Mole? I don't think so. The scale seems wrong and this creature was very active above the surface.
What makes the radiating pattern?
These were all over the place, in an open field right next to a bit of forest. It this is a small mammal (as I suspect), then it would be a prime target for birds of prey in this environment.
I need to call in the experts.
13 comments:
Hi Michael,
I feel safe saying the tracks were made by a bird, and that the fan-like markings in the snow were made by the wing feathers.
What I don't know is what kind of bird walks around in the snow and flaps it wings. Grouse of course do that sort of thing on drumming logs, but...hmmm.
Let me bring this to the attention of some ornithological friends.
Chris,
Thanks. Bird was my first thought, but upon looking at the sheer volume of markings, and the sharpness of the radial lines, I had trouble picturing a bird making these.
I'd bet these are bird tracks as well. The radiant marks would line up with wing beats as the bird fluttered from spot to spot in the field.
Hard to tell without measurements, but these could be from a jay or another bird that was poking around in search of food.
My guess would be a Flicker looking for food. They dig in my yard all the time and if there's snow it's harder to hop, so they help with there wings. Most likely never see this unless in the snow.
I'm going with bird. Mystery solved.
Its good to learn from the experts.
Thanks!
I concur with bird, but what I'm curious about is what type and what the heck was it doing?
From the hand size comparison I like the Flicker theory as well.
I've been away too long, I got behind. Some great stuff up since I was here last sir.
Bp
Glad to see the consensus come down on bird! You can even make out bird feet in some of the shots at the beginning of the toe drags.
Yup - bird. Just me being befuddled.
Dunno if y'all have concluded on this, but I know the culprit... I saw it happen first hand in fact. It's from a quail as it uses it's wings to do little jumps to help it get across the snow. Here's a pic I took of the marks right after I saw the quail make them.
Randomtruth - I think you are right on the money.
MD
Great info! Thanks for posting sir (or madame).
Bp
Happy to help. It was fun to look down at the marks and say "hey - I've seen those before on a nature blog!"
Thought for sure it was one of these
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_i4ownnLiEBc/TLVinZxW6kI/AAAAAAAAABU/27kXKC96nRg/s1600/Elder+Thing+On+Ice.jpg
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