Fresh snow cover reveals movements of various critters

Have you ever wondered what all those tracks in the yard are from? Who made them? Where were they going? What were they doing here? With a nice blanket of snow on the ground it's been easy to do a little investigating and see how much activity is going on outside. It's not only daytime, but also some night time activity. Wildlife doesn't sit still just because the snow falls and now you can see just what's out there. Even though my backyard here in Avon Lake may not be the best place to search out wildlife, it was quite surprising to see just how much activity I have. Being close to some woods and a creek really opens up the possibility of wild critters being around. I have seen my fair share out behind the house during the day and some at night. But there is always some you don't see. Animals I've seen over the years range from the super fast chipmunks to the stealthy white-tailed deer. When the weather turns cold I don't get the chance to see as many because of the shorted daylight hours. But with the added snow covering the ground it becomes a map of activity. The tracks are everywhere and determining what each one belongs to is a fun task that required the use of the handy Google. The deer tracks in the yard were very easy to determine. I have known what a deer track looks like for a number of years -- normally in the dirt of a field though. The snow brings out the detail. Searching around some more I saw some tracks that look familiar -- those of dogs who walk with their owners along the creek. Then there was a couple small sets of tracks I am pretty sure I've seen before. Sure as heck, a Google search identified the stray cats I occasionally see on the far side of the creek who have ventured across the frozen water. Then I came across two sets of tracks that looked very similar but were different. I thought for sure they were rabbits'. The one set though had the front prints much closer together and closer to the hind. Following them from the bank to the fence and bird feeders. A squirrel! And, yes, the pictures looked just like what I was seeing. The squirrels in the backyard had been crossing the creek in the trees, then across the yard to feast on peanuts and birdseed at my feeders. It wasn't until I really started looking that I realized how often they made the trek. The other set was that of a rabbit. Very similar but just slightly different. While at the feeder, I took notice of all of the prints from birds that had been on the ground feeding on seeds that had fallen from the feeders. The deer also made use of the feeders and then those cats that were out there. Well, they too made their way closer to the house. They had found a spot under my covered patio furniture to hide and ambush unsuspecting birds. Note to self not to cover them so close to the feeders next winter. Locating the tracks in the snow was a fun adventure and made me realize how alive my backyard was, even in the dead of winter. Of course warmer weather brings out some new animals. I haven't seen the woodchucks, possum or raccoons lately. The ducks and geese are not around either. There was a few turkeys earlier in the winter that had passed through, but nothing in the last week or so. After this new winter snow we have, head on out and spend some time looking around and determining what is sharing your backyard. A Google search was a great asset to match the tracks and also figure out if the animal was coming or going. Give it a try and have some fun. Ice update With the talk of ice fishing recently I just wanted to share that the ice has become a bit unstable. There was an ice rescue on Lake Erie this week. Seven fisherman were brought back to shore by the Coast Guard. Some of the inland waters will have to be checked carefully after the warm temps and rain with the added weight of all the snow. It could give up some weakened ice. So use caution and carry your safety gear. The edges may be soft. Be safe all. Contact Jeff Burdick at flyrod11ft@gmail.com.