June 1st - 4th Woodland

It's surprising I could see the owls at all with how thick the woodland coverage is becoming. It's darker in the woods now. On sunny days there are rays of sunlight streaming through. It really is a wonderful time of the year to walk the woods. 

Somebody has been building a structure. Looks like other people are enjoying the woods too. 

Walking the path 

One of my favourite trees. It has such character. 

I keep hoping something will choose to make this tree its home. 

The squirrels and chipmunks are certainly enjoying the woods. I suppose it makes it easier to hide from predators when there is lots of ground coverage around. 

Black squirrel

Fox Squirrel - I've got my eye on you!

I think this may be a young squirrel. It just looks a little less immature than the other fox squirrels. 

Two fox squirrels chasing one another around a tree

Grey squirrel enjoying a sliver of sunshine in the woods. 

A little baby red squirrel. 

There are lots of chipmunks around. This one was gathering leaves perhaps to take back to its burrow. While some chipmunks make their homes in bushes or logs, most have burrows underground. They are quite long, 10-30 feet (3-9 metres), and have separate areas for food storage and nesting, usually lined with leaves and plants, but kept immaculately clean. 

Lots of people consider chipmunks pests. Indeed, when they dig their burrows they can do damage to your garden, but out in the woods they are wonderful to watch. There seems to be lots of them around. 

The deer are enjoying the woodland too. It lends for a cool place to rest from the strengthening sun and away from lots of people. There are plenty of places to hide. 

Some aren't the least afraid of people, but others a little jumpy. They seem a bit calmer at this time of year, perhaps because there is no competing for females. The males seem to hang around in groups at this time of year.