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Red Sunset

A massive stationary high recently lingered for four days above Hideaway Pond. Skies so searingly blue and cloudless they almost hurt the eyes. The final flair of brilliant Autumn color as the leaves finally lose their grip and fall to the ground. The lowering winter sun now moves southward and silhouettes the island pines against a wan gray overcast.

Yesterday the gods of weather became morose, sent us dark clouds and drizzle. The sun set at 4:37pm and darkness fell in mid-afternoon. To match the tone of the day, a flock of about 20 turkeys marched single file from the woods behind the house. They pecked their way across the yard and moved on up the mountain. Could be my imagination, but I’d swear I saw a pronounced gloom in their demeanor. Concern for the imminent fate of their domestic brothers and sisters? The Thanksgiving pots are already a-boil. Perhaps. Were those I heard the faint strains of Chopin’s Marche Fune’bre? Probably not.

But today Mother Nature changed moods again and blessed us with one of most beautiful sunsets of the season. November. The gray limbo between the bright colors of Autumn and the crisp frigid whiteness of Winter Equinox. Full of surprises.

Through all of this, the Hideaway critters go about living their lives. Each one greeting the seasons in its own way. The grass carp no longer trace their small wakes across the surface of the pond. And the bass have ceased their futile leaps at the now long gone dragon flies. They already lie at the bottom of the pond in their long winter torpor. Their metabolism has slowed, significantly lowering their nourishment requirements.

Avians change guard. House wrens and phoebes leave. Junkos arrive.

Woodchucks, fox, mink, rabbits and other earth dwelling critters have by now occupied their winter homes. They will hibernate if food becomes scarce. Their metabolism will then drop and their heart beat will slow from 80 bpm to about 3 bpm. In contrast, the heart beat of a hibernating bear will lower from 50 bpm to 8 bpm. Breathing will decline to 8 breaths per minute. One wonders why they bother.

Contrary to common belief, female bears will waken briefly to give birth and care to newborn cubs. Pretty rude interruption of a good winter sleep, if you ask me. But, then, I wouldn’t know, would I? I thought not.

I’m sure you’re dying to know. Hibernating animals can actually recycle waste into usable protein, certain minerals and other usable bi-products. And absorb them in their sleep. What a gift! However, when so inclined, they will also exit the den to do their thing, as it were. In the cold. In the snow. From a warm den. That’s serious incentive.

Deer, on the other hand, don’t hibernate. They find a sheltered place, such as a stand of evergreens, where they can sleep and forage for nearby food. A place where the snow collects as a barrier against winter wind.

Three pairs of wood ducks splashed down last week. And five mallards. Two males and three females. Three. Well, whatever works. Mallards are kinky birds.

Two days ago an entire flock of Canada geese dropped in for breakfast. They covered the entire yard and adjacent pond. They lingered for about an hour, then exploded noisily aloft and set their compasses to the south. No doubt leaving countless gratuities on the lawn as they left. We could object, but it’s probably useless. What’s the French Canadian term for goose poop? Me neither.

Three does occasionally drop in at sunset. They now wear the dark gray garb of winter. They quietly graze near the ledge and gradually become invisible as night falls.

The Hideaway quiets as winter approaches. Soon the temperatures will drop further and snow will fall. Subtle neutrals, the whites, grays and greens of the winter palette, have already replaced the warm tones of Autumn. The critters of the Hideaway will soon sleep. And Jack Frost will slowly pull up the cold white blanket of Winter. Shh.

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