Luckily, I live on Creekwood Dr., backing on Harper Park in the southwest corner of Peterborough, and have witnessed/enjoyed first hand everything the urban oasis has to offer. I’ve explored much of the area in both winter and summer, although not so much in recent years. From my own back yard, I continue to enjoy nature at its best. Over the years I’ve experienced 50 bird species; from the Bray, Barred and Great Horned owls to a flock of 500 Bohemian Waxwings. Just a month ago, 6 Wild Turkeys strutted the yard like they owned it. For a few days this fall about 30 juncos and 30 siskins were all feasting at the same time. Deer are regulars in fall and winter. Also this fall, it was fun to watch a raccoon from the safety of my raised deck, appear to challenge a foraging Skunk around the feeder. I’ve seen the Beaver dam the culvert under the RR tracks as well as the ditch on Harper road. I’ve also had, turtles, toads, Leopard Frogs and even a Grey Treefrog living between my stacked plastic chairs for the last few summers. Also Garter Snakes, and once a small, what I call a copper snake. I’ve had moles, voles, deer mice and field mice(both inside and out). Black, grey and red squirrels, chipmunks, and one year twice had a Flying Squirrel at night. The Pileated Woodpecker is an irregular visitor, with the Hairy, Downies loving the suet. Of course hummers, chickadees, Red and White Nuthatches, Cardinals and Blue Jays, are a constant source of pleasure. The occasional Red Fox, Coyote and Porcupine have been seen, with rabbits and Groundhogs common in some years.
Location: Creekwood Drive, off of Spillsbury Dr.
Observer: Phil McKeating
