I spent another morning today in Scarborough Marsh. However, this morning Ed and I were joined by Amy Sinclair of WGME, Channel 13. Amy was filming a piece on the International Shorebird Survey and the significance of Scarborough Marsh for migrant shorebirds. Ed and I marched her and cameraman Jack into the salt pannes as we conducted the survey. This is Ed’s section of the marsh that he has volunteered to cover - Jeannette and I cover two other sections.

These pannes one of the best areas in the state – as you may of guessed from my frequent posts about it – for viewing large numbers of common shorebirds, and finding rarities. And, once again, the salt pannes did not disappoint. Although by the time we made it into the pannes, the tide had already begun to recede – and therefore expose mudflat feeding areas away from the pannes – so the numbers of peep in particular where quite reduced. However, there was plenty to see, count, and film, including 4 Stilt Sandpiper (a good number for Maine), an impressive 23 White-rumped Sandpipers, and a very good number of ducks: 70+ Green-winged Teal, about 35 Blue-winged Teal (my highest count ever in Maine I believe), and the first Northern Pintail of fall.

Jack got some great footage of the Wilson’s Phalarope spinning, the Tricolored Heron that continues there, and a great sequence of a Peregrine Falcon harassing a group of Egrets. I very much look forward to seeing how it came out on film!

The segment should air tonight (Thursday) during the 5:00 News. If you miss it, the piece will be posted (by tomorrow) on the station's website.

I hesitate to recommend it BEFORE I see it, just in case I said something stupid. But, I don’t THINK I did, and no one fell in any holes, so I think I am safe!

Meanwhile, Saturday is a big day here at the store: It’s our Two Year Anniversary Celebration! (I can’t believe its been tow years already!)

The weekend’s big event will be at 11:00am on Saturday, featuring live birds of prey and reptiles from the Center for Wildlife. The program will examine how these animals use special “tools” and adaptations for survival. This is a free program, and everyone is invited – especially kids. Also, free iced shade-grown, organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh popcorn will be served all weekend, and don’t forget there’s the regularly scheduled free birdwalk at 8:00 on Saturday morning, as always. Hope to see ya here!