As a working guide, someone who has appreciated wildlife all of his life and bought hunting and fishing licenses since he was old enough. I am troubled by two debates that are about to happen. Both of them surround licenses for hunting and fishing. One is a fee increase for hunting and fishing licenses (article in the Portland Press Herald) and the second is requiring a license to fish in salt water.
After a week of temperatures that were very cold, as low as ten below zero at night and up to the low single numbers during the day. A snowstorm yesterday and last night left us with another sixteen inches of fresh snow. Today we are back to more seasonable temperatures with highs in the twenties and plenty of sunshine. The forecast for the coming week has settled weather with sun and normal temperatures which feel like spring after last week. Argy and I took some time this afternoon to snowshoe and ski to enjoy the pleasant weather and fresh powder.
For the first time in several years we have Pine Siskins at the bird feeder this winter. They arrive as a flock and dominate the feeder. They keep the goldfinches and chickadees at bay until they leave and have eaten most of the sunflower seeds. So far this winter we have not had any unusual visitors.
