Back Bay, Mill River, and Flat Bay
Back Bay
Description: Back Bay in Milbridge, Maine is an extensive flat of sand, mud and boulders. At high tide this site has a small roost located directly in front of an observation point about 1/8 mile out on exposed rock ledge. When this is full of birds, other birds are seen flying out of the bay in a southeast direction. At low tide this is a highly productive feeding site hosting thousands of shorebirds at a time. The most common species from MDIFW data are: SESA, SBDO, GRYE, LEYE, and numerous unidentified peep.
To access Back Bay, take Back Bay Road off of Rt. 1A to Ray’s Point Road. Back Bay can be seen on the right, 1/4 mile down Ray’s Point Road. There is parking on the right used by clammers.
Survey Method: Ground surveys at low tide.
Selection Bias: None.
Measurement Error: *
Measurement Bias: *
Pilot Studies: None needed.
Mill River
Description: This site consists of the lower Mill River located in Milbridge and Harrington. At high tide there is a small roost, used mainly by yellowlegs on the west side of the mouth of Mill river on a rock ledge. Many more birds may roost in the salt marsh up river. Most birds observed feeding, were located on the east side, half-way up river on the last bit of mudflat exposed before high tide, next to a summer home and small farm. The most common species from MDIFW data are: BBPL, SEPL, SESA, SBDO, GRYE, LEYE, and numerous unidentified peep.
The best access to the site is at the end of Oak Point Road.
Survey Method: Ground surveys of the rock ledge and salt marsh at high tide.
Selection Bias: Potential for bias if birds are roosting out of sight of observers.
Measurement Error: *
Measurement Bias: *
Pilot Studies: Marsh up-river should be surveyed initially to determine if birds are using it as a roosting area.
Flat Bay
Description: Flat Bay is located in Harrington. It has substantial mudflats that host thousands of feeding shorebirds. There are no roosting areas at this site. The most common species from MDIFW data are: BBPL, SEPL, SESA, SBDO, GRYE, LEYE, and numerous unidentified peep. Easy access also makes this a very popular area for clammers and wormers.
This site is accessed from the end of Oak Point Road.
Survey Method: Ground surveys at low tide.
Selection Bias: None.
Measurement Error: *
Measurement Bias: *
Pilot Studies: None needed.