Bear food is popular at the WRI. A wary chipmunk watched the wooden tray for several minutes from the edge of the woods. 
Hello gray foxThe tray of black oil sunflower seeds is out in the open--a dangerous place to becaught away from cover and its burrow. No sharp-shinned hawks around today (only 1 yesterday), although I'm not sure how interested they would be in an eastern chipmunk. No crows or ducks there for the moment. 
Goodbye gray foxThe gray fox hasn't been around since last night. The chipmunk followed the edge of the woods and then dashed to the tray to fill its cheeks to store in its burrow. Shortly, a blue jay filled its throat at the same spot. Later, the gray fox came for its turn but dashed off when I stepped out the door for a better shot. Action all the time.
Out the window, we saw the first chickadee in weeks. It is always nice to see the flock that has a few tame ones that eat from a hand. Maybe that will be happening soon.
Eastern chipmunk
A lady from southern California wondered what a color tour is. I should have known that is a local term for getting out and seeing the fall colors like Lucky slowly did in his lethargy yesterday--as well as doing his weigh-in. Color is coming on strong at the Bear Center.
Chickadee
Construction is beginning on the picnic pavilion at the Bear Center. It will certainly be done by the Lilypad Picnic and will be where the white plastic shelter used to be where we gather for marshmallows and the campfire. Looking forward to the Lilypad Picnic to help celebrate the Bear Center's tenth anniversary.
Blue jay
LIVE at the NABC starts on Wednesday, October 5. People can view Scott et al. on the PTZ cam at http://www.bear.org/website/live-cameras/live-cameras/ptz-pond-cam-live.html
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| Color in the front of NABC | Color in the back |
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center