OK, let's get this clear right off the bat: these photos from the trail camera my wife, Laurel, tends to — moving it around our property in rural south Salem in attempts to capture what our non-human neighbors are doing — aren't exactly National Geographic quality.
But, hey, they show wild creatures living their animal lives on what sure seems to be a popular spot. (The dates on the photos appear to be off; so is the time, probably.)
Coyote! Wily canines who we occasionally see in the daytime, but not often.
We have some irrational coyote-hating neighbors who tried to shoot them, not recognizing that coyotes are a valuable part of nature's ecosystem. For example, I assume (and hope) that they kill non-native California ground squirrels, who are a major pain in the butt for us given their propensity for digging under the foundation of our house.
Laurel thought she heard some coyote howls last night. That's a good sign.
They used to "sing" frequently near our house, excited over this or that, or just howling for the fun of it. When our neighbors started shooting at them, the coyotes became a lot more silent. They didn't leave the area; they just adapted to the need to be stealthier. Which shows how smart they are, like other canines.
A bunny in mid-hop, it appears.
A doe, with one of her two fawns peeking out from between her legs. The fawns are super-cute, naturally. All mottled/spotted.
A fawn in front and back of the headless mother.
Good photo of one of the fawns. My, what big ears you have!
Another fawn-shot.
Raccoon coming toward the motion-activated camera.
Raccoon moving away from the camera. Hopefully you took your heart medicine before viewing these photos, because they are damn exciting, right?
A non-elusive gray squirrel. Still, it's wildlife!
We were surprised to see that bunnies are out and about at night. Haven't they gotten the news about coyotes frequenting this trail?
Another raccoon.
Possum? Can't think what else would have a tail like that.
A final shot of fawn and mom.
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We love all of the wildlife out here.
Several months ago, Liz and I were getting our day started when all of a sudden she shouted, “HARRY! Come here. Hurry! HURRY!!!”
I took off running from the farm office to our bedroom.
Looking out the window, lo & behold, there was a bobcat slowly walking through our yard.
Beautiful little cat! First one we have seen here in 26 years.
They say we have cougars. I have not yet seen one.
One thing we do not have is skunks.
I have always given credit to the coyotes that we appreciate for their efforts at keeping down annoying rodents.
Then recently, I learned that the main predator of skunks is the great horned owl of which we have oodles!!
Turns out that the great horned owl has no sense of smell.
They also have killer night vision.
So how hard can it be to have great night vision and have a skunk with it’s white stripes almost like a target painted on it’s back walk by to grab.
Another annoying animal that we no longer have is pocket gophers.
Why?
Answer: Because we have taken advantage of our evil, evil, evil assault rifles, (22 semi-auto) and cleared the property of gophers over 26 years.
Anyway, I’ve got to get one of those cameras…..