A Walk in the woods

Yes!!! For the first time in over a month the weather was warm. Cabin fever was strong so I laced up my boots and decided to get outside to get some fresh air and sunshine. While driving to my first destination, I had the feeling that today would be the day I would see my pileated woodpecker. The cards were in my favor and the good Lord blessed me with a sunny day to take it all in.

Soon enough, that enthusiasm vanished as the roads along the cemetery continued to be ice covered and the birds in hibernation. I looked at the dangerous path with a feeling of helplessness and frustration wondering what was over on the other side.

Enough is enough, I shouted to myself. I will no longer be prisoner to this rotten ice. Away I trudged through 8 inches of snow and into the deep woods. No signs of human footprints appeared within the snow and soon enough I was in my own little winter oasis. I was alone at last and had time to drink in all of the loveliness.


Deep in the woods came a clearing where I could hear babbling water. I walked carefully through the deep snow to see if there was anything over there that would be note worthy. The sun shone bright against the river and the water was so clear, I could see the pebbles lying beneath the water. The sound of a crow echoed in the distance and I could see a flock of water foul making there way down the river. PLEASE don't be mallards I thought to myself as I got my camera ready. Soon enough a family of common mergansers appeared. I was very excited because this was my second sighting of them. The first picture you see is over at the pond where most of the water is frozen. The picture directly above was taken along the Blackstone River.

I continued along my journey and could see something vibrant and red up in the distance. I knew it wasn't a cardinal and squinted my eyes to see if I could make out its form. Fungi is growing along this dead tree branch. I love how most are similar in pattern.

Suddenly I could hear the erratic call of a tufted titmouse. I looked up above the trees and there it was shouting to its mate that an intruder had discovered their hang out. I watched them holler at each other and at me and took a picture. Off I went to let them enjoy their Sunday in peace.

The chickadee gave me a warmer reception as it sang it's classic chick-a-dee-dee-dee call and hopped from tree to tree. I smiled as I followed it along its path and took a picture. The chickadee would stop from time to time to nibble on something on the branch. It would eat a bit and then stare at me. It gave me the same curious look as I gave him. Soon he looked at me one last time and took off to find more food.

My final destination was beneath an old, dead oak tree. The main part of the trunk was so decayed that I could look right into it and see the rotted wood and decaying leaves. I brushed my fingers along the inside of the tree feeling the rough bark and was sad to see a tree so lovely in this state. The birds must love it though as it provides shelter and bugs for eating.

I never did get to see my pileated woodpecker or beloved golden crowned kinglet, but it was still a wonderful day. It's amazing how a little warm weather can brighten ones spirit.