FREEPORT – Steve Muise of Farmington was able to find and photograph a bird a long way from home on Saturday.
Townsend’s Solitaire, a member of the thrush family, usually hangs out in the high elevation mountain ranges in the western half of the U.S. But, a sharp-eyed Mainer, Zane Baker, spotted it on Nov. 22 at Florida Lake in Freeport.
Muise saw Baker’s find reported on the Maine Birds Google Group so he ventured down to Freeport with camera in hand hoping to see the very-rare-in-these-parts Townsend’s Solitaire last week. He did see and photograph it, “but it was dark and snowy,” Muise said.
On Nov. 29, Muise returned to Freeport and again spotted the bird and was able to get great photographs of it and kindly share with us.
Muise noted, “The diagnostic field marks are the white eye ring, buff wing patches, and white outer tail feathers. A rare treat for the east!”
Others, according to the Maine Birds Google Group were able to view Townsend’s Solitaire as well, often reporting its particular fondness for winter berries.
“I’m very thankful for the helpful community of birders that posts sightings,” Muise said.
You’re on a roll, Steve!
Awesome!
Thanks so much for the detective work and beautiful photos.
Another great sighting! Great work and awesome photos Steve!
Amazing discovery so far from its natural habitat
wonderful!
Fantastic photos! Thanks for sharing a look at this wandering fellow, Steve.
Beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Awesome!!
Great pictures Steve
gorgeous photos, Steve! and great sleuthing!
Once again, outstanding shots Steve!
Fabulous photos!
you’re a great bird photographer, Steve.
and congrats on your rare bird sighting.