York River and Smelt Brook, York, Maine on a lazy, late-summer day
This Semipalmated Plover was considering its next steps. Not sure what's going on with the legs. Feel free to comment my ornithological friends.
The York River and Smelt Brook motorized kayaking trip was a great lazy summer day experience. Traversing the "sea of grasses" as they are described in Quiet Water: Maine was spot on. It made for a very unique experience.
The majority of shorebirds were encountered on the York River. For unknown reasons, Smelt Brook was largely void of any shorebirds, yet did present some nice Eastern Phoebe's and Northern Flickers. Even the Belted Kingfishers, which were numerous, preferred York River over Smelt Brook. Since it all has to do with food opportunities, my guess would be that the tidal flow positively impacts the York River to a greater degree than the Smelt Brook tributary.
While in the area and on land, be sure and check out the
Highland Farm Preserve. It's an excellent habitat that borders Boulter Pond and the Kittery water authority's protected woodlands.
A meandering river is challenging because of the always shifting direction of the primary light.
My closest encounter ever with a Great Blue Heron. This wasn't me threatening the bird, it was cooling itself via "max A/C" and was very calm and beautiful.
There was another Great Blue Heron that enjoyed leapfrogging up the channel as I continued upstream.
An Eastern Phoebe staked its territory alongside Smelt Brook.
This juvenile Double-crested Cormorant held steady as I silently glided by.
It was performing "gular fluttering" - opening its mouth and fluttering its upper throat muscles to promote heat loss, similar to dogs panting and humans sweating.
I was so captivated by the above Cormorant that I almost missed seeing it's companion nearby.
Inspiration
This post references Southern Maine, Trip 1: York River and Smelt Brook, York, Maine