I began the day today at Dragon Field, hoping to add to my Patch List (which currently stands at 141 – I mistakenly typed 140 in my entry the other day). One of my favorite aspects of patch listing is trying to complete the goal (150 species) by filling in “holes” on the list. These holes are usually relatively common species that have been missed at the site. You then need to call upon your knowledge of seasonal timing of migrants, habitat preferences, etc in order to maximize your chances of filling in you hole.

In reviewing my Dragon Field list, I found very few holes. However, one that I noticed was Common Redpoll. An irruptive migrant that could certainly pass through the Field - but not every year. Lately, we have been seeing small numbers of Redpolls moving through the area – hopefully a sign of the start of an irruption. So, with Common Redpoll on my mind, along with some other early winter species (Northern Shrike and Rough-legged Hawk would be nice additions), I wandered my way around the hill and woods. One Snow Bunting passed over, calling, and one lingering Gray Catbird skulked in the bushes. Then, I heard the distinctive, rapid-repeat-fire “chit-chit-chit” and rising “vvvrreeee” calls of Common Redpolls! I looked up to see a small flock of 6 bounding through the air overhead. What luck! Dragon Field Patch List Bird #142!

Very satisfied with that addition, I spent the rest of the morning scouting for this weekend’s Greater Portland Christmas Bird Count (more on that later this week). I walked around Old Port (being greeted by many odd looks from both shoppers and fisherman) as I planned my route up and down the various piers and other nooks and crannies along the working waterfront. Checking where the gulls were concentration, where any ducks were lingering, etc.

Then, it was over to plan my new route through the area along the water between I-295 and Route 1. The new bypass road cuts through the heart of that section, allowing much better and safer access to the edges of the woods there, but unfortunately also bisects what was once a prime (albeit rather seedy – and not in the bird food kinda way) birding area. It was rather productive this morning – hopefully it is this productive on Saturday – with both Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, a single Snow Bunting, lots of American Goldfinches and lingering Song Sparrows, and a very late Swamp Sparrow – that would be a good count bird; hope it sticks around!