I arrived to find that the pond was almost empty with the recent 100+ days, but now filled to the brim (400 gallons). Wonderful to see all of the wildlife enjoying and appreciating the pond I noticed right away that one of the newly donated Browning Trail cameras had been stolen, and upon uploading film and video from the several other cameras installed at the Hideout, was able to identify these two visitors. I have pics of these guys first coming to the Hideout on the 24th of June and then returning on July 1st. If anyone knows who these two are, please let me know. It's kinda funny that these coyotes are freely "sport" hunted because they are considered a threat to our society, but there are much worse predators out there.
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With several newly donated Browning Trail Cameras in hand, I ran up to check in on the hideout, fill up the pond (water generously donated by SB Pistachio Co) and set up the new cameras. The wildlife is so wonderful to observe! This video is of a Federally Endangered, Giant Kangaroo Rat that is super friendly, curious as can be and always unafraid to take pistachios from my hand. Seeing the Coyote Cubs and hearing them last night was so cool. Glad I left Bailey home:-) The little pond we set up has become a favorite "hideout" for the local wildlife. I am a little fearful of posting these pics, as I am concerned about some of the "sport" hunting interests. I am NOT a fan of killing for sport!!! Seeing that we have a cat visiting was very exciting and apparently a pretty rare sight in the monument.. Check out the time stamps on these Browning Game Cam pics to see how the cat appears to have been chasing the coyote! I just returned from a quick trip out to the Hideout to refill the wildlife pond and to water the Palo Verde Trees. I arrived at SB Pistachio last night at 6pm to load up 250 gallons of water and noticed smoke rising above the Caliente Range just due north. Upon entering Carrizo on Soda Lake Road, I realized that this fire was very close to home. Fortunately, the winds were pushing the fire away from Traver Ranch and the Rideout Hideout and the Cal Fire ground crews, with a lot of air support, had this 2000+ acre fire pretty well contained by 10pm. Here's the latest news report...http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/article/20160605/NEWS/160609845 The Game Camera is capturing shots of the Coyote every night now.
I see rabbits in abundance and had my first close encounter with a Giant Kangaroo Rat that took pistachio's right out of my hand. These Golden Stars are amazing and growing on the property. A lifetime Carrizo enthusiast, Phillip Compton took me on a tour of some of his favorite South Caliente sites yesterday. Observing Carrizo from up high makes you seem so small and gives a little perspectice on just how vast this National Monument truly is. Thanks Phillip! Hiking up to the ridge above the Hideout, the vistas are stellar, flowers galore, but I am curious why so many ancient Junipers are dying.
I love seeing the snakes coming out now and spent quite a few hours just photographing all of the birds bathing in the pond. I would love to know just how much rain fell this weekend, but know it was substantial here in the Southern Caliente Range.
Had a great time at the Hideout this trip. Friends from the bay area met Veronica and I for a quick weekend of campfire, grilling, hiking, mountain boarding and yellow flowers! Noah and I really tested out the mountain board this weekend. Found a couple cool routes to charge. Veronica found her own special route too...which led to super-V...and now a few scars to tell the story. The hike above the property allowed us to discover a vast flat of beautiful yellow flowers. On the way up there we almost stepped right onto the cutest little horny toad! They blend into their environment so dang well, as you can see by the two pictures we snapped. I'm looking forward to another awesome weekend with these awesome friends! |
A Family SiteA place where we can share our adventures in the Carrizo Plain Archives
March 2022
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