With temperatures dipping to 7 degrees below zero, and a bit of snow on the ground, the census station finally comes to life. A month later than usual, but that is good news for all game, as it means we are having a mild winter, our third in a row. Initially only turkeys came for the whole kernel corn. They still are, which means I have to return just before dark and scatter some more, so the deer will drop by.
This young buck below will probably hold his antlers right through March, with the easy winter.
Turkeys and does mixing it up. So far about fourteen different deer in the area.
This turkey is colorful, much more so than the rest. Not sure why...
Birds and small game also come daily to glean whatever they can. Crows, bluejays, squirrels, etc.
This buck below is a second one on scene.
Gray fox, a regular visitor and usually in a pair. It is mating season for most of the canid fams.
I am always pleased to find that the bobcats are plentiful, and around. Considering that 25 years ago they were next to non-existent, it is wonderful to see them filling their historical niche.
Not terribly exciting pictures, but at least we are getting to the point where I can head out and count fresh beds on the four point, and get an idea of deer density in our area. I am guessing 20 per square mile. We'll see!
jackzeller@myfairpoint.net for any feedback.
