FIELD NOTES: Winter Experiences
~ by Jim Eagleman
Jim Eagleman’ s granddaughter Priska.
I
don’ t suppose I’ ll gain much in popularity if I begin with the suggestion to get out more during winter. If the mind isn’ t willing, and the desire to stay in is strong, I’ m wasting my time with the invitation. Reading a book by the woodstove can be just as enjoyable. But, head out if the temperatures are mild.
My first requirement into the cold is serious preparedness. I know from previous ventures if I am not dressed properly, I come back quickly with cold hands, head, and feet. Why did I think my time outdoors would be enjoyable if I didn’ t first take care of comfort levels? The better I’ m dressed for any condition, layered and constantly adjusting, the more I can stay out. The longer I remain, the more I see and hear. If conditions are right, I can examine closely. If our curiosity and expectations are piqued, our time out isn’ t just a walk in fresh air, it is a chance to observe and learn.
A junior professor once told us fledgling wildlife students that time observing outdoors, in all seasons, can be just as important as reading a chapter in an assigned text. Did this mean we could substitute homework for a nice walk in the woods? No, but I did both. The more I read, the more I looked closely when out, and the challenge of seeing something unfamiliar sent me back to the texts.“ Books to nature, and nature back to books,” said the professor. I began to see the relationship he wanted from us. It was learning that took on more than just observing and far more than just reading.“ A good biologist observes more than he sees.” Once, when out on a day of overcast skies and cold wind, I stopped to unbutton my collar and remove my cap. The cool air on my moist forehead was a welcomed break. Resting on a slanted log, I glanced at movement from a corner in the field. A jay was the first to announce the presence of a coyote, trotting along the trail I used. It seemed oblivious to me, but with tail drooping and ears erect, it stopped several times to sniff along the woodland edge. Any mouse, dried grape, persimmon, or unwary wren was game. He trotted towards me, then into the woods. Back at my desk, I pulled out several texts on winter mammals and read about coyote habits. I’ ve seen coyotes many times since and it is this one instance that always comes back to mind.
A deerhunter friend once told me he listens for chickadees to tell if a deer might
52 Our Brown County • Jan./ Feb. 2018