For my final post this semester, I wanted to say how I loved seeing my phenology site change since the beginning of the school year. Today there was a light dusting of snow, and it flurried as I walked through Centennial Woods towards my site.
There were lots of small branches on the ground – which is evidence of the strong winds that Burlington has experienced over the past week.
There were a larger amount of pine needles on the ground since my last visit to my spot, and mostly all the trees in my spot have lost all their leaves. There was also an abundance of pine cones on the ground as well.
There was a higher level of water in the stagnant pond, which could be from snow melting or the rain showers from last week.
I also noticed a lot of moss growing on the bases of some trees, fallen trees, and branches on the ground, indicating a large amount of moisture at my site.
I stumbled across an animal hole at the base of a white pine. It could be a possible winter den for wildlife at my phenology site.
On my way out of Centennial Woods, I looked up and caught a glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker flying from one tree to another. It was a breath-taking experience. What a way to end my semester at my Phenology Site.