The day, for mid-March, was to reach into the lower seventy degrees. I decided to head out for a hike and see what I could discover. The Sate Game Lands I decided to patrol was an area where I had been too previous. The only difference today was I was going to cover additional areas where I had not been to before.
Clearcut
I could see the harbingers of spring all about. Coltsfoot was blooming all over. The skunk cabbage was up. Many other perennials and biennials were in their early stages of growth. Fresh new grass, rich in green could be viewed all about. Maple buds were ready to emerge and the multiflora rose and honeysuckle had begun to leaf out.
An Oak with Character
Every now and then, I discover a tree or two with character. By this, I mean, these are older, mature trees with lots of heavy limbs emerging from the main tree. These trees are few, so I really enjoy observing their stature upon finding one. Not many trees are permitted to reach such maturity with mankind’s constant need for wood and the prospect of cash.
Mollusk Shell
Hen Turkey Dropping
I found turkey sign all about. I eventually come onto a point on the ridge with fresh scratchings around the wild cherry trees. As I approached the rim of the steep hollow an eruption of wings and a number of turkeys went air-borne. I set down to call and eventually called in a gobbler, but, I failed to get any good photos.
Gobbler Dropping
Turkey Vulture
I discovered a large ridge that had been clear-cut in times past. I thought this is great bear habitat. All I saw here was a ruffed grouse and gray squirrel.
Of course, there was one negative aspect of today’s jaunt. TICKS!!!!!!!! I HATE THEM!!!! I killed over thirty from my clothes today. I brushed off a number of them two. I was within sight of my vehicle when a burning sensation was felt on my arm. I quickly removed my shirt to see a tick near my elbow. Usually, one never feels their bite, but I sure did feel the burn. I lifted my T-shirt to find another one embedded in my side and a third one crawling along my waistline. THREE MORE TICKS BIT THE DUST!
I try to use vigilance on these nasty critters, but I am finding more of them finding my skin to be tasty!
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
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