November Recap

11/30/2017

With the strong rains and wind this November there was a lot of action in the rivers, streams, and trees. The low rivers filled to the brim showing spring like waterfalls. The leaves filled with color then fell with the gusty winds providing homes for critters and insects and leaving the landscapes ready for winter. While it may look quiet in the woods now, if you dig a little deeper you'll find a winter world full of action.

Nov 6 - Dundee Falls | Wilmot, Ohio

After the rains, Dundee Falls was filled with flowing action! Lucky for me the leaves were holding fast allowing for these beautiful golden landscapes.

Nov 10 - Goodyear Hts. Metropark | Akron, Ohio

Although we're now residents of Wayne County, we keep with the tradition of hiking the Summit County Fall Hiking Spree every year. On our adventure out on November 10th we got caught in the first "big" snow of the year. The light flakes falling in the soft diffused light created a surreal atmosphere in the tall trees at Goodyear Metropark. We took notice that while most of the snow didn't accumulate on the ground it did however collect on the tree roots that lingered just under the soil. Not sure why, but if you know or have any thoughts we'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Nov 10 - Springfield Bog (Summit Metroparks) | Springfield Twp., Ohio

Continuing the hiking spree we ventured to Springfield Bog. While I prefer this park in the late summer (the majority of the hike is in an open prairie), it was interesting to check out the newly added observation platform looking over the previously bypassed bog (although I suspect the bog is more of a marsh based on the level of growth occurring in said 'bog' - see past post on the differences between bogs, fens, marshes, and swamps).

Nov 14 - Wooster Memorial Park | Wooster, Ohio

While doing my monthly study on the prairie at Wooster Memorial Park I can't help but observe the changes as the new ADA handicap accessible trail goes in. There are bridges, overlooks, and a lovely winding trail wrapping through the woods and prairie. Paving will commence in the spring but for now you can go out and enjoy the graveled trail.

Nov 21 - Barne's Preserve | Wooster, Oh

For whatever reason it seems my mum and I only get out and walk together when the weather gets cold (we laugh about it being too nice during the summer). Barne's is our favorite place to go for a nice lunchtime walk. On this outing the pond had a beautiful thin layer of ice - the geometric patterns in thin ice are one of my favorite things in winter. The trees, without leaves, create their own geometric beauty against the crisp blue sky.

Nov 21 - Brown's Lake Bog | Shreve, Oh

The bog is almost totally brown (not how it got its name) now. Although if you look closely, the sphagnum which acts as an insulator still shows signs of color and the purple pitcher plants have turned their winter crimson making them easy to spot while out.

Nov 21 - Wilderness Rd | Shreve, Oh

The rains that made the waterfalls so beautiful have also flooded the (easily flooded) Wilderness Rd. This birding hotspot is a favorite of shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors (it's not uncommon to see bald eagles, kestrels, hawks, and even owls enjoying the fish from the waters and the moles, voles, and field mice in the neighboring fields).

Nov 21 - Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area | Funk, Oh

Somedays it's quiet out at Funk, this was not one of those days, as I approached the wildlife area a whole flock of sandhill cranes noisily descended from the air to land in a nearby field. While at the observation deck I was able to spot a variety of seagulls in the distance while overhead flew a red-tailed hawk, a young bald eagle (a couple of years old based on its tail showing signs of white), and a hawk I have yet to identify! In the brush a slew of sparrows chattered away at me.