First Snowfall!

Sarnia had its first snowfall of any significance on December 5th. The snow cover helps to highlight signs of life that we don't always get to see. Camouflaged mice and voles hide exceptionally well under the cover of tall plants. In the winter, their tracks can tell a story of where they travelled and what predators they may have encountered. This rodent attempted to burrow under the snow which wasn't deep enough to hide the tunnel. 

Another rodent hopped over the snow. The tail drag is visible. These rodents are important sources of food for many predators including hawks!

Squirrel tracks running across the ground between two trees.

A dozen American Goldfinch took shelter in the branches of a White Cedar Tree. If you look closely at the second photo, the bird is grabbing a seed from inside a tiny Cedar Cone. Coniferous cones are the "suitcases" that hold the tree seeds as they develop. 

House Finches joined the Goldfinches but they focused on eating berries.

Rough water on Lake Huron

Nature's paint brush -  wind brushed the long plant stem across the snow.

Beware when walking on windy days! You never know when or where a tree may fall!