Larry A. Smail's Blog

Harbor Seals

From Bailey Island in Maine we boarded a boat for an educational cruise in Casco bay. This trip would move along among the many islands of the bay.  Some islands have summer homes on them reachable only via boats, most often a ferry boat. Such islands are privately owned and the individual home is the only home per island. Such wealth is abundant around the islands and coastal properties. Million dollar summer homes are lived  in such areas only in the summer. Many celebrities have such homes for the summer.

Eagle Nest

Some interesting history abounds among the bay islands of Casco Bay. Lots of history stems from the World war two era. There were actually artillery

Osprey and Nest

batteries  in place to protect from any German invasion plans. Ships were sunk in some areas purposely in an attempt to keep German boats and submarines from entering the bay area. Submarine netting was erected in the bay, as well. Bailey Island actually had a radar system in place although it was camouflaged to avoid detection.

Another fort named Fort Gorges still stands on an island. This fort was erected in the 1858-1864 era. The builders added tons of ground over the fort to thwart any chance of mortar shells damaging the roof. Today the roof is covered with vegetation.

Many species of wildlife were viewed along this route. We saw Bald Eagles and their nest. Ospreys and their nests were, also, observed. Cormarants, many gulls, Eider Ducks, Harbor Seals, Terns were visible throughout the cruise event.

We docked in Portland, Maine.

Male Eider Duck

Horseshoe Crab (Deceased)

Cormarant

No idea??

Black-backed Gull. These gulls look like bald eagles at a quick glance.