During this late February time, let me suggest that you step outside and get your messages. Due to the recent and relatively light snowfalls, all of us can get some fresh air and exercise with a walk in the woods. In the North Quabbin region, there are outdoor habitats either out our door or a short walk or drive from where we live. What this writer is proposing is a short walk with some purpose.
The inspiration came to me this past week when a backyard event around the birdfeeders got me checking out signs in the snow. My younger French Brittany, Laney, would not come into the house and was “frozen” on point. Upon walking to her, the object of her point was a purple finch. The small bird was in the middle of the yard, not far from a feeder, and seemed to be unable to fly any distance. Upon my approach, it fluttered in short flights and when gathered in my hand, there was no visible sign of injury. Since it was dusk, my decision was to place the bird in the nearby hedge of tall yews so it could spend the night roosted and maybe gain strength.
The next morning, an investigation of the area showed some feathers in the snow but no animal tracks. The assumption was that the bird, in its weakened condition, had become a meal for an avian predator. That is how nature works.
What I am suggesting is that you take a hike and see what the snow can tell you. There is wildlife everywhere and you may see tracks of rabbits, squirrels or songbirds around your home and probably not have to travel far to find where other wildlife has been foraging. If you plan a 15-minute excursion out, with the return trip you will accomplish a 30-minute cardio exercise session and get fresh air and sunshine! Wear comfortable clothes and footwear and remember sunglasses to protect from the UV rays and glare off the snow.
Larger wildlife like furbearing predators are common but nocturnal. Their night prowling leaves tracks and following a fox, coyote, bobcat or fisher can be fascinating. They explore every bit of the cover, looking for something to make a meal out of and you can use your imagination to try to figure out what they are looking to find.
Most of us live close to deer habitat and this winter deer have been able to get around fairly easily to date. One thing my recent forays have indicated is that the warm days and cold nights has created some crusting. Heavy crust is a condition that favors the predators and puts deer at a disadvantage as they break through the crust while canines run on top. For that reason, and because it is the right thing to do, keep your dogs from running free unsupervised. Chasing deer by dogs does not have to result in catching the deer to have impact. Moving deer from wintering habitat causes them to use more reserve energy during a time when they are conserving and does, now becoming heavy with fawns, can be negatively impacted. Keep Fido in check!
Deer sign you come across may lead to feeding areas. Acorns around oak groves are still being “pawed up” but a lot of deer feeding is focused on browsing emerging buds and sometimes bark on young growth. Apple growers take measures to protect their trees as it can be very detrimental. A very fast-growing outdoor pursuit these days is looking for shed deer antlers. Many people are training their dogs to seek sheds and you can buy a “how to” kit with everything you need to train your dog to find dropped antlers. You will find tons of information and YouTube videos on the topic to help you get started.
While you are out there in the outdoors, you will also be benefiting from the sunshine as it does a lot of good things for your body. It stimulates the production of melatonin and has been shown to greatly improve your overall physical and mental health while getting exercise to boot!
If you want to get in some hunting, cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare are in season until tomorrow, Feb. 27. Fox hunting also closes Saturday, and coyote and bobcat hunting is open an additional week, until March 8. You also might want to look for turkey sign to get in some pre-season scouting. Gobbling should commence at any time and the males are grouping up. Mature toms are together and immature males, called jakes, are leaving the large flocks, and forming groups as the days get longer.
Do not be surprised if you see returning migratory birds soon. Ducks and geese are moving back north with the males sporting the bright nuptial plumage as they ready for the breeding season this spring. Woodcock will also be back and resume the ritual that so many enjoy watching as the males fly up and flutter down to impress the females. It will not be long!
Hopefully, you have been inspired to get off the couch and make tracks of your own in the snow. Enjoy!