A Morning of Shorebirding with Alex & Lauren

by Britney Fox

First off, we'd like to extend a very special thank you to Alex Lamoreaux and Lauren diBiccari for joining us in Scarborough for a lovely morning of shorebirding! We started at a familiar location—Pine Point near Stearns Seafood, where we meet each year for our Stratton trip. While we waited for everyone to arrive, there were already so many birds to take in across the water. We first heard some loud American Oystercatchers and then spotted several through our scopes. Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Herons and a good mix of shorebirds worked the mudflats, while terns flew around and loafed on boats off Pine Point. Our first rare bird came early, when we all got great looks at Forster's Terns lined up neatly on a nearby moored boat. We'd end up tallying nine Forster's Terns over the course of the morning, and seeing them alongside Common Terns gave us a great chance to compare the two species side by side.

Down on the beach, we got excellent looks at Short-billed Dowitchers probing the mud with their signature "sewing machine" feeding style. A large flock of Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, with a Western Sandpiper mixed in, flushed before everyone could get a good look—always a mesmerizing thing to watch shorebirds take flight! Willets were scattered through the group, along with several Semipalmated Plovers. One of our favorites to watch were the Black-bellied Plovers—we saw many and heard their calls too. When the flock flushed in a big way, Alex called out to watch for predators, and sure enough, a Peregrine Falcon shot through the sky! It wouldn’t the the last time we saw this Peregrine this morning and we were in for a treat! We also noted two adult Bald Eagles soaring over us on the pier— always an impressive and majestic sight.

Once the excitement at Pine Point settled, we made a quick trip over to the Pelreco building area, where a Wilson's Phalarope had recently been reported. At our viewing spot, we were greeted by a newly fledged American Goldfinch peeping away in the driveway—everyone got a great look at the tiny, adorable bird before we cleared out so its parents could return. Scanning the marshy area turned up new shorebird species, including Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs and a White-rumped Sandpiper, along with Great and Snowy Egrets and our target bird, the Wilson's Phalarope! Phalaropes are fascinating shorebirds, and we watched this one spin in tight circles to stir up prey, then rest on a clump of grass—it was interesting to see one out of the water for a change. We also spotted a few tiny Green-winged Teal at this spot, which we learned count as "honorary shorebirds" since they like to hang out wherever shorebirds do.

From a different vantage point, we got absolutely stunning views of that same juvenile Peregrine Falcon, doing its best to hunt the marsh's shorebirds but coming up empty each time. Not great news for a hungry falcon, but our group was thrilled to watch such a powerful bird in action. For the last leg of the trip, we walked out to the Pine Point jetty hoping to add a few more shorebird species to our list. By then the day had turned hot and the beach was busy with people, but we still managed to catch a couple of Bonaparte's Gulls by the water’s edge.

We learned so much from Alex throughout the trip and had a great time exploring beyond birds too—including a very cool bait bucket full of interesting crabs and fish! For the full list from our trip, see the report below.

https://ebird.org/tripreport/565400?view=checklists

Stay tuned for details on our next MYBC outing—a day trip to Monhegan Island! Until then, enjoy what's left of this beautiful summer weather, and happy birding!


Stratton Island 2026!

by Britney Fox

A visit to Stratton Island is always one of our very favorite trips of the year, and for good reason. This is a chance for MYBC to get a behind-the-scenes look at a fascinating island that serves as a nesting colony for an array of different species but is specifically important for the terns. When the group arrived at Pine Point, we could already see common terns (COTE) fishing and diving off the point, giving us a glimpse of what was next. We traveled to the island and back in two groups and had a beautiful ride to and from the island in perfect, sunny summer weather. Highlights of our boat trips included Wilson's storm-petrel, little blue heron, and one of our groups even got to see an ocean sunfish, otherwise known as a mola mola, on their way back!

When we arrived at the island, the whole area was full of sights and sounds. COTE greeted the group in spectacular fashion, diving and calling overhead. Their chicks were the first birds we saw when landing on the beach. We promptly headed over to the nesting least tern colony, where we got good views of a small chick sheltering in a box. The staff built an amazing electric fence to keep the least tern nests and chicks safe from predators, namely black-crowned night herons. We then hiked across the island to check out the freshwater ponds, which host a diverse array of species. We loved watching a juvenile glossy ibis forage in the mud. We headed over to another spot where we happened upon a very newly hatched COTE chick — and another one in the process of hatching! The parents were diligently standing guard, so we got a great glimpse of this miraculous part of the tern nesting process before heading over for a great look at the rookery on the island.

The rookery consists of several species of wading birds that nest on the island, including great egrets (GREG), snowy egrets (SNEG), glossy ibis (GLIB), and great blue herons (GBHE). We saw GLIB chicks in the nest, much smaller than the juveniles foraging at the pond. We also got great views of the adults with their gorgeous maroon and green iridescent plumage. Once finished there, we spent some time on the shore watching shorebirds such as short-billed dowitchers, spotted sandpipers (with chicks!), and least sandpipers. We also loved spotting our club's mascot birds, three black guillemots floating offshore. This species also uses Stratton as a nesting spot!

Lastly, our groups separately spent some time in the visitor's blind. This is such a fun part of the outing because it gives us a secret, inside view of the lives of these nesting terns and their families. Tern parents work so hard — catching fish, feeding their young, and protecting them from predators. The blind offers a front-row seat to the action-packed drama of a day in the tern colony. We quickly learned that butterfish were a massive challenge for the chicks to choke down, and we cheered on a large tern chick trying desperately to swallow its lunch. We really started to doubt the chick could actually fit the fish down its throat — but it did! We cheered the little bird on and wished it the best on the rest of its journey.

It is always sad to leave the island with little tern chicks bidding us goodbye from the shore. The work the researchers do to usher in another healthy, successful generation of terns is always so impressive. For a full list of birds we saw at Pine Point, on our way to the island, and on the island, please click the checklists below.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S371076221

https://ebird.org/checklist/S371079739

Stay tuned for our August trip announcement, and until then — happy birding and happy summer from the MYBC crew!



Kennebunk Plains Evening Walk: Pop Goes the Weasel!

by Britney Fox

The group met at the Kennebunk Plains parking area on the evening of June 20th, joined by two new Maine Young Birders. The weather had been variable throughout the day, but the evening brought sunny skies, mild winds, and comfortable temperatures for our walk. We started strong: one of our young birders spotted an Eastern Meadowlark right by the parking lot, and the group got great looks at several Vesper Sparrows carrying beaks full of insects for their hungry chicks. A Grasshopper Sparrow called close by, but despite our best efforts we couldn't get a visual. We continued on, following the sounds of screaming ravens coming from the back tree line.

Crossing the plains, we entered a wooded trail where we picked up Black-and-white Warbler, a flyover Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a gorgeous male Scarlet Tanager — along with, unfortunately, a lot of dog ticks. Working our way through, we spotted Field Sparrows and Prairie Warblers and heard many Eastern Towhees calling.

Then came one of the most incredible mammal sightings. On the perimeter trail, the sparrows suddenly began alarm calling and something darted across the trail behind the last young birder — fast enough that a couple participants tentatively called weasel, but the movement was too quick to be certain. Moments later, the mystery resolved itself in spectacular fashion: animals were sprinting up trees and launching off branches, diving to the ground and racing in every direction. It took a few seconds to process before it clicked — a Short-tailed Weasel was chasing a couple of chipmunks for its dinner! One chipmunk ran directly through our group to escape. The weasel, for its part, wasn't entirely sure what to make of us: it popped up repeatedly from the ground cover to check us out, giving everyone amazing looks, before running right past the feet of one of our young birders. We were all completely reeling from seeing this tiny, ferocious, and absolutely adorable creature.

Continuing on, we found several Pine Warblers, including one that appeared to be a young bird. Then another young birder spotted a small brown snake on the trail. As is becoming something of a group tradition, it was gently caught and passed around for a closer look — and revealed itself to be a Redbelly Snake, with a beautiful red underbelly. After everyone had a chance to admire this very charming "snek," we released it and made our way back to the parking lot to listen for Whip-poor-wills. None were calling on this side of the plains that evening, but with so many memorable bird, mammal, and reptile sightings already under our belts, no one walked away disappointed.

We finished the outing with around 30 species. You can view our full eBird checklist here.

Keep an eye out for our next trip announcement — a very special visit to a nesting tern colony on Stratton Island!

Spring Migration at Evergreen

by Laurie Pocher

May 17, 2026 • Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, Maine

What a morning at Evergreen Cemetery! With warm temperatures and a mostly leafed-out canopy, the birds were singing – but playing hard to get, tucked high in the treetops. Despite the challenge, the group logged an impressive 54 species over nearly three hours, covering the pond, the power line cut, the brush pile, and the wooded trail.

We kicked things off with introductions, and everyone shared a bird they were hoping to see today. By the end of the morning, Evergreen delivered on just about every single one.

Even before we took our first steps down the trail, the orioles announced themselves. As the group was still doing introductions, we were serenaded by both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles – and we got great looks at both. A perfect way to set the tone for the day.

Unlike the cooperative orioles, the warblers made us work for it! Most of the 14 warbler species were heard far more than they were seen, their songs drifting down from the leafy canopy above. Northern Parula (5) and Chestnut-sided Warblers (4) led the way, but every new chip note kept the group scanning the treetops hopefully. We did manage to get eyes on a few birds – Black-and-white Warblers creeping along the bark, bright Northern Yellow Warblers flitting around the tree-tops, and Common Yellowthroats popping up just long enough to show off their bold masks.

Overhead, raptors put on a show of their own. Turkey Vultures seemed to be escorting three Broad-winged Hawks as they soared together. A Red-tailed Hawk gave us an even more personal encounter, circling low over the group twice – making sure everyone got a close look at that stunning rusty-red tail. Two Osprey rounded out an impressive raptor list.

After 2+ hours of hearing him, we finally laid eyes on the Red-bellied Woodpecker that had been calling persistently all morning, teasing us from somewhere in the canopy.

A Great Egret glided in and landed on the pond, where it proceeded to methodically stalk and snatch several fish – a master class in patience and precision. A pair of Eastern Kingbirds entertained the group with a classic flycatching display: launching from their perch, sailing out over the pond in a swift, decisive arc, and snapping up insects mid-air before looping back to the same branch to wait and do it all again.

The non-bird highlights were just as memorable. A garter snake required a coordinated group effort to capture (and release!). Snapping turtles in shallow water very close to the shore gave everyone close-up looks.

And as we were getting ready to say goodbye, a loud male Pileated Woodpecker called from nearby and then swooped in to land low on a tree-trunk right beside the trail.

A few other notable species that we saw or heard: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, Brown-headed Cowbird, Ovenbird, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You can see our complete checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S341364789

We’ll be announcing our June outing soon – in the meantime, happy birding!

The Maine Young Birders Club is free to join and open to young birders ages 11–18. The club is funded entirely by donations, and every contribution helps keep our programs and field trips free for all members. New members are always welcome, no experience necessary.

Join us at maineyoungbirders.org/join

Support the club at maineyoungbirders.org/donate

New England School of Falconry

by Laurie Pocher

April 11, 2026 • New England School of Falconry Woodstock, Vermont

Most MYBC outings find us out in the field, scanning treetops and mudflats with binoculars, waiting for birds to reveal themselves on their own terms. This trip was something entirely different — and entirely wonderful. On a windy, cold April day, a dozen young birders and a contingent of parents (aka paparazzi) made the drive from southern Maine to Woodstock, Vermont, for a hands-on experience at the New England School of Falconry.

We spent two hours with Jessica, one of the school’s falconers, and two remarkable birds: Audubon, a nine-year-old Harris’s Hawk, and Alba, an American Barn Owl who will be turning ten next month. Both birds are seasoned veterans of this kind of work, and it showed. Audubon, at roughly a pound and a half, is compact and powerful, with the Harris’s Hawk’s characteristic bold patterning. Alba, closer to a pound, is all soft plumage and heart-shaped face — the picture of quiet elegance.

We flew both birds, and everyone in attendance had the experience of a raptor landing on their arm. There is simply no way to prepare for the moment a bird like that drops out of the sky and grips your glove. The wingspans alone are enough to make you catch your breath.

We also got to visit with Coruja — Portuguese for owl — a young Spectacled Owl we had met as a tiny white fluffy owlet during a previous visit in August 2025. The transformation to full adult plumage is nothing short of stunning, and the photos tell the story better than words can. Coruja will be flying in owl programs this summer. We can’t wait to go back.

Audubon, Alba, and Coruja are just part of the remarkable cast of birds at the school. Others in residence include Aplomado Falcons, Burrowing Owls, Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, and a massive Eurasian Eagle-Owl named Sibley. While several of these species are not native to North America, all of the birds at the New England School of Falconry are bred and raised in captivity specifically for falconry training.

Of course, we are MYBC, and wild birds do not get ignored just because we’re busy with trained ones. A pair of Common Ravens made several passes over the treetops during our session, croaking loudly as if lodging a formal complaint about the proceedings. The resident American Kestrels — preparing their nest box for a tenth breeding season on the Falconry school property — made their presence known as well, tiny and fierce and utterly unbothered by the hawks in the air.

The drive to and from Woodstock yielded its own rewards. En route, we logged numerous Turkey Vultures and a pair of Merlins. On the return trip south, a Belted Kingfisher and a Bald Eagle rounded out the day nicely.

The timing of the trip turned out to be perfect in more ways than one. After a long Vermont winter, the maple creemee soft serve machine at Jake’s Quechee Market was back up and running, and we took full advantage. There are worse ways to end a day of falconry.

The Maine Young Birders Club is free to join and open to young birders ages 11–18. The club is funded entirely by donations, and every contribution helps keep our programs and field trips free for all members. New members are always welcome, no experience necessary. Spring migration is ramping up, and we’re already looking forward to our next outing. Stay tuned for the trip announcement coming soon!

Join us at maineyoungbirders.org/join

Support the club at maineyoungbirders.org/donate

Woodcock Walk at KCT

by Marion Sprague

After a few years of cancelled Woodcock Walks, the Maine Young Birders finally met again on Saturday March 28 to see the ‘sky dance’ of the American Woodcock (aka Timberdoodle). Emmons Preserve is a pretty reliable spot to see their aerial displays at dusk this time of year.

We gathered at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust headquarters on a crisp evening for a Woodcock Walk with a creative twist. The night began at 5:00pm with a pizza social, giving everyone time to catch up, meet new faces, and fuel up before heading out.

From 5:30–6:30pm, Maine Master Naturalist and local artist/author Rebekah Lowell led a fantastic sketching workshop focused on American Woodcock. Participants learned how to draw woodcock in a variety of poses—on the ground as adults, in flight during their display, and even as chicks. Rebekah shared tips on proportions, posture, and how to capture the unique look of this charismatic species, and it was great to see everyone’s interpretations come to life on paper.

Before we even stepped outside, the birding started. Looking out from the headquarters windows, we spotted a hawk perched nearby. At first glance, it appeared to be a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, but once we got outside and observed it more closely, its smaller face and bill suggested a Red-shouldered Hawk. Photos taken during the bird’s flight later confirmed the ID—a great reminder of how field marks can shift with better views.

We then headed out to explore the trails. Along the river, where we’ve seen a porcupine den in past years, we were treated to a surprise encounter when the porcupine emerged and shuffled along the riverbank before returning to its den. Check out the video on our Facebook page. It was an exciting and unexpected highlight for the group.

A stop at the preserve’s stone labyrinth gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs—the young birders explored, ran around, and enjoyed some unstructured time before the evening birding resumed. After a quick warm-up break inside for hot cocoa, we made our way to the field behind the headquarters to wait for dusk.

As the light faded, a single American Woodcock flew overhead, giving us excellent silhouetted views against the evening sky. Soon after, we heard the first “peent” calls from the field, followed by the distinctive wing “titter” as birds launched into their display flights. While views were brief, we were able to locate one bird on the ground and catch the reflection of its eyes in a flashlight beam, allowing distant but satisfying looks. In total, we estimated at least three woodcock displaying during a roughly 30-minute window.

In addition to the woodcock and Red-shouldered Hawk, the group recorded a handful of other species, including Canada Goose, Mallard, and a flyovers of Green-winged Teal—bringing the evening total to eight species.

We are very grateful to the Kennebunk Conservation Trust for allowing us to use the Trust HQ for our gathering and to Rebekah for providing a fun way to study the adaptations and field marks of these unique little birds.

Check out our full eBird checklist for the evening: https://ebird.org/checklist/S314271405

In April, we’re heading to New England Falconry in Woodstock, VT to learn about raptors and some hands-on time with these amazing birds! Please register early, as space is limited.

Came for the Owls, Stayed for the Ducks

by Britney Fox

The goal of our recent outing was to search for owls and explore the Pine Point area of Scarborough, where multiple snowy owls have been spotted throughout the winter. It seems that as soon as the calendar hit March, the snowies decided to make themselves scarce on the day of our MYBC trip. As daylight increases, they will begin their epic journeys back to their breeding grounds in the Arctic. But as with most things in birding, we made the best of the situation — and Pine Point beach was absolutely packed with birds!

We made our way down the beach to the jetty, where just beyond, we could see large flocks of ducks out on the water. With two spotting scopes, we got to work identifying the different species. We found all three scoter species (black, surf, and white-winged) as well as both scaup species (lesser and greater). Scaup can be tricky to identify, so we leaned on our guest leader Magill Weber, who walked us through the differences between the two species. Greater scaup dominated the raft, but we spotted a couple of lesser scaup mixed in as well.

A horned grebe came in close, giving us excellent views — its red eye is particularly striking. A bald eagle flew overhead, spooking the duck rafts and sending many birds flying out to sea. We also got great looks at long-tailed ducks and were able to appreciate just how large common loons are by comparing them to the surrounding ducks. Another highlight: one of our young birders found an intact sand dollar, which impressed everyone!

With no owls in sight, we moved the group to Dyer Point in Cape Elizabeth, where a Pacific loon — a rare species in Maine — had been reported. Dyer Point was noticeably colder and windier than the sheltered Pine Point beach. While the reported loon turned out likely to be a common loon, the location still delivered. We got excellent views of harlequin ducks, a lifer for many in the group, and also spotted multiple black guillemots — fitting, since it's MYBC's mascot!

We ended the outing with around 25 species. You can view our eBird reports here:

Pine Point

Dyer Point

A huge special thanks to Magill Weber for supplying lots of birding knowledge as well as cookies!

Keep an eye out for our next trip announcement — the annual woodcock walk! The weather hasn't cooperated the past couple of years, so here's hoping our luck turns. Thanks, and happy birding until we see you again!

Birds & Curds: A Minnesota Birding Adventure

by Laurie Pocher

A Trip Report from the MYBC Coordinators

January 18-24, 2026

What do Maine Young Birders Club coordinators do on vacation? Bird, of course! Last year we headed to Florida to bird the Space Coast in the heat and humidity of the Sunshine State. This year we decided to try the opposite extreme: northern Minnesota in January, where the challenge wasn’t staying cool but staying warm. The three of us headed north for a week of sub-zero temperatures and truly memorable winter birding. Based in Duluth, we spent our days exploring the legendary Sax-Zim Bog, where extreme cold tested both our gear and our determination.

About Sax-Zim Bog

Sax-Zim Bog is a vast 300-square-mile peatland ecosystem in St. Louis County, Minnesota, renowned as one of North America’s premier winter birding destinations. This boreal habitat features a mosaic of black spruce bogs, tamarack swamps, and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests that attract an extraordinary concentration of northern specialties during winter months. The bog’s network of rural roads, well-maintained trails and boardwalks, and feeding stations make it accessible to birders seeking species rarely found elsewhere in the Lower 48.

A highlight of any visit is the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Visitor Center. The Center became our refuge from the extreme cold—a place to warm up our frozen fingers and toes while chatting with the wonderful and knowledgeable staff. Sparky, the FOSZB Director, interviewed Brit for his YouTube channel, sharing our Maine birding experiences and our reactions to the Minnesota winter spectacle.

Friends of Sax-Zim Bog is a non-profit dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and understanding of this unique ecosystem through education, research, and sustainable recreation. We were happy to support their important work by purchasing hats, tote bags, sweatshirts, magnets, and stickers—both as mementos of our trip and as a way to contribute to the bog’s conservation. The feeders at the visitor center drew in Canada Jays, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Pileated Woodpecker, and the ever-present Black-capped Chickadees.

The Weather: A Test of Endurance

We will remember this trip as much for its extreme cold as for its birds. Living in Maine, we thought we could handle Minnesota cold—this week knocked us down a few pegs. Temperatures ranged from a ‘balmy’ 12°F on Wednesday to a bone-chilling -26°F (feeling like -40°F) on Friday morning, with Extreme Cold Warnings in effect for most of the week. At one point we noted it was literally 100 degrees warmer inside our heated vehicle (68°F) than the outside air (-32°F). Friday morning our rental car refused to start at our Airbnb—after AAA jump-started the battery, we kept the engine running until lunch, a sobering reminder of the genuine dangers of northern Minnesota winters.

Layering Up: Winter Birding Gear

Preparation was everything. We bundled in multiple wool layers, deployed hand and toe warmers liberally, and relied on heated gloves and vests to maintain dexterity and core warmth. It was so cold the windows didn’t steam—instead, frost formed on the inside of the glass, forcing us to buy an ice scraper so the back seat passengers could see out. We walked on most days, braving the boardwalks and trails for 10-45 minutes at a time when we could manage it. Friday—the day our car wouldn’t start—was the only day we stayed vehicle-bound, birding from the car and stepping out only briefly for an occasional photo. The car became both our warming station and our observation blind, though we tried to get out and stretch our legs whenever the combination of temperature and wind allowed.

The Birding: Northern Treasures

Despite—or perhaps because of—the extreme cold, the birding was productive. We tallied 26 species, a respectable total given the limited diversity of Minnesota’s winter avifauna.

Sunday, January 18 marked our arrival day. During our drive from the airport to our Airbnb, we saw a Red-tailed Hawk near Saint Paul, a Rough-legged Hawk hunting along I-35 north of Columbus, followed by a Bald Eagle near Barnum. Near Cloquet, we spotted a flock of 30 Snow Buntings in an agricultural field visible from the highway—a welcome bonus species. Rock Pigeons near Duluth rounded out our arrival day sightings. By 9pm that first night in Duluth, temperatures had already dropped to -1°F (feeling like -23°F) with a Severe Weather Advisory in effect.

Monday, January 19 brought our first major target birds. We spotted Pine Grosbeaks feeding along the roadside on our way to the Brimson Burn area, where we found two Black-backed Woodpeckers. Later, we located a Northern Hawk Owl at its well-established hunting territory near Meadowlands on CR-47—a bird that would prove faithful to this same spot throughout the week. At Warren Nelson Memorial Bog, the end of the boardwalk yielded both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, and a pair of Redpolls. The day’s highlight came at Admiral Road feeding station, where a half-hour visit produced our first Canada Jay and, thrillingly, a Boreal Chickadee—one of our primary target species.

Tuesday, January 20 was our most productive day. We started before dawn in brutal -16°F temperatures (feeling like -21°F) and found a Short-eared Owl perched along Sax Road near Cotton—a rare sighting for the bog. We returned at lunchtime and at sunset to see it twice more, though it would prove to be a one-day wonder that was not reported again that week. At Mary Lou’s Feeding Station, we spent an hour watching an incredible assemblage of winter finches: 60 Evening Grosbeaks and 5 Pine Grosbeaks dominated the feeders, joined by Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Black-Capped Chickadees, White-Breasted Nuthatches, Blue Jays, and even a European Starling.

Later stops at Admiral Road feeding station and Winterberry Bog added more close looks at Canada Jays and winter finches. We checked on the Northern Hawk Owl at its usual territory on CR-47, spending a half hour with this bird. The day concluded with two Ruffed Grouse encounters near Forbes.

Wednesday, January 21 brought a welcome temperature increase to a ‘balmy’ 12°F in Cotton—warm enough that we could actually feel our faces again. Mary Lou’s feeding station once again produced Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks, and both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. At the Northern Hawk Owl’s usual spot, we were treated to an incredible show: the owl repositioned to a tree very close to the road, then swooped down to snatch a meadow vole from the roadside. We photographed and recorded video of it returning to the treetop, where it quickly devoured the vole. Later that afternoon while looking for Great Gray Owls, we added a Northern Shrike and Wild Turkey to our trip list. Rock Pigeons, typically considered mundane, seemed almost exotic in this frozen landscape.

Thursday, January 22 started with temperatures slightly more moderate around 1°F in Forbes. The Northern Hawk Owl remained faithful to its territory, and we added more observations of Pileated Woodpecker and Wild Turkey. We saw Redpolls again. A gorgeous red fox crossed the road in front of us during our travels—a stunning reminder that the bog’s wildlife extends well beyond birds. We had some intel for other potential Great Gray Owl sightings about an hour outside the bog, so we drove around scanning trees at dusk as the temperature started to plummet.

Friday, January 23 began with a dramatic wake-up call when our rental car refused to start in the extreme cold: -26°F in Duluth (feeling like -40°F). Fortunately, we discovered this at our Airbnb rather than stranded at a remote bog location. After AAA jump-started the battery, we made another attempt to find Great Gray Owl, and on our return to the bog stopped at Brimson Burn to visit with the pair of Black-backed Woodpeckers again. Our final rounds of the feeding stations produced the Boreal Chickadee once more at Admiral Road, a Northern Shrike at a different location, and one last look at the faithful Northern Hawk Owl at its established territory.

Saturday, January 24 was our departure day. As we drove back to the airport, we encountered another Rough-legged Hawk hunting along I-35 in roughly the same area where we’d seen our first one on arrival—a perfect bookend to the week. We spotted a House Sparrow en route, and a pair of coyotes loping across a snowy field added another wildlife highlight to our journey home.

As we landed in Boston Saturday evening, the pilot announced that it was a “very cold 10°F” and we laughed. We now know what very cold really means… and 10°F isn’t it!

Target Species: The Final Tally

Of our primary target birds, we successfully found Northern Hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, and lots of Pine and Evening Grosbeaks.

The species that eluded us were Great Gray Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, and Pine Marten. But that only gives us a good reason to return!

Additional Highlights

Beyond our target birds, the trip delivered several memorable moments. Mammal sightings added their own dimension to the experience. White-tailed deer were a constant presence throughout the bog, Red Squirrels enjoyed the feeders as much as the birds did, and a gorgeous red fox crossed the road in front of us one afternoon.

The Rough-legged Hawks we spotted on both arrival and departure were a special treat—we rarely see them in Maine. And who could forget bundling up in the pre-dawn darkness to search for owls when the thermometer read -40°F windchill?

The Other Mission: Cheese Curds

While owls and winter finches were our primary targets, we had another objective: to have cheese curds every day. This quintessential Wisconsin and Minnesota specialty—fresh cheese in its unaged form, ideally with a satisfying squeak against your teeth—became our daily ritual. Good cheese curds should be fresh (preferably made that day), lightly battered if fried, and served hot enough that the cheese is melty inside while the exterior stays crispy. The squeak when you bite into fresh curds is the hallmark of quality.

The best we had all week were at Wilbert Cafe near the bog, where the curds were perfectly fried with a light, crispy batter that didn’t overwhelm the cheese.

Reflections

Birding in extreme cold demands physical preparation, mental fortitude, and flexible expectations. The 100-degree difference between outside and inside our vehicle wasn’t just a number—it represented the thin margin between comfort and danger, between successful birding and hypothermia. Our heated gloves and vests weren’t luxuries; they were essential tools that allowed us to maintain the finger dexterity needed to operate binoculars and cameras.

The morning our rental car refused to start drove home just how serious these conditions were. Had we been at a remote location rather than safely at our Airbnb, the situation could have become dangerous quickly. It was a humbling reminder that extreme cold birding requires constant vigilance and backup plans.

Yet these challenges made the rewards sweeter. Finding the Boreal Chickadee, watching the Northern Hawk Owl hunt, seeing Redpolls and Grosbeaks in large numbers—each sighting felt earned in a way that summer birding rarely does. The cold sharpened our focus and deepened our appreciation.

Final Thoughts

Would we do it again? Absolutely! Northern Minnesota in January is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace the challenge, it offers birding experiences found nowhere else in the eastern United States. The boreal specialties, the winter-hardy resident species, and the raw beauty of a frozen landscape make Sax-Zim Bog a destination every serious birder should experience at least once.

Trip Statistics:

  • Dates: January 18-24, 2026

  • Total Species: 26

  • Temperature Range: -26°F to 12°F (actual); -40°F to 0°F (wind chill)

  • Coldest Morning: Friday, January 23 at 6am: -26°F in Duluth (feels like -40°F)

  • Warmest Moment: 12°F in Cotton, Wednesday, January 21 (feels like 0°F)

  • Target Species Found: Northern Hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak

  • Target Species Missed: Great Gray Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Pine Marten

2026 Winter Tracking and Center for Wildlife

by Britney Fox

Our outing to the Center for Wildlife for our 2026 winter tracking trip with Dan Gardoqui took place on a truly beautiful morning. Winter trips can be unpredictable, but for this one we experienced the best that a Maine winter has to offer. When we met Dan Gardoqui in the Center for Wildlife parking lot, the morning was cold and icy, but it quickly warmed into an unseasonably mild winter day. While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we spent time examining an incredible collection of animal track casts that Dan has created over the years. Dan’s depth of knowledge is remarkable, and his teaching style—part storytelling, part science—is endlessly engaging. Before we even set foot on the trail, we had already learned something new.

We then set off behind the Center on its network of trails. Just enough snow remained on the ground to preserve clues and evidence of the many animals that had passed through. Using size, symmetry, shape, and pattern, we studied prints to determine who had been there, what they were doing, and where they were headed. We identified squirrel tracks and discussed the many ways animals move, including hopping, bounding, and leaping. We noticed small squirrel caches and signs of recent meals in the snow. We also found raccoon and domestic dog prints, which provided a great opportunity to compare how wild animals move versus domestic pets.

On another trail, we picked up the signs of a porcupine. We followed tracks, scat, hemlock snips, discoloration on trees marking travel paths, and even scent. We learned that tracking is a truly full-sensory activity. Eventually, we came upon a porcupine den—an outcropping of moss-covered stones—where we found fur, scat, and unmistakable porcupine odor tucked among the craggy rocks. Nearby, we also discovered bobcat scat perched on one of the stones, a reminder that unlikely companions often share and travel through the same spaces. Dissecting bobcat poop turned out to be surprisingly informative. Our adventure with porcupines ended at a hollowed out tree that that these animals climb into and use as a place to snooze and protection from predators.

One of our objectives for the day was to find pileated woodpecker scat, which differs from the bird droppings we’re most familiar with. Beneath clear evidence of pileated excavation on a dead tree, we found unusual scat containing the exoskeletons of carpenter ants. Bingo! Pileated woodpeckers are voracious predators of carpenter ants and expel the hard, indigestible outer shells of their favorite prey.

After a wonderful time on the trails, we returned to the Center for Wildlife to meet their animal ambassadors. It is always special to see the creatures that call the Center home, but hearing their individual stories through Dan’s firsthand knowledge allowed us to experience them in an entirely new way. We were especially fortunate to meet Nyx, a gorgeous female northern saw-whet owl who is unable to fly. She lives with her companion owl, Ollie, who is still adjusting to being around people. Nyx is a stunning example of her species—a minuscule, secretive owl that lives life as both predator and prey. We were completely in awe of her and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be in her presence.

Of course, we kept an eBird checklist for the outing. We heard a wild barred owl, along with white-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches. While tracking, we also heard chickadee alarm calls and watched a small sharp-shinned hawk careen through the forest.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S293539891

It was a fun, memorable day, and we can’t thank Dan enough for all he does for both humans and animals. Please keep an eye out for our February trip announcement—and until then, happy birding!

2025 Biddeford/Kennebunkport CBC

by Laurie Pocher

The Christmas Bird Count, running since 1900, is one of the longest-running community science projects in North America. Each winter, thousands of volunteers across the Western Hemisphere venture out to count birds within designated 15-mile diameter circles, providing crucial data on bird population trends and early warnings about environmental health. This year marked the 126th annual count and the 66th for the Biddeford/Kennebunkport (MEBK) circle.

Eight MYBC members braved bone-chilling temperatures on December 27th—starting at 11°F and eventually “warming” to 17°F—to cover most of Section 1 of the MEBK circle and contribute to this important census effort.

Here’s how our frigid day unfolded.

Early Morning — Saco

We started the morning with incidental sightings of Common Ravens and American Crows as we drove through Saco. Apple Ridge Parcel yielded Dark-eyed Juncos, a Downy Woodpecker, and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

New County Road in Biddeford added our first waterfowl of the day—a Common Goldeneye—along with Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, and American Goldfinches, all while dodging snow plows treating the icy roads. Smutty Lane proved productive with a small flock of 4 Dark-eyed Juncos and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds huddled against the cold.

We added 26 Wild Turkeys at Sokokis Drive and 10 Canada Geese at Foss Road before heading toward the coast.

Mid-Morning — Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach was particularly brutal—the wind off the ocean made the already frigid temperature feel even colder. But the birding made it worthwhile. We tallied 23 Sanderlings scurrying along the shoreline, 17 Black Scoters bobbing in the surf, and a pair of Horned Grebes. On the sand, 42 American Herring Gulls huddled together against the cold, while 67 Rock Pigeons flew around the pier.

A brief stop at Ocean Park Memorial Bandstand added 17 more Canada Geese before we moved inland to warm up a bit.

Late Morning — Guild Park Area

Free Street, a neighborhood near Guild Park with active bird feeders, turned into our most productive stop of the day with 18 species. The highlight? A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker—always a treat during the CBC. We also spotted 5 Bald Eagles soaring overhead, a Gray Catbird (a late lingerer), and a nice variety of backyard birds including Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Purple Finch, Tufted Titmouse, and both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches.

Rachel Carson NWR at Goosefare Brook gave us good waterfowl diversity: 8 American Black Ducks, 6 Buffleheads, 3 Black Scoters, 2 White-winged Scoters, and a Common Goldeneye.

The Final Push

Middle Goosefare Trail presented a challenge with about 8 inches of snow in the unplowed parking lot, but our 4WD Honda Pilot powered through! The effort was worth it—we spotted 7 Eastern Bluebirds flitting around enjoying winterberries and a Red-shouldered Hawk on a fly-by.

Our final stop at Woodman Avenue added a Brown Creeper and a Carolina Wren to round out the day.

MYBC by the Numbers:

  • Total Species: 42

  • Checklists Submitted: 21

  • Total Individual Birds: 491

  • Highlights: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 5 Bald Eagles

  • Temperature Range: 11°F to 17°F

Another group of birders covered parts of Section 1 and added American Robin, Fox Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Golden-crowned Kinglet, bringing the Section 1 total to 47 species. You can see our combined eBird Trip report here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/452144

Despite the brutal cold and relatively quiet birding conditions, we contributed valuable data to the 126th Christmas Bird Count. The low temperatures likely kept many birds hunkered down and less active, but we still managed a respectable species count for a frigid December day in southern Maine.

Our next outing will be a combination of birding and wildlife tracking with Dan Gardoqui. Stay tuned for details about how to join us. Until then… happy birding!