OBSERVATIONS ON A DAMP DAY IN THE WOODS
OBSERVATIONS ON A DAMP DAY IN THE WOODS

OBSERVATIONS ON A DAMP DAY IN THE WOODS

Silently the woods surround me. The quiet seems almost unnatural. However, within a few minutes of sitting in my chosen place I begin to hear the typical forest sounds return. There are the songs of birds, although somewhat reduced from the peak sounds of summer due to the departure of the migrating species. Chipmunks begin asserting themselves, coming relatively close to bark at me. Over 100 yards away a deer turns its head to look at me and then continues crossing the trail. After the initial intrusion of man, the forest returns to normal again.

The day is damp and chilly, with rain expected as the morning moves along. The anticipated rain seems to be the continuation of the recent wet and cold conditions. Several days have been 10 or more degrees colder than average and the sun has been an infrequent visitor to the area. This is a typical autumn week in Upstate New York, far from big cities where cows easily outnumber people and wildlife is abundant.

Muted colors on a wet day.

Occasional shafts of sunlight poke through the clouds, sometimes so narrow that only a single tree would be illuminated. But the sun was most often hidden by the clouds, growing heavier and more pervasive as the morning progressed. By mid-morning, the conditions began to shift. The clouds began releasing their watery cargo, first as a misty drizzle increasing to individual drops. Soon the drops of water organized into steady light showers. I was glad to have tossed up a quick waterproof shelter to sit under. No need to get too wet for a day of observation.

The weather seemed to have an impact on other human intrusion to my quiet spot. Even though small game season is open, as well as bow season for large game, no hunter or hiker came near. Even though I was sitting next to a well used 4 wheel drive truck road, there was no traffic bringing anyone into the area. Of course, with the rain most wildlife was also taking refuge so there was not much to see.

After about two hours of steady light rain, I figured that nothing much more would happen. There was no movement of birds or wildlife, which meant no opportunity for photography beyond wet trees and bushes. The damp chill was starting to numb my extremities and it was time to pack up to leave. I had enjoyed my quiet morning in the woods, even with the rain and lack of photos. Time spent in the woods is never wasted.