This can be an especially serious problem in the morning hours when the previous night temperatures freeze the wet snow to form a new crust. Deer cannot run above the snow crust, but pursuing dogs can. All dogs will chase deer if they are not tied, penned or otherwise controlled. Dogs should be guarded very closely while the crusted snow condition persists. There are lots of squirrels, wild turkeys, deer and rabbits moving about.
Redpolls are at thistle seed feeders in very large groups.
Cardinals and mourning doves are on their territories singing to their mates and warning intruders away. During the day, from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the ski trails are slushy. The snowmobile trails are in good shape in the woods, but they are in poor condition where they cross roads and in open areas facing south. If air temperatures hold as predicted through the weekend, the trails will be in very poor condition. Conditions are very good for snowshoeing.