Beautiful Morning Hiking

This morning’s hike took me along the Northwest shoreline. Although the reservoir is 90+ percent to its capacity, there was enough shoreline to walk with minimal bushwhacking required.

No eagles where seen however several flocks of common mergansers provided a quick shot.

Surprised the eagles have not located this coyote lodged in the thin ice.

 Jim

Snap In The Air This Morning !

I passed the NE Quabbin Gate at dawn with the thermometer registering 12 degrees. No problem with picking up the  pace to get the blood going.
Anticipation was high on such a cold morning to see wildlife. Other than a nice Tom  Turkeynpassing in front of me it was a very quiet morning.

Common winter birds and several squirrels were  seen .

The shallow coves where all iced over. With the cold temperatures coming over the next few days, should pretty much start icing much of the reservoir.
Jim

Awesome Experience !

Hit the trail real early this morning. Available light walking into this situation was poor at best.

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That's the risk  I take with early starts. I would much rather have a " Noisy Picture "with a wildlife encounter than no picture at all. I was able to keep the " Curiosity " of one bobcat for a couple of minutes.

 The bobcat turned and looked  at me before disappearing

Jim

Plenty Of Water !

This mornings hike took me out to Grave's Landing. Other than  seeing three otters swimming in the distance, the only consistent thing was water  everywhere. All the small streams where flowing pretty good.  My anticipation for seeing a variety of critters was high. Unfortunately not  today.

The reservoir has no ice on it. That is Soapstone Hill in the background


Jim

Been Fairly Quite !

Not much wildlife moving in my view the last couple of days. The red squirrel on the title page felt bad for me and posed for a pic.
Coyote tracks clearly dominated the roads and trails I hiked. The view from Rattlesnake Hill was clear . The reservoir is still open.

Jim

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