Spiders

On the Sturbridge/ Brimfield line there's a wooded spot called the Leadmine Wildlife Management Area. And in part of that area is a short wooded path called the Heins Farm tail, where I happened to find myself strolling Monday afternoon.



It's a short easy trail on the edges of that farm, with a small wetlands area in the middle of the loop. Nothing too challenging, and fine for spending a quick, peaceful hour or so on such a warm November day.

The forests' winter transformation is just about complete, with animal and plantlife getting hard to come by...





There's faded signs of the passed season, with some hanger's on here and there...



...and evidence of a summer's worth of critter habitation...



...but now, nobody's home.



It was back at my own house again where I am usually able to get a close up of wild-life. This critter's been living out by the porch for several months, usefully earning her keep keeping less-useful insects away from us.



As far as bugs go, I'm partial to spiders...



They're not pretty, but darn useful.

I hope she stocked up, because Orion is on the rise again, and I'm sure the spider realizes the warm spell is probably just a final parting shot.



The real November will soon be ushering in another span of bitter cold and long, dark nights.



The spider will have to hunker down like the rest of us, and ride it out...



...we'll be needing her again in the spring.