February 25

Wednesday, leaving Remi at home, I returned to Pine River Park in Alma, to a trail we’ve hiked dozens of times. Before setting out, I decided to contrast the conditions today with what they were like when I hiked here back on June 9th of 2014. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of -2 degrees and no wind, compared to then when it was also sunny but with a temperature of 68 degrees along with a refreshing breeze out of the east. Leaving the warmth of the car, I noticed the dock at the boat launch was sealed by river ice compared to quite a different scene from before. Turning west, I trudged through snowdrifts covering the trail with vivid memories of this same landscape last June. Further ahead, I paused at a scenic spot on the riverbank and thought about how this vista had changed since then. Turning south away from the river, I hiked through a stark woodlot and compared it to the lush landscape of last summer. Next, I paused to scan the forest and hear its silence. Turning east toward the rising sun, I walked through a stand of evergreens and remembered this place from last June. Curving north to complete the loop, I picked up the distinctive call of a Cardinal from high up in an Aspen tree. Considered an early sign of spring, I’ve heard this song occasionally for the past month or so. Sensing an increase in daylight, this bird’s hormone level increases, stimulating it to sing, both to find a mate and announce its territory. After searching high in the branches for a few minutes, I finally spotted a bright red male who was doing the singing. Unlike most songbirds, the female Cardinal also performs this ritual. Finally, I retraced my steps back to the car and headed home.

Old man winter tightens his grip

Wind chills continue to dip

Creatures of the wild hunker down

In a frozen forest, there’s no sound

River life has been put on hold

Blanket of snow shields the cold

Birds fly around looking for seed

Keeping warm is what they need

February days are near the end

Spring is just around the bend

D. DeGraaf