First of all, I don't have a photo! I'll try a description....
The tracks in the snow were very long and very thin like a twig - a good foot or more long (easily the length of my size 8 boot) in the form of a back slash. Then in the middle of the back slash, a forward slash about half the size. So it forms a sort of Y with space between the 2 slashes. It was the size which intrigued me. Must have been a large bird but not that heavy as it had hardly sunk in the snow - in fact it was quite a faint track but it stretched from bushes by the side of the house, across an expanse of pristine snow and disappeared suddenly after some distance (flew away?)
It was the first day of the heavy snowfall about a week ago and so bitterly cold I didn't hang about (and foolishly thought I would be able to get back to take a picture later). That night it snowed so tracks gone and haven't seen them again since.
I've tried googling to get identification without luck. Does anyone have any suggestions - either on the bird or a useful website?
I should perhaps add that I am in East Sussex, not too far from Pevensey Marsh (5 - 7 miles?). Surrounding area is fields, streams and ponds, quite a lot of woodland. And the occasional village and market town!
Hi - have just googled heron foot prints and it came up with something very similar to what you are describing - a 'y' in the snow - maybe this could point you in the right direction. Obviously you have to think big and something that can fly as the tracks suddenly stopped so I went for that one - good luck!
Thanks for prompt reply, lucybob. I don't think its a heron as the heron tracks look like a trident and the tracks I'm trying to identify did not have 3 prongs - only 2.
Wish there was a drawing facility to explain myself better!
Have scanned a simple drawing. This was the most obvious track repeated several times. Other similar tracks next to it (other leg?) but super-imposed on each other so more difficult to see.
Hope this works....
If, as you say, the tracks were very faint and look like the foot didn't sink completely in to the snow, it could be that whatever bird it wasn't distributing all of it's weight evenly and thus didn't leave a full track mark - which would mean you may not be getting the full picture.
I would recommend you get hold of a copy of the book "Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe" by Brown, Ferguson,Lawrence and Lees. It provides a glut of information on bird tracks, feathers, feeding sings etc., including drawings, size charts etc. My copy has certainly been put to good use with all this snow recently, I have been trying to identify bird tracks left, right and center!
Hi
Came upon something similar last Feb whilst out fishing on the river after fresh snowfall. I know a pair of Grey Herons are resident on the river at that point as i have been watching them for 2 seasons nesting in the trees above the river.
Hope this helps
Nigel.
Unknown said: If, as you say, the tracks were very faint and look like the foot didn't sink completely in to the snow, it could be that whatever bird it wasn't distributing all of it's weight evenly and thus didn't leave a full track mark - which would mean you may not be getting the full picture. I would recommend you get hold of a copy of the book "Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe" by Brown, Ferguson,Lawrence and Lees. It provides a glut of information on bird tracks, feathers, feeding sings etc., including drawings, size charts etc. My copy has certainly been put to good use with all this snow recently, I have been trying to identify bird tracks left, right and center! Good point about the weight distribution, AnnaBanana. Hadn't thought of that. And thanks for letting me know about the book. Sounds ideal. Will add it to the list of things to get as soon as I can get out again.
Good point about the weight distribution, AnnaBanana. Hadn't thought of that. And thanks for letting me know about the book. Sounds ideal. Will add it to the list of things to get as soon as I can get out again.
Thanks, Nigel. I'm leaning towards a Heron more and more. We do have herons around. I'm thinking it was running across the snow, semi in the air, prior to take-off ? (I seem to remember they take off pretty sharpish, though, so maybe not??)
Found this and scanned it - don't know if its any help!
Thanks to all for your help. I don't know how to acknowledge in a general way so have ticked you all as giving the best answer!