abundance of plants, wildlife, and birds. Passing through the rustic gate at the entrance, I always

 wonder about what’s happening in the bush today. 

             The dirt and grass-covered trails wind through a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.  Wild raspberries, grapevines, and dogwood line the edge of the trails. Natural reforestation is evident among decomposing trees. The dense bush forms a canopy providing protection during inclement weather.

            In spring, the jack-in-the-pulpit, red trilliums, white trilliums, marsh marigolds, and fiddlehead ferns burst forth. Mosquitoes make summer visits to the bush difficult. Fall shows off its beauty with bright red maple leaves. Winter’s beauty is captured in freshly fallen snow clinging to evergreen tree branches. Throughout the year, fungi and mushrooms establish themselves in the soil and on the bark of trees. Wild turkeys and several common birds including the Kingfisher make the area their home. Deer stop for a drink from the creek. Squirrels chatter, garter and grass snakes slither, and raccoons play tag in the trees. Early in the evening owls hoot while the coyote choir practices its melodies.

            There are plants, trees, and birds in the bush that I am not familiar with. Identifying these species is challenging but is educating and rewarding.  The common hair cap moss,  pin cushion moss, cauliflower mushrooms, and Ironwood trees are recent discoveries. After five years of only hearing the frantic flapping of bird wings, a grouse came out of hiding and revealed itself. That same day I caught a glimpse of a pheasant. Throughout the bush in dead trees are holes carved out by pileated woodpeckers. These birds eluded me until this past summer when two flew out of the bush and demonstrated their pecking skills on a visible stump.  They worked fast and furiously.

            The most exciting experience I’ve had in the bush happened during an early afternoon walk. I heard and felt something fly across the trail directly behind me. Slowly turning around I watched as a barred owl landed on a tree branch a few feet away. The owl didn’t seem in any hurry to leave. For reasons unknown, I apologized to the owl for interrupting its day. The owl blinked its big beautiful brown eyes every few seconds but did not stir. So I continued to talk. Ten minutes later the owl spread its wings and flew away. Nobody was ever going to believe what just happened.

            The most fascinating thing I’ve seen in the bush happens in the fall and spring during extreme temperature fluctuations. Ice formations of all different shapes and sizes form on the creek banks. The crystal clear formations are a sight to behold.  Best viewed by the naked eye as photographs don’t seem to do the formations any justice.

            I am blessed to have access to the bush and am grateful for the knowledge I have gained  beyond the rustic gate.

 A hidden gem located on private property, the bush features a creek, walking trails, and an

 abundance of plants, wildlife, and birds. Passing through the rustic gate at the entrance, I always

 wonder about what’s happening in the bush today. 

             The dirt and grass-covered trails wind through a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.  Wild raspberries, grapevines, and dogwood line the edge of the trails. Natural reforestation is evident among decomposing trees. The dense bush forms a canopy providing protection during inclement weather.

            In spring, the jack-in-the-pulpit, red trilliums, white trilliums, marsh marigolds, and fiddlehead ferns burst forth. Mosquitoes make summer visits to the bush difficult. Fall shows off its beauty with bright red maple leaves. Winter’s beauty is captured in freshly fallen snow clinging to evergreen tree branches. Throughout the year, fungi and mushrooms establish themselves in the soil and on the bark of trees. Wild turkeys and several common birds including the Kingfisher make the area their home. Deer stop for a drink from the creek. Squirrels chatter, garter and grass snakes slither, and raccoons play tag in the trees. Early in the evening owls hoot while the coyote choir practices its melodies.

            There are plants, trees, and birds in the bush that I am not familiar with. Identifying these species is challenging but is educating and rewarding.  The common hair cap moss,  pin cushion moss, cauliflower mushrooms, and Ironwood trees are recent discoveries. After five years of only hearing the frantic flapping of bird wings, a grouse came out of hiding and revealed itself. That same day I caught a glimpse of a pheasant. Throughout the bush in dead trees are holes carved out by pileated woodpeckers. These birds eluded me until this past summer when two flew out of the bush and demonstrated their pecking skills on a visible stump.  They worked fast and furiously.

            The most exciting experience I’ve had in the bush happened during an early afternoon walk. I heard and felt something fly across the trail directly behind me. Slowly turning around I watched as a barred owl landed on a tree branch a few feet away. The owl didn’t seem in any hurry to leave. For reasons unknown, I apologized to the owl for interrupting its day. The owl blinked its big beautiful brown eyes every few seconds but did not stir. So I continued to talk. Ten minutes later the owl spread its wings and flew away. Nobody was ever going to believe what just happened.

            The most fascinating thing I’ve seen in the bush happens in the fall and spring during extreme temperature fluctuations. Ice formations of all different shapes and sizes form on the creek banks. The crystal clear formations are a sight to behold.  Best viewed by the naked eye as photographs don’t seem to do the formations any justice.

            I am blessed to have access to the bush and am grateful for the knowledge I have gained  beyond the rustic gate.