OK Wildlife Experts, What is this?????

Gorgeous day here in Maine. Solomon and I took a walk down to the pond.

We were down on the dock when I saw something on the edge of the ice. We watched it swimming along and tried to work out what it was. My first thought was an otter, but when it climbed out on the ice it looked too small. And it ran very fast towards the shore near us. It was about the size of a cat, came very close and was not even remotely afraid!!!! Please, if anyone knows what this is, let me know.

This last photo is about 6' away from us, my rowing boat is to the left.

A Rainy Monday

It was pouring with rain yesterday morning when I left the house. A big mistake as before I was a few miles down the road the rain had stopped and the sky was exhibiting what I describe as a "folded look". And of course, my camera was still at home. The cats certainly know how to deal with a rainy day, none of this silly leaping in the car and dashing off somewhere! Below is a photograph of Dryad who really knows how to relax!!!!! He is a funny looking cat on a good day! A real sweetie though.

Searsport and a Woodpecker Morning

Yesterday started off pleasant and sunny and gradually the sunlight faded and a chilly wind blew in, the sort of wind that is really penetrating. It is years since I visited the waterfront in Searsport and the opening of a new solar store there was an excellent excuse. Solar hot water is my next goal. A solitary walker down on the shore emphasized the choppy waves.

Taking photographs directly into the sun has always appealed to me.

There was a scattering of old moorings on the shore and this detail of chain reflected in water caught my eye.

This morning was grey and windy, not an inspiring morning to have to get up earlier due to the clocks going forward. (How I wish they would just leave it on summer time!) The day was brightened by the sound of my pileated woodpecker who clearly shared my opinion of the day and was only just getting out of bed himself. I lay in bed for a while looking at him looking out of his hole.

The first crocuses are blooming!

The first crocuses started blooming yesterday!

These is nothing quite so wonderful as those first spring bulbs! I try to plant more every year as the value for money is so huge! Spring does not normally begin to show in Maine until May (although it seems about a month early this year).

It always feels like a miracle when the fragile booms appear each spring after the long and bitter Maine winter and they fill my heart with joy.

Yesterday I sat outside and worked on my taxes with Magic for company. He is a beautiful glossy back cat who loves to roll in the dust!

Late yesterday afternoon I walked down and sat down by the pond as the shadows grew longer and the ice whispered its secrets.

Far across the pond a pair of geese honked a gentle courtship.

This morning the sharp frost decorated leaves with delicate white lace.

Ice Watching

Really glorious weather with warm sunny days and cold nights, perfect for maple sugaring.

It was so lovely down at the pond yesterday that I sat out in the sun on the dock.

Solomon was delighted to come with me, but not so sure about the ice!!!!

The ice "talks" as it is melting or freezing and yesterday was no exception as it whispered all its secrets to me.

The warm day made a walk down the river valley in Liberty irresistible, the old ruined mills have long fascinated me.

First Kayaking of the Year!!!

At last, the first kayaking of the year!!!!! I had been seriously thinking about it yesterday with all the lovely warm sunshine but the wind was just a little too strong. Today it was completely irresistible so I headed out this afternoon to a spot of open water towards the top of Trues Pond.

There was only a thin skim of ice at the launch ramp and all would have gone well if my balance had been a little better! never mind, only one wet foot. To start I paddled south down the pond but not far beyond the little island the open water ended.

So after paddling back up to the bridge I headed under it and followed the open channel north. To my delight, a large flock of Canada geese were resting on the ice.

They seemed much less nervous than in the fall, they must have known it was not hunting season.

With all the rain and snow melt the beaver dams had been washed out and paddling was easy up through the narrow channels. A distinct chill in the air persuaded me it was time to turn back for now. It is deeply satisfying to be out on the water once again, and in early March!!!!!

Spring is Coming!!!!

Unbelievable though it is spring is really coming to Maine! Snowdrops and crocuses are in bud and even daffodils showing above ground! The ice is melting fast on the lakes, although to my horror I saw an ice fisherman and his vehicle on a lake yesterday!!!!!! On Friday I saw a woolly bear caterpillar walking across a snow-covered dirt road! And the first geese flew over on Saturday!