On the Smithfield Plantation (land reserved as a nature conservancy in Litchfield, ME), there is swampy bog where this blackbird always appears during the summer season to get his picture taken.
SmithField Plantation
Bog trees in summer
My favorite stand of dead trees doesn’t look much different in summer as compared to the winter.
Early lily pads
The lily pads at the Smithfield Plantation bog are just starting to blossom.
Bog visitor
Another local inhabitant cruises the bog for food. This is probably a savannah sparrow but I am still researching. His distinctive belly color pattern should help me narrow it down.
Blackbird in the bog
I had a very productive weekend. We ended up capturing a pleasing variety of birds. Here we found a red-wing blackbird at the Smithfield Plantation bog. Every year they endlessly survey this swampland for food.
Plantation bog
View from the bog spur trail on the Smithfield Plantation conservation land in Maine.
Vernal pool in winter
The signature vernal pool on the Vernal Pool Trail at the Smithfield Plantation. By the end of a typical August, this body of water is dry with a bed of damp leaves.
Plantation bog
Looking across the small swampy, boggy portion of the Smithfield Plantation conservation area. The colors and textures provide endless wonder.
Lilies in the bog
From a summer in the past, lilies in the bog at the Smithfield Plantation
Gnarly tree
I submit this for anyone needing an image to demonstrate the term “gnarly.” This is from the Smithfield Plantation conservation land in the town of Litchfield, Maine; one of my favorite places.
john's f-stop 