Spotting

I believe that's a fertile frond from ostrich fern. they are persistent thru the winter

I believe that's a fertile frond from ostrich fern. they are persistent thru the winter

Looks like the spore fronds of a cinnamon fern, or similar species.

What types of areas was it found?

Huh, that's strange. I wanted to say it was princess pine when I seen the thumbnail, but the larger pic clearly shows its not. I think I'm gonna see if I can find some tomorrow...

I agree, but its not a pine twig stuck in the snow. There were lots of these poking through and no pines around. I wish I had a better camera than my mobile phone, they actually look like some kind of small fern or moss.

It looks like a branch stuck on the snow, or a tiny pine..