The trees will tell their secrets to those who tune in.
~Steven Magee
I check the trail cameras once a week or so and am always anxious to see what secrets they uncover in our woods. The past few weeks it has mainly been squirrels chasing each other around and deer, lots of deer. November is the peak of the mating season (aka rut) for deer in our area and they have been busy. The abundant acorn crop is giving them plenty of food so they all look in their prime. There is a herd of about nine does that I see regularly on the cameras. Several bucks (at least four or five that are 6-pointers or larger) are making the rounds, chasing does and challenging each other and nearby tree saplings. Here are a few of the highlights from this month.
Roads End Naturalist 
I really enjoy all of your posts! Thank you!
Thanks, Susan. I appreciate that.
Haha – that buck stops and poses like he’s in a beauty pageant! And that coyote slow-mo is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Deb. Yes, I loved the pose of that buck as well.
What makes animals check the camera? Does it make a noise or is it lingering human smell on them?
Hey Tom. Probably a bit of both, plus, it is a noticeable blob on a tree trunk. But I am guessing it is a combination of what you suggest as well.
Wow – that is one well-fed coyote. Please explain how you can tell the difference between a wolf and a coyote. A neighbor said she saw a coyote on the street the other night. Have there been in town/Carrboro sitings? Thanks Mike.
Yes, well-fed indeed. If you mean our NC Red Wolves vs Coyotes, they are tough to tell apart. See this link – https://defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/red_wolf_identification_guide_for_hunters.pdf. Easier to tell between Coyotes and Gray Wolves out west. In both cases, wolves tend to be larger, heavier, more rounded snout, and much bigger feet. I would assume Coyotes have been seen in Carrboro as they are everywhere these days.
How graceful the coyote is!! Gliding through the forest…….
It’s amazing how much goes on all around us that we seldom really take the time to see. Love what your cameras capture!!!
Thanks, Mary Kay. The coyotes all seem to have that same gliding rhythm mixed with a touch of trotting. Yes, the cameras reveal so much that we never see…