Blog #4
12/5/24 Cloudy 35ºF Centennial Woods
The foliage has changed quite a bit since the last time I visited my spot. There are almost no leaves in the understory now, and subsequently, there are much more leaves on the ground. You are now able to see the sky from my spot and the only thing blocking your view are pines in the overstory.
I could not find much vegetation or fruit persisting through the changing seasons. All the plants that I previously noted had berries or other fruits were now completely bare. The only form of vegetation I could find were Intermediate Wood Ferns on the brink of death scattered throughout the forest.
The only signs I could find of decomposer and decomposition were fungal growth and fallen trees, branches, and some upright trees.
The only signs I could find of animal activities were nests high in the canopy that the occupants had long left vacant. Every time I have visited this spot I would hear the sounds of birds chirping and small animals running along the forest floor, this time it was void of natural noises. I could not find any tracks as the ground is completely covered in leaves and needles. This does not seem unusual as my phenology is adjacent to a housing development, 20 steps to their backyards, and there is always some noise disturbing the peace. Even in the late summer months the only animal activity I observed were the occasional squirrel and bird. The birds have long since left and the squirrels are getting ready for the harsh winters.
My favorite aspect of my phenology spot is the tranquility. Having a place where I get to go and have an incentive to explore and note things I usually don’t is amazing.
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.