Winter critters

Winter, for some plant and animal species, is a time for rest. Most plants have shed their leaves and are lying dormant, waiting for the warm weather to arrive where they will once again bloom. Reptiles and amphibians are hibernating, hidden in the mud on the bottom of a pond, or tucked away in a rocky den. These also will emerge with the arrival of spring.

For other creatures, it is business as usual when it comes to coping with winter’s extreme conditions. Birds have a little bit of choice, given their mobility. They can either adapt to winter here, or they can migrate south. Birds such as the wood thrush disappear in the fall to be replaced by such species as the snow bunting, or our well-known population of wintering Canadian eagles.

Mammals are less mobile, so they have learned to cope with the winter conditions. Deer and squirrel will find acorns and other seeds and nuts to sustain themselves. Mice will be trying to do the same thing, and food-finding forays provide feeding opportunities for bobcat, fox and coyote.

As I write this, fresh snow is falling, which should be perfect conditions for winter critter tracking.