One can learn a great deal walking in the snow?

braggscowboy · #1 02/06/11, 08:55 PM

I know a great many are busy with the SB, so now is a good time to post. My grandson and I went walking about a mile into the woods this afternoon where I hunt during deer season. The snow is still about 4" deep and I can see a lot of things that one may not see in the fall leaves. Lots and lots of deer sign. Several beds, lots of individual deer trails and some good runs. The beds were on the south side of the hills and up the hill from a swampy area. We appeared to have jumped them up from bedding in areas.
Saw some squirrel sign and I did not see any coyote sign that I thought I would see. Did see one large owl and heard a couple. Saw a lot of rubs from the deer left from fall. Had a slow soft rain during the time we were out, but did not mind. With my grandson and it was enjoyable. Anyone else out walking and looking and enjoying?

Pamela · #2 02/06/11, 09:02 PM

My DH and I went snow shoeing this afternoon. In about 2 feet of snow. We walked through a wooded and swampy area. Saw lots of tracks along some open water. A Bald Eagle out on the ice on the river. Just enjoyed the peace and quiet, listening to nature and getting some fresh air.

KnowOneSpecial · #3 02/06/11, 09:17 PM

I was out today and noticed one set of racoon tracks.

I also noticed where one of my ducks apparently flew up on the barn, started to slide down and then took off. She left the most incredible feather prints in the snow. I went back out an hour later to take a picture and they had melted away.

SFM in KY · #4 02/06/11, 09:18 PM

I've actually enjoyed having more and more frequent snow here in KY than usual. I'm used to winters in Montana when you can 'see' what is going on ... usually here it's mud and you never see many tracks.

With the snow down, you can see all the neighborhood dogs 'visiting' ... the farm cats checking the mouse paths ... rabbit and deer tracks, which we don't normally see either. I just enjoy being able to see what is happening at night.

And today saw 6 or 8 vultures circling about two hills over ... with that many, must have been something down/dead with some size.

Windswept Hill · #5 02/07/11, 11:05 AM

My 6 year old daughter and I went out to play in the field yesterday. She only weighs 60 pounds and can walk on top of the crusty snow. Without snowshoes I sink up to mid thigh with each step. Can't wait for spring!

fishhead · #6 02/07/11, 01:35 PM

Saturday I went skiing. I saw fresh wolf, otter, short tailed weasel, coon, bobcat and deer tracks.

woodsy · #7 02/07/11, 04:24 PM

Out walking the dog through the woods everyday. Coyote aren't roaming much with recent heavy snow but the Bobcat are on the rabbit tracks.
I noticed a weasel track heading into a abandoned beaver lodge, few days later saw fisher tracks going in and out and a scattering of fur and hair near the entrance, not much left behind.
Another day saw what looked like chick-a-dee fur and feathers beside the trail, hawk or owl probably. I've found rabbit heads in the snow on a couple occasions.
Its fun "tracking" , you can really see whats going on out there.
Also this winter, Rabbit tracks coming to an abrupt end with wing prints in the snow.

ronbre · #8 02/07/11, 06:23 PM

hmmm got me thinking..i was noticing one of our trees has an area or two where bark is damaged on the tree, it is a small ash and I wondered how it got damaged, just recently...but then you mentioned deer rubs and I wonder..how could I tell if it was a deer rub..it sure does seem to be the right height for that..

yeah we have a LOT of snow here and there are a lot of tracks...also with the last blizzard everyone is coming and eating at the feeders, deer, squirrels, opossum and other birds than normal

fishhead · #9 02/08/11, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronbre

hmmm got me thinking..i was noticing one of our trees has an area or two where bark is damaged on the tree, it is a small ash and I wondered how it got damaged, just recently...but then you mentioned deer rubs and I wonder..how could I tell if it was a deer rub..it sure does seem to be the right height for that..

yeah we have a LOT of snow here and there are a lot of tracks...also with the last blizzard everyone is coming and eating at the feeders, deer, squirrels, opossum and other birds than normal

I typically see deer rubs 2-4' above the ground.

Cascade Failure · #10 02/08/11, 11:32 AM

Walking? Yes.

Quad? Yes.

Enjoying? NO!

Dang shovel and roof rake....

SE CT usually has a thaw trend. Not this year. We have a roof collapse trend.

What deer? I think they're back in the laurels.

bourbonred · #11 02/08/11, 01:48 PM

Stephen in Ky, I'm with you on enjoying something other than the mud and sludge KY usually has. Of course it helps that I haven't had to get out in it too much. The snow has been so beautiful...especially yesterday when it looked like snow-white feathers falling out of the sky! For me it really made this winter more bearable.

Nature_Lover · #12 02/08/11, 01:51 PM

I'm heading out this weekend with my camera and daughters.

I saw on the local news this morning, a Naturalist with a Great Horned Owl said that they are nesting and raising babies right now in Missouri, they nest in red-tailed hawk nests, and their chicks fledge before the hawks come back next month.

He also said that if you can find a LARGE nest way up in the treetops, to look for the Owl pellets (regurgitated bones and fur) under the tree, and you can discover what the owls are eating and feeding their chicks.
I'm so glad I turned on the news this morning, I don't usually have the TV on.

We have a lot more Barred Owls than Horned Owls, but I'm going to see if I can get pictures of both while we're out there rigging the maple taps.