How to Really Look When Taking a Nature Walk.

Now that the weather is hopefully getting warmer, (with a few setbacks), Winston and I have been spending more time on our walks.

I recently discovered a wonderful new walk, which we both really enjoyed. Dogs, like humans, love the novelty of walking in a new area. There were a number of trails, marshes, vernal pools and rushing water, much to the delight of any nature lover.

I was able to briefly work with Audubon for a short time and learned a lot in that time. So when going for walks I’ve used that knowledge to be able to notice some wonderful things I may not have otherwise known.

It’s always sad to see a downed old majestic tree. With the continued destruction of trees by humans, it makes me heartsick to see a several hundred year old tree chopped down. In this instance, however, as this was a natural occurrence, it was nice to see some critter took advantage and made itself a nice home.

The marsh area, we passed, is home to the handsome red winged blackbird and their songs can finally be heard on this early spring day. Its amazing to think how many animals benefit from the eco-system of a marsh, including racoons, opossums, turtles, not to mention the insect and fish life.

We came across must likely coyote scat. How can you tell its coyote scat? Well to put it bluntly if its poop with fur, here in Southeastern Massachusetts, it probably is coyote. We also caught site of white tailed deer bounding away, which we sadly scared.

We also passed by several vernal pools, which are created by snow melt and spring rains. As we passed by, a veritable symphony was occurring. The male tree frogs could be heard quacking, calling out to all the girls, a sure sign spring has returned. I was concerned with the 20 degree temperatures they would freeze to death, but apparently they are quite hardy. They actually continue to live in the woods despite the cold of winter.

So next time you take a walk, take a good look around and you’ll be amazed at what you will find.