Mink, Coyotes, Bear Tracks, Oh My!

[stevek]

The section between the pipeline and Jones Rd was interesting from a wildlife angle. First, on the pipeline I was pleased to have a mink leading the way down it. Mink saw me ~75 yards away gleaning at him through the binos. He bounced on forward for 50 yards then stopped and looked back to me. I began towrd him. He continued this behavior for a few hundred yards or so before turning off.

Then just after crossing the powerlines (early afternoon) 2 Coyotes together (they say they don't socialize???) turned the corner no more than 20 yards from me. They were in full gait and the second one practicly slid to a stop. The leading one was smaller and lighter in color than the second but not nessecarily a youngster. The second was a large one.

I raised my hands tall and grunted. The larger one bolted back North. The smaller one turned, took 2 steps back, then stopped and turned to look at me again. I shouted again a second time and it took flight North as well. I was a little concerned but was happy for the contact.

Just after Muddy Pond shelter in a wet muddy area I managed to spy one single Black Bear track in the trail.

Pileated Woodpecker, Kingfishers, young Oriole and adult female, loads of Red Newt adolescents, Beaver slaps. All in all a very enjoyable thru-hike.

[mcrowley]

The section in princeton is always been good for wildlife, I have seen deer, bobcat, porcupine, and lots of Birds, especially on the Audubon Sanctuary Wachusett Meadows length.

[toddbo]

I did see a bear once up near the Ski area - he didnt run away but started walking in my direction. I had to make a lot of noise to get him to stop walking towards me. Lots of deer most days.

[mcrowley]

Yesterday I was out hiking on the new reroute and lots of songbirds, in addition a Great Blue Heron on the Ware River and Great Horned Owl on Goodnow rd.