I returned to my phenology site this week to see it covered in snow for the first time. I found it unique how the snow on the ledge of the quarry wall really highlights its geography and different layers. The most notable change since my last visit was that the water had frozen over. I cautiously walked over the snow covered ice, and thought about how frozen water allows animals to access areas they might not otherwise be able to. I also thought about the living beings that may be below my feet. Below is a picture of the many paths that have been on the water since the snowfall a few days ago.
Ideally I would have visited directly after a snowfall to see tracks in their freshest state, but there were still many to be observed coming a few days after a snowfall. I primarily found human and dog prints, but I made out a few other critters as well. I looked for rabbit tracks to see if the rabbit I had seen in the Fall may have been moving around, but I could not find any. I have never tried tracking before, but the concept of telling time and stories through the paths of different animals was very cool to see.
Thinking about the drastic phenological changes that have occurred here since my first visit in the early fall has me excited to see what Spring will bring. Before the season changes though, I hope to find more Winter signs at my next visit beyond tracks.