Great Black-backed Gull – Ethical Birder

Maine, June 23-29, 2013

July 3, 2013 by John Rakestraw, posted in beyond OR, reptiles & amphibians

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

Schoodic Point, Maine

June 30, 2012June 30, 2012 by John Rakestraw, posted in beyond OR, mammals

Schoodic Point is the mainland section of Acadia National Park. It is not as well known as the main portions of the park on Mt. Desert Island, but the Schoodic section is free to get into and less crowded. The wooded section offers great hiking, and the point itself is a good place to seawatch.

This Snowshoe Hare was eating a mushroom. Love those big feet!

Black Guillemots are common in the waters off the point.

Common Eiders

A Common Eider drake showing the strange bill structure.

Common Eider hens

Two Great Black-backed Gulls hanging out with Herring Gulls. Laughing Gulls are present in small numbers, too, but they tend to keep farther away from the mainland.

These irises were blooming in many areas along the rocky shore. Anyone know the species?

Schoodic Point

July 22, 2008 by John Rakestraw, posted in beyond OR

Schoodic Point is part of Acadia National Park in Maine. It is located on the mainland, away from the big crowds that visit the more popular Mount Desert Island. There are nice patches of boreal forest and shrubby habitat, but on a clear day the highlight of the area is the rocky shore. There is ample area to sit on a big rock and watch the seabirds fly by. On the morning I took these photos, I also enjoyed seeing Harbor Porpoises and Harbor Seals.

Common Tern

Common Eiders, in their rather scruffy summer molt.

Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, two species that I can find at home, but nice to see them on the “other” coast, too.

Great Black-backed Gull. These monsters are the largest gull species in North America, dwarfing the Western Gulls of the Pacific.