Once you get a couple of inches of snow on
the ground, it's time to change wildlife viewing tactics. Bundle up and take the
family out to one of the many open state parks for a winter snow safari. Fewer
campers often means more animal use on these areas.
Midwinter, with its short days and hard pack
snows, create ideal tracking opportunities. Most snow stories can best be read
during low light conditions when the sun is low on the horizon. Animals leave
many clues as they forage leaving opportunities to read many stories in the
snow.
Over here can be seen the faint brushes of
the wings of a Great horned owl remaining after lifting its meal from a snowy
burrow. Brown woody droppings resembling large gumdrops at the base of aspen
trees identify that the porcupine has recently been in residence. Crossing over
logs, you may notice the small round tracks left by bobcats. Bobcats will often
use downed trees at the edge of swamps as hunting areas.
Snowshoe or cross-country skis can ease your
movement through the snow. Tracking guides and a sketchpad will bring these
"snow stories" to friends. Be sure and allow time to end your safari
as the sun dips beneath the horizon.