One of Jewel's cubs Lily finally made a trip to a community feeding station. The landowner called. We mobilized the Bear Course participants. Lily was great. Lynn combed shedding fur from her to tape to course certificates. It was the beginning of a fun-filled day.
Merganser familyAt the den Jewel shared with yearlings Fern and Herbie, our 13-year-old participant had plenty of room to crawl in. We learned that he was not the first youngster to crawl into that den. A resident adjacent to the den property told us he brought 5 kids to the den and before he could say anything they all crawled in together. He promised to send a picture.
Merganser chick with crayfishThe pontoon trip to the den where Hope was born turned into a wildlife bonanza. We watched a family of Common Mergansers as one of the ducklings ducked under and captured a crayfish and was chased by the other ducklings. Loons came up near our boat but were too engaged in feeding to stay topside more than a few seconds. On shore a buck and doe browsed and watched as we passed by. A painted turtle held for our slow approach and allowed an unusually close picture of its beautiful striping.
Immature Bald EagleA highlight was a 3-year-old eagle (i.e., in its fourth year) that was acquiring its white head and tail but not fully in adult plumage yet. It sat for a picture against the blue sky, then flew off. Attacked by a Herring Gull, he returned to his perch. In the process, he gave us good views of his top side and bottom side for photos of his or her plumage at this age. It was magnificent gliding and circling on its way back to its perch. An unusual opportunity.
Deer on shoreThe next call was got was a welcome bonus. Jewel showed up at a community feeding station with all 3 cubs.
Painted turtleWe look forward to each Black Bear Field Course. Enjoying nature with Lily Fans is hard to beat. So is Sharon Herrell’s cooking and the fun conversations at the table. As we write this, Fern is the star attraction. Her interactions with One-eyed Jack, Burt, and some smaller males reminds us of Holly integrating with Lucky, Ted, and Honey. Fern reacts differently with each bear, playing with some, climbing trees and chomping her jaws to escape others. The body language and vocalizations the group is seeing is an education in itself.
A wonderful day.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.