Shrew Track

Shrew Track, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

According to this site:
www.mesastate.edu/schools/snsm/biology/images/Snowshoe%20...

Small shrews "plow a furrow in soft snow, diving down ground-heat-releasing 'chimney' openings found around the sides of small trees."

Yes, that's what it looks like to me and given that the Sorex cinereus, commonly called the Masked shrew or common shrew, is the most common shrew of North America I suspect it is that species.

Vole Tracks ?

Vole Tracks ?, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

Because there are both "galloping" and "running" tracks, I am thinking these are tracks from a vole . . . or maybe a shrew. According to Donald Stokes "A Guide to Nature in Winter," vole tracks are more common in the country and shrew tracks are more common in the suburbs so that adds to the idea that these tracks are probably vole tracks. These tracks were found in a small woodlot at the edge of the property that I live on. Does anyone have any other ideas re the maker?

Deer Trail

Deer Trail, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

When I was out walking the dog yesterday just as the sun was setting, the low light caught the edges of the snow from deer tracks. Try as I might with the camera at various settings, I could not capture the yellow light again the bluing snow. I am hoping that this photo will help me remember how it really was. (No, I did not figure out the hole that was dug through the snow and into the earth not far away.)

Something is Happening Here . . .

Something is Happening Here . . ., originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

. . . but I don't know what! In addition to the hole in snow and ground, Calla and I found tracks of deer, fox, coyote, and a bird of some sort but no real clue as to why this hole was dug.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage, originally uploaded by Ontario Wanderer.

The spathe of the skunk cabbage has enlarged and changed colours and some early leaf shoots are showing in this shallow streambed while the plants on the shore are covered with lots of snow. I did not climb into the stream to look inside the spathe for the tiny flowers on the spadix but I really don't think this plant is blooming yet. It won't be long though! This is always the first real wild flower of spring if you don't count all those that bloom all year long.