It rained heavily again Sunday night and today we have drizzle and fog. This June is the wettest on record and I would guess that the number of sunny days is pretty low. The tidal portion of the Saint George looks like a chocolate milkshake and the freshwater section is out of its banks. Not very conducive weather for the sort of outdoor activities that Maine Outdoors offers in the summer.
I have been really lucky and have squeezed in most of my fishing trips this month between (and sometimes during) rain showers. Nature exploration trips do not generate much interest if the weather is less than perfect so none were scheduled in June. Up until last weekend most of what I had in the calendar had gone in spite of the weather.
That all seemed to have changed on Sunday when a series of trips cancelled and I went from a busy 4th of July week to nearly free. I guess that folks have just had enough of the rain and are deciding to stay indoors or at home. I have been able to reschedule some of the striper fishing trips for later this summer and can certainly relate to not wanting to be out in the wet and cold.
The good weather days have been productive for freshwater fishing. Clients enjoyed memorable trips on some of the local ponds even though the water was very high. Hopefully you will have a chance in the next couple of weeks to get out and enjoy the Maine Outdoors with sunny summer weather.
Eagle Chicks
In the past several weeks I have been near eagle nests on Damariscotta Lake, Megunticook Lake and the Saint George River. As the season has progressed it has been interesting to watch the young birds grow. Last week I first noticed that one of the adults was not always right around the nest. Indicating that the chicks had gotten big enough to lessen the worry of them being eaten by a crow or other bird. Then the young birds heads appeared over the edge of the nest and it was possible to see the them checking out the world below or begging for a fish from a nearby adult.
Last week, I noticed considerable wing flapping inside the nest followed Friday by a young eagle standing on the edge of the nest. It won't be long now until they are perched on the nearby branches and actually flying around by late next month. The fact that eagles and ospreys have become so common in my lifetime is truly amazing.
Seal Show
I was striper fishing one morning in the cold wind and wet. I decided that I had enough and started for the harbor. I came around a bend in the river and saw a seal coming up out of the water. I shut off the outboard and drifted to watch as it was joined by a second small seal as they porpoised right past the boat about fifteen feet away. Seemingly not bothered by the boat they kept right on going even when I had to start the outboard to keep from crashing in to the riverbank. After maybe twenty in unison leaps they swam on the surface together for another fifty yards. Looking for applause after the show?
I have seen seals porpoise before but they never let me get very close. That distance was pretty close for any seal, even just swimming. So all around an unusual event. Of course it was pouring rain and my fingers were wet and cold so a quick picture was not possible.
The best part of being outdoors is you never know what amazing thing you will see next. You do not have to go striper fishing to visit the tidal portion of the Saint George with me. The Scenic Maine Coast Boat Trip was designed to show everyone that beautiful stretch.
It's easier Than Ever to Stay in Touch!
Times have changed and there is a list of new ways to stay in touch.
You can now friend me on Facebook (Don Kleiner) or become a fan of Maine Outdoors there as well. I am also on Linkedin and Twitter (DonKleiner) and update daily if you would like to stay up on the goings on here.
Of course I still update the blog on the website at least twice a week and am available to chat on AIM, Googletalk or MSN when I am at my desk. Although I will be spending less time at my desk time now that summer is here.
You can also visit the Maine Outdoors web site and submit a contact form. Of course I still use e-mail and the telephone still rings in the office if you would like to plan your next trip or just say hello.
Best regards,
Don Kleiner
Master Maine Guide
Maine Outdoors
(207) 785-4496
