Looking out on the deck this morning and seeing a dusting of snow got things in gear fast this morning. As much as I enjoying hiking and taking pictures , I always look forward to looking for tracks. Many times this will give you the added incentive to keep hiking an area with hopes of seeing the " Track Maker "
This mornings east side hike was eventful along with the ride home. It was only a short distance when I cut the first track. This was one of four different coyote tracks this morning.

 About an hour later I came to a open spot of water on the reservoir, and watched several otters peer at me

I caught some movement off to my right and was I surprised to see five deer walk on to the ice . I was camouflaged and wind in my favor so I sat tight. I figured a predator would follow. The deer were calm.  Nothing was pushing them. They just wanted to get to the other side.I use to think that the only way a deer would venture onto the ice was to get away from something casing it. Evidently not ! I was glad to see that they adhered to the " Slow  Sign"

On the ride home I did see one mature eagle cruising low in a cornfield looking for a meal. Also saw one read tail hawk perched watching another  field and closer to home another red tail hawk riding the thermos.
Being so cold (6 degrees) this morning I didn't think I would see much but tracks.
Jim

Saturday the pickins' were slim. Not much moving in the way of wildlife, with only seeing a handful of chickadees and a pileated woodpecker. Wind stayed reasonably calm for the first few hours. I sat at waters edge for a while in hopes of seeing an eagle. None to be seen on this day

Sunday I ventured over to Quabbin Park. DCR was a little late in opening the gate so I decided to hike from Rte9 to The Enfeild Lookout.

It was an absolutely beautiful sunrise this morning. Before the suns rays broke the tree line I did see one single deer bounding away. I couldn't get a look at it. If I had to guess I would say it was a buck. The does I have been seeing in the last several weeks are in groups of 3-5.

 Typically with an early arrival  at QP you will find folks slowly riding the roads in hopes of seeing wildlife. This didn't bother the deer in the pic above. However, don't think you would of seen these deer unless you were walking.
 Big weather change coming in this week. The critters will really hunker down now!
Jim