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Phenology with local naturalist Larry Weber every Friday morning at 8:20 on Northland Morning.

Backyard Almanac: The Critters of December

A white ermine poking its head out over a rock
Rob Bryce [via Flickr]

November didn't see as much snow as we're used to in the Northland, but there are still plenty of signs of the coming winter. Larry Weber has taken careful note of the gradual freeze-up that first claimed swamps, then ponds. Ice is now showing up on some lakes as well.

There have still been some late-departing birds spotted, but the real action is near the ground. Weber has seen tracks of all kinds of animals, but one proved more exciting than the rest. "Probably the great critter news... looking out in my yard and seeing a white critter hopping around," says Weber. "That was an ermine."

With no significant snowfall to hide or camouflage some animals, the time to see them is now.

You can hear Backyard Almanac every Friday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.

Luke Moravec is the host for Northland Morning on The North 103.3. He’s also a local actor, musician and writer. He loves puzzles, riddles and fun mysteries.
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