Today the group I was with elected to go out and try to find some Grey Jays. Unfortunately we didn't see one! But it was a nice relaxing day during which we made many other discoveries.

Here is a nice set of ruffed grouse tracks meandering through the forest.

The thaw of the previous week had left a nice crust on top of the snow pack. Because of this, many animals, including us, could walk onto of the snow. We found we only had to wear snowshoes about half of the time.

However, Moose being very heavy, punch through this crust, leaving these "potholes" in the snow.

Notice the dumbbell shape of the tracks. The moose's foot is larger than its lower leg. When the leg enters the snow it leaves a large hole. As the moose's body moves forward its lower leg cuts a narrower channel through the snow. Then when the moose's leg lifts out of the hole, it leaves at an angle going forward and once again the foot makes a bigger hole.

Northern Flying Squirrel tracks. There are also Southern Flying Squirrels in Algonquin. The two species' tracks can be differentiated by the careful measurements.

Pretty winter picture.

Dan trying to catch some rays on Bat Lake - except there aren't any to catch today!

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