Presqu’ile Bird Report for 27 Sep-3 Oct 2019

There were no unexpected sightings this week but migration carried on throughout the week with an especially birdy day on 3 October.

Now that the waterfowl hunt is going on most ducks are sitting in Popham Bay offshore from the islands or in the marsh near the causeway where there are no blinds.

Two RED-NECKED GREBES were in Popham Bay on 3 Oct, along with 25 HORNED GREBE.  Herons are getting scarce but an AMERICAN BITTERN was seen on 29 Sep.  A few GREAT EGRETS are still in the main marsh, often visible from the causeway.  An Osprey was reported on 27 Sep. A VIRGINIA RAIL was flushed from tall grass near the gate on 1 Oct and another was heard calling from the causeway on 28 Sep.

Shorebirds were mostly restricted to Gull Island through the week.  A SPOTTED SANDPIPER on 29 Sep was getting late.  Two CASPIAN TERNS were still present on 28 Sep. A ROCK PIGEON on 28 Sep was unusual.  Two RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were at a feeder on 2 Oct, with one remaining till the next day.  YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were migrating in numbers all week.  An EASTERN WOOD PEWEE was seen on 30 Sep.  HORNED LARKS are arriving with 7 on 29 Sep and 1 on 30 Sep.

Warblers were still present in good numbers and diversity with 11 species seen on 3 Oct, including 8 NORTHERN PARULA.  Sparrows were in abundance at week’s end. A late INDIGO BUNTING frequented a feeder from 30 Sep-2 Oct. Two SCARLET TANAGERS were still present on 3 Oct.