This page will start with the obligatory photograph of an osprey. We actually did not see as many osprey as we have other years, so they won't be a big feature in this trip report.
Seeing more loons than in other years was great compensation. They are a pretty bird, particularly when the green band around the male’s neck reflects the light. (Photographs were at Murray Preseve north of Camden, Newagan, and Boothbay Harbor, respectively.)
It is always fun to see the loons rising up. (Plummer Point Preserve)
And here is a female loon with breakfast. (Boothbay Harbor)
The Common Eider is another bird species that likes the Maine coastal waters. (Rutherford Island Preserve)
Great Blue Herons, which like both saltwater and freshwater habitat, can also be seen in the area. You can see the coloring in the wings and on the head. (Payson Park, Warren)
But this wildlife page is not all about birds. It isn’t even only about wildlife; some of it is cultivated life. You might recall (back on page 3) we mentioned that oyster farming is a growing industry in the Boothbay area. There is even a website specifically for oyster farmers of the Damariscotta River, along with sites for other oyster farms. Unfortunately, we don’t like eating oysters. But we did find the farms interesting to see. (Dodge Point Preserve along the Damariscotta River)
One of our walks down to the shore of the Damariscotta River has a large vernal pool. It must get extremely loud there, because the pond was loaded with both frog eggs and tadpoles. (Plummer Point Preserve)
We saw frog eggs elsewhere, as well. Here Anne is taking a photograph at Linekin Preserve.
An adult frog (photographed elsewhere, actually - Thompson Ice House):
This snail was also along a river (Plummer Point Preserve). It was in a hurry; it was difficult keeping it within the camera’s view.
In another spot were many snails and it was clearly mating season; there was some wild snail sex going on. (Rutherford Island Preserve)
Although the frogs might like vernal ponds and the snails might like small shallow pools of water, these turtles preferred a more permanent fresh-water pond. (Oak Point Farm)
Not all wildlife is charismatic but it still might be doing its part with a charismatic flower.
Or it might be a more charismatic animal on a less popular flower.
That bee brings us back to flying so it is time to head back to birds. These mallards will lead the way. (Penny Lake Preserve)
A Herring Gull landing in water: (Hendricks Head)
Near the top of the page is a photo of a loon with a crab. This next photo slideshow has the honorary title of ‘Didn't your mother teach you not to play with your food?’
This Herring Gull is taking in some sunshine.
(Warren Fish Ladder)
So is this gull, which is the less common Laughing Gull. (Dodge Point Preserve)
A couple other Herring Gull pictures
It is time to take off and fly to another page of wildlife.
Updated June 2022