Adirondack Park Nature Magazine

Many year-round bird residents of the Adirondacks have special adaptations to help them survive our winters.  The ruffed grouse (also known as the partridge) is one example.  It has a digestive system able to handle brush and tree buds – plus feet designed to act as snowshoes.

Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are the largest member of the squirrel family.  But, unlike their smaller relatives who spend the fall gathering food to store for the winter, woodchucks prepare for hibernation – putting on as much fat as possible before they enter their dens for the winter.  Tom and Jackie Kalinowski explain more [...]