By Marion Sprague
Four enthusiastic young birders joined us for a memorable evening exploring the Kennebunk Plains, led by special guest Magill Weber. After weeks of rainy Saturdays, we were thrilled to finally catch a break in the weather. Saturday evening brought us clear skies, crisp air, and the perfect early summer backdrop for birding.
Things started off quietly, but the trail soon came alive. Along the path just left of the parking area, we picked up several Field Sparrows and heard the distinctive “drink your tea” call of an Eastern Towhee. As we headed toward the back edge of the plains the action picked up with sightings of a small group of Cedar Waxwings, a flitting Prairie Warbler, and the call of a Common Yellowthroat echoing from the thickets.
As we moved down the trail, excitement sparked when we spotted a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker darting between birches and maples. To our surprise, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird zipped around it—possibly defending territory or sneaking a sip from the sapsucker’s sap wells.
Then came a highlight of the evening: the rich, melodic song of a Scarlet Tanager led us to a stunning male perched nearby. We got fantastic looks—and even a few audio recordings. For several birders, it was a lifer, and we took a quiet moment to soak it in.
Heading back along the right edge of the plains, we were treated to an especially photogenic Field Sparrow, perched low in the brush and showing off its pink bill and legs in perfect light.
Our top targets for the night—Vesper Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow, both state-endangered—had eluded us so far. But patience paid off! A small sparrow appeared at the edge of the gravel path: our first Vesper Sparrow of the evening. It later landed in a low shrub along the trail and posed for several minutes, giving everyone a great look.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we heard the high-pitched call of an American Kestrel near a stand of pines. Just as we turned to investigate, it flew out across the plains!
Back at the parking area, while we waited for dusk to fully settle, a Grasshopper Sparrows buzzed from the grass and Vesper Sparrows chimed in. Just as the clock struck 9:00 PM, we were rewarded as the unmistakable “whip-poor-will” call rang out across the plains—then another, and another. We counted at least three calling across the darkening landscape.
A huge thank-you to Magill for lending her time, knowledge, and great energy—it made for a truly fun and rewarding outing! We're always grateful for these chances to explore Maine’s birds and wild places together.
Our full checklists for the trip can be seen here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S250538064
We hope to see you all in July!
