March 30, 2024

We moved out to the lake house full-time about a decade and a half ago. It truly feels like home. But, even before we arrived, this lush forest surrounding a pristine lake was home to abundant wildlife. When you come down our driveway you’ll see a sign that says Certified Wildlife Habitat. This land we live on was known as Foxfield Woods for an obvious reason. The forest foxes patrol our yard as if they own the joint, particularly in the Spring.

The beach and clearing at the water’s edge is a welcome site for the Canadian Geese and Mallards on their journey from the South. Many make Foxfield Woods their home. They nest here and raise their young. So too, do all manner of birds, from Cardinals to Mourning Doves. You can hear woodpeckers, owls, and hawks in the trees outside our windows. And every morning we are entertained by the antics of squirrels and chipmunks as they forage for seeds and nuts.

It is no wonder that Mr. Fox saunters down our path on his daily rounds. He has a family to feed. He is a masterful hunter. Smart, sneaky, and efficient. There are signs of his success. Small tufts of feathers are all that remain of his quick and deadly work.

It’s hard, and it hurts. But, death in the forest is all part of the cycle of life.

Our neighbor lost one of her chickens to him. We all mourned the loss. But, in her sadness, she was happy to know that there were little kits out there in the woods, who would grow up to enjoy life here in our forest.

Life somehow goes on.