Although a stiff northerly wind (still) was not the most condusive to a good day of spring birding, Jeannette and I were not going to waste our day off doing the yard and housework that we have been putting off! Heck no. Instead, we headed for Pemaquid Point.

The winds certainly were not prime for seawatching or migrant passerines, but it was a good change of scenery. We did have our first sounds of summer, however, as 6 Laughing Gulls had arrived at Pemaquid Harbor. Nothing says summer (and memories of growing up at the Jersey shore) like the cackling of Laughing Gulls!

As we worked our way up the peninsula, we poked around, exploring new areas. We then birded in and around Damariscotta, enjoying the local Osprey pairs, and a subadult Bald Eagle in Salt Bay. At least 15 Tree Swallows were feeding on a midge hatch at Damariscotta Mills, a total of seven Pine Warblers were heard as we walked the trails ay Dodge Point, and I enjoyed a pair of Ring-necked Ducks at Sherman Lake.

As dusk approached, I headed over to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester to lead my annual Woodcock Walk there. A Merlin zipped by the group just as the walk began. It was a sign of good things to come!

Positioning ourselves at my “Secret Woodcock Spot,” we stood and waited. The winds had subsided a bit, but not enough I feared. Was it too strong? But, then, we heard the familiar, nasal “peent” of an American Woodcock calling from the ground, then another, and another. Finally, we heard a flight “song” (actually a combination of vocalizations and a whistle caused by wind rushing around the woodcock’s wingtips). Soon, closer “peents” were heard and then the show really began!

One male in particular made multiple close passes right over our heads, and the cloud cover gave a perfect background to watch his display. We were able to see him – and hear 4-5 other displaying males - over the course of the next 45 minutes, until it was too dark to see the birds in that air. It was quite a show!