This is part inside story and part full disclosure, and while I’m at it, I should say that in 20 years of journalism, I have never looked to personally benefit from a story.

This column is the second of three reviewing the results of the most recent Christmas Bird Counts in Maine. Let’s visit some coastal count circles together, working our way from York County downeast to Eastport.

Let’s face it, as some of us reach and proceed through senior citizenry, we search for, and take advantage of, every little special deal we can find. Not that those of us who’ve passed into what some call our Golden Years don’t have a great deal to be thankful for: making it this far, being able to enjoy our lives, our families, our memories and our ever-expanding circle of friends and, for some, good physical condition and the extra leisure time for recreation that retirement affords.

Here’s the good news. In my lifetime, trout and salmon fishing in Maine has improved — not a lot but enough to notice.

Hunting is big business. If you doubt it, consider that fish-and-wildlife-related activities generate $2.4 billion in economic value for the people of Maine. Deer hunting alone brings in an estimated $200 million a year. That huge economic impact depends on maintaining a healthy natural resource. Managing that resource is an expensive proposition, and most of the bill is footed by sportsmen and women.

Mother Nature hasn’t felt like offering up much white stuff (until recently) for my family to enjoy our usual outdoor winter fun on skis and sleds. So, we’re adapting. The cold spell has offered conditions to get outdoor community ice skating rinks around southern Maine up and running.