16Nov2007

Four and a half hours on a crisp fall day at Spruce Hill in the company of fellow hikers always makes for a good day.

We trekked the entire perimeter of the hill top with several stops along the way to gawk at the views or investigate an interesting plant or animal. The winter vistas are becoming more and more plentiful and exciting as the entire western edge slowly becomes denuded of leaf cover. A hike this time of year compared to one in the spring or summer is an entirely different experience, although just as rewarding. I highly recommend that if you hiked Spruce Hill earlier in the year, in spite of the ticks, then you certainly should return in the fall or winter to experience some different aspects of Spruce Hill that do not reveal themselves except at this time. As a matter of fact, it is now possible to see the bleachers at the Paint Valley High School athletic field from one of the vista points. Perhaps one a clear day soon, Seip Mound will be visible.

Several groupings of American robins and cedar waxwings and assorted, other species were seen feeding at about every complex of grapevines. One would see a flurry of activity ahead, and it always turned out to be a flock of birds feeding on the wild grapes. As I've mentioned before, I will never cut another grapevine after having seen on my last two hikes what a multitude of species depend on them for food.

The water level at the pond continues to drop. Much more of this drought, and the perennial pond may completely evaporate. As we exited the pond area at the SW corner, we investigated a large depression in the ground that sits atop a prominent rise. I had discovered this anomaly back in October. It appears that this large depression may not be the work of rodents after all but possibly the remnants of an undocumented old well or even a sinkhole, since Spruce Hill is in a karst region. Further investigation is warranted.

We discovered 3 large piles of deer feed that had been dumped out in the open field next to the path, just west of where a deer stand has been erected on adjacent private property. It appears that someone is baiting the deer on preserve property.

Wildlife sightings: whitetail deer, eastern meadowlark, American robin, cedar waxwing

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