I was so excited to visit my spot for the first time in over a month today! The new snow that covers the ground made my spot both more beautiful and dangerous. It has completely transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, as well as made the trails difficult and icy. Once I reached my spot I was surprised to see that not much has changed since my last visit. All of the trees are still bare, and the barberry bush next to the brook still has numerous berries that cling to it. The ferns which have persisted throughout last semester are finally starting to wither, while some newer ones poke out of the snow, catching your eye with their bright green color. Behind the ferns, the eastern white pines still stand tall and green, again, being eye catching in contrast to the snow. The brook itself was flowing quietly and steadily enough for me to cross through it and examine some animal tracks. First, I found squirrel tracks on top of a fallen log that reaches across the brook. It didn’t take long for me to find the maker of the tracks himself scurrying up a tree nearby. I also found some mystery tracks near the water from what I believe to be a rabbit. While looking at these tracks I heard and saw a pair of black-capped chickadees in the canopy above the brook. I saw no other signs of life at my spot other than many dog prints and a trio of snowmen.
