Predator tracking with Walnut Hill

So yet another wonderful tracking course with Nick and Valerie out in the beautiful Quabbin water shed. The focus was apex predators and their cohabitants, my personal target species were; Eastern Coyote, Fisher, and Bobcat. We of course saw a lot more tracks of the other animals in this ecosystem , but in particular we found some great Coyote tracks, as well as Bobcat. We explored the signs of this mixed deciduous and coniferous forest habitat, and shared a few moments with some of its unseen residents. Normally I write a lot more, but I've been writing so much for work, that a picture recap of some of the day will have to do this time around. As always it was a amazing time with Nick & Valerie, I encourage all who have a love of the natural world around them to share a special moment with them. I find my ethos and how I share and experience the world around me fits hand in hand with the views and teachings of Nick and Valerie, as such  I look forward to these trips and spending time with them each year.       http://www.walnuthilltracking.com

                                                         Shores of the Quabbin

                                       Active signs of Beaver in the swamp areas on our trek

                      Nick and Valerie collecting some data.  Measuring Bobcat tracks, sizing the animal and interpreting its behavior.

                                        Beautiful brook with Bobcat tracks in the middle

                                                                Bobcat tracks

                                          Nice rocky overlook, possible hangout for Bobcats.

                                                     Moose sign - moose scrape

                                                        Nick leading the masses

                                              Pileated Woodpecker excavations

                                         Master Riley out on the frozen Quabbin Shore

                                                       Prestine brook

                 Upon arriving home my resident Snowy met me on the beach the next morning.

                                         

                                         Eating a large vole above, and below "house sitting"