I spent a couple of hours this morning seawatching once again from Dyer Point in Cape Elizabeth. I was soon joined by Charlie, David, Robbie, and Mike. All of us were looking for alcids, especially Dovekies. In a little less than 2 hours, we saw 4 birds – three that flew by, but one that landed close to shore. A handful (7) Razorbills passed by farther offshore.

If tomorrow wasn’t the busiest shopping day of the year, I would certainly be camped out for the long-haul at Dyer Point. A strong storm (which is predicted to produce mostly, if not all, rain for us here at the coast – although the composition and duration of the mix keeps changing) should produce a sustained period of strong onshore winds. With all of the Dovekies nearshore already, there is the potential for a big “wreck” of these birds and other alcids along the shore. Tomorrow would be a very good day to bird the coast, especially seawatching and checking sheltered coves.

Hopefully, some of the storm’s bounty will be around on Sunday morning, where I should be able to sneak in a few hours before the store opens. Then, it’s on to Joisey for Christmas. Looking forward to seeing family and Carolina Chickadees, but I am NOT looking forward to that drive!

But, Tuesday afternoon, I board a plane for Houston for the Texas Bowl! GO RUTGERS! Hopefully, our first ever Bowl victory will be my belated Christmas gift this year.

I’m planning on a half day or two out of birding, so that should be an added bonus. I won’t venture far from town – maybe head to Galveston at the coast if I get ambitious, but otherwise, I’ll hit a few local parks on the southeast side of town where my friend lives. At the very least, I should get to see some birds that I don’t see very often here in Maine. And, if anyone happens to run into a Groove-billed Ani while I’m around, I may just have to make a quick run for it! (Actually, one of the parks I’m planning on hitting is supposed to be decent for this rare and local – in winter anyway – species).

So, with that I leave you with best wishes for a Happy Holiday, and of course – GO RUTGERS! See ya in a week . . .