While most Maine trails are a muddy mess this time of year, the paved walking path along the Penobscot River in Bangor is relatively dry and clean. On Sunday (which was sunny and reached 60 degrees F!), Derek and I brought our dog Oreo on a walk along the path. As usual, I had my camera. The following gallery shows the many birds we observed during our walk, as well as two birds we found swimming nearby in the Kenduskeag Stream.
As ice melts on the river, a number of birds will be flocking to the newly opened water to fish and socialize. We watched common mergansers floating downriver, double-crested cormorants stretching their wings under the Joshua Chamberlin Bridge, and a pair of mallards flirting on a chunk of ice not far from the Waterfront Concerts stage. We also spotted mourning doves perched on lamps and trees near the path, plenty of noisy gulls and as usual, Oreo located a squirrel.
If you find yourself near downtown Bangor, I suggest a walk along the river. The parking lot is right off Front Street, not far from the Sea Dog and the Waterfront Concerts stage.