Who Done It?

Question

This photo was taken at an elk wallow at about 4000 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Mt. Adams. In late summer the pond dries up, but not before attracting a variety of birds and small mammals.

Photo by Dennis Deck

What is the story in this photo? See if you can detect the clues. [ View Answer ]








































































































Answer

First, a medium sized wading bird walked from upper left to lower right. The size and shape of the track suggests a snipe.

Second, a small rodent, probably a mouse, jumped from the log and landed with its front feet on top of the snipe track. Then it transferred weight to the hind feet as they swung around and forward of the front feet. The left hind foot shows clearly, the right foot is barely visible.

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