Now with embedded video clips!
In February, we watched vultures feed on a deer carcass next to Adobe Creek. This process continued into March, tapering off as the carcass was reduced to bones.
For several weeks, other deer kept away from this spot.
Finally, by mid-March, the carcass was reduced to a point where deer began
to return to this favorite creek-crossing spot.
The buck in the second photo is beginning to grow new antlers.
Here is what is left of the carcass as of mid-March.
Several months passed without seeing feral hogs, but we mentioned
starting to see hog sign last month.
Sure enough, this lactating sow showed up with four piglets on camera #1.
This is the first time we have seen hogs on the lower part of the Lafferty
Ranch property.
We see bobcats frequently at camera #2 in the middle of the property, and this month did not disappoint.
This same spot is lively with small critters. Stellar's jay, gray squirrel, and a covey of quail. No skunks this time, though.
We also saw the same feral sow and four piglets that camera #1 captured
20 minutes earlier.
No single photo captured them all, but here are two of the piglets.
Cameras #3 and #4 in the upper meadows feature plenty of deer
activity. The deer look well-fed and winter-coated.
They seem to be eating something off the ground in the grass.
Buckeyes? Bay nuts? Acorns? Mushrooms?
And finally, a coyote beyond the fence at night.
