Dec 23 2008
Breaking the Trail
I did it. I finally went out, all by myself, snowshoeing.
I hadn’t gone in a few years! But it was a lovely day to go. The snow was soft and powdery. There were no other people out on the trail today, only some deer tracks and maybe some squirrels prints off around the trees. I wasn’t alone though. There was a flock of chickadees following me around, hoping for food. I did have some black oil sunflower seeds back in the car, from feeding the birds in the past, so the birds were in luck but they had to be patient.
I tromped down a nice path (I love seeing the tracks I’ve made.) and then, went around again to enjoy the work I put into it. It’s good to snowshoe with two people, that way you can share breaking in the trail.
I hope the deer make good use of my packed path and that the chickadee’s enjoyed their treat. At one point, I had three birds on my hand at the same time. That’s such a funny feeling. Their little toenails digging into your skin but the birds are so tiny and so light.
I wonder if it’s good that we feed the wild birds so much. I mean, just the way they followed me around like little scavengers was a bit daunting. I found this page about birds staying in locations that can’t support them without the help of birdfeeders. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403104353.htm
Chickadees do belong in this region; therefore, I guess my entourage is safe—but, just a tad impatient.
