A sure sign of spring in Maine is the wildlife that pops out on the state’s landscape.
From American bald eagles to American goldfinches to American bullfrogs, nature photographer David Small of Old Town captured these images of birds and amphibians settling into the spring environment.
Open water in many places means an easier source of food for the eagles, which can eat fish and waterfowl that call Maine’s ponds, lakes and streams home. Immature bald eagles lack the distinctive white head of the mature bird, and can sometimes blend in when they perch in trees.
Goldfinches molt their bright yellow feathers for winter and more muted feathers that allow them to blend in with their surroundings come in. Most of the winter feathers are molted in the spring, and the bright yellow ones return.
This goldfinch looks like it may be just starting the process of returning to its summer suit.
Vernal pools and ponds no longer encumbered by ice will provide a nursery for frogs to lay their eggs, and for tadpoles to hatch out and eventually become more frogs. We soon will hear the peepers singing in a chorus of spring that is undeniable.
So after a long, difficult winter of unpredictable weather, enjoy these few signs of spring.
