December 18

There’s a slight westerly wind and partly sunny skies as I watch the water of the Chippewa River flow gently north through Meridian Park. Early morning temperatures are in the mid 30’s as I notice an ice-covered Viburnum shrub nearby and two pair of Mallards swimming along the far shore. Following a narrow trail along the riverbank, I come upon the base of a tree trunk with its bark stripped off by either a Pileated Woodpecker or more likely a Porcupine. I gaze afar skyward to the north and spot a likely nest of a Bald Eagle, wedged in a tall, leafless tree. These nests are made with large sticks and may be lined with moss, grass, plant stalks and sod. They’re usually about 4 to 6 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep. These birds are very territorial and most breeding pairs return to the same nest site year after year, adding more sticks and making it larger. Following a trail away from the river into a woodland, I observe a white Birch tree trunk displaying a pattern of holes made by a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a few willow trees displaying densely growing twigs, called “Witches Brooms”.  In medieval times, mysterious and unexplainable occurrences were often blamed on witchcraft. Brooms during that time were made of bundles of twigs. A number of stresses, both biological and environmental, can lead to the formation of brooms. Organisms such as fungi, mites and aphids can cause these abnormal growths when they attack a host tree. Some brooms appear to be caused by genetic mutations in the buds of the branches. Other observations, include litter of decaying maple leaves and the unique design on the trunk of a White Poplar tree. Continuing north, I climb a steep, sandy bank and look down at a marshy, wet area that was a partial oxbow lake,10 years ago (stock photo). The complete lake was most likely formed during a big flood event when swift, raging water took a short cut directly across the neck of a river meander (curve) and carved out a new, straightened river channel (stock photo). Cutoff from any inflow or outflow it began drying out eventually formed this marsh. Oxbow lakes get their name because their shape starts out resembling the “U” of the old wooden oxen yoke, like the one being formed to the east (stock photo). After pausing to scan the river, I turn around and make my way back where I notice a patch of Reindeer moss on the ground. Just before getting in the car, I watch a few Dark-eyed Juncos foraging along the edge of the parking lot.

Deep in the woods    

Noises cease               

Sounds subdued

Nature at peace

Mid of December

End of the year

Mother prepares

Slumber is near

Tucks her children

Turns down light

Covers them up

Blanket of white

 

D. DeGraaf