Order restored in Ringtail Canyon (trail camera): This canyon is actually called Whitetail, but since I've only seen whitetail deer in there once and I get ringtail cats all the time...

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

This canyon is actually called Whitetail, but since I've only seen whitetail deer in there once and I get ringtail cats all the time on my camera, I've changed the name. I thought some of you might approve.

My last trail camera post described the near loss of my water tub due to a bull knocking it into the creek and then a small flash flood washing it down the canyon. Some of the regular visitors were visibly upset by the unexpected twist. I promised to remedy the situation, and I did, securing the tub better and also moving the camera about 180 degrees to better capture the wildlife. I also scattered some apples collected from the ground, and put a few in the water tub for my amusement.

These are a little out of order. The rock squirrel was the first to rediscover the tub and the apples; it managed to snag one that was floating in the water. Next the ringtail gave it an unsuccessful try. The fox sampled a few of the apples on the ground but really wanted one from the tub, which is a bit odd since the foxes generally don't use the tub. With a bit of maneuvering he/she was able to snag an apple, and ran off triumphantly.

The last two shots came from videos recorded during the interim when there was no water container. I think it's a Golden Eagle, and it was thoughtful enough to hang out in front of the camera long enough to trigger an 18-second video.

I thought I'd include a few photos to show you the lay of the land. The first is along the Continental Divide Trail as you approach the canyon (which is not on the trail and requires a steep scramble); the second is the canyon itself, downstream from where the camera and tub are placed. Those animals live in some beautiful country.

I hope these give you a smile. Oh, I treated myself to a new camera to replace my absolute favorite one, which was stolen last spring, locking cable notwithstanding--the thief left the cable and must have broken the back of the camera to remove it from its tree. Low-life! The new one, a Bushnell, takes videos at 60 frames per second, so the still shots are much better. I placed it in a side canyon near this location. I look forward to sharing the results with you.

(Download)

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Wow!! Awesome photos of your visitors and the area. That is a wonderful variety of wildlife and isn't it funny that they are so attached to the tub. I can't wait to see more.

Dodie

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

luvmypets wrote:

Wow!! Awesome photos of your visitors and the area. That is a wonderful variety of wildlife and isn't it funny that they are so attached to the tub. I can't wait to see more.

Dodie

Me either. As long as the visitors don't include cows. I LOVED the bobbing for apples.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

SWFeral wrote:

Me either. As long as the visitors don't include cows. I LOVED the bobbing for apples.

Maybe they were practicing for their very own Halloween party. LOL!!!

Dodie

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

luvmypets wrote:

Maybe they were practicing for their very own Halloween party. LOL!!!

Dodie

Ha.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

These are great, SWFeral.

canonclicker

SWFeral wrote:

This canyon is actually called Whitetail, but since I've only seen whitetail deer in there once and I get ringtail cats all the time on my camera, I've changed the name. I thought some of you might approve.

My last trail camera post described the near loss of my water tub due to a bull knocking it into the creek and then a small flash flood washing it down the canyon. Some of the regular visitors were visibly upset by the unexpected twist. I promised to remedy the situation, and I did, securing the tub better and also moving the camera about 180 degrees to better capture the wildlife. I also scattered some apples collected from the ground, and put a few in the water tub for my amusement.

These are a little out of order. The rock squirrel was the first to rediscover the tub and the apples; it managed to snag one that was floating in the water. Next the ringtail gave it an unsuccessful try. The fox sampled a few of the apples on the ground but really wanted one from the tub, which is a bit odd since the foxes generally don't use the tub. With a bit of maneuvering he/she was able to snag an apple, and ran off triumphantly.

The last two shots came from videos recorded during the interim when there was no water container. I think it's a Golden Eagle, and it was thoughtful enough to hang out in front of the camera long enough to trigger an 18-second video.

I thought I'd include a few photos to show you the lay of the land. The first is along the Continental Divide Trail as you approach the canyon (which is not on the trail and requires a steep scramble); the second is the canyon itself, downstream from where the camera and tub are placed. Those animals live in some beautiful country.

I hope these give you a smile. Oh, I treated myself to a new camera to replace my absolute favorite one, which was stolen last spring, locking cable notwithstanding--the thief left the cable and must have broken the back of the camera to remove it from its tree. Low-life! The new one, a Bushnell, takes videos at 60 frames per second, so the still shots are much better. I placed it in a side canyon near this location. I look forward to sharing the results with you.

This canyon is actually called Whitetail, but sinc... (show quote)

What camera did you use? I just started using my Moultrie 999i after having 2 of my best cameras swiped months ago. Now I see they have better cameras since 2019. Your camera seems to have much sharper images. I've always shunned Bushnell but if the pictures you show are Bushnell maybe I should change. My best were Stealth and Browning.

I have always been loyal to Trailcampro because they have good service.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Some nice catches. Beautiful country. Sorry about your trail cam loss.

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Nice set!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Great shots.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Love the setting! And quite interesting shots.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Thanks for the intro and photos, they are always an enjoyable series. BTW, that may be a Red tail hawk in the last two photos. Thanks for sharing these with us!!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Nice photos and commentary. I hope a camera catches the low life thief in the act. Wouldn't it be great if his/her booking photo was taken a with trail cam?

Barn Owl

SWFeral, Hope you will continue to keep your remote trail canyon setup Locked and Loaded. That is definitely a Red-tailed Hawk. Thanks for the impressive post.