Spending Time With Wild Friends

A few recent photos of wild friends found in Durham Region.

Resident Red-Tailed Hawk

Charming Mallard (Male)

Eastern Grey Squirrel

Snoozing Wild Turkey

Black-Capped Chickadee

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

Black-Capped Chickadee

Back in the Wild -The "Scarborough Coyote" gets a Second Chance

Toronto Wildlife Centre had received many calls over several weeks about a coyote, sick with severe mange in Scarborough - bare, scabbed, and very thin.  Despite wearing an MNR radio-collar, this coyote outsmarted the smartest of rescuers and eluded capture for weeks until finally he was caught by the MNR in conjunction with TWC.  He was known as the "Scarborough Coyote" in the media, and his progress was followed by many that were concerned about his plight.

After receiving great care for several weeks at TWC's main facility, I was excited to learn that this coyote was being moved to his pre-release location, where I help to care for the animals.  This is where animals who are now much healthier become reacclimatized to life in the wild, learning to once again deal with weather change in a more wild setting.

When he first arrived he was frightened and did not emerge from his shelter, but soon he became confident and showed us the formidable animal he is when he's at his best.  Beautiful, piercing yellow eyes, and a bold confidence, mixed in with exactly the right amount of skittishness.  It was evident that he was ready to go back home.

I was thrilled to be part of the release team.

Excitement mounted as the afternoon wore on.  First, he had to be caught up and the tracking collar refastened (he is part of an MNR study, and the collar is set to fall off after a certain number of weeks).   This was no easy task as this is a large, strong and smart coyote.

Moving swiftly to get him into his kennel cab

Then, a drive to his release site, which we accessed through the generosity of a nice couple who live within his territory.  Finally, that bittersweet moment when the door of the kennel cab opens.  After a few seconds of indecision, the coyote determines that life is way better on home turf than with us.

A momentary contemplation...

And then...

I'm outta here!

It was a great release, with an awesome group of people.  A big thanks to the couple who allowed us access to their property, and for taking the time to call for help when they saw he needed it.

Here's a great slow-mo video captured by Dan, a member of the release team:

...And a few media links to the Coyote's story.  You'd never know by looking at these "before" photos that this is the same animal.

Sicklooking Coyote on the Prowl in Scarborough (Toronto Star)
Toronto Wildlife Centre Captures Sick Coyote In Scarborough

A Visit to the Rouge

A quick visit to Rouge Park Beach today did not disappoint.  Lighting was poor but critters were great!

Gadwall

 

Gadwall

Killdeer

Messy Mallard

Northern Shoveler

More from the Red-Tailed Hawk

I have more than enough photos of this hawk, but it isn't every day that I get to spend this much time with one, and have the opportunity to observe and learn from him, so I have to take advantage of it.

I entered the forest with a focus on finding an owl, and when I looked up into what I thought would be a good owl tree, I found myself face to face with this hawk.  What you can't see is that he was standing on his latest meal, an Eastern Grey Squirrel, definitely his food of choice.

We were both equally surprised at this close encounter.  

Here he is, simply astounded at all the good eats in the area.  (not really, this was caught mid-yawn).

A fierce hunter and a beautiful specimen!  I hope he sticks around a while longer.

Sandhill Cranes in Flight

Today's Bald Eagle sighting was highlighted by an end-of-day glimpse of three Sandhill Cranes heading to their night-time roost.  This is only the second time I've caught a glimpse of Cranes in Durham.

Early Morning Eagle

On my way to my volunteer shift this morning I took a quick detour hoping to see a coyote or deer.  I struck out and was going to turn back when I saw a large, dark bird in a tree.  Could it be?  Yes!  An immature bald eagle!

Early morning shadows didn't allow for a great photo but I was happy to get at least this shot.

What a great way to start the day!

Living with Coyotes

There is no better day than one where I have had an unexpected coyote sighting.  I saw this beauty while running errands this morning.

As much as I love seeing coyotes, I know there are many that don't, in part due to misunderstanding and misinformation.

Please take a moment to visit Coyote Watch Canada's website at www.coyotewatchcanada.com.  If you are concerned about a coyote in your area, give this a read:  http://coyotewatchcanada.com/co-existing-with-coyotes/living-with-coyotes.

Coyotes should be enjoyed and respected, but not feared.  It is possible to peacefully coexist.

Red-Tailed Hawk Hunting in Whitby

This is surely the most photographed hawk in Durham, because its not every day that you find one who doesn't care that he's hunting with a human audience.  He definitely has a preference for Eastern Grey Squirrels.

Profile of a Killer (said the poor squirrel, minutes before his unfortunate demise)

Thinking about his next move

Not the face that a squirrel wants to see in a tree

Waiting for the pounce

Majestic beauty

Another poor squirrel down

It's not visible in this photo, but he has another squirrel in his talons