Especially along the YY trail, there are pileated holes down low on some of the evergreens. Get a close look at their work and notice the maze of holes within holes creating a network of shallow tunnels in the trunk. Deeper tree holes provide nesting space for woodpeckers, screech owls and even flying squirrels. Grey squirrels using a hole will chew all around the edge of he opening to enlarge it for their nest, but screech owls just squeeze right in. Bears Look carefully at the trees you pass along the trails.
Nut producing trees like the beech are particularly good places to see signs of black bear activity.
The soft bark of medium sized beech trees can show patterns of 4 or 5 half inch scratch marks where bear claws have made their impression as the bear climbed the tree in search of its fruit. As it climbs, the bear may pull 2 or 3 branches together to reach the beech nuts. Bear also eat insects, and may roll over logs to tear apart termite or ant nests. The noises of the forest are its breath. It takes in life with a chorus of spring peepers and exhales the phrases of songbirds.