Yonderosa Wildlife pictures

Mountain Lion pictures. NOT for the squeamish

It is not unusual to find cat kills on or near the Yonderosa. Getting pictures of the Cat are rare though.

This is how I found her about 28 hours later.

The Cougar and Coyotes made quick work of it.  Typically when I find one this fresh it is a lot less consumed.

Because of the vicinity I was concerned it was "Inky" a Whitetail Doe that has raised her fawns nearby for the last two seasons. I found this Doe's tail and it was not black tipped like Inky's.  Based on tooth wear I'm guessing this Doe was about 3 or 4 years old.  She was pregnant with at least one fawn.

I think this is her.

A Coyote making off with a front quarter

Last May

Cabins and Wildfire

2015 - the year we'll remember the fire.

Smoke and fire up the hill from the cabin.

The forest above the cabin

Just up the hill

LOTS of destruction nearby

NOT having fun.

Always lots to do, evacuating a neighbor.

Hauling  fuel for the generators

It came close, there were three nights I was sure we'd lose it. We were blessed.

May 2014

Looks like we have four Whitetail Does camping out nearby.

Piper had a tussle with a Coyote (again).  She wasn't hurt, just lost some fur and scared her some.  It looked and sounded worse than it was.  I had expected to need another trip to the Vet... 

Momma-Winkle is expecting!

Last year's model.  I hope the other one made it too. 

New Baby Moose(s)

I was delighted to see a brand new pair of baby mooses on one of the game cameras last week!

We also had a few other visitors.

This dude is really chubby for this time of year.  Based on scat I'm guessing he might be eating fawns...

  

These guys were very busy while we were there.  At least two packs.  Very vocal and active day and night.

Saw this dude a couple of times and two younger Bucks using the meadow

Moose Babies Only Bigger

I was pleased to discover Moose sign and tracks near my Game Cameras and even more pleased to see that last year's babies both made it through Winter and it appears Momma is getting ready to have more.

Not the greatest picture we got but it does show the three together.

We also saw three Mule Deer Does, all pregnant and five Whitetail Deer Does, two of which have babies on the way, the others all look like yearlings.  They spent a good many hours in the meadow feeding and cavorting - I was not always sure it was in fun though - lots of chasing and even some rearing up and kicking.  Interesting.

Woodpeckers - Winged Termites

Typically we arrive at the Yonderosa with the expectation of an enjoyable and relaxing visit.  Seeing the wood chips on the step in those first moments certainly makes that sort of optimism challenging.

Apparently my soffit vents are good targets for Flickers.

 

 As are Gable Ends

 

I has sufficiant materials and tools to repair the shingles on the gables but I wasn't able to repair the soffits in a satisfactory way.  I will fabricate them at home and install them on my next visit.

The damage they can do is impressive.  I have taken some countermeasures that have worked for me in the past to discourage them but only time will tell if they work this time.   

Before now Free Range Cattle was the most destructive critter at the Yonderosa.  The Flickers actually bore holes large enough that Bats, Hornets and rodents could gain access.

Building the Yonderosa Cabin part 2 - the interior

Yonderosa 2011 video

Just some pictures from 2011

Hello Ladies

Mule Deer Does

What happened to Summer part 2

I caught a glimpse of movement from the Cabin's window and bedded down within rock throwing distance was a pair of Whitetail Does.

They stayed put for most of the rain squall then decided to browse their way up the hill after it had passed.   Mostly I saw them feeding on Snowberry, both the leaves and the berries.  I later found them napping again just yards from where I took these pictures.

For some reason I'm having difficulty uploading pictures.  More to come ASAP.

What happened to Summer?

In this part of the world summer came late and left early.  October is typically a gorgeous, resplendent with autumn golds and reds, deep blue skies and clear rain washed vistas.  This year it was true again.

My mountain bike saw daily use exploring the local logging roads and trails when I could find them.  The local Critters didn't quite know what to think and would often allow me to get quite close before deciding to skedaddle.  I didn't even need to get off my bike to take this Doe's picture.

Saw LOTS of Deer, almost all Whitetail Does and a couple of fawns.  I discovered a new 'rub line' and another was renewed by the local Bucks.  I reckon in a few weeks they'll be getting all stupid once the rut kicks in.

Fresh Buck rub on an Alder

Kinnikinnick appears to be a main staple for many of the locals, Bears, Grouse, Chipmunks and I even saw it in some Coyote scat...