The visit was off to a cryptic start when I was walking down to my spot. I first noticed that someone had hung a few birdfeeders on some trees in the first of the clearings. Then I heard something like flapping or skittering but I couldn’t see anything at first, so I shuffled a little bit to get a better look just I just saw the side of what looked like it could’ve been a really big bird. Freaked me out a bit as it was shifting its position around the tree as I was moving so it was constantly on the opposite side of me. So I moved on to continue walking to my site.
This also made me remember that I saw a little snake last time! When I first saw it I jumped back on instinct because the only snakes I’ve encountered before were rattlers and I am not looking to get bit by one of those guys. But then I saw he was just a little green guy and most likely harmless so I just watched him slither around and then away.
Back to the present, I noticed how so very bright and green everything was. Very exciting. I first made a pit stop at my tree to see how it was doing, and obviously, her buds had opened more since I last saw, but this visit confirmed that she was definitely a Norway Maple, oops. Then, when I was going to my original spot I noticed that there were some small branches/trees crossing just barely above my head on the path. At least one of the trees was a fir of some sort, I believe, because of its long needles. Not sure if it had always been there, but I definitely noticed it this time. I also took a second to appreciate the bird songs going on around me. At least 3 different species were present, but which ones? Alas, I do not know.
As for the ways culture and nature intertwine, I think it’s obvious that the people in Burlington/UVM go to Centennial Woods to enjoy some nature or exercise by themselves, with a partner, or with friends. I think it reflects the hiking/nature appreciation culture that goes on around here.
On the way back I revisited the bird feeders and from afar I saw what was there earlier. It was a big ass squirrel, feasting away on these birds’ seeds. Sneaky guy knew he wasn’t supposed to be there because as soon as he heard my steps he went back to hiding on the opposite side of the tree. Because I spooked the guy, a little blue bird flew down and made its way to the feeder. The whole time this little blue fellow was munching I could just see the squirrel’s head barely peeking out from behind the tree right under the feeder. Almost comedic.
Do I consider myself a part of the place? I’m unsure, honestly. I know that humans are not separate from nature, but I still feel as if I am just an observer of what goes on in those woods. I think of it like I’m a regular at a small beloved coffee shop.
