February 4

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 25 degrees and no wind. Approaching the bird feeders, I saw the usual visitors plus a couple of Purple Finches. Also, I was pleased to see the new heated birdbath. Having decided to reverse my course, I passed the Barn and continued south into Native Grassland. I stopped to gaze at Grebe Pond that was covered with an opaque layer of grayish-brown ice. Next, I passed Brady Cemetery and headed due west past the “Road Ends” sign and followed the two-track along the edge of a our neighbor’s field. Observing our southern boundary, I was pleased to spot several, small, healthy Norway spruce trees that we planted 2 years ago. Also, I noticed some fresh deer tracks in the mud. Turning north onto the south trail, I hiked along the edge of Sora Swale where I spotted some opossum tracks in the snow. Also, just off the trail, I saw some rabbit scat on a patch of snow. Rabbits produce two types of scat or droppings; dry brown pellets like what I saw and soft green pellets, composed of only slightly predigested plant food. The soft green ones contain essential nutrients and are rarely seen because the rabbit eats them, a process called reingestion, or coprophagy. I paused at Artist Overlook to observe a snowless landscape reminding me how mild the winter weather has been. After descending the hill, I hiked along the perimeter of Succession Field. Entering South Woods, I walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I noticed the sun peaking through the trees. Exiting South Woods, I continued around a snowy trail of Succession Field and stopped to see the deer carcass that was being scavenged by some unknown animal. I entered North Woods and followed the trail east to the boardwalk where I noticed a pile of fresh wood chips on the boardwalk and 3”X 6” hole about 20’ up a Beech Tree. It was quite clear that a Pileated Woodpecker had recently been there. This bird is about 15 inches in length and is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America. It has a black body, a red crest, white stripes on its neck and black and white stripes on its face. In the spring, I often hear their drumming sound as they establish nesting territories. Exiting North Woods, I hiked east through Bobolink Meadow where I could see the Classroom Building and Barn in the distance. As I climbed the hill from Mallard Marsh to the Storage Building, I noticed a few fresh mole mounds. Finally, I found my van and headed for home.

…Reaching my sacred spot

I stand in quiet reverence

Woodpecker tapping loud

Chickadees in winged chorus

The only sounds heard
Peace fills me

The music of the universe

Plays within my soul

Breaths slow, warmth spreads

Despite winter's chill
Stilled as a statue in place

A hushed whisper in my ear

As snow flakes fall upon dry leaves

Life's burden lightened, spirit renewed

Pilgrimage complete, turning in retreat

Hastened steps return me home

Richard Bramante