We usually have a pair of barred owls nesting in the woodlot next to the house but this year there seem to be more owls than usual around. Last evening I went out to exercise the dogs as it was just getting dark, when I opened the kennel gate the squeak caused an owl to holler and let everyone know that he was around. Because it was still pretty light I could make him out plainly in an oak tree about fifty yards away. We hear them frequently but this one was very plain to see. I ducked into the house and told Argy and the boys that they should come out and see this owl. They quickly put on jackets and came out to see. When they were all there and had seen him he started calling and of course everyone hooted back. The owl then flew into the tree right over our heads and looked down at us watching as if we were maybe something to eat. Another owl called from behind the house and in a second thy were both in one of the oak trees in the back yard calling to each other and carrying on. I assumed that we were seeing owls on the edge of their territories staking claim to our backyard. After a few minutes of calling to each other they flew off in the same direction so I may have been wrong with the territory theory. At any rate it was great to have such an excellent sighting and to have the entire family see them. So often I am alone or with clients when I see something unusual. There were other barred owls calling from several different directions when that pair flew off. The barred owl is very common and has a distinctive call that anyone can recognize it goes; who, who, who cooks for you! Listen in your neighborhood and see if there are any around.
Orvis endorsed!
After being a guide for twenty odd years I have been endorsed by Orvis as a fly fishing guide. I have been a part of their pro plan for several years and had wondered last winter what it took to become endorsed, but did not follow up. Well in my mailbox on Saturday was a letter telling me that I had been endorsed along with a couple of stickers for the truck to tell the world that I am now an Orvis endorsed guide. For those of you that do not know Orvis is perhaps the best known supplier of fly fishing equipment and clothing. They have been around for a long time and have an excellent reputation. Needless to say I am proud to have their endorsement.
Last week I spoke to the Union Historical Society and had a great time. It was fun to speak locally and have neighbors realize what I do. I was on the schedule to talk about hunting and trapping but I worked into wildlife management and the looming crisis in funding for that management as hunters age and begin to drop out. I got an excellent reception and even good marks from Argy sitting in the audience to be a critic.
I am starting to get everything out for the coming season and got an e-mail this morning saying that the boats spring overhaul is finished so it won't be long now. If you do not already have a reservation for the coming season now is the time to make one. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail and lets arrange a date.
Best regards,
Don Kleiner
Master Maine Guide
