Tag Archive | furry friday

Furry Friday: Paul’s Pine Marten

Posted by Dan Arndt

Paul Turbitt of Turbo’s Track and Photo Tour sent in some photos one a rare encounter he had with one of the harder to find mustelids that are native to our fine province. Both the text and photos below have been provided by him.

On a run with a client from New York this January we were treated to 10 minutes with a Pine Marten, only my second sighting in my life. These are tremendous little critters and as a member of the weasel family they are quite the hunters. We spotted it scurrying across the road in the middle of the day. We found it in the trees, where they spend much of their time.

First look at the Pine Marten

It seemed not too bothered by us walking around beneath him trying to get better angles with few branches in the way.

Full on face shot of the curious Pine Marten

There is no question that these are predators, just look at that the size of the ears in comparison to the size of the head.

The large ears of a Pine Marten allowing for the excellent hearing this species is known for.

One of the distinguishing markings of these tree loving weasels is their chest patches which are typically lighter than their backs and chests. The colouration can run anywhere from near white to a deep buttery yellow colour.

The distinguishing chest patch of the Pine Marten.

These weasels will travel for miles never touching the ground. They are as “at home” in the trees as squirrels.

Pine Marten in the branches

Despite their ferocious nature they are beautiful critters to spend time with. I would hope that all that search this little hunter out get to spend some time with one.

Pine Marten basking in the bright sunlight.

Furry Friday: Winter Weasel

Mar21

This Long-tailed Weasel was photographed by Bill Thompson in his yard on an acreage near Bragg Creek in April 2010.

Furry Friday: Roadside Lynx

Mar14

It’s a rare day that you see a Canada Lynx, so when Bill and Sharon Thompson spotted this one on a roadside while driving between Calgary and Prince George in 2002, they stopped to get a photograph. The Lynx had crossed the highway but then stopped in the ditch rather than disappearing into the bush.

Canada Lynx. Photo by Bill Thompson

For a few minutes the Lynx stayed still and was vocalizing. When Bill and Sharon looked back on the other side of the road, they saw the reason for this unusual behavior.

Canada Lynx kittens (cubs). Photo by Bill Thompson

Furry Friday: More Mangled Moose

Nov15

When Rob English saw Dan’s recent Furry Friday post about the Moose with an unusual antler, he realized that he had photographed the same animal earlier this year. His photos were taken on July 20, 2013 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, on the Smith-Dorrien Road at the Black Prince hiking trail. It’s interesting to compare these shots with Dan’s from October.

Furry Friday: A Mangled Moose

Nov1

Posted by Dan Arndt

Earlier this month I was invited out to find some wildlife with my friend Ignacio Yufera. We decided to try for an early visit to Highwood Pass in search of White-tailed Ptarmigan, and while we dipped on finding our target species, we did end up having a fairly successful day overall. This male Moose came into view quite a way down the road, and slowly walked by Ignacio’s vehicle, allowing us very good looks at it. What really stood out was its right antler, which was damaged and drooping down the side of his face. We initially thought of it as a simple damaged antler, which had broken off in a fight, but after taking a second look, it appears the antler was simply mal-formed, as it looks like it’s growing naturally that way.

Any thoughts on what may have caused it? Leave your comments below!

Snack time!

Oh, hello there.

What are you looking at?

Look at how intimidating I am!

Don’t judge me. It’s my special antler.

Furry Friday – Coyote family at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park

Jul19

This family of coyotes was seen by David Pugh and I on our Alberta Big Day stalking some waterfowl on this pond at the entrance to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. Luckily, they were still there a week later when I returned there in refuge from the flooding here in Calgary. They were quite fun to watch, and didn’t seem to mind having their photos taken!

Coyote Pups taking a break
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1600sec., f/6.3, ISO 400

Coyote Family at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1000sec., f/6.3, ISO 250

Eldest of the coyote pups
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1000sec., f/6.3, ISO 250

The eldest pup is stalking her prey…
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1600sec., f/6.3, ISO 400

Adult Male coyote seen a little while later on the wildlife trail
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/500sec, f/6.3, ISO 320

The eldest pup decides she might as well just wait for takeout…
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1600sec., f/6.3, ISO 320

Furry Friday: Fishing Mink

May10

Rob English was lucky enough to see this American Mink hunting in Fish Creek.

There were three or four mink all together. Here are some photos of the others.

Furry Friday – Fabulous Fox Fotos

Nov30

Posted by Dan Arndt

Of all the wild canines, one of the most enigmatic and almost universally loved, is the beautiful Red Fox. Ranging across almost the entire Northern Hemisphere and containing nearly 50 subspecies, the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a species that many photographers are always pleased to see. Red Fox populations rise and fall in cycles, opposite the Coyote population cycles, but a healthy Red Fox population is a sign of a relatively healthy ecosystem, and recently it’s even been shown that a healthy Red Fox population helps keep lyme disease in check. So without further ado, enjoy some of these fox photos! Most of these photos were taken in and around Calgary, but some were taken a bit further afield.