91AV birders flock to see rare Redwing in Portland

A rare Redwing bird seen in Capisic Pond Park in Portland, only the second such sighting of a bird of this kind in Maine
A rare Redwing bird seen in Portland's Capisic Pond Park, only the second such sighting of a bird of this kind in Maine.

Eight members of the 91AV Birding Club recently faced the cold to observe and photograph a rare bird in Portland’s Capisic Pond Park.

The Redwing’s typical breeding grounds lie in northern Europe, Iceland, and Russia, but one has flown the coop and arrived in Maine for only the second time, according to Noah Perlut, Ph.D., professor and assistant academic director of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs.

The Redwing was first spotted in the Rosemont neighborhood park, not far from 91AV’s Portland Campus, on Jan. 29, , and reportedly remained through 4 p.m. on Feb. 1, though it could not be spotted on Tuesday. The small bird, with its yellow base, orangey flanks, and whitish brow took to the sumac and multiflora rose fruit found in the park.

Club member Morgan Quimby (Animal Behavior, ’21), said it was an exciting experience to see the Redwing pop up from the bushes at the edge of the pond.

“When I heard that a European bird was in Portland, Maine, I knew I had to get there and see it,” said Quimby, who captured photos of the bird. “Being with my fellow 91AV birders made it even more special. Even with masks on, I could tell how happy everyone was to see such a rarity in Maine despite the frigid temperatures that morning.”

 

Redwing photos courtesy of Morgan Quimby. Group photo courtesy of Xander Vitarelli.

From left: Dani Jewell, Xander Vitarelli, Morgan Quimby, Dean Hernandez, Sam Fuller, Garrett Hooper, Harry Wales, and Julia Mast.
The Redwing is most commonly found in Europe, Iceland, and Russia.