Monday, July 30, 2012

North American Porcupine


The North American Porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum) is the third largest rodent in the world, with only the Beaver and Capibara being larger.   Common in Alaska, Canada and the coniferous forests of the Northern United States, they are rather slow and docile....but with a very effective defense against predators.  They are covered with sharp, hollow quills, which are barbed and easily attach to an attacker...and are very difficult to remove. 
Although slow moving and very nearsighted, the Porcupine has an incredible memory for it's favorite food source trees.


Here's a close-up of the quills.  Folks in the "North Woods" who let their dogs run loose always risk a hefty vet bill to get them removed from the pooch's snout!!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Virginia Ctenuchid, Diurnal Moth.

photo by Olivia Scott

The Virginia Ctenuchid (Ctenucha virginica) is a diurnal moth, a vigorous pollinator, and a welcome visitor to wild and cultivated flowers.  Often mistaken for a butterfly, this member of the Arctiidae family is active both day and night.  With a wingspan of 2 inches, an iridescent blue body and wing color varying from black to smoky brown.  The head is red-orange with black feathery antennae.


  The species is endemic to Eastern North America, and undergoes complete metamorphosis from May through August.  The caterpillar feeds mainly on grasses, while the adult on nectar, mostly during daylight.  

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor, Maine: A Genteel Stroll on a Sunny Afternoon


Acadia National Park is a very busy place on a warm and sunny July afternoon.  Most of the trail parking lots are full and the town of Bar Harbor is an obscene madhouse.  What to do then, with a few idle hours and my trusty Nikon?  Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor is a great place for a genteel stroll.  It's a beautiful setting along a freshwater pond just north of Bracy Cove.  
Part of the Rockefeller Estate holdings, and adjacent to Acadia's Carriage Road system, Long Pond has an inviting old carriage road along the eastern shore...facing toward Penobscot Mountain, and further on with a view of Cadillac Mountain.  

 Popular with the local residents, and especially those who want to walk with their dogs, the Long Pond Carriage road isn't listed as part of Acadia....thus missed by most visitors and, ergo, not crowded on a busy July day!

 Here's a link to a great site about the rich and famous of Mt. Desert Island....lot of great old photos.

 Here's a great link to a slide show of old photos of the Rockefellers on MDI.

An old postcard showing an aerial view of Little Long Pond.


 Great pdf article about Acadia's Carriage Roads.


 A link to the story of Acadia's Carriage Paths.

 The Rich get Richer on MDI real estate.


Old postcard view from the North of Little Long Pond.



An early 1900's carriage of the type seen on Acadia's Carriage Roads.
 How could they devise The New World Order in such a peaceful setting?  Go figure!

 About halfway up the road, the Rockefeller boat house is still there...though not used by the family any more.

 A link to Abby Rockefeller's garden....still open to the public on scheduled days.



John D Rockefeller and family.

John Jr and the founders of Acadia National Park.






Thanks to the Rockefeller family estate for keeping this wonderful Carriage Road and Long Pond open to the public.  It's a wonderful place for a walk.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Mainescapes in Black & White

Maine landscapes are so classic....and they look even moreso in Black & White.  See what you think!
Above is Schoodic Head, looking toward Cadillac Mountain.
Maple leaf on trail.  Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve on Ripley Neck (Alaska Cove).  Harrington, Maine.

One of the many scenic coves on the Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia National Park.
Ferns along trail.  Maine Seacoast Mission's forest.  Cherryfield, Maine.
McClellan Park in Milbridge, Maine.

Roadside Daisy.  Washington County, Maine.

Cape Split, Addison, Maine.
"Cobblestones" on Ripley Neck, Harrington, Maine.


Fryeville Cove, Mill River.  Harrington, Maine.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Wheelbarrow and pasture.  Wabi Sabi Farm.  Harrington, Maine.
Saco Falls on the Pleasant River.  Columbia, Maine.
Cones on stunted Spruce, atop Norumbega Mountain.  Northeast Harbor, Maine.  Acadia National Park.
Lupines.  Columbia, Maine.
Rosa Rugosa.  Cape Split.  Addison, Maine.
Schoodic Head.  Acadia National Park.  Winter Harbor, Maine.

Water Lily.  Pond at University of Maine at Machias.
Prospect Harbor Lighthouse.  Gouldsboro, Maine.
Roadside wildflower, along the Narraguagus River.  Cherryfield, Maine.
Winter Harbor Lighthouse.

"Rusticator."