOWLARKS (4), FIELD SPARROWS (6+), 5 SAVANNAH SPARROWS, 1 AMERICAN KESTRELS, and particularly crushing views of several of the 6 PRAIRIE WARBLERS we tallied. We scoped a RED-TAILED HAWK on a wire being harassed by a crow, saw several OSPREYS overhead (including one carrying an Alewife), enjoyed the sights and sounds of two NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS and at least 3 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS, and had a close fly-by of a COOPER'S HAWK. We spotted one BALD EAGLE and several TURKEY VULTURES as we kept an eye on the sky for a reported Black Vulture in the vicinity yesterday. CHIPPING SPARROWS were particularly abundant and conspicuous today.

Despite the train of cars, we then took the time to spin around downtown Brunswick, hoping to encounter one of the local roving flocks of Bohemian Waxwings to no avail. But we had better luck as we rolled up on the farm on Highland Road and I immediately spotted the WESTERN CATTLE EGRET that has been present for the last three days. Unfortunately, we lost it behind manure mounds; most people had not seen it yet.

While waiting, we watched a Red-tailed Hawk male bring food to the female at their nest, enjoyed BARN SWALLOWS darting around, and had a migrant flock of 6 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS go by overhead.

Then, when we were about ready to give up, the Western Cattle Egret popped out and moseyed out into the open for all to enjoy! It was a perfect ending to a great spring outing!