Cape Elizabeth birding observations for early July

This time of year, there are many stellar birds to be spotted and heard across Cape. The last days of June through the 15th of July yielded good numbers of Baltimore Orioles – both juvenile and older –and many great looks at molting adults and begging young. It ceases to amaze me that long distance neotropical migrants like Baltimore Orioles choose to give birth and raise their young (albeit very briefly) in Cape. Younger birds (under two years of age and/or don’t have young to raise) will soon begin their three-month migration south to the tropics.

Early July yielded some rather oppressive days to be deep in the woods, alas from the depths of Robinson Woods II & III I heard and saw encouraging numbers of Black-throated Green Warblers. Common Yellowthroats were entirely common too. Amidst the whining masses of mosquitoes, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the song of Pine Warblers along the banks of Pond Cove, high within the stands of old white pines. I also could hear at least one Black and White Warbler. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have made a good showing across Cape and although harder to see this time of year, one can definitely hear them singing high above in the canopy. Additionally, this is the first year that we have had consistent male and female grosbeaks at our feeders, including one juvenile female. Great crested Flycatchers are still making their presence known as well. Listen for a loud, whistled, buzzy wheeps echoing through the woods.

A pair of Brown Thrashers were seen comingling along the fringes of the soccer fields bordering the Gull crest trails. Tangled masses of shrubbery make this area an excellent possible nesting place for Thrashers.

On July 10 a single Eastern Towhee was heard along the back of the Transfer site of the Gull Crest trails thick undergrowth. This was the first Towhee I have heard this season. Populations of this bird in the Northeast have declined seriously in recent decades. One thing that this secretive creature does not have going for it is that Towhee nests on or very near to the ground. The breezy ethereal song of the Veery can be still be heard from dawn to dusk, as can the Hermit Thrush’s wavering pitch and prominent overtones.

On a related note, our local male House Wren seems to have given me the slip. I have three house wren boxes on the property and all three have nests built in them however as of July 15 they appeared to be abandoned. Apparently, the male wren often makes “dummy nests” within their territory and boy was I fooled. Male House Wrens want to give the female some choices... that is if a female shows up at all, and she may choose an entirely different nook for nesting. I have heard males calling well into July (unsuccessfully) before they move along or disappear.

Ruby throated Hummingbirds are consistent and widespread across Cape right now as well. As of July 7, an Eastern Phoebe has been singing outside our window every morning starting around dawn. This bird is most likely looking to start a second brood.

Other mentionables include: A female Common Eider teaching a gaggle of chicks to dive for crustaceans, several Swamp Sparrow fledglings - a Red bellied Woodpecker with three young continuing to devour our suet and Song Sparrow, Titmice and Chickadee fledglings are out and about as well. Chimney Swifts, Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows dart gracefully over our meadows and farmyards.