European Golden Plover, ME - Update Oct 12th

It would appear that, despite a concerted effort by many birders, the European Golden Plover was not relocated today. Since posting last night, quite a few other details have emerged which emphasized just how lucky we really were yesterday! Although we couldn't have known at the time, it appears that the plover wasn't seen at all between 10am and 3:00pm. So, having left the apartment on a positive update and arrived at Scarborough Marsh when the bird had just been relocated, we'd assumed (quite incorrectly) that the bird had consistently been in view for much of the day. Clearly that wasn't the case. We're therefore very grateful to the huge effort put in by yesterday's on-site birders to relocate the European Golden Plover.

In addition, I should apologize for calling the bird 'Eurasian' rather than 'European' Golden Plover in my original blog entry (now corrected). Both the ABA and the BOU refer to this species as European Golden Plover - whatever was I thinking?

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.