Last summer, one of my cameras captured a series of photos of mother and kitten bobcats playing. I was delighted, but at the same time disappointed that I hadn’t set the camera on video. So I switched it to video … Continue reading →
We northwoods snow trackers are so used to seeing sign of moose browsing and incisor scraping on tree and shrubs in winter that we forget about the moose’s summer diet. As is true of many herbivores, the moose’s diet varies … Continue reading →
Great blue herons are able to hunt day and night, thanks to their excellent vision. It’s sometimes said that they need bright moonlight for nocturnal hunting, but the high density of rod type receptors in their eyes give them excellent … Continue reading →
Tracking wolves in Wisconsin this past July was a particularly exciting experience, perhaps because we don’t have wolves here in New England. Or do we? Midwestern wolves and New England coyotes have something in common, and it’s not just that … Continue reading →
Because their burrows are conspicuous, badgers (Taxidea taxus) are relatively easy to track when you’re in their preferred habitat. They like open landscape, such as prairie, desert scrub, and savanna, with loose, sandy soil. They range throughout the west and … Continue reading →
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are known for their dexterous hands, in comparison to other members of Carnivora, but when compared to other procyonids, they are intermediate in manipulatory ability. Their fingers are incapable of complete flexion over the palm, and their … Continue reading →
Woodchucks (Marmota monax) have sweat glands near the corners of the mouth which emit a pungent odor. The animals are well known to rub their cheeks on trees, roots, and stones near the den, thus depositing their scent. Groundhogs often … Continue reading →
Sometimes the most interesting trail camera captures are incidental. Such was the case with this video of a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) grooming and napping. I had set the camera near an otter latrine just off a well used … Continue reading →
Meadow voleĀ (Microtus pennsylvanicus) populations typically cycle every 3-4 years, and this year is definitely a peak, at least in my backyard. The earth seems to be burping them up. To give you a sense of their abundance, I’ve seen more … Continue reading →
Groundhogs at Burrow By Susan Fly It’s a mom and pop business for now, with both male and female woodchucks (Marmota monax) sharing this burrow. That arrangement will end once the mom gives birth – when dad will take his … Continue reading →
