Deep Woods Maine Wildlife

My time in Maine is over, at least for this year. So It’s time to do a head count. What kinds of wildlife did I see or experience while I vacationed in Rangeley. Notice I said saw or experienced because the most prolific wild thing were the black flies. They are such pests but also an integral part of the Maine experience.

So here’s the list

Black Flies-in the thousands. For an interesting read about these pests , delivered in a humorous manner check out http://downeast.com/blackfly-survival-guide/

Black flies

2. A Blue Jay – Just one on my front porch

Blue Jay

3. Bat, Just one. Wish there had been more. Maybe they would have made a dent in the Black Fly population.

Flying Bat

4. Crows or Ravens…Not sure which but these big black birds were everywhere.

black bird

5. Wild Turkey…Just one but that counts.

tom turkey

6. Turkey Vultures…6 or 7 circling a bog. Something must be dead in there!

7. Fox Kit..This little cutie gave me hope that I might begin to spot some of the famous Maine wildlife.

8. A Mama duck and 4 little ducklings

Mama Duck and baby ducklings

9. Bald Eagle..Maybe? I know they are in the area but I didn’t get a good l00k; just a big raptor and a flash of white.

10. Lots of little birds. I needed the Audubon Society to figure out what they were.

Little bird in a tree

11. Canada Goose. Not very exciting but still it counts.

12. A grey squirrel …Just the one. Expected to see more.

13. Chipmunk ..a little cutie but again, only one. Where are they hiding out?

chipmonk

14. A Moose…Finally my goal species.

Maine Moose by the side of the road

15. White Tail Deer…I’ve seen them before but they never fail to entertain.

Deer at rest

A Great Learning Experience

I fancy myself a wildlife photographer (amateur) and I’ve had some success. This week showed me how far I still have to go. But I had fun and that’s the main thing when you’re on vacation. I’ll definitely plan another trip to Maine. It’s beautiful country. Maybe I’ll hire a guide to help me locate animals. Some of them use blinds. Yes, That’s going on my list for the next trip.

Scenic Drive #2 continues

After the ducklings and a moose I almost decided to call it a day. What more could I want and it was only 9 AM! But no, lets finish what I stated so back on the road to Stratton I went. The scenic drive continues. Route 16 connected with Rt 27 and I entered Carrabassett Valley. I passed Sugarloaf Mountain, a well known Ski Area, finally reaching the picnic/rest area in Kingfield.

Take a break, Stay awake, have a picnic

I have to say that rest areas in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire are pretty top notch. This was a lovely picnic area that even had rest rooms. It’s located right on the river and it was very clean. Some of the picnic tables had roofs over them to keep you dry if it should rain. There were charcoal fire places for grilling. This is where I added another varmint to my animal list, a grey squirrel. He didn’t stick around when I parked but I spotted him anyway.

Scenic Picnic area at the Kingfeild rest area

The Wire Bridge

Having concluded that I’d missed that turn off, I was determined not to miss any more. The next item on the scenic drive list was Wire Bridge. I wasn’t sure what that was but I was not going to miss it. Entering New Portland I kept a close eye out for signs and there they were. I followed each turn exactly and then the bridge was in front of me. What a fascinating bridge! While I took pictures a car crossed it. I watched as the wire supports bounced and the bed of the bridge swayed. I had to walk across it. Then, of course, I had to drive across it. Once across the bridge I could park and walk down to the river. That gave me another perspective.

Now Where?

One problem with my scenic road directions is that they got me to the Wire Bridge but then they got kind of vague. Do I turn around and go back? Do I continue on this road? It turned into a dirt road on the far side of the bridge. The directions said to take Rt 234 back to Rt 4. But I haven’t seen any signs for RT 234 at all, what to do? What to do? This is Maine, not Massachusetts. I could drive for hours if I make the wrong choice!