It was a great opportunity to visit Salmon Hole after the one of the first snows of the season. During the last visit, there were some trees left with leaves, but this time there were none left except for the fruit of bittersweets (there were quite a few bittersweets around my spot that still had fruit and some leaves). As for wildlife, I didn’t see any squirrels or chipmunks while I was there, which was very different from last time. However, I found one set of tracks that I think could be from a squirrel but I’m not completely sure. There were a few tiny birds flying and chirping above the trees, which I had noticed before, but the dozens of geese I saw the very first time I went have been long gone. I wasn’t able to observe the fall leaf litter because of the snow, but last time there was a very thick layer of leaves on the ground so it will be interesting to see what it looks like after the snow melts.
I also took a closer look at one of the signs posted and realized that it was a great example of advocacy to protect native fish species.
I am including a video from this visit along with one from the first visit because I think it is very cool to see the major differences between them and appreciate its beauty in multiple ways.
As I reflect on this long-term phenology project, I am very glad to have been a part of this and experience a deeper understanding of the land. One of my favorite parts about this place is the different speeds of the water. I think it is very cool that some sections of the water are very fast moving while others are almost completely still. I also really enjoy looking at the rock structures (especially when there were birds near there) because I think they are very unique. I love that this place feels like a hidden gem even though it is right off of a busy road, and that I was able to feel connected to the land just by visiting and observing.
I also found a quick sketch from one of the earlier visits that I never posted so I included it here:
