The Birds of Monhegan

Book by Brett M. Ewald.

(Indie Anchor Books, 2023, 287p.)  hardbound or softbound.  Availability, in the author’s own words: “There are softbounds and the limited edition hardcovers. Yes, there are still signed and numbered hardcovers available ($74 includes shipping). The hardcovers are only available directly from me and can be paid for by check (made out to Brett Ewald and sent to 412 Robin Rd., Villas, NJ 08251), Paypal at brett.ewald90@gmail.com or Venmo at @Brett-Ewald-4.  Signed softbounds are available directly from me through the above means ($55 includes shipping). Unsigned softbound copies can be purchased online at www.birdsofmonhegan.com or Amazon.  People can also reach me at 716-628-8226 if they have questions or specific requests.”

Just 12 miles off the Maine mainland, 433 acre (a square mile is 640 acres) Monhegan Island has a bird list of 336 species, including first state records of 13.  This splendid book gives in attractive, great detail lengthy annotations of all 336, including good quality photographs of most.  Sixty-three introductory pages provide expert information on the island’s geology, history, weather, and previous ornithological work with inviting photographs of key spots and two excellent, detailed maps.  Citations and lists of observers give key background information on thousands of records.

Monhegan joins the pantheon of islands with significant bird histories, going roughly clockwise from NE Canada to the Gulf and then the West Coast: Sable I., Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Bermuda, the Dry Tortugas, the Farallons, Attu, St. Paul, St. Lawrence (Gambell).

There is something about islands that impacts many of us.  They can form the basis of one’s world microcosm:  “Oh! you won’t know why and you can’t say how/Such a change upon you came./But once you have slept on an island/,/You’ll never be quite the same.” - Rachel Lyman Field.  For my part I have often fantasized living on Smith Island, Virginia, or Holland I., MD, for an entire year.

Monhegan has attracted thousands of birders plus banding and hawk count efforts, especially in the mid-fall and late May, when rarities and high numbers are most likely to be found.  Consider 72 Peregrine Falcons on Oct. 4, 2020.  Forty-four Western Kingbird records since 1961.  More than 800 Swainson’s Thrushes on Sep. 26, 1994.  Most of the rarities have been western landbirds.

First Maine records include: Bridled Tern, Swallow-tailed Kite, Say’s Phoebe, Bell’s Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo, Varied Thrush, Black-throated Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow.  Shiny Cowbird, Virginia’ Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler.  But Ewald provides just as much detail and history for species that are not unusual, or, at least, not THAT unusual here.: starling, flicker, Herring Gull, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, catbird, Song Sparrow et al.

Just as impressive are 20+ species that are rare even if not first state records, including Band-tailed Pigeon, White-winged Dove, Corn Crake, Ivory Gull, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Townsend’s Solitaire, Common Chaffinch, Lark Bunting, Yellow-headed Blackbird (21 records), Bullock’s Oriole, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting.

Much of the island is preserved.  There is a burgeoning artist colony.  Jamie Wyeth has a place.  And successful lobstering industry.  Abundant trails.  Some of the best birding spots are in the area of the “town”.  It is impossible in a short review such as this to list all the virtues of this splendid book.  Beautiful prospects are highlighted by the rocky coasts.  “The flashing of the lightning free./The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks./ The stable land, the deep salt sea/around the old eternal rocks.” attributed to St. Patrick.

I’ve only spent time there once.  One day there was a Western Kingbird and a Say’s Phoebe on the same wire.  From the 2nd floor balcony, not having gotten up especially early, as we nursed our coffee along: 60+ species by 9 A.M.  The only feature of The Birds of Monhegan that might further enhance this masterpiece would be if the photographs indicate not just species but also the sex, age, etc. of the birds … when that is possible.  Most highly recommended.  A triumph.

- Harry Armistead.