For my Burlington Wildlife Tracking trip, I visited the Burlington Waterfront. The Waterfront is a beautiful location close to campus that is easily accessible using the free public bus system. I explored the rock formations directly next to the water in front of the ECHO Center and around the dock. I primarily found signs of rodent and bird life.
Above is a cottontail rabbit track found directly next to the water on a rocky formation. These tracks were very fresh and untouched, making it clear to see exactly where the rabbit went for a few dozen feet until it reached pavement. I struggled a bit determining if this was a cottontail rabbit or a snowshoe hair, but I settled on cottontail as the best guess because the tracks are relatively small. The tracking guide book came in handy for this one!
Shown above are the tracks of a gray squirrel. These were not as fresh as the rabbit tracks, which made them a bit tougher to decipher, but a squirrel’s track pattern is so distinctive that I do feel confident in my identification. This was also found only a few feet from the water.
Despite cold temperatures, there was active wildlife on the lake during this sunny day. Shown above are two mallards swimming close to shore. Below is a photo showing whereabouts the birds were in relation to the shore.
This final track is a bit of a snow mystery for me! My best guess is a raccoon or squirrel, but the hoof-like shape is throwing me off. The track is much too small to be a deer, so I am not 100% confident on this identification.
Overall, I had a wonderful day exploring the beautiful waterfront area! I didn’t have any problems using the iNaturalist app. What a great way to spend an afternoon! Below are two photos capturing the beautiful day 
