Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron, one of the largest birds in Maine, is a stately sight, primarily along the coast, as it fishes for its dinner near low tides. Occasionally found inland along marshes, rivers and the shores of ponds.
Grouse
Grouse Spruce Grouse The Spruce Grouse is found in mixed spruce and pine forests, such as this on the Appalachian Trail in Riley Township in western Maine. It roosts in trees and its almost tame behavior permitted a closer photo than allowed by most birds. This one was seen near its southern range, since the…
Harpswell, North
In Harpswell, this is the northern most village on Harpswell Neck, the others being West and South Harpswell. It centers on the intersection of Route 123 from Brunswick and the Mountain Road, which links North Harpswell to the islands via the Ewing Narrows Bridge. Near the intersection: the Merriconeag Grange, the Vegetable Corner grocery, a…
House Finch
This bird is found year-round in all but northern Maine. The male is similar to the Purple Finch, except that the latter has a tuft of feathers on its head. The male Pine Grosbeak, another look-a-like, is larger than the 5 inch House Finch.
Juncos
The Dark-eyed Juncos are birds that live in Maine all year. Ground feeders, they are most often noticed in winter in small flocks under bird feeders. They especially like seeds that fall from the feeders. In summer they tend to stay in coniferous (pine, spruce) forests. The male is slate-gray with a white belly; the…
Killdeer
[click photos to enlarge ] This “shorebird” was far from salt water in a rough open area in Stacyville, northern Penobscot County near Aroostook County. That was in late May 2012, a bit earlier than when Killdeer are normally expected to be in Maine for the summer breeding season. The changing climate may have…
Little Blue Heron
A bird somewhat harder to find than the Great Blue Heron, the Little Blue Heron ranges from the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast to their northern most reach in Maine. They feed in marshes, tidal flats and even in some freshwater areas, nesting near wetlands. This one was observed in Winslow Park…
Loons
may be found all over Maine in its lakes and ponds. In winter they move closer to the coast where they fish in the ocean and bays. Loons dive to great depths and swim long distances under water to avoid humans and predators. Some have been found tangled in nets 200 feet below the surface.…
Merganser, Common
This duck is, in fact, common throughout Maine in the summer and year round within about 40 miles of the coast from York County to Hancock County. Lakes are their preferred habitat. Long at 22-27 inches, the common merganser has a pointed, orange bill with jagged edges to catch slippery fish. The male’s dark green…
Mourning Doves
These pigeon-like birds visit home bird feeders, feasting mostly on seeds that drop to the ground. They remain year-round within about 40 miles of the coast. In summer they may be found in all but northern Piscataquis, Somerset and Aroostook (western portion) counties. The doves are ground feeders in the wild and measure 12…
Northern Shrike
A relatively shy and infrequently noticed bird in Maine, the northern shrike often perches atop a tree awaiting a food opportunity. Unlike most songbirds, this one preys on small birds and rodents. This one, uncharacteristically, was in downtown Brewer near City Hall. Their primary habitats in summer are open spaces in woods or swampy areas…
Nuthatches
are small, needle-nosed birds about the size of a chickadee, but more streamlined. Nuthatches come in two varieties in Maine: White-breasted (larger) and Red-breasted (smaller with a black eyeliner). They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, with, as expected, a preference for nut-like food. In fact, their name comes from their habit of wedging nuts…
Ospreys
The Osprey, or “fish hawk,” is a powerful large bird with a wingspan sometimes reaching six feet. Its threatening physical size and sharp talons contrast with its almost ridiculously timid “cheep, cheep” chirping voice. It can be found across the state from the northern lakes and rivers to coastal islands. As are other hawks, the…
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawk, near the East Branch of the Penobscot River in the Maine woods Lunksoos area and near a logging yard in Crystal
Robins
The American Robin is the “sign of spring” for Mainers, when we first notice Robin Redbreast after a long absence. But in southern areas of the state these birds often resist the urge to join their northern cousins who head south for the winter. Poke around in swampy areas that have berries still on the…
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is the smallest bird in Maine. Amazngly, this tiny, energy-burning bird migrates thousands of miles each year between Maine and the southern United States, Mexico and Central America. In southern Maine it appears in early summer for a brief period, then apparently moves north only to reappear in late summer, presumably on its long…
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes are very large, tall birds with a long neck reaching four feet tall. They have long legs and broad wings. The cranes are mostly found in the Midwest but since the year 2000 they have been seen in south central Maine, including North Yarmouth, Belgrade and Kennebunk, and in Fryeburg in western Maine.…
Semipalmated Sandpiper
This bird is one of several sandpipers in Maine. The Semipalmated Sandpiper, described as perhaps one of the most numerous shorebirds in North America, is not a permanent resident, but is does migrate through the state. Those featured here passed through Harpswell in early October of 2014 at N43° 48′ 50.18″ W69° 56′ 40.90″.
Sparrows
Several species of sparrows abound in Maine’s collection of birds. They include the Chipping, Song, and White-throated sparrows. All are between 5 and 7 inches long. In an unusual twist, the female and male sparrows noted here have the same color schemes. Chipping Sparrow The distinctive mark is the rust-colored crown atop their heads. The…
Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow remains in Maine, along the coast, near freshwater ponds, and in agricultural fields, during the summer. Thereafter, as with many other birds, it migrates to to southern coastal states, Mexico and Central America. This one apparently decided to take up residence in one of the bird boxes provided in an open field…