December 3

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. It was nice to be back in familiar surroundings after a 2-week absence due to deer hunting season. The early morning weather was drizzly with a temperature of 34 degrees and a slight wind out of the south. Before descending the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I paused and gazed west to admire the ever-changing landscape. Mother Nature’s colors for this early December scene included black, brown, beige and golden yellow. All tinted with a thin layer of snow that fell yesterday morning. Starting my hike, I was pleased to observe the first set of tracks for the winter belonging to a Cottontail rabbit. I walked through Bobolink Meadow where I spotted a Cooper’s hawk perch high in a tree in North Woods. As I approached, it took off and flew south over Willow Wallow and landed in a tree in South Woods. Also, the slate, gray color of dried Milkweed pods caught my eye. I entered North Woods and immediately recognized the squawk of a Downy Woodpecker. I followed the sound until I saw the bird clinging to a tree trunk. Moving along the trail, I observed 3 deer running west as their white tails bobbed up and down. I exited North Woods and continued around Succession Field where I spotted a few deer tracks on the trail. Before entering South Woods, I noticed off to my right a downed White Birch tree with white, bracket fungi growing on it. Next, I entered the woods and hiked past Swanson Swamp where I spotted a decaying log with some green Turkey Tail Fungus growing on it. The green color is caused by an epiphytic green alga. The alga has a commensal relationship with the fungus, deriving no nutrients from it, but instead using the fungus to gain a better position in the environment, in this case for better photosynthesis. I exited South Woods and continued on to Artist Overlook where the serenity of Sora Swale was broken by the drone of a plane passing overhead. I continued along the south trail only to see the striking red terminal twigs of Dogwood shrubs; exposed since the berries were all eaten by wildlife. I turned at Frog Fen and started walking up Reflection Hill where I noticed in the distance a small leafless tree with yellow fruit on it.  Upon closer inspection, I could see the 1-inch diameter fruit was attached to a Golden Hornet Crabapple tree. From the top of the hill, I was surprised to count 7 muskrat lodges scattered around the perimeter of Grebe Pond. Finally, I came to the Classroom Building and was pleased to see the bird feeders were installed. As I hopped in the van to head home, I regretted being away from this place so long but rejoiced in our return.

Crispy chimes of Autumn, spread out upon natures floor.

The falling greens of spring and summer, now taking on a brown like decor.

Bare bodies stand naked, their bones clanging in the wind.

Hoping to soon be reclothed, by winters cool new offerings.

Robert M. Hensel