January; Endurance Update

I identified that the tracks were from an animal whom hops, and using a ruler I determined the stride was 27cm, and the straddle was 4cm. Using this information and comparing these tracks to those in the booklet, I determined these are most likely red squirrel tracks. Additionally, I found deep tracks next to a tree, leading me to believe the squirrel jumped down from the tree and left.
Black Oak Twig

Common deciduous tree twigs found at my site: Eastern Hemlock, Sugar & Red Maple, American Beech, and Ash

Sugar Maple Twig
Twig of an American Beech

Since my previous visit to my phenology spot, the temperature has dropped significantly and there is far more snow on the ground. As a result of this, I was able to notice an immense amount of animal tracks printed into the snow, which consisted mostly of squirrels likely foraging to nuts. Additionally, the leaves on all of the trees have completely fallen off, causing the forest to seem immensely still and dead. There is also a stream nearby to my site and it has not yet frozen over.