In a waterlogged state with lots of wetlands, many are good and some are great. That aptly describes the Sandy Point Wildlife Management Area at the northern tip of the Mid-coast area in Stockton Springs. This gem is right on the edge of busy Route 1, and yet is hidden away even from most Mainers. It is one of the best places to scare up an uncommon Least Bittern (playing peekaboo at right). Marsh Wrens are abundant, and the many nest boxes erected by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife make it ideal breeding habitat for Ring-necked Ducks and other cavity nesters.

Pied-billed Grebes, American Bitterns, Swamp Sparrows, and Common Yellowthroats are easy pickings around the reeds and cattails. Green Herons, Wood Ducks, and Hooded Mergansers are just a little more reclusive. Parents tending young are a common sight, including this Common Yellowthroat chick (right).

Birds can and should be located without resorting to tapes or artificial encouragement. Both Least Bitterns encountered on this morning paddle were heard calling - the first within minutes of launching the canoe.  Indeed, with such an abundance of life within the marsh, good birding etiquette is a must here. On a late June morning, it is hard to paddle anywhere without worrying avian parents. Give them a wide berth.

Another interesting happenstance is that Bank Swallows swarm over the marsh in summer. These nest in a nearby sand/gravel pit and often hawk for insects just overhead, intermingled with Tree, Barn, and perhaps a few Rough-winged Swallows. On this particular morning, a Least Tern (left) was a truly surprising sight, since there is no known nesting habitat nearby.

Sandy Point Marsh is strictly freshwater but, not far away, Frankfort Marsh is a tidal saltmarsh. It's a good place to pick up an easy Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. So I did (right). The handiest location is at the bridge on Route 174 in Frankfort, as described on page 75 of the Maine Birding Trail guidebook.