December
December is here and all the leaves in the stream ravine have fallen. The ferns are still green, but they’re flat and limp, half covered by leaf litter, which has gotten less vibrant and slightly more decomposed since the last time I was here. The mushrooms on the logs persist and the stream has more water than usual, probably because the recent snowfall melted. Squirrels occasionally make an appearance, and there are distant bird songs. I found footprints that looks like a dog’s, and human ones too, so someone was probably walking their dog here recently. Overall, the animal activity has decreased a lot since the early fall, and even since the November.
What do I love the most about my phenology spot?
I love the stream. The water is so clear and the way it travels over rocks and logs, forming little pools and waterfalls, is so fun. It gives the site great movement and makes it feel a lot more special. I also love how interesting it is to traverse. To get to different parts, you have to jump over the stream, climb over logs and duck under branches. Getting to it and walking through it feels like an adventure. It would be the best playground for a little kid, and I hope that when it gets warmer, I can enjoy it more too.
