Spring is certainly making inroads into Scarborough Marsh. Essentially ice free, and full of birdsong, the still-brown marsh was a good destination on this pleasant spring-feeling morning. Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds were common, with many singing and displaying. Additional flocks overhead also contained more arriving Brown-headed Cowbirds as well. The number of Canada Geese and American Black Ducks in the marsh has increased, while the quantity of diving ducks in the river and offshore is decreasing.

A few Common Loons in Pine Point Narrows were already approaching full breeding plumage, and Horned Grebes were also beginning to attain colorful summer duds. A lone Snow Bunting, still in subdued winter garb, foraged along the edge of the Co-Op parking lot at Pine Point. A flock of about 50 Cedar Waxwings foraged on Multiflora Rose next to the Pelreco building, while a single Killdeer called from the marsh. Also, my first Green-winged Teal of the year (7) were dabbling in a distant salt panne.

A total of 49 Horned Larks were tallied from Eastern Road, with one flying flock including a Lapland Longspur. Another Killdeer flew over, and a Cooper’s Hawk looked northbound. More Green-winged Teal (21 in all) had recently arrived, while a Northern Shrike continued, having been present in the area all winter.

While Grondin Pond was still mostly ice-covered, and duck-free, nearby Prout’s Pond held a nice-sized group of 25 Hooded Mergansers, a pair of Common Mergansers, and my first three Ring-necked Ducks of the year (in Maine that is). During the next few weeks, we will see a rapid increase in the quantity of many species of ducks in the marsh – and nearby environs - as some (like Blue-winged Teal) return to breed, and others are passing through.

Scarborough Marsh is one of many places in the area that are prime duck-watching locales in the spring, and certainly one of the best. But, almost any bay, marsh, and even flooded field can hold migrant waterfowl surprises.