I Investigate Bradbury Mountain

 The View from the top of Bradbury Mountain 6-14-15

Bradbury Mountain is a well known birding Hotspot in Maine where birders gather in spring to watch the raptor migration. I was not able to go earlier this year due to my dislocated shoulder, but by June I was well enough to venture out on my own. I followed the back roads down through Freeport and into Durham, where the park is located. After paying the entrance fee, I found a place to park and followed the sign to the trail.

There are two ways to get to the top of the mountain. One is a slow but gradual climb to the peak, while the other is a short but steep climb. Since it was already getting late and I tend to be impatient, I chose the short but steep route. I mean, how hard could it be?

The trail started out wide and easy.

 

But soon became steep and narrow!

 

After clambering over roots and rocks…

 

I emerged to see this! Bradbury Summit!

 

And then this happened!

 

Turkey Vultures!

 

 

 

I saw several vultures, but only photographed one.

While I was taking in the view, I kept hearing some sort of birding singing. What was that bird? I knew I should recognize the song but I was unsure…and then I spotted it!

Dark-eyed Junco!

I don’t often hear them sing in winter when they are at my feeders.

After checking each other out, it was time for me to head down the mountain.

This time I was taking the scenic route. After all, it really didn’t take me long to get up here! Besides, I am like Alice in Wonderland, and my curiosity always gets the best of me! However, I was careful not to nibble on any mushrooms!

That dark opening is the path into the woods.

On the way down I did find a few woodpecker holes, but no woodpeckers!

Notes: I originally wrote about this trip back in June using only my cell phone photos. I have used a couple of those to fill in the gaps between my Nikon D90 photos which I have posted here now.

Links:

• New Places to Bird-the original post
• Bradbury Mountain is an eBird Hotspot
• My eBird Checklist for 6-14-15