Not Quite What I Expected

 

Locating a tree with fairly recent beaver chewing activity is probably a good indication that a beaver will be back to finish the job. Two such trees were located on opposite sides of the swamp. I figured setting trail cameras  up on each location would certainly capture a beaver at work. Wrong !!

The collared bear and cub(s) are the same  family of bears that were videoed last month in another swamp located about three and one half miles away.

The collared bear is a Massachusetts study bear. This bear helps provide important data  to the bears home range, habitat, reproduction rate , cub survivor rate ( winter bear den checks). 

Based on my anecdotal  data so far this year with capturing videos of:

- several single bears

- sow with four yearlings

- sow with three three yearlings

- sow with three COY ( cubs of year)

All in one location might suggest Massachusetts bears are thriving. 

Late May and June are mating season for black bears in MA. The likelihood of seeing a bear is the greatest this time of year, with males spending more time travelling in pursuit of a mate. I'm hoping to catch a " Big Bruin" passing one of my trial cameras in the next few weeks.

Took my canoe out for it's " maiden voyage" yesterday on the Ware River. My daughter and I  paddled five miles. We saw lots of herons and several water snakes. 

Jim

Nice Day For A Water Adventure

 

Once a year I like to rent a boat at Quabbin and spend the day exploring while fishing and watching for wildlife. It was a bit chilly to start ( 37 degrees) but warmed up comfortably by mid morning. It takes an early arrival at the gate to be second in line.  The opening time is 6:00 AM .There are limited number of boats for rent and I wanted to be sure to get one and be on the water as early as possible.

The calm water and light patchy fog made an ideal setting seeing my first loon of the day.  As the sun started to brighten the west shoreline of Mt Zion Island there was an eagle watching the reservoir . 

In years past I had located three eagle nests. Todays journey was to see if they were still being used, The furthest nest  was on Curtis Island. While there, I motored  along the southeast shoreline to catch a glimpse of the fieldstone walls of the old  Dugmar Country Club ( pictured above). This dwelling has an interesting story .  Unfortunately none of the eagle nests were active. Three eagles were seen during the day.

I used a Garmin Inreach to track m route. I use this when hiking the Quabbin woods because cell phone service is poor at best in most areas.

Jim

Bear # 9 so far this year is pictured above. I also saw a bear hiking this morning. It was neat watching it as it stood  up try to catch the direction of my scent was coming from..

 The beaver  pond I’ve been camera trapping since last December has come alive. Last week’s visit showed several small hemlock  trees partially chewed by beavers .Two trail cameras were positioned close by in hopes of catching the beaver busy at work.

Moose are having their calves. A friend sent me a picture of a sow with a newborn on Wednesday.

Water lilies are starting to grow in beaver ponds. Moose will soon be looking for their tender stems. Camera traps will need to be re- positioned overlooking the pond shoreline this weekend

Jim

Pay Dirt - Bears

 

I couldn't be more pleased with the overall activity I have been getting on all my trail cameras this April. 

This mornings camera trap check resulted in the " Best Ever " bear activity on a single trail camera. A sow with four cubs is certainly a camera trappers dream. Then , to have another sow with three cubs break  the trail cameras sensor. Oh , can't forget the late April snow storm. I couldn't be more pleased . Enjoy !

Jim

Bear, Bears & More Bears

 

I put a lot of time in last fall and winter scouting for new locations  in Massachusetts to set my camera traps.  The time appears to have ben well spent! The picture above is bear number 4 so far for April. In the past I would typically on capture one bear in April. I still have a few more sets to check. Might even be more bears for April.......

Amazon delivered my new Go Pro. I took it with me this morning hiking and checking trail cameras. It will take me a little while to learn how to use it , Stay Tuned !

Jim

Found Another Moose Antler / Risk Versus Reward

 

Well, with foliage just about to pop in central New England, I found a moose antler, in another week or so the forest floor will be covered in new plant life. It’s interesting how I saw the antler.. I was in the process changing out the SD card in my trail camera when I stood up, and just happen to catch a little bit of white sticking up about twenty feet away . At first I thought it was just beech leaves,. as I approached closer, you just  know it ! when you have just found a treasure. The antler was very close to a porcupine den and has been chewed on.

 

Risk versus reward. It took just under a two mile hike to reach one of my new camera trap locations. I took one of the thicker beaver chew sticks that was laying on the dam and set it vertically to hold a trail camera. The vantage point should provide a scenic capture if a critter uses the dam. The risk is somebody locating the set and walking off with it. I used one of my older trailer cameras. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Jim

Trail Cameras All Out - Stay Tuned !

 

It’s been a hectic few week with getting spring yard projects done and trekking North Central Massachusetts setting out trail cameras. This weekend I’ll start  checking them . I’m aware of at least one sow with four yearling cubs. Hope to get video before she sends the cubs off on their own late spring.

Over the last few years, I’ve had two “ Go To” locations that have consistently provided bear activity, I  hope to get more bear videos this year. In addition to those two hot spots

Six additional  locations have been added to my camera trapline this year , I’m sure hoping to capture a variety of bear video. Late May the breeding season starts. Bear activity will be at its highest during this time.

I’ve been pondering the idea of buying a
GoPro camera . Thinking it may add to my blog by  including some hiking and canoe adventures. Stay tuned.

 

Jim