Coming back from break, I noticed differences at my site in Centennial Woods. The dying ferns that covered the forest floor (especially sloping down) were completely covered, as the ferns were less than a foot tall. Since the Eastern Hemlocks at the site are the only trees left with piny leaves, they stood out the most. I was only able to find the twig of possibly a small American Beech (sapling), although I remember identifying Red Maples in the fall. I also noticed more stags than I remember from before, all picked over by pileated woodpeckers. The snowfall was also lighter in my site, as the E. Hemlocks provided a good covering. The path that dissects my area is well used, so I saw many canine tracks. In addition, I saw deer and possibly weasel tracks that led up to an intricate group of holes which could lead to a shelter/den. This natural site could be a good area for deer to rest as Eastern Hemlocks works as a shelter from the weather and precipitation.
Changes over break
February 4, 2019 by gmccarth