Author: Ed Robinson

One of the joys of writing about nature is hearing from readers who share stories or ask questions about a species of interest. The most common topic is the white-tailed deer, a familiar creature around Harpswell.

During the winter months, our local population of oceangoing ducks soars as migrants arrive from hundreds or thousands of miles to the north.

September’s sun warmed me as I listened to migrating warblers and local birds. Then I heard the soft brush of movement against a spruce tree to my left. Slowly turning, I saw two predators padding down the trail, unaware of my presence.

Pete was lunching along the shore of Cobscook Bay near Lubec, enjoying a fine view. Suddenly he felt a sharp sting, then another. Pete noticed tiny red ants crawling up his legs, clearly with painful intentions. He brushed them off, wondering what triggered the attack.

Fireflies are also known as candleflies, lampbugs or moonbugs. (ISTOCK PHOTO) Summer is a time for...