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.