April 8

The midday temperatures are in the low 40’s, under partly sunny skies with a stiff north wind as I begin my hike at Alma’s Conservation Park. Soon, I pause to watch a White- breasted Nuthatch probing leafless branches of a tree looking for food. After walking along a high bank of the Pine River, I gaze out on the water where one of the Canada Geese extends its long neck under water to feed on submerged aquatic vegetation. At my feet, I notice the leaf litter includes mostly Oak and Beech while nearby, a large acorn with a hairy cap had fallen from an overhead Bur Oak tree. After taking one more glance at the Pine River, I turn south and stop by one of several vernal pools in the park. Vernal pools are small, shallow wetlands that fill in the fall or spring when rain or snowmelt drains into shallow depressions. They only hold water for part of the year and experience a drying phase every year. Because these aquatic habitats are temporary, animals that depend on seasonal pools are well-adapted to such conditions at different life stages. These animals include frogs, toads, salamanders and small crustaceans, like Fairy Shrimp (stock photo). The state of Michigan has initiated the VERNAL POOLS PARTNERSHIP program (https://vppartnership.iescentral.com) to increase awareness, understanding and protection of vernal pools through conservation, research, mapping and education. Continuing south, I first hear the song of a male Northern Cardinal and then easily spot him in a stand of Honeysuckle shrubs that are beginning to leaf out. This sighting brings up the question on how such an attractive-colored bird can avoid predation and survive as a species. Scientists think that a male’s redness signals to females that he is capable of producing superior offspring. Therefore, the reproductive advantage of bright colored males overcomes the predation disadvantage. Turning east, I notice a few basal rosettes of the invasive Dame’s Rocket plant that will not flower the first year. However, mature plants with their colorful blossoms will soon be evident throughout the park (stock photo). Crossing the power line easement field, I proceed along a narrow, earthen path through a forest of mature Pine and Spruce trees where I spot a deer carcass and some deer tracks. Up ahead, I can barely see a deer staring at me through the dense underbrush. After spooking it, I watch this Whitetail run away through an open meadow. Finally, I end up at the Eyer Learning Circle where one of the kiosk displays advertises the upcoming Earth Day.

Signs of spring are here and there

Forest trail is muddy and bare

Leaf litter blankets the ground

Chorus frogs make their sound

Pair of Mallards take to flight

Frisky squirrel in my sight

Calls of geese are loud and clear

Woodpecker drums very near

Blades of grass peeking through

Give the meadow a greenish hue

Grebes on the pond begin to dive

Mother Nature is coming alive.

 

D. DeGraaf