tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45337409794290039762024-03-05T17:15:53.208-08:00nature of a manrandomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-32723768872320039792018-01-17T09:51:00.001-08:002018-01-17T09:51:32.065-08:003 Small CatsHere's a fun triptych of trail camera photos for ya. A California cat trifecta: Bobcat (<i>Lynx rufus</i>), Domestic Cat (<i>Felis catus</i>) and Mountain Lion (<i>Puma concolor</i>).
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/V9D3u8" title="3 small cats"><img alt="3 small cats" height="454" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4691/27791966589_19ab91276c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/6BZw7k" title="3 small cats"><img alt="3 small cats" height="454" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4595/27791966449_08fcc2dea5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/UJ8gp7" title="3 small cats"><img alt="3 small cats" height="454" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4690/27791966139_811a870b4f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The 3 cat species that live in California, and, as you can plainly see, all small cats.
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"Wha? Small cats?"
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Yep, small cats.
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In the world of cats, there are actually only 2 lineages still extant - the Big Cats (Pantherinae) and the Small Cats (Felinae).
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Both split from a common house-cat-sized ancestor, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudaelurus"><i>Pseudaelurus</i></a>, about 10 million years ago, after <i>Pseudaelurus</i> had spread across the world from Eurasia to North America.
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The Big Cats then generally got big, and today are the lion, tiger, leopards and jaguar.
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And the Small Cats generally stayed small, and include the lynxes, ocelots, caracals, wild cats, bay cats and pumas.
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The cougar just happens to be a Small Cat that got big. But in 1001 other ways, it's still the same as its Small Cat brethren, such as our domestic cats (including attitude!). Being Small Cats, mountain lions even purr just like house cats.
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Did you know there's another Small Cat in the puma line still alive today that also evolved in North America, also got big, and is actually the closest living genetic relative to the cougar?
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The cheetah.
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And while I haven't had the pleasure of seeing a cheetah in the wild, on a trip in the Okavango in 2007 I did see the wild relative that begat our house cat - the African Wildcat (<i>Felis lybica</i>):
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/860445240/" title="an african wildcat (really)"><img alt="an african wildcat (really)" height="526" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1238/860445240_d73efc77be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Sizes, like genetics, are all relative.
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==========<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felidae">Felidae</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudaelurus">Pseudaelurus</a></li>
</ul>
====randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-1375573313415085502017-12-17T17:55:00.001-08:002017-12-17T17:55:34.881-08:00Flappy HolidaysSince it didn't occur to me to post this recent camera trap series for Thanksgiving, I'll generalize it. Seems appropriate. These overwintering burrowing owls do come to the San Mateo Coast for the full holiday season after all.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/6QxRk4" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4643/39089311182_84047c95f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Tho, this feisty owl appears to be starting the season off a bit Grinchy.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/00H90U" title="buck & burrowing owl"><img alt="buck & burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4730/38238422165_3cb727209c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/V6y924" title="buck & burrowing owl"><img alt="buck & burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4686/25253668688_f525ba3a7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/60V227" title="buck & burrowing owl"><img alt="buck & burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4684/39089309402_7dfe401401_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4432vw" title="buck & burrowing owl"><img alt="buck & burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/25253667568_9379e2bc80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I think that's the burrowing owl equivalent of the middle finger.
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"Flap off buck!"
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/X2nDgG" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4598/39089308312_bca73f5fe8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Little owl should be glad that wasn't a reindeer. Could end up with a burrow full of coal. <br />
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====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
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<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="https://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2017/02/inter-species-interactions.html">Inter-species Interactions</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2017/01/roaming-badger-belt.html">Roaming the Badger Belt</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/08/owls-in-fox-house.html">Owls in the Fox House</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/12/burrows-are-like-christmas.html">Burrows are like Christmas</a></li>
<li>Burrowing Owl Conservation Network - <a href="http://burrowingowlconservation.org/burrowing_owl_facts/">Burrowing Owl Facts</a></li>
<li>Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds - <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id">Burrowing Owl</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrowing_owl">Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-40677057000896258042017-11-03T08:27:00.001-07:002017-11-03T08:27:47.484-07:00The Dog Days of WinterBack in September 2015, I wrote a post about the "dog days of summer," playing with the expression to showcase a pair of juvenile coyotes and how dog-like they act.
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Well, this past winter I had another hilarious reminder of coyote canid characteristics. But this time at a trail cam that was set in the White Mountains, at just over 10,200 feet in elevation.
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November 28th 2016, 5:20pm: a serene evening scene, with "winterized" coyote:
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1L1yFQ" title="calm coyote"><img alt="calm coyote" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4561/38139532171_1d417f3717_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Then, on February 2nd at 3:24pm, after the trail cam spent most of January buried in snow...
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/jbg54q" title="coyote digging out cam trap"><img alt="coyote digging out cam trap" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4540/38107657512_3cdc42e982_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/CA3X39" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4447/38084441776_2b28a98460_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Y209YJ" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4482/38139531671_5fd5b5614a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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That's one of the rubber-coated twist-ties I used to anchor the post and trail cam to a clump of sagebrush it was tucked in.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/s763LX" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4582/38084441396_278cee9a67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7xD783" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4536/38139531331_c731409e88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7mX77j" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4473/38084440816_1af6ff761c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/66H7JD" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4550/38139530881_f5c9a361c3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/X31ViT" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4562/38084440366_10061c1bf7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1fN1rj" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4505/38139530291_2dcfc5cac7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1sD6sD" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4581/38084439876_d544221f05_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/v4zrg0" title="cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4486/38139529961_1a5939c317_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4kA441" title="after cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="after cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4518/38084439596_6bda9f5532_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And finally, after 36 minutes of fun...
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/s9a8a0" title="after cam trap as chew toy"><img alt="after cam trap as chew toy" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4469/38139529571_e8b2dd3edc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Appears this character prefers portraits over landscapes.<br />
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Dogs.<br />
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========<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-dog-days-are-over.html">The Dog Days</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/09/smile-youre-on-candid-canid.html">Smile! You're on Candid Canid</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/04/song-dogs-of-santa-cruz-mountains.html">Song Dogs of the Santa Cruz Mtns</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/05/coyote-cute.html">Coyote Cute</a></li>
</ul>
====randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-29421564052985521772017-10-20T17:48:00.001-07:002017-10-20T18:12:02.713-07:00The Call of the PikaAs I've alluded to in <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/06/seasonal-activity-patterns.html">past</a> <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/10/winter-readiness.html">posts</a>, for a few years I've been helping with American pika research in the eastern Sierra Nevada by leveraging my high-quality cam trapping to document behaviors and activity patterns at the haypiles they build each season to survive over winter.
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One question not well understood in the world o' pika, is how the little characters select their winter haypile sites each season. Why do some sites that have been reused for years suddenly go quiet and not get used for multiple seasons, but then get reoccupied again? Is it mainly due to local population fluctuations from predation and like? How much do seasonal changes in temperature, and snow depth & duration affect selection and reuse? What about hierarchies and social order within the greater colony? Is there upward mobility to "better" neighborhoods?<br />
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To gain insights, along with cam traps at active haypiles, we've also set cams at inactive sites.
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Here's an example from this season.
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Camera trap set at an inactive pika haypile in early June:
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Pa6G9f" title="cam trap at inactive pika haypile"><img alt="cam trap at inactive pika haypile" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/37125181263_fec5573f2b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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First to the scene was this marmot, who gave the cam quite a challenging glare. But we all know they're yellow-bellied.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/2ja4qE" title="marmot"><img alt="marmot" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/23942463308_fb0ff7b163_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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That face could almost be an internet meme.
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At night, the deer mice came around.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/19P091" title="deer mouse"><img alt="deer mouse" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4451/37125180653_b373d16a82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And then the cats showed up for a few days.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/41wYR1" title="bobcat face"><img alt="bobcat face" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4508/23942461978_18070e3469_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/5PM9G2" title="bobcat face"><img alt="bobcat face" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4487/37125180043_96e82dd715_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1Xz1m9" title="bobcat mom and kitten"><img alt="bobcat mom and kitten" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4455/23942460978_89b6cc236d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Awwwww. Definitely already an internet meme.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/jjtdbs" title="bobcat mom and kitten"><img alt="bobcat mom and kitten" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/37125179503_dc1047fe18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Note the little face in the upper right corner.
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Once the cats were away, the deer mice came back to play.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4kkU4n" title="deer mouse"><img alt="deer mouse" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4453/23942459848_9d18901748_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And even brought a distant relative - a sagebrush vole, <i>Lemmiscus curtatus</i>.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/34476k" title="sagebrush vole"><img alt="sagebrush vole" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4487/37125178783_c58eacbeeb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/9r6SKv" title="sagebrush vole"><img alt="sagebrush vole" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/23942458578_42154ae4b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Voles are often called "meadow mice," but sagebrush voles live in the sagebrush scrub of the Great Basin, and often far from meadows, so that moniker doesn't fit very well.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/f015qb" title="sagebrush vole"><img alt="sagebrush vole" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4467/37125177853_15644f1148_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Pretty sweet little guys. Those teeny fuzzy ears and tail. Probably a reason they're so popular with predators - easy to eat whole. Their "self-seasoning" diet of sagebrush might also be a factor.
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After about 7 weeks, at the end of July, the first pika showed up.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7Y9649" title="pika"><img alt="pika" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4508/37085862924_85ddc42da3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And seemed to hang around for 2 days.<br />
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The gray pelage, lack of scars, and mostly clean, nick-free ears suggest he/she might be a dispersing juvenile from the season. Timing is right. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7Yg9V8" title="pika"><img alt="pika" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4494/37085861714_3241cbc8a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But then the pika left the place to the rodents again.<br />
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In this case a chipmunk. Perhaps Least or Lodgepole.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/b3m59L" title="chipmunk"><img alt="chipmunk" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4486/37085860634_a64847bc2a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2 weeks later, what seems to be the same pika showed up again and stayed around for 3 days.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/0g170J" title="pika"><img alt="pika" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/37085859574_20a78fd148_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/N660V5" title="pika"><img alt="pika" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4459/37085858234_f617648b7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But then disappeared again, as quiet as a rock wren.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/6559k9" title="rock wren"><img alt="rock wren" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4446/37085857274_f5fb4080b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Uh oh - now the place has rats.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4Qd047" title="desert woodrat"><img alt="desert woodrat" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/37085856094_bd00f77ae6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But not any old rat - a desert woodrat, <i>Neotoma lepida</i>. I would have predicted bushy-tailed woodrat for that rocky habitat. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/B567W0" title="desert woodrat"><img alt="desert woodrat" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4506/37085855284_4e8cd2727b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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2 weeks later, the pika appeared yet again for a few cameos. Again, looking at the fine details suggest it's the same individual (but starting to molt). However, as before, he/she didn't stay and rebuild the haypile. And thus this season this pile once again remained inactive.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/14CU5j" title="pika"><img alt="pika" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4482/37085854384_96d0f81a45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Wonder why? Still smell too much like bobcats & kittens? Found a better place? Were more pika eaten this season than born? Know something about this coming winter that we don't?<br />
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Mysterious little rabbit-kin.<br />
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If only you had a blog you could use to tell us your stories.<br />
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But I guess those can go inexplicably inactive for long periods of time as well.<br />
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====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/10/rocky-relationships.html">Rocky Relationships</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/10/winter-readiness.html">Winter Readiness</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/06/seasonal-activity-patterns.html">Seasonal Activity Patterns</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pika">American pika</a></li>
<li>Andrew Smith, Marla Weston - <a href="http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-352-01-0001.pdf">American Society of Mammalogists: Ochotona princeps</a> </li>
<li>Barbara Ivins, Andrew Smith - Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology: Responses of Pikas to Naturally Occurring Terrestrial Predators</li>
<li>Andrew Smith and Barbara Ivins - Z. Tierpsychol. (Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics): Spatial Relationships and Social Organization in Adult Pikas</li>
<li>Andrew Smith - Ecology: The Distribution and Dispersal of Pikas: a) Consequences of Insular Population Structure, and b) Influences of Behavior and Climate</li>
<li>Andrew Smith and John Nagy - Journal of Mammalogy: Population resilience in an American pika (<i>Ochotona princeps</i>) metapopulation</li>
<li>Donald Grayson - Journal of Biogeography: A brief history of Great Basin pikas</li>
<li>Alexie McKenzie, Andrew Smith, and Mary Peacock - Journal of Mammalogy: Kleptoparasitism in Pikas (<i>Ochotona princeps</i>): Theft of Hay</li>
</ul>
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==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-43160790178674017852017-02-25T12:45:00.001-08:002017-02-25T12:45:21.168-08:00Inter-species InteractionsA fun aspect of setting cam traps around clusters of old badger burrows, is that the burrows often attract squatters and homesteaders.
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In this case, an overwintering burrowing owl.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8FF7jd" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2204/33113027155_e9fc3c6655_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/6189xv" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2539/33071403936_f83c481fbc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/95659U" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/577/33113026135_1ed6e476a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I heart burrowing owls. The idea of a little owl that lives in burrows always makes me smile.
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But as this camera caught, the same burrows attract other visitors and drive-bys, including at times when the owl is home.
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Creating the ole "friend or foe?" decision for Mr. Owl.
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Here's a series in which a coyote shows up, flushing the owl (from the far burrow), who then returns 7 minutes after the coyote leaves.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/U8c4q4" title="coyote flushes burrowing owl"><img alt="coyote flushes burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2538/33071402596_3928b772cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/R04gX5" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/614/33113024625_54d1007be6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4r3g1n" title="burrowing owl back"><img alt="burrowing owl back" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/761/33071400926_6f21735f38_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/95N376" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2837/33113023125_e5f54dd3ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But note the owl's behavior a few days later, when a black-tailed deer wanders near.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Qo7817" title="deer and burrowing owl"><img alt="deer and burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3837/33071399126_6d9592efd8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8EU8hD" title="deer and burrowing owl"><img alt="deer and burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/617/32956792872_0f23b0cc3f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/F54k3s" title="deer and burrowing owl"><img alt="deer and burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2623/33071397586_861ace4eac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/E20SmP" title="deer and burrowing owl"><img alt="deer and burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/653/32956792582_fa30e975b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/0JVN0X" title="deer and burrowing owl"><img alt="deer and burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/653/32956792472_c791829907_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Wise little owl.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/25x459" title="burrowing owl"><img alt="burrowing owl" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3674/32956792352_6027af64c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Such interactions also apply to visiting camera trappers.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1610v3" title="burrowing owl looking at me"><img alt="burrowing owl looking at me" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2659/33071393986_b9f4cd4e8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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For the record, I did better than the coyote. The owl only flushed when I was standing by the burrow looking down at it (with a big grin on my face). But I approached out of camera view on the right, so the cam trap unfortunately didn't catch it.
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And finally, of course, sometimes inter-species interactions don't go as well for one party.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/491HN8" title="burrowing owl eating j-cricket"><img alt="burrowing owl eating j-cricket" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2793/32956792152_4eb0dce2de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Mmmmmmm... Jerusalem cricket. I bet they don't taste like chicken.
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====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
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<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2017/01/roaming-badger-belt.html">Roaming the Badger Belt</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/08/owls-in-fox-house.html">Owls in the Fox House</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/12/burrows-are-like-christmas.html">Burrows are like Christmas</a></li>
<li>Burrowing Owl Conservation Network - <a href="http://burrowingowlconservation.org/burrowing_owl_facts/">Burrowing Owl Facts</a></li>
<li>Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds - <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id">Burrowing Owl</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrowing_owl">Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-11885623604909485892017-01-18T12:41:00.001-08:002017-01-24T16:31:15.874-08:00Roaming the Badger BeltOver the last few years of camera trapping projects in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I've had the pleasure of getting to know a local character that few in San Mateo County have seen, or even seem to know roams their parks and preserves.
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A tenacious, oft-snarling carnivore that digs its terrified prey right out of their subterranean homes.
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And that is also occasionally mistaken for a lost footstool.
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Yes, that's right - the American Badger.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/979em6" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/628/32012787170_94c29a7ae4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger or footstool?</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1xgKyJ" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/488/32390249665_083e9d7169_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Oh - it moved, must be a badger</b><br />
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They roam the interconnected grasslands and adjoining open woodlands of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County, from Half Moon Bay to Pescadero and Ano Nuevo Point, and up and over Skyline Boulevard near Windy Hill and Russian Ridge.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/34hJ86" title="badger belt"><img alt="badger belt" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/503/32239870122_a8d50cd27f_z.jpg" width="533" /></a>
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<b>Aerial of the grassland "badger belt" of San Mateo County</b><br />
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And my roaming and camera trapping has overlapped with the home ranges of a handful or two.
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But I'm not the first. Post-Grinnell, one of the finest research projects on badgers in the Bay Area was done by Chris Lay, the gregarious Director of <a href="http://norriscenter.ucsc.edu/">UC Santa Cruz's Norris Center for Natural History</a>, as part of his Masters in Biology from San Jose State University.
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Chris Lay, SJSU - <a href="http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/3623/">The status of the American Badger in the San Francisco Bay Area (2008)</a>
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I found it immensely useful, and often felt I like was walking in Chris' footsteps.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/E80L0G" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/391/32390251145_44f4e4327d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger walking a scurry zone</b>
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Why are badgers seldom seen? Like mountain lions, badgers are mainly nocturnal, have large home ranges (thousands of acres), live in low densities (a male and a few females will overlap), and mostly live life alone and on the leg - moving frequently to hunt the constantly-replenishing rodents of the connected grasslands of their range.
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Making tracking and camera trapping two of the better ways to understand how they might be living on a piece of land.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/t710sw" title="badger dig"><img alt="badger dig" height="592" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/530/32239865072_48a6c276d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger digs with my size 13 boot for size comparison</b>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/KjnP49" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/665/32390249185_aac548bb49_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>The digger - in fog</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/W7St52" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/32390252125_3910996914_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger on the hunt with nose to the ground</b>
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Along with ground squirrels and gophers, badgers also eat crickets,
grasshoppers, beetles, mice, and even rabbits that they often catch when
the animals move into their old dead-end burrows.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/u6N483" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/726/32012789050_53d0e6557b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger hoping to get lucky by checking an old burrow</b>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/af11Xs" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/588/32239862322_b0ff4fd06a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Inspecting a cam trap</b>
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A badger's "badge" is the white stripe up the center of their face. As you can see in these photos, it can be a useful character to help distinguish individuals. Like a tiger's stripes or leopard's spots.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/r5289F" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/570/32012784340_c773945213_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/2JWz8Y" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/447/32012789850_2aae8f199a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/GtYLy2" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="479" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/373/32239863832_e1117a82fb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/16k25r" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="479" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/32390252655_21f380644c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's what badger butt looks like. Such a funny after-thought of a tail.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/2Xx03b" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/775/32390250035_431d2ce2ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Badger butt and tail</b><br />
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As mentioned, badgers are sometimes mistaken for footstools. So, if you see a footstool crossing the road, please don't hit it. And I wouldn't recommend putting your feet up on it either.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/fdZ2B6" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/546/32012786220_82338cc25f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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====
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
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<ul>
<li>Chris Lay, SJSU - <a href="http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/3623/">The status of the American Badger in the San Francisco Bay Area</a>
</li>
<li>E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Natural-History-Guides/dp/0520235827/">Mammals of California</a>
</li>
<li>Feldhamer, Thompson, Chapman - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Mammals-North-America-Conservation/dp/0801874165/">Wild Mammals of North America</a>
</li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_badger">American Badger</a>
</li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/05/badger-badger-badger-badger.html">Badger, Badger, Badger, Badger</a>
</li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-55482555128773181832016-11-09T08:11:00.001-08:002016-11-09T08:11:12.280-08:00CuriosityHere's a recent sequence that gave me a chuckle.
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As soon as I sorted out what I was seeing.
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It's from an older Reconyx commercial trail cam with a "low glow" near infrared "stealth" flash that's right at the edge of most mammal's vision, and thus is hard to see. The resulting B&W photos aren't high quality, but the cam is tough as nails and lasts a long time. Trade-offs.
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To the challenge: interpret the photos - what does the series show?
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/5K2D3W" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5632/30190613214_346d4f2b09_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4U1G39" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5607/30521660220_9d7a4b2ef8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4uUD35" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5656/30187636483_3098b9a793_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/N5fzYG" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5473/30785857706_dffd32caf0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8HjzT4" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5752/30187636333_7a598e9372_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/01c62t" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5742/30187636103_5714264ded_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/B5cEcE" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5634/30187635833_d6e2876fbd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/yG37n5" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5825/30187635483_0209dd63b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7T1eD8" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5782/30187635213_d967210aac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1mT811" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5654/30187634933_9eb59eb1c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/hJ3Z30" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5740/30190610094_e1066d5c99_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/3RWiWE" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5684/30187634363_ca989df25a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's a final photo hint - the set and scene with the Reconyx in place:
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/1C66ov" title="cam trap in tree"><img alt="cam trap in tree" height="479" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5703/30187638163_c970e7ab51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/06/bobcats-boogie-wildcats-waltz.html">Bobcats Boogie and Wildcats Waltz</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/07/deep-science.html">Deep Science</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/02/eucalyptus-bob.html">Eucalyptus Bob</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/07/bobs-secret-grotto.html">Bob's Secret Grotto</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/06/bobcat-junkies.html">Bobcat Junkies</a>
</li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-2262231786356262712016-10-20T11:34:00.001-07:002016-10-20T11:34:19.885-07:00Another Rabbitat Round-upContinuing with a theme, here's another series of camera trap photos from a different pygmy rabbit study site in Mono County.
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But this round, a fuller cast of characters.
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Dates are August to September.
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First up - the local pygmy rabbit of the colony. Its main burrow entrance is under the dead willows, which, as you'll see below, is a wise choice/adaptation.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/62v0uV" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8274/29737332054_f624c8ef21_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Exhibit A: the next morning at 6:52am, during the typical crepuscular "bunny hours," one of the local bobcats came a prowlin'...<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/x90QRx" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5639/29737331144_3f0a245f7e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As you can see, the low light caused the camera to fill-flash. Which really pulled out the details when you zoom or crop the images for a closer look.<br />
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Love the wet nose and tongue tip sticking out. So catty.<br />
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And the ear tufts - perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/31qq7Z" title="bobcat portrait"><img alt="bobcat portrait" height="617" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8136/29737331254_d6137c230d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The camera obviously didn't impress the bob, which sauntered right on by.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8t1737" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8420/29737330434_9e998d5cac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/K00Sm0" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5686/29737329694_10a9a1e208_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Just 2 minutes after the bobcat, at 6:54am, a couple of mule deer bucks also passed through.<br />
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Stalking the bobcat? <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/3X7964" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5730/29737329054_e7a6ae0374_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/tXzb64" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8628/29737328444_f0d2148db5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/9e238P" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8134/29737327804_9855bfdc45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8p33wr" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5697/29737327114_d211721eda_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/373wu7" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5444/29737326464_d667f442d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And later, one stopped in for a closer inspection.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/P8s197" title="mule deer"><img alt="mule deer" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8132/30332557976_b988c4c0c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Two rodents were commonly caught zipping through the scene - Ord's kangaroo rats and least chipmunks. Both are common denizens of the sage steppe.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/52dR96" title="kangaroo rat"><img alt="kangaroo rat" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8133/29737325364_f2d35d401d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4101qu" title="least chipmunk"><img alt="least chipmunk" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5766/30332556826_df2ea3f39a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And another Lagomorph was a frequent visitor - black-tailed jackrabbit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/CQu607" title="black-tailed jackrabbit"><img alt="black-tailed jackrabbit" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8271/29737324334_9499e03763_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Much like the <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/09/smile-youre-on-candid-canid.html">other location</a> (that is many miles away), there's always a local Wyle. E. Coyote.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/0J49F8" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8560/30332555036_14e785557e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/nk953y" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5693/29737323464_d03f1aa303_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
That, of course, just must see if my camera is edible.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Lv9JR7" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8269/30332553266_5034263d5a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Dogs.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/2eW9Hh" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8668/30281687931_ab998dac51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/26vw61" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5728/30251171262_a61bf970aa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
But while the coyotes may evoke deja-vu, this location does have visitors that I haven't caught at any other pygmy sites, such as this owl. Which the cam caught several times and I think is a long-eared owl, even though the ears aren't up. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/163in9" title="owl"><img alt="owl" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8273/30281685871_84b0fca74f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here's a closer crop. Other ideas? Confirmations?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/H7LG1X" title="owl close crop"><img alt="owl close crop" height="479" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5524/29819954713_2b56de838b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Fast moving fangs and claws by land, and silent death-from-above by night.<br />
<br />
Life is hard in a pygmy rabbitat.<br />
<br />
====
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/09/smile-youre-on-candid-canid.html">Smile! You're on Candid Canid</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/03/bunny-zone-part-3-los-sympaticos.html">Bunny Zone 3 - Los Sympaticos</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/03/back-in-bunny-zone-part-2.html">Back in the Bunny Zone Part 2</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/02/back-in-bunny-zone.html">Back in the Bunny Zone Part 1</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/11/pygmy-rabbitat-round-up.html">Pygmy Rabbitat Round-up</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/dust-bathing-beauties.html">Dust-Bathing Beauties</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/jealous-jacks.html">Jealous Jacks</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">I Brake for Brachys</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/splitting-hares.html">Splitting Hares</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/07/pygmies-of-great-basin.html">Pygmies of the Great Basin</a></li>
<li>Eveline Séquin Larrucea, University of Nevada Reno - <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Distribution_Behavior_and_Habitat_Prefer.html?id=B253AWToaU8C">Distribution, Behavior, and Habitat Preferences of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada and California</a></li>
<li>Joye Harold Severaid, Journal of Mammalogy, vol 31, February 1950 - <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/1375469">The Pigmy Rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) in Mono County, California</a></li>
<li>E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Revised-Natural-History/">Mammals of California</a> </li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_rabbit">Pygmy rabbit</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-36591956001801205802016-09-20T18:03:00.001-07:002016-09-25T08:24:41.859-07:00Smile! You're on Candid CanidOr should that be "Canid Camera"? "Candid Coyote"?<br />
<br />
In areas where the weight of bears and cattle aren't a worry, staking cam traps at mid-size mammal eye-height can sometimes yield interesting interactions and photogenic POVs.
<br />
<br />
Such as these recently retrieved pics a couple of charming coyotes left over the last few months at one of my pygmy rabbit colony cams in Mono County. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/fSn1F0" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7537/29786881706_36f7d5f77f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/29709608512/" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7795/29709608512_c63430a188_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/29709611072/" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8005/29709611072_3c9e7da830_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/29709613022/" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8162/29709613022_cb602c6aee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/29786883176/" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8055/29786883176_922e5bac0a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Silly Supra-Genius. My cases are <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">proven coyote-proof</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/95KS63" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8154/29709606362_5bfd362551_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/4882P8" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8166/29786880446_5b3d038b3f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/ikpc2a" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8130/29709604202_f7a6322a68_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/830167" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8130/29709602302_55af3ba0ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8z1P07" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8391/29786879116_f0e258a85a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
For reference, no scent is/was used at this scene, or on the cam. The bunny patch is the lure that brings the 'yotes, and the cam a curiosity that makes noises and has things that move inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/J7p913" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8441/29786876786_1352b9c6f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And, of course, there has to be a serene sunset shot. It is the West, after all.<br />
<br />
You can almost hear the yips 'n howls.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/b1Sj55" title="coyote close-up"><img alt="coyote close-up" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8156/29709599112_9ba40cae05_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I wonder... if I connect a tennis ball shooter to the cam trap trigger, do you think I could train them to fetch? Hmmm... Might need to add an ear-scratcher too.<br />
<br />
====
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-dog-days-are-over.html">The Dog Days</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/03/bunny-zone-part-3-los-sympaticos.html">Bunny Zone 3 - Los Sympaticos</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/11/pygmy-rabbitat-round-up.html">Pygmy Rabbitat Round-up</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">I Brake for Brachys</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/04/song-dogs-of-santa-cruz-mountains.html">Song Dogs of the Santa Cruz Mountains</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/05/coyote-cute.html">Coyote Cute</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/05/coyote-cute-day-after.html">Coyote Cute - The Day After</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-26680456181246586442016-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:002016-08-20T16:40:19.114-07:00Owls in the Fox HouseAfter the <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/05/carrizo-plain-triple-play.html">kit fox family</a> flew the coop, a male burrowing owl moved in.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/N3aF74" title="burrowing owls 1"><img alt="burrowing owls 1" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8890/28959177371_c5c2c27f7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Male burrowing owl at recently vacated kit fox natal den</b><br />
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He even brought some kills back to the camera to show off his hunting prowess.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/81c3X8" title="burrowing owls 2"><img alt="burrowing owls 2" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8098/29035121245_711883fe6f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/75skYD" title="burrowing owls 3"><img alt="burrowing owls 3" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8400/28959175271_3f1390572c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Wvu14D" title="burrowing owls 4"><img alt="burrowing owls 4" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8479/28414422914_e874cbf1ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
And, errr, eating prowess.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/008Q3U" title="burrowing owls 5"><img alt="burrowing owls 5" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8439/28959173631_b951d14a36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Burrowing owl chowing down on a small rodent</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/XPDRai" title="burrowing owls 6"><img alt="burrowing owls 6" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8364/28414422094_de37f6a905_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
And then a female joined the fun.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/3sYQU4" title="burrowing owls 7"><img alt="burrowing owls 7" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8372/28959172721_8517b0fefe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Male (left) and female (right) burrowing owls at kit fox den</b><br />
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And by their behavior (already ignoring each other), they were likely starting a family of their own in the recently vacated kit fox natal den.
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<br />
He'd bring her rodent presents...
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/b4464E" title="burrowing owls 8"><img alt="burrowing owls 8" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7463/28959171281_ce62b931b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Hey baby - daddy has a tasty juvie <i>Peromyscus</i> for you..."</b><br />
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They'd rumba-sumba...
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/R22b9f" title="burrowing owls 9"><img alt="burrowing owls 9" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8363/28959170791_ecece89b21_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Checking her back for, um... yah... right...</b><br />
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He'd regurgitate food for her on-demand...
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/0x72w9" title="burrowing owls 10"><img alt="burrowing owls 10" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8201/28959170271_234cf35d00_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/m165S9" title="burrowing owls 11"><img alt="burrowing owls 11" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8182/28959169541_069ea70e62_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Checking to see if any of his friends are watching?</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/h0s5ur" title="burrowing owls 12"><img alt="burrowing owls 12" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8399/28959169051_d02d45cd19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/6972j5" title="burrowing owls 13"><img alt="burrowing owls 13" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8044/29035115635_6eb1b3d64b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/35rpR8" title="burrowing owls 14"><img alt="burrowing owls 14" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8192/28959166611_02656af9a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
(btw - I'm glad us humans departed from this behavior)
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<br />
And he defended her honor from the local thugs - ravens.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/jH3L44" title="burrowing owls 15"><img alt="burrowing owls 15" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8096/28929854462_0bed76a643_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Hey!"</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Z990h9" title="burrowing owls 16"><img alt="burrowing owls 16" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8085/28959164091_89d27899d7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Hey! Your protection payments are overdue!"</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/8hz100" title="burrowing owls 17"><img alt="burrowing owls 17" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8324/29035111255_04c50fa88f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Damn oversize crows..."</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7DB3u8" title="burrowing owls 18"><img alt="burrowing owls 18" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8298/28959160261_a1ea7cda46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Hey!"</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/21105r" title="burrowing owls 19"><img alt="burrowing owls 19" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8346/28959158081_18749b5f9a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Grumble, grumble..."</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/qU6bg2" title="burrowing owls 20"><img alt="burrowing owls 20" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7572/28414409244_8e4b2c85b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Hey!"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Wy6c88" title="burrowing owls 21"><img alt="burrowing owls 21" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8442/28414407424_b14542dfa3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"What's all the fuss? Ravens again?"</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/P48Piv" title="burrowing owls 22"><img alt="burrowing owls 22" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8520/28414405734_418bdba27c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>"Don't worry about them honey - here, have a snack"</b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately the cam trap didn't catch any photos of the owlets. It shot out - taking thousands of photos in just a couple of weeks, instead of months.
<br />
<br />
Looking at the photos in sequence shows why - the cam trap became loose on its mount/post, allowing it to wiggle in the Carrizo winds, simulating scene changes and causing false triggers.
<br />
<br />
However, looking only at the cam trap POV, the reason for the loosening isn't at all obvious. No big animal bumped it. Was it the relentless wind itself? Or the nut at the end of the wrench (aka, me)?
<br />
<br />
No, when I picked up the cam, the scene of the crime told the tale.<br />
<br />
The culprit's "fingerprints" were plain to see.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/7U15Re" title="burrowing owls 23"><img alt="burrowing owls 23" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8381/28414403504_b2eba3068f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Do camera traps bleed in white?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/X19100" title="burrowing owls 24"><img alt="burrowing owls 24" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8100/28414398634_776831c519_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<br />
Note to self: next time, point a cam trap at the cam trap. And one at that cam too. And secure them all really, really well.
<br />
<br />
====
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Burrowing Owl Conservation Network - <a href="http://burrowingowlconservation.org/burrowing_owl_facts/">Burrowing Owl Facts</a></li>
<li>Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds - <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id">Burrowing Owl</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrowing_owl">Burrowing owl (<i>Athene cunicularia</i>)</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/05/carrizo-plain-triple-play.html">Carrizo Plain Triple Play</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/06/morning-with-mom.html">Morning with Mom</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/07/kit-fox-family-outtakes.html">Kit Fox Family - Outtakes</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/12/burrows-are-like-christmas.html">Burrows are like Christmas</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/06/owl-thats-no-pussycat.html">An Owl That's No Pussycat</a> </li>
<li>Natural Areas Journal, Vol 31, 2011 - David J. Germano, Department
of Biology, California State University Bakersfield - The San Joaquin
Desert of California: Ecologically Misunderstood and Overlooked</li>
</ul>
========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-37303537569259555582016-07-09T16:13:00.001-07:002016-07-09T16:13:38.736-07:00Kit Fox Family - OuttakesAs a finale to the <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/06/morning-with-mom.html">amazingly cute kits,</a> here are a few outtakes from the cam at the den, including a surprise Carrizo Plain passerby that is a tad taller than a fox...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Z585r0" title="san joaquin kit fox sleeping by den"><img alt="san joaquin kit fox sleeping by den" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7320/27236274034_c29e33c5bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Mom San Joaquin kit fox taking an afternoon nap outside the den while pups are below</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/06z5t6" title="san joaquin kit fox sleeping by den"><img alt="san joaquin kit fox sleeping by den" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7326/27570826950_0199c092f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>And again another day at 4:25pm… (it's tough being a mom with 3 puppies!)</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/randomtruth/Jr35ms" title="nosey visitor"><img alt="nosey visitor" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7405/27236273744_e0b42a0536_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Not a kit fox. A volunteer nanny?</b><br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References: </span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/06/morning-with-mom.html">Morning with Mom</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/05/carrizo-plain-triple-play.html">Carrizo Plain Triple Play</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-family-way.html">In a Family Way</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-terrible-twos.html">The Terrible Twos</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/kit-fox-family-bonus-tracks.html">Kit Fox Family - Bonus Tracks </a></li>
<li>Natural Areas Journal, Vol 31, 2011 - David J. Germano, Department
of Biology, California State University Bakersfield - The San Joaquin
Desert of California: Ecologically Misunderstood and Overlooked</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/speciesprofiles/profile.php?sp=vuma">San Joaquin Kit Fox</a>
</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pubhtml.php?doc=sjvrp&file=chapter02L00.html">Recovery Plan for San Joaquin Kit Fox</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-5534189605181168272016-06-09T07:51:00.002-07:002016-06-09T07:51:22.414-07:00Morning with Mom7am on the Carrizo Plain.
<br />
<br />
The long, warm rays of the morning sun are breaking over the Temblors.
<br />
<br />
What better time to hang out with Mom and play?
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788760093/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7719/26788760093_13d3b0b42e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Mom San Joaquin Kit Fox outside natal den</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788759073/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7419/26788759073_1b798ed2d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788758043/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7022/26788758043_1930745825_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788757083/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7680/26788757083_d9cb936cb9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788756093/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7325/26788756093_a72fa5c845_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788754843/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7586/26788754843_2549594837_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788753753/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7420/26788753753_9033675532_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788752683/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7735/26788752683_9d5038a2e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395861945/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7494/27395861945_c16d92933b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788750723/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7438/26788750723_f9b62a7605_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Mom popping back out of the den</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395860615/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7483/27395860615_3d135cf9ec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26788749323/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7072/26788749323_6e218b516c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395859325/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7760/27395859325_3fc9f4f7e2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Fetch that stick!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395858495/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7528/27395858495_6e7dfc98d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395857705/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7380/27395857705_c4a92438b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395856915/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7443/27395856915_7343559975_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395856125/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7453/27395856125_0da52939ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Get her!"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395855405/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7766/27395855405_64a3ee971f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It's interesting to note that while Dad mostly attacks and play fights, Mom generally licks and nips at the pups. That Mom - always part nurturer. Bet the boy puppies "hate" it. ;)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395854335/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7499/27395854335_8cf4150ef6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395853435/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7335/27395853435_e4b22d15cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>A pause for some vigilance</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26787939884/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7332/26787939884_f88de2c82d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/27395851795/in/photostream/" title="sj kit fox family"><img alt="sj kit fox family" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7127/27395851795_3a359ca02e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>And relax. Well, as much as one can with 3 precious puppies</b><br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References: </span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/05/carrizo-plain-triple-play.html">Carrizo Plain Triple Play</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-family-way.html">In a Family Way</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-terrible-twos.html">The Terrible Twos</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/kit-fox-family-bonus-tracks.html">Kit Fox Family - Bonus Tracks </a></li>
<li>Natural Areas Journal, Vol 31, 2011 - David J. Germano, Department
of Biology, California State University Bakersfield - The San Joaquin
Desert of California: Ecologically Misunderstood and Overlooked</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/speciesprofiles/profile.php?sp=vuma">San Joaquin Kit Fox</a>
</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pubhtml.php?doc=sjvrp&file=chapter02L00.html">Recovery Plan for San Joaquin Kit Fox</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-89125814582312830312016-05-24T17:30:00.001-07:002016-05-25T08:18:32.031-07:00Carrizo Plain Triple PlayIn 2013 I had the pleasure of joining the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and the <a href="http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.com/">Cam Trap Codger</a> on a mini project to set cam traps on natal dens of San Joaquin kit foxes on the Carrizo Plain.<br />
<br />
But 2013 was a drought year in CA, and <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-family-way.html">the kit fox pair only had one pup</a>.
<br />
<br />
So, since this El Nino-ish season had reasonable rain on the Plain, we thought we'd try again.
<br />
<br />
And this time we tripled our fun: a mom, dad, and 3 pups.<br />
<br />
Here's a sampling from the set, starting with 5 nights in late March...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793827875/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7531/26793827875_df9158a077_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Dad SJ kit fox next to the natal den</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26727001931/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/26727001931_b76c922432_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Taking a break - while he can</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793825205/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/26793825205_dcb6b6f87c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pups coming out of the den to greet dad</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26726999031/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7723/26726999031_3303fd7ea7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
You'll note there's a bit more green on the ground this round.<br />
<br />
A sign of the better season. Unfortunately, much of it is non-native filaree (<i>Erodium cicutarium</i>). However, much like cattle, the local kangaroo rats and pocket mice, including the endangered Giant Kangaroo Rat, <i>Dipodomys ingens</i>, like to eat filaree. And their populations do well when the filaree does well. Which benefits the kit foxes and other rodent-dependent predators.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793821995/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/26793821995_4422cc87cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Mom SJ kit fox dropping off 5 k-rats she brought back for the puppies</b><br />
<br />
That's mom with the radio tracking collar. She's part of a broader study to understand their movements in the area. And that's 5 k-rats at her feet the pup is going after. Nicely done, mom!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26190331733/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/26190331733_758cc1fcda_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Dad under tail attack</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793819515/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7669/26793819515_1d6054b01f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Junior explorers - "follow me!"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26190329873/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/26190329873_e4dfa7f7b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793816815/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/26793816815_d9fb784c6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26190327563/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/26190327563_94720c7966_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793813575/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/26793813575_71b2126112_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Ow, ow, ow - you're so fierce and vicious…"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26188974494/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/26188974494_cb71570c35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26188973354/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7786/26188973354_a2d0935fc1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Puppy hide-and-seek? </b><br />
<br />
Notice how the puppies are more using their ears than their eyes to track and look for each other...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793809405/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/26793809405_538dc6b128_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793835455/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/26793835455_9b778fe45e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793806905/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/26793806905_25b71dbe43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26726978851/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/26726978851_e4d63d4b23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793804135/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/26793804135_b774883568_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Dad attack!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26188964234/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/26188964234_cb6d48398c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Nothing cuter than scampering puppy butts.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/26793801615/in/photostream/" title="san joaquin kit foxes"><img alt="san joaquin kit foxes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/26793801615_e386bc6c87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Dad with a mouthful for the puppies</b><br />
<br />
Next up: Morning w/ Mom - the 3 kit fox puppies hanging out in the morning sun with their ma.<br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References: </span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-family-way.html">In a Family Way</a> </li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-terrible-twos.html">The Terrible Twos</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/kit-fox-family-bonus-tracks.html">Kit Fox Family - Bonus Tracks </a></li>
<li>Natural Areas Journal, Vol 31, 2011 - David J. Germano, Department
of Biology, California State University Bakersfield - The San Joaquin
Desert of California: Ecologically Misunderstood and Overlooked</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/speciesprofiles/profile.php?sp=vuma">San Joaquin Kit Fox</a>
</li>
<li>CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - <a href="http://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pubhtml.php?doc=sjvrp&file=chapter02L00.html">Recovery Plan for San Joaquin Kit Fox</a></li>
</ul>
==========
randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-22185943496889118012016-03-20T08:37:00.000-07:002016-03-20T08:39:01.157-07:00Bunny Zone 3 - Los SympaticosThe 2015 who's-who of coincident species at the Mono County pygmy rabbit warren included most of the same characters as 2014. Even the same cute coyote. But 2 new faces did show.
<br />
<br />
Here's a round-up.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25883101515/in/dateposted/" title="k-rat"><img alt="k-rat" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1646/25883101515_3cd5a5f7c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Kangaroo rat, likely Ord's</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582517060/in/photostream/" title="juvie jack"><img alt="juvie jack" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1532/25582517060_566abd20fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Juvenile black-tailed jackrabbit</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25250385124/in/photostream/" title="juvie jack"><img alt="juvie jack" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/25250385124_7276fe4fb7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25857181616/in/photostream/" title="juvie jack"><img alt="juvie jack" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/25857181616_b1bc7043bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582519060/in/photostream/" title="chipmunk"><img alt="chipmunk" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1469/25582519060_f9049fc9a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Least chipmunk</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25857184826/in/photostream/" title="jackrabbit"><img alt="jackrabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/25857184826_85d67c6f1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Adult black-tailed jackrabbit</b><br />
<br />
One of the new faces for 2015 was a bird. Pretty sure it's a female horned lark.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25762319962/in/photostream/" title="lark"><img alt="lark" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1549/25762319962_86fbea1dc4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Female horned lark at pygmy rabbit burrow</b><br />
<br />
The other new face was a predator - an American badger!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582520270/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1541/25582520270_3fbc1ab707_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>American badger checking out the rabbit burrow on June 15th</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25857190356/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1588/25857190356_cde9ddb96a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25883109805/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/25883109805_2741926ecc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I don't know why the badger didn't dig out the burrow. The rabbits were down there, and those badger claws could go through that sand like butter.<br />
<br />
In fact, the same badger returned 5 weeks later (after the camera had shifted left, btw), and once again didn't dig out the burrow. And this time the juvie pygmy rabbit was down there as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582526460/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/25582526460_243e377cdc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Same badger returning to burrow on July 22nd</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25762324192/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1613/25762324192_d8255b307d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582524520/in/photostream/" title="badger"><img alt="badger" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/25582524520_f04dd76220_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Sage sparrows and sage thrashers came by multiple times, but the rock wren of 2014 wasn't seen by the camera trap in 2015.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25250397604/in/photostream/" title="sage sparrow"><img alt="sage sparrow" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1469/25250397604_736b7c121f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Sage sparrow</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25857194416/in/photostream/" title="sage thrasher"><img alt="sage thrasher" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1614/25857194416_e35a6c17de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Sage thrasher</b><br />
<br />
And, as mentioned, the same cute coyote prowled around several times.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582530050/in/photostream/" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1488/25582530050_b7e544151f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Coyote checking out burrow complex</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25582532450/in/photostream/" title="coyote"><img alt="coyote" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/25582532450_15ae9df76c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The 2 new additions brings the total coincident species documented at the site since the beginning of the study to 12: coyote, American badger, black-tailed jackrabbit, Paiute ground squirrel, least chipmunk, ord's k-rat, deer
mouse, sage thrasher, sage sparrow, rock wren, horned lark and Great Basin spade foot toad.<br />
<br />
Wonder who'll show up in 2016?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25762329352/in/photostream/" title="jackrabbit"><img alt="jackrabbit" height="479" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1458/25762329352_da97c78bf7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Jack one-eyeing the camera at sunrise</b><br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:
</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/02/back-in-bunny-zone.html">Back in the Bunny Zone Part 1</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/03/back-in-bunny-zone-part-2.html">Back in the Bunny Zone Part 2</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/11/pygmy-rabbitat-round-up.html">Pygmy Rabbitat Round-up</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/dust-bathing-beauties.html">Dust-Bathing Beauties</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/jealous-jacks.html">Jealous Jacks</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">I Brake for Brachys</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/splitting-hares.html">Splitting Hares</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/07/pygmies-of-great-basin.html">Pygmies of the Great Basin</a></li>
<li>Eveline Séquin Larrucea, University of Nevada Reno - <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Distribution_Behavior_and_Habitat_Prefer.html?id=B253AWToaU8C">Distribution, Behavior, and Habitat Preferences of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada and California</a></li>
<li>Joye Harold Severaid, Journal of Mammalogy, vol 31, February 1950 - <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/1375469">The Pigmy Rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) in Mono County, California</a></li>
<li>E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Revised-Natural-History/">Mammals of California</a> </li>
<li>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - <a href="http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A0GG">Species Profile for Pygmy Rabbit</a></li>
<li>Douglas A. Keinath and Matthew McGee - <a href="http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wy/wildlife/animal-assessmnts.Par.99787.File.dat/PygmyRabbit.pdf">Species Assessment for Pygmy Rabbit in Wyoming prepared for the Bureau of Land Management</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_rabbit">Pygmy rabbit</a></li>
</ul>
========== randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-21780075647360600312016-03-03T19:31:00.003-08:002016-03-03T19:31:40.598-08:00Back in the Bunny Zone - Part 2July to October at the pygmy rabbit warren saw one minor change.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25450186026/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1453/25450186026_75b98a3a17_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Adult pygmy rabbit, <i>Brachylagus idahoensis</i>, at Mono County warren</b><br />
<br />
In mid July, this micro character popped out of the burrow and started hanging around.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25476326535/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/25476326535_24be486cd3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Juvenile pygmy rabbit at burrow entrance - a pygmy pygmy!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25476325755/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1513/25476325755_86e3ee2194_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24845761434/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1575/24845761434_e2be462437_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
My inspection of the details suggests all the photos captured are of a single individual. Pygmy rabbits can have 6+ young per litter, so only seeing 1 in a reasonably good season is interesting.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24849602703/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1536/24849602703_8e0cf77a1e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Awwww... </b><br />
<br />
Much like the parents, juvie quickly learned to enjoy lazing about in the warmth of the sun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357879182/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1691/25357879182_3a2b2fbde4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Juvenile pygmy rabbit napping in morning sun</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25383455921/" title="juvenile pygmy rabbit"><img alt="juvenile pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/25383455921_07b2c2d5ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Aside from the addition of the juvenile, the on-camera bunny interactions at the burrow in July-October were generally status-quo.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25450178546/" title="pair of pygmy rabbits"><img alt="pair of pygmy rabbits" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/25450178546_bccea4ddfa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pair of pygmy rabbits at burrow (dad and mom, I think)</b><br />
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But on occasion, did get a bit frisky.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357875342/" title="pair of pygmy rabbits"><img alt="pair of pygmy rabbits" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1480/25357875342_631bb936c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy rabbits dancing in the dark</b><br />
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The rabs also inspected the camera every-so-often.<br />
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And/or nibbled the sagebrush the cam was nestled in.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357874182/" title="pygmy rabbit ear"><img alt="pygmy rabbit ear" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1551/25357874182_c1a44b5750_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy rabbit inspecting cam trap</b><br />
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No <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/dust-bathing-beauties.html">dust bathing</a> was caught on cam this season. Perhaps the bunnies chose to do it elsewhere, or maybe there wasn't the same seasonal demand with the mild, moist, sagebrush-rich summer.<br />
<br />
But the pygmies did often hang out and groom.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25450175716/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/25450175716_d97c82f2a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357872022/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1556/25357872022_d8f3015388_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25108754129/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1501/25108754129_ce20da60be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24849592313/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1570/24849592313_5ae27a3109_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25383446721/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/25383446721_9becb2ef60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357866922/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1510/25357866922_3370c6f0ac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25108748919/" title="pygmy rabbit grooming"><img alt="pygmy rabbit grooming" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1632/25108748919_e676ba9349_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Handsome little dude. Scars, nicks and molting marks included.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25357864292/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/25357864292_83bf0b3a87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Adult pygmy rabbit at end of September</b><br />
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Next up - all the other species that visited this pygmy rabbitat in 2015.<br />
<br />
Btw - if you enjoy the pygmies, I highly recommend this <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/magazine/pygmy-bunnies-rabbits-brink-washington-endangered-species-mammals-sage-restoration/">Nature Conservancy article on the endangered Columbia Basin population of pygmy rabbits</a>. The photos are terrific and the re-introduction science fascinating.<br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:
</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2016/02/back-in-bunny-zone.html">Back in the Bunny Zone Part 1</a></li>
<li>Nature Conservancy Magazine - Cool Green Science - <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/magazine/pygmy-bunnies-rabbits-brink-washington-endangered-species-mammals-sage-restoration/">Pygmy Bunnies on the Brink</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/11/pygmy-rabbitat-round-up.html">Pygmy Rabbitat Round-up</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/dust-bathing-beauties.html">Dust-Bathing Beauties</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/jealous-jacks.html">Jealous Jacks</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">I Brake for Brachys</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/splitting-hares.html">Splitting Hares</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/07/pygmies-of-great-basin.html">Pygmies of the Great Basin</a></li>
<li>Eveline Séquin Larrucea, University of Nevada Reno - <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Distribution_Behavior_and_Habitat_Prefer.html?id=B253AWToaU8C">Distribution, Behavior, and Habitat Preferences of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada and California</a></li>
<li>Joye Harold Severaid, Journal of Mammalogy, vol 31, February 1950 - <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/1375469">The Pigmy Rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) in Mono County, California</a></li>
<li>E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Revised-Natural-History/">Mammals of California</a> </li>
<li>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - <a href="http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A0GG">Species Profile for Pygmy Rabbit</a></li>
<li>Douglas A. Keinath and Matthew McGee - <a href="http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wy/wildlife/animal-assessmnts.Par.99787.File.dat/PygmyRabbit.pdf">Species Assessment for Pygmy Rabbit in Wyoming prepared for the Bureau of Land Management</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_rabbit">Pygmy rabbit</a></li>
</ul>
========== randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-46594436143229376172016-02-27T16:06:00.001-08:002016-02-27T16:06:27.056-08:00Back in the Bunny ZoneWhile my blog posting in 2015 may have been limited, fortunately, the wildlife activity at my various camera trapping study sites was not.
<br />
<br />
So, here is part 1 of 3 of the "best" from the 2015 season at the <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/07/pygmies-of-great-basin.html">Mono County pygmy rabbit colony that I began monitoring in 2014</a>.
<br />
<br />
This post is April to June 2015, part 2 will cover the rabbits in July to October, and the finale will show the other sympatric species that live in and visited the pygmy's burrows.<br />
<br />
The adage "April showers bring May flowers" was in good effect in 2015 in the western Great Basin, which defied the drought by catching east-traveling storms as they were diverted over the Sierra Nevada by high pressure ridging in the Pacific Ocean.<br />
<br />
And that moist, mild spring carried well into summer, allowing the sagebrush and rabbitbrush to explode with lush growth. Which I'm sure the bunnies enjoyed thoroughly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24487358344/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1515/24487358344_866a8fc7b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy rabbit, <i>Brachylagus idahoensis</i>, emerging from its burrow after an April storm</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25118017695/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/25118017695_6ba10245af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25024745081/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1446/25024745081_0fb80374e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
My inspection of the full resolution photos for details such as scars and ear notches suggests the burrow cluster is still occupied by the same 2 adult pygmy rabbits as in 2014.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25091689216/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1575/25091689216_c6b31e43c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy rabbit on a foggy morning</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25118015055/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1592/25118015055_b476a4d041_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The one I think might be a male spent the most time hanging around the burrow entrance, and would even pop out in the middle of the night on occasion.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24487354314/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1579/24487354314_2a06bf8380_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy out "listening to the dark" at 10pm</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24999815892/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1684/24999815892_4a0ba9270e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25118013065/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1634/25118013065_912b9cebfa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24487352934/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1640/24487352934_7890dd8623_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24491175403/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1505/24491175403_9ba87ec5b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pygmy out and about at 1am</b><br />
<br />
Several times the pygmies did a bit of burrow digging. In this case after a mid-June thunderstorm. Also note all the fresh greenery on the sagebrush in the background.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24999812842/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/24999812842_c2f996f2ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24491173193/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/24491173193_f457ac8e16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24822378970/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1441/24822378970_c210812113_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pygmy rabbit digging at its burrow</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/25091681796/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1453/25091681796_e137605e46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24999809632/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/24999809632_37e51ef7d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
But often they just hung around and enjoyed the mild spring and summer on the sage steppe.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/24999808642/" title="pygmy rabbit"><img alt="pygmy rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24999808642_7785f51511_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pygmy rabbit hunkered down on a cold morning in late June</b><br />
<br />
Next post - July to October.<br />
<b><br /></b>
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:
</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature Conservancy Magazine - Cool Green Science - <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/magazine/pygmy-bunnies-rabbits-brink-washington-endangered-species-mammals-sage-restoration/">Pygmy Bunnies on the Brink</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/11/pygmy-rabbitat-round-up.html">Pygmy Rabbitat Round-up</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/dust-bathing-beauties.html">Dust-Bathing Beauties</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/10/jealous-jacks.html">Jealous Jacks</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/i-brake-for-brachys.html">I Brake for Brachys</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/08/splitting-hares.html">Splitting Hares</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/07/pygmies-of-great-basin.html">Pygmies of the Great Basin</a></li>
<li>Eveline Séquin Larrucea, University of Nevada Reno - <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Distribution_Behavior_and_Habitat_Prefer.html?id=B253AWToaU8C">Distribution, Behavior, and Habitat Preferences of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada and California</a></li>
<li>Joye Harold Severaid, Journal of Mammalogy, vol 31, February 1950 - <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/1375469">The Pigmy Rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) in Mono County, California</a></li>
<li>E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Revised-Natural-History/">Mammals of California</a> </li>
<li>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - <a href="http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A0GG">Species Profile for Pygmy Rabbit</a></li>
<li>Douglas A. Keinath and Matthew McGee - <a href="http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wy/wildlife/animal-assessmnts.Par.99787.File.dat/PygmyRabbit.pdf">Species Assessment for Pygmy Rabbit in Wyoming prepared for the Bureau of Land Management</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_rabbit">Pygmy rabbit</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-34081422262492944252015-12-23T17:40:00.002-08:002015-12-28T17:52:59.381-08:00California Christmas CardsIf I were ever to get off my lazy butt and send out real Christmas cards again to all my wonderful family & friends, here are some of my California native plant pics that might make the cover.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Which one(s) do you want on your card?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/4359368039/" title="more and more indian warrior"><img alt="more and more indian warrior" height="476" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2744/4359368039_bab2d84fa7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Indian Warrior, <i>Pedicularis densiflora</i>, that blooms as early as January</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/16874688319/" title="black oak leafing out"><img alt="black oak leafing out" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16874688319_38f8334c08_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Fresh new spring leaves of deciduous Black Oak, <i>Quercus kelloggii</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/5857800070/" title="snow plant"><img alt="snow plant" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3157/5857800070_ae515e273e_z.jpg" width="458" /></a><br />
<b>Snow Plant, <i>Sarcodes sanguinea</i>, a parasite that comes up with snow melt</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/14287780901/" title="red elderberries"><img alt="red elderberries" height="454" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/14287780901_aaa2af73d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Red Elderberry, <i>Sambucus racemosa</i>, good for Christmas color and wine!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/17973776500/" title="cal indian pink"><img alt="cal indian pink" height="631" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8865/17973776500_d798fc8327_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>California Indian Pink, <i>Silene laciniata ssp. californica</i>, a lovely native carnation</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/18973417511/" title="spice bush"><img alt="spice bush" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/18973417511_29d3c11554.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<b>Spice Bush, <i>Calycanthus occidentalis</i>, an endemic and relic shrub from dinosaur days</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/5821620980/" title="rose gall"><img alt="rose gall" height="522" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2001/5821620980_5d125f9944_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>A Rose Gall Wasp gall on Ground Rose, <i>Rosa spithamea</i> (yes, that's a gall!)</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19069173074/" title="scarlet beardtongue"><img alt="scarlet beardtongue" height="482" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/463/19069173074_6706afa40d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Scarlet Beardtongue, <i>Keckiella corymbosa</i>, a shrub that's a hummingbird favorite</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/12799078504/" title="manzanita red"><img alt="manzanita red" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/12799078504_6948c6b4cc_z.jpg" width="559" /></a>
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<b>Live Manzanita wood - aka "refrigerator bush" :)</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/7434999934/" title="summer ornaments"><img alt="summer ornaments" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/7434999934_38d4ec31f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>California Gooseberries, <i>Ribes californicum</i>, still on after leaf drop like ornaments</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20425135272/" title="bristlecone pine male cones"><img alt="bristlecone pine male cones" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/440/20425135272_e003ed3a7e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<b>The red male flowers on an ancient Bristlecone Pine, <i>Pinus longaeva</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/5244645532/" title="toyonathon"><img alt="toyonathon" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5126/5244645532_807e3db14b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>And, of course, Christmasberry, <i>Heteromeles arbutifolia</i>, a classic December treat</b><br />
<br />
Merry Christmas everyone. May safe travels, warm fireplaces and the laughter of friends and family be overflowing for you this season, and for many years to come.<br />
<br />
====<br />
<br />randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-2246697243736123502015-11-26T14:13:00.001-08:002015-11-27T13:49:05.557-08:00A Feast For The EyesAs we gather for family feasts of feathered beasts, it seems a perfect time to share some recent camera trap photos of another iconic North American bird.
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<br />
The Greater Sage-Grouse.
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<br />
A generally shy bird that's getting a fair bit of attention these days.
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<br />
Which is a good thing, since attention is a path to awareness and support.
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<br />
Such as this case, where a private land owner in Mono County is happily working with the BLM and USFW on a few simple improvements to make life easier for the local grouse.
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<br />
A bit of brush maintenance and mowing... Making fences wildlife-friendly...
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And, on his own initiative, a self-inflicted leak at his wellhead to create a reliable summer water puddle for wildlife.
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Which, as you can see, seems to be appreciated.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22701795773/in/dateposted/" title="greater sage grouse males"><img alt="greater sage grouse males" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/768/22701795773_11f12845f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pair of male Greater Sage-Grouse at well overflow puddle</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23033111700/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse"><img alt="greater sage grouse" height="479" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5658/23033111700_905ce9faec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Mixed flock at the puddle</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23220602052/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse males"><img alt="greater sage grouse males" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/648/23220602052_c27dbf2b29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22960986049/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse hens"><img alt="greater sage grouse hens" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/607/22960986049_81dcd0a0b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Eight pretty sage ladies</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23328912715/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse hens"><img alt="greater sage grouse hens" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5647/23328912715_f15407958a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23302783846/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse hens"><img alt="greater sage grouse hens" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5829/23302783846_8f72f3e85b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23246331521/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse"><img alt="greater sage grouse" height="479" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5742/23246331521_853c19239d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Mixed flock with adult male on right walking toward camera trap</b><br />
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You'll notice the males are much more subtle during summer when they aren't dancing for the sage ladies on their spring leks.<br />
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No yellow puffy chests or crests - just the hints of white breasts, black chins, and long tails.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23302782486/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse"><img alt="greater sage grouse" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5722/23302782486_fb9d661a42_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22701790213/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse males"><img alt="greater sage grouse males" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/710/22701790213_98aaa960a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22701789423/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse males"><img alt="greater sage grouse males" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/587/22701789423_4ba5fb13ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Tells that are even tougher to spot on the season's juveniles.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23302779986/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse"><img alt="greater sage grouse" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5706/23302779986_2a8b772694_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Mixed flock with juveniles, both male and female</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/23302779156/in/photostream/" title="greater sage grouse male"><img alt="greater sage grouse male" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5711/23302779156_0c4931c08b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Beautiful birds. Even when not in dramatic display.<br />
<br />
They can hang out in front of my Mono County camera traps anytime.<br />
<br />
Plus, the ear-to-ear grin of my friend as he talks about his restoration efforts, how many grouse he's now seeing, and how often they come around, sure is addicting.<br />
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"Grouse, grouse, grouse," he proclaims proudly with a big smile.<br />
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Which, for this conservationist, is much like the bird itself - a feast for the eyes.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>PBS Nature - <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sagebrush-sea-full-episode/12341/">The Sagebrush Sea</a></li>
<li>Bay Nature Magazine - <a href="https://baynature.atavist.com/sage-grouse">What People Talk About When They Talk About Sage Grouse</a></li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/">Sage Grouse Initiative</a></li>
<li>U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - <a href="http://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/">Greater Sage-Grouse</a></li>
<li>All About Birds - <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_Sage-Grouse/">Greater Sage-Grouse</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_sage-grouse">Greater sage-grouse</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-87926643615237945382015-11-09T15:57:00.001-08:002015-11-09T15:57:25.848-08:00Just Grin and...Occasionally, when interpreting wildlife behavior from camera trap photos, about the only explanation that comes to mind is "Whisky Tango Foxtrot"?
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<br />
I submit for your amusement one such sequence.
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<br />
The photos are uncropped, and first to last is 3-1/2 minutes.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22507522089/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5698/22507522089_828478e15f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22886212922/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/782/22886212922_5238b9c63b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22481290247/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/703/22481290247_803c560094_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22507520369/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5671/22507520369_20e4736d3a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22507519809/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/577/22507519809_23a3a085a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22910796611/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5751/22910796611_b68c6c3578_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22873682276/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5638/22873682276_effc5407c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22886209282/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/617/22886209282_8026f590df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22276929244/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/672/22276929244_73f2024089_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22886208512/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/650/22886208512_c125cb09cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22481338578/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5646/22481338578_529656a545_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22873680466/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/573/22873680466_d8d9725887_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Yes, that's my bungie strap.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22886206542/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/610/22886206542_b054925442_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22711653090/in/photostream/" title="bear meets cam trap"><img alt="bear meets cam trap" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/753/22711653090_cf51b47ed7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Bears.
<br />
<br />
====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/02/field-inspections.html">Field Inspections</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-bears-of-summer.html">The Bears of Summer</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/10/stephen-colberts-nightmare.html">Stephen Colbert's Nightmare</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-upright-character.html">An Upright Character</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/09/black-bear-buds.html">Black Bear Buds</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/04/marauders-at-mini-mine.html">Marauders at the Mini Mine</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-attraction-of-roadsides.html">The Attraction of Roadsides</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-42049262347707861462015-10-22T17:14:00.001-07:002015-11-18T08:15:56.018-08:00Rocky RelationshipsTime for more photos of <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/10/winter-readiness.html">that handsome haypiling American pika</a>, this round including the local competitors & predators the camera trap also caught coming by.
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<br />
Deer mice were the most common visitors, sneaking in at night to forage for seeds & insects.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21769494843/in/photostream/" title="deer mouse at pika haypile"><img alt="deer mouse at pika haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/678/21769494843_da6e778066_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Deer mouse at pika haypile at 9:15pm</b><br />
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And, a bit surprisingly, the local pika were occasionally also active at night.
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<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22390590785/in/dateposted/" title="pika on haypile"><img alt="pika on haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/726/22390590785_5a8bc383d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Pika tending its haypile at 4:20am</b><br />
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Insomnia? Seasonal anxiety?
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<br />
"I gotta bring in that creambush before it goes sour..."
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<br />
Chipmunks were the most common daytime drop-in. Also searching for seeds and like that fall to the wayside as the greens-loving pika fills its winter warehouse.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22364609906/in/photostream/" title="chipmunk at pika haypile"><img alt="chipmunk at pika haypile" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5832/22364609906_a0666f6c8d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Chipmunk coming to forage pika haypile (probably lodgepole chipmunk)</b><br />
<br />
In other words, they're opportunistic "dumpster divers," much like the visitors to <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-to-zapus.html"><i>Aplodontia</i> burrows</a> and <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/04/hanging-with-miss-moss.html">woodrat stick houses</a>.<br />
<br />
And, where there's yin there's yang, so, of course, a local slinkster showed up hoping to catch our pika or one of the haypile pilferers. By size, this one is likely an adult male.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22364609376/in/photostream/" title="long-tailed weasel at pika haypile"><img alt="long-tailed weasel at pika haypile" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5747/22364609376_a38e549759_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Long-tailed weasel slipping through the cracks at the haypile</b><br />
<br />
And while comparably almost as cute, weasels are the top pika mortality machine, so our haypile hero best watch out.
<br />
<br />
And often does.
<br />
<br />
Especially in the warmth of the rising sun.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21767825614/in/photostream/" title="pika enjoying morning sun"><img alt="pika enjoying morning sun" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/630/21767825614_c41134f273_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Pika Dawn" - pika in morning sun at 6:15am</b><br />
<br />
Golden-mantled ground squirrels also visited the haypile looking for treats.
<br />
<br />
Adults and juveniles.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21769493213/in/photostream/" title="golden-mantled ground squirrel"><img alt="golden-mantled ground squirrel" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5781/21769493213_5122c834f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Adult golden-mantled ground squirrel digging into the haypile</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21769492213/in/photostream/" title="golden-mantled ground squirrel"><img alt="golden-mantled ground squirrel" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5794/21769492213_0d7eb4de77_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Juvenile golden-mantled ground squirrel</b><br />
<br />
And they too are on the menu of the lurking long-tailed weasels.<br />
<br />
In this case, perhaps a female. A slinkette.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22401355211/in/photostream/" title="2nd long-tailed weasel"><img alt="2nd long-tailed weasel" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/22401355211_d2a3dfa0c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>A second, smaller long-tailed weasel popping out of the rocks 2 weeks later</b><br />
<br />
And though our hero is near equal size, the little hyperspeed weasel would take the pika down in an instant. A flash of teeth and cuteness that ends in a sad squeak.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22377449572/in/photostream/" title="pika at haypile"><img alt="pika at haypile" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5747/22377449572_b7f08cb313_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika on same rock as weasel for size comparison</b><br />
<br />
But pika know how dangerous the talus tunnel terrors can be, and have adapted. For example, while they'll use various vocal alarm calls for different approaching predators, such as hawks or coyotes, if they spy a weasel near, they quietly disappear. Preferring a silent strategy that doesn't alert the weasel to whereabouts, over a warning for its fellows.
<br />
<br />
When they do call, such as to "mark" their territory, it's often from a favorite/specific rock.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22364607016/in/photostream/" title="pika calling"><img alt="pika calling" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5818/22364607016_c3cc2a6634_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika calling in the evening at 7:30pm. A twilight howl? "I'm not dead yet!"</b><br />
<br />
Fave rocks are also a hang out at night. But I don't think pika have been documented calling at night.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22390586925/in/photostream/" title="pika on fave rock"><img alt="pika on fave rock" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5636/22390586925_9e800f2326_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika on a hangout rock at 2:50am</b><br />
<br />
All just a fraction of the behaviors that make pika such unique rabbit relatives.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21769491163/in/photostream/" title="pika showing bunny nose"><img alt="pika showing bunny nose" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/21769491163_084d065a18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika showing its bunny nose</b><br />
<br />
One so popular, that even their much larger cottontail cousins occasionally drop by.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22203749189/in/photostream/" title="mountain cottontail"><img alt="mountain cottontail" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5633/22203749189_d27c15fcbc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Cousin mountain cottontail checking out the haypile at 5am</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21769490383/in/photostream/" title="mountain cottontail"><img alt="mountain cottontail" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5813/21769490383_2780d0d339_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It's a tough life being the "apex of cuteness" on the talus. But some animal has to do it.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22390585665/in/photostream/" title="pika at haypile"><img alt="pika at haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/723/22390585665_1176fe2ff0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika enjoying some "quiet time" at haypile at 1:40am</b><br />
<br />
====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/10/winter-readiness.html">Winter Readiness</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/06/seasonal-activity-patterns.html">Seasonal Activity Patterns</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-to-zapus.html">From A to Zapus</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2012/04/hanging-with-miss-moss.html">Hanging with Miss Moss</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pika">American pika</a></li>
<li>Andrew Smith, Marla Weston - <a href="http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-352-01-0001.pdf">American Society of Mammalogists: Ochotona princeps</a> </li>
<li>Barbara Ivins, Andrew Smith - Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology: Responses of Pikas to Naturally Occurring Terrestrial Predators</li>
<li>Andrew Smith and Barbara Ivins - Z. Tierpsychol. (Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics): Spatial Relationships and Social Organization in Adult Pikas</li>
<li>Andrew Smith - Ecology: The Distribution and Dispersal of Pikas: a) Consequences of Insular Population Structure, and b) Influences of Behavior and Climate</li>
<li>Andrew Smith and John Nagy - Journal of Mammalogy: Population resilience in an American pika (<i>Ochotona princeps</i>) metapopulation</li>
<li>Donald Grayson - Journal of Biogeography: A brief history of Great Basin pikas</li>
<li>Alexie McKenzie, Andrew Smith, and Mary Peacock - Journal of Mammalogy: Kleptoparasitism in Pikas (<i>Ochotona princeps</i>): Theft of Hay</li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-38108768010736765662015-10-13T07:45:00.001-07:002015-10-17T16:31:54.445-07:00Winter ReadinessAt 9,400 feet on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, summers are generally short, and winters can come on fast and frosty.<br />
<br />
So, if you're a half pint animal that doesn't hibernate, a motto like "be prepared" is a bit of an understatement.
<br />
<br />
As is evidenced by this 1-month span of camera trap photos of an American pika gathering greens for its winter haypile.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22130550291/in/dateposted/" title="pika at haypile"><img alt="pika at haypile" height="552" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5683/22130550291_119d97654c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>American pika at haypile, July 26th 2015, 6am</b><br />
<br />
Littleleaf Creambush, <i>Holodiscus discolor var. microphyllus</i>, seems to be a popular forage at this location. At least for this particular pika - pika live solo and are strongly territorial, and only 1 will build, defend and use a haypile. Unless "disappeared."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21932586588/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5819/21932586588_2be922f8c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika returning with sprig of Littleleaf Creambush</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21932288540/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/757/21932288540_b793b05872_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika adding foraged greens to its haypile under big boulder</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22107918472/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/687/22107918472_413f0e31f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>And stuffing them into every possible crack and crevice</b><br />
<br />
Mountain Snowberry, <i>Symphoricarpos rotundifolius</i>, was also a fave, and packed in tightly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22130548511/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/707/22130548511_3f45883e8e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika adding Mountain Snowberry branches to it haypile</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21497635344/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/771/21497635344_9ebb64890d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Throwing all 6 ounces of its weight against the pile</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22120470715/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/704/22120470715_33112c5b9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Tamp, tamp, tamp</b><br />
<br />
Soda Straw, <i>Angelica lineariloba</i>, Sulphur Buckwheat, <i>Eriogonum umbellatum</i>, and Mountain Coyote Mint, <i>Monardella odoratissima</i>, were also on the pika's "buy local" grocery list.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22107916942/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/589/22107916942_a1c61860d4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
All sensible seasonal choices, since pika are herbivores, like their kin the rabbits & hares. And thus mostly eat leaves and grasses. And surprisingly few seeds or berries.<br />
<br />
But the Soda Straw is interesting, as it's also called Poison Angelica, and is related to hemlock. Perhaps it's strategically added for the bushy-tailed woodrats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks that often try to raid the pika's pantry.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21497634094/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/617/21497634094_a98f2d5571_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika adding Soda Straw leaf to its winter larder</b><br />
<br />
Occasionally they pause for a look around, or territorial call.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22130546531/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/713/22130546531_ebe92a40d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika giving its "rock rabbit" look. This half pint cutie's ear notch is handy for ID. And note how perfectly matched their fur color pattern is to the rocky habitat.</b><br />
<br />
But rest is for the wicked, and there's "ripe" Creambush and Snowberry to harvest and pile.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21933550109/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/563/21933550109_d2efbab73b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21497632644/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/21497632644_432b95654a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
All leading to...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22120467555/in/photostream/" title="pika at haypile 1 month later"><img alt="pika at haypile 1 month later" height="552" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5760/22120467555_3577ef082a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>American pika at haypile, 1 month later, August 26th 2015, 11am</b><br />
<br />
A whole lot of winter salad.<br />
<br />
Maybe there is an El Nino coming.<br />
<br />
Gotta go!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/22120467035/in/photostream/" title="pika building haypile"><img alt="pika building haypile" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/748/22120467035_cfafe28e6d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Pika off to get more</b><br />
<br />
====<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>References:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/06/seasonal-activity-patterns.html">Seasonal Activity Patterns</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pika">American pika</a></li>
<li>Andrew Smith, Marla Weston - <a href="http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-352-01-0001.pdf">American Society of Mammalogists: Ochotona princeps</a> </li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-5905432729638825662015-09-17T11:07:00.002-07:002015-09-17T11:07:45.600-07:00Fawn KissAs a complement to the <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-dog-days-are-over.html">coyote youngsters</a>, here's another new born from this season also experiencing one of my cam traps for the first time.
<br />
<br />
(queue plucky harp dawn chorus music…)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20871189573/in/dateposted/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/768/20871189573_04fcd80ebe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Serene morning scene with coastal fog</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21481235512/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/649/21481235512_a3c6e9fd1e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>A doe and fawn black-tailed deer wander into the clearing…</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21305386139/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/583/21305386139_8a22f0597d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21305385719/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/746/21305385719_fcde2d6b35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"What's that?"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20871188283/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/761/20871188283_04487e645a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21304487318/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5730/21304487318_5709df3768_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21304248550/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/693/21304248550_a2d80dd188_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21304248230/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/612/21304248230_9a63c5ae1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Smoooch!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20869567024/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/718/20869567024_7bc8a7a589_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Wanna play?"</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21500906521/in/photostream/" title="fawn kiss"><img alt="fawn kiss" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/719/21500906521_5be428ea2f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>"Oh well."</b><br />
<br />
I enjoy catching series such as this, where you can really see the animal's curiosity cogs turning, and fighting back the fear instinct of being a prey species.
<br />
<br />
Now I just need to teach my cameras to play...<br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_deer">Black-tailed Deer</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/01/going-buck-wild.html">Going Buck Wild</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-82487653504044484972015-09-03T17:03:00.001-07:002015-09-04T06:58:28.661-07:00The Dog DaysAs summer thankfully wanes, and <a href="http://www.weatherwest.com/archives/3405">the horizon hints that El Nino is on the way</a>, a camera trap I just pulled nicely reminded me that the dog days do have their charms...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20499528384/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="481" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/772/20499528384_fc71faea13_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Juvenile coyote trotting by the cam trap</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20934046940/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="481" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/629/20934046940_b28b1ab0a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Giving it a glance on a foggy morning a week later</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21095953916/" title="juvie coyote in fog"><img alt="juvie coyote in fog" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5766/21095953916_5895b0712c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Fog dog at night (that's fog with a flash)</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20499527064/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5770/20499527064_dcf8018cae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Curiosity or annoyance?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21112019892/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5738/21112019892_3db617051c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21129893221/" title="pair of juvie coyotes"><img alt="pair of juvie coyotes" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5677/21129893221_35816cab2c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The phrase "dog days of summer" dates back to early Greece, and now permeates many cultures & languages.<br />
<br />
It's Astronomical. "The dog days" - roughly July & August - are the days when the Dog Star, Sirius, is visible in the night sky. But since that's summer in the northern hemisphere, and often a time of heat, drought, famine and sickness, poor ole Sirius was given a pretty tough rap. Even Homer harshed on the pup:<br />
<br />
<i>Sirius rises late in the dark, liquid sky on summer nights,</i><br />
<i>Star of stars, Orion's Dog they call it,</i><br />
<i>Brightest of all, but an evil portent,</i><br />
<i>Bringing heat and fevers to suffering humanity.</i><br />
<br />
<i>- Homer - The Iliad</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20934044610/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5648/20934044610_09d569cb0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Stalking practice</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21122144995/" title="pair of juvie coyotes"><img alt="pair of juvie coyotes" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5827/21122144995_7b9abbd1e2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Definitely siblings</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/21122143805/" title="pair of juvie coyotes"><img alt="pair of juvie coyotes" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/675/21122143805_1e4de39148_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Floating with only 1 paw on the ground - neat trick</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20934043630/" title="pair of juvie coyotes"><img alt="pair of juvie coyotes" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/777/20934043630_7a2546bb6b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>You can hear the play growls and snarls in your mind, huh?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20935378259/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/623/20935378259_29f43b9437_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20934273168/" title="juvie coyote"><img alt="juvie coyote" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5682/20934273168_de60815b28_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Foggy fur with mom/dad in far background</b><br />
<br />
I think it's just a pair of youngsters, and no more. The cam has caught mom and/or dad too, but only going by with no interest at all in the camera. Or in hanging out and playing. :)<br />
<br />
<i>The dog days are over</i><br />
<i>The dog days are done</i><br />
<i>Can you hear the horses??</i><br />
<i>Because here they come...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>- Florence And The Machine - Dog Days Are Over
</i><br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weatherwest.com/">California Weather Blog</a></li>
<li>Homer - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Iliad-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0140275363/">The Iliad</a></li>
<li>Florence And The Machine - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lungs-Florence-Machine/dp/B001PB3RU8/">Lungs with Dog Days Are Over</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_days">Dog Days</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius">Sirius</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2013/04/song-dogs-of-santa-cruz-mountains.html">Song Dogs of the Santa Cruz Mtns</a></li>
<li>Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/05/coyote-cute.html">Coyote Cute</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-28856174786729526242015-08-16T14:56:00.001-07:002018-04-09T10:43:06.276-07:00The Mouse TestSince many of my camera trapping projects are focused on small mammals (pun intended), whenever I build a new hack, one of the first tests I put it through is the "Mouse Test."
<br />
<br />
I.e., if I set it 24 inches away from a rodent burrow, about 12-14 inches off the ground, and sprinkle a handful of seeds at sundown, how does it perform?
<br />
<br />
Is it sensitive enough to reasonably capture the ensuing "clean up" without running frantically all night, triggering at every small twitch? Or, is it not sensitive enough and missing the activity?<br />
<br />
How are the exposure and flash? Is it blowing out the scene because of the short distance?
<br />
<br />
What about sharpness, focal depth and color/white balance?
<br />
<br />
Below are the recent results of just such a test. The new cam trap combines a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cybershot-DSC-W220-Digital-Stabilization/dp/B001O9ARD6/">Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220</a> point-and-shoot digital camera with a <a href="http://www.snapshotsniper.com/Board.htm">SnapShot Sniper controller card</a>.<br />
<br />
The Sony W220 is 12 mega pixels, has a nice, wide 28mm lens, auto-focuses down to 1.2 inches, and has an adjustable flash and programmable settings, such as exposure value (EV), ISO, and white balance. All highly valuable features for small mammal photography.<br />
<br />
The SnapShot Sniper is a versatile cam trap controller card that also has a good range of programmable settings, including a sensitivity adjustment for the embedded motion sensor.<br />
<br />
And the combo seems to be working well. During the Mouse Test it captured 96 photos in a bit over 5 hours (~ 9pm to 2am), with no obvious false triggers.<br />
<br />
So now let's look at the pics.<br />
<br />
3 different deer mice worked the scene - one brown, one rufous, and one gray with more white on its sides. Tail, ear, body and foot proportions suggest all are <i>Peromyscus maniculatus</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20609585955/in/photostream/" title="deer mouse 1"><img alt="deer mouse 1" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/596/20609585955_33026bf341_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Deer mouse #1 to the scene, including ground beetle entourage</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20609584955/in/photostream/" title="deer mouse 2"><img alt="deer mouse 2" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5756/20609584955_f901bd1a9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Deer mouse #2 - more rufous</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20609580005/in/photostream/" title="deer mouse 3"><img alt="deer mouse 3" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/769/20609580005_3088038d4f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Deer mouse #3 - grayer with much more belly white up the sides</b><br />
<br />
Another "mouse" also joined the foraging fun - a Great Basin Pocketmouse, <i>Perognathus parvus</i>. It's a Great Basin species that barely ranges into California.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20422891649/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo mouse"><img alt="kangaroo mouse" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/632/20422891649_aef144471c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Great Basin Pocketmouse, a mouse-size relative of the kangaroo rats</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20616196571/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo mouse"><img alt="kangaroo mouse" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/720/20616196571_e5597bb9cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20421593928/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo mouse"><img alt="kangaroo mouse" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5703/20421593928_1501b3e08b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
A kangaroo rat, the much larger relative of the pocketmouse, also worked the seed scene. In this case I think it's Ord's Kangaroo Rat, <i>Dipodomys ordii</i>. It seems to be the standard species on the sandy sage steppe flats in the Mono area.<br />
<br />
Note - for size comparisons, the above 6 and following 2 photos are all the same crop.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20583328866/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo rat"><img alt="kangaroo rat" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5748/20583328866_daa4cfb29f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>A kangaroo rat, likely Ord's k-rat - as sweet as any gerbil or hamster</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20421598848/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo rat"><img alt="kangaroo rat" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5803/20421598848_cf82c9090b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Now that's a tail built for balance!</b><br />
<br />
And finally, here are 3 detail crops of the above.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20583325856/in/photostream/" title="deer mouse 3 crop"><img alt="deer mouse 3 crop" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/766/20583325856_d1be6afe51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<b>Detail crop of deer mouse</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20583322956/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo mouse crop"><img alt="kangaroo mouse crop" height="481" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5793/20583322956_1a40c6307a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Detail crop of pocketmouse</b><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/20421600088/in/photostream/" title="kangaroo rat crop"><img alt="kangaroo rat crop" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5828/20421600088_3c7cce5065_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<b>Detail crop of <i>much</i> larger kangaroo rat</b><br />
<br />
Not bad at all. A bit overexposed when within 12 inches, but I should be able to handle that by dropping the exposure value by -1/3 or -2/3. Fixing the ISO to 80 or 100 might help, too.<br />
<br />
I'd say it passes the Mouse Test. What do you all think?<br />
<br /></div>
====
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:
</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/08/deer-vs-kangaroo.html">Deer vs. Kangaroo</a></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Nature of a Man (this blog) - <a href="http://natureofaman.blogspot.com/2011/12/becoming-size-wise.html">Becoming Size Wise</a></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">E. W. Jameson, Jr., and Hans J. Peeters, UCPress - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-California-Revised-Natural-History/">Mammals of California</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.snapshotsniper.com/">Snapshot Sniper</a> - controller cards and DIY supplies for making camera traps</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cybershot-DSC-W220-Digital-Stabilization/dp/B001O9ARD6/">Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 Digital Camera</a></li>
</ul>
==========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533740979429003976.post-78634030402984981992015-07-13T08:34:00.003-07:002015-07-13T17:04:35.870-07:00Midnight SnacksHere's a little cam trap ditty from the Santa Cruz Mountains for ya.
<br />
<br />
If you're a brush bunny, and your tummy is a rumblin' at midnight, where do you go?
<br />
<br />
You wander in to the "garden" and nibble a few of your native "roses," of course.
<br />
<br />
In this case the tasty <i>Rosaceae</i> is Chamise, <i>Adenostoma fasciculatum</i>, an infamously explosive shrub of chaparral fires in California and the West that's also called Greasewood.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19474907180/" title="brush rabbit"><img alt="brush rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/540/19474907180_90d5919e1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Brer Rabbit out for a midnight snack</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19662893465/in/photostream/" title="brush rabbit"><img alt="brush rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/320/19662893465_b783b0e4c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Like a giraffe, Brer Rabbit stretches for the freshest growth…</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19474904660/in/photostream/" title="brush rabbit"><img alt="brush rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/19474904660_4d4aed3c51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19474903700/in/photostream/" title="brush rabbit"><img alt="brush rabbit" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/294/19474903700_7632dd82f4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>1 hour 40 minutes later, the chamise is looking well pruned</b><br />
<br />
But Brer Rabbit has to be cautious.
<br />
<br />
For his bunny nose knows that others like this garden, too.
<br />
<br />
Such as Brer Fox and Sista Wildcat.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19636707236/in/photostream/" title="gray fox"><img alt="gray fox" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/545/19636707236_ced8a4fa72_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Gray fox 2 weeks earlier</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomtruth/19040315544/in/photostream/" title="bobcat"><img alt="bobcat" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/480/19040315544_d204daa010_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<b>Bobcat 2 weeks later</b><br />
<br />
And, while the fox and bobcat might be visiting most commonly to check the "calling cards" left at the local latrine, both would be quite happy to meet Brer Rabbit.<br />
<br />
And also enjoy a midnight snack.
<br />
<br />
====<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Jepson eFlora - <a href="http://herbaria4.herb.berkeley.edu/eflora_display.php?tid=11939">Adenostoma fasciculatum</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brush_rabbit">Brush Rabbit</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_fox">Gray Fox</a></li>
<li>Wikipedia - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobcat">Bobcat</a></li>
</ul>
===========randomtruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01941027847362672057noreply@blogger.com2