My location lies within the Great swamp wildlife refuge education center the only completely untouched area for miles it is still surrounded by houses and buildings. The center quickly. Changes from woods to swamp . Coming to the clearing the deciduous trees give way to a lively yet peaceful pond. It is cold now, all manner of creatures have retreated for warmth. Few hard individuals remain the capped chickadee sings while he works to ready for the coming weather the Canadian geese honk quietly to each other unaware of my presence. I come here often to think or to clear my mind, but never alone. the birds go about their business and keep me company. A small observation deck built many years ago overlooks the quiet pond. Cat tails and other water loving plants sway in the gentle breeze creating slow ripples in the still water. The dull colors of the plants flow into the water and melancholy sky. Power lines and some houses in the distance ruin the natural aesthetic. Under the powerlines dying weeds and grasses turn gold and glow in the sunlight as the breeze takes them.
The locations share some basic similarities because they both contain a body of water. My location at home has a pond and many small streams and my Burlington location has one larger stream. Neither have an abundance of coniferous trees and most are understory with a select few in the overstory. Because my home location is a still body of water plants live within the water and has many water loving plants surrounding it. The location in Burlington has some shrubbery and grass but no plants within the water itself. Much of the fauna is surprisingly similar many of the same species which reside in the burling ton location also live in my home location such as white tail deer, tufted titmouse, pileated wood peckers and of course squirrels, etc. Much of the flora is also quite similar, maple and oak trees lie the area and some honey suckle. Both are un maintained but have bridges and boardwalks but are otherwise untouched. There has been much less animal life sighted in the Burlington location as compared to my home location. The largest difference is the climate but even that is similar because New Jerseys climate is similar to Vermont’s at this time of the year but slightly warmer.
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