It’s thrilling to see an unusual bird. Who is not excited about the chance to see a snowy owl or an American oystercatcher in Maine? Yet there is the potential to experience wonder in watching our common birds.

Maine’s bear harvest has been declining at the same time the bear population has been increasing through ample natural food. But despite growing bear numbers, there’s not a problem with bears clashing with the public and becoming a disturbance, state biologists say.

In March, friends call or stop at my home to tell stories about early open-water fishing adventures in flowing waters in the bottom third of the state, and the up-to-date news fascinates me big time. It also spurs me to get on the water.