It started cold but we had a great morning for a walk around Sabattus.
As the sun came out so did the birds. Ten people enjoyed the walk, all
the ducks, and the hi-light of an Hudsonian Godwit found by Steve Reed.
Ducks simply fill Sabattus Pond, see the list below. The “best” duck was
likely the pair of Wood Ducks which were seen well. The Godwit was on
the sandspit seen when we walk the camp road loop. Two camp owners
allowed us to view the birds from the front of their homes, which
pleased us greatly. The water district also allowed us to enter their
marked off private area, also appreciated. And Mona allowed us to park
at the former Antique Mall, yet another accommodation which was
appreciated. We thank them all.
Today we had 43 species. These were seen or heard (H):
Canada Goose – 9 but surely there were others missed
Wood Duck – 2 m&F, seen well in the cut off section at the south end
Mallard – 200+
American Black Duck – 38, nice to see so many
Northern Pintail – 1 at a distance
Green-winged Teal – 7 best in scope
Greater Scaup – only a few, others left or missed
Lesser Scaup – same as Greater
White-winged Scoter – 2 mid lake
Bufflehead – 30 here and there
Common Goldeneye – 8 along east shore
Hooded Merganser – 10 with Wood Duck and at sandspit
Common Merganser – 8 at sandspit
Ruddy Duck – 1000+ rafts mostly along east shore
Mourning Dove
Hudsonian Godwit – 1 at sandspit, seen very well.
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Loon – 1 distant view
Double-crested Cormorant – 1 near south end
Turkey Vulture – 2
Bald Eagle – 1 imm.
Red-tailed Hawk – along road
Belted Kingfisher – 1 at south end
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Gold-crowned Kinglet – 1 on loop road
Hermit Thrush (H) at Martin’s Point
European Starling
House Sparrow
American Pipit – 4 on eastern shore but not seen well
House Finch
Purple Finch – 2
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Palm Warbler – 2 along loop road
Yellow-rumped Warbler – 1 along loop road
Northern Cardinal (H)
Stan DeOrsey