Caledonia’s Tabor Woods is a Special Place

It was only last year that I had learned of Tabor Woods. Not that I did not know there was an interesting patch of woods between 5 and 6 Mile Road, but I simply had not known that this property had become Caledonia Conservancy Land and open to public enjoyment. I’ve since been back a number of times through the fall and winter, but it was this week when I enjoyed my first spring walk on its trails.

Immediately upon exiting my car I was greeted to the calls of Eastern Bluebirds, their song staying with me for several minutes as I walked the paths. Occasionally the trail was muddy and forced a slight detour but that didn’t distract from my enjoyment of this beautiful place at all.

The Conservancy, founded in 1994, began to acquire the land that we now know as Tabor Woods in 2003. Over time, trails have been carved out that meander through impressive sized hickory, oaks, beeches, maple and walnut. Inviting benches well suited for sitting and pondering the matters of life, are scattered through the property.

Probing deeper into the woods I began to hear the calls of birds well suited for these stands of mature trees. First, a Downy Woodpecker called directly overhead and suddenly a Northern Flicker sounded off with its wica-wica-wica call off in the distance. Feeding along a small seasonal stream flowing through the woods was an Eastern Phoebe and probing for insects in one of the downed trees was a Brown Creeper. A few more steps down the path and a Red-bellied Woodpecker joined in the chorus.

The woods were quiet for a while and though I searched for signs of greenery that might soon burst into bloom, the search was in vain except for a few green leaves of the undesirable garlic mustard. 

When the trail turned back towards the car, I entered a stand of small pines. Suddenly a medium sized bird flew up and I was rewarded with wonderful views of a newly arriving Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It is in late March or early April that we get to enjoy these birds for a time as they migrate north. Fairly tame for a woodpecker and displaying beautifully colored patterns, it could be said that they are our most colorful woodpecker. When the trail left the pine trees a Hairy Woodpecker was enjoyed as it searched for its lunch in the rough bark of a large maple.

Rumors persist that our states largest woodpecker, the Pileated Woodpecker can be found in these woods on occasion. What a special treat that would be! That is why places like Tabor Woods are worth preserving. Indeed, life’s special treats are best enjoyed in these very special places.