Marginal Way, Ogunquit/Cliff House

Six intrepid birders headed out of Lewiston on what would be the last day of Fall weather before the first winter storm hit the area. We were joined in Ogunquit by three more participants, two of which hailed from north of the border, joining us all the way from St. Stevens, New Brunswick... SBC has an international reputation!
The sky was totally overcast, due to the impending storm, and the wind was brisk at times. However, that didn't stop us from getting some good birds. In fact the storm was to our benefit, as it brought a good number of Gannets to well within viewing range, particularly from the Cliff House, where we also and a special surprise visit from an adult Bald Eagle. Two Red-tailed Hawks also put on a good show at the Cliff House, and added to those we counted along the turnpike on the way down & back, brought total to ten Red-tails on the day.
As hoped, the Harlequin Ducks were in abundance. They are always a treat.
On our way way home we detoured into Yarmouth to have a look for the Pink-footed Geese that are attracting birders from around the country. Again we were successful, adding not only the Pink-footed, but a lone Cackling Goose as well. Both of these rarities were life-birds for several in our group, topping of a great day.

Dan Marquis

Here is the full list of birds seen:
Cackling Goose
Pink-footed Goose
Canada Goose
Mallard
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Common Loon
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Crow
Raven
Horned Lark
Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Starling
Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
House Sparrow

38 Species

Photos by Jim Walker


A raft of male and Female Common Eiders


Male and female Harlequin Ducks