Killdeer

A Killdeer protecting it's chicks.

Killdeer

Afternoon Walk

As it was a nice breezy afternoon I went for a walk along the lane. I stopped and said Hi to Donkey.

the little Donkey that lives along the lane.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

The Knapweed plants that the Swallowtails seem to frequent are actually classified as invasive.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Milky Way

One of the reasons I love Maine so much is the night skies. Being in more sparsely populated area away from light pollution you get fantastic views of the night sky. This is an early attempt at Astro-photography. I hope to do better in October providing the skies are clear of course.

Spicebush Swallowtail

Spicebush Swallowtail never keep their wings still so the only way to get a picture is to take loads of pictures and hope one is sharp. Today I got lucky.

Spicebush Swallowtail

Spicebush Swallowtail

Birds and Butterflies

I've had an exciting few days recently. The encounter with the Timber Rattlesnake started it off nicely. The next morning I came across a family of Killdeer, parents and 3 cute little chicks. I stopped to photograph them of course. That afternoon I was passing the mountain and decided to go have another look for the Rattler as the weather was much nicer. I hoped he would be out sunning himself. (I've been advised that the Rattler was most likely a male). On the way up the mountain I came across a very dark Rattler sunbathing by the side of the road. By the time I'd stopped, grabbed my camera ran back he/she was disappearing into the tall grasses. I was not about to leave the safety of the road to get a photograph. I carried on up to where I'd seem the first one but there was no sign of him. There was however a load of butterflies which I included here. The light was very good and it always helps if you have good light. Another event which I thought was great was an unusual bird in the yard. Early yesterday morning I glanced out onto the drive and noticed a bird disappear under the Kelly's car. It was sparrow sized but was light underneath and bobbed it's tail. As it was disappearing under the car I thought that looks like a waterthrush. Grabbing the nearest bins I found it insect hunting along the base of the garage door. A Northern Waterthrush. Certainly not what I would have expected, in the stream yes as I've seen them a couple of times before but in May not July! It was chased onto the wheelie bin by a Catbird then it flew onto my bird table and was chased off by a Brown Thrasher.

Killdeer

Calling one of the chicks

Killdeer Chick

Great Spangled Fritillary

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Unexpected!

This afternoon I dropped some plants off at Brian's house and driving back home on a whim I decided to pop up the Mountain to see if could photograph some nice friendly butterflies or maybe some pretty flowers. When I got up there look what I found waiting to bite me. I had on my 150mm macro lens, yeah right. I switched to my 80-400mm. Shit, I wasn't getting anywhere near this critter. It must have been at least 4ft long. What a beauty…….from a distance.

E.Timber Rattlesnake

E.Timber Rattlesnake

E.Timber Rattlesnake

E.Timber Rattlesnake

E.Timber Rattlesnake

Beware! Snake in the grass, just right of center.

One of these days I'm going to remember that my camera has video capability!

I once asked one of Wildlife guys from the base what happens if you get bitten by a Rattlesnake. His answer was "Oh you might loose a limb or nothing if it's a dry bite".

Can I fit in the Great Smoky Mountain NP as well?

I'm wondering when I can get down to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park again. October would be nice but I'm thinking it might be too much to drive the 9 hours down to Tennessee only a couple of days after driving 11 or more hours back from Maine. Maybe I'll have to wait until next spring.

Black Bear 

Great Smoky Mountains

Butterfly Day

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, Independence Day, from now on today is going to be Butterfly Day.

Cabbage White

Clouded Sulphur

Regal Fritillary

Regal Fritillary

Regal Fritillary

Regal Fritillary

Black-eyed Susan?

Rachel Raccoon

Rachel Raccoon was out foraging this evening. She has her babies to feed so needs plenty of cat food amongst other things. Ginger Farm kitty was NOT impressed.

Rachel Raccoon

I would like to point out that I don't feed the Raccoons, I only put feed out for the farm kitties.