December 15

The temperature is a frigid 17 degrees under cloudy skies as I start hiking through 7 inches of snow along the icy Pine River in Centennial Park in Gratiot County’s village of Sumner. Having walked here many times over the years, I found a photo from December 10, 2018, showing a milder start to that winter. Trudging along the snowy bank, I pause to notice a Red Maple tree displaying reddish-brown flower buds that form in fall and stay on the bare branches through the winter. These buds, often appearing like tiny ruby earrings, add color to the dormant landscape. Nearby, I spot a large, oblong hole in a tree trunk most likely made by a Pileated Woodpecker as an entrance to its nest. This cavity could be 1-2 feet deep and once vacated may provide much-needed shelter for other wildlife. Continuing north on the walking trail, I found a photo from August 9 of 2021 showing a dramatic seasonal contrast. Speaking of contrasts, I observe the dried, shrunken seed husks of a Golden Raintree compared to what they look like in summer (stock photo). Up ahead, I come upon the fruiting body of a Staghorn Sumac compared to what it looks like in summer (stock photo). Continuing down the trail, I come upon a familiar section of the flood plain and remember being here in the spring when Skunk Cabbage begin to sprout. Turning back toward the car, I can’t help but notice the wide open canopy in contrast to what I saw here in the summer (stock photo). Related to this, I look up to see a few dead Red Oak leaves still hanging from branches and contrast this to what this tree looks like in the summer (stock photo). Up ahead, I’m not surprised to see deer tracks in the snow but am surprised to see the tiny frozen berries of Poison Ivy. While the fruit is edible for birds, the plant remains toxic, including stems, roots, and berries. Nearing the car, I notice something I would not see in the summer when trees are leafed out, a squirrel nest. Called a “drey”, this messy-looking ball of leaves, twigs is built high in trees, usually in forks for stability. The nest is essential for protection from predators and weather, especially winter cold, with temperatures inside being 20-30 degrees warmer. Multiple squirrels may share a single nest to stay warm. Squirrels are constantly on the move, scurrying from tree to tree.  Because of that, it’s common for them to have second and third nests located near their main home. These additional nests are often used to hide from a nearby predator, to store extra food and even as a temporary rest stop throughout a day’s activity.

Outer edge of autumn

Thick clouds of gray

Who will survive?

Predator or prey

Hungry raptor

Scans the field of snow

Perhaps a bird or mouse

Waiting for one to show

Sudden swoop 

From a leafless tree

Missed the mark

Another goes free

 

D. DeGraaf