Squeezing in

On a wet day this mushroom grew between logs in a planter.

 

Squirrely

This squirrel was one of the few creatures moving on a cool winter day.   

 

Mockingbird

This guy was brave enough to let me get close to take a picture,

 

And also hiding in the leaf litter

Stepping off the trail to get a closer look at the creek, this guy suddenly slithered out and into the creek.

Not a copperhead, he's a Northern Water Snake. But that didn't stop our hearts from racing at the surprise.

 

Angry Birds?

Well, maybe not angry, maybe only grumpy.

The weather changed overnight from 70 degrees to snowing.  The birds just hunkered down in the trees.

 

Also hiding in the leaf litter

If you look closely, the forest floor is not just leaf litter.

Little brown jug (see here)

Spotted Wintergreen. (see here)

 

Hiding in the leaf litter

Orchids!

The crippled cranefly orchid. (see here)

The Adam and Eve orchid. (see here)

Both of these put out their leaves in the winter when the overstory trees lose their leaves letting light come to the forest floor.