WINTER WONDERS

(Page 4 of 4)

December/January 2005
By Terry Krautwurst 
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But under most conditions the crystal??sweeping the air of water molecules, growing larger and heavier??eventually catches in a ball of other crystals, a snowflake. By definition, a snowflake is not a single crystal, but two or more stuck together. Finally, it floats gently to earth??if, that is, its not snagged at the last second by a snow-loving human with an upturned face and an outstretched tongue.?

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Go Easy on Winter’s Wildlife

Winter’s open forests and frost-flattened meadows make wildlife watching easier; tracks and trails are more obvious, and animals have fewer places to hide. But winter for the wildlife itself means a day-to-day life-or-death struggle for survival. Food is scarce, and temperatures are frigid. Sometimes, the stored energy from a few tidbits gleaned during the day is all a creature has to sustain it through the night.

Disturbing birds or animals unnecessarily, keeping close on their heels by following fresh tracks, or otherwise forcing creatures to run or leave places of shelter can spell their doom. They’ll burn precious calories and may end up exposed to deadly weather.

So go ahead, explore nature in winter and take advantage of the season’s improved opportunities to observe wild creatures. But go easy, too: Be quiet, keep your distance and avoid frightening birds or animals that are just trying to survive.

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