In a little clearing as the trail makes an abrupt left turn, notice how the increased light allows an explosion of undergrowth. Bracken fern occurs here on the sunny path, a good indicator of poor, dry soil. Birds foraging in these moist coniferous woods include the black-capped chickadee, magnolia warbler, and the melodious winter wren. In the spring you may also hear the deep booming of a drumming ruffed grouse, advertising his territory. Turn right to return to the Christmas Tree Trail , or turn left to continue.
Porcupines often feed in the trees here.
The trail turns to the right, and you will discover a good place to practice reading the landscape. Though the forest has reclaimed the land, its composition has been affected by the land's former use. Whether a former farm was cultivated, pastured or hayed determines which species will get a head start when the land is abandoned. Other factors, such as good seed years, fire, dry spells, or windthrow also affect the forest composition. We can only guess.