Yesterday’s walk — a first
It was a gorgeous, cold morning that alternated between clear, snapping blue sky and snow flurries. There was a dusting of snow on the ground as we explored the nature center, the tracks along the path (some of which we could identify, others that we couldn’t), and the upper meadow. Woodpecker trees were everywhere, and we saw what may have been a few porcupine trees along the gorge.
I worked hard to photograph some house finches feeding among the branches, but the light wasn’t very good. When I turned around, Younger Daughter stood facing into the snow with her mouth wide open. I was reminded that it’s sometimes absolutely essential to taste a snowflake or two.
The meadow was windswept, and we saw a few hollows where the deer had slept. There were birds’ nests of all kinds in the brush, filled with snow rather than with “fubsy birdlings” (as Anna Botsford Comstock calls them). The prettiest one was a deep, grassy cup dangling at the end of a slender branch. There will be a time for learning to keep the different species’ nests straight, but these winter walks are just prime opportunities to locate the activity centers in the woods. We’ll know where to go in the spring if we pay attention now.
When we turned into a trail along the stream, we startled two does. But an even more startling surprise awaited us.
I’ve wondered at times what it would be like to meet an unsavory character in the woods, but this coyote clearly perceived us as the unsavory characters. His train of thought was obvious: “AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!”
I’m amazed by the simple truth that the more you look, the more you see. Even though we’re not the quietest band of woodland walkers, remarkable beauty and variety reveal themselves to us at every turn. This walk was no exception. It was a wonderful way to start the week.
6 Comments
Barbara H.
Smiling at the coyote perceiving you all as the unsavory characters. Glad he was sent on his way.
Carrie, Reading to Know
Yes, glad he ran off!
I love the contrast of the blue skies and snow. It’s so beautiful, peaceful and lovely.
Amy @ Hope Is the Word
Wow! How exciting! I remember encountering a fox once when I was a teen at the same trail we frequent now. It was scary and thrilling, all at the same time. I love your pictures!
Steve Occhino
Very rare to catch a hunting coyote with your eyes!!! So glad you were able to see him. I once disturbed a bobcat who had crept very close to a grouse…but I spoiled his dinner by scaring the grouse into flight.
I love the artists’ renditions of the day too!
Janet
He must have been so absorbed in the deer he didn’t notice us till they ran off. Next time we’ll know to pay attention even after the deer go — he must have been watching us for a minute before he took flight!
A bobcat. Wow. I guess an empty stomach is a powerful distraction!
Alice@Supratentorial
Janet,
I think I could write the same comment for every single post on your blog. Something about how much your nature posts are incredibly inspiring. I feel like even reading them is a nature education for me. Gorgeous!