Vesper Sarrow

A quick trip up to the Kennebunk Plains or the Blueberry Barrens. The habitat management has been slacking there and the grassland habitat is slipping into successional scrub. We did get great looks at Vesper Sparrow and Field Sparrow. We also got quick looks at Eastern Meadow Lark and Upland Sandpiper.  Downside was no Grasshopper Sparrow \ upside delicious Blueberries everywhere.

                                                                      Vesper Sparrow

Virginia Rails - Belle Isle

This morning I came across a few juvenile Virginia Rails hanging out by the first fresh water pool at Belle Isle. The juveniles were quite hilarious, chasing flies and checking me out. I may have been the first person these guys got a look at, they were more inquisitive than scared, not a common trait with Rails.  The Virginia Rail is a very secretive what might be called a waterbird of sorts, in the Family Rallidae. Rails inhabit marshes and freshwater ponds with abutting reeded areas for breeding. With Laterally compressed bodies Rail can move through the thick marsh vegetation, making this nearly impenetrable habitat a safe breeding location. Short of hearing the Rail's "clicky" call at dawn or dusk, Rails are a seldom seen species of the marsh.

 

Scarlet Tanager

I spent the day in Maine checking out some northern breeding birds. I found Blackburnian Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Canada Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush and Winter Wren. I Also got some good shots of Scarlet Tanager, also very numerous.