Fishing and tons of wildlife goings on

New things happening every day. Great time of year. And my woods walk continues to be magical and almost mystical.

snowmobile tracks still on the ice

Went on a new adventure taking the one man pontoon boat that's been sitting in the garage for the past 4 summers (thanks George!) up to Taylor Reservoir. Mark zipped out to fish with ice melting enough in the last week to maneuver around. 39 degrees to start out up there! I painted, we had lunch, he caught two rainbows (kept them - dinner tonight) and a small northern pike.

Caught this bald eagle fishing at the reservoir. Hurray new camera!

First chipmunk sighting this morning, and saw two deer yesterday. This fox was successfully hunting out by our garage.

The hummingbird population continues to swell. Two dozen plus is the best estimate. The third feeder has come out - the big boy (thanks Lisa!).

the elk are all losing their winter coats - pretty scraggly

Lots of elk all over Star Mt. They are wandering here and there, but still crazy skittish of the least little noise. I caught  some photos of a dozen racing out of Star Mt. across Ohio Creek spooked by something. Luckily that road has very few cars on it.

a perfect fan

I knew the elk were hiding in the woods when I walked this morning, but saw nary a one. Did see a grouse and it saw me, doing the famous "eye" and hooting at me to keep me away from the female and probably their nest. These are not the Gunnison sage grouse I've mentioned before that are causing road closures, etc. for nesting protection - merely ordinary dusky grouse.
Local news: As unbelievable as it sounds, they are tearing up Taylor River Rd again, this summer for some unnamed period of time. It's all the part that wasn't done last summer Almont on up. They are actually closing the road starting the 28th and detouring everyone to Jack's Cabin cutoff. For those of you who know the area - a big mess right??