Nature Notes

It seems like a relief to finally turn the page on the year that was. Here’s to hoping for a healthy and happy 2021.

If there’s one constant everyone can rely on it is Nature’s unwavering march through the seasons.

For instance, if we were to go hiking today on the Paddy’s Creek Trail we would almost certainly run into a mixed feeding flock of songbirds. A “mixed feeding flock” is the term birdwatchers use to describe a loosely-associated group of birds comprised of different species. These congregations typically happen during winter and around these parts will often include Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, northern cardinals, downy woodpeckers, whitebreasted nuthatches and both ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets.

While the saying “birds of a feather stick together” is often the case, these diverse flocks come together in cooperation to benefit all. As a mixed feeding flock moves through the woods, its individual members are on the lookout for food and predators. Discovery of either is critically important for survival of all during these coldest and hardest months of the year.

Our hike would also include plenty of opportunities to see white-tailed deer. Deer are common throughout the park, but they are especially visible during winter when food abundance is low and they spent more time and energy on their feet looking for it. By now most of the acorns and all the soft fruits like persimmons and crabapples have been consumed and the deer must make do with grasses and browse. In particularly harsh winters, deer will go so far as to eat rhododendron leaves and other hard-to-digest plant material.

The days are short, but here at the park you can experience so much in the peace and solitude of Nature. We’re all sick and tired of being cooped up so why not tie on your hiking boots and take the family on a stroll? Just make sure you respect your fellow hikers and keep your distance. There’s room for everyone. See you on the trail.