Working my way down the hill, I was greeted with this but of devastation - a great big clear cut area -
It didn't take long to find the culprit - we have BEAVERS!
I've never actually come across a beaver dam before - it was actually pretty surprising to see in real life. It's one thing to read about them - another entirely to see them in real life. It's not a hodgepodge mess of branches like I'd always pictured - the felled trees making up the dam lay nice and orderly lengthwise against the current. It's hard to believe there's just an animal intelligence behind it. It looks.... made in a fashion I've always associated with the works of men. And yet... beehives and birds-nests, animals build to. Strange to see though.
A bit more of a walk, and I see more sign. Deer, I think, though the pellet shape isn't what I'm accustomed to seeing for deer. Any experts care to take a guess? Area is northern New England.
Also someone's little hidey-hole -
And a little shooting on the previous owner's hunting target before heading home. Don't get impressed - this was at disgustingly close range - maybe 6 or 10 paces. I am SERIOUSLY out of practice. But better to close up that group first, then move out I guess. (And don't worry, the dogs were well behind me while I was shooting)
Practice practice practice....
