Monthly Archives: April 2017

Mountain Bluebirds

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Alistair

  Why watch for Mountain Bluebirds each spring? They are stunning beautiful. Typically, Mountain Bluebirds arrive to breed in late March or early April. This year, a few turned up on schedule, but the insects they feast upon were tardy. Jaunts … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 5 Comments

Otter in suspension

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Alistair

  A travelling animal can employ various gaits, a word that describes the pattern of movement of limbs during locomotion. A bipedal human might walk, hop, or run, each a different form of propulsion. The transition from one gait to another takes place when the … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals | 3 Comments

Tomfoolery

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Alistair

  I commented that we should keep an eye out for male Wild Turkeys in display. It is that time of year. And there they were: not one, but two. After watching the two toms for a while, it struck me … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary | 4 Comments

Grand flyby of swans

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Alistair

  What had been planned for today’s posting was upstaged when about 80 swans (probably Trumpeters) flew down the Lake heading west. It was the best flyby I have seen. The picture, below, shows the first seventy or so of … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 6 Comments

Otter twist

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Alistair

  When climbing out of the Lake, many animals disperse water by twisting and shaking. Dogs do it, eagles do it, and otters do it.  While I had seen otters spin their heads to shake off water, I had not … Continue reading →

Posted in mammals | 1 Comment