Elk Rapids Almanac-January 2019
 
January 2-We spotted a muskrat (at least we think it was) diving for food in the Bay this morning.  As far we could tell, he or she had the whole lake to himself or herself.  Beautiful sight._ Rick & Bobbitt Bellingham.
 
January 4-After being gone for nearly two weeks, I was surprised to see a number of visitors had headed to our yard over the holidays.  Hundreds of tracks coursed through the yard, under the bird feeders, of course, but also through the mini-trails in the woods.  I could identify the bird, chipmunk, mouse, squirrel, and rabbit tracks, but I wasn't sure about others. The mystery has sent me on a mission to learn to identify my backyard visitors by their tracks. While I probably will not see a cougar or a bear in my yard (I live in town), it sure has been fun learning about the variety of hints a track can offer.  Later, on my walk through Veterans' Memorial Park, I noted the variety of dog prints, but was delighted to see deer tracks as well._Terri Reisig
 
January 20-A snowy owl was spotted just south of Maple Bay along US-31. Snowy owls breed in the arctic tundra and move south into places like Michigan in the winter. Look for them in open areas perching atop telephone poles or fence posts. _James Dake.
 
January 21-A bright full moon, the snow is glowing, it’s midnight, and what is that strange sound outside? I throw open the window, cold air rushes in, and there’s that sound again…  Ah, two foxes on a hunt, calling to each other. A perfect winter’s night!  _Royce Ragland