snow mysteries

I love it when it's cold and bright outside, especially when you throw snow into the mix.

It's a lovely, crunchy walk back to the barn for our daily work.

One of the best parts is trying to decipher the mysterious tracks in the snow that appear when the snow sticks around for several days.

This splayed bird shape is probably from a small hawk, diving for a mouse or mole traveling beneath the snow.

Back by the barn, this large tamped-down circle is probably from a gathering of coyotes.

Tracks leading into the circle show that the coyotes came from all directions.  We need to get a trail cam set up back here!

Who are these mysterious companions that made multiple trips to our front pond?  One is certainly cat, but the other is strange.  Four distinct large prints, then a significant space, and then the repeating pattern of 4 prints.  Something surely hopped or loped, but what? 

Of course, bird tracks are unmistakable.

I love seeing the birds come...

...and go...

...around the feeders.  There are plenty of seeds for everyone.

Claudia doesn't seem to mind the snow too much.

The horses, too, have been out every day.

The snow will probably be gone within a day.  The sun has been bright, causing drippy icicles outside...

...and sleepy pets inside.

The snow will be gone, but we'll still have those amazing sunrises and sunsets to look forward to.

Have a great week!