Coyote Friday

The fresh snow made for a beautiful morning hiking. With only 3/4"walking was quiet!. Keeping the light breeze in my face presented three coyote sightings. Two of the coyotes provide me with barely a glimpse and they where gone.
The third coyote was mousing unaware of my presence.

Dressed in winter camo and wind in my favor this young coyote walked straight at me until it reached about 20 yards before stopping .

Above the coyote is mousing while keeping a watchful eye of it/s surroundings.

Staring into the camera lens  as it approached.

It didn't take long before the young coyote figured out this was not a good situation.

One last look before disappearing into the woods
Jim

Test Of Patience

Not with the coldest morning of the season hiking, but with a doe.

She was going to let me walk by. When I spotted her the test started. Wind was light in my face.So she was challenged.

She approaches to about ten yards. I don't dare to blink my eyes.

She checks the air for scent with her tongue.

Cautiously she continues to close the gap. She is at 8 yards and moving closer.

Literally in my face at about 5/6 yards.

The doe is still uncertain as she checks the air again for my scent as she continues closer

This is as close as she gets

One last look at me before wandering off.

Very enjoyable experience. !!
Jim

Light Snow Eventful Day !

What a beautiful morning to be out hiking with a camera. I started out early swinging through QP.
Deer were on the move. I was actually killing a little tine hoping the sun would break through before heading over to a favorite NE Gate.

Enfield Lookout with a dusting of snow.

As did this small pond



 Once arriving at the gate  It didn't take very long before things got hectic..

While I was getting this picture I caught glimpse of a second moose.

I was able to get a few pics before she disappeared.

The call of an immature Loon and a soaring  Red Tail Hawk finished the morning.

Jim

Crisp & Quiet

Not much going on this morning. Deer rut in full swing.  I was hoping to get a pic of a buck on the move....

I did  find this Not sure what it is. A guess would be some type of shroud for a tractor accessory.


Any guesses

Jim

Not Quabbin Related , However Quite A Treat For Halloween !

Some generous folks gave me the opportunity to participate in the South Central MA Saw-whet Owl banding project.

The process was quite interesting listening to three experts explain specifics about the raptor and the detail around how the owl is captured , and the data collected .

Its amazing just how small the Saw-Whet is/! My hand in the photo above gives a good perspective.

Jim