Cape Elizabeth birding report

As challenging as the last couple of weeks have been, discovering moments of joy can be as simple as the sudden appearance of a new bird in the yard. In the first full week of April, lingering northeast winds started to turn southeast resulting in windows of opportunity for birds to continue to push northward. Although not glamorous, the first Chipping Sparrow showed up under our feeders on April 6. The first Pine Warbler of the year was spotted on our suet on April 12. Unlike most wood warblers, this modest minstrel of our pine woods, cloaked in bright yellow, olive and green will readily come to dine on suet. Because they are only short-distance migrants they show up earlier in the spring when other food sources are scarce. Also, keep your eyes open for White-breasted Nuthatches, House Finches and Tufted Titmice who are all starting to build nests. American Robins seem to be everywhere as well, and although considered harbingers of spring, this bird of the Thrush family often winters across its breeding range (including Cape). Casual observers often see less of these birds stalking earthworms in yards during the fall and winter because Robins spend more time roosting together in larger flocks or foraging deep within our woods. Keep your eyes open for large mass reverse-migrations of Robins through Cape.

On April 8 the previous night’s first full moon of spring (super pink moon) moved into its waning gibbous phase. With far less night-time noise, very little wind, and sparse cloud-cover, it was a superb time to listen for owls across Cape. That said, after hearing two Great horned Owls around 9:30 p.m. conversing close-by, I decided to head out for an owl prowl to see what else may be about. From Shore Road I rode my bike out along Scott Dyer Road, turning left on Spurwink Avenue until I ran into Bowery Beach Road. From here I followed Route 77 past the Sprague’s land and Crescent Beach State Park, connecting with Old Ocean House Road and back into the center of town. Stopping along Spurwink Avenue to listen for a couple minutes, Pollock Creek (running from left to right) babbled and splashed and the deep coniferous forest was shrouded in a low lying serene fog. As I stood there motionless, a steady chorus of Timberdoodlers (ten birds heard along Spurwink alone) peented away seemingly unphased by the fearless foe I suddenly heard hooting from deep within CELT’s Runaway Farm Reserve - another Great-horned, number three! The fourth and final “GHOW” heard was somewhere in the woods between Kettle Cove and Two Lights Road. Earlier that same day my wife and son heard a Barred owl calling (and responding to call backs) in Gull Crest. All together it was a five owl day!

Other noteworthy mentioning’s include the First of Year (FOY) Hermit Thrush, Swamp Sparrow and Pine Warbler on April 11 in Robinson Woods III. As more of a general observation I am also seeing more Wood duck couples this spring than the last two prior springs. Eastern Phoebes are increasing in abundance as well, with a total of six flycatchers spotted at Pond Cove working the wrack line on April 12.

On a birding related note, if you are looking to learn more about birds and conservation there is an excellent interactive radio show from 9:30-10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning called “Ray Brown’s Talkin’ Birds.” One can listen to the show by going to www.talkinbirds.com and navigating to the Listen Live Online page. The show itself features a wonderfully witty and knowledgeable host, expert guests along with tips and tricks for attracting birds to your backyard and weekly contest for prizes like bird feeders, bird friendly coffee and more. As a Talkin’ Birds “Ambassador” I strive to encourage appreciation of our natural world and to promote preservation and protection of our environment - and the best way I know how to do this is by sharing my own joy and enthusiasm in a way that might excite both young people and old alike wanting to learn more about birds and birding.