Over the last week, the signs of fall have made themselves clear at my location on the Winooski River. During my last visit, I was taken back how distinctly green all the plants were. Now, in just a weeks time, yellow shades have been painted across the leaves still hanging to the trees and across the leaves recently scattered to the ground. This however is not the most obvious change in my spot. Since my previous visit, the water level has risen significantly, submerging the rocky, sandy and muddy area that I was able able to trudge over last time. It will be interesting to see how much the water level rises before it eventually freezes over.
The new river water that has covered part of my spot has implications for the wildlife found there. Although I have not noticed anything yet, I will be paying extra attention for aquatic wildlife, for because their habitat has expanded, I am expecting to see an increase in the presence of water dwelling creatures. When I am walking along the trail to my location, I have noticed several trees that have marks that I believe are from beavers. Although none of the trees directly in the area I am covering have these gashes, it is still very possible for me to encounter a beaver during the upcoming weeks.Also, there have also been tracks in the previously muddy zone which is now submerged, but, due to my close proximity to the trail, I think that it is more likely that these tracks are from dogs, not from any kind of wildlife.
Birds-eye View Map