Category: Animals

Wildlife Wednesday

Sometimes we could all use a chuckle or two!

In June 2022, my hubby and I loaded up the car and headed for a two week trip to Montana, Alberta, and British Colombia.

Our bucket list along the way not only included seeing family, the Big Sky and mountainous landscapes, but to also witness the stellar beauty and dignity of Big Horned Sheep!

And this magnificent creature was one of our first encounters, as well as one of the funniest.

Yes, this mighty and manly creature made us chuckle but he sort of spoke to me as if to say, “don’t take life to seriously girlfriend, it’s really not worth it!”, and ya know, he was right.

Now whenever I get stressed and need a chuckle, his sweet and unassuming face has a way of turning things around, and if not, I just follow his lead, stick out my tongue, and carry on.

And with that said, I must apologize for my website hiccup the other day and if you missed seeing my Rufous Hummingbird post, please click this link to the full site where you will find it there.

And thank you for your patience! Life is a work in progress.

In the Neighborhood

It seems that on any given day one can drive through Sequim and/or the surrounding area and see calves being born.

This particular Jersey was born in February, 2023, at the Dungeness Creamery, and I suspect that by now, she’s providing milk and cream to our local population, or perhaps she traveled to another farm with a new owner or family.

Regardless, spotting her nursing, after hobbling and shaking to reach her mama after emerging into the cold was just the kind of visual motivation I needed to press on with my day, undeterred by any fears of failure, or reservations of acceptance. 

And knowing that mama’s there to assist along the way, either in spirit or in the flesh, is often the ultimate motivation.

She Wore Blue but He Wore Brown…

Spotted on a neighbor’s property a few years ago, this handsome young buck was dressed to the nines in what else but…velvet!

And as he munched away on vegetation, in my head, I was hearing ‘she wore blue velvet…’, which of course was a tribute to Bobby Vinton (and Bernie Wayne, the author), as well as to my age.

But aside from that, I was able to snag a few photos that at the time, I thoroughly enjoyed, but since then, they’ve taken up space on my hard drive – at least until now.

And since I’m finally posting it here, I found his “velvet” interesting enough to at least Google ‘antler velvet’ and AI was kind enough to offer the following:

“As the antlers develop they’re covered by a nourishing coat of blood vessels, skin and short hair known as velvet—this supplies nutrients and minerals to the growing bone. When antlers reach their full size in late August or September, the velvet is no longer needed.”

Surprisingly, I also learned that although controversial, some athletes have used the velvet to increase their performance, and that others use it for medicinal and/or cosmetic purposes: ‘Laboratory and animals studies have shown that pilose, a protein found in antler velvet, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Antler velvet is also rich in chondroitin sulphate, collagen and glucosamine sulphate. The properties and make-up of the compound could make it a useful treatment in a variety of types of arthritis.’

But, don’t take my word for it; if it doesn’t work, I suspect you’d be singing Blue Velvet as well…

Coyote Crossing

While scanning for Northern Harriers and Red-Tailed hawks on Towne Road, I was surprised to spot two handsome and apparently healthy coyotes passing by. Both seemed very healthy with thick winter coats that blended beautifully in with their environment. And while I was anxious to get a shot, they were not about to accommodate me.

So, I credit my husband Jim for helping me to get this one. His quick thinking when he gave off a shrill whistle stopped one coyote in its tracks, while its mate quickly took off into the trees.

Afterwards, I learned that as a young boy, Jim whistled at deer to get their attention while hunting and never forgot the technique…who knew?!

And by the way, like me, he now “hunts” with a camera.

A Tender Moment

It had been awhile since I’d gotten close enough to photograph our elk herd, which I consider to be the gems of our community. But I was fortunate to spot them yesterday evening and to share in this tender moment between two cows.

The anticipation of seeing them, both the cows and the bulls, keeps me enthusiastic about hauling my gear, bundling up and waiting for the right moment, although it’s hit and miss as to whether they’ll show up, or “pose”.

I love the challenge though and when I take out-of-towners to their typical spot, they understand completely, although they often ask, “why would anyone name this SCHMUCK Road”???

Eye to Eye

Once you fall in love with horses, there’s no going back.

Although one of the most frightening but also funny (afterwards) experiences of my life involved riding one, I now use my camera to express my love for them.

This particular beauty was being unloaded from a trailer parked at the Dungeness Recreation Area one day. Her owner was quite proud of her, and rightly so. Not only was she beautiful, but gentle, well cared for, and more than happy to transport her rider along the numerous trails that traverse the park.

And her owner, was careful to pick up after her, a trait I see with every horse owner I’ve met, and to keep the trail and the park a welcoming natural area for all who visit.

Quintessential Sequim

Sequim is not without its icons, and this incredible lady is one of them.

While on my daily birding run, I found her (name unknown) leisurely passing by in horse and buggy, with dogs in tow, while willing to chat, and more than willing to pose for my camera.

I can think of nowhere else in the world that one might stumble over this scene, other than in Sequim! To me, she is the epitome of what Sequim represents – rural roots and neighborly charm.

But unfortunately, although I photographed her in April of 2021, I lost track of her, as well as my communication with her. So I’m asking all of you to help me locate her…or to at least provide me with an avenue to contact her.