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
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