On this warm day, black flies were bad for gulls. I didn’t know that would be a problem. They attack the gulls’ bare legs. 
Woodchuck babiesThey were constantly flicking the gnats off their legs and tucking their heads under to look at their legs. This may be what drives gulls to rest on the water rather than standing on their usual perches.
The woodchuck (a.k.a groundhog) mystery is solved. The lactating mother brought two of her chucklings (I looked that word up) for my first views of them. I was surprised how big they are already and that the mother repeatedly picked them up in her mouth to carry them as is shown in the picture.
The day ended with a visit from sweet Lucy, one of Samantha’s yearlings. Elsewhere, Fern is on her own and might be hooking up with a male. Still waiting for most of the mothers with cubs to show up, including Lily. Braveheart and Wendy are the only ones to show so far.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center