Woodland Stroll on Snowshoes




Beyond the Garden Fence

Those of us who have access to woodlands throughout the seasons are indeed fortunate.  We can discover plants previously unknown to us, and become aware of the habitats of creatures that prefer trees, brambles, and fallen logs. 

During winter, the woodlands often present surprises, as we discovered during a late January stroll on snowshoes.  Determined to get away from the day-to-day rush, we set out with no schedule or concern for time.  Soon after we entered the woods, we heard the distinctive vocalization of a Raven coming from high above the trees. 

We were soon greeted by the delightful sounds of male Black-Capped Chickadees and knew that milder weather would appear soon.  While there were several of those hardy little birds nearby, only one followed us as it delivered its cheery ‘dee-dee’ notes.  Familiar with their habits, we knew that if we presented seeds or peanuts in outstretched hands, it would eventually dart in to grab the offering. 

While pausing on the trail to listen to the echoing sounds of a Pileated Woodpecker, we noticed a large, dark patch of something resembling jumping flecks of black pepper on the snow.  We watched the ‘Sand Fleas’ for a few minutes, and decided to learn more about them when we returned home. 

Though frequently referred to as Snow Fleas, those tiny flecks are not actually fleas or insects.   They are Springtails, so named because of their ability to jump in any direction when a spring-like apparatus is applied.  Completely harmless and mostly unseen during warm weather because of their colouring, they are part of the wooded areas’ clean-up crew as they assist in the decomposition process by eating rotting leaves and other decaying matter. 

A large grove of white cedars holds many secrets as it is inhabited by snowshoe hares, red squirrels and other small mammals that feed on seed clusters that hang from snow-laden branches.  During harsh winters, it provides not only shelter but also one of the White-tailed deer’s favourite foods – the scaled leaves of small cedar offshoots.  We did not venture into the grove, but paused and wondered about the number of inhabitants, then continued on our way.