When I first saw the creature at a distance, swimming toward me in the ocean, I thought it might be a muskrat. As it came closer, it looked large enough to be a beaver. But when the animal rolled and dove, I knew it was an otter. It was a delight to watch her for… Read more
You have probably seen this tall, graceful bird standing motionless along streams and ponds. As evening approaches, you will often see herons cruising with slow wing beats, their long necks folded in a graceful S curve, spindly legs trailing as they make their way to a quiet feeding ground. Waiting patiently or stalking with purpose… Read more
Ancient mariners told wonderful tales about seeing mermaids near distant shores, thanks to long voyages, poor nutrition, sparse female companionship and too much rum. It often turned out that those “mermaids” with lovely dark eyes, long lashes and haunting gazes were harbor seals. Having been surprised many times by a seal popping up while I… Read more
No, this is not a story about oysters recovering from broken hearts. It is, however, a story of a resilient species making a quiet comeback in the cool waters around Harpswell. And if you are like me, the more oysters the better, especially with a nice dry Sancerre or Chablis at hand. Eastern oysters (Crassostrea… Read more
If you spend any time outdoors in Harpswell during the spring and summer months, you are sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Nature’s most beautiful birds of prey. Our town has perfect habitat for ospreys, since they invariably nest near fresh or salt water. Look for large piles of sticks perched… Read more
Rob Bryan photo Watch these creatures in the wild, or spend time working and playing with them as I did long ago, and you will gain an appreciation for these ultimate survivors. There are 12 species of true foxes around the world, ranging from the common red fox, the more elusive gray fox, to the… Read more
Under the snows of winter, Mother Nature is preparing a seasonal treat for us as we eagerly anticipate mud season. Ok, I was stretching things a bit since mud season is generally viewed as the worst time of year in Maine. But the snow pack and rains that will follow are vital parts of the… Read more
Red squirrel tracks in the snow. If you want to play detective, there is a much you can learn from reading footprints left by some of the wild inhabitants of Harpswell. As a boy, I had the run of thousands of acres of land near my home. The woods and fields were filled with a… Read more
Lane Soltesz photo Sorry to disappoint bourbon drinkers, but this article is about those long-legged, tall-necked birds you see in Harpswell fields or sometimes at your bird feeder. It is common to see up to 20 birds in a flock, most of them hens and their young. The more sharp eyes peeled for predators, the… Read more
Now that winter is here, welcome back one of Harpswell’s more spectacular birds. The largest duck in Maine is known as the “common eider” (somateria mollisima) to distinguish it from the more unusual king and spectacled eiders, but there is nothing common about these beauties. A full grown adult can reach 28″ long, with a… Read more