Wildlife Log
Yes, we can dream, we don't have these gorgeous birds out here in the wilds of the
Coastal Range, but I could not resist this image of birds. This page is dedicated to reporting the many animals I see on a daily basis near and around my home by Triangle Lake, and by the shores of the Siuslaw River on Route 36. The usual category of animals fall between spotting several resident white owls at night to the racoons, beavers, otters, coyotes, bears, deer, elk, blue herons, hawks, numerous ducks of various types, wood rats (18 pounders), skunks, civet cats, cougars, mountain lions, eagles, and ravens....to name a few that come to mind.......
January 25 and 26, '00:
both days in the late afternoon, herd of 36 count elk. Most are females and the few bucks are young. The bigger bucks I hope are hiding and have not all been wiped out by the last hunting season
January 26,'00
On the way home viewed the herd of elk again grazing in the green field by the river
January 27,'00
The morning drive to school was breathtaking, the moon was still up and at quarter,the sun coming through the mist was spectacular as the banks of mist drifting through the ridges looked mystical as the Asian mountain mist art. The elk herd was out in another green field. One walked up to a fence and simply walked over it with her long legs, no jumping required. Off in the next field like two little toy horses, a pair of equines looked on, standing like still life in a painting. The colors were remarkable this morning along with a very heavy frost. In the evening on the return home the elk were in the same field, but they were all standing and gathered close together. They wanted to cross the country road, but were hesitating.
January 28
Another morning of had frost. On the return home from Eugene, saw a pair of tundra swawn in Kirk lagoon, that is across from the runoff point of Fern Ridge Reservoir. I understand the swan arrive every winter to feed on the fish in the reservoir. I have seen great flocks of them on a green field. It was a treat just to see a pair at close range with their beautiful long necks. This evening my dog ran a skunk up part of a tree, then chased it under the house where it SPRAYED. I immediatly burned a whole bundle of sage and one of lavender in the room and the smell went away.
February 1, '00
Today the elk herd was further north along Route 36. I stopped the car this time and put down the window to talk to them. They were fairly close and very relaxed today. A single RIN or a frog framed the experience and I continued on my drive to school. Otherwise it has been fairly still and peaceful in comparison to the river that is swollen and raging in many places.
February 29,'00. - The month has been extraordinarily quiet of wildlife, except for the herd of elk. Saw a red-tailed hawk yesterday on a tree limb, probably looking for dinner. We also have had several run-ins with the skunk that seems to have adopted our place. The new grasses are coming up as are the buds on the fruit trees. Spring feels near.
March 6,'00 - Birds are back in field's full, the rye grass all around Fern Lake has waterfowl, candian geese, swan, hawks all over, one on my road with a rodent in claw, looked at me and took off with prey. The elk are close close and communicate as one energy. Just beyond description. Saw a giant skunk run across the road from the river and up a hill on the last curve out of DeadWood going south on 36. At first I thought it was a dog, it ran so fast until I drove through its, er, aroma....
March 8, 00. - Today the herd of elk were crossing the road going back into the hills. I stopped far enough away not to spooke them, they formed a single line and two or three would leave the field to cross the road, look around, and up they went!!! I passed when the last one was in the field, it was a large doe, looked me straight in the eye. The birds are all over the place, quite cheerful. It is lighter now earlier which makes the whole experience so much nicer; of course that doesn't count the unexpected full grown frantic mule to run across and down the road, nice specimen. The farmer thought so too in his rig not far behind...
Thank you, John!
