02-27-18 Field Note

02-27-18 Field Note

February 28, 2018

Jeff Clarke's late January field note shows raptor predation, kingfishers and snow buntings, and a coyote chew toy

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Raptor prey, seedling progress, snow bunting, turtle toy

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Our clematis seedlings continue to fill their Conetainers. It took them three weeks to germinate, and another three weeks to develop these inch-long leaves.

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Many of the bitterbrush seedlings also continue to flourish. Unfortunately, part of the population perished due to stem rot. This fungal disease can be the result of excessive watering.

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When water bubbles from the earth near a frost-free hydrant, we suspect a burst pipe deep in the ground. We will fix the problem when the ground thaws.

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A fresh coat of snow details an evening hunt that didn’t go well for a mouse.

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We’ve seen several hawks take mice this winter, but tracks like these also tell the story.

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When raptors make a successful kill, they typically bring their prize to a perch to dine. This isolated post, in the middle of the open prairie near the Orchard House, showed signs of many messy eaters.

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This belted kingfisher was also on the hunt. She had her eyes on the river instead of the prairie.

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Iis belted kingfisher was also on the hunt. She had her eyes on the river instead of the prairie.

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Coyotes played with this painted turtle shell as if they were domestic dogs. It was hard to tell if they consumed the dormant shell dweller, or if they just found the empty shell.