Species Parade, Episode 21

When is a not-with-your-own-eyes-sighting a sighting? For several days and nights this summer, I’ve been ponying the horses down to a small parcel of Bureau of Land Management land for some grazing while I camp overnight. Years ago, the parcel had a grazing allotment which […]

Species Parade, Episode 20

There’s a case to be made against dog companions. They warn and ward off animals you might otherwise be privileged to see. Then again, if you pay attention to what dogs notice and if you keep them obedient, you can reduce disturbing wildlife and benefit […]

Species Parade, Episode 19

The snow is mostly gone. Migrating birds are mostly back. It is a noisy place around here and I find myself scrambling to identify birds by call. Why do the need for a refresher course every year? And did you know that Steller’s Jays sometimes […]

Species Parade, Episode 18

Pardon my absence and that of the Species Parade. Between exciting holiday visits, a death in the family, and the development of the Best Horse Practices Summit, time got away from me. Last month, we mourned the loss of Belle, our 12-year old Basset Hound […]

Species Parade, Episode 16

The death of a game camera is better than the death of a bear. No bear pictures in this episode. The ursine action is still happening, I think. Or, at least, something is drinking the water that’s left and refilled regularl in a quiet, green, […]

Species Parade, Episode 15

During the summer, cows move into the community. For a few months, their mooing and bellowing is about all you can hear unless you adjust your ears. The birds and mammals are still here, but they seem to step back, literally and figuratively. The dogs, […]

Species Parade, Episode 14

A month ago, I was too slow to capture a photo of a bear and her cub at the far end of our property. With two “huh! huh!” sounds, she took off up the draw. On that very day, I was not too slow to […]

Special Crosscountry Species Parade, Episode 13

If Audubon and the University of California can collect census through roadkills, then I can, too. Recently, I covered over 6,000 miles of highway and back roads, traveling to and from Utah (twice) and then Maine and back. I saw a lot of wildlife, including […]

Species Parade, Episode Eleven

Spring in February? So it seemed. During last month, I saw two phenomena I usually witness in April or later: Canada geese flying up from the south. Magpies carrying nesting material. For weeks, we have enjoyed sunny, 50-degree days full of bird song and snow […]

Species Parade, Week Nine

Moving 300 miles southeast and up 1,600 feet in elevation from my previous stomping grounds means a whole new environment and a whole new parade of species to celebrate. There are still juncos and deer. In town, there are still mostly white folks. But things […]