Site Discussions

I have a cellar spider with an egg sac. We are on day 22 and I think they should hatch any day. She has held them in her jaws the whole time except she occasionally sets them in her web while she catches and eats a fly, but she’s never far from them, and rushes back to them if she perceives a threat. She’s definitely a devoted little mama!

I’ve been working on a preserve (as a volunteer) and in the winter getting dead trees and branches on the ground (so that they can rot, and decompose). I don’t touch big snags, because I know they are valuable for wildlife. If a big tree has fallen, I cut the branches that are sticking up, and maybe the top. I don’t actually remove anything, just get it on the ground. Sometimes there are big dead branches caught on saplings and I pull it down, and free the saplings. There are a lot of little dead hemlock trees that died from lack of sunlight. They just snap when you push them. My intention is to make the habitat more productive and healthier. The hemlock stands appear to be devoid of wildlife. Many of the vertical dead branches would take decades to fall and rot. My question is do you think I am making the forest healthier, not making any difference, or making it worse. The main animals I see are chipmunks, deer, some turkeys, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpeckers, barred owl. In general, I’m not seeing a lot of animals. The forest was logged about 30 years ago. Some of the skid roads are still obvious.

Have become fascinated with snowies after my wife and I had a chance encounter with one in Lexington, MI. Was either late November or early December.  Awestruck,  and I think the owl was as surprised as we were!! :)

I just saw the most amazing owl with its patterned wings stretched wide fly right over my car the other day.  It flew along with me as I drove down the road.  Obviously, near the Ocala National Forest it was not a snowy, but the pattern was so intricate, beautiful, and intimidating all at the same time… and it could only be seen with its wings spread.  I would love to see a snowy owl some day.

We found these worms on our property this summer. Is there an entity to which we should report the discovery?

Thanks Brett, for sharing such a nice information. Believe me almost everyone that are using chainsaw have same type of myths.

I think Over-filing the depth gauge point you have explained just for me:)

I will surely share this unique guide with my friends and family.

Thanks again

I am a landowner for the past 50 years and have worked to plant and improve our woodlands and encourage diversity. Working in the woods is truly a blessing. I don’t work full time in the woods because I and a full time remodeling contractors. It is with great respect for people that work full time to improve our environment. God bless and safety always. Brian Petrocine

I really appreciate this article. Friends and I have been looking into B. brevicauda habits and tracks over the past few weeks and this article is both informative and timely.
Thanks!

We have three different types of feeders and a double suet cake feeder in our front yard. Kitchen and living room overlook the yard. Regarding winter, we’ve on occasion had as many 30 morning doves ground feeding the fallen seeds on top of the snow. We have not seen one instance of bullying ever. The real bullies here are the common English sparrows, nipping and snapping with each other and coming into all the feeders like piranhas. And, they come in large flocks, emptying the tube feeder in one day causing me to leave it empty for two or three days on purpose as it takes a few days before they come back after filling. They test the patience of the bigger birds like Cardinals and red headed woodpeckers until they fly off for a quieter feeder I’m supposing. Three pm now and it’s swarming again with dinner time sparrows.

Thanks Chuck,

Been puzzling over this at the new year dinner table, yet again. I think I’ve now got it…

Alec

Thanks Chuck,
I have noticed the daylight versus clock time discrepancy and the only solution I could come up with was that the Earth actually rotated faster in the winter than spring and autumn. This explained the phenomenon but I couldn’t see what mechanism could cause the Earth to rotate faster and slower.
Your explanation makes total sense. At 75 I now understand a bit more about the universe before I die.
Cheers,
Mike H

Great article. Taught me more than 20 minutes of youtube videos!

Lichens can be used as dye sometimes. I don’t harvest from the wild since they grow slowly but I’ve had some great results with lichen gleaned from the firewood pile. Some,the orchil lichens, produce vivid pinks and purples after a long fermentation in an alkaline solution. They are quite magical.

I wish I could be be like Logger Lee Russell out there in the New England Woods cutting trees!! He is doing what he loves to do which is truly amazing in my opinion.

I want to wish everyone at Northern Woodlands a very Merry Christmas & A Happy Healthy New Year!!!

Sincerely, Robert Friedrich

I’ve loved lichens for years, but you still taught me some new things. Many thanks!

An alternate collective term is “a caucus of crows”.

Thanks for the really interesting article, Siler! You are a good writer and I look forward to reading your book someday!

In response to Lee Emmons article regarding his search for cardinals…drop the safflower and use black oil sunflower seed.
I do enjoy your articles.

Super article. So interesting to learn more about this common yet cool insect.

I’ve always had at least one pair of mourning doves around year round, normally 4-8 pair, more in winter. I just walked outside and no exaggeration at least 50-60 doves were hanging in yard- and quickly took flight at once causing me to get startled as they being such a huge group were loud.  Can anyone tell me why?? I’ve never had an issue of them being bullies, always peaceful and considerate of other birds. But a bit worried that they called all their friends and will take over. It was an amazing sight!!