Birding observations through April 2

The extensive and varied habitat that surrounds us offers ideal stopover conditions for migrants along the coast (Atlantic flyway). More than one Savanah Ipswich Sparrow has been spotted passing through - including one along Eastern Rd (Scarborough Marsh). The Ipswich Sparrow is a geographically isolated subspecies that breeds exclusively on Sable Island which is 109 miles southeast of the closest point of mainland Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean.

The distant relative Fox Sparrow has not been particularly shy this spring across Cape Elizabeth. Compared to the last two consecutive years, this Spring’s first of the season (FOS) bird arrived exactly seven days later (backyard) and more than a few have been seen. This is a bird of the lingering winter weather. A bird of forest and thicket. The foxy red subspecies arrives in our neck of the woods commonly in mid-to-late March and is one of the few sparrows that scratches the ground with both feet. This elegantly chunky sparrow typically begins to sing about the first day of April in damp easterly weather -which may remind them of their distant home – lesser known places shrouded in fog and mist along the weathered Labrador coast.

The first Cowbirds arrived on the last day of March. These birds are parasitic and subsequently a major reason for the decline in number of many wonderful other species including wood warblers and fly catchers.

Other notables: an Eastern Phoebe (FOS) on April 2nd along the Gull Crest Trail. Additionally several Brown creepers, a single Ruby crowned Kinglet, one-to-many Red-winged Blackbirds and massive mob of Common Grackles all sang, croaked and whistled in perfect harmony along the fringes, where woods meet marsh.