An Exciting Phenology Excursion

Bundled up to the point of a marshmallow-like appearance, I trudge out into the cold on December 22nd  to conduct phenology.  I walk to my site: an interesting grove of one tree and two stumps with the roots creating a ledge-type structure reaching into the stream. My site is roughly 2/3 of the way between the drainage area and the first bridge. I take my usual seat, the middle stump, and begin observations.

                Recording the day’s weather starts my routine. Today happens to be a sunny, blue-sky day. Unfortunately, there is also a very chilly wind. A measly skiff of snow covers the ground, and I can only hope for more. Next I record the sounds with a sound tapestry. I always enjoy scribbling to depict what I hear.   A relatively quiet day, I record only some kind of bell, an alarm, and person walking. Now is the time I simply sit and observe. How do the ever-present fungi living on the stumps look today? What is on the ground around my site? The air? Any interesting things in the creek?

                When a creature swimming down the creek catches my eye, I am genuinely shocked. It looks alarmingly like a rat, but is skillfully doggy-paddling. After an initial sensation of fear, I begin to shriek and call to nearby observers, realizing the rare sighting occurring. Ms. Lord eventually joins the small group of on-lookers and declares “It’s the muskrat!” I’d only seen such creatures from afar, at locations with larger bodies of water.

                Who knew such exciting creatures resided alongside the typical leeches and water-striders of the Pioneer Park creek! Suddenly, I no longer minded the -4 degree Celsius weather, but simply appreciated all the park had to offer.