Over the past few weeks I have found myself either in sweaters over pajamas or in long underwear and snow pants. Between packaging dried mushrooms and herbs and organizing my seed room, I have outdoor chores—there are the wild birds that I provide with oil-rich seeds and starchy corn cakes of lard and food. Water and straw go to the coveys of bobwhite quail kept in four large enclosures outside; once native to this region but now unseen in the local rural landscape due to habitat destruction. I also leave the warmth of the woodstove fire for stretches to hone my skills in identifying animal tracks and trailing wild birds and mammals. Stepping outside to notice and learn how animals inhabit this city in the depth of the season could cure more of us of our wintertime blues.
Once tuned in you will notice animal highways everywhere. Who’s there, how they move through and use the land, who they encounter—favorite forage spots and the speed or urgency in which they look for food are all revealed. The swish of a tail into a den or brushing of feathers around a pounce kill, the pause when a four-legger, once trotting, stands on its hind legs to notice something, and the rerouting of its journey. Burrows reveal themselves in tree snags explaining the pile of bones in front of them. The hustle and switchback weavings of rabbits as they build cities under woodpiles. You’ll find the crack in the wood that the rats have discovered to get into your garage.
Patterns and pacing: Take note of the straddle and stride of the tracks you find. Is the animal walking, loping, galloping, or running?
