April 18

Sunny skies and temperatures in the lower 40’s greet Riley and me as we begin a morning hike on Lumberjack Park’s nature trail. Heading north, we take the boardwalk over a shallow wetland, accompanied by a welcome sign of spring, the familiar call of a Tufted Titmouse. Crossing the foot bridge over Mud Creek, I pause at mid-stream to watch the water flow gently west toward the Pine River while listening to a Robin. Following the trail through tall pines, I approach a large tree that had fallen to block our way. Upon a closer look, I notice meandering grooves in the cambium layer made by Ash Borer larvae that had killed the tree long before it blew down. Next, I come to the muddy shore of the Pine River and pause to watch the water flow gently past while listening to the clear birdsong of a Northern Cardinal. Following the sound to the treetops, I listen again. In most species, only the male sings. Not so for the talented Cardinal. Males and females sing equally well. These songs, an important coordinating behavior in the life of these birds, includes at least 28 different phrases. They sing during courtship and territory formation. In either context, while perched in different places, they countersing. One bird sings a phrase and the other responds, often with a repeat of the first one’s song. After a little while, the first bird changes the song and the other copies the new song. Cardinals’ call and response countersinging can continue for good parts of the day. Up ahead, I spot one of many patches of Common Greenshield Lichen growing on tree bark, being concerned that some display a pinkish hue rather than the normal green color (stock photo). Many lichen species, like this one, are sensitive to air pollution and develop structural changes, including reduced photosynthesis and bleaching. Air pollution can also cause the death of the lichen algae, discoloration and reduced growth of the lichen fungus, or kill a lichen completely. Nearby, I come to a favorite place on the riverbank where I stop to take in the beauty of this riparian landscape, Crossing the Lumberjack Rd. bridge, I make my way along the opposite riverbank where the morning sun glistens off the slow flowing water. Further along, we listen to the water surging downstream. After making our way through the campground, I pause one last time to look upstream at this colorless riverbank except for the colorful branches of a Red Osier Dogwood shrub.  

 

Nature trail stark

April breezy chill

Few signs of spring

Waiting for senses to fill

Atop a leafless tower

Against a grayish sky

Crested Cardinal sings

Lovely tune draws nigh

Robed in red

Loud and clear

Favorite season

Is finally here

 

D. DeGraaf