Saturday AM sightings

Yeah, it's a little small, but it is just off the road near the new Veteran's bridge, across from Mercy Fore River. Osprey nest with inhabitants. This was what we set out this morning to see more closely. It was 32 degrees and super windy. Since we were at the hospital anyway, we decided to walk around the retention pool as a Black Crowned Night Heron had been spotted there last month. I didn't think we'd see much, but around back Annelle saw him in some reeds. Unfortunately he spooked and flew. We walked around the pool and managed to find him again. Again spooked, flying. Then we spotted the female in the trees!! So it looks like there are a pair, perhaps nesting there. Very skittish, even though we were pretty far away.
Saw, I think, a Merlin flying. Then back at the Pine Point Marsh area Annelle saw a fox. We didn't stay out too long because of the wind, but it was a fine start to the day.
Oh, yeah, it started with the female turkey in the marsh. I'm wondering if they are nesting back there too.

Marsh clean-up

Spent this morning with the Friends of the Scarborough Marsh, cleaning the marsh alongside the Rte 1 and Pine Point roads. What was supposed to be a drizzly day turned out to be cool and clear. Just perfect, in fact. Home now relaxing on the deck as the tide comes into the marsh. No new bird activity to report, other than the Osprey nest. Just across from the hospital at the edge of the Fore River (very near where the new bridge ig being built) is a nest not 8ft above water level. I need to get my act together and photograph the family living there. Probably the closest ill ever get to Osprey. When I take the shuttle to the State Street campus they are out the right-side window! Spring has greened our yard and is working on greening the marsh. Little buds on trees. Did a short road ride the other day on my bicycle that felt great. We are planning to do some group rides, much as we did in GA. I think the Trek Across Maine we'll skip though. Something shorter than 70 mile days is more to my liking these days!

Exciting bird day

First, though, here's George the groundhog just outside our back window. We think he lives under our deck at least part of the time. He's pretty cute. He's a lot smaller this Spring than he was last Fall!
This morning Annelle and I got up early and went out birding at high tide. Saw a lone Glossy Ibis, a bird we've never seen in Maine. Apparently they come here to mate then move elsewhere. Later in the day we took a bike ride on the ET and saw 5 more! Also saw a pair of Red Breasted Mergansers. So beautifully marked. After the bike ride we looked out our back door and saw a Bald Eagle and an Osprey flying back and forth. We weren't sure what they were doing and I wasn't even sure it wasn't an immature Bald Eagle with an adult, but when the Osprey dropped it's prey and the Eagle grabbed it I got a better look.
Beautiful weekend here. Spring is definitely close, though we will have some cool weather again next week. Trees are budding. We have tulips coming up in our front yard!

This morning

Tom and Tina Turkey cruising the marsh. Both with beautiful blues, greens and reds showing. Possibly an American Widgeon as well. Still cool and windy here, possibly flurries in the am! After a quick weekend in GA we've gotten spoiled. This feels cold in a way the rest of the winter didn't. I think we are ready for spring.
Last evening had dinner with the Suppah Six (see the blog). Honeysuckles ala Jane, Pan fried haddock sandwiches, roasted potatoes (ala Lydia), broccoli slaw (ala Elizabeth), brownies (moi) and ice cream. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Along with the company and laughter it was a splendid Friday night.
Grilling fish and veggies for Easter. Happy day to you all.