Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walk

In December, as the snow falls, underneath leaves, rocks, soil and mud, or inside trees, some animals will hibernate for the duration of winter. The animals that are still active in the winter months will find protection from the harsh winter weather under dense foliage growth, in rock cavities, or in some other shelter spot. Last season’s flowers, goldenrod, asters, milkweed and thistle, will provide seed heads to feed birds and small mammals.

Our handsome hooded mergansers have begun to grace the Mill Pond. Northern shovelers and ruddy ducks, have already arrived. The pied bill grebe, American coot and some other waterfowl are known to stopover too.

Hopefully this winter will bring the arrival of snow geese and perhaps some vagrant species to surprise and thrill us. Birds of the northwest woods will be easier to spot as the leaves have fluttered to the forest floor.