After our success with Operation Cave Swallow last year, Luke, Rich and I planned our “Operation Ash-throated Flycatcher.” Yesterday was the day, but as of Saturday night, there was considerable doubt as to the day’s weather. However, there was enough uncertainty in the forecasts that we decided to give it a shot.

With rain falling as we rendezvoused at Back Cove, we all began to rethink our plans – and sanity. The decision was made to head south, and just start birding. When the rain resumed, we’d pack it in. Suprisingly, we stayed dry until lunch (when the first downpour began while we were refueling on hot dogs from Flo’s.). Actually, we were dry – since we had been inside – until I had the bright idea of birding Beach Plum Farm in Ogunquit – during a break in the rain. Unfortunately, the next downpour began as we were at the far end of the field. So much for that idea, so we packed it in.

However, before the rain began to fall, we had a very productive outing. There wasn’t a lot of birds around, volume-wise, but the quality and diversity was quite good. For the most part, we focused on habitats that would be most interesting to a wayward Ash-throated Flycatcher. Brushy, scrubby edge habitat with lots of fruit – whether native like inkberry and winterberry, or invasives like Oriental Bittersweet and Amur Honeysuckle.

Fort Foster has a lot of this, so after a quick check of Legion’s Pond for the Mute Swans (and whatever else was among the Mallards and black ducks, which today was a spiffy drake Wood Duck) and Fort McClary, we went over Fort Foster with a fine-toothed comb. Two flocks of blackbirds, one mostly Common Grackles and the other mostly Red-winged Blackbirds passed over, and the resident Carolina Wren scolded from the shrubbery. Luke also spotted an American Bittern as it made a brief flight over the marsh. Spring Peepers were calling from the woods, a sound that I do not expect to be hearing in mid-November!

Seapoint Beach was very productive. 4 “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrows were scattered about in the dunes, and three American Pipits were flying about. We had a total of 4 Lapland Longspurs as well. One of those longspurs was hanging out with a flock of 13 Snow Buntings. A more unusual flock-mate, however, was the single White-rumped Sandpiper that foraged and flew with the group!

As we drove over the York River, Luke says, “I would like to see the Long-billed Dowitcher (that had been seen near here last week).” Rich then says, “There it is!” as he spots it from the road as we drove by it at 35mph. What a call! We instructed Luke to request something “better” next time, although admittedly, Long-billed Dowitcher is an excellent November bird in Maine.

The Cliff Walk in York Harbor had lots of bittersweet and Multiflora Rose, and other fruit sources for a hungry Ash-throat, but it was nearly birdless. In fact, the closest we came to our quarry was a tardy Eastern Phoebe in the neighborhood near the Nubble Light.

The highlight though, was the world’s most cooperative Snow Bunting that foraged in short grass at the edge of the parking lot of the Nubble. In fact, we didn’t even see it until it had walked to within about 6-8 feet of us as we scanned the ocean. “Luke, don’t move. Look DOWN!” I said, as we both
reached for our cameras.

This morning's rain and strong northeast wind meant I was under the roof at the Lobster Shack at Dyer Point once again. I expected a good duck flight, but it was actually rather slow. An adult dark-morph Pomarine Jaeger, however, made the trip more than worthwhile. Unfortunately, with onshore winds and periods of rain predicted for almost every day this week, it looks like there will be ample opportunity for seawatching!