Category: Animals

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.

By special request…

A neighbor on NextDoor asked if I’d post this image of a cow elk wearing a tracker, and I’m happy to oblige.

Trackers are used to stop traffic on Hwy. 101 and to allow the herd to safely cross. Note that one ear also has a tag. Otherwise, her tracker serves as an attractive conversation starter, if nothing else. I’ve googled for more info but wasn’t able to TRACK down the reason for the tag.

If any of you have witnessed a crossing, please comment!