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Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014
The Journal
OUTDOORS
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This weather has been tough on game Mark Fike Last season (2012-2013), we had a bad outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) that culled the deer herd very thoroughly in King George County. That left fewer deer in the woods, but the upside to that was that the remaining deer had more food and less competition for it the following year (2013-2014). It was a good thing, because the problem was compounded by the failure of just about all oaks and many beeches and hickory trees to produce any nuts. So, what little food that was out there was not really ideal for the deer herd, unless they were feeding on agriculture fields. Even agricultural fields are presently picked very efficiently, so once harvested, most leave little behind. That being said, the deer were really working for their meals this fall and winter. I noticed deer several weeks ago within sight of my back door eating tree saplings. I can count on one hand how many times I have seen that since I have lived here. I understand that in subdivisions and in other areas of the county, deer regularly come up into yards. It does not happen at my house very often at all. There is generally plenty of food in the woods away from the house for the deer, and there is no need for them to come up this close. The two dogs we have are very aggressive and often scare the deer off, at least from the back yard. The recent snow has really made life tough on many animals. I have seen many small saplings munched off. I noticed a small evergreen shrub growing along a trail in my woods
that is stripped of foliage as far up as the deer can get to it. The snow pack was beaten down to nothing around this particular shrub, too. Just yesterday, two small deer (one was a very late-dropped fawn judging by its size), slipped into the back yard to nibble on the peach tree and among the wild raspberry vines. The German shepherd was asleep a mere twenty yards away. Once he woke up, they bounded away. Later, I went outside and noticed deer tracks coming right up to the house. They stopped right under my daughter’s window. Apparently, the butterfly bush was now fair game. I feel like the folks that live in Presidential Lakes, who lose their shrubbery to deer on a regular basis. With few-to-no acorns falling this year, there is no point for the deer to even bother digging through the snow to try to find any. The remaining squirrels scarfed those up long ago. Speaking of squirrels, I have seen very few squirrels since October. Several biologists have commented that at times of mast failures, squirrels will migrate. I am thinking that if there is any truth to that, then perhaps the squirrels did migrate. But to where? Nowhere in the state was the mast crop decent! Normally, we see squirrels all over our back yard and wood line, but the same two squirrels keep trying to get to our bird feeder. Perhaps one of my temporary concerns during the last snow was that the smallest fawns were having a tough time getting around quickly. Their little hooves were punching right through the snow. I wondered if the coyotes could make an easier stalk and meal of the deer, as they
were probably more easily able to run through the snow and perhaps stay on top of it. I don’t have any evidence that happened, but the thought did cross my mind. The snow has since melted substantially, and it looks like we are working towards spring with little snowfall in the long- range forecast. Buds will be coming out soon, so the deer will have something better to eat. So, is it a “gloom and doom” prediction for the wildlife? Not really. Animals have survived far worse in the past. I feel somewhat bad for them, though. When you drive up the driveway and see an adult deer
Left: Snowy deer track — Deer tracks are easy to pick up in the snow. Their hooves punch right down through it to the ground. Below: Deer browsed green shrub — The deer found and ate almost every leaf within reach on a green shrub I have on my property during the snow. The tracks beat down all the snow under the bush.
Trail: The Birthplace
Above: Yearling in snow — This yearling was browsing on briars to get some nutrition, since the snow covered up any shoots there might have been. Below: Deer snow beds — While on a walk through the snowy woods, I found two deer beds where they had scraped away the snow and curled up to sleep.
UFO sighted Jane van Valzah took this picture of a floating object on the Potomac River near the White Horse beach, northwest of Fairview Beach. Ah, but what is this? Remarks in social media included: an alien home base; a neat fort; and the majority claim of it being a renegade floating duck blind stuck in the ice on the river. The next morning the object was gone.
From page 11 trail turns away from the water and up a slight rise to emerge from the trees into the grass of the picnic area. The picnic area was constructed by the CCC, also in the 1930s. There are restrooms here, but they’re closed in the winter. In order to continue on the nature trail, cross the picnic area, passing the restrooms, and look for a trail post and exhibit board along on the edge of the picnic parking area. I met a park employee here, and we chatted a bit. I always enjoy talking with park rangers and other staff folks; I always have a million “ranger questions”. They’re great people, and I’m glad they’ve chosen public service as a career. We’re fortunate in their choices. The trail drops down and back into the forest. Continue along, noticing features like drainage ditches. Informational displays describe how the woods were used by the early settlers. Note that the trail isn’t blazed. It’s fairly distinct, but might be covered with leaves in the fall and snow in the winter, so keep your eyes open! The trail crosses the picnic area access road and heads back toward the creek. At this point, the trail passes across some wet or boggy places as it gets close to the swamp at the head of the creek. Not too bad when I was there, but be prepared to get your shoes wet! Look for the boardwalk on the right if you want to take it back to the historic area, or continue on to the bridge, or back to the picnic area. I took the boardwalk across Dancing Marsh (and, before you ask, I don’t know the origin of the name, but I’ve asked and will pass on the answer when I get it!). The trail passes some residences, so please be respectful of others’ privacy. At the end of the boardwalk is the farm area. You might see sheep in a fenced pen, and maybe the resident oxen, Lewis and Clark. You might see one of our King George volunteers working in the blacksmith shop; be sure to say “Hello”! Walk past the front of the Memorial House, and go back to the Visitor Center on the Upper Trail. When I told my daughters that I had been to the Birthplace, they had fun remembering past trips when they were little and want to go again when they’re next in town. They particularly remembered a graduation ceremony for Mrs. Kline’s Nursery School. Fun times! A few closing notes: The nature trails are rough and suitable for walkers only, no bicycles or
and two young ones gnawing on trees, it does make you appreciate being able to eat what you want to eat, and when you want to eat it. The season has certainly been very tough on animals. The combination of the HD two years ago, the present mast crop failure, bitterly cold temperatures, and now the snow and ice is certainly making sure that only the fittest survive. Perhaps the does that might have dropped two fawns this spring will only drop one, but the deer herd will bounce back. Time will tell. Next week- an update on the big game harvest statewide.
Sat. 9-4
Come to the 25th Annual
Sun. 11-3
King George
& Craft
Jim Lynch
Views from the trails at George Washington’s Birthplace. wheelchairs. In fact, bicycles aren’t allowed on any of the trails. But the roads aren’t very crowded, so cyclists can use them with care. The park is a stop on several national historic trails with both land and water routes: Potomac Heritage; WashingtonRochambeau; Capt. John Smith’s Chesapeake; and the Star-Spangled Banner trails. Exhibits will be installed for these trails this coming summer. Unfortunately, these trails aren’t supported at this time with a kayak landing, but hopefully one will
be installed in the not too distant future. Future plans also include extending a trail from the picnic area out to the beach. I like to camp, so I’m going to start lobbying for some primitive campsites, much like those that have been installed at Caledon. That’s about it. I really enjoyed my trip to the Birthplace and plan on returning again soon, next time with a little more time to spend and a picnic lunch. Maybe I’ll meet you there. See you on the trail!
Wilkerson’s OPEN FOR THE SEASON! 12 Weekday Lunch Specials, Including 2 Sides • Each $12.95 or Less Monday - Friday • 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Family owned and operated since 1946
OPEN DAILY AT 11:30
(804) 224-7117 www.wilkersonsseafoodrestaurant.com
March 1&2 Co-Sponsored by the King George Builders Association and The Journal
Everything for the Home ... including the Home!
King George High School Rt. 3 & Foxes Way More than just a Home Show ... Visit booths for local community organizations and find a variety of local crafters This is a fun, community-wide event. To sign up for a booth at the Home & Craft Show or for information contact Lori Deem at The Journal lori@journalpress.com or 540-709-7495 The
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