February 2020
Blog 333: Bobcat Blowout
While leaving the lighthouse and driving toward the huge eagle nest nearest the saltwater boat launch one morning we saw several vehicles alongside the road with their passengers standing by the road carrying binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. We assumed these folks were checking out the majestic adult eagle sitting near its nest. Just as we were driving by, Will called out “bobcat in the tree.” So we pulled over to investigate. At least 40 feet up, there was a large male bobcat in the crotch of a tree staring down with the intensity of an undertaker at a gun fight. Walking down the road to greet Sherry, we learned that about ten minutes earlier she had heard the hisses and screams of a cat fight. She moved to the west side of the road in time to spot three bobcats in a spat that ended up with the big male in the tree starting down at its opponents with a look combining fear, hate, and wonder—wondering how in the world to get safely down. Sherry was able to catch some great photos of fighting cats with teeth bared and paws a-whacking. Obviously, this was really cool. I was able to catch the stranded feline while still in the tree.
Happy Morning
Yes, the early bird often does get the worm. Turning this logic to the refuge, the early visitors get first shot at sunrises and sometimes the sunrises are spectacular. Below is a photo of one of my favorites. Fills the tank, charges the batteries, and revs the engine. Yay, baby!
Sevilleta Connection
Back when we volunteered at Sevilleta NWR close to Albuquerque, we met and friended an intern named Brian. Good dude. And when we were looking for a place to winter this season, he connected us to St. Marks. He visited the refuge the other day before heading to his new position as a ranger at the really cool Ding Darling Refuge on Sanibel Island. Good luck, Amigo.
The Flycatcher Dilemma
Refuge visitors and blog readers are familiar with Vernon the Vermilion, the snazzy, feisty, photo poser. Tens of thousands of photos of this red icon of the refuge have been taken, many within ten feet. He appears to have plenty of flying insects to eat, he seems to enjoy visitor attention, but staring into his eyes, you can sense that deep down this winged wonder is lonely, no companions from his tribe, no friends to share experiences.
But the situation may be changing! A female Vermilion Flycatcher is living in the ‘hood, less than a mile from Vernon’s place. A chance for romance? Let me introduce you to Vivian the Vermilion. Kind of sexy, don’t you think?
Birders by the Bunch
What do Birders want? Lots of birds, of course. Hence, thousands of binoculars and hundreds of spotting scopes are being lugged around by scores of birders hunting down sightings to add to their life lists. Here are some of my recent bird photos from the refuge: black-crowned night heron, canvasback, glossy ibis, great-horned owl, hooded mergansers, Northern mockingbird, osprey, and Wilson’s snipe.
Old Trucks
Meet Jan Renea
See you next time.
Happy Morning
Yes, the early bird often does get the worm. Turning this logic to the refuge, the early visitors get first shot at sunrises and sometimes the sunrises are spectacular. Below is a photo of one of my favorites. Fills the tank, charges the batteries, and revs the engine. Yay, baby!
Sevilleta Connection
Back when we volunteered at Sevilleta NWR close to Albuquerque, we met and friended an intern named Brian. Good dude. And when we were looking for a place to winter this season, he connected us to St. Marks. He visited the refuge the other day before heading to his new position as a ranger at the really cool Ding Darling Refuge on Sanibel Island. Good luck, Amigo.
The Flycatcher Dilemma
Refuge visitors and blog readers are familiar with Vernon the Vermilion, the snazzy, feisty, photo poser. Tens of thousands of photos of this red icon of the refuge have been taken, many within ten feet. He appears to have plenty of flying insects to eat, he seems to enjoy visitor attention, but staring into his eyes, you can sense that deep down this winged wonder is lonely, no companions from his tribe, no friends to share experiences.
But the situation may be changing! A female Vermilion Flycatcher is living in the ‘hood, less than a mile from Vernon’s place. A chance for romance? Let me introduce you to Vivian the Vermilion. Kind of sexy, don’t you think?
Birders by the Bunch
What do Birders want? Lots of birds, of course. Hence, thousands of binoculars and hundreds of spotting scopes are being lugged around by scores of birders hunting down sightings to add to their life lists. Here are some of my recent bird photos from the refuge: black-crowned night heron, canvasback, glossy ibis, great-horned owl, hooded mergansers, Northern mockingbird, osprey, and Wilson’s snipe.
Old Trucks
Meet Jan Renea
See you next time.