Now Where Did You Come From !

Slipped quietly into a NE Swamp early this morning with much anticipation. Watching dawn set into a new day while in the woods is always enjoyable. Listening to a  Barred Owl as the earlier morning turned to light. Wasn't long before the Wood Ducks where flying.
The Porcupine was an interesting find this morning. I was able to sneak up pretty close remaining undetected as seen in the title page picture.

Look at the expression ! Like , where the heck did you come from....

I'm out of here !!!!

Sitting watching this swamp this morning . Its neat watching in anticipation as dawn sets in and the start of a new day!

Jim

Day Of Finding Things !

Started Friday morning watching a swamp in hopes of seeing a Bull Moose. Perfect time of the year to be doing this with the rut in full swing. After sitting briefly I stood up and walked a few yards , looked down and there lay a moose antler. Nice way to start the morning.
Pic on title page shows antler strapped to my backpack. Thanks Rick F for taking the picture!

Well, the  moose attempt didn't work out so I figured I would wander around for a while and see if maybe a bear or bobcat might present a pic opportunity.

 I could see how this day was going to unfold. I didn't catch up to any animals for a pic. However , I was able to locate where they were. The bear tracks are of a mature Black Bear.

 Wouldn't  you know it ! I just happen to have some Plaster of Paris in my pack.

The track is exaggerated being in mud. It will make for a nice conversation pc .

Jim

Loons

Amazing only a few months ago Loons were extremely territorial. Today one mature and four immature Loons gathered together while another mature Loon with one immature loon where in close proximity.

 Many birds seen today. Cormorants , Eagle, Coopers Hawks and seven Loons

Hiked most of the morning in hopes of finding a Bull Moose. No luck today !

Jim

Named This Moose Snarly !

The title page picture above was one of the last pictures taken for the morning. Both moose appear to be young . The Bull Moose has one ugly set of antlers ! Hence I named him Snarly.

Sneaking into the back side of a NE swamp offered pics of this young cow feeding. No fooling her. She has me pegged!

This young bull was making a lot of noise wading and feeding. He frequently turned looking for his sweetheart.

A few more step and Snarly turned around and headed back towards the cow.

It made for a pretty eventful morning!

Jim

Weather ... HOT & HUMID !!

I spent the week watching several Quabbin swamps with very little wildlife activity. Temperatures in the low nineties and high humidity where certainly a challenge.
The Belted Kingfisher on the title page entertained me every morning.

This Bull Frog seemed more the okay with the warm weather and appears to be happy watching me.

Eastern King Birds where pretty much the only bird activity.

Several Painted Turtles on alert as I approached very slowly to capture this picture.

Evenings where a treat fishing the reservoir and listening to the Loons.

Most nights would end with my wife and I sitting around the campfire listening to a Barred Owl in the distant woods.

About as good a vacation one could ask for !

Jim

Camping In The Quabbin Area

My wife and I have been camping for the week, spending full days enjoying Quabbin. The extreme heat and humidity has kept us to a minimum with activity.
I have been sitting  watching a swamp with my camera each morning with absolutely no  mammal activity. Only two weeks ago watching this same swamp I was able to photograph a Doe & Fawn , Moose and a Great Horned Owl.
Not doubt the extreme heat has minimized all animal activity.
The picture below is the swamp I have been watching .

The reservoir has receded , which allows for  shore walking. It was  a perfect time to see if I could locate a decent coyote track in the mud and make a cast

These casts were just taken and lightly brushed off. The cast on the right is the coyote and the cast on the left appears to be a very small bobcat track.

Camp is now complete. All the comforts of home! The solar shower was hung up after the water heated in the sun.

Jim.

Watch Where Your Walking !

The Great  Egret is my first at Quabbin. I did catch glimpse of one several years back but this one although distant, provided a nice color contrast. I stumbled upon this while waiting for several bobcat track casts to dry.

I located these bobcat tracks while hiking on Friday. This is my first attempt at casting a track. I am  very pleased with the results. Should make for a good conversation piece

Also found a pretty seasoned skull and a painted turtle shell.

The smell of wild grapes was in the air!

Jim