No Footprints, But Other Signs

With no snow there are no animal tracks to follow. Still the critters abound around here. I just have to think that some little forest creature lives in the hole between these beautiful moss covered rocks. It looks as inviting as an ivy covered cottage.

Something has been eating my arbutus leaves. The culprit is unknown to me, but I would rather they picked some other plant for their munching.  We first noticed the damage several weeks ago.  Feeding caterpillars sometimes leave a similar munch pattern.  Fortunately flower buds were not on the menu.  Next fall we shall try to look and identify the culprit.  

The top of stone walls is a popular place for animals to leave scat to make their presence known. They like to leave those special markers where they will surely be noticed.  Fox are notorious for marking territory with nose high deposits.  We enjoy seeing a fox but could really do without these markers.

I have to call this one the streak. I don't know for sure, but I suspect this strafing run was made by one of the group of crows that hang around the garden like gang members on a street corner. No less than a foot in length, this stripe was laid down at high speed by a bird flying really low to the ground. With no nest to tend, crows eat at the bird feeder then spend the afternoon chasing each other and generally fooling around. Of course there is always  a possibility that the streak could have been made by a hawk. Our garden is large and the odds are in our favor. So far neither of us have been hit by aerial  bombardment.

Night Deposit

We are well aware that we are not alone here at Stone Wall Garden. Having squared off with a surprised skunk and heard the calls of the coyotes, we tend to be inside when darkness falls. Hornets are another matter. Leaving them alone is a good choice if their home is at some distance from the garden or the house. If they are close to garden traffic, using a spray that is also toxic to me seems dumb. Fortunately we have help.

This freshly dug hole is a bit of a puzzle. No disturbed soil was found near the hole. Skunks digging for grubs usually leave a smaller hole and soil scattered around the hole. Some ground dwelling bees or hornets may have lived here. Skunks eat both the bee larvae and any stored honey leaving little behind. Since we mow here we were pleased to find the stinging insects gone.



A peculiar gait is needed to safely traverse our old pastures. When the foot is placed, one must be sure that the footing is solid before full weight is thrown on that step. Holes or the edges of buried stones can throw the unwary to the ground. A downward gaze can help one avoid stepping on snakes or other unfortunate items. This dropping was between the garden and the compost bin, and I was fortunate to see it rather than step in it. Grub hunting has been productive as we have many holes in the lawn and many night deposits.

It's a Good Sign

One might wonder how scat on top of a stone wall can be a good sign. For me it is! I have an interesting book called "Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks & Sign" by Paul Rezendes.It's very helpful for the garden detective in the winter.

This sign says that the foxes are back. The berries and the placement of this scat are a giveaway. Odor and size are clues as well, but I don't get close enough to measure or compare scents where scat is concerned. The fox likes to leave his little present up at nose level to mark his territory. In the past we have had gray foxes here, but they could be red. It all comes down to white or black on the tip of their tail. I can't wait to see them! Rabbits, squirrels , voles, and field mice beware! You are on the menu. I'm sure you'll be delicious after eating my lovely garden plants!