European Golden Plover, Maine - Oct 11th

Scene at Scarborough Marsh, ME - The bird inspires only a modest 'twitch'.


Matan bags another lifer!


And we flush a Marsh Wren on the way out.

After several positive updates on the Maine birding listserve and a short discussion, Susannah and I set off for coastal Maine just before noon. By 3:30pm we'd arrived at Scarborough Marsh and began the long walk out into the saltmarsh along the ET trail. A group of birders held vigil out in the marsh whilst we passed numerous successful birders on the walk in, which is always a comforting feeling after a long drive! The bird sat alone during the entire time we watched and didn't even leave when 2 American Golden Plovers got up from the marsh and departed at around 4:25pm. The European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), a most handsome transitional adult was found by Robby Lambert (originally on Thursday) and identified by Lysle Brinker yesterday, apparently the first record in the Lower 48 states. A fantastic find for all concerned and well worth the three hour drive from Amherst. This was our first birding experience in Maine and I must say it was extremely positive.


Other birds in the marsh included about 5 Pectoral Sandpipers and a Marsh Wren.


Best birding,


James.