Dawn Patrol

Yesterday I headed into town on an errand. On the gravel road just before it meets the highway an otter crossed in front of me. It was headed in the general direction of the river. Pretty neat! We're not often given opportunity to see an otter, especially crossing the road.

This morning, not long after dawn, a family of otter were patrolling the shore of the Mississippi in front of the house. They were moving fast. I barely had time to run for the camera. The three of them were checking for breakfast along the edge of the wild rice bed.

Taking a look

Two otter. One above, one below (see the swirl and bubble trail).

Three otter. Two above, one below. Again, see the swirl and the bubble trail.

Otters on patrol.

Otters on patrol.

Could these two be any cuter?

The family continues on patrol heading out of camera range. The third otter is under the big swirl in the middle.

Observing a family of otter on dawn patrol is one of the best ways I can think of to start your day.

The Coyote

This early afternoon, I went into my bedroom for a reason that I now forget. I happened to glance out the window and saw a couple families of geese helping me keep the grass mowed. There were 12 of them. At the same moment, they noticed me and started to stroll leisurely toward the river.

I grabbed the little Kodak camera and got this picture through the window and the screen.

They stopped about half way to the water stood stock still. I stayed still, too, hoping that they'd get over their nervousness and let me get some more pictures.

After a few moments of being on high alert with the parents all looking in my direction, suddenly every one of them turned to look toward the nearby woods. After a few seconds, they took flight and disappeared over the river. "Huh", I said to myself, "I wonder what set them off."







Then I saw him...


A young coyote.