The mild temperatures we've had more than a week in January have not been record-setting. The 40-degree reading was recorded only once, somewhat similar to what we had in December. Following the chilly winter of last year, it may seem like warming was extreme.
These mild conditions, along with days getting longer, bring about changes with the local wildlife. By the end of January, we have about 9 3/4 hours of daylight, up from the 8 1/2 in late December. For the first time since early November, the sun sets after 5 p.m.
While walking these last two weeks, I've noticed some of the following happenings. Among the birds, chickadees can be heard singing their two-note "fee-bee" songs. These little black, gray and white birds that so faithfully remain with us through the cold times are usually silent. Woodpeckers, downy, hairy and pileated, have been using their solid bills to take insect larvae in trees or suet at the bird feeders. They have been using these same bills to make a series of loud hammering against the trees, which we refer to as drumming. Some are also calling; I think I hear these sounds every day. Often said to be signs of spring, these songs and drumming are more likely just a response to the longer days and probably more associated with territorial proclamations than mating calls.
Out on the snow surface, I've seen the winter crane flies as they fly and walk. These insects deal with winter as part of their life cycle and remain active. Meanwhile, honeybees, which also remain active all winter but within the confines of their hives, take flights on these days of relative warmth to relieve themselves. After these cleansing flights, they return to the hive to cope with the rest of winter. They survive on the honey they made last summer.
Some animals would prefer more snow on the ground and when the snow that we do have melts, it takes away the homes and hiding places of ruffed grouse, voles, mice and shrews. And it may even cause waking chipmunks to step outside of their den. Seeing this small ground squirrel in winter is always a surprise.
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Recently, I got word of another small mammal seen along a trail on a January day. This critter, the star-nosed mole, is with us all winter every year, but like other small mammals, it is more likely to be under the snowpack and not seen. I think it was the light snow cover and melting conditions that brought them out.
About half-dozen kinds of moles live in the United States. Only two of these, the eastern mole and the star-nosed mole, can be found in Minnesota. The eastern mole is the more well-known one since they make the tunnels just beneath the surface of grasses in lawns and parks. This mole species does not live here; it is a resident of southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The only mole in the Northland is the strange-looking star-nosed mole.
This unusual name comes from the eleven pairs of fleshy protuberances, often called tentacles, which stick out from the face, surrounding the nostrils. Such strange growths are very sensitive to touch and allow the mole to feel its way as it goes through pathways beneath the forest leaf litter, aquatic plants and under snow. They are predators and hunt for food all year. The dark stout bodies are about 7 inches long with a long, fat, hairy tail. Like other moles, the star-nosed mole is equipped with large front claws for digging. Back legs and toes are smaller. Eyes and ears are tiny.
Moles are related to the more diverse group called shrews. Indeed, many times shrews are called moles. Shrews are much smaller, the largest shrew being only about half as long as this mole. Star-nosed moles prefer very wet habitats where they seek meals of both small vertebrates and invertebrates. Frequently, they will swim and even have been observed moving under ice. When hungry in winter, they may leave their usual sites to search for food elsewhere.
I have seen far more of these small mammals during winter than any other time of the year. Most of my sightings have been on the snow in wetlands, though I have seen them along ski trails in hardwood forests as well.
A bit of an unusual small mammal, the star-nosed mole is a regular part of the Northland's winter community. With present snow conditions, you may happen to see one. Stop, watch and enjoy the sight. We usually do not see them.
Retired teacher Larry Weber is the author of several books, including “Butterflies of the North Woods,” “Spiders of the North Woods” and “Webwood.” Contact him c/o budgeteer@duluthbudgeteer.com .
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