The Vernal Pond in Winter

Observations: What might this ecosystem look like in the winter and what are the primary strategies for winter survival for the organisms here?

I imagine the Vernal Pond as a haven for hibernating mammals, such as the Groundhog. I see burrows or holes in the ground located throughout this habitat. The burrows tend to be up closer to the tree trunk base, above the water line. I imagine the Groundhog sleeping all winter long, using the stored fat from the warmer months as fuel to make it through the winter. I also wondered about the Racoons. I have identified the scat that I found a few weeks ago as a Racoon. In the Vernal Pond, Racoons would possibly overwinter in dens made from decaying tree cavities. The fallen Red & Sugar Maple trees would make a great home in this habitat. Snow would make it easy to observe tracks and trails leading in and out of these burrows. Being an Omnivore, I think Racoon would feed upon smaller prey, nuts, insects or remaining vegetation. Another winter element to consider are several varieties of plants that surround the Vernal Pond. Most plants are native perennials. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers and vines will die back and lose their leaves as they transition into a dormant season. They will blossom again from their established home in spring. Annual plants will drop seeds that will survive over winter. These seeds will then start to grow anew in spring. Most birds will migrate south for the winter, however I imagine I might be able to see or hear Woodpeckers, Chickadees or Cardinals. The birds that stay over winter will feast upon seeds and insects.

Scat from Racoon is filled with seeds

Species Identifications:

 

Pin Oak-Quercus palustris- the Pin Oak grows in a variety of soil conditions. In my habitat this beautiful tree is found along the edges of the moist soils from the Vernal Pond. This Oak is easy to identify because of the lower branches droop towards the ground. Another identifiable characteristic is to observe the width of the leaves. Pin oaks will be slimmer/more narrow in comparison to the Red Oak. The Pin Oak leaf lobes come in almost completely towards the middle of the leaf, keeping the leaf shape more thin in profile.

 

Brown Harvestmen- Hadrobunus grandis- commonly referred to as daddy-long-legs. This species is the most widespread species of Harvestman. This arthropod is typically mistaken for an arachnid. Their body parts are fused and they have a single pair of eyes in the middle of the cephalothorax. They are known for their exceptionally long legs. They have no venom glands and therefore possess no danger to humans. They do not possess silk glands and therefore do not build webs. Many species are omnivorous. If hunting, they ambush their prey. 

Repetitive tachinid fly- Peleteria iterans- the black abdominal bristles are a key feature in identifying this species of fly. This species plays an important role in ecosystems because they act as a parasite for the damaging moth populations by keep destructive moth caterpillars in check. The female fly will lay a fertilized egg on the caterpillar or in front of it. The eggs hatch and the fly larvae proceeds to eat the caterpillar to death, from the inside. Adult flies are most active from summer to autumn. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as, woods, open fields, marshes, coastlines, meadows, parks and forests. 

Lichen agaric-Omphalina ericetorum- this common mushroom is found growing with lichens throughout North America.  This collection of mushrooms was located amongst the moss in the moist soil near the base of a Red Maple tree. The notable characteristics are the small size, flat top with sunken center and scalloped to wavy margin. Color varies from brownish to pale yellow. The Vernal Pond is a wonderful spot for mushroom observation. This moist, nutrient rich soil is the ideal nutrition for mushrooms, since they lack chlorophyll. 

Creative Observations: Morning moments from Kesling Wetland