The logging industry in Arnold and the surrounding Sierras had a much longer and storied history than I imagined. The logging industry was once a vital part of the economy, from sawmills to camps. However, these facilities were abandoned with the advent of modern machinery and the decline in timber production. I am curious if …
By now, you know I have a fondness for furry and feathery creatures. Of course, I have favorites that I tend to focus on, but there are so many beautiful animals in the Sierras. During this post, I want to bring attention to the forest’s little “bandits,” Raccoons. Raccoons live in the Sierras, and the …
The Wildlife of the Sierras: The Marvelous Raccoons Read More »
We have had recent sightings of mountain lions in and around our home in Arnold, CA., and since I had not written about them before, I thought it was time. I have one photo of a big cat on our property, but it is blurred, so I’ve never shared it with you. All of the …
Mountain Lions in Arnold, California: Living with the Big Cats Read More »
Fall is an exciting time of year for nature lovers. The leaves change color, the air gets crisper, and animals start to prepare for winter. The black bears in Arnold and throughout the Sierras are extra busy this time of the year. You might wonder why? It is because of hyperphagia. This photo and the …
Recently Jim and I became aware of a mystery animal in our backyard in Tracy. At first, we were concerned that the animal might be a skunk. We are entirely comfortable with skunks in Arnold, but Tracy? We live next to a large active Almond Orchard and have had a skunk in the backyard. So …
I tend to discuss the black bears more, but my most frequent visitors are deer. Deer appear to be such gentle and beautiful creatures, and some of my best photos are of deer. The deer in our area are daily travelers on the game trails. I may not talk about the deer as much, but …
I keep referring to Game Trails and thought it might be beneficial if I take the time to explain what they are and why animals follow them. My first exposure to game trails occurred when we purchased the property in Arnold; I recognized that the animals followed the same path around the property, but why? Eventually, I …
What Are Game Trails, and Why Do Animals Follow Them? Read More »
Did you know that black bears communicate with each other through various sounds, marking, and body language? Each form of communication has a specific meaning, which helps them to navigate their world and interact with other bears effectively. By understanding these forms of communication, we can learn more about black bear behavior. I will briefly …
Last night, my external cameras began alerting me that something was walking around the house’s perimeter. I was hoping for more bear activity but assumed it would probably be the deer on the game trails. However, this morning checking the cameras, I found that it was a bear. On August 11th, 2022, at 9:36 pm, …
I have been very fortunate to observe black bears in their natural habitat. It’s truly a magical experience! The Arnold property is remote. We are not off the grid, but it is remote. Forest surrounds the house, and because of the game trails, I’ve been able to observe and photograph wild animals up close and …
