With temperatures climbing into the low 30’s by early afternoon, I anticipated a great half-day in the field. Unfortunately, the stiff – and chilly – northwest wind picked up sooner than expected, and the birding was actually really slow.

Biddeford Pool was the destination today. 2 Brant off of East Point Sanctuary were really the only highlights. The Sanctuary, the neighborhood, and the surrounding shoreline hosted the expected species, but the Pool itself was actually quite busy: lots of Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Mallards, American Black Ducks, and 122 Canada Geese.

I stopped at various locations along the Saco River between Hill’s Beach and Saco Island, but this produced only 2 Common Mergansers and a handful of the common ducks. Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco, my final stop of the morning, still holds a decent amount of crab apples, but the fruit trees were completely birdless today.

Oh well, still a great morning to be out! And any morning birding is a good morning in my book! But, with the bitter cold day on tap for tomorrow, followed by a predicted significant Nor’Easter (I’ll believe it when I see it!), the rest of the week might just be prime for feeder-watching (and maybe little else!).

So, while you’re sitting at home watching the snow fall (I hope), how about also writing a letter or two on behalf of birds? One topic right now is the amending of the state’s list of Threatened and Endangered Species by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Four species (two birds: Least Bittern and Barrow’s Goldeneye – which I talk about frequently at this time of year) have been left of the list of additions, although the data suggests that they should be included. You can comment on this via Maine Environmental Citizens Online, or write to IF&W yourself.

Meanwhile, the Federal Budget proposed by President Bush last week included some really terrible news for our environment. Drilling in the Arctic is there again (apparently, they won’t take no for an answer), as is SELLING OFF PUBLIC LAND, slashing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and underfunding a number of important agencies and programs. Yes, we need a balanced budget, but is this the right way to do it??? Write your legislators to let them know what you think. Learn more, and take action, through the Wilderness Society’s website.

Just some food for thought while sitting in front of your window looking at your feeders in the upcoming (again, hopefully) snowy days.

So, with my self-esteem stoked by the responses to my finch query last week, I am going to be greedy and ask for more feedback. First, definitely keep me updated on changes in finch numbers that you may notice in the coming weeks.

But, now, I want to ask about sparrows (native ones). Who out there has White-throated, Song, American Tree Sparrows or Dark-eyed Juncos at their feeders (or, especially any others!)? Is this more or less than usual? How about out in the field – seeing many? Did you notice an influx before/during/after the upcoming storm? (Oh, and don't forget to mention where you live).