Warblers on Eastern Trail over Kennebunk River

[Paul Wells]

My wife and I took our first-of-Spring walk on the Eastern Trail in Kennebunk, between the K'bunk Elementary School and Limerick Road. About 2/3rds of the way north on this segment the trail crosses over the Kennebunk River. This is typically a pretty birdy spot and we were not disappointed today. It was hopping with warblers, mostly Yellow-rumps, but also quite a few (half a dozen?) Palms and one, or possibly two, Black-and-whites. The Yellow-rumps were too active to get much of anything like an accurate count but there may have been as many as two dozen. A couple of Eastern Phoebes and a high-soaring Red-tailed Hawk added to our enjoyment.

If birders are not familiar with the trail (I don't see a lot of reports from it), and also like to get in a good walk, I recommend it. A bit later on, Chestnut-sided Warbs and Common Yelllowthroats can usually be found from a bit south of the river north to Limerick Road. Last summer, at least, Red-eyed Vireos were usually present in various spots, and other warblers were often heard, if not seen.

pfw

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Paul F. Wells
West Kennebunk, ME
USA

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats."
                                                             --Albert Schweitzer