Interesting pattern in snow - bird landing?

We have seen this wing-pattern in the snow a few
times this year. Its quite large. I took these this
morning - they are very near the bird feeders.

Do you suppose this is a bird landing? Or taking
off?

From the tracks leading up to the back edge of the wing, it has to be taking off. I'd guess its legs sank into the snow when it did its first wing flap, making the wings hit the snow too.

Resin

that makes sense. We've just gone thru two huge snowstorms.
A foot Sat and then 2 more feet yesterday.

Tam

Oh that is really very interesting! Thanks for the pictures. Have you been able to watch them taking off?

We haven't seen them. It must be a very large bird.
Perhaps a crow or raven. The impressions melted away
a few hours after I took the picture.

Tam

Yep, could well be a crow.

Resin

Cool pic though, whatever made the imprint.