Ingham Nature Photography: Blog https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog en-us Ingham Nature Photography (Ingham Nature Photography) Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:30:00 GMT Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:30:00 GMT https://www.inaturephoto.com/img/s/v-12/u812883816-o112298866-50.jpg Ingham Nature Photography: Blog https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog 120 91 "SUPERNATURAL VERSUS SUPERNATURE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-supernatural-versus-supernature---coyote "SUPERNATURAL VERSUS SUPERNATURE"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

In some indigenous legends, witches known as "skinwalkers" were able to turn themselves into animals such as coyotes, foxes, cougars, wolves, etc., seen at times walking on two legs. 

 

I've been fortunate to see coyotes at work, doing their jump from a standing posture, transitioning into a complete airborne move and to quote a gymnastic term, "sticking" the landing, i.e. executing a landing with correct technique & no movement of the feet.

 

I'm not certain whether this young coyote tired after her first & second try at the "jump, fly and land" with no meal success and therefore decided to try a different approach. Or whether this was just another technique in her repertoire. 

 

So the third time around, facing directly towards me, she stood on her two hind legs for probably 10 seconds (Photo #1 & Photo #2) before folding (Photo #3) and allowing herself to drop with force on the target (Photo #4).  So no jump but what I believe, is an incredible feat of strength and balance for a four legged mammal. 

 

Unfortunately, no successes again (Photo #5) but her movements will be forever captured with photography, providing a testament to this young coyote's skill, strength & agility.

 

And if one was ever passing by and saw a coyote standing tall on two hind legs for a period of time, they might think supernatural. But it's not supernatural - IT'S SUPERNATURE. 
 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-supernatural-versus-supernature---coyote Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:30:01 GMT
"BRIDY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-bridy---coyote "BRIDY"

Coyote - 4 Photos

 

The start to my Wednesday morning: -

 

Got up, looked at the weather forecast, which said current weather "partly cloudy". Opened the blinds & it was very overcast & snowing.

 

So swore under my breath, looked to the left which is a green space (now white, of course), and up the path came two young coyotes.

 

You could tell from the very long legs & seemingly oversized bodies, they were probably born Spring 2024, out looking for breakfast.

 

First thought, camera downstairs. Ran downstairs, grabbed the camera. Briefly thought to try from the porch outside. Hmmm - in my pajamas & it's -34 degrees Celsius outside with the wind chill & snowing. Probably not the best idea, particularly with the neighbours. 

 

So ran back upstairs, went to the bathroom window & there were the two coyotes standing near the fence line, one had already moved close to the road but I managed to grab some quick photos of "her sibling" (Photo #1 through Photo #4 - the slow turn)

 

This youngster looks like she put on a much older sibling's oversized overcoat this morning.

 

When I moved into my house over 20 years ago, the community was a new build, close to the edge of the city limits. And almost every night when I went to bed, I would be serenaded by the song of the nearby coyotes, something I hear only very occasionally now.

 

So welcome home & please be safe. (The pair were very cautious of waiting for the traffic to clear when navigating the road. Luckily the area is near a school/playground zone, with very few people walking due to the cold weather.)

 

I named her "Bridy". Probably will never recognize her again, even if I spot another local coyote. But Bridy is a girl's name with Irish roots & means "power", "strength", "virtue" and my favourite "the exalted one".

 

And for all those cat owners out there in Calgary, where cats are required to be licensed & kept within their home & backyards, beware. There have been numerous occasions (sometimes when the weather was equally foul) where there has been a cat wandering into my backyard, with a collar & well fed. Definitely not a stray. For any cats allowed to experience their wild side (albeit briefly), they may not be returning home. :(

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-bridy---coyote Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:55:58 GMT
"TINY DANCER" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-tiny-dancer---coyote "TINY DANCER"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Not the song, but the "song dog"! :) 

 

 

The coyote featured in the photos below is probably the smallest young adult coyote I've ever encountered. Most likely the youngest of her siblings born in Spring 2024. She appeared in a previous blog, "Scarf - January 9, 2025" and I had based her gender on her delicate features & size but now having photos that show her lower underbelly, I can say almost 100% certain, Scarf is female.

 

So that takes care of the "Tiny" portion of the title. Onto the "Dancer" part.

 

I had seen Scarf enter a meadow so I followed a parallel path hoping to catch sight of her before she completely disappeared. Much to my surprise, on just the other side of the path, she had stopped to hunt close to a small thicket. And she had obviously had caught the sound/scent of a rodent under the snow. 

 

Scarf may be small in size but she definitely makes up for that in attitude & determination. She tried not once, not twice but three times doing the stand, jump & pounce manoeuvre. In the end, she tried to simply dig under the snow & excavate but to both of our disappointments, no meal.

 

Like foxes, coyotes can jump straight up in the air and plunge headfirst into the snow with their mouths wide open ready for a catch. If successful, they will emerge with a rodent. Because of a coyote's larger size, that jump can be higher, longer & more dramatic than that of a fox's. 

 

The hunting technique is worthy of choreography found in classical dance, incorporating balance, strength and grace, only lasting seconds. Hence, the "dancer" portion of the blog's title.

 

But as with all wildlife, there is no holding onto the past. There is only the now and what other possible prospects there might be in other locations. It was a quick expedition down a bank and along the creek (Photo #7) and then onto hopefully more lucrative hunting successes.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-tiny-dancer---coyote Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:31:35 GMT
"A CHANGE IN SCENERY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-a-change-in-scenery---coyote "A CHANGE IN SCENERY"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

Note: All photography is done from a safe distance & location. The wildlife' s welfare is paramount.

 

Lighting and landscape can play an intricate part in any type of photography and of course, it is entirely at Nature's discretion in the natural world.

 

As wildlife travels in his/her home environment, the eco-system may change.  Depending upon the species, that change can be from grassland to forest within a short distance. Coyotes can live in so many areas because they are generalists, i.e. they are able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of different resources.

 

So within a distance of less than half a kilometre, the coyote left a grassland area (Photo #4 & Photo #5) to enter a small boreal forest (Photo #1 through to Photo #3) and there's nothing like a fallen tree to lie behind & perhaps find a meal.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-a-change-in-scenery---coyote Sun, 02 Feb 2025 04:53:36 GMT
"DEER BUDDIES" - White-Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-deer-buddies---white-tailed-deer "DEER BUDDIES"

White-Tailed Deer - 7 Photos

 

 

A cold and foggy morning & the dry winter vegetation is now partially covered in frozen snow.

 

So what better way to spend some time but having a meal with friends & family and spending a little together time. 

 

There were probably four to five deer in this small herd and I couldn't determine from size and demeanor whether these two were siblings, mother & youngster or relatives but they certainly were enjoying a mutual grooming session. And a friend or relative is a great resource in satisfying those hard to reach places in a thick winter coat.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/2/-deer-buddies---white-tailed-deer Sat, 01 Feb 2025 21:21:04 GMT
"MORNING, SUNSHINE!" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-morning-sunshine---coyote "MORNING, SUNSHINE!"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Note: All photography is done from a safe distance & location. The wildlife's welfare is paramount.

 

So is that "Morning, Sunshine!", i.e. a nickname or "Morning Sunshine!", i.e. the celestial entity at dawn? No matter which, it was a wonderful morning.

 

Any day, any time of the day, any weather condition - provide an opportunity for a coyote photo and I'm there. :)

 

But if you have a handsome coyote, lots of sunshine & a lengthy hunting expedition, it really doesn't get any better. 

 

Believe this is the same coyote featured in the blog, "THE PAWS IN TIME (January 27, 2025)", the young male returning to the same area frequented the day before. And without his small female sibling, he hunted the area at his leisure, giving ample opportunities for photography. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-morning-sunshine---coyote Thu, 30 Jan 2025 01:26:08 GMT
"PAWS IN TIME" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-paws-in-time---coyote "THE PAWS IN TIME"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

NOTE: All photography is done from a safe distance & location. The wildlife's welfare is paramount. 

 

 

The coyote featured in the photographs below was most likely born in the Spring 2024. He appears to be the larger brother of the small young female featured in the blog "Scarf (January 9, 2025)".

 

I had spotted the small female coming into a small wooded area from the ravine & as I began to take some photos, I saw her larger sibling coming in from behind.

 

I believe her sibling to be male because of size (although lanky & leggy) and his more relaxed attitude. While his sister took to to the lead and was only interested in moving along & hunting for a meal, he seemed to have more confidence in taking his time, pausing for a scratch or two (a future blog) and having a more laid back attitude of "no worries, I'll catch you up", which he eventually did (but in no great hurry). The two proceeded back to the top of the ridge and out of sight.

 

They appear to have a bond, which would make sense if they are siblings, but not the close bond that I've seen in siblings from other families when the two youngsters are both sisters of the same age. 

 

Later in the afternoon, he returned to the same wooded area for a quick meal or two and then retired slightly up the ridge for some R & R (Rest & Relaxation). He must have been there just chilling out for at least 20 minutes before rousing himself and heading back up the ridge. Last year when I had repeated sightings of three young coyotes (two female, one male), I had seen them on a few occasions finding a safe refuge on a hill in the tall prairie grasses and napping for a similar length of time. 

 

I have yet to see large mature adult coyotes indulge in napping during the day at such length so perhaps this is something the youngsters need or like to do to replenish their energy and work on their endurance.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-paws-in-time---coyote Mon, 27 Jan 2025 23:29:49 GMT
"CHANGING SKIES" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-changing-skies---bald-eagle "CHANGING SKIES"

Bald Eagle (Adult) - 7 Photos

 

The photos that follow were taken over a period of approximately one hour. 

 

Same tree, same eagle but a changing sky. The morning began overcast, then changed to breaking clouds with the sunlight pushing through (Photo #1 through to Photo #4) and finally a completely clear blue sky (Photo #5 through to Photo #7). Alberta, Canada certainly has its share of almost shocking blue skies, particularly on crisp cold Winter mornings.

 

Am not certain if this eagle is male or female. Without his/her mate nearby, it's difficult to judge size but am thinking the eagle is male, as on his own, he seems to be on the small side.

 

A relaxing time for a bird of prey and a somewhat relaxing morning for me. I say somewhat relaxing as the eagle knows what his agenda is but I had to keep the camera aimed & ready, with a finger on the camera's shutter, waiting for that change in movement.

 

And after some grooming & surveying of the landscape, there was a period of stretching & clenching & unclenching of talons, before the eventual departure.

 

 PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-changing-skies---bald-eagle Thu, 23 Jan 2025 03:20:01 GMT
"BACK TO THE WILD" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-back-to-the-wild---coyote "BACK TO THE WILD"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

This is a follow up to the blog of January 13, 2025, "They Haven't Moved Into Our Neighbourhoods, We've Moved Into Theirs" and features the same coyote.

 

Having exhausted the hunting possibilities along the fence line & tired of being harassed by the Black-billed Magpies, the coyote exited the meadow and headed back to "where the wild ones are" (Photo #1 through Photo #3).

 

He/she had to pass by some outbuildings before moving into more of a wilderness area but although not exactly what I would prefer for a backdrop, it did provide some stark contrasting for the coyote as he/she moved across (Photo #4 through Photo #7).

 

And then a return to an area which would hopefully provide more food success and perhaps, a meet up with other family members.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-back-to-the-wild---coyote Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:09:07 GMT
"THEY HAVEN'T MOVED INTO OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS, WE'VE MOVED INTO THEIRS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-they-havent-moved-into-our-neighbourhoods-we-ve-moved-into-theirs---coyote "THEY HAVEN'T MOVED INTO OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS -

WE'VE MOVED INTO THEIRS" 

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

The photos that follow were taken where a natural area meets a residential area. 

 

I've recently seen & take exception to several reports from local news media of wildlife (eg. cougars, etc.) approaching homes inaccurately in the Calgary area. In fact, many of these reported sightings are in areas between 35 to 45 kilometres from The City of Calgary. The same news reports actually name, later on in those articles,  the specific towns where the sightings took place and they are in the vicinity of natural/wilderness areas close to or in the foothills of the mountains.

 

Now I'm assuming many of the individuals who move to these areas are looking for a refuge "in nature" from city living's hustle & bustle. However, some appear to bring their ideas of the city to the outskirts and are shocked when they encounter wildlife in their backyards. What they fail to appreciate is the fact that the wildlife is not entering their backyards but actually, we have moved into wildlife's neighbourhoods. As we continue to build more communities in these wild spaces, we push wildlife further out and into ever shrinking natural habitats.

 

As a wildlife photographer, I am envious of these sightings, particularly if they could be seen from the comfort of a living room. So although one might have to modify some habits (such as letting your pets out in the backyard now with supervision), I believe the rewards of watching wildlife in their natural habitat could far exceed the inconvenience.

 

 

The coyote had been close to the road that enters to the park. He/she crossed the road, did a quick reconnaissance of the area and then returned to the woods where he/she had originated. 

 

I followed the path along where the coyote had disappeared but soon realized that with the thickness of fir trees, location was going to be difficult. 

 

But then I heard the magpies close-by, followed the sound and yep, there was the coyote hunting in the clearing along the fence line. I actually like magpies. I once heard them referred to as "Alberta Parrots" as they are quite colourful. And yes, they can be very chatty but I use magpies as my "C.I.'s" or Confidential Informants. They like to follow coyotes looking for a chance of a free meal (albeit leftovers) and they are not shy of a quick peck with their beaks either for a tease or protection of a nest.

 

I find Photo #2 particularly amusing as it appears as if the magpie in the left corner of the photo is trying to move away as discreetly as possible, with a nonchalant attitude of "Wasn't me that informed on you". 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-they-havent-moved-into-our-neighbourhoods-we-ve-moved-into-theirs---coyote Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:10:42 GMT
"SCARF" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-scarf---coyote "SCARF"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Now why would a blog featuring coyotes be titled "Scarf"?

 

It's not about the winter accessory but more of the appearance of the coyote.

 

This coyote is probably the smallest I've ever encountered, most likely the smallest of the pups born to this particular family, the Spring 2024. And because of the size of the head, body & shorter legs, I'm going to go with female gender. (The coyote who I photographed earlier this month, "Now You See The Coyote, Now You Don't" - Jan 3, 2025, because of the closeness in location to this smaller one, is probably a sibling.) These coyotes belong to a new family for me, in a totally different area.

 

So why "scarf"? Having walked along the path, the little coyote took to the edge of the woods and I thought had proceeded down the long hill, from where she had come up. So I turned back & was just about to move on when from behind the woods, up popped, "Scarf". Coyote out thinks & out manoeuvres human again.  I managed to capture two face on shots (Photo #1 & Photo #2). It's her ruff (the "collar" of fur & skin that bunches round the throat) that is almost triangular in shape and resembles a scarf tied around the neck.

 

And although intent on checking out the surrounding fir trees & area for potential food (with magpies hot on her heels), she remained alert but cautious & wary, all very good traits which will be beneficial for this young coyote as she matures (Photo #4 through Photo #7).

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-scarf---coyote Thu, 09 Jan 2025 21:59:06 GMT
"ALMOST FIVE" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-almost-five---bald-eagle "ALMOST FIVE"

Bald Eagle - 6 Photos

 

 

Bald eagles achieve their white heads & full adult plumage at approximately 5 to 5 1/2 years of age and the eagle highlighted in the photos below is just on the cusp, most likely 4 1/2 years old.

 

His/her head almost appears to be slightly soiled with a muddy like streak from the eyes to the back of the head, so we are almost there.

 

Bald eagles may mate at the age of 4 years so perhaps this bird of prey has or is looking to court a partner. It will be a long & lifetime partnership if it is successful so hopefully he/she will choose well. :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-almost-five---bald-eagle Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:42:13 GMT
"THE TRILOGY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-the-trilogy---coyote "THE TRILOGY"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

The photos below may appear to have been developed with a "vignette effect" (a photograph which fades into its background without a definite border). 

 

However, in this instance, the vignette is, in fact, created by the camera focusing on the subject (the coyote) with the surrounding foliage blurring into the background.

 

Was walking along on a path looking for Bald Eagles, when surveying the areas something just seemed to be "one of these things just isn't like the others". Only in this case, one of those things wasn't a thing but a mammal, a coyote.

 

I took a closer look and there was the coyote peering out from behind the dried grasses & shrubs. You could almost see the "darn - busted" expression (Photo #5). Managed to move along the path so I could get a clearer less obstructed view and watched a very relaxed coyote, sit down, have a scratch or two and survey the area (Photo #1 through 5)

 

And then it became more evident of what or who the coyote was looking for, when two of family members came along behind. As everyone well knows, wildlife does not take directorial suggestions & a whispered "down in front" fell on deaf ears. So Photo #6 is a photo of the two coyotes entering the area, with a blurred outline of the third coyote; hence the title "The Trilogy".

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5 - "BUSTED!"

PHOTO #6 - "DOWN IN FRONT, PLEASE!"

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-the-trilogy---coyote Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:10:24 GMT
"THE SMALLEST HAVE THE BIGGEST ATTITUDE" - Red Squirrel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-the-smallest-have-the-biggest-attitude---red-squirrel "THE SMALLEST HAVE THE BIGGEST ATTITUDE"

Red Squirrel - 7 Photos

 

I have found that the smallest of wildlife have some of the biggest attitudes. The Long-Tailed Weasel & the Mink come immediately to mind. If they do take the time to pause & look at you, it's that look, "Yeah, want to make something of it!"

 

I found the Red Squirrel that I had photographed in a previous blog (Dec 8, 2024 - "Are You A Morning Person") on the same tree. Red Squirrels are extremely territorial so I knew it had to be the same one.  I had been walking along, thinking I had not seen much all day, including the usual chickadees, etc., when up popped "Red", who immediately disappeared into the fir tree.

 

And perhaps it was because he/she thought it was a safe refuge so spent a few minutes, grooming, scratching & looking squirrel cute. Then it was a quick jump over to a neighbouring tree.

 

Red Squirrels are not only territorial but have been described as feisty so as I proceeded along, I heard for the first time that unmistakable sound of squirrel scolding. "Now hang on a minute - I've been here for a short time now and now you are giving me the scolding! It's a bit late now to warn everyone of intruders."

 

And then I thought, "Maybe it wasn't a warning but a send -off." Perhaps in Red Squirrel speak it was, "You've got your photos, now get lost!!" :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-the-smallest-have-the-biggest-attitude---red-squirrel Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:31:20 GMT
"NOW YOU SEE THE COYOTE, NOW YOU DON'T" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-now-you-see-the-coyote-now-you-dont---coyote "NOW YOU SEE THE COYOTE, NOW YOU DON'T"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

 

If you ever wondered why one minute, you see a coyote in the landscape & the next minute, the coyote has totally disappeared, the photos below may explain why.

 

The coyote was first spotted heading across a meadow and I assumed he/she was aiming for the hill not far away. I thought I might be able to get some photos if I got to the bottom of the incline before the coyote proceeded up the steep slope.

 

So I quickly walked up to the woods edging the bottom all the while looking up, when suddenly from within the woods, the coyote shied away and began to make a quick stage left.  My initial reaction to spooking wildlife is to apologize. They may not understand the words but hopefully they comprehend the tone, and can defer that no harm is intended.

 

So for once it worked and the coyote stopped and turned to resume his/her original path but not before pausing in a small clearing, providing an opportunity for a clear shot (Photo #1).

 

And then it was back to making his/her way up the ridge through the prairie grasses (Photo #2 through Photo #5), where from a distance, the coyote would blend into the surroundings, donning that wildlife cloak of invisibility. 

 

And then it was up across the top where he/she disappeared out of sight, this time legitimately. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2025/1/-now-you-see-the-coyote-now-you-dont---coyote Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:09:00 GMT
"WHERE DID YOU GO?" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-where-did-you-go---coyote "WHERE DID YOU GO?"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

So carrying on from the "Christmas Coyote" blog (December 28th, 2024), the second coyote having briefly scouted the area for her sibling (Photo #1), turned and made her way to a small clearing.

 

And what does one do when you are waiting for someone, well you take the weight off and sit down (Photo #2 through Photo #5).

 

She obviously expected her sibling to return shortly as there she sat for at least five minutes. I know one shouldn't anthropomorphize, but all that is missing in Photo #6 is the quivering lip. There's nothing sadder than being left behind. :) :(

 

And then she got up and moved on (Photo #7) and yes, I did see them paired again some time later from a distance.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4 

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-where-did-you-go---coyote Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:54 GMT
"CHRISTMAS COYOTE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-christmas-coyote---coyote "CHRISTMAS COYOTE"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

An opportunity to photograph a young coyote in his/her natural environment would have been on my Christmas wish list if I thought that it could be possible.

 

But wishes sometimes can come true.

 

Christmas morning I spotted a coyote hidden mostly by dried marsh grasses & bulrushes, hunting on a frozen pond. Walked quickly around the pond to where I thought the coyote would exit. From a safe distance, I had just started to adjust my camera settings, when up from the pond & out of the trees, exploded a White-Tailed deer doe at full speed. Wait for it and less than five seconds later, the doe was followed by the coyote. The coyote's exit, like the deer's, was so quick, I didn't have any opportunity to take a shot.

 

So as I turned to try to find where the coyote had gone, coming down the path was a second coyote, obviously intent on following her sibling. I say "her" because I've seen these two before and like the two (from a different family) I photographed earlier in the year, they appear to have a special bond. Where there is one, the other is usually not far away. From their size & leggy looks, they are most likely this year's youngsters.

 

Another blog will shortly follow, highlighting photos of this same coyote and documenting what happened next.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-christmas-coyote---coyote Sun, 29 Dec 2024 03:15:17 GMT
"WE ARE AS ONE" - Bald Eagles https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-we-are-as-one---bald-eagles "WE ARE AS ONE"

Bald Eagles - 8 Photos

 

Yep, that time of the year has rolled around again.

 

No, I'm not talking about Christmas and the holiday period. :)  It's that time when eagles court & confirm their partnerships for hopefully another success of egg laying & rearing of chicks.

 

Having spotted an eagle in a tree, from a distance I thought that this was one extremely large eagle, particularly lengthwise. As I got close, I realized that it was not one eagle but two adult Bald Eagles, one directly behind the other. The second eagle was on a slightly lower branch, which gave the illusion of the extraordinary length. 

 

At first, there were only quick glimpses of the second eagle from behind his/her partner, so I concentrated on the eagle directly in front (Photo # 1). (The back view would have provided a better sighting of the second eagle but unfortunately, it was obscured by branches & shooting would have been directly into the sun.) Finally the second eagle began grooming and leaned out from the back (Photo #2)

 

And then their vocalizations began. If you have never heard the courtship of two adult eagles, do a web search. It has to be one of the most endearing, if not unexpected sounds in Nature.

 

As always, it was too brief but Photo #3 to Photo #6 show the body language of the eagles as they exchange their "vows". I believe this to be a mature pair so for them it was a re-affirmation of their commitment to each other. The "pairing" ended with the departure of the first eagle (Photo #7 & Photo #8)

 

So fingers crossed, come Spring another eagle nest will be full of new arrivals.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-we-are-as-one---bald-eagles Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:08:37 GMT
"SLOW & STEADY" - Porcupine https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-slow-steady---porcupine "SLOW & STEADY"

Porcupine - 4 Photos

 

Porcupines can move faster than one might think, particularly if they are on the forest floor & trying to navigate to the safety of the next tree.

 

Then there is the pause in tall grasses at the bottom of tree, where there is no distinguishing from vegetation and quills, before literally hustling across open ground.

 

And finally there is the slow motion action of a porcupine moving across a tree branch from the base of the trunk to a spot further away from the tree but more conducive to napping (Photo #1 through Photo #4).

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-slow-steady---porcupine Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:29:51 GMT
"THE EAGLE TREE" - Bald Eagle (Adult) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-the-eagle-tree---bald-eagle-adult "THE EAGLE TREE"

Bald Eagle (Adult) - 7 Photos

 

From a distance, I could see what looked like an eagle in a tree, close to the river. Checked with the camera's viewfinder & thought I could make out two heads.

 

A decision then was made to make the 20 minute trek across the snow to reach the tree, all the while hoping that the eagles remained perched. 5 minutes in, one of the eagles flew from the tree, across the meadow and disappeared, but not before I caught sight of that distinctive white head.

 

With one eagle remaining, I tried not to get my hopes up and kept on walking, managed to reach the tree & there sitting on a clear branch, was another adult. So this had been a pair and with courtship season quickly approaching, the two most likely had been exchanging conversation.

 

But luckily, the remaining eagle was quite content for half an hour to survey the waterfowl before flying down river. At no time was there any grooming, so I assume hunting for food was on the agenda.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-the-eagle-tree---bald-eagle-adult Sun, 15 Dec 2024 03:34:46 GMT
"TAKE A SNOW DAY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-take-a-snow-day---coyote "TAKE A SNOW DAY"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

 

WARNING: Some individuals may find the following content disturbing.

 

PLEASE NOTE ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN FROM A SAFE DISTANCE & LOCATION USING A 900 MM LENS EQUIVALENT.

 

When humans take a snow day, it generally means taking a day off from work or school because of heavy snow conditions.

 

When a snow day presents itself to a coyote, it's a day to take advantage of the conditions in the pursuit of food, whether that be solo or with other family members.

 

I saw the first coyote on my initial foray into the meadow. In fact, we actually arrived at the same time just by different routes. And it was a quick stage right for the coyote as he/she acknowledged my presence (Photo #1)

 

So I sat down on a fallen tree, in hopes that the coyote (or any coyote would return). Well no coyote returned to that area but eventually I saw not one but two coyotes coming down from the back ridge. And then I noticed a large number of magpies heading in the same direction. I like to call magpies my "CI's" or my Confidential Informants. When a large number gather and become excited, it can mean there is a predator like an owl or a weasel in the vicinity or even a coyote who has caught a meal and the magpies want a share.

 

So I trekked back to where I had seen the coyotes heading and there in the far part of the meadow, close to the ridge, hidden in the grasses were four coyotes standing over a dead mule deer. In the tree close to the footpath, were at least 11 magpies. Every so often a magpie would fly from the tree, across the meadow to harass the coyotes and try to grab some of the meal. 

 

I have included only one photo of one of the coyotes with the magpies and the unfortunate dead mule deer (which you can only just make out through the grasses) - Photo #7. Eventually, all coyotes left except one. When the final coyote left, he/she was carrying (if anyone is squeamish, stop reading here) a deer head, probably back to a den where a coyote could eat in peace.

 

It was at this stage that it dawned on me that the deer kill was most likely the result of a cougar attack. Even a family of coyotes would have difficulty severing the head of a large deer. There have been cougar sightings in this and other areas. So the cougar having had his/her fill, the remains were left for the clean-up crew, including the coyotes.

 

So although a very sad day for this doe mule deer, nothing goes wasted with wildlife, from the largest to the smallest, everyone would have had full stomachs that day.

 

Photo #2 through Photo #6 are of the second to last coyote to return to the woods that day. And although, he/she returned empty handed, the evidence of the meal is in the slightly red tinge around the coyote's head & jaw. And although the light was extremely flat and the day overcast, the magnificence of this canid pushes through.

 

Nature is a hard task master for both prey & predator but there is always balance. For every successful hunt, there are many more instances where the hunted escapes unscathed. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-take-a-snow-day---coyote Wed, 11 Dec 2024 04:19:27 GMT
"ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON?" - Red Squirrel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-are-you-a-morning-person---red-squirrel "ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON?"

Red Squirrel - 7 Photos

 

Some of us are morning people and some of us, just aren't and a late start to the day is preferable. 

 

I saw this little Red Squirrel earlier in the morning and although he/she was in close proximity, was just not interested in pausing long enough to have a photo or two taken.

 

So having spent most of the morning & part of the afternoon trying to track down a Long-Tailed Weasel that I had very briefly seen (unsuccessful), I returned to the area where I had seen the squirrel earlier. And yes, there he/she was on the same tree but obviously had tended to his/her previous business and was much more willing to take time out for some photo opportunities.

 

And if one is in any doubt that Nature has a heart, look carefully at the small tree stump to the left of the squirrel in Photo #7. Now it may just be the angle or a trick of the light, but that looks like a small heart naturally appearing in the bark. The shape was mostly likely created by a natural shedding of bark. (The stump is accessible by only wildlife so that eliminates the human element.)

 

And as for that squirrel, I suppose this particular one is best approached later in the day if photography is on the agenda.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-are-you-a-morning-person---red-squirrel Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:34:11 GMT
"THE DAY OF THE AMERICAN JACKAL" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-the-day-of-the-american-jackal---coyote "THE DAY OF THE AMERICAN JACKAL"

Coyote - 10 Photos

 

The coyote is also known as the American Jackal, along with Bush Wolf or Prairie Wolf.

 

It was late afternoon when the following photos were taken. Although I would prefer a side or frontal view of the hunting sequence, the photos from behind give a different perspective to the athletic ability of the coyote. 

 

Like the fox, there is a sequence of the freeze while the coyote pinpoints the exact location under the snow of the vole/mouse (Photo #1), the stand (Photo #2), the take-off (Photo #3) and then the subsequent curl (Photo #4 through Photo #6) before landing and yes, the success (Photo #7 through Photo #9). (That is a rodent's tail extending from the coyote's mouth in Photo #8). 

 

And for reference purposes, Photo #10 is a photo taken several years ago, when I was fortunate to capture a frontal view of a coyote's take-off.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

PHOTO #10

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-the-day-of-the-american-jackal---coyote Sat, 07 Dec 2024 02:58:31 GMT
"ARE YOU MY MOTHER?" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-are-you-my-mother---muskrat "ARE YOU MY MOTHER?"

Muskrat - 6 Photos

 

Have used the title of the book for young children by P.D. Eastman, "Are You My Mother" but there's probably no doubt here that these interactions in the photos below are of a mother muskrat & her offspring.

 

Usually there is a challenge over log space among members of a muskrat family, generally one giving way for the other. With the exception of males in the Spring fighting for females, muskrats appear to prefer to give way or "go with the flow". (I've included a photo (Photo #6) taken Spring 2023 of two (I assume) male muskrats going at it face to face, with teeth displayed, over mating rights. Although small in stature, you definitely would not want to provoke a muskrat who decided to take the fight over flight action.)

 

But Photo #1 through Photo #5 only show a gentleness of a youngster trying to gain his/her mother's attention. You can see the difference in sizes & colourings, even in the photo taken just at sunset (Photo #5). And mother/offspring relationship aside, when it comes to food, there is no sharing when little ones are big enough to find their own. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/12/-are-you-my-mother---muskrat Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:05:31 GMT
"WINTER'S BLANK CANVAS - ALMOST!" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-winters-blank-canvas---almost---coyote "WINTER'S BLANK CANVAS - ALMOST"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

In one day's snowfall with over 20 cm of snow, Autumn became Winter overnight, even though it has not yet "officially" arrived. December 21st, 2024 marks the Winter Solstice and the beginning of Winter.

 

So with the landscape completed covered in deep snow, the ground becomes a blank white canvas, with the exception of some small protruding grasses/branches and one coyote who having made his/her way down the ridge, decided to take a short time-out from hunting. 

 

And the pause developed into a sitting position, giving opportunities for the coyote to survey the landscape & tend to an itch or two. And then it was back to the task at paw and a disappearance into the surrounding woods.

 

The coyote in the following photos looks particularly striking as he/she provides the only colour and definitive shape. At first glance, one might even think the canid has been photoshopped into the shots but literally what you see is what was actually there, including the few meagre grasses popping through the snow cover.

 

Nature definitely believed in the old adage, "less is more" in this instance when painting her canvas.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-winters-blank-canvas---almost---coyote Sun, 01 Dec 2024 03:36:03 GMT
"IN PLAIN VIEW" - Great Horned Owl https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-in-plain-view---great-horned-owl "IN PLAIN VIEW"

Great Horned Owl - 7 Photos

 

All owls have amazing camouflage and the Great Horned Owl is no exception.

 

This owl was perched in a tree on a branch not more than 25 feet from the ground and the tree itself right next to a paved path. Albeit surrounded by branches from the rear side of the owl, the owl's profile was clear from the opposite side. 

 

Now the human traffic along the path was not heavy but of those who passed by, perhaps less than 1% actually spotted the owl. 

 

I took two sets of photos, one set in the morning & one in the afternoon and quickly left for more isolated locations in both instances for other wildlife viewing, avoiding any people interactions. I checked back closer to sunset and the owl had left for other destinations.

 

Perhaps, it was a case of not being able to clearly see from the back side, unless you knew what to look for and from the front side, the owl was hidden because of a slight bend and once you rounded that bend, one was too close to see the owl directly above.

 

So one magnificent Great Horned Owl hidden in plain view.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-in-plain-view---great-horned-owl Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:14:08 GMT
"KEEPING UP APPEARANCES" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-keeping-up-appearances---muskrat "KEEPING UP APPEARANCES"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

 

I lost track of who was who in the muskrat traffic and the ongoing disputes over log space but needless to say, how cute is any muskrat in the stages of grooming?

 

With their tiny front hands, they can take on the appearance of shyness or meditation or reflection (Photo #1 through Photo #4).

 

Their back feet are so useful in reaching those hard to get places to satisfy an itch or finish a grooming (Photo #5 through Photo #6).

 

And then there is that pose which just demands the caption, "I'm just so darn adorable", (Photo #7). Like the beaver, the muskrat is a member of the rodent family but that can be all forgotten when viewing muskrats close up.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-keeping-up-appearances---muskrat Sat, 23 Nov 2024 18:45:44 GMT
"MORE SIBLING, LESS TWIN" - Mule Deer (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-more-sibling-less-twin---mule-deer-immature "MORE SIBLING, LESS TWIN"

Mule Deer (Immature) - 6 Photos

 

The twin fawns in the photos below have been featured in two previous blogs, "IF YOU ARE SEEING DOUBLE WITH SPOTS" (Aug 29, 2024) & "SPOTS, SPOTS & MORE SPOTS" (Aug 1, 2024). 

 

One may wonder how a person could identify this particular two & their mother from other deer families. This family is consistently in the same area at the same time and until recently with the re-appearance of the bucks, they are generally on their own. I was somewhat concerned when I first saw the mother doe in early Summer, that although energetic & always available to her fawns for a milk feed, she was quite thin. She appears to be quite a mature doe, which probably explains the twin birth and which is most likely the reason for her condition. First there would have been the duration of the pregnancy & carrying twins, followed by the feeding of two youngsters. Even with the lush vegetation of Summer, all that nutrition would have been passed onto her fawns.

 

But now it is November and the fawns are eating adult food or at least should be and their mother is a healthy weight. Unfortunately, it happened within seconds so the following couldn't be caught on camera. The female fawn spotted her mother across the creek. She jumped over, ran up to her mother's side and immediately tried to feed at the milk bar. Her brother, although a fair distance away, like all siblings, wasn't going to miss out on such an opportunity. If his sister was going to partake, so was he and bounded across the meadow to reach his mother's other side. But Mum wasn't going to have any of that so she half jumped, half crawled over her youngsters and set them straight. Naughty children!

 

Reviewing the photos, one can now see not only the size difference in male & female fawns, but also "himself" is now showing the beginning of the crown where his antler set will eventually rest and tiny little antler buds appearing (Photo #3 through to Photo #5). His sister definitely has a softer and more refined face of a doe (Photo #1 & Photo #2).

 

And bad news, children, your mother has already been courted by one of the largest mule deer bucks and most likely next year, there will be at least one, if not more fawns, occupying your mother's attention.

 

I have included in the last photo (Photo #6) for comparisons, the shot taken in early August 2024 of the two youngsters, already showing a size difference and of course, all decked out in their spots.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-more-sibling-less-twin---mule-deer-immature Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:19:34 GMT
"IT'S ROCKY THE FLYING SQUIRREL. NO, IT'S AQUA SQUIRREL" - Red Squirrel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-its-rocky-the-flying-squirrel-no-it-s-aqua-squirrel---red-squirrel "IT'S ROCKY THE FLYING SQUIRREL - NO, IT'S AQUA SQUIRREL!"

Red Squirrel - 6 Photos

 

So it was a warm Autumn afternoon, watching muskrats and then this Red Squirrel came down from a tree top and scampered over to a semi-submerged log in the creek.

 

He/she hesitated for a few moments and then ran down to the end of the log and the creek, thought better of it and ran/flew back to a a suitable platform for contemplation (Photo #2). 

 

For all of those who remember the cartoon, "Rocky & Bullwinkle", featuring Rocky the Flying Squirrel & his companion, Bullwinkle the Moose, yes squirrels can indeed fly (Photo #1).

 

The squirrel sat still for at least a minute and then proceeded down the log and after a few seconds of hesitation, stepped into the water and swam across the creek to the meadow on the far side (Photo #3 through to Photo #6). Like most mammals, squirrels can swim but it certainly was a moment of "are you kidding me". There is an area of land close to where the creek ends, not that far away and could easily be navigated by a small squirrel.

 

And about half an hour later, I saw the squirrel return to the original tree, this time by the dry land at the creek's end. I suppose one cold dip on an Autumn day was enough for any Red Squirrel. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-its-rocky-the-flying-squirrel-no-it-s-aqua-squirrel---red-squirrel Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:21:10 GMT
"GET YOUR SKATES ON, MINK! - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-get-your-skates-on-mink---mink-north-american "GET YOUR SKATES ON, MINK!"

Mink (North American) - 4 Photos

 

"Get your skates on" is mainly a British saying, which basically means "hurry up".

 

The mink was bouncing back and forth between open water & the ice covered creek. The ice shelf allowed for some quick photo shots, before it was back to business (i.e. fishing) for the mink and disappearing into the grassy shore.

 

With much colder temperatures, it definitely is a matter of "hurry up", mink, before the entire creek freezes over & it's a return to the cold waters of the Bow River for fishing expeditions.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-get-your-skates-on-mink---mink-north-american Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:49:11 GMT
"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-love-is-in-the-air---mule-deer "LOVE IS IN THE AIR"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

 

 

Note: Some blog content may not be suitable for all readers.

 

It's early November and love is definitely in the air for the Mule Deer in Alberta.

 

Although barely visible through the thickets & shrubbery, there were two mature male bucks resting & digesting at opposite ends of the meadow, each with his own doe. 

 

As the afternoon drew in, one doe roused to her feet & began grazing, but not before relieving herself close to her buck. It was somewhat amusing seeing the buck turn to watch the doe & then after a few seconds and with a bit of straining, rose to his feet, walked over and sniffed the wet patch of grass. There was a lift of the head, a lip curl & obviously a "no go" as the buck returned to his reclining position (Photo #1 & Photo #2)

 

In rut, male deer will curl back their top lips to expose what is commonly referred to as the "Jacobson's organ", situated in the roof of their mouths. The retracting of the top lip allows for the transportation of the female's pheromones into the Jacobson's organ for determination by the buck as to whether the female is ready to mate.

 

For this buck, it seemed to be a question of "I don't think so but I suppose I should check it out just in case" and then "false alarm". But no matter, where the doe goes the buck will sure to follow. And across the meadow, over the creek and into the adjacent meadow, there was more lip curling (Photo #3 through Photo #7), some chasing off of much younger males (probably 2 to 3 year olds). The boldness & foolishness of youth. And finally a return to reclining in the grass for the pair.

 

There still is time and opportunity, although female deer are only in heat for approximately 30 hours. The fact that the doe ties herself closely to the buck demonstrates an amicable arrangement. In fact, last year I did witness an actual mating. Just prior to the buck taking "the position", having pursued the doe into the meadow, the doe turned, nuzzled the buck and took some time to check out his "underparts" before consummating the joining. Thus demonstrating a consensual relationship. The doe will not breed until she is ready.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/11/-love-is-in-the-air---mule-deer Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:45:14 GMT
"LIGHTING AT NATURE'S DISCRETION" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-lighting-at-natures-discretion---porcupine-north-american "LIGHTING AT NATURE'S DISCRETION"

Porcupine (North American) - 5 Photos

 

The photos that follow were taken on the same day, from mid-morning to late afternoon, i.e. after sunrise and just before sunset.

 

When I locate a porcupine, in order for me to capture some of his/her more intimate moments, I prefer to hunker down nearby into the woods, under the cover of grasses & shrubbery and spend a quiet day just watching & observing. 

 

This particular day I did have a few feathered visitors, a White-Breasted Nuthatch & a few Black-Capped Chickadees, who repeatedly flew in at the beginning of the day and landed on very nearby tree branches and gave me the once over each time. I was not eating at the time & I do not feed any wildlife so I wondered if they were wondering what a "two-legged" was doing lying in the grass. "Not something you see everyday", they must have thought.:)

 

Although the forecast was for a cloudy day, the clouds soon dispersed resulting in a mostly sunny day. I wonder how the porcupine knew it was going to be a good day for sun basking?

 

So it was a day of napping, scratching/grooming & finally napping again (for the porcupine). With regard to Photo #4, I only wish I was that flexible, i.e. able to place my leg behind my ear. There is a position in yoga, called "downward dog". How about "downward porcupine" for another variation???

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4 

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-lighting-at-natures-discretion---porcupine-north-american Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:56:44 GMT
"MORNING GLORY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-morning-glory---coyote "MORNING GLORY"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

At first glance, I was unsure as to which member of this particular family of coyotes this might have been.

 

Definitely wasn't one of the newest members - not leggy & lanky enough.

 

The following photos were taken mid-morning but later in the afternoon, the coyote returned to the same area and fortunately, took up a posture that I recognized. Foxy (named for her striking red colouring), a female coyote born in Spring 2023 has a unique habit of working an area and then sitting several times mid-hunt. Having first seen this, I thought she might have been tired or resting from a long hunt but having watched her on hunts with her other siblings, where she definitely had not trouble keeping up, it dawned on me. Foxy is a thinker. The pauses aren't that long but you can see her surveying the surrounding landscape prior to launching her next strategy.

 

Her scouting/hunting technique that morning, where she circled the woods several times investigating for potential prey, crossing the creek at the dam (something I've noticed that only Foxy executes) together with an attitude of indifference secured the identification. (For the record, this coyote isn't bold, far from it but while maintaining a safe & respectful distance, she goes on with her search with a certain intenseness.) 

 

(See earlier blog "The Crossing" of March 26, 2024 for photos of Foxy's previous dam crossing.)

 

More confident & a little heavier, this young coyote has weathered her first year and now appears to be more than able to meet her second Winter head on.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-morning-glory---coyote Sun, 27 Oct 2024 23:17:58 GMT
"THE GOOD, THE BAD & UGLY" - Wandering Garter Snake & Prussian Carp https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-the-good-the-bad-ugly---wandering-garter-snake-prussian-carp "THE GOOD, THE BAD & UGLY"

Wandering Garter Snake & Prussian Carp - 9 Photos

 

Snake versus fish - Assume there are many out there (particularly those who have a fear of snakes) who would rally behind the fish but snakes are often maligned. History has depicted them as evil and slippery; hence the term "slippery as a snake" which means to be devious, scheming and untrustworthy (Photo #1 through Photo #5)

 

But the good in this blog refers to the Wandering Garter Snake, a native species & the bad & ugly, the invasive Prussian Carp, a wild goldfish that was introduced into Alberta in the early 2000's (Photo #6 through Photo #9).  

 

DAY ONE

The Bad & Ugly - The Prussian Carp is a harmful invasive species that invades eco-systems and poses severe threats to aquatic habitats & native fish populations. They can spawn up to 3 times a year & the females can reproduce asexually by using the sperm of other fish species to activate egg development, which is why they have become so prolific in such a short time in Alberta's waterways. 

 

And the Carp were back in the business of spawning, dozens of them, settling into the small pools among the rocks. Where there was no way through, fish jumped up from the gap between the rocks and eventually made their way back down again. Some did try to make futile attempts to re-enter the pond from where they came. One can only hope that their journey downstream to the Bow River through the system of storm ponds & beaver dams would be unsuccessful, perhaps with some help from predators (mink, herons, etc.).  

 

DAY TWO

The Good - The Wandering Garter Snake, is a native Albertan and considered a sensitive species. They consume a variety of prey from slugs, leeches to tadpoles, frogs and small fish, etc. 

 

I was walking on a small grassy footpath next to a creek & as I am a bit of a klutz, I kept a close watch on the path ahead of me. And there he/she was right in the middle of this walk through. At first because of his/her stillness, my heart sank & I thought the snake had expired, but a gentle touch with a small twig brought a flicker of the snake's tongue. So I sat down some distance away and both of us warmed up in the bright sunshine. I assume due to the length of time the snake was willing to bask in the sun, the reptile had been chilled by the 0 degree Celsius temperatures in the morning.

 

Although the trail is not a main path, it is frequented by walkers (some with dogs) and cyclists. I knew that when I left there was a significant chance that the snake could come to harm so I plucked up courage and gently moved the little reptile to a flat rock nestled in the grass and warmed from the sun, less than a couple of feet from the trail but on a small downward slope. Once placed on the rock, the snake slithered away into the surrounding grass. 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-the-good-the-bad-ugly---wandering-garter-snake-prussian-carp Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:55:18 GMT
"FISH TALES" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-fish-tales---mink-north-american "FISH TALES"

Mink (North American) - 5 Photos

 

If not grooming, this busy mink was fishing in the pond trying to catch that great score.

 

Although there appeared to be a great deal of fish activity (fish bubbles & brief surface appearances) and multiple mink dives & resurfaces, the mink repeatedly came up empty handed (Photo #1 through Photo #3).

 

And then finally, up popped the mink with a large prize in his mouth (Photo #4). Although fish shaped (it even has a "tail") and would have had similar movement under the water because of currents,  the mink quickly realized (as I eventually did) that this, unfortunately, was not the fish catch of the day but a submerged piece of tree bark. 

 

One would wonder how such a successful predator could make such an error but to give the mink his dues, the water in the pond is quite murky and with the shape of the bark & the illusion of swimming due to water movement, any fisherman probably would have been fooled.

 

But as this is not recreational fishing and food is the end game, the mink went back to it. A few more unsuccessful attempts and then it was upstream to the river (Photo #5), where hopefully fish were more easily caught.

 

 

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-fish-tales---mink-north-american Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:56:15 GMT
"OUGHTA BE BUT NOT AN OTTER" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-oughta-be-but-not-an-otter---mink-north-american "OUGHTA BE BUT NOT AN OTTER"

Mink (North American) - 9 Photos

 

 

The small cousin of the otter and also a member of the mustelid family, this is not an otter but a large mink caught in the act of grooming his fur. I say "he" because of the mink's size and bravado.

 

Although very intent on catching fish (a future blog), there was definitely some time spent out of the water, grooming and re-oiling fur, involving a great deal of rubbing (Photo #6) and smoothing to maintain a healthy and waterproof coat. Like the eagle & her feathers ("Good Housekeeping - September 25, 2024 blog), the mink's coat is a valuable asset in being able to hunt/fish successfully, waterproofing being just one of the coat's attributes.

 

And it certainly doesn't hurt that all that grooming promotes good looks.

 

All lighting and background supplied by Nature at her discretion (i.e. changes from some sun to cloudy conditions). 

 

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PHOTO #6 - Using the log as a rough brush

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-oughta-be-but-not-an-otter---mink-north-american Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:35:39 GMT
"ALBERTA BEAVER POWER LIFTING" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-alberta-beaver-power-lifting---beaver-north-american "ALBERTA BEAVER POWER LIFTING"

Beaver (North American) - 12 Photos

 

The following photos were taken on two different days. 

 

Day 1

 

The first day, when the beaver arrived at the stream, there was one cut log lying perpendicular to the water, with one end almost at the edge of the stream and the remainder lying upright almost to the top of the incline and close to a small thicket.

 

After some evaluating of how best to tackle the job and get into the best position, the beaver opted for a technique I've used myself for negotiating a somewhat steep but small incline, the two step, side step, i.e. going down sideways (Photo #4 & 5). Now I don't feel such a coward for being cautious on downhill slopes.

 

And in true lumberjack style, "we" hauled up the log uphill using teeth, jaw & shoulders with some assistance from front & back legs. Loggers used to use cant hooks or hooked pikes to turn floating logs over in the river but for beavers, all equipment is built in. 

 

And then to negotiate from one side of the log to the other, the beaver executed a somewhat undignified manoeuvre of pulling himself across, best seen from the back view (Photo #7). Again, thank you Beavers for not making me feel so inadequate as a human. I've also used this technique to negotiate large fallen trees in the woods, using my hands as pivots.

 

Day 2

I'm assuming this is the same beaver as the previous day as the notch on his tail is identical to the one the previous day. He/she is, definitely, is an overachiever. 

 

There was no side stepping this time, just straight down the incline into the stream. Then a quick swim upstream, grabbed a small branch with leaves and headed back. But returning to the lodge with such a small token would be too easy. At the bottom of the incline was another partial log, of equal if not bigger size, than the one from the day before.

 

So "we" rearranged the grip on the small branch to accommodate a hold on the log and proceeded up the hill, both bounties in mouth. There were a few time outs while the beaver paused to catch his/her breath & rest and then it was into the pond and back to the lodge.

 

DAY 1

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7 - A similar undignified technique used by myself to cross over fallen trees

 

DAY 2

PHOTO #8

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PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

PHOTO #12

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-alberta-beaver-power-lifting---beaver-north-american Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:05:40 GMT
"WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-welcome-to-the-neighbourhood---mink-north-american "WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD"

Mink (North American) - 5 Photos

 

So just after lunch and before the initial torrential rain shower (hmmm - it was supposed to be drizzle at 5:00 p.m.), this little mink ran downstream & into the cover of the rocks. Don't blink, there goes the mink!

 

Waited a few minutes, a little head appeared followed by that long body. I say "long" but even by mink standards this is a very small mink, so I'm assuming a young female born this Spring and on one of her first solo fishing expeditions.

 

And cautious is the right approach as these are probably some of her first interactions within a huge landscape, with potential predators in the air & on land. This area is part of the range of a family of coyotes, who also have youngsters out and about, exploring & honing their hunting skills.

 

And then just a couple of minutes (if that) of pausing, there was scooting along the shoreline, where she disappeared into the wetland and better cover.

 

Because of her diminutive size & manner of travelling, I've named her "Vespa" after the iconic Italian small scooter. Generally, minks turn up in the same location for a few weeks as they perfect their hunting patterns so hopefully Vespa will make another appearance and for a little longer this time.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/10/-welcome-to-the-neighbourhood---mink-north-american Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:13:35 GMT
"GOOD HOUSEKEEPING" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-good-housekeeping---bald-eagle "GOOD HOUSEKEEPING"

Bald Eagle - 7 Photos

 

When your life is totally dependent upon your feathers, time is well spent preening, cleaning & fluffing.

 

Having done some brief research, Bald Eagles have 7,000 feathers or more. Of course, they do molt and they molt in patches, taking approximately half a year to replace lost feathers.

 

And the feathers certainly were flying as this adult eagle did a complete body clean & preen, removing any old feathers (Photo #2 & Photo #3) and smoothing all those that remain.

 

This eagle must have eaten well early in the morning as the entire process took the best part of three and a half hours before heading down river mid-afternoon, with feathers all in good working order.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-good-housekeeping---bald-eagle Thu, 26 Sep 2024 01:47:17 GMT
"PIKA PICS" - Pika https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-pika-pics---pika "PIKA PICS"

Pika - 9 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

 

Pikas may be small & stout but they are hugely photogenic, if they stay in one spot long enough for the camera to focus.

 

And now that Autumn is here, there is some final scurrying to harvest the remaining grasses, seeds and "hay" to keep the Pika in food supplies for the mountain winter. Like beavers, Pikas do not hibernate through the Winter. They actually traverse the terrain through a series of tunnels under the rocks & snow. 

 

And in between all that shopping, there is the occasional pause to satisfy the odd itch (Photo #1)

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-pika-pics---pika Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:29:52 GMT
"S-T-R-E-T-C-H" - Pika https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-s-t-r-e-t-c-h---pika "S-T-R-E-T-C-H"

Pika - 6 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

 

From that first sighting, the little Pika is unmistakable, with its short stout body and big round ears (Photo #1). Without movement, however, they can be at times, difficult to spot among the rocks & shale because of their camouflage blending in, effortlessly in the rocky terrain.

 

However, take a Pika who is desperate to reach the top of a dried plant for its remaining seed cache and it's a whole different scenario. That short stout body has unrolled into a long thin shape, standing on tippy toes making that giant effort to gain access to the bounty.

 

Firstly I would like to say I can relate to the Pika's dilemma. Just being under 5 foot, 3 inches myself in height, there have been too many times when I have had to adopt almost the same technique to try to reach the top shelf for a particular product at the local grocery store. Unlike the Pika, however, I have not tried to use flat rocks to stand on for extra inches (Photo #5 and Photo #6)

 

And to give some perspective to the Pika's world, that dried plant was probably only just a little more than 2 feet in height. Obviously, the "lower hanging fruit" had already been harvested being so late in the season, which left  only the hard to reach parts remaining.

 

And yes, after a great deal of positioning and tapping into his/her contortionist skills, the Pika did finally manage to reap the fruits of his/her labour.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

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PHOTO #6 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-s-t-r-e-t-c-h---pika Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:11:43 GMT
"NOT CHIP NOR DALE" https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-not-chip-nor-dale "NOT CHIP NOR DALE"

Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel - 5 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

 

There are probably many people out there who remember the animated Disney chipmunks, Chip and Dale.

 

The following photos may resemble a chipmunk (or perhaps, a chipmunk who had an encounter with a red squirrel), but the subject is a Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel. A very long & eloquent name for such a tiny mammal.

 

And what this little Ground Squirrel lacks in size, he more than makes up in personality. And I said "he" because of his dark red mantle.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-not-chip-nor-dale Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:46:51 GMT
"HYPNOTIC EYES" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-hypnotic-eyes---coyote "HYPNOTIC EYES"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

 

Was surveying the surrounding terrain for wildlife when I caught something out of the corner of my eye. Thoughts went from dog, to off leash dog to finally coyote.

 

This gorgeous youngster is the second pup I've seen, most likely born this Spring to one particular family of coyotes. Her (and I'm going by body size & more delicate facial attributes to determine gender) sibling was spotted in late July 2024 in the same area. (See Blog of July 30th, 2024, "Song Dog Days of Summer".) She definitely is much smaller and not so leggy as the first young coyote seen. However, what she lacks in stature, she more than makes up in facial expression with those piercing eyes.

 

All coyotes have those intense yellow eyes but hers rarely narrow and the stare although hypnotic is in no way aggressive. In fact, she seems to view the entire world with eyes wide open, including a beaver in a nearby pond. Unfortunately, there were no photo opportunities as I wanted to maintain a safe distance and the path was obscured by tall grasses & shrubbery.

 

I could make out the coyote at the bottom of the path, just at the entrance of the pond, making eye contact with the beaver. I could see the beaver staring right back almost daring the coyote to come into the water and into the beaver realm. And like most youngsters, as there was no quick reward, the youngster went off to more potentially rewarding endeavours.

 

Her older sibling had managed to come almost nose to tail with the beaver on land. (See Blog of July 31st, 2024, "Summer School".) That would be coyote nose, beaver tail but a quick exit by the beaver into the water ended that episode. I wonder if he had brought back tales of his exploit to the other "pups" with a description of this strange mammal he had seen. "Really, it was brown & furry, hands with nails and webbed feet and it swam and dove under water for long periods." :)

 

So I suppose seeing is believing for this young coyote, with those "Bette Davis eyes". 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-hypnotic-eyes---coyote Sun, 15 Sep 2024 21:05:33 GMT
"LUMBERJACK VS LOGGER" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-lumberjack-vs-logger---beaver-north-american "LUMBERJACK VS LOGGER"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

 

So what is the difference between a lumberjack and a logger?

 

Lumberjack is generally considered a historical term and refers to a logger before the invention and use of chain saws and other modern logging equipment. 

 

So I'm going to go with lumberjack to describe beavers while they are harvesting trees and other woody plants for food & lodging, as what could be more historical than a North American beaver.

 

Now some people lament over the felling of trees in a woods due to beaver activity. Beavers use every part of the trees, etc. that they fell, whatever is not eaten or stripped of bark is used on their lodges. Nothing is wasted. And their precision harvesting makes way for new growth, including new tree species and improved eco-systems. And we must not forget that thousands of hectares of forests are cut down every year by people for use in building our homes and our furniture. And unlike the areas logged by beavers, these hectares can lay waste for many many years.

 

So let's give a "paws up" for the original lumberjack in the North American landscape (minus the plaid shirt, of course). :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-lumberjack-vs-logger---beaver-north-american Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:06:05 GMT
"THE WORLD IS SO MUCH BRIGHTER BECAUSE YOU EXIST" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-the-world-is-so-much-brighter-because-you-exist---bald-eagle "THE WORLD IS SO MUCH BRIGHTER BECAUSE YOU EXIST"

Bald Eagle - 9 Photos

 

The title was inspired by Photo #1, in which sunbeams broke through the trees enveloping the Bald Eagle.

 

Sunbeams are areas where light from the sun is reflecting off small particles, such as dust or water vapour suspended in the air. In this instance, it was probably a combination of dust particles from the air & from feathers that the eagle had just shaken and some morning condensation. 

 

Perhaps it's because this eagle has been so generous in providing such amazing photo opportunities or maybe it's because she is so regal in stature & demeanour, that brought those words to mind. 

 

I suspect this eagle to be a female of some maturity, well beyond the five years that it takes to achieve the white head feathers. Not only does she appear to be extremely large but from Photo #5, the bottoms of her foot pads appear to be quite "weathered" and tough. Perhaps it's due to her age and experience, that she has produced two magnificent youngsters, also both female I believe.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-the-world-is-so-much-brighter-because-you-exist---bald-eagle Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:44:06 GMT
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-it-takes-a-village---beaver-north-american "IT TAKES A VILLAGE"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

It takes a village (or at least a multi-generation beaver family) to raise a young beaver.

 

This, I believe, is one of three young beavers born this Spring. (This is based on some intel received from a reliable individual who at dusk, spotted three very small beavers near the lodge late July.) It probably is the oldest of the three and has already joined the workforce, bringing tiny branches, etc. back home.

 

However, early this particular evening, the youngster was in among the bulrushes, taking time to choose just the right treat (Photo #1). There was a much larger beaver out in the woods (Photo #2), who subsequently returned to the stream and was immediately greeted with soft murmuring by the little one (Photo #3 through Photo #5).

 

I don't believe this larger beaver was a parent as although bigger, it is definitely not the largest by far in the family. Probably, he/she was an older sibling by a year or so.

 

This bulrush area is also a favourite eating spot for the other beavers. Although it can be reached entirely through a system of ponds & creeks, all in water, it is a bit of a trek and can present some vulnerability in accessing. Once reached, however, it provides superb protection from predators with its thick cover of rushes.

 

I, unfortunately, was not there to witness the trip by this young beaver, who I assume completed it under the accompaniment of an older beaver. But having reached their destination, it probably made for the perfect "Baby Beaver Daycare". Woods for building material is just a quick beaver trip from water to land and a return to keep an eye on a younger sibling just a minute or so away.

 

And the quick reunion to share a meal together generally seems to be a happy one.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/9/-it-takes-a-village---beaver-north-american Tue, 03 Sep 2024 22:00:23 GMT
"IF YOU ARE SEEING DOUBLE WITH SPOTS" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-if-you-are-seeing-double-with-spots---mule-deer "IF YOU ARE SEEING DOUBLE WITH SPOTS"

Mule Deer (Fawns) - 5 Photos

 

And you are out in the woods, this might be the reason.

 

And if it is the reason, the spots will eventually fade and as one fawn becomes bolder, the double will become two singles.

 

One fawn is always a joy but twin fawns are twice as joyful. But probably twice as much work for their mother.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-if-you-are-seeing-double-with-spots---mule-deer Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:16:56 GMT
"THE MISSING PHOTOS" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-the-missing-photos---bald-eagle "THE MISSING PHOTOS"

Bald Eagle (Female) - 11 Photos

 

 

As I was waiting in the vicinity of where I had seen a particular eagle family, I was thinking I had managed to capture the male adult and the two (female) youngsters in photos. I had seen the female adult on a few occasions either flying into a tree where her partner was or just in fly-bys over the tree where the male was perched but had never had any opportunity to photograph her.

 

Then eventually a Merlin flew into that tree, briefly perched and flew off to a neighbouring one. So I got up, walked the few feet to the tree where the Merlin had perched but the little falcon had already left. 

 

Returning to my viewing area, I looked up again at the thick tree limb where the eagles liked to perch, not expecting anything and there stretched along the branch was the female parent. It was a bit of a shock as I had been gone under two minutes but that probably was why the little Merlin had flown off to make way for the apex predator. So I resumed my reclining position against a log to make the most of the opportunity. (I don't shoot with a tripod or monopod.)

 

The size and bulk were key in identifying her. Although I do not have a side by side comparison, just viewing the photos of the male, this eagle was much bigger & somehow with more attitude.

 

Now having both young eagles confident in their flying abilities & probably already trying their skills at fishing, it appeared that "Mum" had a few hours to herself. Her partner did briefly land at the top of the same tree & then flew off. He was greeted with soft chirping before he left but a youngster did fly over the tree and was not greeted with the same enthusiasm. If one was giving human attributes to the eagles, one would like to believe her mate was just checking in with her to see everything was good but her offspring had been warned off as this was definitely "me" time.

 

It was, indeed, a very relaxed female adult Bald Eagle, spending the next three hours on the same branch, thoroughly grooming and probably giving some much needed attention to her feathers. She did remain vigilant, checking out any unusual noise or disturbance from the river below but she appeared to be enjoying her alone time. 

 

And then late afternoon, she flew off downstream, I assume to fish or meet up with her mate. 

 

The lighting changes in the photos as a lot can happen with the weather & sky in almost three hours.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-the-missing-photos---bald-eagle Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:44:24 GMT
"A SPIRIT ANIMAL" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-a-spirit-animal---beaver-north-american "A SPIRIT ANIMAL"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

The following is an excerpt from a June 15, 2023 post on Kachina House's website entitled, "Beaver Symbolism in Native American Culture". 

The beaver is said to be a spirit animal that represents the power of adaptability. This animal encourages people to be resourceful in their daily lives and to find creative solutions to problems they may face. It also symbolizes wisdom, as it constantly working to build and create the life it desires. 

The beaver represents an essential value of balance. It embodies the notion whereby individuals must cooperate and harmonize with the environment and one another to move forward.

Kachina House

Beaver Symbolism in Native American Culture

Blog: June 15, 2023

 

Words that, we as a species, should take to heart and emulate. The wording may seem to enhance the stature of beavers but on a common sense basis, this exactly what beavers do. They engineer their environment to address their needs and in so doing, promote healthy eco-systems through water management, etc. 

 

They are great problem solvers. On more than one occasion, I have seen a beaver chew down a tree only to have it get caught up on a neighbouring tree's branches. If pulling it from the chewed end, doesn't dislodge the tree, the beaver will then chew off one portion at the bottom and then take that back to lodge. The beaver will then return try to dislodge the tree again and if unsuccessful, repeat the process until the tree hits ground level, where it is ferried back to the lodge. They never appear to give up.

 

They work together as a family, each member having a task to complete. Like any family, small disputes do occur but disagreements appear to be quickly put aside. Perhaps, living in such close quarters with all your family members in a relatively small space is an incentive to maintain harmony. :)  And, of course, there is always time made in busy schedules for play, socializing & eating.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-a-spirit-animal---beaver-north-american Wed, 21 Aug 2024 01:49:44 GMT
"BABY FACE" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-baby-face---bald-eagle "BABY FACE"

Bald Eagle (Immature) - 5 Photos

 

The photos that follow were taken on August 12th, 2024. 

 

A week later, the eaglet had lost the last remnants of her fluffy baby feathers from her head. So no more mohawk or feather extensions. Just a young eagle with her dark brown body & tail feathers, for now.

 

She is one of two born this Spring and I believe her to be the second hatchling, slightly smaller and a little more "clingy" of the two. Because both eaglets already dwarf their male parent in size, they are probably both female.

 

For young eagles, there is so much to learn in such a short space of time before Winter comes.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-baby-face---bald-eagle Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:50:37 GMT
"NO I AM YOUR FATHER OR ..... " - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-no-i-am-your-father-or---bald-eagle "NO, I AM YOUR FATHER or GOING, GOING GONE"

Bald Eagle (Adult & Immature) - 8 Photos

 

The young eagle had already positioned herself on a favourite branch (Photo #1), chirping away to her parent who was perching in a tree across the river. Having taken a few still shots, I glanced across to see that the adult had moved to a tree with dead branches overhanging the water and thought nothing of it. Both trees are favourite perches for the male parent.

 

And then the youngster began screeching & flapping excitedly (Photo #2) so I focused in on her & shortened the length of the lens. I believed her sibling was close by and was potentially flying in to sit on the same branch. And then from one side, in flew the adult. After some aggressive wing flapping & screeching by the youngster, both parent & offspring settled down. I then turned to my attention to the tree just behind me where more chirping was coming from. Just above me, located on a tree limb screened by small branches was the second youngster. 

 

Just like people, animal siblings can compete for attention from their parents so I thought this was just another case of vying for attention. 

 

After the first few shots at the point of landing, I had quickly viewed the initial photos on the small camera screen, to ensure the settings were good. The first thought that had come to mind was the line from the Star Wars movie, "The Empire Strikes Back" where Darth Vader utters that line, "No, I am your father".  Believe it was the sudden appearance of the eagle next to his offspring, with that flourish of wings, that stuck in my brain.

 

And then it had been immediately back to shooting, hopefully not having missed any of the action.

 

Once the eagles had flown to other destinations, I took the opportunity to review the shots taken in more detail, crossing fingers that at least some were in focus & the lighting was correct. At first glance, I missed the narrow white object under the adult's feet, dismissing it as part of the branch. Then having taken a longer look, I knew what all the excitement was about. The male adult had flown over and landed next to his offspring with a fish, probably a White Fish (Photo #3 and Photo #4) and hence, the sudden appearance of the second youngster.

 

And, unfortunately, this is where Part 2 of the title comes into play. In the transition of handing over the freshly caught fish from adult to youngster, the inexperienced eagle did not have adequate talon grip on the fish and it was "going, going, gone" onto the forest floor (Photos #5 through 7). Both looked down, reactions somewhat different. From the immature, a great deal of screeching & wing movement & from her parent, well if I was going to project human reactions onto an eagle, it was the equivalent of rolling ones eyes & resigning himself to another fishing expedition immediately.

 

So the parent flew off, leaving his youngster who had either tried to cover up her "slip of the fish" by grooming or had a quick recovery, safe in the knowledge that her parents would ensure another meal would be forthcoming (Photo #8)

 

I'm certain this wasn't the first time, nor will it be that last time this will happen with young wildlife, learning the skills that will take them into adulthood. But it's not like, wildlife parents can make a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up another meal. :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-no-i-am-your-father-or---bald-eagle Mon, 19 Aug 2024 22:44:12 GMT
"THE THISTLE EATERS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-the-thistle-eaters---beaver-north-american "THE THISTLE EATERS"

Beaver (North American) - 6 Photos

 

You watch long and often enough, you might see something you haven't witnessed before & personally weren't aware.

 

That happened one evening, just after a rain shower. Four of the six beaver family members had made their way to one end of their pond, where there is a small peninsula. It was all about eating that first part of the evening. There were some trips back to the lodge with grass & small leafy branches, but each trip was followed by a return to the little peninsula and eating.

 

There were lush grasses & willows in and around the area where the beavers were feasting, easily accessed on land & in the water. But these were not for what the beavers were searching. It was a Canada Thistle which is designated as a noxious weed in Alberta. It wasn't the plants that were in flower that the beavers were harvesting and eating. It was the new ones, the beavers chose and the larger, the better. So forget about all that other delicious soft greenery.

 

The plants might have been new but those wavy leaves have prickles or thorns growing from their edges. And from personal experience, you generally feel their thorny leaves well before you actually see the plant. 

 

But for a beaver whose diet consists partly of bark, leaves & rough wood, a few thorns are probably not an issue. Only the beavers know what makes the thistles such a delicacy and what taste buds they appeal to. That small group of beavers were reminiscent of children in a candy store, looking for and choosing just the right treats.

 

And then eventually it was back to the lodge and onto work matters.

 

Domestic goats are used in Alberta to manage invasive weed species, like the Canada Thistle, through targeted grazing. Beavers definitely can't eat anywhere near the quantity consumed by a herd of goats but every bit helps, particularly in those wetland areas. And what could be better than really enjoying what you eat while helping the environment. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-the-thistle-eaters---beaver-north-american Mon, 19 Aug 2024 02:58:05 GMT
"WHAT ARE YOUR PARENTS FEEDING YOU?" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-what-are-your-parents-feeding-you---bald-eagle "WHAT ARE YOUR PARENTS FEEDING YOU?"

Bald Eagle (Adult & Immature) - 7 Photos

 

According to some research, young Bald Eagles have the fastest growth rate of any bird. They can gain up to 6 ounces per day. 

 

And eaglets in Alberta, Canada hatch in late April, early May so that would make this youngster approximately 3 1/2 months old. She (and I'm going with she because of size) is one of two born to a nesting pair this Spring. She already dwarfs her parent, who I believe is the male. Having seen the "other half" in a fly by and appeared to be much larger, I assumed that was the female parent.

 

Mr. had retreated to a tree on the other side of the woods earlier in the morning. However, having been harassed by several ravens, he flew to this branch where the youngsters like to "hang out" in between flights and settled next to his offspring (Photo #1)

 

He found amiable company but it was basically non-stop chirping from the young eagle (Photo #2). I suppose eagle parents are used to the communication from their offspring. At one point, he reached over and pulled out a loose feather from his fledgling (Photo #3).

 

Eventually he tended to his own grooming and an occasional nap (Photo #5 through Photo #7)

 

There will be more blogs to follow, highlighting this stunning Bald Eagle family.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-what-are-your-parents-feeding-you---bald-eagle Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:16:50 GMT
"METEOROLOGIST???" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-meteorologist---beaver-north-american "METEOROLOGIST???"

Beaver (North American) - 8 Photos

 

It's a well known fact (hopefully) that beavers are extraordinary engineers and superstars at water management.

 

But perhaps they have another super power up their sleeves? 

 

It was mid-afternoon on Monday, August 5th, 2024. Environment Canada had already issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Alberta, including Calgary. Now as we all know, similar warnings have been issued in the past & either the storm has passed by or has decreased in its severity.

 

At 3:30 p.m. this family of beavers was already out of the lodge and patrolling the pond. And swimming turned into tree harvesting in the nearby woods. It wasn't just one beaver, it was six and they weren't collecting branches & logs for dam & lodge repair, they were harvesting entire trees & branches full of leaves & vegetation. 

 

One beaver after another, adults & sub-adults made the trip from the pond, chewed down a tree, hauled it back into the water and finally dived with the goods into the lodge. If the tree was too large to manoeuvre easily in the water, a second beaver assisted from behind. At one point, there were three beavers huddled over a downed tree in the open meadow. The smaller family members chewed branches from the felled trees and ferried those back to the lodge.

 

I have been photographing this particular family of beavers for almost a year now & during that entire time, I have never seen so much activity & food collecting in such a short time period. I left the area at approximately 6:30 p.m., when the beavers retreated into their lodge for a much deserved rest & probably a meal.

 

All told, they must have collected at minimum, ten medium size trees, with leaves, perhaps even more, within approximately 3 hours.

 

All I could think was, "What do these beavers know that we (as humans) don't?" Even for a relatively large family, that was a lot of food storage for one afternoon (during the day) & we haven't reached the end of summer. And why work so hard for one afternoon when early/late evening is generally the preferred time for such activity?

 

As the weather appeared to be closing in, I called it a day and went home. Sometime around 8:00 p.m., severe weather warnings were issued with reports of heavy rain, extreme lightning & in some areas, baseball size hail for the Calgary area. Warnings included taking shelter & staying away from windows.

 

So - yes beavers aren't clairvoyant but animals are much more sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, particularly dramatic ones. For wildlife, being aware of their surroundings, is crucial to their survival. 

 

I went back to the pond the next day and by very late afternoon/early evening, two beavers eventually appeared out from the lodge to complete some dam repairs. It was definitely a more relaxed atmosphere with much more time out, i.e. grazing in the grass & munching on floating logs and much fewer beavers & activity.

 

My feeling - That Monday the beavers "felt" an atmospheric change and severe weather was approaching. They didn't know how long the system would last but it was dramatic enough for them to ensure they had ample food supplies to last. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-meteorologist---beaver-north-american Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:44:23 GMT
"FRUITS OF LABOUR" - Pileated Woodpecker https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-fruits-of-labour---pileated-woodpecker "FRUITS OF LABOUR"

Pileated Woodpecker - 5 Photos

 

Young Pileated Woodpeckers like so many birds born this Spring, have now fledged and are seeking food on their own.

 

This youngster has gone the route of a balanced diet & has mixed some fruit into his/her diet of insects. And this definitely wasn't a case of "low hanging fruit" but when you have the right equipment, i.e. the Pileated Woodpecker bill, that labour is so much easier.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-fruits-of-labour---pileated-woodpecker Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:32:00 GMT
"SPOTS, SPOTS & MORE SPOTS" - Mule Deer (Fawn) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-spots-spots-more-spots---mule-deer-fawn "SPOTS, SPOTS & MORE SPOTS"

Mule Deer (Fawn) - 3 Photos

 

It's that time of the year to play the game "Spot the Spots" with does & their fawns. 

 

I did have an opportunity to see one small fawn across a creek hiding in a thicket in the shade of a tree. The only reason I "spotted" the fawn was because he/she moved as I walked past. Obviously this youngster had been left by the mother while she attended to some grazing. I didn't take any photos as I didn't want to disturb the youngster any further & the only ones I would have taken would have been of a pair of mule deer ears, just peeking over the tall grasses. Hopefully, this little fawn won't make the same mistake twice. If he/she hadn't moved, I never would have noticed the little deer.

 

Late afternoon, a doe & her fawn came through a meadow & down to the stream to drink. They then turned and walked back into the meadow. This time, although grasses were tall enough to dwarf the fawn, I managed to grab some shots as junior tailed behind his/her mother.

 

And although the fawn is still "spotty", the spots are beginning to fade to accompany that new growth in height.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/8/-spots-spots-more-spots---mule-deer-fawn Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:38:12 GMT
"SUMMER SCHOOL" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-summer-school---coyote "SUMMER SCHOOL"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

 

This is a follow-up to the blog of July 30th, 2024, "Song Dog Days of Summer"

According to some research, by the end of the summer, coyote pups are spending some time away from parents & attempting to hunt on their own or with siblings. This youngster appeared solo through the tall grass into a clearing, first trying a hand/paw at rodent catch. And like his older sibling by a year, he found the sweet spot, retrieving & eating multiple catches in several spots. That blackish object in the coyote's mouth (Photo #1) is a vole. I assume he found at least a couple of nests where voles/mice were living.

 

And then it was across the stream to another larger meadow to check out what might be available there. 

 

And for this coyote, he must have thought he hit the jackpot. Oh, would his parents be impressed and his siblings too (Photo #4)!

 

When I saw the beaver exit the tall grass, my first reaction was what on earth was the beaver doing a fair distance away from an escape route, i.e. water. There are so many other places closer to the pond & stream where food and building material are easily available but then again I'm not party to a beaver's thoughts. Perhaps, this was a case of a fully grown beaver but not so worldly as his/her parents. 

 

And then you add in the naivety and curiosity of a young coyote. His interest was certainly peaked and having flushed the beaver out of the grasses, he followed his potential prey to the stream (Photo #5) where the beaver quickly made his/her exit into the pond and back to the safety of the lodge. As Photo #6 shows, the coyote was in very close proximity to the beaver. Other than a beaver tail slap, it was probably the right end to be. However, hopefully this youngster won't attempt a similar approach when uncovering a porcupine.

 

So back to smaller targets and having travelled down to the pond's shoreline, again there were multiple mice/voles to be had. Photo #7 shows the tail & legs of what I assume to be a vole hanging outside of the coyote's mouth. 

 

So although young in age & experience, successful hunting skills are already apparent in one of the newest additions to this coyote family. Coyotes learn very quickly. It's a matter of survival. This youngster probably won't be trying another beaver solo. The lesson, however, was most likely extremely valuable.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2 - No worries - just a young coyote chomping down on a vole. It's amazing how one shot can give the wrong impression of what actually took place. 

 

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-summer-school---coyote Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:20:12 GMT
"SONG DOG DAYS OF SUMMER" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-song-dog-days-of-summer---coyote "SONG DOG DAYS OF SUMMER"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

From "The Old Farmer's Almanac", the term "Dog Days" traditionally refers to a period of hot & humid weather occurring during the months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Another name given to coyotes is "Song Dog" because of their impressive vocalizations. 

 

So what better title than "Song Dog Days of Summer" for the appearance in late July of a young coyote (pup) born in the early Spring. This was my first opportunity to see this latest addition. I don't know how many pups were born to this particular family this year but hopefully this youngster is one of several. And if he/she is anything to go by, we may have more extraordinary canids.

 

It wasn't until the coyote walked out of the tall grasses and into a clearing that I recognized this coyote as a youngster (Photo #6 & Photo #7). There is no mistaking that very leggy and lanky look and from what I could observe, I believe this canid to be male, particularly the way he was relieving himself. Now whether I will recognize him from his other young siblings is another matter. 

 

The meadow where the coyote was hunting for rodents, as you will see from the photos below, has a purple flower growing among the grasses (Photo #1 through Photo #5). It is Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), considered in Alberta to be an invasive plant species but from a photographer's view, a lovely colourful contrast against the lush green grasses & a stunning young coyote. (All the photos were taken an hour before sunset.)

 

And as for that particular meadow, this has been a favourite "hot spot" for this youngster's older sibling by a year, Foxy. I have seen Foxy on several occasions coming back to this area after being on a long hunt, digging up & catching one rodent after another. Perhaps, there was some shared intel between siblings and it was equally successful for this coyote. 

 

And rodents weren't the only thing on the menu. There was a much larger ambitious hunt that same evening but those details will be revealed in a follow-up blog. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-song-dog-days-of-summer---coyote Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:11:11 GMT
"BEAVER MUSINGS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-beaver-musings---beaver-north-american "BEAVER MUSINGS"

Beaver (North American) - 10 Photos

 

Muse Definitions:

Noun: A person or an imaginary being or a force who is a source of artistic inspiration.

Verb: To reflect about or marvel upon, usually in silence.

 

So beaver musings would be having beavers as a source of artistic inspiration (in this instance, photography) & reflecting about them & their extraordinary activities hopefully in silence. I am not opposed to having a quick chat with an occasional passerby or photographer but I much prefer the solitude & silence. Wildlife may tolerate our chatter but they don't like it & because things can change/happen so quickly within the natural world, you can miss out on a photo opportunity.

 

I guess to put it bluntly, when I am photographing wildlife, I am there to watch, observe & learn from Nature, not to engage in long conversations. 

 

The following photos were taken approximately an hour to an hour & a half before sunset. The golden tinge was due to a setting sun & some intermittent clouds, producing a diffused lighting effect.

 

And, of course, it's just another day in the life of a beaver - some repair work, a quick bite to eat & a little time to hang out with family. And because of the high temperatures Alberta is currently experiencing, I was slightly envious of the fact that most of their activities were completed in or under the water. At one point, I was confused as to why one or two beavers  were removing some very old branches from the end of the lodge & swimming back to the dam where repairs were being made and placing those branches there. Wasn't that, using an old English saying of "taking coals back to Newcastle". The woods are literally just a stone's throw away from the dam so why would a beaver remove branches that he/she had already transported across the pond back to where basically he/she had gathered them in the first place.

 

And then it dawned on me. The branches, although part of the lodge's bottom edge, were somewhat redundant. Being that it was so hot even later in the evening, the beavers probably did not want to expose themselves to the physical stress of walking through the woods, chopping down a suitable tree for the repair & hauling it back to the dam. It was much better to "recycle" unused material. We all know that even as people, everyday activities in temperatures excess of 30 degrees C, take much more effort & can easily cause exhaustion & dehydration and that's without having a thick furry coat to take into consideration. 

 

There were, of course, some short expeditions into the woods to gather small branches with tender leaves (Photo #10), which were immediately brought back and taken under and into the lodge for the new family additions. You could hear the "mewing" through the lodge walls as food approaches, much like the excitement of baby birds as the parents bring in tasty meals. Then it's an "all quiet" for a few seconds before the sounds of chewing can be heard. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

PHOTO #10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-beaver-musings---beaver-north-american Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:24:24 GMT
"ARE YOU READY FOR AN AWWW MOMENT?" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-are-you-ready-for-an-awww-moment---beaver-north-american "ARE YOU READY FOR AN AWWW MOMENT?"

Beaver (North American) - 11 Photos

 

The following photos were taken over the course of two days and all within the last half hour before sunset, hence the different lighting.

 

The subjects are both most likely 2 years old or so and still exhibit a great deal of playfulness. They are, however, transitioning to adult responsibilities & in between play and eating, they were busy doing lodge and dam repair & bringing in young branches with succulent leaves for the "new additions" still safely hidden in the lodge, during daylight hours.

 

One is definitely smaller. I have to admit that sweet beaver face & the sounds he/she emits (something between a moan or a whine) when in close proximity to his/her sibling, just tug at my heart strings.

 

The smaller beaver swam in behind his/her larger sibling, making those adorable soft sounds, perhaps asking if he/she could join (Photo #1 through Photo #3) in sharing a meal together.

 

But there's always time for some beaver rough housing and wrestling, all in fun (Photo #4 through Photo #6)

 

Photo #7 through Photo #10 are close-ups of those very wet but furry beaver faces. 

 

And onto Photo #11. Although smaller in size, this young beaver definitely excels in underwater aquatics. One of his/her favourite activities is to do a beaver roll just under the surface of the water, similar to that executed by seals. And it's an activity where one or more siblings join in. The execution is so unexpected, rapid & mostly done underwater, that although there were numerous attempts, I managed to only capture one sharp shot. Will continue to pursue my quest of more beaver roll photos.

 

I would emphasize this is not a beaver in distress but a beaver in play completing one full turn. Those are the two beaver hands at the top and believe that is the beaver's brown furry belly. One more quick movement and having right sided, it's a resurface & back to eating. 

 

MAY I JOIN YOU?

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

 

"ROUGH HOUSING/BEAVER WRESTLING"

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

"FURRY FACES"

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

 

"THE BEAVER/SEAL ROLL" (Wheee!)

PHOTO #11

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-are-you-ready-for-an-awww-moment---beaver-north-american Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:22:20 GMT
"RAINBOW CONNECTION" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-rainbow-connection---white-faced-ibis "RAINBOW CONNECTION"

White-Faced Ibis - 8 Photos

 

What could be more appropriate for tropical temperatures in Alberta, than a exotic looking bird that winters in the Southern U.S. and Mexico.

 

Generally when seen with the sun shining from behind, the Ibis appears black in silhouette but change the direction of the lighting and the bird's true iridescent feathers come into view (Photo #1 through Photo #5). And even a small shift in location & camera direction, can produce more subtle but perhaps deeper colours (Photo #6 through Photo #8).

 

The smaller birds that inhabit the marshy areas seem to be more accepting these days of what must appear to be to them, to be a predator. The White-Faced Ibis's diet generally consists of earthworms, small crustaceans and insects so no worries there. However, having seen Ibises on their landing approaches, they do somewhat resemble vultures so I can understand why the alert calls are heard through the marsh when an Ibis arrives.

 

While this particular Ibis was perusing the shallow water and shoreline for a tasty meal, several ravens were in close proximity sitting on the sandbar, not to harass but to take advantage of what was uncovered in the mud by the Ibis's scouring. And there certainly was easy feasting for the ravens just by following the Ibis's track. Ravens always know how to turn a situation to their advantage. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-rainbow-connection---white-faced-ibis Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:34:15 GMT
"BUSY, BUSY" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-busy-busy---beaver-north-american "BUSY, BUSY"

Beaver (North American) - 10 Photos

 

Two different beaver families, two different activities & a surprise.

 

Both families are comprised of six adult beavers each. New additions to be determined at hopefully some later date.

 

The first family have somewhat of a long commute, albeit most of it by water from lodge to work sites. There is, however, one small stretch where they must exit the pond, traverse a dry incline down to water below (Photo #1 through Photo #3). From there, it's a swift beaver swim to construction sites. 

 

And just like some of us, the commute to work can be smooth or traffic jams might be encountered. Take this crew on their way for a night's evening of activity, for example (Photo #4). This happens to be 1/3 of the current work force.

 

And while other members of the team were busy, at least one beaver remained vigilant as a look-out. With the lush grasses now well over 3 feet in height, perhaps a slightly taller beaver might have been a better choice. :) (Photo #5)

 

The second family also has six adult members. As for new arrivals, well that is a strong possibility. Photo #6 & Photo #7 are of Mrs. Beaver on a grocery shopping expedition. And how do I know this beaver is a "Mrs.", well you might check out Photo #9, follow the left side of photo down past the beaver's arms to just above waist level. Surprise - that appendage is a swollen mammary gland. Looks like someone might still be feeding little kit(s) and that newly harvested branch covered in fresh young leaves, would make a lovely treat to tantalize young beavers into a transition to vegetation. I wonder who was left at home to babysit?

 

You can just make out one mammary gland on the right side of Photo #7.  I have included another photo from a previous blog, which shows one on either side, something that I missed upon first viewing (Photo #10).

 

FAMILY #1

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4 - "1/3 of Tonight's Work Crew"

PHOTO #5 - "Can You See Me Now?"

 

FAMILY #2

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

PHOTO #10

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-busy-busy---beaver-north-american Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:46:54 GMT
"DOOR DASH" - Sora https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-door-dash---sora "DOOR DASH"

Sora - 5 Photos

 

Soras apparently can lay up to 12 eggs, sometimes even 18. All do not hatch at the same time and from some basic research, one parent might tend to the hatchlings while the other maintains the incubation.

 

So with that many mouths to feed (unfortunately, all will probably not survive to adulthood), there has to be a lot of "back & forth" to the food source. And then it's the Sora dash back to the door/nest to deliver the goods.

 

The photos below were taken on two days. Photo #1 through Photo #3 are of the Sora with what I believe to be some type of invertebrate (worm, perhaps?). Photo #4 & Photo #5 are the Sora with a winged insect. 

 

There must be a tremendous amount of calories expended by one little Sora, as one small meal wouldn't go far among so many children and even the mate, if he/she is still sitting on the nest.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-door-dash---sora Thu, 04 Jul 2024 16:56:20 GMT
"A CANADIAN FAMILY" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-a-canadian-family---beaver-north-american "A CANADIAN FAMILY"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

 

The beaver is Canada's National Animal and appears on the nickel.

 

One may ask why Canada would choose a rodent to represent our country. Past history aside, there are many endearing attributes which could nominate the beaver & family members as "Canada's First Family". 

 

Beavers are hard working, amazing engineers, family oriented and know how to survive & thrive in a cold Canadian winter. With regard to their engineering skills, a research study uncovered that beavers use various construction techniques creating semi-permeable dams able to withstand large water flow volumes. Their use of wood, stones & mud is much like our bricks & mortar construction.

 

And, of course, there is always downtime to relax, grab a meal with family members & even on the odd occasion, have a quick surf in the river's rapids.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have a recent photo of a surfing beaver but I have been a witness to such activity. Also, I did meet a women who told me that once while she had been fishing with her husband on the shores of the Bow River, had seen a beaver go sailing through nearby rapids, get out and walk behind her. Needless to say, she had been a little nervous being in such close proximity but then the beaver re-entered the water, went through the same rapids, got out and repeated the exercise several times more. Beavers have no trouble navigating rapids and swimming into calmer waters so there was no need for exiting the river. Beaver surfing - who needs special equipment when it's all built in.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/7/-a-canadian-family---beaver-north-american Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:07:23 GMT
"DOUBLE P" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-double-p---porcupine-north-american "DOUBLE P"

Porcupine (North American) - 4 Photos

 

 

Now to put this delicately as possible, the porcupine in the following photos, appears to have gone from an "A Cup" to a Double D, which would make this porcupine a female and a Double P, i.e. Pregnant Porcupine. :) 

 

(N.B. Photos were taken late May 2024.)

 

Photo #2 is a close up of Photo #1, which allows for a more detailed view.

 

She did appear in a previous blog, Porcupine Walk About - May 17, 2024, and at that time I did not notice anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps, I did not have the right close-up photos or perhaps, two weeks on much closer to giving birth. Perhaps her hormones have now really kicked in and she is now nursing her porcupette.

 

The sparse hair patches on her face are completely symmetrical. They could just be a result of winter coat shedding and rubbing or even perhaps, hormonal changes due to the pregnancy.

 

So fingers & paws crossed, we may have a new addition to the woodlands. It may be some time before there is any visual news but great things are worth waiting for.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-double-p---porcupine-north-american Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:28:42 GMT
"GOLDEN YEARS" - White-Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-golden-years---white-tailed-deer "GOLDEN YEARS"

White-Tailed Deer (Doe & Youngster) - 7 Photos

 

 

These were two White-Tailed Deer of a grouping of five, walking through a small cut out creek from the river, enjoying the lush greenery, water access & for the youngster, a quick splash or two. All the deer seemed to appreciate the cool water and the brief walk before heading up the small slope for further grazing.

 

The photos were taken approximately 2 hours before sunset as the sun lit up the herd who were facing directly west, hence the golden tint.

 

Because of the intimacy and size differences of these two, I think they are mother & son (check out those new budding velvet covered antlers), her son being now just over one year old.  Perhaps, it was the springtime warmth or maybe even a case of new head gear, but this young male was certainly full of himself and very cheeky.

 

He followed his mother, occasionally butting her from behind & although Photo #4 & Photo #5 appear to show a youngster nuzzling up to his mother, he was actually pushing into her with his head, to the point of head butting. 

 

But like most mothers, she was extremely tolerant & eventually he became bored and continued his water splash (Photo #6 & Photo #7) and then onto grazing.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-golden-years---white-tailed-deer Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:33:21 GMT
"RAIL ROAD" - Sora https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-rail-road---sora "RAIL ROAD"

Sora - 9 Photos

 

The Sora can be described as a small water bird belonging to the Rail family, Rallidae. It is also known as the Sora Rail.

 

So now we have a Sora who is a member of the Rail family using a marshy road to traverse a pond. And what would you call such a road that is used by a rail?? A Rail Road, of course. :)

 

A Sora generally has only two speeds, fast & even faster. And having witnessed that rapid power walk, another bird comes to mind - the Roadrunner. 

 

Most of us have probably seen at least one or two of the Looney Toons or Merrie Melodies cartoons starring the Roadrunner & Wile E. Coyote. I've always had a soft spot for the coyote in these cartoons, mostly because of the inaccurate description & depiction of this often maligned canid. Coyotes are not wily but they are extremely intelligent and family oriented. 

 

But now having had opportunities to see a Sora in action & trying to monitor where he will make his next appearances & catch that on camera, I have even more respect for that coyote & total empathy for his attempts. It's no easy matter to catch a Sora or a Road Runner. 

 

Beep beep!

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-rail-road---sora Mon, 24 Jun 2024 01:44:52 GMT
"MEET SOME OF CALGARY'S TOP WATER MANAGEMENT ENGINEERS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-meet-some-of-calgarys-top-water-management-engineers---beaver-north-american "MEET SOME OF CALGARY'S TOP WATER MANAGEMENT ENGINEERS"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

 

This past Wednesday (June 19, 2024) marked two weeks since the rupture of a major water main feeder in Calgary, Alberta.  It triggered city wide water restrictions in Calgary, including a Stage 4 water restriction (outside water usage), together with a citywide fire ban. Restrictions remain in effect until all repairs are completed & the system tested.

 

Due to the nature & severity of the situation (a State of Emergency was enacted on June 15th), engineering teams/companies & experts have been called in to analyze, address and complete all necessary repairs as soon as possible.

 

On a lighter note, let's take a moment to visit the wild side & meet some of Calgary's other top water management engineers, those of the furry kind, the beavers.

 

Beavers are, of course, not able to build water mains that transport drinking water to our homes, but they play a key role in our eco-systems & water management.

 

Some ways beavers keep our eco-systems healthy & assist with water related issues are:*

1. Creating wetland habitats for themselves & other species;

2. Increasing biodiversity in plants & other species, such as amphibians & fish;

3. Improving water quality in their ponds, etc. through natural filtration, which in turn improves the water quality consumed downstream by people & other species. 

4. Storing water during times of lower rainfall & drought;

5. By actually minimizing flood risk by slowing the flow of water, which can delay & reduce flood peaks further downstream. 

 

(*Reference: Government of Canada - Parks Canada, 2022-11-19)

 

Now it's time to put some faces to that master of his/her own environment, the North American Beaver.

The photos below are of one particular family of six beavers.  I have not yet seen any kits but if there are any, am fairly certain they are sticking close to the lodge & making their appearances at sunset or after.

 

And this group of engineers is, of course, a family affair with apprenticeships at a very early age. If you ever need a dam or that iconic lodge built on the water, you know who to call. :) 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-meet-some-of-calgarys-top-water-management-engineers---beaver-north-american Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:52:06 GMT
"I'M NOT PUDGY!" - Wilson's Snipe https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-im-not-pudgy---wilson-s-snipe "I'M NOT PUDGY!"

Wilson's Snipe - 5 Photos

 

 

From my brief research on the Wilson's Snipe, I discovered this description (from a reliable birding source, I may add) - "medium-sized, pudgy shorebirds with short, stocky legs". 

 

Medium, shorebird, short stocky legs are all accurate descriptive terms but honestly "pudgy"? :)  The Sora, on the other hand, is described (same source) only as a little secretive bird. The Snipe appears to be somewhat smaller & heavier than the Sora but only slightly. 

 

So on behalf of all Wilson's Snipes out there, here is photo proof that you are not pudgy, which by definition is "slightly fat". The photos below are of a Wilson's Snipe that decided to perch on some very dead grasses/marsh reeds (basically weightless) and although the wind, at the time, was fairly gusty, you can see that there is not a hint of the perch collapsing or even bending under the weight of a "little" Snipe. :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-im-not-pudgy---wilson-s-snipe Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:24:07 GMT
"ROCKY ROAD" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-rocky-road---mink-north-american "ROCKY ROAD"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

Rocky Road is a favourite ice cream of many and this mink is definitely one of my favourite minks.

 

Because of his extreme length of body and tail, I'm definitely leaning towards a male rather than a female. Perhaps it's just his way of moving & stretching out over the rocks, but this mink certainly covers the terrain both literally and figuratively.

 

Thanks to a potential abundance of fish in the area, there were a lot of rocky roads to cover which resulted in an ever so slightly slower and longer hunting technique. That result can go a long way when trying to photo capture a mink completely in his element.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-rocky-road---mink-north-american Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:52:10 GMT
"ONE FISH, TWO FISH, THREE FISH" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-one-fish-two-fish-three-fish---mink-north-american "ONE FISH, TWO FISH, THREE FISH"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

This is a follow-up to the previous blog, "WHERE THE TREE LINE ENDS, CATTAILS GROW"

 

There probably was a good reason that this mink returned to the same hunting grounds twice within a relatively short period. Having scouted the rocks in that rapid & erratic mink manner mid-morning, the mink finally came up with a good size Prussian Carp (Photo #5)

 

And then on the afternoon visit, the completion of a further reconnaissance of the rocks resulted in not one but two more fish (Photo #6 & Photo #7)

 

So that would make, "One fish, two fish, three fish". 

 

And as all fish caught were "Prussian Carp, an invasive fish species in Alberta, thanks little mink. You are indeed a super hero! 

 

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PHOTO #5 - And yes, a mink can fly!

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-one-fish-two-fish-three-fish---mink-north-american Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:19:05 GMT
"TURBULENT WATERS" - Prussian Carp & Raven https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-turbulent-waters---prussian-carp-raven "TURBULENT WATERS"

Prussian Carp & Raven - 11 Photos

 

Had been sitting by a small narrow creek, which is fed by a storm pond, late afternoon when I heard loud splashing coming from upstream. 

 

I thought, at first, that I had hit the jackpot & it was a mink fishing but when I looked down, there was no mink to be seen but a great deal of turbulent water. A few minutes passed and still no mink but then moving downstream I saw them. I am no fish expert but these are so distinguishable - Prussian Carp and there were dozens of them. There were so many and their activity so intense, that the creek water, for lack of a better term, was boiling (Photo #1 through to Photo #6). The fish below the surface have almost an eel like appearance, because of the lighting & positioning. 

 

Prussian Carp are an invasive fish species in Alberta and Saskatchewan and unfortunately, this school was spawning, hence the frantic behaviour. What started with so much "enthusiasm", gradually tapered off after almost an hour. And unlike salmon, who die after they spawn, Prussian Carp do not. Once spawning was complete, the fish completely disappeared.  According to my brief research, they can live 5 to 10 years and spawn several times a year. And a female Prussian Carp does not need the sperm of a male Prussian Carp to reproduce, although in this instance, there appeared to be an abundance of both sexes. They can reproduce asexually by exploiting the sperm of other fish species, to activate egg development & giving rise to basically female clones. 

 

Another frightening discovery that has appeared in some research is that it now appears some Prussian Carp eggs can survive going through Mallard Duck digestive systems. This might be another reason why these fish can seem to jump from one isolated storm pond to another. 

 

The good news is that herons, pelicans, birds and mammals like the mink all have a voracious appetite for the invader. If I had had the equivalent of the "Bat Signal" for a mink, I definitely would have lit it up in the hopes of bringing in a mink for an unbelievable feast.:) 

 

Alas, no mink but there were a few Ravens who had been attracted in by the disturbance & noise in the water. And as you will see from Photo #7 through Photo #11 , this particular Raven wasn't picking up dead fish (because there weren't any), it was fishing & plucking them out of the water. And they weren't small goldfish size by any means.

 

I am only an amateur naturalist but a suggestion might be to bring back another native predator to Calgary to assist in controlling carp populations in the Bow River, the much larger cousin to the mink, the river otter. The river otter is a native Alberta species and does live in other parts of Alberta, including Lethbridge. They are seen in Calgary but it's on rare occasions. Unfortunately, they were eliminated through trapping, etc. in the first part of the 20th century from the Bow River in Calgary. 

 

Their introduction would certainly be a great benefit to our eco-system in this and other ways as well.  Unfortunately, I believe this re-introduction will not happen do to the kick-back from some old school sport fishermen. I have heard, over the years, complaints from some fishermen about those damn pelicans (American White Pelicans) eating the fishing stock during the summer in the Bow. "Why are they here and why don't they stay where they belong???" is a common remark. And that's enough of my "soap box" commentary.

 

Let's give a huge thank you to all the wildlife super heroes out there, doing their part to reduce the number of Prussian Carp in our Alberta waterways. And that includes you, Raven!

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-turbulent-waters---prussian-carp-raven Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:49:03 GMT
"WHERE THE TREE LINE ENDS, CATTAILS GROW" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-where-the-tree-line-ends-cattails-grow---mink-north-american "WHERE THE TREE LINE ENDS, CATTAILS GROW"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

"You can find me down where the tree line ends and the cattails grow" is a line from the chorus of the song "Old Dirt Roads" sung by Owen Riegling and I thought what a great description of the hunting/fishing grounds of a mink.

 

Because of their appetite for fish, birds, bird eggs, etc., they generally can be found near bodies of waters, such as creeks, ponds, rivers and areas in and around marshes, hence the title.

 

This is the first of two blogs featuring this one particular mink, who made at least two trips to the same area in one day (one mid morning, the second - later in the afternoon).  As you will see from the photos below, this is a large & very healthy mink. I'm not certain whether he/she is still shedding a winter coat but I'm particularly fascinated by the thickness and length of his/her tail.

 

Anytime I can photograph a mink even for a few short minutes, is a gift but to have two opportunities for a longer period is extreme good fortune.

 

MID MORNING VISIT

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LATE AFTERNOON VISIT

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-where-the-tree-line-ends-cattails-grow---mink-north-american Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:04:42 GMT
"WHILE PARENTS ARE STILL SLEEPING" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-while-parents-are-still-sleeping---beaver-north-american "WHILE PARENTS ARE STILL SLEEPING"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

The photos that follow are of one of two younger beavers, probably 2 years old by now and probably the youngest in the family, depending upon any recent arrivals.

 

So like all youngsters, they probably like to stay out late or in this case, go out early during the last of daylight hours, before their parents get up to start the night's work. I guess with beavers, the timing is reversed. They don't go out late evening and come home early morning. Young beavers, perhaps, like to go out late in the day and come home early evening.

 

And, of course, like all teenagers - food, i.e. munchies, is a priority.

 

So this young beaver, having surfaced from out of the lodge took the swim across the pond, to partake of the new green grasses. And then it was a quick trip back down the slope, back to the lodge and hopefully made it home before Mum & Dad woke up. :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-while-parents-are-still-sleeping---beaver-north-american Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:42:20 GMT
"EARNING OUR WINGS" - Great Horned Owlet https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-earning-our-wings---great-horned-owlet "EARNING OUR WINGS"

Great Horned Owlet - 9 Photos

 

Now that this owlet has fledged, it will be a few more months before he/she has acquired all the necessary flying skills to enable it to successfully navigate the surroundings woods & master hunting for prey.

 

But until then, here are some photos of "baby's first steps" as the owlet managed the climb from the nest to working those all important wings and achieving the strength & dexterity that will be required in the months ahead.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/6/-earning-our-wings---great-horned-owlet Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:04:16 GMT
"BLUE GREEN COLOUR PALETTE" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-blue-green-colour-palette---great-blue-heron "BLUE GREEN COLOUR PALETTE"

Great Blue Heron - 9 Photos

 

One Great Blue Heron, one blue green pond and one green meadow.

 

Spring truly has sprung now that the Great Blue Herons have arrived in Alberta. 

 

This one was looking to forage along the pond edges and into the meadows beyond. It was a few turns around the pond, some grooming and a wander through the grasses before taking flight to other venues.

 

So for now, due to the water depth of the pond, some of the best fish may be out of the heron's reach and for all those muskrats who inhabit this area, "beware" and stay in the deeper depths less you become a heron's next meal. Herons do like a varied diet, dining on not only fish & small frogs, etc. but the odd rodent as well.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-blue-green-colour-palette---great-blue-heron Sun, 26 May 2024 17:17:48 GMT
"A WOODLAND FAMILY" - Great Horned Owls https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-a-woodland-family---great-horned-owls "A WOODLAND FAMILY"

Great Horned Owl (Owl & Owlet) - 8 Photos

 

It appears to be another successful Spring for this Great Horned Owl family. 

 

With fledging now complete, the adults should now be moving onto the next steps in their raising, i.e. protection, teaching & of course, still maintaining a steady food supply.

 

The photos that follow were taken a few weeks ago, just a day or two before this owlet completely fledged to the surrounding trees. He/she had actually made it out of the nest and although Mother Owl had flown in with a newly caught meal, his/her attention was more on testing out wings and checking out surroundings (Photo #8).

 

But before presenting those photos in a future blog, here are some tender moments between a young owlet and mother. Although we may think that as humans, we have the monopoly on a mother's love and tenderness, wildlife proves again and again, that this concept is truly flawed.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-a-woodland-family---great-horned-owls Sun, 26 May 2024 16:54:43 GMT
"BLUE LAGOON" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-blue-lagoon---beaver-north-american "BLUE LAGOON"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

Two beavers eventually swam out from the lodge, late in the evening. 

 

From their size & activities, I think they may have been the two younger members of the family of six seen last year. At this point, I don't know if there are any new kits born over the course of this past Winter.

 

They ventured out looking for some new fresh vegetation, which allowed for a few close-ups. It's only recently that I've noticed that beavers actually have fur on their large noses. Totally makes sense as it's all about maintaining warmth, particularly when swimming in cold water. 

 

Photo #5 is the young beaver, who repeatedly swam back & forth across the beaver pond, towing a branch. There didn't seem to be any particular destination or eating involved. Perhaps he/she was just practicing or doing the beaver equivalent of "bench pressing" to build up endurance for carrying/swimming future building material back to the lodge. :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-blue-lagoon---beaver-north-american Thu, 23 May 2024 21:52:11 GMT
"IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH!" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-its-your-birthday-month---coyote "IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH!!"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

It's your birthday month, young Coyote! Or perhaps it's your belated birthday month, depending on whether you were born in April or May of last year. And you are officially one year old. Congratulations! :)

 

I haven't seen this coyote for some months now. Hunting patterns change depending upon the seasons and new responsibilities. With age comes maturity. This coyote, who is quite distinguishable with her red markings, has probably grown into a new stage in her family life. No longer a "newbie" and with the potential arrival of new pups in the family, she may now be expected to provide food, together with her other family members, for her younger siblings.

 

When first spotted, I wasn't certain which one of the three youngsters born last year, this was. I was still unsure as she made her way slowly down from the creek and then she paused & sat. This particular coyote, who I believe is the youngest of the three, has a habit of pausing in the middle of hunting & just sitting for a short period. The first time I saw her do this, I thought she was just taking a rest. However, having seen her do this action on a number of occasions and the fact that she has no trouble covering the landscape at speed, I believe she is actually taking a time-out to think about her next course of action. And from what I've seen her chase & catch, she is an amazing hunter.

 

So this is Foxy, so named because of her colourings which re-confirmed her identity when I downloaded the photos. And Happy Birthday, Foxy & may you have many more!

 

The colours in the photos are somewhat vibrant as the photography was done late evening just after a Spring shower (which explains too why the coyote looks somewhat wet). 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-its-your-birthday-month---coyote Thu, 23 May 2024 21:30:52 GMT
"THEY REALLY HAVE LANDED" - Sora https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-they-really-have-landed---sora "THEY REALLY HAVE LANDED"

Sora - 9 Photos

 

It's almost hard to believe that this small bird can migrate from southern regions of the United States & Mexico, etc. to its breeding grounds much farther north, including Alberta, Canada & beyond. In fact, I've rarely seen it fly and even catching a glimpse is a treasured experience as the Sora leans towards secrecy often staying hidden in dense vegetation. Usually, they are more often heard rather than seen.

 

So it was with a little trepidation that I reached for the camera, having spotted a Sora making its way through the vegetation close to the creek bank, where I was sitting. I believe it may have run out of cover of the marsh grasses and decided to backtrack (Photo #1). It then took a quick swim across the creek where it continued its foraging, searching for seeds and aquatic insects (Photo # 2). And yes, there was success with at least one insect (Photo # 4)

 

It was then back to more searching of the marsh vegetation (Photo #5 through Photo #9) before disappearing up the bank and into the grass. 

 

So they really have landed here for another breeding season and with those almost alien looking toes & feet, perhaps "they do walk among us". 

 

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PHOTO #

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-they-really-have-landed---sora Mon, 20 May 2024 19:49:05 GMT
"PORCUPINE WALK ABOUT" - Porcupine https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-porcupine-walk-about---porcupine "PORCUPINE WALK ABOUT"

Porcupine (North American) - 6 Photos

 

 

While foraging, porcupines can cover a great deal of ground in their territories at quite a good pace. And, of course, because of their wonderful camouflage they blend into the meadow grasses & shrubbery while travelling. Should the need arise, there is usually at least one or two fallen trees with hollows to climb into for safety and evasion from predators.

 

Here are some photos to document one porcupine's trip from his/her descent from the tree, a walk across a log and finally reaching a grassy meadow. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

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PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-porcupine-walk-about---porcupine Sat, 18 May 2024 01:18:25 GMT
"DRESSED TO QUILL" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-dressed-to-quill---porcupine-north-american "DRESSED TO QUILL"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

 

It was a bright Spring morning and the porcupine, depicted in the photos that follow, was originally catching some rays while napping in a tree.

 

And then shortly before noon, he quickly made his descent to the ground and found a secure but slightly exposed log den where he slept for the rest of the afternoon. It wasn't until early evening that he began to rouse, tend to some grooming and then make his way above the log pile, presumably ready for the evening's ground foraging.

 

My primary goal in photographing wildlife is to be as unobtrusive as possible which means being silent with minimal movement & being solitary (much like a porcupine, I guess) and of course, always from a safe distance. The welfare of the wildlife is paramount. 

 

I say "solitary" but of course, even in somewhat isolated areas, you are surrounded by bird & mammal activity and the air is full of bird song, particularly in the warmer months. And there are always the snacks I bring for myself to help pass the time and sorry wildlife this doesn't include you, no exceptions.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-dressed-to-quill---porcupine-north-american Wed, 15 May 2024 16:24:46 GMT
"SO WHY ARE WE HERE??" - American White Pelican https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-so-why-are-we-here---american-white-pelican "SO WHY ARE WE HERE??"

American White Pelican - 9 Photos

 

So it's May in Calgary, Alberta, CA. It's been cold & snowy. Now that's changed to extremely windy & rainy, with temperatures still below seasonal.

 

The photos below are a group or pod of American White Pelicans, probably only recently arrived from places well south of the Canadian border. All were pure white with bumps on their bills, showing they are all breeding adults.

 

To say they did not look happy would be an understatement, particularly when they were all huddled together, heads down trying to minimize the impact of the cold wind.

 

One can only imagine, the conversations between birds, "Why are we here? and "Whose bright idea was it to migrate this far north?"

 

Don't worry, pelicans, the weather is supposed to warm up significantly later this week and there are plenty of fish in the river.

 

And I believe it is their breeding finery, but I love the stark white colouring of the pelicans, topped off literally with their spiky feather headdresses. They almost have an egret appearance.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

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PHOTO #6

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-so-why-are-we-here---american-white-pelican Wed, 08 May 2024 15:41:17 GMT
"IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING" - Porcupine https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-its-raining-it-s-pouring---porcupine "IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING"

Porcupine (North American) - 6 Photos

 

To paraphrase that children's nursery rhyme:  "It's raining, it's pouring, the porcupine is motoring".

 

Having spent a few hours watching & photographing a porcupine napping and munching on fresh tree buds, with some scratching, the weather had begun to turn from a mixture of sun & cloud, to an occasional light shower. 

 

Although there were several false starts by the porcupine to climb down from the tree but whether it was just a re-positioning to remain out of the wind or a change of mind because the rain had stopped, it just didn't happen.

 

That all changed when the heavens opened and there was a huge downpour of rain mixed with snow. 

 

There may be some that believe porcupines, like their beaver cousins, are slow moving large rodents. However, when the moment or need arises, porcupines can be very fleet of foot. With those long sharp claws on all four feet, the descent was rapid and straight down the tree, with no side to side positioning (Photo #1)

 

Once I realized the porcupine was actually going "to ground", I waited to see which direction he was going to take to ensure safety for both of us.   And yes, towards me was the answer. So I stood back out of the way and let the porcupine motor on by, Then there was the hasty departure from the woods (Photo #2 through Photo #4), across a series of fallen tree branches (Photo #5 through Photo #7),  followed by a run across a flat meadow to an undetermined but safe shelter, out of the rain.

 

I say "undetermined" because at the point the porcupine exited the woods, I did not follow. First and foremost, was the welfare of the porcupine, avoiding any additional stress to an already anxious mammal. Second, the only photographs you can achieve with such an exercise, are the south end of a porcupine going north. And third, believe it or not, you cannot outrun a porcupine. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/5/-its-raining-it-s-pouring---porcupine Tue, 07 May 2024 03:07:23 GMT
"COLOURFUL PAIRING" - Wood Ducks https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-colourful-pairing---wood-ducks "COLOURFUL PAIRING"

Wood Ducks (Male & Female) - 9 Photos

 

This pairing of Wood Ducks repeatedly flew out and in of a small creek, presumably taking a respite from house or rather nest cavity hunting. 

 

Perhaps because they were a pair & could keep an eye on each other and predators while grooming and eating, they were relatively relaxed.

 

Although the female is not as colourful as her partner, she definitely has lovely colours in her feathers & a lovely yellow circle around each eye for contrast.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-colourful-pairing---wood-ducks Tue, 30 Apr 2024 21:58:49 GMT
"BEST TWO OUT OF THREE" - Yellow-Headed Blackbird https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-best-two-out-of-three---yellow-headed-blackbird "BEST TWO OUT OF THREE"

Yellow-Headed Blackbird - 6 Photos

 

So I have this unscientific theory that fits most bird species. As with most "rules", there are, of course, exceptions.

 

When Nature was giving out her gifts to the birds, the birds were given the choice of two out of the following three choices:

1. Flight/Swimming Ability

2. Beauty

3. Song

 

Take the little House Wren, for example. At a quick glance a tiny relatively plain brown bird that does have the gift of flight but oh my goodness, what a song this little bird can sing.

 

Then there is the Great Blue Heron - a stately looking bird with graceful flight and a huge wingspan. And then the heron opens its bill to speak and all that is heard is a loud squawk. :)

 

And onto the Yellow-Headed Blackbird. Like the House Wren, it has good flight and is a stunning beauty with that deep yellow contrast against the black feathers. And then the song, it's been described as a heavy door swinging on a very rusty metal hinge.

 

So here's another contender for the best of two out of three:

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-best-two-out-of-three---yellow-headed-blackbird Tue, 30 Apr 2024 01:21:23 GMT
"I AM PORCUPINE" - Porcupine https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-i-am-porcupine---porcupine "I AM PORCUPINE"

Porcupine - 9 Photos

 

 

As North American wildlife goes, porcupines are fairly distinctive in appearance, with their brown furry faces & quill covered body & tail.

 

However, in trees, for example, when stretched out along a branch, they can sometimes remind me of enormous caterpillars, particularly if their quills are sticking up along their bodies much like the hairs on a caterpillar.

 

Then there is that "monkey" look, when porcupines are standing tall between branches and definitely when they are climbing down trees.

 

And then sometimes, with that band of quills surrounding their necks, they take on an almost male lion appearance with a golden mane. Or perhaps, in just the right pose & light, we are in the presence of a Silky Terrier dog.

 

But no matter what the look, "I Am Porcupine".

 

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

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PHOTO #9

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-i-am-porcupine---porcupine Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:03:21 GMT
"THE BACHELOR" - Wood Duck (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-the-bachelor---wood-duck-male "THE BACHELOR"

Wood Duck (Male) - 7 Photos

 

The male Wood Duck depicted in the following photos is consistently in an area also frequented by a pair of Wood Ducks, presumably in a partnership. Unfortunately, this handsome fellow, whom I have seen on several occasions now, appears to be alone without a mate & extremely wary.

 

Unlike the pair, he is constantly on the move (which explains the difference of lighting & background in the photos) and is in one area for only short periods. Perhaps, he is off to other venues hoping to find a mate in time to join up & then find a suitable nesting site for egg laying.

 

One thing is for certain, it's certainly not "looks" that could be holding him back.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-the-bachelor---wood-duck-male Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:41:39 GMT
"IT WAS A LONG DAY AGAIN" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-it-was-a-long-day-again---porcupine-north-american "IT WAS A LONG DAY AGAIN"

Porcupine (North American) - 5 Photos

 

Contrary to what some individuals believe, porcupines do not sleep soundly without interruption, while napping in trees.

 

They often change position, sometimes taking time to scratch to remove old fur, particularly in the Spring to remove an old winter coat (Photo #1 through Photo #3).  

 

Having climbed the tree the night before and after a day of foraging the trees for Spring buds, ascending or descending to another area of the tree when branches became to hard to reach at the current level, it's time to return to napping but not before a yawn or two (Photo #4 and Photo #5)

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-it-was-a-long-day-again---porcupine-north-american Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:41:26 GMT
"ALL IN A DAY'S WORK" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-all-in-a-days-work---porcupine-north-american "ALL IN A DAY'S WORK"

Porcupine (North American) - 5 Photos

 

 

The popular trees are now in bud (commonly referred to as "sticky buds), with the formation of leaves not far behind. 

 

And it's also a time for "celebration" for porcupines. Having wintered on a diet of bark & dried vegetation, porcupines are heading into the trees for some succulent feasting while buds are plentiful. That sweet sap contained in the buds must be a great calorie replenishment and the taste must be like candy after a rather bland diet for the past few months.

 

But when the wind picks up, it's time to move floors to a location somewhat lower on the tree and more secure from the elements.

 

Some porcupines descend slowly down a tree, moving from side to side, gauging each foothold much like a rock climber making his/her descent.  This particular porcupine took a more direct approach. Once a side was chosen, it kept to the same path making short work of the climb down to a lower branch.

 

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PHOTO #5

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-all-in-a-days-work---porcupine-north-american Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:23:42 GMT
"ROYAL IS MY NAME" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-royal-is-my-name---coyote "ROYAL IS MY NAME"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

Over the course of the last few months, I have been fortunate to have multiple sightings of one particular coyote family, particularly three siblings born Spring 2023 and have grown accustomed to a certain size and body type of this species of canid (Photo #5), i.e. less bulk & more leg length. 

 

Have seen the two adults on only two occasions and always from a distance. The sixth family member is most likely a youngster born in 2022 (Photo #6). Believe her to be female as she has been accompanying her younger siblings on various hunts, probably there to act as a mentor. Male pups generally leave the family between six and nine months to create a family of their own.

 

This particular day, having only seen a coyote or two from a great distance during the day, I started my drive home when I spotted the coyote shown in Photo #1 through Photo #4, in a residential area close to the Provincial Park. 

 

Found a safe parking spot, crossed the road & managed a few shots before he/she moved along at that deliberate coyote walk, disappearing into the surroundings. 

 

I thought, at the time, the coyote was rather large but when downloading the photos, I was blown away by his/her height & bulk. This was, indeed, a full sized very mature adult. 

 

 

Gender, of course, cannot be determined from the photos but due to the depth & thickness of the coyote's neck ruff, I'm leaning towards male. Whether male or female, this coyote is truly royal.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-royal-is-my-name---coyote Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:52:42 GMT
"HOUSE HUNTING" - Wood Ducks https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-house-hunting---wood-ducks "HOUSE HUNTING"

Wood Ducks (Male & Female) - 9 Photos

 

House hunting in Calgary, Alberta is currently experiencing an intense market but finding just the right nesting habitat for the Wood Ducks could be somewhat challenging as well, as they search for the best location with close proximity to water but a secure nest in a suitable tree cavity.

 

The male Wood Duck stood by as his partner checked out various possible sites, both going from tree to tree but never landing that far apart. And there was a low vocalization from the female, as she called to her mate. 

 

Both eventually flew from the area and across to another section of woods, to resume their house hunting.

 

Photo #4 was taken at one of the first potential sites, which appeared not to satisfy the female's criteria. 

 

WOOD DUCK (FEMALE)

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

WOOD DUCK (MALE)

PHOTO #5

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-house-hunting---wood-ducks Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:55:10 GMT
"WE ARE ALL SENTIENT" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-we-are-all-sentient---beaver-north-american "WE ARE ALL SENTIENT"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

The Miriam-Webster definition of sentient: Capable of sensing or feeling. Conscious of or responsive to the sensations of seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting or smelling. 

 

So sentience is the simplest form of cognition. So then how, as a species, can we deny other species the attribute of being sentient when, in fact, it has already been proven that many species other than humans, express even the most complex feelings, such as joy and grief (elephants come immediately to mind).

 

Having witnessed beavers at play, expressing pure joy in executing what can only be called a beaver dance where a male & female beaver embraced each other while spinning in the water, and having seen a few "tiffs" or minor arguments, for me there is no denying that beavers like many other animals are indeed sentient. 

 

Take a moment to look into the eyes & faces of the beavers in the following photos and see what they can tell you. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-we-are-all-sentient---beaver-north-american Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:38:16 GMT
"MORE FOR ME" - Pileated Woodpecker https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-more-for-me---pileated-woodpecker "MORE FOR ME"

Pileated Woodpecker (Male & Female) - 7 Photos

 

It was just one of those magical moments when all the camera "ducks were in a row", i.e. camera settings were suitable, lens was at the maximum length for a close up & timing was just right.

 

I try to remember to shoot head shots on wildlife if I'm near enough to the subject to get in close with the lens. The male Pileated Woodpecker was determined to dig out whatever was in this tree so I had an opportunity to focus in while he was pre-occupied.

 

I wasn't expecting to see anything other than wood chips after his excavation but what he pulled out of the hole explained his determination (Photo #1 through Photo #3)

 

I'm not familiar with insect identification, let alone larvae so I went off to some reliable sources. The consensus was that this was the larvae of a longhorn (woodborer) beetle, which can get up to over 8 inches long. The length of the larvae can be estimated by the size of the Pileated's bill.

 

So having downed this large meal, Mr. flew off to join Mrs. for a brief period before flying on (Photo #4). He was probably so happy that as offspring have not yet arrived (let alone even laid), he didn't have to share. :) 

 

Having caught the male Pileated Woodpecker on camera, it was time to photograph the female, who was equally cooperative but not so fortunate in her drilling (Photo #5 through Photo #7)

 

 

PILEATED WOODPECKER (MALE)

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 


PILEATED WOODPECKER (FEMALE)

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-more-for-me---pileated-woodpecker Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:23:19 GMT
"WHITE WATER BEAVERS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-white-water-beavers---beaver-north-american "WHITE WATER BEAVERS"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

There were so many titles that could have been used for this blog: -

1. Beavers Just Want To Have Fun (Sometimes)

2. White Water Kayaking Beaver

3. Beaver Body Surfing

4. Over The Falls, etc.

 

Due to the melting ice, there was a major breach in one of the beaver dams in one of the ponds where a beaver family resides. I had gone out late one evening hoping to catch beavers coming ashore to sample the vegetation but was shocked at the volume of water cascading down into the channel below.

 

This system of ponds & channels is used by the beavers to navigate the course of waterways safely & with minimum exposure to predators. I don't what what it had been like before the thaw, when it might have been a gentle stream but now it resembled a miniature Niagara Falls, with white water pounding down into the water below.

 

It took some time for beavers to arrive. First one showed up, followed by another and eventually there were five and one lone muskrat. 

 

Each beaver surveyed the damage, brought over some repair material and re-entered the calm water above the dam. The repair work was minimal, perhaps due to lack of available material or the need to replenish those calories lost over the winter months. Then one by one, the beavers swam back & forth before proceeding down into the "falls". Perhaps, they were contemplating the best way down or maybe it was to pluck up some courage before navigating the white water. 

 

For humans, white water kayaking requires developing paddle & boat handling skills to negotiate the eddy line, break in and out, ferry glide to cross the water, defensive paddling, brace strokes, and assisted & self rescue techniques. 

 

Beavers, of course, have the equipment built in and with the ability to hold their breath under water for at least 15 minutes, it becomes a matter of just navigating the area, mostly under the white water, avoiding any potential dangers such as rocks or branches that may be encountered. So paddles & boat handling skills are redundant and with their strong swimming skills & webbed back feet, ferrying, defensive paddling & brace strokes are innate. 

 

And with regard to the assisted & self rescue techniques, am certain beavers have that covered. On the other hand, there were a few seconds of amusement for the photographer when the muskrat ventured too close to the dam breach & was pulled towards the rushing water. It was a quick turn around, a flip of the muskrat's tail to act as a rudder and a frantic swim back to much calmer water. This muskrat obviously didn't want to be the first muskrat over the falls without a barrel. :) :)

 

I don't think the muskrat would have had too much difficulty in going in and through the white water but it definitely would have been an extremely quick trip. They too can hold their breath for at least 15 minutes and the entire trip was only seconds but muskrats probably aren't adrenaline junkies like these beavers. 

 

I now have a whole new appreciation for beavers & their white water skills but also for photographers who capture humans white water kayaking. It's somewhat challenging to follow a kayaker/beaver as they go under water and come out the other side and still have the shot in focus. There were certainly a number of photos taken where all I had was white water and no beaver in the frame.

 

And yes, no beavers were injured during this adventure. All eventually turned up in the quiet pool below and swam on to sample willows, etc. to replenish much needed calories.

 

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PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-white-water-beavers---beaver-north-american Wed, 03 Apr 2024 21:06:50 GMT
"WALKING IN THE CLOUDS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-walking-in-the-clouds---coyote "WALKING IN THE CLOUDS"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Flat light, particularly on a snowy day, can sometimes prove to be challenging. For one thing, it's more difficult to put one foot in front of the other while trying to distinguish definition in snow covered terrain, where everything appears white with no depth.

 

Or in conjunction with a pure white landscape, it can provide a pure clean background to highlight a majestic coyote going about its coyote business in pursuit of food (Photo #1 & Photo #2)

 

With only drifts of snow to break up the white landscape, the mounds seem to take on an almost cloudlike look but from a perspective of looking down, not looking up into the sky.

 

So here we have a coyote walking in the clouds and leaving behind only a few tracks & maybe a hint of a shadow cast by the sun above (Photo #3 through Photo #6).

 

And to bring everything back to earth, there is Photo #7, coyote complete with shrubbery & grasses pushing their way through the snow. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/4/-walking-in-the-clouds---coyote Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:14:49 GMT
"THE CROSSING" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-the-crossing---coyote "THE CROSSING"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Coyotes are so fleet of foot that because of their easy gaits & ability to cover distances with such ease, they can seemingly appear & disappear at will.

 

Having quickly recovered from the realization that the coyote was actually going to attempt to cross a narrow beaver dam bridging a small creek, I was somewhat amazed (and to some degree amused), at his/her caution in the approach.

 

Now the dam's make-up of branches, logs & mud covered in deep snow, situated above partially frozen water would definitely have been a "no go" for me, even without camera equipment. I'm not the nimblest and sure of foot navigator of deep snow and when proceeding into unbroken snow, I am very cautious in evaluating each foot fall, being wary of what may lie beneath, particularly in flat light conditions.

 

So it was with some amusement (and admiration) to see this coyote proceed in a somewhat similar manner, stretching out each leg and foot to test the terrain. The drop to the ice/water below was not much but with the potential of wet paws and legs that could freeze in the below zero temperatures, a slip in footing could have had somewhat serious consequences. And yes, with those cold temperatures there was a steady snowfall.

 

Although the entire crossing probably took no more than a minute, it did allow adequate time to grab some shots of the coyote's progress which ended in a successful result with the coyote back onto more solid ground (although deep snow covered) and resuming hunting pursuits.

 

Thanks, Coyote, for not making me feel completely inadequate when navigating snow & icy conditions. Even the most agile & sure footed, proceeds with caution when it comes to the unknown path.

 

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-the-crossing---coyote Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:05:22 GMT
"A BEAVER'S DAY IN THE SUN" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-a-beavers-day-in-the-sun---beaver-north-american "A BEAVER'S DAY IN THE SUN"

Beaver - North American (5 Photos)

 

The following photos were taken in full sunlight approximately an hour before sunset.

 

Figuratively, to have "a day in the sun" can mean having a heyday or you have reached the highest possible level of success. This family of beavers, through their hard work, have made a series of wet ponds into a connected eco-system where wildlife not only survives, but thrives. In Spring & Summer, many bird species including shorebirds & ducks, visit these ponds, some even nesting. And, of course, with an ample source water, even during the hottest months and ample food sources, there are mammals such as deer, coyotes & even minks.

 

So, in my book, the beavers have reached the highest possible level of success by creating a viable home for not only their species but many others as well.

 

One beaver swam over to the pond's edge and did some mud dredging which he/she left on the remaining ice of the shoreline (Photo #1).  I believe there is a small lodge (or bolt hole) dug into the bank close by and the mud is probably for some future use. 

 

Having done some of the "heavy lifting", it was time for some sun & grooming before proceeding onto other matters such as dam repairs (Photo #2 through Photo #5).

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-a-beavers-day-in-the-sun---beaver-north-american Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:41:02 GMT
"SPRING CLEANING" - Porcupine https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-spring-cleaning---porcupine "SPRING CLEANING"

Porcupine - 8 Photos

 

Spring has arrived and in Calgary, Alberta, per normal, so has the snow.

 

The photos that follow were taken just over a week ago, when the sky was pure blue & the temperatures much warmer. And warmer temperatures & sunny skies can entice porcupines to climb trees after a night of foraging and bask in the sunshine during daylight hours. 

 

It was too early for the buds to appear on the tree branches, probably much to the disappointment of the porcupine. These sweet buds must be like candy to a porcupine and a much needed source of calories & refreshment after a Winter diet of bark & old vegetation. However, along with soaking up the sun's rays, there was another matter that needed attention. And that would be removing the excess hair/fur of the now shedding Winter coat from under that armor of quills (Photo #1 through to Photo #5)

 

So there was a great deal of scratching & itching involved, which involved alternative front & back feet, great for those hard to reach places. That would also include some side posturing to ensure an overall belly rub (Photo #6)

 

Grooming having been temporarily put on hold, it was time for a break (Photo #7) and finally a well deserved nap (Photo #8)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-spring-cleaning---porcupine Wed, 20 Mar 2024 23:19:54 GMT
"WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE IS A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE" - Bald Eagle & Black-billed Magpie https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-what-weve-got-here-is-a-failure-to-communicate---bald-eagle-black-billed-magpie "WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE IS FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE"

Bald Eagle & Black-billed Magpie - 6 Photos

 

It's that infamous line from the 1967 film, "Cool Hand Luke".

 

Continuing on from the post, "Parent Potential", eventually the male adult Bald Eagle took flight, leaving his female partner preening on her branch of the tree. Not long after, arrived the inevitable Black-billed Magpies  but only one appeared to have the courage (or something) to come in close to the eagle (Photo #1).

 

Adult Bald Eagles appear more likely to stand their ground (or branch) in this case. They know who is in charge, while the immature eagles seem to take more of a defensive approach.

 

Am not certain if this magpie was just interested in the preening activities of the eagle of its magnificent feathers or whether it was just waiting for the right moment to be the most annoying. In either case, this female just did not care. 

 

And I can relate to Photo #4, particularly when I am in wildlife photographer mode. 

 

Photo #5 has been captioned, "Twins" which is a movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger & Danny DiVito as two fraternal twins who are re-united as adults. A Bald Eagle & a Black-billed Magpie - who knew??? :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2 - "WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE IS FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE"

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4 - Isn't it annoying when you are enjoying the serenity of your surroundings & a complete stranger comes along, sits beside you & won't stop chattering! :) 

PHOTO #5 - AVIAN VERSION OF THE MOVIE "TWINS"

PHOTO #6 - Finally, solitude & peace is restored.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-what-weve-got-here-is-a-failure-to-communicate---bald-eagle-black-billed-magpie Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:46:44 GMT
"COYOTE BIDS THE SUN GOOD NIGHT" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-coyote-bids-the-sun-good-night---coyote "COYOTE BIDS THE SUN GOOD NIGHT"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

It may have been an end to the day, but for the coyote it's probably only the beginning of another shift of hunting.

 

And although there may have been some "negotiations" between two coyotes as to which direction to take, eventually the second coyote won the debate and the first (and larger) one followed back into the meadow from which it came.

 

A coyote's coat in colouring & thickness can change between Winter & Summer. However, I have observed from the photos that depending upon the type of light whether it be from direct sunlight or cloudy days, during the same season the coat colouring can appear different. For example at sunset, the coyote's coat is truly golden (Photo #1 through 6)

 

I have included a photo of a coyote taken on January 16, 2024, on an overcast & snowy day, late afternoon. And now the coyote takes on an almost ghostlike appearance, with only some highlights of brown (Photo #7)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5


PHOTO #

PHOTO #7 - Taken on January 16, 2024

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-coyote-bids-the-sun-good-night---coyote Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:15:00 GMT
"PARENT POTENTIAL" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-parent-potential---bald-eagle "PARENT POTENTIAL"

Bald Eagle - 9 Photos

 

Courtship now complete (or at the very least a re-affirming of the partnership), it will be back to nest building for preparation of egg laying & eventually the arrival of chicks later in the Spring, hopefully.

 

This probably won't be the first go-round for this pair and potentially not the last. In fact, in the process of these two flying in and landing on opposite branches of the same tree, a third immature Bald Eagle came in but continued on, but not without a lot of eagle chatter.

 

And with the genes from this pair, their offspring can only be awe-inspiring.

 

MALE BALD EAGLE

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

 

FEMALE BALD EAGLE

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-parent-potential---bald-eagle Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:15:16 GMT
"FIELD OF DREAMS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-field-of-dreams---coyote "FIELD OF DREAMS"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

So in the movie "Field of Dreams" a team of baseball players seemed to appear and then magically disappear into a cornfield. Well this is a grassy meadow not a cornfield, but a coyote with its camouflage colouring can seem to appear & disappear into the grasses and shrubbery.

 

And as for the field of dreams, I suppose the coyote is hoping to uncover rodents under the snow blanket and have a meal. As for me, I dream of achieving that perfect capture of coyote, particularly against a wintery background. You can never have too many photos of a coyote in its element.

 

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-field-of-dreams---coyote Mon, 11 Mar 2024 02:01:50 GMT
"DEMISE OF A SQUIRREL" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-demise-of-a-squirrel---coyote "DEMISE OF A SQUIRREL"

Coyote - 12 Photos

 

The photos that follow might be discomforting to some. However, in all things Nature, there exists two camps - prey & predator, bearing in mind that predator can also become prey and prey - predator. For example, muskrats are a favourite food source for herons, bobcats, coyotes, etc. but I have been witness to a muskrat catching a large Prussian Carp fish & devouring it. Here, the prey became a predator.

 

And one important criteria should be remembered. Wildlife must eat to survive and there are no easy visits to grocery stores or fast food restaurants to replenish calories. 

 

This young coyote has already demonstrated her prowess as a hunter, with small & large quarry. I could be mistaken but she appears to be a thinker, often pausing and even sitting for a very short period before travelling on. At first, I believed that because she is the smallest of three siblings, this was due perhaps to less stamina but then seeing how she keeps up with the other two & can go from stop to full out speed to chase a deer, this is probably not the case. She seems to be figuring out her next move during these intervals.

 

So case in point, the coyote had disappeared into the woods only to re-appear sometime later to scout the edge of a small creek. She paused (Photo #1), looked left and then walked on going right, paused again and then went down into the grasses that line the bank. And then up she popped with something, that at first I couldn't make out (Photo #2). There was some vigorous shaking from side to side and then I could make out her catch, it appeared to be a black Eastern Gray Squirrel?

 

Because the bank is lined with shrubs & grasses over a foot high & no clear photos could be taken, I made a slow move around to where I could face the coyote head on but from a safe and higher viewing point. Thankfully, she was so involved with the squirrel, that she took no notice and in fact turned around, facing in my direction. 

 

And that's when the Photo #3 through Photo #10 were taken.

 

As you will see from the photos, there were periods where she paused and looked right, into the direction of the woods (Photo #3). In fact, at one point she actually sat for a few seconds, Photo #10 (there's that sitting posture again), but with her ears up and listening. I assume she was listening for and possibly hearing her older sibling who was probably close by. These two are never that far apart from each other. I couldn't hear any vocalizations but there are sounds emitted from animals that are well beyond human hearing.

 

Having finished her meal, she skirted around the wooded area, paused along the bank (Photo #12), turned and headed down the hill. By the time, I had covered the distance, there was no sign of her. Another coyote making one of their amazing disappearing acts.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

PHOTO #12

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-demise-of-a-squirrel---coyote Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:23:32 GMT
"I REALLY AM RUGGEDLY HANDSOME, AREN'T I!" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-i-really-am-ruggedly-handsome-arent-i---coyote "I REALLY AM RUGGEDLY HANDSOME, AREN'T I?" 

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

Following on from the blog "SHADOW WORK" (February 24th, 2024), Photo #2, the following photos were taken on different days over the course of the past few months. 

 

As mentioned in that previous blog, the title is a line spoken by Nathan Fillion as his writer character, in an episode from the series, Castle.

 

I won't debate the "for" and "against" in respect of the truth of that statement in relation to the actor but for me, without doubt, coyotes (like their cousins) are truly ruggedly handsome, whether they be female or male and particularly when they are out decked out in their winter finery.

 

Photo #4 shows how the coyote is not only one good looking canid but a master of disguise as well. Although the coyote's head & facial expression are clearly visible, the remainder of his/her body appears to fade, almost disappear into the grasses.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/3/-i-really-am-ruggedly-handsome-arent-i---coyote Sat, 02 Mar 2024 03:05:35 GMT
"CANID CANDIDS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-canid-candids---coyote "CANID CANDIDS"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Just a few words under this blog but basically, I will let the photos that follow (or more so, the subject), speak for themselves.

 

The scientific name for the coyote is "Canis latrans" or barking dog in Latin, so named for its vocalizations. The coyote has many other names, such as prairie wolf, brush wolf, little wolf and American jackal. 

 

A coyote by any other name is still as stunning, amazing and awe inspiring. 

 

Note: All photos were taken from a safe distance & location.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-canid-candids---coyote Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:55:35 GMT
"SHADOW WORK" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-shadow-work---coyote "SHADOW WORK"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

Take a sunny day and a coyote working its way across the snow and sometimes you get "a two for one".

 

These photos were taken on different days and at different times of the day, but each one has a coyote complete with its shadow counterpart. No wall in a dark room or human hands required, just Nature providing the lighting, the background and a beautiful subject. 

 

And other than the reflection by the sun on the ice in Photo #5, all the shadows do appear remarkably similar to those that can be created on walls in your own house, with the right conditions, for and even by children. 

 

Nothing, however, beats the real thing! :) 

 

Photo #2's caption, "I Really Am Ruggedly Handsome, Aren't I?" is a line said by actor Nathan Fillion, as his writer character, in an episode of the series, Castle and is a lead into a future blog.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2 - "I really am ruggedly handsome, aren't I?" 

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5 - Because of the ice, a reflection in colour.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-shadow-work---coyote Sat, 24 Feb 2024 20:00:33 GMT
"JUST BE CAREFUL OUT THERE" - Red Squirrel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-just-be-careful-out-there---red-squirrel "JUST BE CAREFUL OUT THERE"

Red Squirrel - 7 Photos

 

A little intermission from coyote blogs, although "coyote" will turn up in this blog.

 

I hadn't seen this little red squirrel for a week or so. It visits a very large fir tree, near where I like to sit & watch for wildlife. The tree has an extremely large bottom bough which covers a large circular area with soft earth, protected for the most part from snow and is a favourite place for the squirrel to use as a pantry for winter stores.

 

On my most recent visits, I have seen squirrel tracks around the outside of the tree bough where a thin layer of snow had settled. In and on top of the squirrel tracks, were coyote tracks and indeed there was a path from the tree into the woods, which the coyote had used (going by its tracks).

 

So one would start to wonder. At this point, I would like to go on record that I do not choose "sides" in the natural world. I am not on "Team Squirrel" nor am I on "Team Coyote" and remain completely neutral in how things play out in Nature. Every animal has to eat to survive whether it be prey or predator. And it depends on the day and the skills of mammal/bird what the outcome will be.

 

But then along came Red, who obviously needed to seriously use some of its hidden stores. And because the squirrel was so involved in eating (what I believe to be pine cones), it made multiple trips to the tree. It would then sit for longer periods on tree branches happily munching away. 

 

This allowed for some opportunities to capture this adorable little red rodent, who I may add has a gorgeous thick coat & appears very healthy. Although, having reviewed the photos, there is one shot where if the subject was a person, you may think might be demonstrating a somewhat rude gesture (Photo #7 ). Perhaps, I and the camera had worn out our welcome! :)

 

My last words to this little Red Squirrel is "just be careful out there". You're not the only one checking the pantry but I am sure you already know that.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7 - Could this be a squirrel giving "the paw"! :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-just-be-careful-out-there---red-squirrel Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:18:11 GMT
"MARCO POLO" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-marco-polo---coyote "MARCO POLO!"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

So hopefully no one is weary of reading blogs about coyotes & seeing their photographs. But my philosophy in wildlife photography has always been, while the sightings are good, go with the flow. :) And I admit I have always loved to photograph coyotes in the wild but these last few months have allowed more of an insight into their family interactions & how integral they are to the balance of Nature's eco-systems.

 

Now I had two other options for a title for this particular set of photos. For example:

1. Coyotes Singing Hallelujah

2. Coyotes Howling Hallelujah

 

So why did I go with "Marco Polo", the game played by children usually in a swimming pool. For those not familiar with the rules:

One person is chosen to be "it" he/she closes his/her eyes and gets on one end of the swimming pool. He/she counts to 10 and shouts "Marco" and all the others in the pool shout "Polo". The one that shouts "Marco" has to try and catch one of the persons who shouts "Polo". It can be shouted as much as possible. Once he/she catches a person, then that person is now "it". 

 

In this instance, the following changes apply:

1. Substitute "Coyote" for "Person";

2. Substitute "Meadow" for "Swimming Pool"; and

3. Eliminate the physical "counting to 10", perhaps :)

 

I saw two of the three sibling coyotes running down from the ridge and across the meadow. Then somewhere between the meadow & the woods, they became separated and the smaller one disappeared from sight. The larger of the two crossed the frozen pond, came up the bank and began "singing" profusely, which is when I managed to capture the action.

 

This coyote then proceeded to walk towards a creek and out from the other side of the woods, dashed the smaller coyote. Am not certain if there had been a response from the second coyote. There are, of course, vocalizations from wildlife that are beyond a person's hearing. However, it was a very quick reunion & then both literally ran for the hills and out of sight. You just have to love these two siblings. The youngest/smallest is definitely a female & having examined some of the photographs, I'm tending to lean towards the second one is too. So hopefully they will have at least another year together, each watching out for the other.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-marco-polo---coyote Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:22:18 GMT
"SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-splendor-in-the-grass---coyote "SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Probably most dog owners have seen their pet nibble on some vegetation such as grass, either as a supplement to their diet or perhaps to alleviate an upset stomach.

 

I don't know what and when this coyote had been eating as during the time I had been watching, no hunt was successful. However, having traversed the meadow, he/she turned its attention to a small grove of trees surrounded by tall wild grasses. After a quick perusal of the area for rodents, etc., he/she turned to the dried grasses and began eating some of the vegetation. With the grasses being so tall, there was no need for any bending or stooping, just reach over & grab a few blades (Photo #1 through Photo #5)

 

Then the coyote turned, took a quick reading by sniffing the air (Photo #6 & Photo #7) and then it was a 180 degree turn and back to the main meadow (Photo #8)

 

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

 

PHOTO #8

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-splendor-in-the-grass---coyote Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:40:22 GMT
"WHERE IS MOXY?" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-where-is-moxy---coyote "WHERE IS MOXY"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

It was Jane Goodall, during her chimpanzee studies in the 1960's in Gombe, who gave actual names to the individual chimps in her research, much to the chagrin of academics. She was accused of anthropomorphism or giving human qualities to wildlife & setting them apart as individuals.

 

Hopefully, we have come a long way from denying individuality to Nature's creatures & have a better understanding of how each mammal, bird, etc. has traits & behaviours specific to its own individual make-up. As for giving human qualities to wildlife, who are we to attribute feelings of joy or grief or the need for play to only people when one only has to observe the natural world to see so many examples. 

 

Humans do not have the sole proprietorship to emotion.

 

I have had in the past few months, opportunities to observe three sibling coyotes, belonging to a family group of six. These three appear the most frequently together, with the two youngest generally paired. I began calling the second one of the two, Foxy, because of her coloring which resembles a fox. Her brother/sister, I named, Moxy & discovered how appropriate that name was when this young coyote took chase to a large Mule Deer doe and was subsequently chased back by the deer. Fortunately, it was a learning lesson & no harm done. Moxy definitely has "moxy" or courageous spirit & nerve. 

 

So if you have Moxy & Foxy, what are you going to call the oldest & most wary of the three - Roxy. :) Have only managed to photograph Roxy from afar, generally when he/she is napping with the other two siblings on a ridge.

 

This particular morning, Foxy had followed Moxy out of the woods, having unsuccessfully tried to stalk a deer. (See Blog of January 29, 2024 - "A Run Through the Woods") She appeared out of the shrubbery and then walked out and down the footpath, obviously hoping to meet up with Moxy. Foxy then turned, walked back and looked into the other wooded area where Moxy had disappeared & was obviously still there from her reaction (Photo #1 through Photo #3). And she waited & waited and eventually what do you do when your companion is late & you're tired of waiting, well you sit down or in this case, lie down & relax (Photo #4 through Photo #6).

 

Some minutes later, Moxy reappeared with a dash through the woods to the footpath & both took off at terrific speed to continue in their hunting pursuits.

 

Included as Photo #7, is a photo of Moxy, taken upon his/her return to the same general location. And its snap a shot while you can, because Moxy isn't one generally to linger. And yes, shortly thereafter appeared Foxy. (Other photos of Foxy appear in Blog of January 29, 2024 - "Somewhat Close Encounters of the Canid Kind"). 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/2/-where-is-moxy---coyote Sat, 03 Feb 2024 01:23:57 GMT
"SOMEWHAT CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE CANID KIND" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-somewhat-close-encounters-of-the-canid-kind---coyote "SOMEWHAT CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE CANID KIND"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

The advantage of a lens with long range ability is that one can achieve an appearance of closeness with a minimal risk to the photographer but with a maximum of respect to wildlife. That being said, Nature has her own rules & one should never be complacent when photographing any animal at any distance.

 

Just like people, each one is an individual with a unique personality & history. And again, just like people, they can have bad days & good days, depending upon food sources, encounters with rivals or even day to day offspring rearing.

 

Sometimes opportunities can arise where you can obtain glimpses into the daily routine of wildlife, which might seem mundane in the human world but in the natural world, because those moments occur generally without a  witness, can be a window into wildlife's private lives.

 

And if you look closely at the coyote's left front paw (right of screen) (Photo #3 & 4), there appears to be a small injury to the top of the foot. I did notice some intermittent limping as she crossed the snow, not too serious though. It looks as if the injury is around a toe or nail and not to the actual pad of the foot. Nature's natural healing powers are amazing & hopefully this will soon heal. In the interim, she definitely had no difficulty in trotting or even running through the snow. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-somewhat-close-encounters-of-the-canid-kind---coyote Tue, 30 Jan 2024 03:25:27 GMT
"A RUN THROUGH THE WOODS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-a-run-through-the-woods---coyote "A RUN THROUGH THE WOODS"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

It was a morning of sitting for almost 2 hours, with an occasional sighting of a coyote, but from a distance. That all changed when what I thought, at first, was a coyote cruising through the woods which turned out to be a large female Mule Deer but quickly followed by the coyote in stalking mode.

 

And then a second coyote appeared shadowing the first. Even with two coyotes, this was a bold endeavor. Perhaps, they were hoping to push the deer into a panic mode, with the potential of the deer injuring itself running through the fallen trees & shrubbery.

 

For whatever reason, the plan was quickly discarded with the first coyote making a dash through the woods, across and into the neighbouring woods.

 

I didn't have a chance to catch the first coyote in action but quickly made a path to the area directly across from where that coyote had emerged from the shrubbery and waited. Sure enough, within a minute the second coyote appeared, a little hesitant at first and then trotted out into the open meadow. 

 

No I'm not clairvoyant, just a little knowledgeable with this pair. They are two of three young siblings, these two being the youngest and usually if you see one, the other is usually not far behind. And where the older one goes, the youngest is sure to follow.

 

And that short run (and trot) through the woods was short in duration. Once this second coyote reached a snowy path, it turned, trotted back and paused. And that is another story. 

 

So here is "Foxy", the youngest of the three so named because of her contrasting red colouring. And I have heard other individuals comment on that colouring having seen this coyote, "You mean the one that looks like a gigantic fox?" :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-a-run-through-the-woods---coyote Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:08:20 GMT
"THE ARBORIST" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-arborist---mule-deer-male "THE ARBORIST"

Mule Deer (Male) - 6 Photos

 

Having trouble reaching those top branches of your trees?

Don't really feel steady on tall ladders?

Find using those long pruners or cutters back wrenching work?

 

Maybe, it's time to call in Nature's "top" arborist - a male Mule Deer, still adorned with antlers. A handsome fellow providing tree trimming (particularly for those hard to reach places). The ultimate composting of cuttings is included in the service, free of charge, of course.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-arborist---mule-deer-male Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:57:16 GMT
"IF YOU TRULY LOVE YOUR DOG" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-if-you-truly-love-your-dog---coyote "IF YOU TRULY LOVE YOUR DOG, ....."

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Had heard the rallying cry of a coyote upon arrival so I knew the coyotes were nearby. This area has a resident family comprised of what I believe to be three youngsters, one much older sibling (probably female) & the two elders (male & female), six in total. (I have seen all six in a tight grouping twice now.)

 

Having walked into an area where I have had success in the past finding them, I was surprised to see all three of the smaller siblings already half way up one side of a hill, relaxing & napping in the morning sun. Photo #1 is a shot of the three sleeping on a hill. One fact is certain, coyotes are extremely fleet of foot. These often hunt together with the two smallest often paired.

 

So I found a relatively comfortable log to sit and watch the coyotes from across the meadow. It is amazing what one can learn by just observing & of course, hoping at least one would venture down into the meadow for some potential camera shots.

 

Probably an hour had passed and then from one end of a footpath, came a young woman with her rather rotund chihuahua initially on a lead. Once she reached the meadow, she removed the leash & proceeded to play chase with her dog, with the little chihuahua running very large circles at great speed around her and making headway into the open meadow. Even to me, this little dog had all the appearance of a rabbit skirting the snow.

 

I was somewhat annoyed as Alberta Provincial Parks require dogs to be leashed at all times but as I was sitting across a creek from the path, thought no more of it. So I returned my attention to the coyotes. Much to my surprise, all three were no longer napping & lying flat out but instead, were sitting up, alert & looking directly towards the unleashed dog. And then as I scoped the ridge, I saw a fourth coyote coming out of a thicket and heading directly down the hill and quickly approaching the meadow. This was most likely the older sibling (by at least one year), female and frequently acts as leader for the other three. If she made it to the flat area, she would have been no more than 50 metres behind the dog. I have named this much larger & older coyote, "Big Sis".

 

And as the woman approached from the other side of the creek with her unleashed dog, I called out to her & politely suggested that she leash her dog but before I could get any further words out, she was most apologetic & put the little one back on its lead. My response, "It's not me I'm worried about. There are three coyotes up on that hill taking great interest in your unleashed pet and one is coming in from behind your dog."

 

Now for one of the most fascinating events I have seen and I have not exaggerated the coyotes' responses, in any way. Immediately, that dog was leashed, the three coyotes resumed their reclining positions & proceeded to relax. And as for "Big Sis", well she stopped her approach and took up a sitting position halfway down the hill, still watching but not with the intenseness she had previously demonstrated.

 

I pointed out all the coyotes to the young woman. Am not certain she could make out the grouping of three but she definitely could see "Big Sis" not far away. She thanked me, apologized again & headed back to the main park.

 

And not another 20 minutes later, another dog walker appeared on the same footpath with a Yorkshire Terrier on a leash but with the leash left to drag on the ground. Periodically, the owner would step on the slack to "leash" the dog. Same scenario, the three sat up and "Big Sis" changed her line of sight back to the path and the dog. Again, as the gentleman walked past, I pointed out the four coyotes. He looked, brought the dog to his side and then began to recount other wildlife sightings he had had in the park that morning (amazing what some people will say). Fortunately, he quickly exited with the dog safely, back to the more travelled route.

 

Once again, the three went back to sleep & Big Sis, determining there was nothing much of interest, headed back up the hill. Eventually she left with two of the three, moving along the ridge. And yes, after over 2 hours, one coyote headed into the meadow where I managed to capture this youngster with the camera (Photo #2 through Photo #6)

 

To happen once, might have been a coincidence but to happen twice - a lesson to remember for all "visitors" to parks where dogs are required to be on leash. It is not only for your safety but your dog's as well (and for other people too). This coyote family seemingly knew to avoid dog walkers with leashed dogs. Dogs off leash, particularly acting like prey might be fair game. If you truly love your dog, please keep it leashed where stipulated. We are after all only visitors to Provincial Parks. For wildlife, this is their home.

 

I have included the one photo I have managed to catch of Big Sis, at the end of December. She was coming up one side of a small hill & I was coming from the other side, on the diagonal, when she appeared briefly above me. Before I could think "coyote", she trotted down the hill away from me and across a creek. But before she made her way into the woods and disappeared, she turned and paused for that one moment that enabled me to snap one shot. And she is a true beauty, much larger than the other three, bulkier and for the moment, it appears, without any scarring (Photo #7).

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3 - "NO WORRIES, THIS WAS ONLY A YAWN" :) 

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7 - "BIG SIS"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-if-you-truly-love-your-dog---coyote Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:43:09 GMT
"THE SNOW WALKER" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-snow-walker---coyote "THE SNOW WALKER"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

 

With temperatures having finally warmed up to a balmy -6 degrees Celsius, I decided to head out in the afternoon, hopeful that an increase of more than 20 degrees C in air temperature might draw out more wildlife.

 

Just like people, all wildlife needs to eat but in severe cold, it must be a fine balancing act between searching for food and expending valuable calories & trying to limit searches in order to find food. And if prey such as voles, mice & rabbits, etc. have hunkered down, it makes it that much more difficult for predators to locate a meal.

 

There I was ever optimistic even though it had already begun to snow, much earlier than predicted. It wasn't the heavy kind but the light and steady fall, with an overcast sky.

 

So I opted to continue and was fortunate early on to spot some Mule Deer grazing on top of a hill. It was a small group, with a large buck/stag and a younger male and two does & two offspring.  So I stayed and took advantage of a few mock battles between the two males against the winter scenery. Eventually the herd moved up and out of sight and I decided to pack it in but thought I would take the long way around "just in case".

 

And then way up on a hill but making its way down rapidly was a coyote. I lost track of it as I made my way through the snow (I do like to remain upright in slippery conditions, particularly with camera equipment) but once I had made it to the clearing, I searched the area below the hill which is covered with trees & thicket.

 

And then it was a waiting game. As I had not kept the coyote in my line of sight, it could have already left under the cover of the trees. But then after 15 minutes, I spotted it through the grasses & shrubbery, when it made its way out of into the clearing and headed across the meadow to the creek across from which I was standing (Photo #1 & Photo #2).

 

The following photos hopefully capture this beautiful coyote in its thick winter coat in its pursuit of rodents, etc., against a pure white background, with an overcast sky & falling snow (Photo #3 & Photo #4).  There seems to be a methodic approach to the coyote's covering of the landscape. It has purpose but not speed as it thoroughly investigates any potential noise or scent (Photo #5 through Photo 8)

 

And then there was the pause & look back before moving on and walking into the woods (Photo #9)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-snow-walker---coyote Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:54:31 GMT
"BOYS, BOYS, BOYS!" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-boys-boys-boys---mule-deer-male "BOYS, BOYS, BOYS!"

Mule Deer (Male) - 7 Photos

 

Walking along a path, I had seen two bucks lying side by side in the woods. One buck, probably 2 to 3 years old, I have frequently seen with a much younger male, who is at the very most a year old, both ages going by the size of their antlers.

 

Having settled in on a favourite log, I began to scout the surrounding areas for coyotes when out of the woods, came these two mule deer males, the youngest first, followed by the second and then followed by a third, who had virtually the same size antlers as the oldest.

 

They crossed the meadow and then headed up the hill to graze. And then the two oldest began engaging in what I would call "mock battles". Although antlers came in close contact on both sides and there was some serious pushing up and down the hill by both parties, as mating season has long passed and the biggest stags are no where to be seen, I assume this is play fighting. 

 

I have seen the two "buddies" engage in this before (See blog of November 29th, 2023, "While You Were Sleeping"), but it appears the oldest has found a new sparring partner. Because of their almost identical body mass & antler size, they could almost be twins or perhaps just two members of the herd born the same year. 

 

And as they were taking time to graze side by side during the "time out" intervals, I assume these sparring matches were a means to gain experience and technique without too much risk of serious injury for years ahead.

 

At one point, a small doe Mule Deer did wander by. The two bucks stopped looked at her & then returned immediately to another head to head. Well too little, too late, boys. The doe's reaction was just to keep on walking right by to where better grazing was to be had. Not the right time or the right buck. Boys will be boys!

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-boys-boys-boys---mule-deer-male Mon, 15 Jan 2024 02:40:40 GMT
"THE CHASE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-chase---coyote "THE CHASE"

Coyote -  6 Photos

 

I had been photographing this young coyote earlier. It eventually made its way into the woods and disappeared.

 

Then shortly thereafter, out from the wooded area exploded a rather large female Mule Deer. It traversed the bank at great speed and headed across the meadow. And from a previous experience, I learned when you see a deer hitting top speed, watch out for what is coming behind because deer do not expend calories like that for no reason.

 

Yep, only seconds later came the coyote at full speed trying to make up the distance to the deer and up the hill they raced. Once the deer had hit a plateau, it turned, waited for the coyote to somewhat catch up and then down the hill it went chasing the coyote back down the hill into another wooded grove. Once the deer had reached the beginning of the trees and seeing that the coyote had reached the creek, it turned and went back up and across the ridge. So that would be Deer - 1, Coyote - 0.

 

Am not certain whether this was just a learning exercise for the coyote. It definitely was a learning experience. "Before taking on prey much larger than yourself or at least as fleet as foot, always have back-up, i.e. the rest of your pack" before attempting such a chase and using up energy. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-the-chase---coyote Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:48:17 GMT
"OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote "OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

Appearances can be deceiving. 

 

The photos that follow are actually of a young coyote, the middle youngster of three, if one is going by size. It generally hangs out with the smallest or youngest of the three & if you see one of the pair, the other isn't far away. As we are now almost two weeks into Winter, the coyotes have grown their thick winter coats which not only provide warmth but add depth to their appearance.

 

And the intensity of those eyes is not an aggressive gesture. It is due to the sharpness and non blinking nature of those yellow coyote eyes. I was some distance away and a creek between us. Looking through the lens, the look albeit brief, was more of curiosity before the coyote continued on its walk away from me.

 

And for a true comparison of how close-ups can change appearances, you might want to check out the photos in the previous blog of January 2, 2024, "Sometimes Even Coyotes Just Want To Have Fun". This coyote is the first of the two, heading across the pond, in Photo #3 through Photo #7.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote Sat, 06 Jan 2024 04:02:23 GMT
"SOMETIMES EVEN COYOTES JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-sometimes-even-coyotes-just-want-to-have-fun---coyote "SOMETIMES EVEN COYOTES JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

The following photos were taken just after a "pack meeting" of this particular family of six coyotes.

 

From the sightings & observations I have had over the course of the past months, it appears there are two adults (Mum & Dad), who I have seen very rarely & probably hunt during the dusk to dawn period. Then there are three younger siblings (the triplets) who generally hunt as a mini pack but usually the two youngest are most likely to be seen together. The oldest of the three (and I'm going by size & attitude) is more aloof, confident & "more worldly" in coyote matters :). 

 

There is one other, very much larger with a small amount of face scarring that I have seen often accompanying the three siblings. She (and I'm assuming it's a female as she is much older than the youngsters & larger & is not the alpha female) often initiates the "singing" to gather the youngsters together for hunting. I don't envy her job of instructing this younger generation. Sometimes it appears to be like "herding cats" with each of the three being distracted by different scents, sounds & even play.

 

And yes, the number "six" appears to ring true as I have seen all six together in a tight band on at least two occasions now.

 

As for the two youngest, on this particular occasion they broke from the pack and crossed a frozen pond to initiate some play on the other side (Photo #1 & Photo #2). They returned after short interlude of play, using the same route (Photo #3 through to Photo #7). And that open mouth & baring of teeth seen in Photo #3 shouldn't be alarming. It's just some rough housing between siblings letting off some youthful exuberance. 

 

They returned to the main pack shortly thereafter. Then there was the call from one of the adults to gather and the pack headed off to find an evening meal.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-sometimes-even-coyotes-just-want-to-have-fun---coyote Wed, 03 Jan 2024 03:15:16 GMT
"A LITTLE SNOW NEVER STOPPED A CANADIAN" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-a-little-snow-never-stopped-a-canadian---beaver-north-american "A LITTLE SNOW NEVER STOPPED A CANADIAN"

Beaver (North American) - 11 Photos

 

 

Canadians pride themselves on never letting a little snow get in the way of working, driving to the local shops or even enjoying the great outdoors.

 

And what symbol could be more Canadian than the North American beaver and what could even be more Canadian than a beaver working away in the snow. 

 

But before a beaver can hit the woods, he/she must make the trip from its lodge. The beaver could always go overland but that can not only be slow going, considering the drag from behind i.e. one beaver tail and dangerous or it could take the shortest path between two points. That would entail some underwater swimming in a pond covered by ice to a small opening where the beaver can surface & climb out into a frozen landscape (Photo #1 through Photo #3)

 

And sometimes an older beaver can be accompanied by a younger sibling, perhaps testing the waters and its swimming under ice technique or maybe for morale support (Photo #4).  

 

Then it's a short jaunt over to the local shop; sorry - woods, to choose the appropriate edibles to re-stock the beaver's pantry (Photo #5 through Photo #7).  Some harvesting is, of course, required (Photo #8 through Photo #10) and then the travelling is done in reverse but this time with the goods literally in tow (Photo #11).

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2024/1/-a-little-snow-never-stopped-a-canadian---beaver-north-american Wed, 03 Jan 2024 02:38:12 GMT
"WHY, WHY, WHY?" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-why-why-why---coyote "WHY, WHY, WHY?"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Anyone reviewing this past week's news in Alberta, has probably seen the story reported in the media of the young lady who was attacked and bitten by a coyote while at a rest stop along the Trans-Canada Highway in Southern Alberta, where her parents had stopped for a break from driving. They were not responsible for this unprovoked attack in any way. Unfortunately, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

I am not going to go into any details here other than my thoughts go out to this young person & her parents who underwent such a physical & mental traumatic experience. Am certain no one out there would wish to be undergoing the medical treatment that lies ahead, such as shots for rabies, etc. 

 

Feeding of said coyote by people in general was alluded to in initial reports. The popularity of a rest stop would involve multiple visitors, food and ignorance of wildlife behaviour by some, i.e. feeding predators such as coyotes either by throwing food or leaving food behind is a dangerous practice.

 

Now for the "Why's":

 

1. Why do some individuals continue to believe that giving wildlife (particularly predators) food is a kindness?

 

In fact, they are most likely handing out an execution order. Not only is this practice dangerous to a wild animal but also to other people. Predators such as coyotes, having been fed by people, can potentially turn to the next person who comes along for another hand-out & if it is not forthcoming, attacks may ensue.

 

Education could be one answer and what better way than to educate the future, i.e. the young people attending schools. Educate the young and hopefully they can educate other generations. There are teachers out there already doing exactly this. 

 

2. Why does the news media insist on dwelling on only the attack. Why are they not investigating/researching into the reasons for the attack. As mentioned in the news release, Alberta Fish & Wildlife is taking this seriously due to the rare nature of a coyote attack as aggressive as this one. One thing is for certain - if and when this coyote is located, it will be euthanized and a necropsy performed. If no medical reasons are uncovered, (rabies, poor condition, etc.), the mystery of the attack will remain unsolved. 

 

This is not the first time the news media has not, in my opinion, asked pertinent questions. This past September, 13 hikers were "followed" by a mother Grizzly Bear & her large cub for 20 minutes on a path near Moraine Lake in Banff. First, this bear and her youngster were most likely using the same path to get from Point A to Point B and couldn't get by. Why didn't the hikers, as a group, move away from the path and let the bears pass.  Why was the guide the only individual carrying bear spray??? Surely at least every second person should have been carrying a can. And no, more cans do not mean all carriers spray at once. Every second person carrying a can of spray means he/she could defend themselves as well as a "buddy" against a bear attack".  And why didn't mainstream news media ask these questions?

 

3. Why don't the Authorities do more to enforce the "Do Not Feed the Wildlife" rule in Provincial & Municipal parks? I realise that the natural areas involved are vast and officers can't be in all places at all times but there must be certain areas where humans & wildlife are more likely to interact, eg. campgrounds, picnic areas, etc. And when fines are handed out, they should be substantial. If fines are meaningful, the message will be distributed by "word of mouth".

 

In closing, in all my years photographing wildlife, I have not had a close encounter of the unwanted kind. (Hopefully, I am not jinxing myself here.) I use a long lens for photography & try to always be aware of my surroundings. I do carry a small pepper spray attached to my the front of my backpack, ready to use. However, this spray was purchased not for wildlife but because of an encounter I had last Winter with a 40 pound Pitbull which was off leash illegally in a provincial park. Its owner was less than 20 feet away when the dog ran towards me, got half way and then did a "bluff charge". It then proceeded to cover the distance to where I was sitting and jumped up behind me on the log where I was sitting. And then as I scrambled to protect myself & camera equipment, it put its paws on my back & wanted to play! And what did the owner do? Absolutely nothing but waited until the dog eventually ran back to him, when he put on the leash and slunk out of the park.

 

And now for some photos of one of favourite subjects, Canis latrans or more commonly known, the coyote. I would add in closing, the only attention, that I experienced from these canids, is "avoidance". (To reiterate, these photos were taken in a provincial park and are not of the coyote involved in the above mentioned attack.)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7


 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-why-why-why---coyote Sat, 30 Dec 2023 02:29:43 GMT
"GHOST POND" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-ghost-pond---coyote "GHOST POND"

Coyote - 5 Photos

 

For some ghost like appearances, combine the following three ingredients:

 

1. A foggy Winter morning

2. A flat frozen pond covered with crisp snow

3. One young coyote

 

The day had started with thick fog which slowly dispersed over the morning hours with the sun eventually breaking through. A slight haze remained in the air.

 

And then entered the coyote, who made his/her way through the meadow, finally climbing down onto the pond.

 

The shortest distance between two points is, of course, a straight line and what better way to traverse an area but across a frozen pond, with a flat surface & no obstacles. And with all wildlife, the less calories spent, the better. 

 

The end result - one coyote apparition making its way across a frozen landscape. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-ghost-pond---coyote Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:14:24 GMT
'SHAKE IT ALL OUT" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/shake-it-all-out---beaver-north-american "SHAKE IT ALL OUT"

Beaver (North American) - 4 Photos

 

Most of us have probably seen dogs do it - that shake or oscillation of their bodies to shed water droplets after a bath or a swim. Bears do it as well and I have been fortunate to see a mink do the "water shed".

 

I've now seen beavers shed the water from their fur as they exit a pond or stream, particularly since the colder weather has arrived. And finally, the camera has captured those brief few seconds (Photo #1 through Photo #4)

 

A beaver's fur consists of short fine hairs for warmth & longer hairs for waterproofing. They need to groom their fur daily with the oily secretion from their castor gland to keep it waterproof. All that waterproofing may explain why their "water shed" is so quick. 

 

This young beaver had followed its older sibling under the ice shelf from the lodge to re-surface into open water. First it removed that excess water with the "shake, rattle & roll" before continuing on to more pressing beaver business, such as assisting in the harvesting of some fresh branches & trees.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/shake-it-all-out---beaver-north-american Mon, 18 Dec 2023 02:27:03 GMT
"WINTER FINERY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-winter-finery---coyote "WINTER FINERY"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Just a few days later from when the last blog was posted, it snowed quite heavily in Calgary, AB and the meadows & woods changed from their late Autumn attire to Winter finery. 

 

And it made for a great background to highlight the coyotes who had already changed into their thicker warm coats.

 

Watching them as they easily traverse through the meadows and woods, sometimes at an easy trot, sometimes almost prancing across the deeper snow, makes me envious of their abilities to deal with Winter conditions. There I am trudging along, making slow progress through the snow while the coyotes with their adapted feet and pads seem to just sail across the drifts. 

 

If one ever felt inadequate at how as a species we can be so behind wildlife in their abilities to live in the natural world, this would be the time.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-winter-finery---coyote Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:51:19 GMT
"OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote "OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

If one is overwhelmed by the increasing growth of "reality" shows out there, to achieve a reality check - go out to where the wild things are, i.e. the natural world.

 

And one such visit gifted me a wonderful sighting of a coyote pack/family. I had seen the three younger coyotes the day before but this time, the three youngsters (I believe they were born Spring 2022, full grown but a little on the inexperienced side) were accompanied by an adult. Am not certain of the gender of the adult but there was no mistaking this as an older coyote because of its bulkiness & visible scars (Photo #7)

 

And yes, it was an ideal situation with the coyotes positioned across a creek and me safely on the other side. Yes, one or more could have crossed the creek but with an experienced adult to keep the "children" in line, the youngsters were more pre-occupied in the hilly terrain and the possibility of finding food and having the odd scratch (Photo #1 through Photo #3)

 

And in the end, the adult moved along the creek & then up the hill to cross over to the other side of the woods. That coyote was eventually followed by the other three, who took a more direct route moving along the ridge, most likely to meet up all together for a full day/night of hunting.

 

The youngsters have already proven their hunting abilities, catching rodents in the meadows, but hopefully now with some parental guidance they will fine tune their existing skills, tempered with a wariness of people.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

 

PHOTO #8

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:19:13 GMT
"WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-while-you-were-sleeping---mule-deer "WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

 

It appears that mating season for Mule Deer is at its end. 

 

The does have now gone back to relaxed grazing & the large stags have disappeared or at the very least, have retired to the woods for some rest, relaxation & building up on calories to see them through the Winter.

 

But for the younger bucks, there is still some mock fighting or jousting to be had - ahh youth! On this particular morning, both a two year old (Photo #1) and a three year old (Photo #2 & Photo #3) (ages approximate from their antler size), thought they would try to entice a resting stag into some engagement but to give this wonderful stag his due, he just couldn't be bothered or was just too tired to stand to meet the challenge. So he just pushed back in a resting position and then retired for the morning (Photo #4)

 

So when the adults won't play silly games, let's have some play fighting between the younger generations (Photo #5, Photo #6, Photo #7)

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-while-you-were-sleeping---mule-deer Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:50:17 GMT
"IT'S NOT ALL JUST A WALK IN THE PARK" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-its-not-all-just-a-walk-in-the-park---coyote "IT'S NOT ALL JUST A WALK IN THE PARK"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

It's never just a walk in the park for me but for this coyote what started out as a romp down the hill to the meadow below, ended in a flat out chase and in this instance, the coyote wasn't the pursuer.

 

First we have the descent down the hill with a brief stop for a much needed scratch (Photo #1).

 

Then there was the walk along the meadow's edge (Photo #2 through to Photo #4)

 

Finally, well I didn't think it was the best decision this coyote could have made but then again I'm not a coyote. Rather than make it back up the hill and take the path along the ridge and then descend again and into the woods some distance along, the coyote decided to take the most direct route which was unfortunately through a herd of mule deer does.

 

There was that moment when coyote stare met mule deer stare. Then the flag went down and the largest mule deer doe headed straight for the coyote in a flat out run with the other six following in hot pursuit. It was a heart stopping moment for me as the photos show, that alpha doe came so close to making full on contact with the coyote (Photo #5 through to Photo #7)

 

Wildlife mothers are, of course, extremely defensive of their young so the response was totally understandable but in this instance I was cheering for the "underdog". I have seen this particular coyote on its own on several occasions now and I believe it be a youngster probably born in Spring 2022. Hopefully, it's a lesson well earned for the coyote not to approach, on its own, prey animals as large as deer even if it is purely out of curiosity or the shortest route to where it's going.

 

And one might ask where were the male mule deer, particularly the larger stags, when this event was unfolding. Well after the coyote had been chased up to the very top of the ridge where it disappeared and the does went back to peacefully grazing, one lone stag appeared out of the woods with that "What's Up?" attitude (Photo #8).

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-its-not-all-just-a-walk-in-the-park---coyote Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:50:01 GMT
"UP CLOSE & PERSONAL " - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-close-personal---beaver-north-american "UP CLOSE & PERSONAL"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

Just a recap of the past couple of months of one of my two favourite rodents, the other one being, of course, the porcupine. :)

 

It's hard to believe that the photos below were taken in late October & November 2023. Yes, the leaves had turned colour and had fallen from the trees but the weather remained relatively mild which probably explains why the beavers were still hard at harvesting & building. Like us, they were taking advantage of the mild Autumn weather before the colder weather & Winter settles in.

 

We are now in the last weeks of November and the beavers' pond has now almost completely iced over. There are still small openings which I'm certain the beavers are using to surface from and access the wooded areas to top up their food supplies. They appear to have now changed their routines to a more nightly routine or at least under darkness. So less photo opportunities during daylight hours. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-close-personal---beaver-north-american Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:56:13 GMT
"BEST IN SHOW" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-best-in-show---coyote "BEST IN SHOW"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

It may be slightly unusual to utilize a dog show term for wildlife but there was one particular moment when this coyote paused and took a stance not dissimilar from that seen in the finals where the lone undefeated dog at the end of the conformation event is named "Best in Show" (Photo #7).

 

And this coyote, not only being a skillful hunter, is a gorgeous representative of its species. Like all stars, he/she is extremely photogenic and luckily enough, there were some opportunities where the coyote slowed down its movements long enough to capture this canid in its pursuit of a potential meal.

 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTE CLOSE UP #2"

 

PHOTO #2

CoyoteCoyote"A PAWS IN TIME"

 

PHOTO #3

CoyoteCoyote"ASSESSING THE SURROUNDINGS"

 

PHOTO #4

CoyoteCoyote"FROM OUT OF THE GRASSES"

 

PHOTO #5

CoyoteCoyote"COMING UP FROM THE CREEK BED"

 

PHOTO #6

CoyoteCoyote"ACROSS THE CREEK"

 

PHOTO #7

 

CoyoteCoyote"BEST IN SHOW"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-best-in-show---coyote Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:55:54 GMT
"JUMPIN JACK FLASH" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-jumpin-jack-flash---coyote "JUMPIN JACK FLASH"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Not certain if this is a "Jack" or a "Jackie" but it definitely is a coyote with great jumping skills & dexterity.

 

Taken just a few weeks ago when deep snow covered the meadow grasses, the conditions warranted making a few gymnastic manoeuvres necessary to navigate the landscape & locate prospective prey.

 

And like the Red Fox, an aerial approach is sometimes the best way to get through to the tunnels and rodents under the snow. And if you don't succeed at first, it's on to other venues to try again.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-jumpin-jack-flash---coyote Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:49:43 GMT
"IN PURSUIT ON HAPPINESS OR SOMETHING" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-in-pursuit-on-happiness-or-something---mule-deer "IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS OR SOMETHING"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

 

 

 

It's that time of year again when a male Mule Deer's thoughts turn to things other than grazing & sleeping. And yes there certainly is a variety in ages & racks but unfortunately for the younger males they will most likely have to wait a few more years before they actually become contenders.

 

That being said, I did witness one very large bulky male confronting a second almost its equal but while these two were in the process of a stand-off, a much younger male moved in to try his chances with the doe in contention. I guess one should always keep your eye on the "prize".  The doe was not having any of it, though, ran off and decided to wait for the outcome of Nature's reality show.

 

And if you are ever in the vicinity of male deer stand-offs, keep a close watch on where all the participants are heading. Even with a huge area with varying terrain, the speed at which mule deer can chase after one another (other rivals or does), is incredible and the darting & dashing can bring a hulking male deer suddenly too close for comfort. A grouping of large trees adjacent to each other can make for a safe viewing platform. :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-in-pursuit-on-happiness-or-something---mule-deer Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:02:02 GMT
"UP THE CREEK" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-the-creek---mink-north-american "UP THE CREEK"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

During the last vestiges of daylight, a mink turned up looking for a quick fish meal. 

 

Although the conditions appeared to be almost perfect, after several attempts the mink left empty handed, probably for a more lucrative area.

 

So unfortunately, I guess the mink was literally and figuratively "up the creek" and in this instance, without a fish. :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-the-creek---mink-north-american Thu, 16 Nov 2023 01:50:48 GMT
"COYOTES CAN FLY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-coyotes-can-fly---coyote "COYOTES CAN FLY!"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Coyotes appear in folklore & indigenous culture. In some stories, he has the power of creation. In others he is a culture hero, battling supernatural enemies. And sometimes, he appears as a messenger.

 

Now I know coyotes can't really fly but if you can manage to catch a coyote on camera at the precise moment when it is running, you can capture that moment when all four legs are off the ground (like a thoroughbred racehorse). The coyote can appear to be then truly flying (Photo # 6)

 

So coyotes can't fly but there is definitely something magical about them, particularly as they can seemingly appear and then disappear into the landscape. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #5"

PHOTO #2

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #1"

PHOTO #3

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #3"

PHOTO #4

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #2"

PHOTO #5

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #4"

PHOTO #6

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #6"
PHOTO #7  CoyoteCoyote"DID YOU CATCH THAT???"

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-coyotes-can-fly---coyote Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:39:02 GMT
"THE GENERATIONS" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-generations---mule-deer "THE GENERATIONS"

Mule Deer - 11 Photos

 

 

With November half way through and the Winter months looming ahead, the deer herds have been in close proximity to each other with eligible & non-eligible males mingling with the does & youngsters.

 

Unfortunately, I have not been witness to any major battles but there certainly appears to be a great variety of male mule deer now in their full Autumn adornment. Antlers have grown to their full size depending on the age of the male stag and bulking up in weight is another sure sign of prowess.

 

And there are certainly pursuits of does, who are urinating frequently, no doubt to signal an interested stag as to who is is available.

 

Due to the serious bulking of the male deer who appear to change appearance almost daily, I have lost track of who's who, but you will definitely ascertain from the photos, which ones are in the top contention for the fair ladies. 

 

And I have included as the last photo, a youngster most likely born this Spring. Who can resist a fresh face? I don't know whether it is male or female but you just have to love those ears!

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-generations---mule-deer Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:21:53 GMT
"SUNRISE, SUNSET" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-sunrise-sunset---beaver-north-american "SUNRISE, SUNSET"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

Have started with the sunset photos and as the cooler temperatures had remained during the day, the pond remained partially frozen around the beavers' lodge.

 

Photo #1 is a beaver sitting just at the edge of the ice shelf assessing the distance to shore.

 

Photo #2 is an appearance of the beaver just after there was a loud crack in the ice and up it popped through the hole. You can see a small sliver of the ice that he/she broke through just resting on its back. And part of the beaver still remained under the ice shelf as it just "hovered", eating away.

 

Photo #3 is a the close-up as it rested just above the ice happily munching.

 

And yes there are still greens to be had, as the beaver managed to find its way through the ice (a true Canadian icebreaker) and up the bank to partake of the remaining grass on shore (Photo #4).

 

The sunrise photos were taken just after sunrise with the diffused sunlight shining into the creek and the beaver (Photo #5 through to Photo #7).

 

SUNSET - AS THE EVENING WAS DRAWING IN

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

SUNRISE - EARLY MORNING LIGHT

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-sunrise-sunset---beaver-north-american Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:08:56 GMT
"THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-one-that-almost-got-away---coyote "THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

Picking up from the blog of October 30th, 2023, "The Coyote in Winter", here is the narrative & photos of the coyote's "doggedness" in its pursuit of a meal.

 

First there was a lot of stop, look & listen before this coyote settled on one particular burrow hidden in the snow. Then came a lot of digging, stuffing its head into the hole, retreating and repeating that process again and again and again (Photo #1)

 

In fact, that intensity went on for at least 15 minutes and all the while I was thinking, "There is something worth pursuing down there for a coyote to be so determined to spend all that time on one spot". 

 

And then came success and a large vole appeared in the coyote's mouth which it promptly carried away from the hole (Photo #2 through Photo #4 ). The coyote laid down and dropped its well deserved meal into the snow  (Photo #5), but yikes!

 

Of course, I couldn't see into the snow but from the coyote's reaction, the prey had been caught but there was still enough life in the vole to try to make a get away. So then it was a matter of quickly re-catching it before our dine became a dine & dash (Photo #6 & Photo #7)

 

There was no second mistake and one big vole became a well deserved meal (Photo #8)

 

Obviously, I do not know the exact age of this coyote but from its demeanor and hunting habits, although full grown, it was most likely born Spring 2022 and just needs some experience to temper that youthful exuberance. An older coyote would probably not have made that error in judgement. And what a prolific hunter maturity will produce.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-one-that-almost-got-away---coyote Wed, 08 Nov 2023 03:24:14 GMT
"STOP, DROP & ROLL" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-stop-drop-roll---coyote "STOP, DROP & ROLL"

Coyote - 8 photos

 

 

The title does have other connotations but I have seen that look of "oh no" when someone's dog gets a ground scent, stops, checks it out, drops & then proceeds to roll in it with great enthusiasm.

 

And no, this activity isn't a learned behaviour, it's inherited with that "canid" or canine gene so it's not restricted to domestic dogs.

 

Firstly, the coyote in the following photos, is actually in a state of total bliss & is not in anyway, injured. It put its nose to the ground, picked up a scent of some kind, did an about face and sniffed again. Then came the stop, drop & roll. And then it stood up and continued on with that all important pursuit of mice and voles hidden deep in the snow & matted prairie grasses. 

 

This coyote has some quite dark red colouring on its ears, legs and tail and can appear almost fox like (other than its size). I've included a a close up to demonstrate what a stunning example of its species this coyote truly is (Photo #8).


 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"BEST IN SHOW"

 

PHOTO #2

CoyoteCoyote"CATCHING A SCENT"

 

PHOTO #3

CoyoteCoyote"CAUGHT THE SCENT"

 

PHOTO #4

CoyoteCoyote"READY TO ROLL"

 

PHOTO #5

CoyoteCoyote"ROLLING - PART 1"

 

PHOTO #6

CoyoteCoyote"ROLLING - PART 2"

 

PHOTO #7

CoyoteCoyote"ROLLING - PART 3"

 

PHOTO #8

 

CoyoteCoyote"PROFILE"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-stop-drop-roll---coyote Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:24:31 GMT
"CLOUDY DAYS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-cloudy-days---coyote "CLOUDY DAYS"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Not everyone enjoys cloudy days for photography but I have found that on those days when you can have the light source behind you & your subject, the light softly filters through the cloud cover. It provides a more diffuse & softer effect. The overall lighting quality is even & it generates no shadows.

 

Snow can also intensify that muted light source so higher ISO settings are not required.

 

And then enter one beautiful coyote and the mood & setting are ethereal or otherworldly.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-cloudy-days---coyote Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:50:59 GMT
"THE COYOTE IN WINTER" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-coyote-in-winter---coyote "THE COYOTE IN WINTER"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

I am one of the last people to rush the seasons and I do realize that Winter officially is over a month away.

 

But from appearances, in Calgary, Alberta, the seasons went from Autumn to Winter in less than one week. And with colder temperatures, came snow and an accumulation that covered the grasses & shrubs in a deep cover.

 

But with those huge pads, a thick warm coat & an acute sense of hearing, the coyote is very adept at uncovering food under that snow cover. I envy the coyote's ease of traversing the snowy fields and it's only when it encounters a steeper incline that a leap into the white stuff is necessary.

 

And that sparkle on the snow is courtesy of Nature & her lighting skills.

 

With regard to Photo #6, the coyote after a solid 10 minutes of digging (and persistence), managed to uncover a large vole (I believe it was a vole) and after a couple of near escapes by the vole, the coyote laid down to finish off its meal. But that will be another blog.

 

The coyote is sometimes referred to as the "North American Jackal" because of its colouring & looks (Photo #7) although in its thick wintery coat, the coyote does have a resemblance to its cousin, the wolf. In fact, from its positioning & back-end shape, in this photo it almost looks like another member of the canid family, the African Hyena. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4


PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-coyote-in-winter---coyote Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:46:04 GMT
"AND JUST THE VERY NEXT WEEK" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-and-just-the-very-next-week---coyote "AND JUST THE VERY NEXT WEEK"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

There are other places in North America where weather & seasons can change rapidly but Southern Alberta certainly has its share of dramatic transitions. Case in point, last Friday and this past Friday. Temperatures went from the high 20 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius (at night) with highs of the lower single digits during the day.

 

And with those lower temperatures came snow and quite a lot. In fact, there was enough to flatten the prairie grasses & shrubbery and encase the woods in a thick white covering.

 

Unlike the Long-Tailed Weasel who changes its Summer tawny/cream coat to a white one for the Winter (someone must be very happy, as two weeks ago this little mustelid would have been easy to spot against the Autumn browns), the coyote's coat has a more subtle change from lighter to slightly darker in the colder months.

 

And even with a quick change in weather & environment, the coyote still retains its crown as a master of disguise, blending into its surroundings and seemingly disappearing into the landscape. It can then reappear some distance from where it was originally. Usually it is only the coyote's movement that gives it away.

 

And then comes a magnificent sunny day when the coyote is drawn into a snowy grassland where potentially there are hidden mice & voles, close to the surface looking for some warming. 

 

And if you wish to experience the contrast between two weeks, check out the "Prairie Grasslands" blog of October 23, 2023.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-and-just-the-very-next-week---coyote Sun, 29 Oct 2023 00:56:51 GMT
"ARNOLD VS ELVIS" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-arnold-vs-elvis---mule-deer-male "ARNOLD VS ELVIS"

Mule Deer (Males) - 10 Photos

 

I first saw "Elvis" a few weeks ago exiting a woods, following one of the does in his harem. Then I spotted him again this weekend with exactly the same doe & youngster grouping (Photo #6 through to Photo #10).

 

The next day I spotted a stag in the same area but this time there were only two does & youngsters. At first I thought it was Elvis (so named because of his consistent "lip curl") and I hadn't spotted all the herd members. But then he stood up - oh my!

 

There was no way within 24 hours, could a stag size up to this level. Arnold (and one might guess why I named this particular stag, "Arnold"), is certainly a bruiser size wise. He basically has no neck and an even more impressive rack of antlers. Perhaps there were more members in his herd but out of sight. However, with that casual sauntering demeanor, Arnold did not appear to be concerned over the immediate lack of ladies (Photo #1 through to Photo #5). 

 

With Autumn generally comes a battle of the mature male deer. Perhaps, he doesn't have youth on his side but if I was a betting person, I would be putting my money on Arnold. When it comes to the pushing & shoving of two stags, that bulk and strength will definitely put Arnold ahead of the game and a strong contender for all the ladies.

 

ARNOLD

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

ELVIS

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-arnold-vs-elvis---mule-deer-male Mon, 23 Oct 2023 22:04:37 GMT
"PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-prairie-grasslands---coyote "PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

Not certain of the age of this coyote but it was hunting with a partner, who subsequently disappeared at a far off distance. 

 

However, this one continued its hunting along the top of the ridge until finally making its way down through the grass where it eventually ended up across from the creek where I was seated.

 

It definitely was on a hunting mission, periodically stopping to stop, jump & pounce for hidden rodents, albeit a relaxed & non-aggressive meander and that's when it took a "time out" where it just sat and took in the scenery (Photo #5).

 

Coyotes should always be treated with great respect and viewed from a safe distance. That having been said, normally I don't have an opportunity to lift the camera and have it focused before the coyote removes itself from the area. I do carry a small repellant spray for coyotes & domestic dogs but in all the years, I have been photographing wildlife the only issues I have had are with dogs who have been left off-lead (illegally) and the owners not taking any responsibility. Last Winter I had an unnerving experience with a pit bull when it ran up and sat behind me on the log where I was sitting and proceeded to try to play (and only play thank goodness) by climbing onto my back. The owner did absolutely nothing although he was less than 30 feet away. Eventually the dog returned to its "dog walker" where the two crept off on an alternative path. I purchased the spray the next day.

 

Now this coyote was looking for rodents that had been disturbed by removal of some debris by the creek, earlier in the week. It was on one side of the creek and I was on the other side. When the coyote appeared to direct its attention to my side of the creek, I enacted the "tsch" sound and it jumped back and trotted down the creek where it crossed much further down. And I did see it enter the woods, merrily jumping & pouncing on potential mice, etc. and finally disappeared as it moved out of the vicinity.

 

Coyotes naturally have a healthy respect for humans unless they have pups in a den close by, where they are on the defensive or they have been subject to feeding by people, a crime for which coyotes pay dearly. When will we, humans, understand that wildlife does well enough on its own and interference by us only results in its termination.

 

Thanks to this gorgeous coyote, I have a moment committed to memory & the photographs to remind me of the coyote's walk on the wild side.

 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"HIDDEN SECRETS"

PHOTO #2

CoyoteCoyote"LOOKING BACK"

PHOTO #3

CoyoteCoyote"STOP & LOOK"

 

PHOTO #4

CoyoteCoyote"NOSE TO THE GROUND"

PHOTO #5

CoyoteCoyote"JUST SITTING PRETTY"

PHOTO #6

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #2

PHOTO #7

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #3

PHOTO #8

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #4

PHOTO #9

CoyoteCoyote"ONLY A PAUSE BEFORE MOVING ON"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-prairie-grasslands---coyote Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:16:50 GMT
"LOG-GRRR-HEADS" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-log-grrr-heads---mink-north-american "LOG-GRRR-HEADS"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

So the definition of "loggerheads" is to be in disagreement with someone and believe it or not, "grrr" is used to express annoyance. 

 

So put the two together & include the "logs" that the mink was utilizing as cover. Then one can accurately describe a long session waiting, watching for and periodically having a mink put in brief & erratic appearances, some of which are under water chasing fish.

 

Then add in some lighting challenges, as it goes from partly cloudy to full bright sunshine, with the sun not in the most ideal position bearing down from left of the mink and eventually in direct line to the front of the lens. 

 

So it was a lot of "grrr" and some wishful thinking for longer mink pop-ups and better positioning but in the end, you always work with Nature and you can obtain those enchanting captures.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-log-grrr-heads---mink-north-american Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:13:40 GMT
"LOOKING FOR LOVE" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-looking-for-love---mule-deer-male "LOOKING FOR LOVE"

Mule Deer (Male) - 7 Photos

 

Was hoping to have another encounter with a small grouping of Mule Deer does & youngsters, when I found a couple of does and their offspring at the end of a meadow next to a small grove or copse of trees.

 

I set up and started taking photos when there was some rustling in the fallen leaves surrounding the woods.

 

So I looked right and there was another doe just making her exit into the meadow but close behind her was another deer, head bent. And then it straightened its neck and those magnificent antlers appeared.

 

As you can see from Photo #1 & Photo #2, the stag was executing the lip curl, which is formally called the Flehmen response, having detected the doe's pheromones. Unfortunately, for this handsome fellow, neither this doe or the other two were interested in his attention and they quickly made their way up the hill and into more cover.

 

But I guess the Autumn is young and there still remains time for this male deer to have more encounters with does, as well as potentially meeting up with other contenders for the "fair does". So it was back to sampling Nature's greenery for this stag (Photo # 3 through to Photo #7).  

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-looking-for-love---mule-deer-male Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:27:21 GMT
"MUSTELID MISCHIEF" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-mustelid-mischief---mink-north-american "MUSTELID MISCHIEF"

Mink (North American) - 6 Photos

 

Minks may be small in size but huge in energy.

 

The lighting in the first three photos differs from the last three because of a quick change in positioning from north to south by this mink. You never know where a mink is going to pop up (and it's not only weasels that go "pop") and for how long. Sometimes the camera doesn't have the opportunity to re-focus and that doesn't take into account a change in lens length. Mink do have that annoying habit , albeit endearing, of being some distance away, disappearing and then reappearing right in front of you, within spitting distance.

 

So for all those times that a mink has taken sufficient time to pause the action so that a clear photograph can be taken, I say "thank you"! :) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-mustelid-mischief---mink-north-american Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:23:24 GMT
"NOT SO MULISH" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-not-so-mulish---mule-deer "NOT SO MULISH"

Mule Deer - 5 Photos

 

Mule deer which are native to Western North America are so named because of their ears, which resemble, yes you guessed it, a mule.

 

And that would be where the similarity ends, particularly when agility comes into play. They can "prong" right up there with the Pronghorn, covering great distances with their bouncing. 

 

These photos were taken over the course of a couple of days & show a more relaxed mule deer doe & this year's offspring. 

 

But you just have to love those big ears! :) 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-not-so-mulish---mule-deer Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:24:24 GMT
"CATCH ME WHILE YOU CAN" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-catch-me-while-you-can---mink-north-american "CATCH ME WHILE YOU CAN"

Mink (North American) - 5 Photos

 

The best time to catch minks with photography generally is when they are pre-occupied with fishing, in my experience. 

 

They can pop up from hidden spaces, then disappear & reappear some distance away.</