I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

A long walk this morning was necessary to work off the gluttonous consumption from yesterday, that’s for sure! The woods aren’t too birdy these days, but the walk was fantastic, and Mike and I enjoyed the view and the plethora of Red-necked and Horned Grebes at the point.

Yesterday, on our way to Massachusetts, we stopped by Fort Foster for a little birding. Unfortunately, the cold rain just began to fall as we arrived, limiting the duration and productivity of our visit.

Feeder watching at the family’s place was quite productive though, highlighted by a partial albino Common Grackle – its head was nearly pure white, save for a random flecks of blackish. A very unique individual indeed!

In other news, I am always amused by the coverage of birds and birding by the mainstream media. One, it’s good to see that birding is becoming something mainstream media picks up on. On the other hand, there always seems to be a hint of sarcasm, or disbelief, or just, “what are these weirdoes doing?”

One article today wasn’t too bad though – on the Ross’s Gull that dropped into California’s Salton Sea. (Although I’m sure McCaskie appreciated the tone of skepticism suggested by the headline, of the bird “reportedly” being seen. “Reportedly” can infer a negative connotation in birding similar to the use of the term “allegedly,” as in “O.J. allegedly murdered two people.”

Speaking of “allegedly,” the “alleged” (see, here’s that connotation again!) re-discovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Arkansas is the subject of Louis Bevier’s presentation to Merrymeeting Audubon on Tuesday. Louis, now a Research Associate at Colby College and a trip leader for Field Guides gained further notoriety this past spring when he joined with David Sibley and others to write a critique of the evidence supporting the rediscovery of the Ivory-billed woodpecker, specifically the “Luneau video.” Detailed, scientific analysis shows there’s more than reasonable doubt that this is not a Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Louis’s presentation will focus on this, and other pertinent questions about this topic. We’re lucky to have such a great ornithological resource nearby to present this program, and I am very much looking forward to it. Join us on Tuesday (the 28th) at 7:00pm at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. (See you there!)

And, speaking of rare birds, I started a bit of an e-discussion on the affect of invasive plants on migratory and wintering birds. Its been leading to some real thought-provoking conversation on the topic, and many of us agree that this should probably be looked into.

The discussion began as a comment to the latest “Changing Seasons” essay in North American Birds. I firmly believe that if you read nothing else on birding in North America – except for this blog of course! – this is the article to read. It analyzes all of the reports from coast to coast, and puts the sightings into a big picture perspective. From the impacts of Climate Change to invasive species – possibly including some analysis of plants in the future – to, well, you name it. Happily, archives of the Changing Seasons column are now on ABA’s website. I strongly suggest having a look!