Curt Chipman photo You’d think that I would know better, since it has happened at least 20 times in the last few years. The day is sunny and warm, and I am following my lawn mower along a certain section of stone wall. Yet, once again I am startled as our favorite garter snake slithers… Read more
Harpswell has been invaded in the last few years by a pest called the winter moth, with plenty of public education to help us control their spread and their damage to our trees. For over 100 years, we have also hosted another invasive moth that can harm not only our trees, but also humans. The… Read more
Curt Chipman photo You have to love the internet for offering all kinds of fascinating, but sometimes useless, information. For instance, when doing my research I discovered that our favorite little rodents love tomato juice, waiting for the fruit to ripen and then biting the bottom to steal a drink -an endearing trick unless it… Read more
As a boy growing up in Western NY farm country, I frequently saw large flocks of dazzling white birds on the fields. They were often following a tractor plowing up new ground, or spreading cow manure. We knew these birds by the term “seagulls.” It wasn’t until my junior year in high school that I… Read more
Talk about an identity crisis! This animal is known by a variety of names, none of them grounded in biology. “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck?” None — they don’t eat wood! The confusion probably arose because the Algonquians called this creature “wuchak.” Despite being referred to by some as a “land beaver,” they… Read more
Thank you to a number of people who responded to the two survey questions at the end of my last article. I asked readers to name their favorite local wildlife species, and to share interesting encounters with wildlife. When several of you described unexpected local meetings with fishers, I decided to do some research on… Read more
The forecast called for temperatures well below zero, and the wood box in my cabin needed topping off. Grabbing my log carrier, I headed to the woodpile. After placing the first big chunk of maple in the carrier, I looked back to the woodpile and found myself face to face with a small, sleek… Read more
Norm Talbot photo Thick, soft snow swirled to the ground as I walked quietly along the path. Approaching a post I had passed many times, something seemed out of place. It dawned on me that there was a large white bird squatting on the post, seemingly unaware of my presence. As I came within 25… Read more
When cold winds blow and hard frosts come to Maine, a silent change takes place in the animal kingdom. Many creatures we enjoy watching through the warm months begin to disappear from view. Having built up reserves of body fat in late summer and early autumn, the animals take shelter in places that allow them… Read more
My family lived in England many years, long enough to become citizens. As my wife and I sat in the plush office of a very proper attorney to swear allegiance to the Queen, the attorney placed his hand on the Bible. He fixed us with a haughty look and said, “It’s not every day… Read more