Watching winter wildlife

By Connie Mertz

The cold, penetrating winds of winter draw my attention to winter’s wildife. Wildlife often seen on the fringes of our wood plots are dormant. Exceptions are the gray squirrels devouring our sunflower seeds at the backyard feeder.

Chances are while I’m huddled in the cozy warmth of my house, other species are snuggled under a hemlock or white pine deep in the woods. Deer usually feed at night, and some are seen in the new alfalfa field munching on the fresh greens.  They paw down through the several inches of snow still covering the farm to reach their meal.  They won’t venture far from the seclusion of the pines unless forced.

Surprisingly, robins frequent our yard.  I hear their familiar song when I’m out and about.  At Montour Preserve, one was eating seeds from a feeder, which is strange indeed.  Birds give humans a clue as to the upcoming weather forecast;  when storm is approaching, they are in a flurry at the feeder.

If our small ponds aren’t frozen over, mallards can be heard squawking and frolicking in the water.  Canada geese have taken up residence on the neighbor’s huge pond, and their honking and flight are easily recognizable.

I love seeing flying squirrels now and then.  We only get to see them if we leave the lid off the feeding barrel for our home-raised pheasants.  Once in the barrel, they can’t escape on their own.  However, all my husband needs to do is put his gloved hand down into the barrel and one by one they quickly scamper up his arm to freedom.

Winter’s wildlife is present and we may have to listen more acutely or gaze at areas where they frequent, or watch for their tracks underfoot, but they are there in the stark stillness of the woodlands and fields.