Wildlife Spotting

Poison Ivy. The leaves in the foreground are a bit atypical, in that they are not notched at all. That sorta stumped me for a moment, but then I saw the leaves behind them... especially the ones to the left and lower right.. Definitely notched. Poison ivy can be very variable. About the only consistent things are that it's always "leaves of three, leave it be" and the horrible rash it gives. (Never say you don't get it.... that can change overnight! I can attest to that...!!!) . They aren't always shiny. They are found in three "habits".... or forms... a hairy/fuzzy vine, a small shrubby thing, or just single plants poking up from the ground. NEVERTHELESS..... this native American plant is essential in our ecosystems, as the white berries provide an essential winter food source for many birds and animals. Just because it's not nice to we thin-skinned humans doesn't mean it's bad. :)