Finally, the temperature rose to zero this Monday afternoon.
Charlie is grounded right now. Not because he is a bad boy, but because it is breeding season for coyotes and in our area they can get aggressive with dogs out walking even in the daylight. Now that I said that, I can say that in 30 years of walking with dogs in this time of year, I've only come across coyotes twice.
One was stalking my female Feist Terrier and I the first time 20 years ago. I fired off a .22 round and it skedaddled.
The second time was only two years ago. I think the coyote was looking for open water and perhaps a mate. It stood and watched us from a distance. I hollered *Boo!* at it and it ran off. In our area coyotes are pretty timid.
I just don't take Charlie into our woods because they are big and he is little so why not? Just a good precaution right now.
It was not surprising that most of the animal tracks were in the narrow valley along the creek. It is out of the winds and there is water in some places where the springs bubble up.
Here the creek it about a foot wide and it looks as though it was flash frozen.
When I climbed under the large downfall and came out the other side I found a solitary sparrow taking a drink of water.
It didn't move off while I squatted there and pulled out my cell phone.
This reminds me why I adore and appreciate the heated bird bath at the house. I even wished I could tell the bird where it was located. I know, how weird am I?
Because this valley is very narrow and very steep, it doesn't get a lot of sunlight. Though there are places where there is open water like below. This is very likely a spring. IF it stays below zero for longer, the surface would still freeze and the water may move slowly under the ice.
Cool ice formations from the quick freeze.
Here is where the whole creek froze. The spring water seeps up over
the ice to freeze in lumps and bumps.
This spot is near several springs and I've never seen it totally freeze over in 30 years.
I found all of these variations in just a half mile of walking in the valley.
Of course I stopped by my favorite Ice Wall which isn't impressive this year as it has been in the past.
Three years ago------>
This was a nice break from being stuck inside. I have been trying out different methods of photography and might have some to share later this week.
Stay warm, stay safe.
It’s a very good idea to keep small dogs and coyotes apart. Do you routinely carry a rifle with you on your walks?
ReplyDeleteDavid, I carry a .22 pistol when hiking the land next to us, it is pretty wild and untamed.
DeleteExcited to see what photo fun you've had inside as well. Love the outside shots. Great job. So fun. Photography rocks. It just does.
ReplyDeleteIvy, working on that. Photography is a creative way to get your mind off from other things.
DeleteGlad it's starting to "warm up" a little bit now!
ReplyDeleteIt is Debra, just a bit. This morning -- Tuesday it is already up to 6 degrees F!!!
DeleteWe never worried too much about coyotes but our dog was a golden retriever / yellow lab mix so bigger than most coyotes in our area. Funny thing though, just earlier this year I was remarking to my father that I hadn't heard or seen a coyote in years. I'm not exactly sure why that is. There are some that hunt them as a nuisance and have for decades, so that is likely a large part of why there aren't any/many around anymore. But I suspect there is another cause out there too be it disease or lack of habitat/food.
ReplyDeleteI live in a remote area so there are a lot of things for the coyotes to eat, mostly rabbits though. They have run through our pastures and once near the house.
DeleteThe trail cam on the driveway catches them walking not to far from here. But that is how things are in the forest.
I'm not too concerned, just practice safety for my little dog.
Good thinking about Charlie, and the sparrow was most accommodating. Will the ice fall be more impressive later when there is more thawing and freezing?
ReplyDeleteAnvilcloud, thanks. It may be more impressive later, but that depends on how much moisture is in the ground that seeps out through the rock face.
DeleteI've seen it with some incredible formations over the years and some years it was puny!
Even in my neighborhood in town we have predators like hawks. People say they hear coyotes in the woods, but I haven't seen one. My neighbor has a tiny dog and does not let it out alone. A few streets over a hawk picked one up this summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by with your kind words. One day at a time.
Merry, they are in suburban areas too but are rarely seen. They are pure survivors. I think I saw a documentary about them in the Chicago area and how they were filmed with infrared while going through neighborhoods and parks.
DeleteThey are pretty smart animals.
It must have felt great to get out for a hike. Cool ice formations! I haven't walked our property for close to a week. 30 years is a nice long time to observe how nature evolves.
ReplyDeleteAurora, yes over the years it has been fascinating to see how that little valley has changed.
DeleteWe used to be really careful with Chance in the Winter months because of Wolves and the Coyotes do the pack thing so no single dog has a chance. Good thing Charlie is safe! Nice icy formations!
ReplyDeleteI've very rarely seen a coyote in the day until Fred had her kits! I was shocked. They did run when I used my yard duty yell!!! It hasn't happened since they grew and the coyote nailed 3 of them.
ReplyDelete