June here is when it seems like summer and we wonder whether we missed spring. Acadia National Park, across Blue Hill Bay, entices us to come; the wooded paths are lush, and clear streams emerge from trees into bays.
We had our share of fog and rain, but the summer residents came, eager to be part of the pastoral scene and enjoy views that are unique to Maine.
June is when ospreys incubate and hatch their eggs and we watch expectantly from a distance. “Our” nearby pair, which we call Ozzie and Harriet, were successful again this month. After days of Ozzie bringing Harriet her lunch and both of them taking turns patching their nest, Harriet hatched three red-eyed chicks, which are growing fast.
The black male and brown female red-winged blackbirds also raise chicks around our field ponds in June and stand guard like sentries or walk on water lily pads to collect insects for their young. The month also is when we finally get a good look and the green frogs and painted turtles in the ponds.
In deeper waters, numerous coastal cruisers begin to bring their tourist passengers into our Great Cove in June. They shelter overnight and visit the famous WoodenBoat School campus here.
June is when most of our lobster fishermen (a term that includes females) haul their traps to Naskeag Harbor, load them on their vessels, and set them into the surrounding waters.
This also is sailing country. June is the month that most of the boats are put back into the water for summer and fall sailing. Even when not sailing, the beautiful boats seem to complete the picture of a Maine summer.
Three summer signature flowers play a big part in June. Lupins peak and then wither into seed pods; day lilies begin to flower, and fragrant water lilies suddenly appear.
Finally, June is when tourists reach us by any means they can and residents enjoy picnics on the beach.
(All images taken in Brooklin, Maine, during June 2021)