We took a walk along the Breadalbane Nature Trail on Saturday. Following the Dunk river for six and a half kilometers through the woods, it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
The peak of the fall colour has passed at this point. There are more leaves on the ground than in the trees.
But there was still plenty to see, and nothing more fun than kicking up piles of leaves underfoot as we walked.
We spotted squirrels, blue jays, and partridge along the way. But perhaps the most interesting was this tree.
That's beaver damage. The chips all around the base, the proximity to the river and the shape of the cut are all indicators. Not to mention the teeth marks.
Can you see the grooves in the wood from the individual teeth? I was surprised at the size of the tree this animal was trying to take down. It must have taken some time to carve out that chunk of wood. And it will likely get the prize too with a little help from mother nature. With this much wood taken out of the tree base insects and fungus will move in, add a little wind and this tree won't be standing much longer.
