A platoon may have marched this path, or just a few deer finding their way through the drifts and trees. Bluecircle neighbor Chris keeps corn and birdseed feeders that promote a regular pilgrimage by the wood goats. The half-buried trailer on the left shows nearly 3 weeks of lake-effect snowfall, making skis or snowshoes necessary unless you have fur. Or longer, younger legs than this author.

The sustained cold has made cross-country trails in these woods better than usual. Deer often follow them, compacting the snow but not reducing their utility – unless “nature calls” and the yellow snow melts to the ground (not pictured!).

However, visitor’s boot or sled tracks are not welcome additions to the trails. Please trudge through the deep snow if you’re able!

This hawk, or one like it, has been an occasional predator at our bird feeder. Swooping between the house and trees he leaves wingtip and skid marks in fresh snow.

Last week a red fox carried off one of the many black squirrels attracted by the feeder. Like finches, titmice and junkos they scatter when the hawk is nearby.

Orange pepper-treated bird food that birds enjoy but squirrels don’t has dramatically reduced seed consumption this year, making it cost-effective. And probably saving the life of a squirrel or two.

The final image in this post reflects the significant melting that began today, and the warmer, lengthening days ahead. There are already puddles on the lake ice, dirty drifts by the roadside and dry salty pavement on the roads