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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, February 21, 2012

Struck out






Last week was a no-show. Three cams, no pictures.

The hollow canyon live oak was my biggest disappointment.

I was about to leap squirrel-like into its mossy arms when I noticed my camera lying there face down at my feet.

Apparently something dislodged it to reach a dab of castoreum, and it tumbled down through the hollow trunk. 

What to do?

Defer further attempts at a cavity set.

I set the camera away from the tree to see what manner of beast caused the disturbance.

Plan B will depend on the critter. 

7 comments:

Trailblazer said...

Bummer, Codge!

Nothing worse than when a set your excited about yields nothing!

Camera Trap Codger said...

It was disappointing, but not enough to sing the blues.

JK said...

Make like a Drosophila and have a beer.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Good advice, mein Junge. That's exactly what I did.

biobabbler said...

I appreciate the fact that you posted when you got a zero.

Just so people see that this happens, even if it doesn't make it into the headlines, often. MOST the time I'm checking buckets for salamanders, say 400 buckets in a morning (the gang & I), we get NONE. But do I post that? Oh, no. I post the ONE salamander we get after a week of 400 bucket days. =)

THIS is why people think wildlife work is glamorous.

It CAN be v. cool, but zeros are quite common. =)

I'm excited to see if you learn who the camera flinger might have been.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Right on , BB -- only a few know what we go through.

Oilman said...

I have many days with no results ,and know well how frustrating it can be. Keep plugging away!WW