Fiddleheads are the unfurled fronds of the Ostrich Fern.  The fronds are picked just as they are emerging from the ground, still in their curled or partially curled stage; hence their namesake, they look like the curled end of a fiddle.  They are found in moist ground.  Sites associated with floodplains of streams and rivers are generally the most productive.

The customary method to prepare fiddleheads is by steaming or boiling.  First they need to be cleaned thoroughly; especially the papery, onion-like skin that loosely covers them. Cook until the desired tenderness; some folks like them a bit crunchy, others like them soft.  Another Maine tradition is to use vinegar as a condiment.  I prefer butter.  Don’t be alarmed when you see the cooking water turn a dark brown; this is normal, just pour it away.

My property has a patch that I visit every spring.  Some of our listings with streams and rivers have this prized green growing on them (especially the Haynesville riverfront properties).  This is just another benefit of owning land in Maine.

 Maine has very clear statutes that protect landowners from liability claims.  While browsing one of our advertiser’s websites, The Maine Sportsman, I found an article by a now retired Maine assistant attorney general; which is the best, so far, that I have read regarding this issue.

 To read more, click on the following link:  http://www.mainesportsman.com/site/landowner-liability

During a recent walk on my property, I decided to check out the beaver pond. I made my way to the dam with the idea of using it as a “bridge” to get to the other bank. When I was halfway across the dam, a movement caught my attention about ¾ of the way up the west bank. It was a hen wood duck exiting one of nest boxes that I put up years ago.

I was happy to see that it was being used for yet another year. One spring, a hooded merganser used it for a nest site. If you have a wetland on your property and like ducks, consider erecting a wood duck box or two. They are pretty simple to construct. The best time to put them out is in the winter when all is frozen over.

Just Google “wood duck box” and a host of sites will pop up. There are sites with plans, you-tube videos and general information regarding wood ducks and nest boxes. Be sure to put up predator guards; raccoons, in particular, will almost always raid them.

Falls at Wesserunsett Stream

Spring is my favorite time of year to look at Maine land.  This year’s vernal season is shaping up to be very similar to that of 2010; which was warm, snow-free and dry.

Walking in the woods seems to be easier this time of year.  There are no leaves on the trees and bushes, the ferns have not yet sprouted, and the winter snows have compacted much of the brush; consequently, one’s view through the forest is less obstructed.

Another benefit of being in Maine’s spring time woods is the increase chance of observing wildlife.  For some reason the forest animals are less spooky.  It could be that most are preoccupied with mating or feeding after surviving the winter.  Most bird species are in their spectacular breeding plumage and the woods are alive with their various songs.

So far this year, Maine has been blessed with dry weather.  It has been a bit cool, so a light jacket and boots are necessary for a comfortable woodland hike.

If you are in the market, give us a call and make an appointment to look at one of our beautiful properties.  Break out the Spring gear and be ready for an invigorating walk in the woods and cure those winter blues.  Don’t be a procrastinator, this special time will only last a few weeks at best.

Tom Turkey Strutting His Stuff

Another benefit of owning remote land in Maine is the opportunity to view wildlife; and in many instances up close and personal.  About a month ago, on a rainy Saturday afternoon, a flock of 20 turkeys strolled through my front yard and decided to hang out just into the woods.  After a few hours a few brave hens ventured over to the bird feeders.

Hen Turkey at Feeder

The next day all 20 were at the feeders; but were very skittish.  They continued to visit daily and gradually calmed down so that we could look out the window without spooking them into the woods.  This gave me a chance to determine the composition of the flock: 1 mature tom, 3 jakes and the rest hens.

Watching Over the Flock

The ruler of the flock earned the moniker Tom T. Hall.  About 2 weeks after their arrival, Tom T. began to display and gobble to the flock.  The most dominate jake would puff up at times but would quickly fold when challenged by Tommy T.  A few days later, 9 of the hens left.  None of the jakes display now; only Tom T.

Tom Turkey Making Tracks

Tom Turkey's Less Flattering Side

Their antics take place just outside our bedroom window where we have a “bird’s eye” view.   We can even see the finest detail of their feathers.  Tom T. in particular is a marvel to behold; with his blue bald head and scarlet wattle, all puffed up with tail feathers fanned for the world to witness.

Tom Turkey with the Girls

Wilderness Realty has land for sale in prime turkey habitat.  Feel free to visit our site and check out the Jackson, Burnham, Dexter, Solon, Fairfield and Norridgewock listings. I have spotted turkeys on all these properties.

The DOW is holding around the 13,000 mark as compared to 12,400 last year.  Unemployment is at a 3 year low, yet still above 8%.  Inflation, so far, is in check despite high gas prices.  Home values have bottomed out and in some places of the country, they are actually on the rise.

Based on these trends and others, the economy is still on a measured recovery.  This improvement seems to be analogous to a middle aged weekend warrior recuperating from an injured knee; slow and steady but still with pain and suffering.

Uncertainty is causing people to be very cautious with expenditures; especially discretionary spending.  This is not surprising given the political climate; the lack of confidence with both Congress and the President, an election year, unrest in the Middle East and high gas prices.

There does seem to be much “pent up energy” just waiting for the recovery to be more noticeable; then it will be like a tidal wave. 

When that happens, real estate prices will be going up.  This may be the perfect time to make that land investment.  Check out our current listings at www.wildernessrealty.com or visit us here in Maine for a showing AND enjoy the early Spring weather.

For those who are not familiar with the Pine Tree State, this is a great opportunity to get a feel for the rural Northwoods through the eyes of a Maine Warden.  I am sure there will be plenty of action as well as spectacular scenery and wildlife shots.

Follow this link to find out more about this new TV series:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/north-woods-law-only-on-animal-planet.html

Listing Number: 101
Acres: 1.78
Water Access: Lake Frontage||Water Frontage||Water Views
Price: $289500

Go Here For Full Listing Details

The focal point on the first floor is a finely crafted granite fireplace in the main living area. The open-concept floor plan on the lakeside half includes the kitchen, dining area and living room. Glass doors open up to a large porch overlooking the lake. The kitchen half of the porch is completely enclosed. In the back, there is one bedroom with a full bathroom, a large foyer and a half bathroom.

The second floor includes two large bedrooms, each with a full bathroom. The master bedroom has its own private deck facing the lake. Tucked away in the back, in a quiet part of the house, is a reading room.

A daylight basement adds even more living space to this well-designed home. There is ample closet space on all floors. The exterior is finished off with cedar shingles.

Construction will be complete later this spring just in time for the summer season. To get on the list for a detailed prospectus, follow the link below. E-mail inquiries will have priority status.  NEW COTTAGE, BE THE FIRST TO OWN THIS PROPERTY!

www.wildernessrealty.com/contact-us/

It has been a while since I posted under this category; actually it has been just over a year. I have been busy on the property; here is a short summary of the past year’s activity.

This summer the vegetable garden was above average; despite the wet weather towards the later part of the growing season. Most everything produced well except the cabbage and cauliflower. Even had a few melons. The peppers were exceptional.

Last spring, we went out and picked two 5 gallon pails of pine cones that have dropped over the past winter. These were used for Christmas decorations, especially for the wreaths that my better half made this past holiday season.

Speaking of wreaths, she went out and picked several hundred pounds of “tips”; or more specifically fir branches, this fall. She made over 3 dozen wreaths for family and friends; all decorated with the pine cones, mentioned earlier, and a big red bow.

Also this fall, I cut 3 cord of firewood from the river side of my property. I hauled the stove-length wood with my ATV/trailer combo to my house. Extended a few more ATV and tractor trails as well. This weekend I should have the last 2 cords of tree length wood cut. I am hauling it with the tractor from behind the vegetable garden to the driveway. Then it needs to be cut and split.

Duck hunting this year was a bust. Lots of rain late summer into fall had the river up much higher than normal. When this happens, the ducks seem to disappear. According to my theory, there is so much water in the woods and the ducks simply spread out to these small pockets of water until freeze-up. Oh well, ducks win.

Finally, I sold a few Christmas trees this year. Gave a few away and cut one for the house. A nice fat, full one.

Such are the “perks” of owning a chunk of Maine land.