Turn down the noise. Reduce the speed. 
Be like the somnolent bears, 
or those other animals that slow down 
and almost die in the cold season. 
Let it be the way it is.
 The magic is there in its power.
~ Henry Mitchell.

DH marvels at "The Acorn Tree," a pine that has been drilled with holes by Acorn Woodpeckers that stash acorns --  from the nearby Canyon Live Oak trees --  in the bark.  

Here's a closer view of a tree with woodpecker holes called a granary:

Remember the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale?  Remember how the wicked witch was fattening up Hansel for later consumption?  (And this is a children's story?!)  

Well, in the Woodland Trail version of the story, the woodpeckers are the witches. They do not eat the acorns they gather, but stash them in holes that they've made in trees.  These "planted" acorns serve as bait to attract bugs. Later, the "witchy" woodpeckers return to feast on the "Hansel" bugs that have been fattened by the rotting acorns. 

To the left of the trail is this impressive jumble of rocks.  The Forest Service forewarns that these rocks may be home to many animals, including the Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes.  Exercise caution. 

When the weather is warm, we often see brilliantly hued Blue-Tailed Western Skinks sunning themselves on the rocks.  They're harmless and cute.

What other wildlife is there in the area?

Depending on the season, the animals'  whims, where you're watching, and if you have binoculars, your wildlife watching may be rewarded with glimpses of the following on this incomplete list:

     * Rescued animals that can be seen at the Moonridge Animal Park, our local zoo and animal sanctuary.

There are no more Grizzly Bears in the area or in California. The last grizzly was shot in 1916. You can, however, visit our rescued Grizzly Bears  -- Tutu, Harley and Ayla --and many other injured and orphaned wildlife. Although there are no more grizzly bears, there are still some black bears. You don't want to get up close and personal with them.  

You can, however, safely meet Cinnamon and Tacoma, two Black Bears, at the local zoo. As a matter of fact, you can see up close many of the listed animals, which are elusive in the wild as they should be.  The asterisked animals on the list -- and more -- are waiting for you to visit them at the Moonridge Animal Park, just a short drive from The Woodland Trail.

The park/zoo is open daily from 10am year-round, weather permitting. Special night, snow, and feeding tours are available. 

Be sure to check it out.  You will be moved and inspired by the kindness of humans toward wildlife that can no longer roam or fly in  the wild.

When is the best time to see wildlife?

Early morning and early evening are usually the best times of day to see mammals and birds, especially during the summer when the days are too warm for humans and wildlife, alike.  

The heat of the day is the best time to watch for (or avoid) lizards and snakes.

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