April's End

Its nice to see the Osprey have returned, (check out the talons on the first pic) and I found a new nest this week....looks very sturdy. The picture of the hawk/falcon (possibly a Merlin falcon) was taken from my kitchen window shortly after daybreak as he was silently watching my backyard. When he saw me coming the yellow bellied sap-sucker took his time finishing his lunch, but the young porcupine ran away, almost before I could get the camera up. I'm always looking to collect pussy willows for my Aunt Jo, and the first ones I see this year are surrounded by spring flood waters. Finally, a beautiful sunset over a placid Keyhole Lake.

Fishing the Keyhole

The Keyhole Lake is a great place to go pickerel fishing. Even on a windy day you can find a calm cove and New Brunswick pickerel are all about calm water and lots of weeds. Pickerel are aggressive predators and usually swallow their prey whole, so you always know when you are getting a bite. A steel leader is a must for this fish as they have several rows of razor sharp teeth that will shred even the toughest line. It is also a good idea to use pliers to remove the hooks. Personally, I am a catch and release guy, but these fish are good eating. As the day ended, the  osprey was glad that I was done sharing his fishing spot and even the sun seemed to be celebrating a great day with one last hurrah.