Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tracks around the world



The lagomorph that made this bed
doesn't turn white in the winter

This months Tracking Club meeting had an international feel to it as not only did we have people from Kitchener-Waterloo, Orillia, Toronto, and Guelph but also from Germany, UK, Japan and beyond thanks to the University of Toronto Outing Club and their group of exchange students. With 24 trackers taking to the land it was one of our biggest groups yet.

As the snow fell on the hills of the Beaver Valley in chilly -10c air, the group went out with the hopes of catching those tracks before they got covered up by the falling white blanket. Our local fox and coyote population seemed to be out and about as usual with the deer that left signs of their beds, nibbling, and passage. The chickadees and Hairy Woodpeckers kept their eyes on the group as the group spotted a mink trail and caught sight of a European Hare bounding away.

The day was thick with good questions. Was this a raccoon or a porcupine? Where is the animal that made these tracks now? Can you see them in your minds eye? The day also inspired wonderful insights into how well these animals are adapted to the chilly winter and how even in those temperatures there is plenty of flowing water to be found.

At the end of the day though it is just great to get out and spend time quietly sitting in the woods, inviting nature to go about it’s routine, then to return to so many like-minded souls to share these experiences. Thank you to everyone who came out and we hope to see you all again soon.

Garrin Carter