After numerous days of torrential rains and relentless wind gusts, it’s refreshing to get a glimpse of blue in the sky. Could winter’s fury finally be giving way to a calm resignation that its days are numbered?
Strong winds caused many tired and weakened trees to snap. There seem to be even more diagonal lines in the forest.
Rain water has gathered in the recesses beneath uprooted trees and in lower lying areas in the woods. Known as vernal pools, these temporary wet areas not only provide animals with access to fresh drinking water, but also contribute to the biodiversity of the forest. Amphibians thrive around these pools as do numerous varieties of mosses and grasses. They will slowly dry up, but be filled again during subsequent rainstorms.
The rain melted all the snow, which is not at all good for snowshoe hares still wearing their winter white coats. By contrasting more with the landscape, they become easier prey for foxes, coyotes and bobcats. Hares will begin acquiring their brown coats later this month. Until then, they’ll just have to keep a low profile and run a little bit faster if they want to survive until spring.
After every storm, the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.
~ William Alger