Fisher in the Log

Fisher cat in Log from Peter Abdu on Vimeo.

I was expecting some activity further down the log (which I did get later on), and thus had directed my lighting to this area. This Fisher decided to change it up and I got a few shots of him zipping around and into the log but Would have liked to focused the light on the log opening next time.

Woodchucked out

      I was hoping for a fox in this den but I'm quickly finding out just how many woodchucks have "taken over" the local area. Red fox often inhabit old woodchuck dens on slopes, which provide good drainage. The fox often enlarge the opening of the hole to get a quick start if they need one. The red fox dens I have found in the past usually have a strong skunk smell-something this den was missing-but I hope to have some fox pictures in the next week with my efforts directed at new potential fox dens nearby. 

Toad Close Up

Took this photo today and couldn't help but enjoy the eyes on this toad. Even something as simple as a toad can be interesting if viewed through the right perspective (Click on the picture to enlarge).

Another N.H. Bobcat

As the snow faded, I caught this bobcat walking through southern New Hampshire one lonely evening in late April. While bobcats do appear on my remote cameras with some frequency, they are rarely if ever seen, and pictures like this are always a pleasant surprise. I'm certain this cat is roaming the woods at this very moment, in search of its next meal.

Vulture Stretch

New Project 4 from Peter Abdu on Vimeo.

A quick video of a vulture stretching before taking off. It's easy to forget how large their wingspan is, as they are so often soaring far overhead. I was hoping for a coyote pack here but struck out after 2 weeks of filming. I was testing my video unit here while figuring out the final bugs and now it's on to some serious filming. This is yet another example of wildlife that is seemingly predictable and just when you think you have them figured out, something changes. Maybe thats what I enjoy most about wildlife, one way or another, it's always a surprise.

A Beaver under the Ice

I'm moving towards the video world for the best method of capturing animal ecology and thought I would release a few clips from the first night my camera was deployed. While the final system is relatively simple, it's taken hundreds of hours of research, experimenting, and building to get to this point. I still have a bit of work to do to get this system exactly how I want it, but I finally have built the technology that will allow me to film wildlife, day or night, and record it at the highest possible quality. This beaver walks right over the microphone while dragging food back under the ice:

Beaver1 from Peter Abdu on Vimeo.

Despite all activity occurring at night, this beaver was completely relaxed and even curious.

Beaver2 from Peter Abdu on Vimeo.

How much we miss

        I was working out of Cape Cod for the last week and on a whim decided to throw a camera out. Not 15 minutes after the camera was set this coyote showed up. I'm sure he was well aware of my presence and was likely watching me during my walk. I would have had no idea without this camera. Simply amazing to consider how many wildlife interactions are missed while we tromp around in the woods.