Yesterday morning, in the rain at the New Gloucester Marsh, Jeannette and I heard little, and saw even less. In the afternoon, we decided to take a “Poor Man’s Pelagic” by riding the Casco Bay Ferry’s afternoon Mailboat run. Brief stops at a number of islands provides you with about 2 ½ hours on the water for 13 bucks each.

Our hope was that the extensive easterly winds of the last few days would push birds in the bay, where they would seek shelter in the lee of the islands. Unfortunately for us, by yesterday afternoon the wind has calmed considerably. The fog lifted, and there was even a bit of sunshine! But, now, it was TOO NICE out – boy, us birders are never happy! However, the improving conditions meant few if any seabirds would be inshore. However, it was a most pleasant – and mostly DRY – trip, and we did see one Red Phalarope, that we had great looks at from within thirty feet of the boat. A pair of Ospreys put on a show as well.

This morning, however, was a MUCH different story. In the rapidly warming sunshine, Hedgehog Mountain Park was alive with birdsong. More Ovenbirds, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Wood Thrushes have arrived, to name a few. I tallied 13 species of warblers, including one Prairie. I also had my first Scarlet Tanager, Veery (my favorite birdsong), and Red-eyed Vireos of the season. A steady trickle of migrant Bobolinks called as they passed overhead. A little while later, I enjoyed my first American Restart of spring in the backyard, along with 7 other species of warblers. What a difference a day makes!

One quick hummingbird feeding tip: with all of this rain, the sugar water in your hummingbird feeders has likely become diluted. Even if it is not spoiled, you should change that nectar. The hummingbirds need a specific percentage of sugar in the feeders: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water to provide the energy that they need. And remember, use ONLY common, granulated table sugar. Avoid honey, molasses, unrefined sugar, and especially artificial coloring!