Category Archives: mammals

More from the Flats

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Alistair

  Last Sunday’s (January 20th) jaunt around the Creston Flats produced a possible (now confirmed) Harlan’s Hawk near Wynndel. But, there were other interesting things to see. Some of the pictures below were taken by Derek Kite, some by me. The first … Continue reading →

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Road hazard

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Alistair

  Collisions are an unfortunate codicil of being able to enjoy the frequent company of deer. Local drivers are sensitive to the fact that when evening comes, the White-tailed Deer is often out foraging and will frequently cross a road. Drivers are … Continue reading →

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Reindeer vigil

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Alistair

  Five years ago, I took the picture shown below. When I posted it on that occasion, I offered the caption: This coyote came by very early Christmas morning—apparently it isn’t just children who take an interest in the arrival … Continue reading →

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Coyote loping

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Alistair

  How does an animal walk on four legs? There isn’t a single way to do it. Rather animals employ a variety of different gaits. Many sources discuss the gaits of horses (e.g., Wikipedia): walk, trot, canter, gallop. Fewer sources … Continue reading →

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Ogopogo revisits

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Alistair

  The ogopogo of Kootenay Lake has visited my waters again. I last photographed and described our ogopogo in March, 2012. Since that time, I have explored reports from another valley, and yes, both its behaviour and pictures show the … Continue reading →

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Otter frolic

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Alistair

  The otter family visited again yesterday, this time in rain and the fading light of the day. Fortunately, I saw them coming so was able to sneak nearby. This is undoubtedly the same family that last March produced my grand ogopogo … Continue reading →

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Otter dawn

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Alistair

  Why do so many interesting things take place off in the distance prior to sunrise—a time when observing and photographing are difficult? This morning’s early light brought five cavorting otters to a local dock. This is probably the same … Continue reading →

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Off leash

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Alistair

  I start this story with the information that all of the trails in this section of Kokanee Creek Park are clearly marked with signs that say dogs must be on leash. Furthermore, Park regulations are explicit: Pets/domestic animals must … Continue reading →

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Between raindrops

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Alistair

  The days shorten, the clouds lower, the rain falls. Opportunities to take one’s camera for a walk diminish. Below is a grab bag of mostly birds taken between raindrops. A White-crowned Sparrow scrounges for seeds at Nelson’s waterfront. I see … Continue reading →

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Losing velvet

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Alistair

  Velvet is the soft downy skin that covers a deer’s antlers when they are growing. A month ago, I posted a picture of this same buck in velvet. In late summer, the velvet dries and peals, and while it does … Continue reading →

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