For change of scenery this morning, I decided to bird my way down the Androscoggin River. I began in Auburn, on the riverwalk below the Longley Bridge. A large group of hundreds of Mallards and quite a few Herring Gulls were loafing here. A couple of Common Mergansers were up by the falls, and a few Common Goldeneyes were a little downstream. From the pedestrian bridge across the river, I enjoyed two young Bald Eagles involved in a game of chase. An unknown number of Common Redpolls flew overhead, I heard them, but I never saw them. A stately Peregrine Falcon stood watch from atop a tall church steeple across the river in Lewiston.

I worked my way south down Rte 136, stopping where open water in the river was visible, poking down side streets, and stopping at the various little public access spots along the way. A few more Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, and Herring and Ring-billed Gulls were added to the tally.

At Bell’s Farm in Durham, hundreds of Herring Gulls were hanging out, along with a rather dark first cycle Iceland Gull that I momentarily attempted to string into a Thayer's Gull. I worked down the river, taking advantage of any chances I had to scan the water, but there was less and less open water as I wandered south into Brunswick. The water broke through again in Brunswick, where I checked the river from the pedestrian suspension bridge – not much though, just some more Mallards and Herring Gulls.

With pleasant temperatures – already in the mid-30’s when I headed to work – and a change a scenery, and some nice birds – I thoroughly enjoyed this little outing. I also explored some Durham side roads that I had not been down before.

But speaking of pleasant temperatures, a change of scenery, and exploring new areas – on Sunday night I head out to Phoenix, Arizona for a few days. While I do plan on spending my first half-day there birding (since I have done so little birding out west, a few hours should net me a handful of life birds!) this trip is actually NOT for birding (although I am really birding all the time, anywhere I am – at least when I’m outdoors that is). See, I DO do things other than birding – SOMETIMES!!! I am going to support my alma mater, Rutgers University in the Insight.com Bowl - the football team’s first bowl appearance since 1978’s now-defunct Garden State Bowl (essentially created for Rutgers, so it doesn’t really count in many people’s view). Ironically, we will be playing Arizona State – the same team RU faced in ’78, but this time in their hometown (not that it helped RU in ’78, they lost anyway).

I spent four years at Rutgers. During that time, the football team won all of 8 games – FIVE of which were in my freshman year! Upon graduation, a bunch of my friends all agreed that IF Rutgers EVER made a bowl, we would all go. So, a dozen of us – some of whom I have not seen since graduation – are heading south for temperatures in the mid-70’s and one heck of a party! Oh yeah, the football game should be pretty good too! And, our hotel is only 5 miles from one of the best urban parks for some of the local specialty species. Or, I may just have to get a cab out to see the lingering Streak-backed Oriole!

So, I'll let you know what birds - and touchdowns - I see when I get back.

Until then, good birding, and have a very Happy Holiday!