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Friday, December 29, 2017

Happiness is Sunrise and New Mountain Lion Observations

I have my "touchstone" things that almost always make me smile. Especially at this time of year, I make sure that I do them as often as I can.

One is getting out at sunrise with Shyla. Yesterday, it was so cold during our photo session that my fingers completely lost circulation. I have Ranaud Syndrome so that's not too uncommon but still can bring tears to my eyes due to the pain when they rewarm.

It's worth it though - when I get to see my girl in that incredible light.

I do lots of action shots so that Shyla doesn't get cold. This one is from last winter when Shyla surprised me with a huge jump. She is an incredible athlete.

Another touchstone activity for happiness is wildlife observation. A few days ago, I went to check the bear den that I know about, and it was empty. My spirits were deflated. There's nothing like having the den being occupied by a sow and cubs to keep me excited all winter long.

Over the past year since last December, no bears checked out the den. In previous years, bears arrive in the summer, climb into the den, stay inside it for 2-3 minutes, and then leave. I presume that they are checking out its comfort to decide whether it's a candidate for their den the next winter. It's a big den so I think that it's best suited to a sow who will have cubs sharing it.

Despite the den disappointment, I did recently have a bunch of wildlife excitement when my friend called to say that he had a mountain lion on his land being harassed by coyotes. I hurried over, and we had fun solving the wildlife mystery. We found the reason for carnivore activity - a fairly fresh cow elk carcass. We set up a couple of trail cams. Over the past few nights, my cams have recorded the lion-coyote interactions around the huge meal. It's amazing to see how bold the coyotes are with the lion - trying to drive him off the carcass. I have a lot of footage to sift through but I hope to share some soon.

For now, here's our well fed mountain lion as he departed the kill the other night. Believe it or not, this photo was followed by a video of coyotes chasing the lion! I had no idea that a lion would run from animals who are a mere fraction of his body weight.
So, despite the "empty den", there's still fascinating wildlife activity going on nearby! I love documenting it and trying to understand it. It makes me smile!

18 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    ...and we love watching you watch the wildlife!!! YAM xx

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  2. Fascinating. I would guess a pack of even much smaller animals is a great threat; they could surround him and take him down together...

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  3. Ooooo, the lion and coyote thing is exciting. I would imagine it's all about numbers for the lion. And coyotes are so bold.

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  4. We can't wait to see the lion vs. coyote action.

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  5. i had no idea this could happen, i would think the lion is KING and would chase the coyotes.. can wait to see your action pics

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  6. Our weather is below zero, so not much going on with photos outside because Mom's hands will freeze, and batteries drain so fast. We still get out for walks and to play, but not as long as usual. Enjoy your wildlife!

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  7. Safety in numbers maybe, and the coyotes were sure they would be safe. leaping for joy. Down here, all is well, not too cold, just right for the early morning.

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  8. We were going to say the coyotes in number might have made them bolder. Then again, maybe the lion was full and didn't care.

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  9. We can't wait to see video footage! Your life is so much more exciting than ours is.

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  10. Your cameras also allow you to learn about the wildlife without disturbing them. It's so wonderful that you share this with all of us.

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  11. Shyla looks good in any lighting ... but oh, my, that first shot!!! Just stunning!
    KZK

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  12. The flying Shyla always makes us smile!

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  13. Your whole world is wild KB,,, and you capture it on film!
    love
    tweedles

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  14. We love that first shot of Shyla with the snow around her snooter:) Amazing that a mountain lion would run from coyotes. We are excited to see the video too.

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  15. Thank you for another nature lesson. Shyla looks outstanding in the snow. Make sure you are takint care of yourself while you are takng care of the other animals.

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  16. Wow that photo of Shyla in the snow in that gorgeous morning light is SENSATIONAL!!
    What an amazing picture you took well done!
    Lots of licks, your new friend Morrie :)

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  17. Sad about the den. But so excited to see the coyotes v. Lion!

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  18. More wildlife shots to make me smile. Great way to wrap up 2017. Best wishes for continued getting those phenomenal shots in 2018.

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