On my last day of birding with Glenn and Maryanne for this visit, we headed down to Kennebunk Plains. Kennebunk Plains, west of I95 and off of Route 99 in Kennebunk truly is a special place. The area was an extensive marine delta during the last ice age, and is now a 1,600 acre protected site, including 600 acres of open grassland. A former blueberry farm, this area is now managed for the unique assemblage of rare birds and plants found here (Source: Birder’s Guide to Maine).

Birders know it best for its population of breeding Grasshopper Sparrows, Upland Sandpipers, and Vesper Sparrows. This is one of the largest Grasshopper Sparrow colonies in New England, and one of, if not THE best place in the state for seeing these species, along with other more southerly species like Prairie Warbler and Brown Thrasher. It was the Grasshopper Sparrow, sandpiper, and Prairie Warbler that were the targets this morning. Glenn had tallied 24 state birds so far in this trip, so we were going for the icing on the cake (the primary goal was 20, but 30 was the ultimate goal).

As usual, the Plains did not disappoint. There were plenty of Prairie Warblers, and we enjoyed excellent looks at some of the other grassland denizens, such as Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. But, walking the length of the plains failed to produce even one call from an Upland Sandpiper.

But, as we hit the western edge, I heard a most unexpected song – a Clay-colored Sparrow. Very rare in Maine, this species is located once in a while in spring, often singing from brushy areas - it is also one of my, if not my absolute, favorite sparrow species. We followed a dirt road through a treeline at the Plain’s edge, and it opened up into a brushy field behind a baseball diamond (Lloyd Nedeau Memorial Park we later learned). Although I only caught a glimpse of what was probably the sparrow flying away from us, this was an exciting discovery, and one which I will follow up on to look for breeding activity.

Excited by the Prairie Warblers and the Clay-colored Sparrow, but disappointed in not seeing a Sandpiper, we began the march back to the car to head to the more reliable spot for Grasshopper Sparrows (we heard, and saw, a few very distant individuals on this side of the park). About half way back, I heard a distant, but still distinctive “wolf-whistle” of a displaying Upland Sandpiper. Then, another, and another. As is often the case with “Uppies” when one male gets going, the others follow. We finally spotted one bird giving its display flight – about 50 feet in front of the car! We hurried back, and from the edge of the parking lot, we enjoyed full-binocular views of this bird for about 15 minutes!

(“Digiscoped” photos taken with a Canon Powershot A95 hand-held up to a Leica APO Televid 77 spotting scope).

More than satisfied, we headed over to the Grasshopper Sparrow spot, where we were treated to full-scope views of this secretive grassland gnome. 3 for 3, with a bonus rarity! Not bad for the morning – a celebratory breakfast was in order!