It’s been a while since I visited my exact phenology spot, but we carved out some time to go on April 20th. Since my spot was now underwater, this visit presented me with some unforeseen obstacles. The last time I had gone, the shoreline was small, but most definitely not to this degree. The high tide was most likely caused by the large amount of snow that melted these past few weeks. Our snowy and dismal March had plunged into a couple of unexpectedly warm spring days. I’m sure that this phonological whiplash caused all sorts of natural imbalances… Wet feet were only an inconvenient byproduct.
In terms of other changes, the high tide had shuffled things around a bit. My sit spot log (as well as some other debris) was now pushed back to the surrounding treeline. Even submerged, the shoreline still had some evidence of blossoming spring. Although the trees had yet to bloom, the silver maple’s buds looked almost ready to pop.
FLOWERS!
The edge of the shoreline was dotted with little dandelion-like flowers. I discovered that these were the blossoms of the next generation of coltsfoot! How exciting!
BIRDS!
Oh, and the birds! As I drew my spot, I kept my Merlin Bird ID app open and boy oh boy were there some treasures!
I caught a Carolina Wren, a Song Sparrow, a Tufted Titmouse, and a White Breasted Nuthatch, and even saw an elegant Canada Goose going for a relaxing swim.
Some Final Reflections
I must admit that I have become a bit attached to my little strip of shoreline during this project. I was sad to say goodbye, so I spent some time there just sitting, drawing, and relishing a little relaxation before the chaos of finals.
The people around me seemed to be on a similar wavelength. Students were hammocking and talking, or just enjoying the sunshine. Like me, they were probably here to forget about the world for the while. Perhaps this speaks to the intersection between nature and the culture of Vermont. It is impossible to move fast in this state. Everything is far apart, slow, and drowsy. My mom and I call it “Vermont Time.” Growing up in Manhattan, the days whipped by at lightning speed. In Vermont, life seems to operate in slow motion. I decided to come to school here because I needed something to slow me down. My spot does just the trick.
While I sketched my picture, I had the time to memorize all the familiar landmarks which I had come to know. The silver maple, the jagged rocks, the green ash, my soggy sit log, and the ever-present Northern White Cedars.
I’m not sure if I would consider myself to be a part of my spot, but the time I have spent there has certainly made it a part of me – And, perhaps, those two things are one and the same.
See you later tree people :)