What’s going on out on the land?
Exploring the Eramosa River Valley, Nov. 21, 2020
Today some pals and I went out for a couple of hours along the Eramosa River Valley. It’s always nice to explore the wilder edges of the common places we know, and even better with others. Others will see things I’d miss, and I may be able to contribute to the conversation with things I have been learning about. Together we get to know the land a little deeper, a little more thoroughly, every time we step out there.
Snail trails on Birch
A lot of questions arise while looking at Snail feeding sign on a Birch tree at the Guelph Arboretum. Why Birch? Are they eating? How are they eating? What is the direction of travel?
Sometimes the answers are out there, and it’s just about looking a little deeper to figure it out.

Truffles and the Muskrat Pond
I was sitting on top of the root dome, looking down over the shelf, peering into the soft muddy substrates below me while folks were figuring the story of the tracks out. While they investigated further, I looked around on top of where I was and was grateful that I did as I realized that I had narrowly avoided putting my hand in a moderate pile of Raccoon scat.
Phenology as tracking through time
You have probably heard of a Phenology journal before, where folks keep track of when specific things happen over a year, or over the course of many years... it’s like tracking… through time.
Tracking Cooper’s Hawks along the Etobicoke Creek
I was exploring the northwestern end of the Etobicoke Creek trail on July 14th when I made my way into an Eastern White Pine plantation edging a creekside forest on the other side of the trail I was on. Near the opening of the trail I found a Robin carcass missing the head.