Sometimes the first rustling comes from the forest floor. The absence of a larger animal sharpens my focus on the rustling leaves. The glimpse, if I even get one, is usually brief. A deer mouse, a vole, or a shrew dashes from one den to another. Every moment above ground is a moment at risk. Hawks, owls and foxes pounce on those that lollygag. 

Chipmunks, a common sight in many backyards, will soon disappear into their subterranean dens for the winter, but gray and fox squirrels are just entering a period of frenzied activity.

On cold winter days, I can count on seeing two squirrels chasing a third. For as long as an hour, the single-file pursuit continues -- up one tree, down another, along a fallen log.  After a short rest to devour an acorn or grab a few sunflower seeds from a feeder, the chase resumes. All the while the squirrels scold each other with a repetitious series of guttural barks.

These "squirrel races" are much more than friendly fun.  They actually represent an early stage of squirrel courtship.  Usually it's two males chasing a female. By getting an early start, gray and fox squirrels are ready to give birth in mid-March.

Red squirrels are equally conspicuous. They constantly bicker among themselves, with larger gray and fox squirrels, with blue jays, and any other creature that dares to venture into their territories. Red squirrels make up for what they lack in size with pure pugnacity.

Most mammals, however, are nocturnal and difficult to observe during the day. Birds are better indicators of what's happening in the woods. And it is information hunters and watchers should not ignore.

Mixed flocks of chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches are among the most obvious sentinels. I call these birds the "social climbers" because they form mixed, arboreal, social flocks. Numbering from a handful to more than 20 individuals, these birds can be your eyes and ears as you wait for deer or turkeys to move.

Vocal by nature, these species "talk" almost constantly as they forage in the treetops. With a little experience, it's easy to recognize everyday conversations. Alarm calls are louder and more urgent.

When a member of these mixed flocks detects an intruder, they warn the entire group.  During warmer weather, the danger might be a large black snake climbing a tree trunk. In winter, alarm calls are more likely elicited by hawks, owls or cats. By paying attention, great looks at screech owls and sharp-shinned hawks are possible.

Often, however, these foraging flocks sound the alarm before the intruder can be seen and identified. Small birds seem to know it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Savvy hunters pay attention to songbird alarm calls. Sometimes a distant buck or gobbler is responsible. Birds use keen vision and hearing to detect larger wildlife well before a hunter can. While foraging high in the treetops, they have a panoramic view of the area. 

This is another reason I pay attention to birds. Over the years, agitated birds have alerted me to deer, turkeys, grouse, red and gray foxes, and even an occasional coyote.  Someday, if I'm lucky and persistent, maybe they'll point out a fisher or bobcat.

Whether you're a hunter or a watcher, it's hard to spend two hours in the woods and not make at least one interesting observation. It's why sometimes we can thank songbirds for opportunities we might otherwise miss.

Send questions and comments to Dr. Scott Shalaway, RD 5, Cameron, WV 26033 or by email via my website, http://scottshalaway.googlepages.com.