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Native Californian, biologist, wildlife conservation consultant, retired Smithsonian scientist, father of two daughters, grandfather of four. INTJ. Believes nature is infinitely more interesting than shopping malls. Born 100 years too late.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A dry wash channel set


Dry washes are the country roads of four-footed arid land drifters, and good places to set camera traps.

They're fickle places, though, especially in winter, when a rumbling wash of mud, gravel, and cobbles can sweep your beloved cam away. Forever.

The channel in the rock sediments seen here is a promising but unusual feature.

We all walked right on through the gap, realized its uniqueness, and got a little jazzed about it.




Practically every mammal bigger than a rat will be obliged to pass through that channel, just as we did.




Take a look at the top of the page again, and you'll see a couple of rocks at the bottom of the channel. 

There's a smelly treat under that stone, so we're expecting passersby to pause for a sniff before resuming their journeys.

That will give the camera time to capture their photo IDs. 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to the captures!! :-)

Marilyn

biobabbler said...

How exciting! =) Canna wait! =)

Trailblazer said...

As biobabbler, already rubbing my hands together in anticipation of what will come through!