I spent a lot of this weekend on the road - traveling to Orono to do some Christmas caroling with friends, then to my father's house to drop off Christmas presents early, and then I enjoyed some quiet time at home yesterday morning. During all of this activity, I simply wanted to get into the holiday spirit and get all of my holiday cards, wrapping of gifts, etc. done in the process. But, in looking back over the weekend, I had some interesting wildlife "encounters" that I wanted to share with you.
The first occurred on my way to Orono. While driving up the interstate, just passing the first Waterville exit, I was stunned by the number (in the hundreds, if not more) of crows I saw flying over the road and perching in the trees. There must have been 100 crows in one tree alone just off the highway. As I got further down the road, toward the bridge over the river, I saw a huge line of crows flying across the clear blue sky, all headed toward those same trees that were now behind me. I talked to my boss, Allison, about this and she said she will explain this phenomenon to me later today - so I will be able to then share that information with all of you. Have any of you seen these birds? I have seen crows before, of course, by not in these numbers in such a small area.
Then on Saturday, when I arrived at my father's house in Sabattus, he said to grab the binoculars and look down into the stream behind his house - it is a small outlet from Sabattus Lake that runs through town and behind my dad's yard. I was so excited to see three otters - three fairly large otters - frolicking in the water and chasing each other over and around logs that were in the water. I am not sure I have ever seen an otter in the wild - and it was a great way to spend the afternoon. What do you see for wildlife in your backyard?
And speaking of wildlife in your/my yard - I woke up Sunday morning and looked out across the yard and counted 32 wild turkeys! I know wild turkeys aren't much of a rarity to see in Maine anymore, but these birds had been around last winter and I hadn't seen them in months, so I was thrilled to see them again.
While talking about wildlife, I also want to remind folks that the cold weather and even some snow has arrived, so please don't forget about your birds - I bought suet and more birdseed yesterday because I was out, and knew that the birds would be looking for food, especially now in the cold and snow.
Have a wonderful holiday season and let me know what wildlife you see in your yard or your travels during this time of year.
Beth
I was sitting in my office this morning, watching the birds that continue to feed at my new bird feeder outside my window, and I wasn't really paying close attention, as I know the "usuals" who visit my feeder now - some sparrows and mostly 2-3 chickadees who visit on and off throughout the day. But this morning, I couldn't believe it when I saw a male cardinal perched on the branch of the shrub that is just behind my bird feeder. I was so unprepared that I wasn't able to get a great photo of my newest visitor, but here is the best I could do on such little notice.
A few weeks ago, a coworker came running to my office when I returned from lunch because she wanted me to go outside to see a praying mantis that had just laid some eggs on our "Parking for NRCM staff only" sign. I was nervous to get too close to her as I didn't want to disturb her, but I was able to use my zoom lens and get this photo. 
