Central Ohio NatureMaine Musings
Posted on September 17, 2018
Every couple of years we travel to the coast of Maine. It always seems like our stay is too short. The below images around Stonington as well as Mt Dessert Island are in celebration of our recent visit. For photographers enchanted by rugged natural beauty the coast of Maine offers endless photographic opportunities. As if the natural beauty wasn’t enough, exploring the trails of Acadia National Park often treats one’s senses to the fragrance of salt air and balsam. Not something we get to enjoy in Ohio. Our too brief stop in Stonington left us feeling that our next visit will have to encompass more than just a few hours and there are always more places to see and explore on Mt Dessert Island. Plenty of reasons to return.
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Landscapes:
Along Ship Harbor Trail, Mt Desert Island, (Donna).
Friendship Sloop, Southwest Harbor.
Granite along Ship Harbor Trail.
Harbor Scene, Rockport.
The narrows, Ship Harbor Trail.
Dingy, Southwest Harbor.
Ocean walk, Bar Harbor.
Ship Harbor Trail.
Stonington chair.
Balanced rock. This very large glacial erratic left behind by the receding glaciers 10,000 years ago has fascinated Bar Harbor visitors for years.
Undated picture of balanced rock perhaps from the early 1900’s.
Waiting for the boat, Bar Harbor.
Northeast Harbor.
Lobster boats, Stonington.
Lobster pound, Southwest Harbor.
Stonington waterfront.
Stonington cat.
Along the Ocean Path, Acadia National Park. This is one of the best trails for seascapes but getting a people free picture can be a challenge.
Gulls and boats, Southwest Harbor.
A view of Northeast Harbor from Thuya Gardens.
Margaret Todd off Bar Harbor.
Rainy afternoon, Bar Harbor.
Ocean Path.
Harbor scene, Bar Harbor.
Incoming wave, Ocean Path.
Peapod, Stonington.
Ocean Path.
Lobster boats, Bar Harbor.
Dories, Stonington.
Harbor scene, Southwest Harbor.
Ebbing tide, Stonington.
Unloading the catch, Stonington.
Salt air and balsam along the Ocean Path.
Kim’s Pride, Stonington.
Window, Southwest Harbor.
Friends, Northeast Harbor.
Boat lift, Stonington.
Reflection, Northeast Harbor.
Windows, Stonington.
Cliff along Ocean Path, Acadia National Park.
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Nature:
We saw several non-breeding Black Guillemots as we explored the coves and harbors.
Calico Asters, (Donna).
Female Common Eider with small crab, (Donna).
Colorful fungi, (Donna).
Greater Yellowlegs, (Donna).
Red Squirrel cuteness, Bar Harbor.
Gull with crab at low tide, (Donna).
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Thuya Gardens, (Donna).
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, (Donna).
As we hiked a trail in Thuya Gardens, this salamander just avoided my foot.
American Lady, Thuya Gardens, (Donna).
Another view.
Wild Rose, found along many of the ocean side trails.
Asters
As the tide goes out there’s the enchanting world of tide pools to explore, Wonderland Trail, Acadia National Park.
Tide pool detail, (Donna).
Tide pool.
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We hope you enjoyed this brief interlude from our usual central Ohio posts. For a moment this morning as we walking along Griggs Reservoir in the misty rain, except for the lack of salt air, it was hard not to imagine we were back in Maine. Thanks for stopping by.
So Close To Home
Posted on September 3, 2018
Usually when one thinks about life in Columbus, shopping malls, the local college football team, and rapid urban development come to mind. Columbus, with its multifaceted economy has escaped the malaise of many midwestern cities that relied on manufacturing and heavy industry for their prosperity so outlying farm fields continue to give way the strip malls and housing developments.
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Still, embedded right in the center of the metropolitan area, there is nature. During outings along the Scioto River or on Griggs Reservoir I can’t help but feel blessed. Recently while fishing (catch, photograph, release) the surprisingly productive waters for Small Mouth Bass and otherwise being on or near the river and reservoir I’ve been treated the sights and sounds of Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Black Crowned Night Herons, Great Egrets, Osprey, Spotted Sandpipers and even an occasional Bald Eagle. After time spent in these places I can only hope that the treasure I get to enjoy endures and is here for those that come after me.
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Black-crowned Night Heron taken while fishing in the reservoir. A not real common bird!
Another look.
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The river:
The Scioto River.
The Scioto River below Griggs Dam is a favorite spot for fishermen.
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A beautiful Scioto River Small Mouth Bass.
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The reservoir:
An Osprey looks on as I fish in the reservoir.
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Fishing in the reservoir is very good also.
Okay bear with my enthusiasm but just wanted to show the above fish wasn’t an accident.
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Immature Black-crowned Night Heron along the reservoir.
Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron? If I’m right it’s our first sighting ever along Griggs Reservoir, exciting to say the least!
While paddling Spotted Sandpipers often frequent the water’s edge.
In late August Green Herons seem to be more common along the river and reservoir.
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my enthusiasm. I hope that where ever you live you are blessed to have a special place so close to home.
Taking a break along Griggs reservoir at Hayden Run Falls.
Central Ohio Nature 