December 3, 2017 - My, what big teeth you have

December first is the start of meteorological winter (versus astronomical winter) and reflects what is happening around northern New England right now.  We are still almost three weeks away from the winter solstice but the plants, animals, lakes, and sky have taken on their winter manifestations.

A winter glow over Lake Wicwas just before sunrise 

Nighttime temperatures falling below freezing allow more and more of the lake to grow a layer of ice, some of which survives through the day, and this morning ice had developed in the center of the lake for the first time.

Ice out here in the middle indicates the fall turnover has occurred, so the lake will freeze over given a few days of cold weather without too much wind.

The lake level is dropping fast enough right now that stress lines are visible at the edges of the lake where the ice tied fast to the shore and had to follow the lake down as it froze.

Beaver lodges which were built up over the summer appear even larger as the receding water exposes more of their upper stories.

A beaver lodge off Sheep Island

But their entrance holes are far enough down that they won't freeze, allowing access to their food stores down under the water all winter long.

While I was looking at that particular lodge a couple of chickadees flew across the short stretch of water to say good morning, alighting on the branches of a blueberry bush right in front of me - I couldn't resist snapping a portrait for the journal.

Flocks of mallards continue to dominate lake activity, even as their morning landing strip shrinks each day.

Soon they will have to move on.

Hiking in the Lakes Region is still snow-free and providing great visibility;  it looks like this will last for the foreseeable future with no snow in the forecast.  If you're interested in a moderate hike, try a trip up to Arbutus Hill Pond in the Hamlin/Eames Conservation area.  The beavers were very busy there this fall harvesting trees for their winter food supply, as well as for housing and dam materials.  Take the short spur trail to the view point on the south side of the pond and you'll find an array of cut trees, from small saplings to some pretty large ones.

Cut clean and dragged away

Forgot to come back for one!

This guys eyes were bigger than his teeth

Think this one will survive a winter blow?

We need to train them to clear all the trails up there - look how nice the trail looks where they have dragged branches along the trail down to the pond.

The trail down to the pond

Compare that to the crossing-trail they don't use, covered with leaves.

The trail they don't use is straight ahead

If you get up there, let me know if the beavers came back to finish the trees they left half-cut.  I'm guessing that's not going to happen as that pond appears pretty well frozen, and lacking a warm spell they are probably bedded down for the winter.

One more sign that the winter season is upon us:  both of the Lakes Region's major ski areas opened for the season on December first.

First turns of the season at Ragged Mountain

There's not a lot of terrain open, but it's great to get some early runs in before the vacation crowds arrive!