My battery was low yesterday, couldnt take a photo. It doesn't look like it was linked though, as you say just a clearing up of the area.It may or may not be linked to the case.
Recent search efforts may have just highlighted the fact that it needed taking care of. Are you close enough to take pictures? If not, I can do it this weekend.
Am not near there today so if you would like to take some photos that would be great, it does make the area look different