I spent last week in Maine, around Bangor and the central coast. The weather went from hot and muggy to cold and rainy, which might have to contributed to the overall poor birding compared to previous visits. I did see two lifers, one on the first day (Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow) and one on the last (Great Cormorant). It is always nice to see some eastern warblers, like this Blackburnian.
Eastern Phoebe, Mount Desert Island
Great Black-backed Gulls, Schoodic Point
Great Black-backed Gulls in this area are rather shy, perhaps because biologists have been “discouraging” them from hunting on the offshore tern nesting colonies. The gulls do not allow a close approach and quickly take off if you point a camera at them.
The Herring Gulls are happy to pose for mug shots.
Great Shearwater, Gulf of Maine
Great Cormorant, Schoodic Point, way out there, in the rain, but he still counts.
American Bullfrogs are an invasive species here in Oregon, so it was nice to see them in their natural range.
This dragonfly species was common in wooded areas, where they blended in with the tree trunks.
This more colorful species was at the edge of a meadow.
Spotted Sandpiper, Petit Manan NWR
Spotted Sandpiper and Eastern Willet, Petit Manan NWR
Eastern Willet, looking a little sleepy
Ethical Birder 