Evidence

[urbpan]

These tracks suggest some drama. The parallel lines at the right were made by the wing feathers of a bird. The bird probably dropped out of our pine tree onto the snow, following the sound of a small mammal burrowing there. The footsteps at the left are confusing, but I think they belong to the bird as well. I suspect the bird (an owl) dropped onto the snow, missed its prey, then hopped a few steps before flying off. Before the blizzard, Alexis found a mallard wing in the same spot (which is also the same spot I found the owl pellet). Hope to see the animal responsible for all these signs soon!