Ed Robinson

It was nearly 50 years ago in Montana's beautiful Glacier National Park. I still carry a vivid image of a magnificent bird gliding on afternoon thermals above an azure lake.

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.

Summer is a time for traditional activities, including picnics, water sports, camping and stargazing. I fondly recall soft evenings when you could romp in the grass barefoot, playing a late game of tag and begging Mom for ice cream cones or s'mores.

If there is one point upon which we can all agree, it is this: Harpswell is endowed with great natural beauty. Drive around town and you will be rewarded with scenic views the equal of any along Maine's thousands of miles of coastline.

This season encourages walking in the early morning hours. The air is fresh and sweet, and often filled with a variety of birdsongs. This morning I heard one of the defining calls of the area, the high-pitched tones of an osprey overhead.

May is one of the best months of the year, a time when we climb out of the recliner, shake off the winter cobwebs and shift our patooties into high gear. Mud season is behind us, summer beckons and spring is bursting out all over.

Maine's ticks are considered a public health hazard, and not just because of Lyme disease. A woman recently died from Powassan encephalitis, a viral disease carried by deer ticks.