If I may ad to the discussion of holes in the snow and who makes them. I have a homemade feeder hanging from a Cedar branch that spills a bit of its contents (Intentionally) onto the ground below for the ground feeding birds. (I can send you a picture of it if you contact me.) It is on a grass bank so when it snows, i shovel underneath it to expose the ground. Many times i have noticed holes in the snow bank made by an animal. Their are now 4. I know who made these holes. I often see my resident Red Squirrel eating there, then when done eating, she will go into a hole and reappear going up the tree 5 feet away. This squirrel, and others, have a complete series of under snow trails all over the yard. I would estimate at least a quarter mile of them. I know this because last year, as the snow melted, you could see them all over the lawn and leading to and from most all the trees. They seem to use these trails for yes, transportation about, but also when on the snow, they are near them at all times when danger threatens. I saw this several times when a hawk flew overhead, and the squirrel dashed into the nearest snow hole, tunnel. Other animals also tunnel under the snow to move about unnoticed. By some other feeders i see many of these tunnels as the snow melts. I believe they are produced by voles, shrews and used by other small mammals to access the seeds and foods found under the snow. Last March i even saw a Chipmunk tunneling about under the snow. (Got picture!) Yesterday i also saw about 12 birds feeding in this snow less patch under the hanging feeder, and noticed not one but two juncos go into one of the squirrels tunnels and disappear! I believe they are exploiting the seeds that are found within. Both birds came out face first as the holes were wide enough to turn within. Oh so much life and doings are going on under the protection of a good snow cover that we seldom notice or see. Paul Carrier - Harwinton