This was my last phenology visit of the semester. Many things have changed over the course of the year, and my site is starting to look more like it did when I first visited in the fall. Leaves are growing on the trees and birds have started chirping more again.
The forest floor is littered with debris knocked down in winter storms, and woodpeckers are pecking at rotting trees while song sparrows chirping and play beside the stream.
I’ve gotten into birding more through the course of the year. Every time I go for a walk I’ll open up eBird and make a game out of how many species I can identify. Currently I have 31, which isn’t a lot but I’m excited to see how many I can get by the time fall comes around.
This forest is nestled in one of the more populous areas of Vermont. Even still it allows people to get outside and be surrounded with nature. As the birds tune out the distant noise of traffic, people are able to connect with the world around us in a very vital way.
I feel as though I have become a part of this space through the course of the semester. I know where some birds nest, and notice when certain trees have fallen or when something is out of place. When I need to clear my head I know that I can go out there and feel at peace, no matter the weather. It has also served as a place for me to go out with friends and bond over our love of the natural world. It’s sad to leave just as the weather is getting nicer but I’m excited to return in the fall and see how things have changed. I may continue these posts/entries next year, I’ve really enjoyed them.
