Coop

Some more pics than usual!...saw the Redtail Hawk in the Elm in Cook's Meadow swoop down and get a mouse and fly back...thought to post those too!...but here I post Coop flying off after a repast!...I had gone to Cooper's Meadow and thought maybe Coop would be there and found Coop on the ground at the tree line by the Merced...got some neat clips of both Hawks...but wasn't too good with the pics..too far away or out of focus...sorta like my writing tonight!...the Blue Bird is cool..but out of focus...and there's the Broken Antleered Buck out in Cook's below the Falls in the fading light...all alone...last pic of 2007...earlier I took clips and pics of the Does, Fawns and two Bucks at the Village...sunny day and warming....sat awhile at Owl Log...one screech from Owl...Happy New Year!

Bear Snow Track

I found some of the tracks from Bear last night...thought to follow them but didn't find where they went...lot of other footprints about!...made the loop walkabout...and didn't see much...Ouzel of course...and over by Cook's one photog was lying on the ground taking pic of little pines with frost on them...thing to do I guess so I found one beside the path by the deer house..and standing took a pic...and that would have been it for today!...but Coyote popped up on the path near Chapel Bridge and I took clip...kinda neat...there's mist and the siren call of emergency vehicles...one passes in the background...and too in the background barely visible in the mist is tourist standing with their dog...these little things tell a story....sunny today and cool.,and no critter tracks at Creek's End...there's a 60 by 80 feet about gravel beach there covered with snow...and there should just be tracks there of something!!....the Creek and Merced are rising ever so slowly.

Winter Ouzel

Walked to the Post Office taking the short cut through the Creek...a friend was walking down the middle of the road avoiding the detour..."This way.." I told him, "make a little left and go across the Creek."...someones going to get run over...after the Post Office thought to take bus back but bus going the other way came and I had time so I clambered on and took a window seat and listened to the tourist while watching for critters..did the whole loop and got off at Lower Falls so to walk over to Owl Log...near where I took this pic of Ouzel...which I kinda like...on several days I've taken clips of Ouzel on just this log...but this time I was close enough to get a pic...saw Doe and Fawn on way to Post Office...and a few Deer on A. road...but not much else...lots of Jays and Woodpeckers and little tiny birds that peep and can be heard but cant be seen!...not an eventful day I thought...but Bear was looking into my friends mini pick up truck when I came home at night!...I said "Go away"..but had to repeat it three or four time..a little louder each time...until Bear noticed and left...I dont like it when the folk who think they know what they are doing yell and scream like maniacs "Go Bear!!" with the thought of making a lasting impression!....some tourists ironically came along and started screaming and yelling and getting up their courage to go snooping after Bear in the dark...I felt compelled to more or less stand in their way and tell them to move along...it's my front yard after all!!....but seeing Bear was cool....they move about so graceful...and I dont begrudge the tourists going bananas...I wanted to tell them to just stand still be quiet and watch...you can get to see a lot that way...cool and high grey overcast...snow turning slushy...fog tonight....hmmph...could use some Bear Whisperers hereabouts!

Coyote Walking in the Creek

Towards the end of the walkabout...behind the Deer House...I spotted Coyote walking in the Creek...this the only critter I'd really seen after two hours of struggling about on my cross country skis...today was a skiabout...but mostly a walkabout with skis over shoulder!....it snowed a little last night and I thought it would be good to ski on over the ice snow...and I got out beyond Swinging Bridge to the Four Mile Trail Head and back to Swinging Bridge...but then when I got out in Coop's Meadow the snow built up on the ski's bottoms...didn't wax them....I struggled awhile and then gave up and just trudged...weighted down with tripod and skis...I may as well have left the tripod behind as when I set up to take clip Coyote...and it would have been a cool one!...I found I forgot to put the SLIK quick release adapter back on when I changed camera batteries!....so I lost a good opportunity and just post this one still...Coyote here is the only critter to leave tracks up the Creek from about Duck Harbor to 46's Bath Tub...I did find Raccoon, and Grey Squirrels hopping tracks..and Raven's...over at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Benches...I hadn't thought of that being a possible place to find them because of the snacks left by the Tourists...the Raccoon family that was here the Summer before last didn't make it to last Summer...I can hope they moved somewhere...but after they boarded up their home in the rafters at Last Chance...I'm afraid they lost their safe home....and so I haven't seen a Raccoon for a long time except one over at Last Chance at night....I miss them...there are some over at Curry...and report of a Ring Tail...I'll have to go over there and make a night photo attempt...as they are both nocturnal....cloudy day but reported to be ten degrees warmer than yesterday...which explains the snow gluing to my skis!...I was worn out when I got back to the cabin...and with work it's been a long long day!!...the Deer...Does, Fawns, and a Buck were about but I missed them.

Coyote Hop

Saw Coyotes out in Cook's today...right in the middle with photogs all about on the paths around the rim!...I set up by the Deer House picnic tables...thinking to take pics of the photogs!...and one of the Coyotes came my way...and got to the path...I tried to pan along but it's jerky...need to work on that...I hadn't seen the other one...but it appeared too ahead of the first...and I filmed them both heading out towards the use path to Lodgepole Point...thought to follow but time for work...snow is cold and iced over in shady areas...weak sunlight and overcast...took nice pic of the weather's mood at Creek's End...but thought to put up these Coyote pics from two days ago way over in Stoneman Meadow.

Oh, Coyote missed this time...but usually they get the wee mousies...and down them in one gulp! Heard tell Bobcats do the hop too. Deer said to be over a the the A. Meadow. Nothing still!...critter track wise at Creek's End.

Deer House Cat

I was finishing up the walkabout...reaching the road and Lower Falls stop...and Hawk..the Redtail...flew over and perched in a Deer House oak...I turned left!..and asked a tourist couple..."Did you see the Hawk?"..."Yes!" they answered. "Did you see the Bobcat?"... oh no I I thought and during discussion Bobcat showed up walking to a sunny spot among the dry Bracken Ferns...so we followed...both trying to get pics but not disturb...finally we took up position with the road to our back...and watched Bobcat preen..."What do we do if he comes this way?" they asked...."Stand still." I answered...and that's what I can be heard to say on the clip of Bobcat coming toward us!...the couple had the best view...Bobcat passed within three feet of them...I had to stop filming as Bobcat was going out into on coming traffic..which I was waving at frantically to stop...which they did...and then all clambered out with their cameras!...the paparazzi arrived!...a Bobcat Jam!...Bobcat didn't seem to notice..intent on it's own walkabout...much entertainment and delight for everyone!...this all in the new walkway area of the Lower Falls....meanwhile...meanwhile!...Hawk is going above from oak to oak!...I need two cameras!!...I've been carrying the 3x too...but I need two cameras with long lenses!!...earlier I took pics and clips of Ouzel floating at a good clip down the Merced...and some too of Yellow-rump Warbler and Junco...and some postcards...big clouds going through and little snow showers..."Styrofoam packing snow"....and cold...tonight the wind is making the tree and cabin creak!

Xmas Hawk

I was wondering where Coop spends the night...this while walking through the snow in Chapel Meadow in the fading light...and over head Coop flew by and landed in a tree on cue!...looks to me that Coop settled in...in the one pic that's one of Coop's feet tucked up into Coop's chest feathers...and that's Half Dome...and the Chapel in the corner...of note is that Coop's feathers color harmonize with the Chapel's...Coop is the Chapel Hawk...earlier I saw four of the Deer...three Does and a Young Buck...and Coyote in Stoneman Meadow...got clip of Coyote doing the hop...a friend pointed out another Coyote when I was in Coop's Meadow...got a little clip of Coyote...and while filming Coop the Illusive Bird landed in the tree..and behind Brown Creeper was going up a big Ponderosa...each making their calls...got clip of the Flicker...but too dark for the Brown Creeper...said goodnight to Coop and went over and around to Owl Log...sat just long enough to tie my boot laces... cross country ski tracks are added to my footprints there...but still no critter tracks ...went to Sentinel stop and to Xmas dinner...another late start!..but another fine day!

Xmas Eve Hawks

The leaves on the surface are gone, and Duck Harbor is ice free...first pic of a late walkabout...started out about noon...but the Redtail Hawk(it's young Red Shouldered Hawk...an update1/24/08) at Chapel Bridge made up for my sleepiness....while taking these pics I talked with a couple tourists who were married in the Chapel and now live in Japan..in the country where they see Eagles...that seems so far away!...Hawk posed for everyone walking and sliding a bit on the bridge...it flew tree to tree towards the Chapel and I followed..then Hawk went across the meadow to the tree line by the Merced...I walked along the roadside path...my eyes on the trees but my thoughts on if Coop would be in Cooper's Meadow...I got to the plastic boardwalks and went over to the tree line...and forgoodness sake there Coop was!...in first clip Coop flys a short wayto another tree...so got a nice flight clip...there's a technique to getting closer to Hawk!...take what you can at first...clip then pic...and then if Hawk is going to pose...advance..clip then pic...doing this I managed to get Coop framed with the Falls in the background...earlier I had gone up on Chapel Bridge to the Redtail Hawk framed the same way...sooo...in ONE day I got pics and clips of two Hawks with the Falls in the backgorund!...and a beautiful blue day it's been!....the batteries gave out..no back up...but the very last pic I took of Coop is a wonder...the Aspens behind blurred but had orange lichen on them...so this gives color...and harmonize with Coops reddish chest feathers and dark brown eyes...gave Coop a salute when I picked up...these birds are Noble!..the little ones too...got a little clip of the Yellow-rump Warbler that Coop deigned to notice...walked over to Swinging Bridge...the snow is soft but firm enough to walk on well..and got to Last Chance for late lunch....then got new batteries and another 1g card...I might just save this card I was using!...and went back out in the fading light..Coop flew by and landed in an Owl Woods Cedar...the setting sunlight faded just as I framed a long pic...can use it for painting!...all the reds and orange colors....went to Owl Log and watched the sunset on Half Dome....Ouzel was there...I keep hearing one Flciker!...but never see the Illusive Bird!...at evening I was hearing a Golden Mantle chirp at sunset..but haven't for awhile...but tonight I heard the Golden Mantle Squirrell's(Chicaree) call again...went to Sentinel and caught the bus to Siberia for dinner...and talked of the Hawks!...I dont know where the Deer are...and no critter tracks at Creek's End...lots of people tracks all over...eveyone having a good time in the snow!

Yellow-rumped Warbler (?)

Walked out to the Merced...mists coming off the water and snow...and walked from the sunshine to the shade...took pics of these little birds...very tough...sat awhile at Owl Log...and made my way past Cook's and back...quiet...no Deer...no new tracks...except people tracks...except at Creek's End...same as yesterday there...sunny and blue...cold is making the snow stay awhile.

White Branches

Saw Coop in Cooper's Hawk Meadow at the beginning of the walkabout...first got a clip and one pic of Coop in a tree on the far bank of the Merced...than Coop swooped to the water...after Ouzel I think!...but I missed that...Coop landed on the bank then and I got a clip...flew off after another pass at the water...another Hawk flew over in pursuit....kind of a neat clip but long long distance...and the pic too would be really cool...I can save it in a painting...even blurry...enlarged..it would look cool...try tomorrow with the printer to see what it looks like...in Premier I can step through the stills..it's neat to see how they fly...all the birds have their own unique way...meandered over to Owl Log and sat a minute or two...then up Lodgepole Point out to Cook's past the Deer House over road to Lower Falls Stop over the Upper Creek Bridge..passed the Tiki Palace...back over the road and the parking lot to Tree in the Door....all with tiny little steps when on the path!...it's slippery...got a nice Ouzel clip at Creek's End...no tracks..and mine still the only ones there at Creek's End...some clouds came in but it's clear tonight with full Moon...heard Owl when I came home..hohooohohoohohoooo!...didn't see Deer.

Raven Kissing Snowman

All I got today for pics and clips was Raven and this Snowman...and the Antleered Buck and Two Does...which is kinda of a neat clip...one Doe was on the walk path that has low split rail fence on both sides...and the Buck comes over..lowers his head as they do...and hops over the fence...then the Doe...in very demur fashion!...does the same back over the fence and off the trail...I think this sorta things is going on all day and night!...folks on the bus..at work...here and there...ask if I'm getting any good pictures?...and I tell them I'm trying to get the critter pics...and they start telling me critter sightings...Bobcat over by the A.....Mountain Quail over at the C....Mountain Lion over at the Wreckage!...Bear over at Lower Falls....it was so icy and cold this morning I thought better of using the cross country skis..and just walked..which was hazardous enough...saw one spill today...almost went over myself right on the Cedar's root covered in ice...it is cold....sat at Owl Log for maybe ten seconds...as when I looked down at my watch I had just enough time left to get ready for work...no tracks of note yet at Creek's End...and still only my footsteps in the roundabout of the Creek...though in some places now have heavy Deer traffic....needless to say the Valley in the snow is a big postcard!

Deer Waiting Out Storm

Got off the bus coming back from Post Office at Lower Falls and took this pic of the Deer resting on the other side of road...then went for a walk to the Creek...following my own footsteps from the last two days...the only tracks!...save for Coyote who appears to take the very same walkabout!!...a couple post card pix with the 3x...in low light and high iso it's not doing as well as the 12x...I could have used the cross country skis today...there was just enough snow fall...but got up too late...tomorrow!!...during the walk it was slushy rain...but at dawn there was a good snowfall..and later in the afternoon at work it got windy... flurries coming down for just awhile..and it's cleared up for the stars and moon to shine.

Indominitable Ouzel

Went for an early walk...it took some effort in the snow!...and I was tired when I got back...so went back to sleep until work!....saw Ouzel...heard Hawk...took postcard pics...one other photog out and about...and few tracks!!..just a couple Deer and Coyote...clear mostly all day...talk of the rockslide in the old talus fall by the back of Three Brothers...I'll have to get up early again tomorrow!!...it's good exercise paddling about in the snow!

Snow Deer

On the bus ride to the Post Offfice I saw Deer by the Broken Owl Oak..where I saw my first Owl and took pic with the 3x...so walked back and got a pic with the 3x!...left the 12x at home...it was snowing...and snowed all afternoon...two Coyotes out in Cook's Meadow...when I got to the Woodpecker Tree Hawk flew off...again!!..flying through the snow to Black Oak Row along the road on the other side of the meadow...I sat awhile on the log by Woodpecker Tree...watching Coyote...and to see if Hawk would take off...snow coming down really nice...the Falls up in the clouds...continued walk over to Creek's End...sat awhile at Owl Log...then made my way along the Merced back to Last Chance for late lunch...saw indominitable Ouzels!...took clips and pics...after lunch went out to the Creek and on arriving came upon the Deer House Deer...10 Does and Fawns and one Antleered Buck...Broken Antleer was out with herd yesterday evening..and has both sides broken off now...had to slide down the diversion dam boulders...couldn't see where to step...and just came to a stop in the Creek and sat..taking the Deer clips and pics...they're all blurry and fuzzy because of the snow and fading light and the 3x clips are low res...which I thought might go up easier..but it's taking a long time!...saw paw print of either Coyote or Bobcat...and have the thought tomorrow to look for prints...crossed the Creek and made my way past the Deer House and along Cook's and back across to try and pick up the Deer...could have followed their tracks but went instead to Owl Log and sat...and waited...and heard Owl over in the Deer House Oaks...just sat and listened...then went out to Cook's again..almost dark...and Owl flew by overhead and perched on the top of the same Cedar that I have clip of Owl taking off...it's snowing...almost dark...screeeech!...and Owl spread it's wings out to maintain it's balance... a wonder!...at Sentinel they were diverting traffic...a rock slide I felt has blocked one road...somewhere over by Three Brothrs...lots of neat sounds...tree branches breaking off...snow falling in water...avalanches..Raven...Ouzel..Blue Jay...Junco...and Owl.

Blue Birds

On the walk this morning I saw these Blue Birds...wish I could have gotten closer!!...little later almost got a good pic of Antleered Buck..nose blocked out!....Buck was walking right toward me while I stood in the Creek...on the evening walk I took some clips and pics of Ravens over at Curry...then hopped off the bus at Lower Falls when I saw a Bobcat way over on the wooden walkway in Cook's...missed Bobcat but all the Deer were beside the road entertaining the tourists...Fawns running and bouncing all over!...took my pics and clips too!...then paddled over to Owl Log...heard Owl deep in Owl Woods...but that's all...sat awhile on the picnic bench watching clouds move across Half Dome...and saw again Bobcat but too dark for pics...a dusting of snow in the morning...clouds moving through all day but no snow or rain.

Heron

I was about to sit on a log and wait for a Blue Jay pic...the sun was behind and the Falls out front...so there would be good light and a neat background...and just as I started to sit down Heron flew up and glided over to the other bank of the Merced...this right by the end of Chapel Bridge...I got a clip and pic...but too far away...and branches in the way...I tried to follow when Heron flew off up the Merced but couldn't catch up...some clouds coming in...maybe a snow fall tomorrow.

Forest Coyote

Coming back from the Post Office and along the Creek...Coyote walked by in Owl Woods...tried to be quick but all I got was this pic...which had to be lightened up...over at Cook's one of the Old Oaks has fallen...not much left at the root to hold it to the ground...sunny and cool and blue day.

Bobcat (or Lynx?)

Didn't have much time for the walkabout...so it was more of a marchabout as I made the big loop...it was sunny over by Swinging Bridge....Hawk was calling way over by Three Brothers...Coyote was out in Chapel Meadow...got long pic with that Clouds Rest view...then further on a limping Coyote came right by me...both were on the lookout for mice and such...but I didn't see them catch any...walking I can get lost in thought...and where I was out in the meadow I looked up and espied something strolling across Chapel Footbridge...oh...Bobcat!!..and I dropped the tripod and got the camera out in time for a long shot...I could see Bobcat was headed to the use path that goes to Lodgepole Point...and I waded across the Merced ahead of where I thought Bobcat would go...but Bobcat made a right turn into the Deer House Oaks..and I was able to get another clip ..but they are all distant...the one here is a pic...well wait..I have two stills...I'll post all three...it's rare to see Bobcat!!.....feet very cold and I made too much noise with squishy boots...though I was never very close...40 yards at best...Deer I have no qualms about being near...even the nearest I've been has been a mile away compared to the tourist who are petting them!...but with the rare shy critters like Bobcat, Bear, Hawk, I dont get close enough for them to notice me...that first pic is the one glance my way...the Merced has gotten a little deeper....a cold sunny and blue day.

Lokking in the pic...the back of the left ear with the little tuft....I wonder if it is a Lynx!

Orphaned Fawn

Well, I was half way wading across the Merced with the wrong boots on...feet getting wet...chasing Hawk...and Ouzel was in a pond singing behind me...the water was deeper ahead...and I did get some long distance pics of Hawk...Coop I call this one now!...and I went back and got a nice clip of Ouzel singing....a little further on...this by Half Stump...I saw a young Deer...the Fawns are Young Deer now!...up at Creeks End..and it was bleating...making that plaintive call when they're separated from mom and the other Does...and I got a long distance pic...but no sound...there was a little gathering of a Nature walkabouters at Creek's End and I didn't want to disturb them...sunny blue and cold..and a nice walk....oh, gathered up what I thought was Grey Squirrel hair..but now I think it's Coyote.

Junco

Went for a short walkabout...lots of Blue Jays about...while trying to take their pic this Junco landed in the tree..and I got fuzzy pic...which is best to date...the little birds are really tough to get pics of...they're always moving in and out of the branches....cloudy awhile but cleared...lots of the Creek ponds are frozen...heard Hawk over in Chapel Meadow...no Deer about...the pink shoe keeps showing up...so I finally gathered it up and took it home...also saw an odd clump of hair on the use path...on reflection I realize it must be from a Grey Squirrel tail...if still there tomorrow I'll gather it up to make a little brush!.

Green Grass Deer

Walkedabout pretty much all day...talked with friends...heard their critter stories...this pic from the twilight walk...saw two ducks...a pair...fuzzy photo of the female...twice nearly got bowled over by Does in full gallop with a Buck in pursuit...both when I least expected it...walking on paths beside the roads...found three other groups of Does with their Buck...clip of Does bouncing...one I've been trying to get!!...pic is Young Deer on Merced bank where the control burn was...the green grass that came up is providing for the Deer...clear cool and pleasant all day!,,,one story was of Bobcat mom with baby Bobcat...other Bobcat sightings too...hope to get pics and clips!...saw Hawk briefly in the evening...no Owl.

Frost

Walkedabout before lunch...got pics of frost on leaves...a plein air artist!...little clip of Coyote....on the twilight walk got a good clip of Ouzel...almost visible walking on a Merced pond bottom...really nice postcard pic of Half Dome...finally found the Deer...in their usual place by the Deer House...not all of them...and two Young Bucks I hadn't seen...the Buck with Broken Antleer was with them...and one Doe looks to be pregnant...clear, blue and cold...cold enough to wear the thin gloves.

Frozen Ground

Went for the walkabout after early breakfast...wanted to see the frozen puddles on Bobcat Lane...then heard the Hawk and was off...and when paddling over the Diversion Channel I noticed the ground was nice and hard to walk on...usually it is a slog in loose gravel and sand...crossed over and found the Deer near the Bridge Road...which they crossed and I followed...and on the other side...almost another Creek it is so different because of erosion and fallen trees...I was taking a kinda neat clip of them walking up above me on the bank...I had gone down in the Creek bed in the hopes of seeing them walk through Creek Bridge...which would have been great clip....as it is I heard footsteps in the leaves and panned over and included in the clip the Buck with all it's antleers still...and as I followed his progress..and ahead to the Does who did some leaping over a gap...too bad resolution is so low when they move...focus doesn't keep up either...but still a neat clip....I counted nine or ten does...but didn't see the Broken Antleer Buck, or the Young Buck....off tomorrow so will see if I can find them all again...Hawk too...who was calling all over the Creek Woods. And Owl...

Clear and cold in the morning...I guess the Creek wont really rise until Spring!...but it is up a tiny bit.

Bucks and Hawk

Morning was kinda hectic what with a plumbing problem and making an itunes download for a friend and with just fifteen minutes for the walkabout I went to the Creek and right away saw the Young Buck resting...set up the camera and took some pics (all blurry as the focus grabbed what was behind him) and then just happened to look to my right...and there was the Broken Antler Buck resting...about six feet away...almost stepped on him!!...and normally I wont try to get anywhere this near the critters...that's what the long lens is for!!..but I took some pics...and from different angles as the background was blocking out badly..but got a couple I can work with in photoshop...and I was happy with these...went back and got dressed for work...and on the walk over I saw a photog next to the tourist dwellings low to the ground with a really long and likely very expensive lens!...and I just said, "Oh, I know what you're doing, leme go home and get my stuff!....and I got back in time to get some pics and clips of young Redtail Hawk...tourist and photogs kept coming by...and I must say I can be a bit like a fussy movie director demanding quiet on the set!!

Clear a bit this morning...got pics of snow up on the rim...a wisp of a Falls now..kinda neat really as it gives scale to the Falls Wall...snowed a little later..nice to look at through the big windows...and coming home tonight the wind kicked up...the Cedar makes the Cabin creek...

Snow Buck

Had breakfast...then caught the bus to the Post Office...walked back with large photo tube under my poncho...the Lodge Hawk pic,,,and it was raining with a little snow...got to Lodgepole Point to see if the Creek had risen..which it hasn't inspite of all night rain...think what is happening is the low spots..the ponds..have to fill up first...there was some water coming over the Lower Falls...went back by way of the Deer House and the Deer were there romping about...three tourists in the midst of them...took clips and pics...somewhat marred I suppose by benches and fire hydrant and cars and roads and tourists...but the Deer seem to be able to block it out...though they all turned their heads and ears towards me when I showed up...a blue apparition in my head to toe poncho!...and while filming them it really did try to snow a bit...the usual Valley snow that melts when it hits the ground...tomorrow morning the Rim should be dusted with Snow...and I'll have to get up early to get pics before it melts.

Another Antlered Buck was in amongst the Does and Fawns...but the one with the broken antlers is in charge...that's him in the pic.

Merced Reflection

This pic from yesterday...when the Merced in many places...like the Creek...was a pond...with Mirror reflections...Mirror Lake has silted up...but along the Merced in Late Fall there are plenty of reflection photo ops...but tomorrow after this evening's rain I imagine this wont be the case...both the Creek and the Merced should be flowing again...have to wait and see at sunrise...there's snow falling higher up...but the Valley is too warm for it...it's a steady rain which has tapered off now...10:00 pm.

I really look forward to the first snowfall.

Oh!...almost forgot...I got to the Creek for a short walkabout...took a little video of raindrops on the water...but drops get on the the camera and it's worrisome...with my old 3x I've taken pics while being drenched by Vernal Falls...but this one doesn't look to be so water resistant...on wet weather days I'm probably goin g to be limited to the 3x.

Ravens were about..Blue Jays too...heard the Flicker...but otherwise everyone was cuddled up warm at home I imagine.