Backyard Birding

A few years ago, I received a pair of binoculars for Christmas, along with a wonderful little photo book of the birds we can expect to see in Maine. The first time I looked at that book, I was amazed at all the colorful birds we have here. Without binoculars, most birds just looked brown or gray to me, with the exception of the obvious ones, such as cardinals and blue jays. But after reading my birding book, I realized that there are so many beautiful birds that usually go unseen. Once I started paying attention, it became a game for me to locate and identify as many new birds as possible. I record my sightings in a small journal, and each year I select a different bird as my “goal bird” for the year. First, I wanted to see an owl (I didn’t care which kind; any owl would do). My next goal was a raven (not a common crow, but an actual raven). This year, my goal was the male indigo bunting. It just seems unbelievable to me that we can have a sapphire blue bird right here in Maine. I don’t know why I feel this way, but it’s the kind of color I would expect to see only in a bird that lives year round in a tropical location.

Over the past few weeks, the birdfeeder outside my kitchen window has attracted my favorite friends, the cardinals, along with vibrant yellow goldfinches. I kept thinking how great it would be to have the bright blue of the bunting sitting up there with the red cardinal and yellow finch. Well, I guess I put my energy in the right place, because, as I was cooking dinner the other night, I turned around, and there he was. My jaw dropped. I stood there with my mixing bowl in hand, unable to move. He stuck around for about 10 minutes, quietly eating his dinner, as I ignored mine, for the fear that he’d leave the minute I moved or even blinked. When he finally left, I was relieved to be able to get back to my cooking, and I felt so happy to have accomplished my goal. It was pretty easy, actually. And now my time is freed up for other things, like all the happenings around town.

Cool Cars

The Maine Obsolete Auto League will be holding cruise nights every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in the parking lot of Mack’s Place, 224 Portland Road, until Sept. 16, weather permitting. There will be music, food specials, door prizes, 50/50 tickets and a “Car of the Night” award. For more information, call Al at 935-3548 or visit www.PMchaptermoal.com.

Local Music

The Noble House Inn on Highland Road will be offering a monthly live music line-up, through December. The next show features Anni Clark and is scheduled for June 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Check out their website for the complete listing, www.noblehousebb.com.

Row Your Boat

The Maine Canoe Symposium, hosted by Camp Winona in Bridgton, is scheduled for June 5-7 this year. Instructors will offer workshops on canoes, paddling, poling, camping and adventure for all ages. To register, visit MaineCanoeSymposium.org.

Fairy Tea Party

Here’s another event that I wish was for adults, but is only for children. The Bridgton Library will be holding a Fairy Tea Party on Saturday, May 30, at 1 p.m. Children aged 4-7 are welcome to attend, decked out in their finest fairy attire. Tea and healthy snacks will be offered, stories will be read and crafts will be made. Each child will receive a pair of fairy wings to take home. (It’s so unfair that they won’t let me come to this event). A $3 donation per child is appreciated, to support future children’s programs at the library.

BAC Opens

Bridgton Arts & Crafts has opened their store for the season. Located at 12 Depot St., the shop is a nonprofit collaborative of local artisans, selling everything from knitted mittens to photographs of the area. There is something for everyone in this shop, and the prices are extremely reasonable. Also, the store is completely adorable. Did I mention that I used to be a member there? Perhaps I am a bit biased, but seriously, it’s a great place, and I highly recommend that you check it out. They even have a hand-sewn quilt that gets raffled off at the end of every season. Store hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through June 20. Thereafter, the shop will be open seven days a week, through Labor Day.

Art, Art, It’s Good for the Heart

Gallery 302 on Main Street is having a wine and cheese reception on Friday, June 5, from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the first guest artists of the season. The guest exhibitors are photographers Drew and Margaret Sanborn, who will be in attendance at the reception. Their exhibit will be on display through June 19. Come check it out!

Don’t forget to check out the Bridgton Farmers’ Market every Saturday on Depot Street. Pictured here are Manuel Screno, left, and Noelle Leone of Earle Family Farm.Photo by Julia Marino