There’s a mystique about Maine. I don’t know if it’s because a certain well-known mail order retailer of outdoor products is based there, or if there’s something about its legends and lore which lodged in my mind long ago, but just hearing the state’s name evokes images of wild rivers and dancing rapids, bogs and wetlands, forests which go on forever, ancient rocky shorelines and high tidal reaches, and of course, moose and eagles.

Whatever the season, Maine has a lot to offer. It’s a beautiful state with landscapes to suit just about anyone who enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s paddling, sailing, hiking or pedaling that suits your fancy. And if there’s anything you want to know about Downeast Maine, Captain Winston Shaw’s your man. When he’s not guiding nature watchers on one of his Sea Venture Custom Boat Tours out of Bar Harbor, Winston’s bicycling, hiking, snowshoeing, or canoeing, often with camera in hand. His keen eye and quick reflexes captured some photos of the resident wildlife recently, and we’re pleased to share his photos here. Let’s begin with these chunky deer, who have been benefiting from the rather mild winter Maine’s been experiencing this year:

 
They look healthy and happy, don’t they? And check out those eyes. Clearly there are several individuals there—see the variations in facial patterns and coloration?

About a week later, on a dim overcast morning, Winston spotted a group of otters cavorting in a partially iced-over pond:

 
The otters, unconcerned about their audience, clowned around for the better part of an hour. But play came to an end, and then the grooming began. Now, otters are never sedate, retiring critters, and their grooming session was as much a chance to roll about in the water. Their antics were so amusing that Winston couldn’t stifle a laugh. When the otters heard him, they didn’t spook. That’s not their way. Instead they moved closer to see what he was doing!

Red squirrels are almost the opposite in their behavior, but far from being retiring, they’re full of vim and vinegar. Still, they must tend to business, and Winston captured photos of this sprightly fellow collecting leaves and pine needles to line his nest:

 
The red squirrel photos were shot last fall, before he’d acquired his characteristic ear tufts or the black stripe between the red coat and white “waistcoat,” but he’s natty, nonetheless. I can’t help but smile when I see red squirrels or hear them arguing from the trees. The Norse understood red squirrels. Their myths speak of Ratatosk, which means “swift teeth,” and you can surely figure out why when you hear them churring in the trees. The myths describe how Ratatosk spent his time running up and down the great World Tree, Yggdrasill, carrying insults between the eagle perched on the topmost branches and the dragon gnawing at its roots. What a great job for a red squirrel!

Thanks to Captain Winston Shaw for letting us publish his photos of Maine wildlife!

 
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