By Tom Seymour

338-9746

tomgseymour@gmail.com

Other than the weather, folks in Waldo didn’t have much to talk about this past week. And speaking of weather, this current version of mud season again took its toll on town roads, particularly East Waldo Road. However, the town was quick to respond to near-impassable conditions and came to the rescue with loads of gravel, screened stone and, of course, a grader. This work was necessary, but even so, ruts returned and with them, a network of potholes. But every bit helps and were it not for this emergency work, conditions would have demanded a road closure.

We’ll all breathe a sigh of relief when the ground finally thaws and dries out. Then the grader can do its work and its effects should last for a season.

Perchin’ prediction

I no longer trust ice conditions and in fact, cancelled an ice-fishing trip with buddy Tony Wieman scheduled for last Saturday. Looking to the near future, opening day of fishing in rivers, brooks and streams falls on April 1. We can legally fish lakes and ponds through the ice or in open water (unless special regulations prevent it) year-round, at least in our part of Maine.

Several years ago, the commissioner of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) opened the brook-fishing season in March. This was due to an unusually early spring. But that was a one-time measure. However, some folks naturally assumed that it was a set law. Unfortunately, it was not. Don’t go brook-fishing until April 1.

By the way, I have vigorously lobbied DIF&W to open the brook-fishing season earlier. It may happen eventually, but for now, the old opening day date remains the same.

Bird arrivals

Maynard and Joan Clemons report seeing a red-winged blackbird on Monday, March 11. Thanks for that report, Maynard and Joan.

While not a big deal, I saw one mourning dove in my driveway last week. This was a new arrival, since I had not seen any doves since last fall.

Comet PanSTARRS

The much-touted Comet PanSTARRS made its appearance about two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the one good, clear night we have had since then saw clouds low in the west where the comet was positioned. From now on it will get higher each night, but will also diminish in magnitude. So grab binoculars and head out about an hour after sundown. Look low in the west for a fuzzy-looking “star.”

By the way, if a comet passes earth, but it is always too cloudy to see it, is it really there? Food for thought.

Weekly quote

“Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.” – Anon.