A Sunday hike: Retrieving Game Camera

 

A few months ago my husband, Mike, bought a game camera. It is a great hobby for him, since it includes getting out in the woods, investigating areas for a good viewing, and learning about the habits of the wildlife in our area. He is careful not to share too much about where he's filmed the animals, since he's captured cougar, bobcats, bears and other animals someone might be inclined to eliminate, but he's generous with the footage. You'll find a link to view the wildlife caught on camera in the last 2 weeks.

With the wonderful change in the weather today, I decided to walk in with him to retrieve his camera. Above you see him unscrewing the camera case. It was an interesting walk, as we encountered lots of animal signs, but way too many signs of humans as well.

 

Sign of wildlife: tree rubbed bare by elk antlers.

 

Sign of human: crumpled metal roofing in the woods.

 

Sign of wildlife: a large elk footprint.

 

Sign of human: boundary sign used for target practice.

 

Sign of wildlife: a woodpecker's handiwork in a fallen log.

 

Sign of human: dumped clothes washer.

There are stories left in these woods, like the one behind this grave-site. The dog collar left on the wooden cross tells us a small portion of the story.

 

And for me, there is always the enjoyment of the plant life --like this wild iris

 

and the dogtooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis).

 

Thanks for taking today's walk with me. Here's the link to the wildlife footage (both nighttime and daylight clips.)  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3tPsPKaT4A