Chukar in Fryeburg 6-3-21

[Sean S]

A CHUKAR was seen, photographed and caught on digi=binned video late in the day on Thursday at Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg.  The bird was feeding around the edges of the paved trail and around the disused railroad tracks between miles 47.8 and 48.3.  It seemed somewhat unwary but would not allow close approach.   Attempts to relocate it yesterday were unsuccessful.

Also at Mountain Division Trail on 6-3 were a female RUFFED GROUSE doing a distraction display that involved limping as if to feign an injury, oud squealing and Gray Squirrel-like noises to draw attention away from her 6 chicks who were under a nearby bush.   Also present were a conspicuous male INDIGO BUNTING who's been singing at mile 47.5, several singing SCARLET TANAGERS, COMMON NIGHTHAWKS overhead and 2 singing EASTERN TOWHEES.   Towhees are locally common and can easily be found along the stretch between miles 47.5 and 50 of the trail, though they are more vocal around dusk.

Additionally there were CANADA WARBLERS, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and various other common warbler species.   Mountain Division Trail is a great place to walk and bird, as it's paved, has good vantage points for viewing.

List for 6/3: https://ebird.org/me/checklist/S89595152

Sean Smith