I had to take a break from the job search today. It's so frustrating!
I decided to go looking for something. I've had a pair of Mallards and also a pair of Wood ducks hanging around on the pond well past time that all of the other ducks who stop to rest are gone to their summer homes. So, I went looking for a nest. To do this I had to trudge through briars and other prickly plants to stay on the edge. I found a few things, but not the nest.
First Den. This is about 3 to 4 feet wide and it goes back very deep. The spot this den is at cannot be seen unless you are standing almost in the water, and it's in the thickets.
I'm thinking this is one of two critters, Coyote or Bobcat. It's way too large for a simple raccoon or muskrat. There are some footprint residues that are big paws, not that of a coon.
On with the trek, and I discovered another. This one is a little smaller, but still big enough for either larger critter:
And the biggest one of all. Shocked me. This hill was left purposely so I could sit at the top and view the whole eastern end of the pond. I used to use it as a hunting spot to hunt the field behind it as well.
The den here is huge!
I did walk up to the top...but frankly I don't think I want to be standing there when whatever critter comes out of there and gets surprised. LOL
This is the view from the top. There is a dark area on the left bank you might be able to make out. That is the first den.
I'll have some pretties up in a bit, but this one belongs here. No pretty to be had. These are the worms responsible for chewing up my outdoor girls last year. I found two of these nests. They had to go. I "dismantled" them and threw them in the pond for fish food. Circle of life and all....
