Maine Winter Birding...

Maine winters can be pretty long and cold.  Some days feel completely devoid of avian life.  The yards are quiet, the fields are quiet, and your binos feel neglected.  You learn to appreciate the smallest flock of Dark-eyed Juncos, yearn to see a Snowy Owl, and thank the universe for your feeder birds like this White-breasted Nuthatch...

Other days you are delighted by birds like these White-winged Crossbills that came to our feeders a couple of winters ago...

 

And this Common Redpoll who brought friends that reminded me of the crackling hum of high tension wires...

You can always hope you are visited by a Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch and a Red-breasted nuthatch simultaneously...

Or if you are feeling more adventurous and the weather allows for a bird outing, you can layer up and head to the beach.  Just hold onto that wind-shaky scope and hope a snot-rocket doesn't self-launch just as you get that flock of Razorbills into focus... 

Through your cold-induced tears you might even witness Horned Grebes in their handsome winter-wear slurping eels right off the beach...

Or spot a Bonaparte's Gull bobbing on the waves...

 
 Or a Rough-legged Hawk foraging over a snow-swept field...

Anyway you look at it, we appreciate every winter bird here in Maine - we'll take what we can get, when we get it.  Even if it is wicked cold. 

Stay warm out there and Happy Birding!