Snow Fleas, Springtails in the Snow

On our Christmas Day walk, we noticed Snow Fleas all over the edges of the snow banks, tiny flecks that look like pepper on the snow. I knew they were not really fleas at all, but springtails. Checking a bit to learn more about them confirmed that, but what I didn't know is that they are really amazing little creatures.

Their taxonomic name is "Collembola" and while they belong to the group Hexapoda, a category to which insects also belong, they are not true insects! These little critters move by little "tails" which tuck up under their abdomens and are held by little barbs. These are released to allow a quick "spring" away from predators. While they can't control the direction of their jump, they can move fast! Like other springtails, Snow Fleas are in the area year-round, eating decaying vegetation, pollen and tiny organisms on the soil surface--they are indicators of good healthy soil system. They do not bite humans or other mammals.

Interestingly, because they are active in the snow, they are of interest to scientists because of a protein they produce which acts as a natural anti-freeze. Researchers are interested in this protein as a potential aid for transport of human organs for transplanting. Unlike several other proteins, the protein these little creatures produce breaks down easily under warm temperatures.

Next time you walk in the snow on a sunny mild day, take a closer look at these amazing little creatures!

Trumpeter Swans at Big Island Lake Wilderness Area

Over the past five years, we have had the pleasure of watching the Trumpeter Swan population increase in the area. We have one pair which nests in the adjacent wetlands, and brings their cygnets to our lakefront area, and into the yard for grass and sun.

The largest North American swan, the male stands almost four feet tall and they have a wing span of about seven feet. The swans bugle loudly on their way in over the tree tops. We will hear them come before they land. Our lake is so quiet you can hear the wind rushing beneath their wings as they brake to land.

The swans return about April, and I was surprised this spring to look out and see swans coming up the hill from the lake to investigate the yard and our bird feeder. After their cygnets were about the size of a duck, but not able to fly, the family disappears. Later in the summer the swans fly back, this year two of the cygnets of the four made it to fledge.




They came and went from the lake this fall, and finally after the ice was almost closed, they left for the year.

A week ago, I saw a flock of ten, bugling, heading south. I will miss that sound.

An Image of Santa Claus, made by Jack Frost and Co.

It was a dark and stormy night--sorry, just had to do that. We had our first real winter storm, and with it came this harbinger of Christmas. As I was setting up the coffee, I noticed this image of Santa waving at me from the dining room door.

Sure looks like ol' St. Nick to me, what do you think? The image was formed by the snow on the screen of the door. Just like the real Santa Claus he didn't stay very long, and was off on the wind...

Winter Gear for your Feet, or How to Walk in the Snow

Just because there is snow on the ground, not much, say only a foot or three, why stop enjoying the walk through the woods? We enjoy visiting some of our favorite spots in the winter, and we have a variety of foot-wear we use, each with it's own benefits. Walking down the ice packed road, we use rubber and metal grips on our shoes--Bill uses these when he runs. They are easy to use and work pretty well.

To go down a packed trail, nothing beats the speed and ease of cross-country ski's. Lightweight, and fun to zip down the trail, this is always a good choice. Getting off the trail, though, it is much slower on skis. Once into the woods, they sink into the umpacked snow and it is difficult trying to weave through the trees.

So, break out the snow-shoes! These are great, really good for exploring the dense woods, and more hilly terrain. You can get into the tight areas, and actually do a little work while remaining stable and upright! We also have a high-tech set of snowshoes, but they are still much more work than skis.

So, this is our find! Like a cross between skis and snow-shoes, these small wide skis have a no-wax surface with fiber grips which help with the hill climbing, but then you can ski down! Being short and wide, they fit between the trees, but still traverse the deep unpacked snow. They also use standard boots, and can be quickly adjusted so they can be used by friends who want to try them. More work than cross-country trails, but much faster than snow-shoes. Just checking, L.L. Bean no longer stocks these, I believe they were made for them by Karu. Hope you can find some too!

For us, these are our footwear of choice! Makes me feel kind of like Goldilocks--these are Just Right!