There was no trace of snow on the ground for Mass Audubon’s scheduled snowshoe hike on January 28, but crew at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary carried on anyhow.

A group of four had gathered to hike along the property’s Beach Loop Trail, venturing into a normally closed-off area behind beachfront homes and up to the channel that feeds Allens Pond.

“Winter is a special time to be on the beach,” explained event organizer Jen Costa. “It’s a peaceful time to explore.”

Costa hoped to see a no-show – a snow owl that was spotted at nearby Gooseberry Island last week – but was able to point out multiple signs of wildlife for the group.

Even before starting the walk, Costa spotted coyote scat, easy to identify because it’s hairy and white. Hikers also found deer tracks, which Costa said is a common sight at the sanctuary. The group also spotted seagulls, and heard – but was unable to find – a chickadee buried in a bush.

Walking down the path to the beach, Costa stopped to highlight wooden posts that still jet out near the trail, indicators of the sanctuary’s past as farmland. Cattle used to graze there, said Costa.

Hikers saw up-close the sprawling Allens Pond, which loops around a sandy beach and channels its water into and out of Buzzards Bay. Costa explained that sometimes, the flow is disrupted and the pond turns to freshwater as all the salt evaporates. This occurrence attracts mosquitos, and the pond must be dredged to restore saltwater flow.

“When we entered the channel, it was just extraordinary beautiful,” said participant Sandi Sacco.

There are snowshoeing sessions scheduled for February 11 and February 26, both at 10 a.m. Costa said she expects snow, as the Farmer’s Almanac has it in the forecast.