February 1

Under mostly cloudy skies, temperatures in the upper teens and a fresh snow cover, I trudge my way east into Camp Cutler, 160 acres of semi-wilderness land located in Montcalm County, 12 miles northwest of Alma. This scout camp was established in 1960 when the Cutler family donated 120 acres to the St Louis Boy Scouts. In 1975, the camp property expanded when the Leppien family donated an adjoining 40 acres. Just ahead, I pass a towering White Oak with its dead leaves still attached and then pause to hear the distant faint drumming of a Downy Woodpecker. Drumming, which is also called tattooing, tapping, and rapping, is a woodpecker's act of rapidly pecking on a tree to create a pattern of sound. It’s a communication signal that helps define territory, attract a mate and maintain the pair bond. In addition, mated woodpeckers may use drumming to let one another know about a food source, summon help at the nest or raise an alarm about a predator lurking nearby. Also, these birds have special adaptations that allow them to peck quickly and repeatedly on hard objects without hurting themselves. Thicker skulls cushion the birds' brains and heads from hard impacts and strong neck muscles allow them to drum for long periods of time without strain. Continuing east, I come to the edge of the North Branch of the Pine River to take in the sights and sounds of this peaceful winter landscape. This watercourse begins its journey 3 miles northwest of here at the confluence of Thatcher Creek and Cedar Drain. From here it flows southeast another 1½ miles into Gratiot County where it empties into the main branch of the Pine River, just north Lumberjack Park. Following the trail as it turns north, I spot a 6- inch diameter Foliose Lichen growing on an oak trunk as well as a decaying maple trunk displaying woodpecker holes and decomposing fungi. Next, I pass through a corridor of Red and White Pines before veering to my left to follow a deer trail into a clearing. Turning around and heading back, I cross the river again while passing a leafless Osier dogwood shrub with its colorful burgundy branches. Upon reaching the car, I gaze overhead through a stand of Aspen trees as the sun finally breaks through the overcast sky.

 

Drifting snow grips the meadow

Old man winter here today

Silence sweeps the river’s edge

All redwings have gone away

North wind blows in frigid air

Ice conceals a verdant pond

Muskrats huddle under mounds

Crows call from far beyond

In the midst of a cedar swamp

Sheltered from the bitter chill

Her eyes and ears on alert

A Whitetail doe stands still

 

D. DeGraaf