The start of a new year is a time to look forward to the coming year and reflect on the year past. As always I enjoyed spending time outdoors with a variety of interesting folks. I was lucky enough to have the chance to take a bunch of kids on their first outdoor trips and spent many days on the waters and in the woods of Maine. I am looking forward to doing to all again in the coming seasons.
Year end paperwork has filled more of the last week than I like to think about and the stack of outgoing mail today was impressive. I am nearly finished all of that and ready to tackle tax returns for last year. I am scheduled for a trip to Baxter State Park at the end of this week so it is not all work and no play. I hope that you are able to find some time to get out and enjoy the outdoors this month as well.
Coots
Right before Christmas we were on our way to the grocery store in Rockland and drove past Chickawaukie Pond. Being close to the coast it is one of the last ponds in the area to get a winter coat of ice. That morning it was partly skimmed with ice with several open holes along Route 17. The other unusual thing about Chickie is that for some reason a flock of American coots gathers there in the late fall each year. Coots are not unusual in most of the country but that is the only place I have ever seen them in our area.
As we went by I thought that they better get a move on to the south or they might just freeze into the ice. In fact I was pretty sure that coots needed more open water than they had to take to the air. On our return trip I saw that they had more to worry about than just freezing in.
Three eagles had discovered that the coots were trapped in a small area and were taking full advantage of the situation. The coots could dive but because of the ice were forced to return to the surface in the same small hole. Making them pretty easy targets, coots in a barrel so to speak, for the eagles. In fact one eagle had already caught his meal and was standing on the ice eating, the second was diving at the flock of coots and after a few tries was successful as well. We did not stay long enough to see the third eagle capture a meal but I am certain he was successful.
Eagles have become more common over the years and I see them even more frequently during the winter months when they come to the coast seeking open water to fish in. I see them on many trips and they are a great sighting on a beginning birdwatching trip.
New for 2009
As an added benefit on freshwater fishing trips, I have decided to include fishing licenses in the price for the trip. I have sold licenses for a number of years to make going fishing with me more convenient and up until this year simply added the cost of licenses on. Now if you need to purchase a license for your trip it will be included in the price with no price increase! Of course this will take some figuring on my end, since not every trip requires the same number or type of licenses but I am committed figuring it out. After completing the year end paperwork I think I am up to the task.
I am also planning to change the web pages that describe the various trips Maine Outdoors offers to include more do it yourself information. Such as what rods and reels I think are best for kids and how to structure a first outing with kids so it is a load of fun for them and you.
The changes will take place over the next month or so and I'll include links to the new information in coming newsletters.
LL Bean Spring Fishing Expo
The LL Bean Spring Fishing Expo will be held on March 21st and 22nd at the Freeport ME store. I have been invited to present on behalf of the Maine Professional guides Association. My topic will be "Taking your Family Fishing". At the moment I do not have specific times or the location of my presentations. Mark your calendar for a chance to hear some interesting presentations (from some of the other folks on the agenda), see firsthand the new fishing equipment and talk with representatives from a variety of conservation groups. I'll send more details as the event gets closer.
Next Guides Seminar
I will also be offering my seminar on running a small business for guides later this month at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine conference Center in Augusta. The date is January 24, 2009. At this moment there are still a few spaces available. Call or e-mail if you would like to attend.
