But at least two species are focusing on that right now.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the cold weather is bringing bald eagles back into the state from their northern grounds. It is also drawing people onto lakes as ice fishing becomes possible.

Doug Harr, the department’s wildlife diversity coordinator for non-game animals, said experts expect a large number of eagles this year.

“Around 2,300 pairs of eagles were reported in Minnesota this summer, and Canada has even more,” Harr said. “As harsh weather forces birds south, Iowa becomes a winter destination as eagles collect around open fishing waters.”

Harr specifically cited the Des Moines River and Mississippi River as popular spots for the visiting eagles.

Ottumwa eagle watchers benefit from the migration. When colder air arrives, it freezes most surface water in the area. But the hydro dam in downtown creates an area of open water that looks like a buffet line to migrating eagles.

And the colder it gets, the more eagles will likely arrive.

“As fast as the big waters are currently freezing to our north, I’d expect to see a huge influx of bald eagles move into Iowa during the next few days,” Harr said. “Most of these birds are coming straight down the chute from Minnesota and Canada, and viewing opportunities are occurring statewide.”

Eagles aren’t the only ones watching the weather.

Ice fishing is only possible after the temperatures take a winter plunge. Last week’s snow was actually bad news for those enthusiasts. The snow insulates the ice, which means it does not grow thicker as quickly as if it was exposed.

The basic guidelines from the DNR warn anglers to stay off ice if it is less than 2 inches thick. Two inches can support a single person under good conditions. Three inches of ice can support a group if the people spread out and four inches of ice supports general use. The DNR says only ice in the northern two-thirds of Iowa is currently thick enough for ice fishing.

Even if the ice is thick in one part of the surface, it doesn’t guarantee thickness elsewhere.

“Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water and there is no such thing as safe ice. There is always risk associated with going out on ice,” said Mick Klemesrud of the DNR.

Still, experts warn that even experienced ice fishermen should pack emergency items in case of an accident. The DNR recommends bringing ice picks and 50 feet of rope. Inflatable cushions can keep anglers from sitting on the ice while also providing an emergency float should someone break through.

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And I do.

Lake Sebec stretches lazily along for 13 miles and is 5 miles wide, its seductive serenity luring visitors year-round. Located in Piscataquis County, which is larger than the state of Connecticut, Sebec is one of many towns and lakes in the Maine Highlands Region, which encompasses areas in the northern and central part of the state. Rolling hills, dramatic vistas, lakes galore, small towns and simple pleasures appeal to countless segments of the population, some of them choosing to live there year-round. In the 2000 census, Sebec boasted 612 residents. The nearest sizable city is Bangor, about 55 miles away from the town of Dover-Foxcroft. With the Bangor International Airport, it makes the area convenient for commuters.

The name Sebec derives from an Abnaki or Abenaki term. Several different spellings and meanings are attributed to the Indian name, but they were definitely a tribe who once dwelled in New England, inhabiting what is now northeastern U.S. and southern Canada. Their history isn’t clear, but, of those who remain, many live on reservations.

Visitors and residents never run out of things to do. Bays, coves and islands offer enthusiasts countless opportunities to indulge their favorite water activities, be they swimming, boating, canoeing or zooming along on jet skis. In winter, ice fishing on many of the county’s lakes and ponds, snowmobiling on trails maintained by local clubs and cross country skiing make for a white wonderland. Even non-athletic types find activities to enjoy such as the Maine Highlands State Championship Sled Dog Race held in Dover-Foxcroft, on the shores of Sebec Lake.

Biking, hiking or leisurely roaming the back roads and woods, picking berries or hunting for antiques are other enjoyable activities, but it won’t take much investigating to satisfy everyone’s interests. Golfers can tee off at a number of courses, equestrians can rent a horse, sightseers can enjoy the view from a seaplane, and photographers will never run out of subjects to shoot, including covered bridges. And one popular pastime is simply sitting on the front or back porch and watching the sunrise, sunset or the world go by.

Since water was once the main method of transportation, cruises are a given. The Katahdin is the last survivor of the region’s many steamboats. It endured changes through the years, but now the National Historic Landmark reigns as a passenger-toting tour boat. It was acquired by Moosehead Marine Museum, which is dedicated to the days of steamboating, as well as the Moosehead Lake Region’s marine heritage. The museum exhibits a collection of steamboat memorabilia including a number of early photographs of the area.

Landlubbers find plenty to enjoy exploring the many small towns. The Harriman School Museum in Sebec is the last remaining of nine one-room schoolhouses. Reflecting a different generation as well as way of life; the slate blackboard, teacher’s desk complete with bell and the wood stove are a few items reflecting days long gone.

The Katahdin Iron Works, another historic site, stands as a testament to the past. Its remote location contributed to its demise, but, in its heyday, the iron works produced 18-20 tons of pig iron daily. The Blacksmith Shop Museum in Dover-Foxcroft preserves a slice of history and way of life, when horses and oxen were vital to the area’s many farmers.

Dover-Foxcroft is also home to Maine’s only flatiron building museum with a ship’s prow roof, the Observer Building. Originally a tenement, it eventually housed the county’s earliest weekly newspaper, the Piscataquis Observer.

Visitors are always on the lookout for moose, which are abundant in Maine. From spring to fall, moose sighting tours are available. Birders will find a variety of winged creatures taking to the skies. Many homes are graced by delightful gardens; Shiretown offers self-guided walking tours of residents’ floral displays.

Anyone who loves small town shopping has plenty of places to poke around in. For larger venues, Bangor has much to offer. Bidders may take home the item of their dreams at one of the area’s auctions.

Lodgings include cottage rentals and camps, inns, bed and breakfasts and motels. Wherever you choose, rise early to enjoy what promises to be an enjoyable stay in Maine.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/Living/Travel/

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