Under the apple tree and down by the river…
Our backyard has again been busy, as the apple tree drops its harvest and critters of all kinds come to enjoy the bounty. The possum was especially busy, carrying off many apples to its burrow for dinner. Deer, turkeys, and even fox found the apples to be a tasty treat; raccoons and a skunk also came by to investigate. Meanwhile, a bobcat and a coyote patrolled in hope of finding an apple critter for dinner.
Frolicking fawns and vandalous bears!
Last week, I posted a video of September clips from the wildlife cameras in my backyard. Today, I’m sharing September clips from my other collection of wildlife cameras, in a forested area here in Lyme New Hampshire. This batch includes an exciting first – a bobcat carrying its prey, presumably back to its den for sharing with the kits. We also see mama bear and her two cubs, as well as a solo adult bear who likes to tear my cameras off trees. Finally, we get to watch a particularly fun segment at the vernal pool: a little fawn frolicking in the shallow water. It proves that every kid loves to play in puddles!
Bears and bobcats, oh my!
I found two of my older cameras and placed them in strategic locations in our backyard: down by the river, and on the trunk of a productive apple tree. Both of these locations attract a variety of critters –including a resident possum who loves fresh apples. This month, though, I was surprised to see both a bobcat and a black bear passing through in broad daylight! Click on the photo to see the video.
A fall-foliage classic hike.
It was a beautiful autumn day, with the fall foliage reaching peak color at the higher elevations. So I left home early for Mount Cardigan, knowing the trailhead parking would fill quickly on a gorgeous holiday weekend. After nabbing one of the last parking spots, I strided quickly up the familiar West Ridge trail to the summit. I passed nearly all the earlier ascending hikers, and encountered one or two sunrise groups descending.
Visit to a recently conserved property in Orford.
It was a beautiful fall weekend – perfect October weather, with the autumn colors intensifying here in the Connecticut River valley. We drove a bit further north, into the town of Orford NH, then up into the foothills near Mount Cube. At this slightly higher elevation, the fall foliage was nearing peak color.
