Fall is really beginning to show itself. The leaves seem to be changing overnight. The robins have disappeared, at least from my yard. It has been a somewhat strange summer for me. I saw not even one monarch butterfly. There have been very few grasshoppers and wasps. I know that they were out there somewhere, but they have stayed away from my place. Even the annual onslaught of grackles and starlings didn’t really materialize to any great degree. Temperature extremes were also common. Strange.
This is also the time of year when bears are stocking up on calories for the winter. They become virtual eating machines. This makes encounters with humans more likely. In the vast majority of cases where humans are harmed in such encounters, it was the result of human lack of common sense. Probably the dumbest is approaching a bear and attempting to pet or otherwise interact with it. They may look soft and cuddly, but they are extremely strong wild animals. Leaving them alone is the best policy. In the photo from Dave Lewis, we see a bear that has exhibited a fondness for chestnuts.
Many of us enjoy seeing our feathered friends at backyard bird feeders. The problem lies in the fact that bears also like birdseed, especially sunflower seeds. They also have a real taste for suet cakes. Over the years, I have never had a bear bother my feeders during daylight hours. Night, however, is a whole different story. I learned this, like so many other things, the hard and expensive way. If you have bird feeders, it is imperative that you bring them in at night. Not only will bears destroy your feeders, but they will also start to see your property as an easy source of a good meal. As with so many outdoor things, common sense is the best policy.
Recently, I received an email from a reader regarding Kahle Lake, in Clarion and Venango counties. This is not to be confused with Kyle Lake, the former B & O railroad dam, located near DuBois. I don’t have much experience with Kahle, although Old Bub and I visited it a couple of times. My son has fished it much more frequently than I have.
The lake is known for a rather large variety of fish. Largemouth bass, yellow perch and catfish are to be found there. The lake is perhaps best known for sunfish, such as crappie, etc. I know that largemouth bass are actually sunfish, but they are usually considered separately from their cousins.
For some time now, the dam has been experiencing structural problems. In June of 2023, the Fish & Boat Commission lifted fishing regulations, such as seasons, size limits and creel limits on the lake. This was done in anticipation of a drawdown to repair the dam. As of this writing, the lifting is expected to be extended.
By the way, the reader who contacted me also stated that he made and enjoyed the fish chowder recipe I featured a while back. That was good news.
While many birds are disappearing, I seem to have an onslaught of goldfinches. These little guys, of course, stay all year around, but their winter plumage makes them a bit difficult to identify. For years, I believed that they only were interested in thistle seeds at the feeder. As it turns out, they also devour sunflower seeds as well. Woodpeckers also stay all year, so don’t forget your suet cakes. Keep in mind, as previously mentioned, that sunflower seeds and suet cakes are really popular with bears, too.
Email: salmonangler1@gmail.com
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