February 25

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 a steady breeze out of the northwest. Before descending the hill, I gazed to the west and noticed how 4 inches of fresh snow had blanketed the ground once again. I passed Mallard Marsh and walked through Bobolink Meadow where I was disappointed to see fresh snowmobile tracks. The snow cover made me wonder how the creatures of summer were doing. For example, how was the Garter Snakes’ hibernation going? Their hibernation, more properly called brumation, is quite different from hibernation in mammals. They do not sleep the winter away nor do they live off their fat reserves. They are alert, if sluggish, and if it’s cold enough, they don’t even lose weight. Because they’re cold-blooded, their metabolism slows down so much that they hardly use any energy. They don’t eat for months. They survive underground below the frost line in dens where temperatures remain above freezing, although some minor dips below freezing can be tolerated. They generally hibernate in aggregates and have become famous in some locations, notably Manitoba, Canada where one den may hold 10,000 snakes. Here in Michigan, smaller groups of garter snakes hibernate together in such places as old groundhog burrows or rocky outcrops, in spots safe from predators and with enough moisture to keep them hydrated. Turning at the entrance to North Woods, I followed the trail south toward Willow Wallow. I passed the pond and entered Succession Field where I saw a pair of bluebirds flying near the birdhouse. Next, I stopped to check the deer carcass, barely visible through the snow. I continued along the edge of South Woods toward Artist Overlook where the rising sun shown through the bare birch trees. I turned north back to Willow Wallow and followed the trail along the edge of the pond. Before ascending Reflection Hill, I observed a pair of cardinals fluttering through the autumn olive shrubs. I climbed the hill, gazed at Grebe Pond, descended the hill and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland and followed the trail along the east side of Grebe Pond where I spotted a dozen Mourning Doves and 3 Starlings perched on the power line. As I got closer, only 1 dove remained. Arriving back at the Classroom Building, I noticed that the birdfeeders were quiet. I was pleased that our new webcam will allow everyone to observe birds at one of the feeders anytime. Finally, I jumped in the van, turned on the heater and headed for home.

I welcome you to the feeder today
A woodpecker, a dove and even a jay
A cardinal, a junco and a chickadee
A wonderful sight for eyes to see
You all seem to know your place
You dart in and out with such grace
Grains and seeds I will provide
Snow has covered your food supply
Winter is long. There’s chill in the air
Come eat your fill. I have feed to spare
My ears enjoy your every song
There’s plenty of room. You all belong
The cold weather will soon go away
I welcome you to the feeder today.

D. DeGraaf