Now THIS chase was REALLY a close call . . .

I headed back down to Kittery this morning for another look at the Western Reef-Heron. Originally, the plan was to meet friends from Michigan down there, but their trip was cancelled at the last minute. But, I had already made plans to take Luke back down, and finally get Robby the bird.

So, we headed down to Kittery Point, despite the fact that the bird was not seen from there yesterday. But, Robby REALLY wanted this as a Maine Bird – I can’t blame him – so we decided to give it a try.

Yesterday, Marshall and I were discussing the finer points of identifying Roseate Terns in flight, especially juveniles. I was a bit embarrassed that I was not able to adequately describe the difference, so with Robby – who spends his summer studying terns – along today, I wanted to study some terns.

A large flock of terns was feeding off of Fishing Island. At the same time, Robby and I got on one tern that was notably whiter above, as Roseate Terns are. We followed it for a second, and then it turned its head - a rectangular, isolated, black face patch.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Forster’s Tern – Maine State Bird #300! While this milestone was deserved of celebration, I found myself a bit disappointed (see yesterday’s blog), since Forster’s Tern isn’t a mega-rarity by any means. However, it is a spiffy little bird, and I was simply being an elitist snob thumbing my nose at it.

Then, as we follow the tern, serendipity strikes again – Robby yells, “There’s the heron!” As Robby followed the tern, he spies the long, dark blue neck of the heron peer out from behind a rock.

Sure enough, the Western Reef-Heron was standing there on Fishing Island, a life – and state – bird for Robby. Another successful twitch! But, only 4 minutes later, the bird takes flight and we watch it as it gracefully flies away, up the Piscataqua River towards it haunts in New Hampshire.

Hoping that the heron would work it’s way towards it’s new high tide roost off of Goat Island in New Castle, we decided to take advantage of the light, tide, and activity, and head over to Fort Foster.

We walked the beach back towards Pepperell Cove, towards a massive concentration of actively feeding and/or relaxingly roosting terns. Over 2,000 Common Terns was a conservative estimate, and at least 12 Roseate Terns, including juveniles, were among them. (I more than had my fill of studying juvenile Roseates!). We soon spotted another – or the same – Forster’s Tern. Then another, then another, and another – 4 Forster’s Terns in Maine!

Turning our attention to the shorebirds as we walked back, Luke picks out a Baird’s Sandpiper. A lifer for him, and a very good bird for all, the young shorebird walks by no more than 30 feet away, in perfect light! (No pics you ask? Uh, no. Despite the perfect light, calm conditions, and plethora of birds, Luke and I both decided to forget our cameras in the car. Oops.)

Full satiated with a wonderful morning of birding Kittery, we decide to suck up our Maine elitism and head across the border to pursue better looks at the Heron. A quick stop at Frisbee’s Market to say hello and pass on reports – and pick up yet more coffee, and treats – and then we were over to New Castle.

Our first stop was the Goat Island boat launch where the bird was seen yesterday. A handful of birders (many fewer than I had expected, but including one just in from Missouri) were patiently – at least outwardly so – waiting for the bird’s appearance. (It had been seen earlier in the morning, at around 9:00 down the road near the Wentworth Hotel).

I had very limited time today – I do sometimes need to show up at the store! – so we decided to check a few nooks and crannies to see if we could relocate the bird. We stopped no more than a quarter mile down the road, where some terns and Bonaparte’s Gulls were feeding. Once again, Robby comes up big, “Hey, here’s the heron again . . .” Roosting on a rocky islet, there it was – a dark bird against a dark background, easy to overlook. Good eyes!

A quick phone call back to the group at the boat launch, and the row of spotting scopes shifted from the boat launch to the side of the road, and eventually to the end of a small cemetery, where we were treated to much improved views.

A celebratory burrito at Loco Coco’s, and we were back on the road again . . .

Here's a pic from yesterday . . .

And some of the Heron from New Hampshire today .(all photos adjusted for contrast with Photoshop) . .