As we drove to the hunting ground, I saw the hardwoods give way to tall pines. What?? Not again!
My fears were for naught, though, as hidden behind the pines were beech, white and red oaks, holly and cedar and poplar.
While the guys discussed a squirrel drive, I meandered off looking for solitary adventure. That is when I discovered the hidden riches of these woods. Doomed woods. Instead of being celebrated for the rich ecosystem that they are, they have been measured to the half-inch and metered out into real estate properties, assets, money. But there is a tender loam of decayed leaves and wood laying on its breast, sandy base and rippling water coming filtered from the heads of the gentle ridges. I immediately scared somethings off, and sat for a while at the head of a stream. I thought the stream was one of the boundaries, which made the other side look oh so divine. I was good, though, and meandered down my side. There was a lot of open, so I could see, and enough trunk and holly to keep me feeling skulky.
Quiet, except for a few birds. Hardly any breeze. Mild temps. I had not slept much the night before, and the drive down in the dark had tired me even more. I decided I would see what was over the next hillock and then try to catch a nap. Over the hillock, up the next, some old scrapes, pawings... maybe this is a good place to settle down.
I can never sleep out there. I might miss something.
Killdeer
Topic: Virginia Squirrel Hunt 2010 photos. (Read 316 times)
