Category Archives: mammals

Chipmunk

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Alistair

  I rarely see a chipmunk. And it is even rarer that I see one here in the valley. This is to be contrasted with seeing the red squirrel which loudly berates me almost every time I step outside. The … Continue reading →

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Juveniles

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Alistair

  This is the time of year to see juveniles. A number have already appeared in this blog, and a few of these appear again with new images. A juvenile Great Blue Heron was fishing in the shallows before sunrise … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, mammals | 4 Comments

Faeces disposal

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Alistair

  This posting about the disposal of a bird’s faeces was prompted by an observation of Cliff Swallows dealing with nestlings. That treatment will be left to the end. Incidentally, many of these pictures, although taken, were never used before. … Continue reading →

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Snowshoe hare

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Alistair

  Snowshoe hares are notable for a number of reasons: Their colour changes with the season; They can be frozen when watched, yet have great speed when chased; Their population cycles with an eight to ten year period.  This brief … Continue reading →

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Skunk kit feeds

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Alistair

  Sunday evening I watched two skunk kits forage. This was odd. Normally at this time of year these juvenile skunks would be accompanied (and supervised) by their mother, but these two were alone — no mother.  Over two weeks … Continue reading →

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Eye to eye

Posted on June 10, 2023 by Alistair

  Within a few hours, I stood eyeball to eyeball with two predators. Well, neither was after me; I am just too big for them. One was a raccoon kit. Like the bobcat before it, it was checking out the … Continue reading →

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Grizzly sow & cubs

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Alistair

  I have often seen Grizzly Bears at this time of year, so I keep my eyes open for them. Although grizzlies are omnivores, I have usually seen them eating plants. There were three Grizzly Bears: a sow and two … Continue reading →

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Antler buds

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Alistair

  Deer grow their antlers anew each year. And although it is variable, the new antler buds usually appear in April. Yesterday, I saw two white-tailed deer, each with antler buds. After a winter with no sightings of this deer, … Continue reading →

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Flirting grouse

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Alistair

  I only rarely see a Ruffed Grouse, and to see two is a treat. Today, I saw a male and female checking each other out. Now, they might have mated had I not travelled by, but who knows. I … Continue reading →

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Mule Deer

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Alistair

   This posting revisits one picture of the latest December goulash, the male mule deer. The caption I wrote at the time was: “He looks remarkably young with his small barely branching antlers. Yet, he has a spouse and has sired … Continue reading →

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