Thursday, May 15, 2008

Creature Commutes

One of the nice things about morning bike commutes is the wildlife is most visible then. This morning I saw a great blue heron at the base of Windmere Drive. I startled it into flight, getting a good look, then when I descended this cull-de-sac I saw it again and nearly caught up to it. [Windmere is the toughest hill I've found to tie into my commutes, a 9% slope. I avoid it in the winter; this was my second attempt of the year so far. I try to ride it regularly in the warm half of the year to build up some strength.]
Two days ago I saw a large red fox in Acton during my previous morning commute.
March 17 I saw my first ever fisher cat, on yet another morning commute.
These are all relatively common animals, but still interesting and a delightful addition to the day. But part of my mind wonders whether I'm seeing them because they're thriving or because they're displaced. A couple years ago I saw lots of turkeys after never seeing them at all, and I formed the impression that the housing boom was pushing them into view. Here's hoping they're thriving.

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