Monday, November 14, 2011

How the Tree Fell

We tried to get some exciting video footage for you of the Beavers at work and/or of the tree falling.

With the camera zoomed in right on the tree, and with a wind storm coming, we were sure that we would get something worth showing.

And we did. Just not one of the somethings we were hoping for...
Here kitty, kitty, kitty!

The sad part of the story is that the tree did indeed fall in that windstorm, and the camera didn't capture it. We noticed first thing yesterday morning that the view was slightly altered. The tree that the Beavers ate through wasn't the one we thought, but was tucked farther off to the side of our view.
A little hard to tell, I know, but perhaps that means we are wrong about my lovely favorite tree being nibbled on. Its pretty hard to get perspective of where you are standing from down below, with how thick the underbrush is in places. Time will tell.

The Boys went down yesterday afternoon with my camera to catch some snapshots of the downed tree. Apparently the Beavers have already started to nibble away at the top branches.

As they hiked in, the Boys first saw the top of the tree...
the middle of the tree...
and the base of the tree...
Did they plan for it to fall that way, getting high-centered on an old-growth log? Will all of that tree trunk simply go to waste, or do they have plans to harvest the bark and moss? I am so curious I can hardly stand it!
We have the trail cam pointed at a place where we think they will be working next. Keep your fingers crossed for some glimpses of our clever critters!

6 comments:

Lorraine (ME) said...

Hi Beth,
Thanks for the update. The grandkids have been enjoying the saga of the wild woods of Oregon! Alan loved seeing the big kitty!!! Was it a bobcat or mountain lion? Couldn't get a good glimpse.

Peggy Lee said...

Oh my...not the kitty I was expecting. I am curious about your tree as well.

Penny said...

Seeing those eyes appear in the darkness was a bit creepy to this poster -- who is really a bit afraid of wildlife!!! But how interesting to see it show up on your camera!

I am enjoying following your adventures with the beavers, however, and am anxious to see what they do with their downed tree!

Lizzy Pizzy said...

Those night shots are amazing... and I've gotta say that's some pretty serious moss on those trees too!!!
Liz x

Mouse said...

love the night shots .. bob cat ??? and the photos of the walk are fantastic ... hope they do use the tree .. looking forward to seeing if you manage to get them on film :) love mouse xxxx

Marie said...

Wow! Fun to see. I'm glad you posted this. your trail cam is great!