Spring Migration Hotspot: Weskeag Marsh
This Song Sparrow is a reliable bird at Weskeag. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Known locally and around the country as a fantastic shorebird and waterfowl stopover spot, Weskeag Marsh (near the Dragon Cement factory in Thomaston) is one of the best places around to go birding during spring migration. We are starting to see spring migration pick up a lot, especially regarding waterfowl and shorebirds. This past weekend I made a quick trip to Weskeag, and there wasn’t a moment where a bird wasn’t calling or flying around in the marsh. This is a great spot for lifers (birds that you have never seen in your life), especially for beginners. I know I see a new bird there almost every time I go.
One of the best things about this marsh is that there is almost always an experienced birder there, pointing out birds they are seeing to other people. This is how I find a lot of the birds that like to hang out around the edges, like Great Blue Herons and Red-tailed Hawks. Some other common birds that you can find there right now include Killdeer, Snowy Egrets, Common Mergansers, Mallards, Green-winged Teals, Song Sparrows, and Red-winged Blackbirds, among many others.
This is one of my favorite places to go birding, and I hope you will enjoy it too. Happy birding!
This Song Sparrow is a reliable bird at Weskeag. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Snowy Egrets are just starting to show up at Weskeag Marsh during spring migration. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
You can often find many different species feeding together, like these Green-winged Teals and this Snowy Egret. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Red-tailed Hawks can sometimes be found around the perimeter of Weskeag. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Mallards are almost always a given at Weskeag. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Killdeer are a great bird to see during spring migration at Weskeag. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Green-winged Teals can be found here in every season except winter. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
Great Blue Herons are often in the way back of the marsh, so be sure to check in the back before you leave. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
This male Common Merganser is a good bird to look for at Weskeag in the spring. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
This Canada Goose can also be found here in the summer, raising young. Photo courtesy Eliza Nickelson.
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About this blog:
Enthusiastic Birder
Eliza is a sophomore in high school. She loves birds, looking for birds, and most everything related to birds. She also plays the piano, is an active Girl Scout, and loves gardening. She is very excited to be fully vaccinated and to be able to see her friends and family!
