The Foraging Techniques of Downy Woodpeckers
11 hours ago
We (formerly Nashaway Trackers) are a group of loosely connected nature lovers who enjoy sharing our observations and discoveries about the fauna and flora of the northeastern US. Most of us are especially interested in mammal tracks and sign, but we also post about birds, insects, plants, etc.
I have seen house cats spray on numerous occasions, and they are fairly ceremonious about achieving proper position and paddling with hind feet as they carefully deliver the squirt.
ReplyDeleteCould bobcats be less ritualistic about it? I've never had the honor of seeing one do it, but I've found many scent posts, freshly annointed, where tracks betray but a hint of a break in stride, as shown in your photo.
I think I can see it, though: Right hind is furthest to the right, in the double registered track just ahead of the stump. Left hind is the next one back. Left front has already landed in the track to the left of the midline. Right front is either still sharing that double registered track with right hind, or is already en route to the next track to the right of the midline as the cat squirts.
Did you confirm that it did have that cat smell?
I knew you wouldn't be able to resist asking that. Yes, I did. Nice analysis, but I think I need you to demonstrate the position.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Susan, but the trend these days in nature education is experiential learning. Haul yourself over to that stump and "be the bobcat". That way, you'll never forget what you learned.
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