My 2014

[coach]

I had to think about this thread before starting it.. Almost decided not to bother. Last year, I made an effort to post at least one animal or adventure every week, for the entire season. I figure lots of hunters don't get the chance to be out enjoying nature as often as I do so I wrote the thread for those people. In a year of posting, I had very few (maybe zero) negative comments and hope my stories and pictures inspired a few others to share their own adventures. Reading Srupp's recent thread about people not sharing, I figured I better get off my ass and try to lead the way again.. I hope I can photograph, video and maybe even harvest something worthy this season.

Here's the beginning.. Took the dogs out for a quick hike today. Spotted several mule deer and a few WT's on the winter range and even managed to photograph a couple of bucks who made it through the hunting season:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6618_zpsd46d243a.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6620_zps8a4c082c.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6622_zps02c49d83.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6626_zpsa0d1e0fe.jpg

[ru rancher]

thats really cool once i get out of this jail they call a city i will try and put up my season as well as it happens

[sobirch]

Right on, look forward to your year.

[Whonnock Boy]

Looking forward to it Coach. Cheers!

[Salty]

*subscribed*

[monasheemountainman]

Good luck coach, you'll have to work hard to top last year!!

[MOUNTAIN MAN - TOYOTA/ATV]

Nice Mule deer bucks.

Great photos Coach.

[MB_Boy]

I figured I better get off my ass and try to lead the way again..



coach....thank you for getting off your ass; always enjoy these ongoing threads like you, rocksteady, Sitka, H47, NHL Hockey :wink: and others have done. :wink: :cool:

[hunter1993ap]

always nice seeing bucks. hopefully a booner will make the thread this year!. looking forward to another successful year. good luck

[adriaticum]

Good on you coach, keep up the good work!

[knockturnal]

I just picked up a new Swaro spotter and canon camera so I will be out in full force over the year taking inventory. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

[300H&H]

I know it's a little early but I just voted for this thread.
Good luck with your 2014 Coach...don't let golf get in the way !!!

[kennyj]

I hope your have a GREAT 2014 Coach! Looking forward to this thread as always.
Thanks for taking us along.
kenny

[treehugger]

Good luck! I can't wait to see how this season unfolds...

[markt308]

Here we go again! right on Coach. Lead the way buddy

[Sitkaspruce]

Thanks Coach!!!!

Looking forward to the 2014 season!!!

Great start, keep them coming.

Glad you got off your ass....LOL:wink:

Cheers

SS

[warnniklz]

Put me in Coach


http://youtu.be/04KQydlJ-qc

[Redneck Rocket]

Don't stop posting, this is the best thread on the forum!!!

[dingdongdenny]

as always great pictures.

[coach]

Not a heck of a lot to post on this thread lately. We did put on a very successful ice fishing day up at Idabel Lake through our fish and game club (Oceola). I posted about it on another thread. The following week, Danny Coyne from bcfishn.com and I put on a day for a high school Outdoor Ed group from OKM. Fishing was slower, but the kids seemed to really enjoy it. I was amazed at how polite and appreciative the group was. Only one fish was caught in the hour and a half we were out:

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6637_zpse08aa3a6.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6637_zpse08aa3a6.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6635_zpsd51aaef1.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6635_zpsd51aaef1.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6639_zps742993e2.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6639_zps742993e2.jpg.html)

[coach]

I got the dogs out for a walk in the sun last week. Nice day! We spotted a dozen mule deer and 7 wts. One small md buck still had antlers. I looked over most of them with the spotter but none looked like shed out bucks. Not sure if the 4x3 has dropped or moved on. If I can get confirmation that he's dropped, I'll start looking for his sheds - but I don't want to bounce him out of the area if he's still packing.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6645_zps36d074d9.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6645_zps36d074d9.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6646_zps45418477.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6646_zps45418477.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6651_zps03e05340.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6651_zps03e05340.jpg.html)

[coach]

The goal of putting on ice fishing days for youth is that kids will start asking their parents to take them out. My stepson jumped at a chance to hit Shannon Lake for a couple hours last weekend. He hooked a couple that got away, but Danny managed to put a fat perch on the ice. We left before we caught any more - but the seed has been planted: Ice fishing is fun!

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0126_zpsd8ac3947.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0126_zpsd8ac3947.jpg.html)

I wouldn't mind a dozen or so of these to fry up:

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0127_zps394c7f84.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0127_zps394c7f84.jpg.html)

[GoatGuy]

looks like a lot of attitude in that first pic

[coach]

looks like a lot of attitude in that first pic

Ya, definitely.. She spent most of the day trying to preach to us on the merits of antler point restrictions.. :-D

[Stone Sheep Steve]

You won't find anyone catching a dozen of those fat perch any more. They're getting pretty rare in Shannon. Hard to believe...I know.

SSS

[one-shot-wonder]

You won't find anyone catching a dozen of those fat perch any more. They're getting pretty rare in Shannon. Hard to believe...I know.

SSS
Sounds like that lake is in the west kootenays?

[GoatGuy]

Ya, definitely.. She spent most of the day trying to preach to us on the merits of antler point restrictions.. :-D

and LEH everywhere.

[coach]

You won't find anyone catching a dozen of those fat perch any more. They're getting pretty rare in Shannon. Hard to believe...I know.SSS

Interesting... the trout seem to be doing alright. My fishing partner caught these on Sunday.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_0411_zpse0e41c49.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_0411_zpse0e41c49.jpg.html)

[604redneck]

I wouldn't eat fish out of Shannon personally but there are definitely lots of trout in there! Some decent ones too!

[Seeker]

If that fat perch has a golf ball in it, it's mine, I always hit the water! Nice photos and great to see the kids out!

[rbest]

Great shots! love the first pic with him looking through the brush! It's always nice seeing some pics while they are still alive!:wink:

[coach]

If that fat perch has a golf ball in it, it's mine, I always hit the water! Nice photos and great to see the kids out!

Now that you mention it.. Were you playing a Taylor Made?

[Drillbit]

Was it a Titleist?? lol


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX1hgyMGuAE

[coach]

That's a classic, Drillbit! Thanks for the laugh..:-D

My GF had to do some work in Cawston this morning and there's an ice fishing event coming up later in the month at Yellow Lake (between Penticton and Keremeos). I decided to seize the opportunity to check things out. Tracy dropped me at the lake and picked me up a couple hours later. A few bites.. one fish broken off and a couple small ones landed in an hour and a half. I took one home for the frying pan..

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6656_zps087aaec8.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6656_zps087aaec8.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6658_zps544f5bc3.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6658_zps544f5bc3.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6661_zps774f3bcc.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6661_zps774f3bcc.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6662_zpsf00d8b75.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6662_zpsf00d8b75.jpg.html)

[Wrayzer]

Hey Coach, no matter how much ya zoom in, the size aint fooling anyone.

[coach]

Ha ha! I tried all different ways to make that 11 incher look 12.. :-D

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6665_zps3c352227.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6665_zps3c352227.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6676_zps426bd096.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6676_zps426bd096.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6675_zps62bd677c.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6675_zps62bd677c.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6669_zps4fe7bd5a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6669_zps4fe7bd5a.jpg.html)

[300H&H]

Ha ha! I tried all different ways to make that 11 incher look 12.. :-D



I do the same thing...just not with fish ! :wink:

[604redneck]

Looks like you had a good day!

[coach]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UsWpNjz-As&feature=youtu.be

[coach]

Re: the above video - I went for a 10 minute hike a couple evenings ago and saw about 60 deer. There was a pretty even mix of MD and WT's. Temperature was about -14. I assume the frigid temps and some crusty snow up high have pushed the majority of the herd down. Looks like most of the bucks have shed. I hope to take the dogs out and maybe find a few antlers - but I'll wait for the cold snap to end and the deer to move back up in elevation.

[hunter1993ap]

Re: the above video - I went for a 10 minute hike a couple evenings ago and saw about 60 deer. There was a pretty even mix of MD and WT's. Temperature was about -14. I assume the frigid temps and some crusty snow up high have pushed the majority of the herd down. Looks like most of the bucks have shed. I hope to take the dogs out and maybe find a few antlers - but I'll wait for the cold snap to end and the deer to move back up in elevation.

I'm still watching bucks. I would think most whities have shed, but not mulies.

[coach]

I'm still watching bucks. I would think most whities have shed, but not mulies.

I suspect you are right. I just didn't see any packing in my little excursion and did see one confirmed MD buck that had shed.

[hunter1993ap]

I suspect you are right. I just didn't see any packing in my little excursion and did see one confirmed MD buck that had shed.

oh for sure some have shed. and its definitely starting, as hard as it is to sit tight I'm trying. I wonder how many sheds we miss from going out just a little early. I know my dad found a really nice buck a few years ago, the middle of march that shed within a few days of him picking it up. had walked that ridge half a dozen times and there was still blood on the pedicle. was the mulie you saw that already shed a mature buck or young??

[coach]

oh for sure some have shed. and its definitely starting, as hard as it is to sit tight I'm trying. I wonder how many sheds we walk by from going out just a little early. I know my dad found a really nice buck a few years ago, the middle of march that shed within a few days of him picking it up. had walked that ridge half a dozen times and there was still blood on the pedicle. was the mulie you saw that already shed a mature buck or young??

Fairly certain it's the young 4x3 at the beginning of this thread. Based on body size and proximity to where I saw him a couple weeks ago. Not a lot of mature MD bucks that close to town. ;-)

[Stone Sheep Steve]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UsWpNjz-As&feature=youtu.be


Sure is nice to see those deer only "ankle deep" in snow.
What started out like a hardish winter, sure backed-off. Sure, we've had some colder temps but the foraging hasn't been tough.

Glad I no longer ski! :-D

[coach]

Sure is nice to see those deer only "ankle deep" in snow.
What started out like a hardish winter, sure backed-off. Sure, we've had some colder temps but the foraging hasn't been tough.

Glad I no longer ski! :-D

Ha ha! I'm a BW right now. Conditions are pretty good. You're right though - snow levels down low are pretty good for out ungulates. Interesting to see the different feeding habits of the two species in the video.

[Hunting/addict]

Hi Coach

I really enjoy this thread. Nice to see someone getting out so much. I went out yesterday and saw several whitetails anda couple looked like bucks, Appears they have droppedthere an tlers. Finding them in that thick stuff is another matter. I took acouple of wolves last fall and would like to start a thread on wolves but cant seem tofigure out how to start on on HBC. Can you tell me how to start a thread on tjis site

[coach]

Hunting / addict - thanks, glad you are enjoying this thread.

To start a thread:

- Click on "Forum" at the top of the page.
- Select the proper forum to post your thread in (Likely Mainland BC unless you are talking about Vancouver Island wolves).
- Click "Post New Thread" - near top of page on left hand side.

Note - When you do start your thread, make sure you spell things correctly in the title - for some reason you can't edit titles once you post.

Looking forward to to your wolf thread! :-D

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Hunting / addict - thanks, glad you are enjoying this thread.

To start a thread:

- Click on "Forum" at the top of the page.
- Select the proper forum to post your thread in (Likely Mainland BC unless you are talking about Vancouver Island wolves).
- Click "Post New Thread" - near top of page on left hand side.

Note - When you do start your thread, make sure you spell things correctly in the title - for some reason you can't edit titles once you post.

Looking forward to to your wolf thread! :-D

Someone explained to me that you "can" edit a title. Go to the original post....click "edit" ....then "go advanced"...then edit away. Just tried it.
Of course, the Mulw deer thread would never have evolved into what it did if everyone knew that......:-D

SSS

[coach]

Went for a quick drive over to the West Side of OK lake today to see if I could photograph some sheep.

Interesting change in the weather from last week!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcLJMKG9CnU&feature=youtu.be

[coach]

The sheep were easy to find - right above the road. :-D I managed to sneak up above them and take a few shots. I didn't stay too long - didn't want to spook them out onto the road. I'm sure the cougars occasionally take a few out of this herd, but the main predator these animals face are the 4 wheeled variety..

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6697_zpse43c8e22.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6697_zpse43c8e22.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6696_zpse0a4c16e.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6696_zpse0a4c16e.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6693_zps861091c4.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6693_zps861091c4.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6690_zpsb4b20d02.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6690_zpsb4b20d02.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6689_zpsd5f3674f.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6689_zpsd5f3674f.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6688_zpscbd63be1.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6688_zpscbd63be1.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6686_zpsc94b6f1f.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6686_zpsc94b6f1f.jpg.html)

These deer were spotted back on the east side of the lake. With warmer temps, I only spotted a couple dozen this evening - less than half of what I saw the other night when it was so cold up high.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6699_zps171b69b8.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6699_zps171b69b8.jpg.html)

[hunter1993ap]

hmm where did your find sheep on the west side of ok lake if you don't mind me asking? I've seen lots of sheep but only a couple that I would say were on the west side of the lake. cool pics, funny how you got the center line incorporated in the shot.

[coach]

There's a pretty good sized herd that live on the west side. These ones were spotted a kilometer or so before Bear Main, while I was heading north. They are often spotted at the bottom of Bear Main. There are more farther north, in the Shorts Creek area. I didn't want the yellow line in the shot, but it was impossible to avoid it from where I was sitting up above the herd. I thought about trying to get down to their level for better photos, but really didn't want to have them spook and run across the road.

[mark]

hmm where did your find sheep on the west side of ok lake if you don't mind me asking? I've seen lots of sheep but only a couple that I would say were on the west side of the lake. cool pics, funny how you got the center line incorporated in the shot.

Likely the westside rd herd.
Ive been watching those sheep for about 9 years, as soon as a ram gets close to full curl he's never seen again. Pretty sure poaching is an issue there too

[coach]

Interesting, Mark. I know there were a couple of good sized ones spotted in the last year (one apparently is full curl). It sucks if they are being poached. I saw one three years ago that was 3/4 curl and wearing a radio collar. I'd like to see what he's become.

[dana]

hunter1993,
That Shorts Creek herd was transplanted there from Kamloops several years ago but there has always been some sheep on the Westside. Years ago, when the Connector first opened, there was a couple of rams and a few ewes that lived on Drought Hill at the Connector intersection.

[hunter1993ap]

hunter1993,
That Shorts Creek herd was transplanted there from Kamloops several years ago but there has always been some sheep on the Westside. Years ago, when the Connector first opened, there was a couple of rams and a few ewes that lived on Drought Hill at the Connector intersection.

yes my dad saw one nice ram there a long time ago, I never realized there was a herd living in that country now. good to know

[Fisher-Dude]

Interesting, Mark. I know there were a couple of good sized ones spotted in the last year (one apparently is full curl). It sucks if they are being poached. I saw one three years ago that was 3/4 curl and wearing a radio collar. I'd like to see what he's become.


I heard a rumour that he's in that big sheep herd in the sky now.


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/HPIM0896.jpg

[mark]

Interesting, Mark. I know there were a couple of good sized ones spotted in the last year (one apparently is full curl). It sucks if they are being poached. I saw one three years ago that was 3/4 curl and wearing a radio collar. I'd like to see what he's become.

Thats exactly the thing! Ive been seeing big heavy 3/4 curl rams or better there for about 9 years now, how many times ive said "should be full by next year" never to be seen again.
Half the people in the okanagan have photod them sheep, ive yet to see or hear of a full curl.
And no, its not due to brooming.:(

[mark]

I heard a rumour that he's in that big sheep herd in the sky now.


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/HPIM0896.jpg

Big sheep herd in the sky? Or in a garage 20km down the road where rules dont apply?

[Fisher-Dude]

Big sheep herd in the sky? Or in a garage 20km down the road where rules dont apply?

Bingo!!!!!

[coach]

Bingo!!!!!

I hope the ministry got the collar back!

[dana]

I have heard that the lions have been liking the mutton in that country. Rams in small herds can be rather reclusive and loners pulling away from the ewes, lambs and banana curls. This would make them an easy target for a lion.

[coach]

I have heard that the lions have been liking the mutton in that country. Rams in small herds can be rather reclusive and loners pulling away from the ewes, lambs and banana curls. This would make them an easy target for a lion.

Lots of cliffs, tons of deer wintering in there, plenty of sheep.. perfect habitat for a cougar to set up shop.

[hunter1993ap]

I have heard that the lions have been liking the mutton in that country. Rams in small herds can be rather reclusive and loners pulling away from the ewes, lambs and banana curls. This would make them an easy target for a lion.

would like to think this is whats happening.

[coach]

A friend of mine works along Westside road. He drives it every day - year round. He's the one who saw a full curl this year. Apparently it was around for about a week in November and then gone. He figured the big guy likely did his business with the ewes and moved back up the mountain.

[mark]

Those sheep are almost never more than 200 yards of the road, they really dont go up the mtn there. If a cat was picking off the big rams guys would be finding the horns!
Ive hunted and shed hunted that mountain side for years, never heard of anyone finding sheep horns.
If a big ram were to be roadkilled im sure we would of heard about that too over the years?

[coach]

I agree with you on that, Mark. Someone would have heard about a big one getting road killed - for sure and it's open enough up there that you'd spot a cougar kill pretty easily if you spend enough time up there.

I'll check with my friend and see if he's got any pics of the big guy.

[Elk-Aholic]

Lots of cliffs, tons of deer wintering in there, plenty of sheep.. perfect habitat for a cougar to set up shop.

And don't forget to throw in the continuous urban development on prime winter range into the equation which forces those sheep to further concentrate.......smorgasbord for predators!

[knockturnal]

i used to have a hundred or so pics of those sheep. I cant find them anywhere. Ive also been following them since they moved down to the road and come to think of it, all the big ones dont seem to last very long.

[one-shot-wonder]

A big ram was ground into the asphalt in fall of '12, my buddy called it in as it was wearing a collar.......it didn't spend much time in the ditch....with all the road hammers on Westside road I was quite surprised to not hear of others seeing it.

[dana]

I'm quite confident that the older age class rams don't stick close to the ewes and lambs year round. That is perfect lion country. When the rams pull away, they do set themselves up as a target.

[GoatGuy]

And don't forget to throw in the continuous urban development on prime winter range into the equation which forces those sheep to further concentrate.......smorgasbord for predators!
Nevermind the maggot who put domestic sheep in their yard right beside bear creek road. I saw again, yard, not acreage.

"looking for someone to pay to fence my property."

[GoatGuy]

I'm quite confident that the older age class rams don't stick close to the ewes and lambs year round. That is perfect lion country. When the rams pull away, they do set themselves up as a target.
Yes the big guys have their own spot. Just come down for last call then back to the canyon.

[358mag]

Nevermind the maggot who put domestic sheep in their yard right beside bear creek road. I saw again, yard, not acreage.

"looking for someone to pay to fence my property."
We have the same problem over here too , a little rental hobby farm just put 8-10 domestic sheep right below the dump . Within 1/4 mile of prime Bighorn range . MOE hands are tied nothing they can do what a joke .

[GoatGuy]

We have the same problem over here too , a little rental hobby farm just put 8-10 domestic sheep right below the dump . Within 1/4 mile of prime Bighorn range . MOE hands are tied nothing they can do what a joke .
What about the Neighbour? Mutton dinner?

[coach]

A couple pics of some "decent" rams that were photographed within the last few weeks in the same area. Looks like I'm going to have to get back over with my camera for a look around My understanding is that these aren't the "big guy".

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/image_zpsba01dfc3.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/image_zps1687765b.jpg

[markt308]

Wow just beautiful coach. Thanks for your dedicatin to these threads they are sweet

[coach]

Thanks, Mark. The last two pics were emailed to me. Definitley going to try to take a few of my own though.

[Seeker]

There is just something about a nice mature ram. Great pictures, whoever took them. keep em coming, I hope you find the 'Big' guy.

[coach]

I found a bachelor group of more mature rams today. The first two were spotted just below the main road.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6706_zps936f3348.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6706_zps936f3348.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6705_zpsa224522d.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6705_zpsa224522d.jpg.html)

Eventually they moved off the road and I moved into position above them and started snapping pics.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6721_zps890e4fbb.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6721_zps890e4fbb.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6713_zpsdd162080.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6713_zpsdd162080.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6727_zps5d3bea0c.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6727_zps5d3bea0c.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6728_zps8b3be54a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6728_zps8b3be54a.jpg.html)

[coach]

Some pretty decent mass on this one - especially for a cali..

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6729_zps5616eb2d.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6729_zps5616eb2d.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6738_zpsf70319ee.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6738_zpsf70319ee.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6739_zpsd824e58a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6739_zpsd824e58a.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6754_zpsfb788da6.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6754_zpsfb788da6.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6755_zpse730fca9.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6755_zpse730fca9.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6765_zpsac161972.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6765_zpsac161972.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6766_zps6ca261a4.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6766_zps6ca261a4.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6768_zpsf817df46.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6768_zpsf817df46.jpg.html)

[dana]

Great bunch of ram pics Coach! Interesting that they ain't broomed heavy like their cousins in the Loops.

[coach]

The battery light on my canon SX30is camera started flashing shortly into the photo session. Eventually, it died - so I ran back to the truck and grabbed my Nikon. The telephoto that I have for it is pretty old - and requires manual focus. I was concerned about taking crappy pics - but was pleasantly surprised when I got home and checked them out.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0140_zps67b2cd8a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0140_zps67b2cd8a.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0144_zpsc9575419.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0144_zpsc9575419.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0148_zpse4ad230e.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0148_zpse4ad230e.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0150_zpsd66f273b.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0150_zpsd66f273b.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0151_zpsc72ef9ec.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0151_zpsc72ef9ec.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0152_zps66d02043.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0152_zps66d02043.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0154_zps7634dc83.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0154_zps7634dc83.jpg.html)

[Fred1]

Wow! Great stuff!!

[coach]

Great bunch of ram pics Coach! Interesting that they ain't broomed heavy like their cousins in the Loops.

Very similar to the Kamloops sheep. Nice to have them this close to home. I'm looking forward to keeping an eye on them over the coming years.

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0159_zps0a2000ed.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0159_zps0a2000ed.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0168_zps341257ef.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0168_zps341257ef.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0174_zps0162df2a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0174_zps0162df2a.jpg.html)

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0184_zps8bfecd41.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0184_zps8bfecd41.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0183_zpse388d0ef.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0183_zpse388d0ef.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0182_zps64fbf12d.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0182_zps64fbf12d.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0181_zps97e5882f.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0181_zps97e5882f.jpg.html)

[Rusty]

Nice , coach. I look forward to all the action!!
Thanks for sharing.

[coach]

As much as the auto features on my Canon are nice as well as the 35x optical zoom, the Nikon sure takes clear images. :-D Can't wait to upgrade to a newer lens!

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0179_zps70334259.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0179_zps70334259.jpg.html)

My next mission will be to make a trip to the south and try for a few pictures of our local mountain goat herd..

[greybark]

Hey Coach , great photos and am very appreciative of them . Thanks for posting
Cheers

[Wrayzer]

The cell phone pics just didn't do these sheep justice, a couple of them are looking really nice and heavy, from the last time I had seen them.

Quality pics, now you really got me itching to go get that Cannon, I'll just tell the wife its your fault.

[Bc Deer Hunter]

Sweet!! Always a treat seeing those rams out there! Those are some great pictures to!! :D I love these threads of yours coach, every time I come back to check on them more adventures have been added! Keep up the great thread!

[coach]

A few more:

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6749_zps9cc5855a.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6749_zps9cc5855a.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6748_zps0c043a7b.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6748_zps0c043a7b.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6747_zpsc866bbfd.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6747_zpsc866bbfd.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6719_zpsa9b9b322.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6719_zpsa9b9b322.jpg.html)

[coach]

The cell phone pics just didn't do these sheep justice, a couple of them are looking really nice and heavy, from the last time I had seen them.

Quality pics, now you really got me itching to go get that Cannon, I'll just tell the wife its your fault.


Thanks, Wrayzer. Here's the model I'd recommend checking out. 50x optical zoom would have made that distant ram you saw yesterday possible to photograph! :-D http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-12-1mp-50x-optical-zoom-digital-camera-with-tripod-and-bag-sx50hs-6352b037/10278378.aspx?path=1f7203e4c29153902b0fd9b7eed96e9 0en02

[proguide66]

Superb pics Coach!! wish I was there with the vid cam !!

[coach]

Or.. you could get one of these 1200mm lenses. Might be a bit of a PITA to pack around though..:-D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/find/newsLetter/Mother-of-All-L-Lenses.jsp

[coach]

Superb pics Coach!! wish I was there with the vid cam !!

Thanks, Proguide.. I did shoot a bit of video - wasn't that happy with the results. Will have to go back and do it again soon.

[bighornbob]

Great pics. But since none of them are over 7 years of age those are still the teenagers:):) Go find the 10 years olds!!

BHB

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Great pics Coach!!
I've been wanting to go take some pics of the Summerland goats....up close and personal.....but there always seems to be things popping up.

[coach]

Great pics Coach!!
I've been wanting to go take some pics of the Summerland goats....up close and personal.....but there always seems to be things popping up.

I'm planning to go next week. I've heard the ticks get extremely bad up there in the spring. Hopefully not as many in February.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Heard that area is always bad. I've thought about getting a couple of dog flea/tick collars and putting them around my upper calves. Not sure if it would work or not??


I'm planning to go next week. I've heard the ticks get extremely bad up there in the spring. Hopefully not as many in February.

[knockturnal]

There's a couple nice billys down in that Summerland group.

[adriaticum]

Nice pics coach!

[Fisher-Dude]

Heard that area is always bad. I've thought about getting a couple of dog flea/tick collars and putting them around my upper calves. Not sure if it would work or not??

Tie them tightly around your testicles and you'll be tick free.

[coach]

Tie them tightly around your testicles and you'll be tick free.

Weird... But it explains why you special ordered those Pavel Datsyuk autographed miniature tick collars. :-D

[Seeker]

Isn't it funny how the sheep in other areas of the Okanagan (introduced <10 years ago) are thriving in an environment with difficult human access, yet the sheep that have been around for much longer, with easy road access, mysteriously don't seem to attain full curl! If this is truly the case, there is no question in my mind poaching is the culprit. Easy big sheep are hard to come by!

This herd from what I remember, was initially in Shorts creek canyon, and migrated over to Bear Creek years ago. We were mule deer hunting in shorts about 10 years ago and the brother in law saw a close to full curl ram in there. I have some pictures of this herd from a few years back and now that I think about it, I don't think any were full curl either. I will try and dig those pictures up and see i f I can't get the picture of that ram from the brother in law.

[coach]

Feel free to post them on this thread, Seeker. A few people have told me about a ram or two that are bigger than the ones I photographed. Full curl Cali's aren't that common anywhere - although the Kamloops herd does have a few.

[Seeker]

Just talked to him, doesn't have it, sorry! I'm new to this sheep thing, so it was probably a dink anyway:wink: I was just looking at a picture of a friends Ram above Penticton from last year and it was the biggest in the group and it is only about 3/4 curl also. Thanks for the insight.

[coach]

Lol.. I'm pretty new at it too, but I've photographed a few over the last couple years. Would love to find the mature ones on the Westside - but was very happy to find the group that I did. Nice of them to allow me to get so close and take their pics. :-D

[coach]

I took my 6 year old stepson over to look for the sheep today. They didn't disappoint. My favorite picture from the day:

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6779_zps0e116cb4.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6779_zps0e116cb4.jpg.html)

[coach]

These two put on a pretty good show for us - butting heads a few times. Unfortunately I didn't get it on video.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0199_zps4d083d0c.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0199_zps4d083d0c.jpg.html)

[birdee]

one on the right has big roman nose maybe butted to many time?NICE PICS

[coach]

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6776_zps142fe83d.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6776_zps142fe83d.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6778_zpsc02c0053.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6778_zpsc02c0053.jpg.html)

[coach]

one on the right has big roman nose maybe butted to many time?NICE PICS

They are very social animals. The nudging, kicking, head butting, etc. goes on year round. Cool to watch.

[coach]

I shot a bit of video this week. Playing around with editing, YouTube, etc because I'd like to film a few of my hunts this season. Here's an attempt..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAklf8I8l3g&amp;feature=youtu.be

[kennyj]

Nice video Coach. Sheep sure are cool to watch. Are these guys ot Okanogan Lake?
kenny

[coach]

Thanks, Kenny. Yes, Westside road herd above Okanagan Lake.

[knockturnal]

Heres a short slip that i shot during the 2012 hunting season of some of those sheep.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGsMD5dlLmo

[300H&H]

Good video Knock. I wish everyone would slow down when they are on the road.

[knockturnal]

Hey Coach, you ever get down to summerland to find those goats? I was thinking of taking a run down there today while this nice weather is around.

[coach]

Ha ha. I was thinking about doing that today, knock.. Better sooner than later. I need to be back by early afternoon.

[coach]

And just like that, I met another member of HBC and we headed south to snap a few pics and take some videos of the Summerland goats.. A couple billies were up too high for decent resolution, but I took a few of the group hanging out down low. Hope to get back in when I have more time and can try to get closer for better pics.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6854_zpsf3bc9b67.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6854_zpsf3bc9b67.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6851_zps20f1cecb.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6851_zps20f1cecb.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6816_zpsa4943b5c.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6816_zpsa4943b5c.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6803_zps495e989c.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6803_zps495e989c.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6799_zpsd62fd86e.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6799_zpsd62fd86e.jpg.html)

Thanks, Knockturnal, for a great afternoon!

[knockturnal]

Im just loading up the pics and videos now.

[knockturnal]

Your pics are much nicer then mine. Then again, mine were shot with my phone. Time to get a big lens for the camera.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2577_zps97d36022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2577_zps97d36022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2584_zps0b1f9677.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2586_zps5c06892b.jpg

[knockturnal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2594_zps616f2727.jpg


and a little teaser!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_2595_zps7977f21c.jpg

[.300WSMImpact!]

wow elk on the west side of the lake, who would have guessed

[coach]

Great pics, Matt. I might have to bite the bullet and pick up a camera adapter for my spotting scope. :-D

[coach]

wow elk on the west side of the lake, who would have guessed

Princeton herd..

[.300WSMImpact!]

Princeton herd..

that explains it

[knockturnal]

Sorry about the sun flares and the shakyness. It was windy and I need a heavier/better tripod. And make sure you watch it in HD


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10SifY9jvp4

[knockturnal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oJ_QfbwHIo

[knockturnal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bBWn_DIx7s

[knockturnal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBMVMqLR2H4

[dana]

Great pics guys!!! You glassin those elk across the lake? When I was a kid we used to glass them from the aunt's dining room in Peachland. Those goats have been there just as long. I might just have to try a photoshoot when I'm down there in April.

[hunter1993ap]

nice pics, those goats are always up there. its nice watching them. i'll put a pic up of a goat that I would imagine is from that heard who wondered off.
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o565/okanagan199/hunting399.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/okanagan199/media/hunting399.jpg.html)

[coach]

Great pics guys!!! You glassin those elk across the lake? When I was a kid we used to glass them from the aunt's dining room in Peachland. Those goats have been there just as long. I might just have to try a photoshoot when I'm down there in April.

As much as I'm happy with my viper spotting scope, Knock's Swarovski sure made those elk stand out. Amazing clarity! Hopefully you get a chance to "shoot" a few animals while you're down in April.


nice pics, those goats are always up there. its nice watching them. i'll put a pic up of a goat that I would imagine is from that heard who wondered off.

I see them every time I drive past. Nice to finally take the time to stop and take pics.

[358mag]

Princeton herd..

Well guess that's on the west side of the lake ....lol.....:-D:-D

[coach]

Nice looking goat, 1993! Here's a picture of the two that were higher up. Hard to get decent clarity zoomed 140x's digitally..

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/IMG_6837_zps1aef7f0e.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/IMG_6837_zps1aef7f0e.jpg.html)

[coach]

Here's a short video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtDbjrHKunM&amp;feature=youtu.be

[dana]

Coach,
If you are looking for clarity, shut your digital zoom off and only use your optical zoom. Set your camera to the highest quality setting. Then do your digital zooming after the fact by cropping on the computer. You will easily see how far you can crop before you loose clarity. Chances are the subject will appear a little smaller in the overall scope of things but you'll be happier with the image clarity. I sometimes over crop just so some of the detail like horn size or antler size can be determined but when I'm trying to get a decent shot at a long distance critter, I will play with the cropping until I loose the clarity and then back off a tad for the final product. Another tip I'll give ya is hand holding long distance shots is super tuff. The camera will always pick up shake and that will add loss of clarity or blur. Put the camera on a tripod and set the timer for 3 seconds. That way the shake of just hitting the trigger will be over by the time the camera shoots. Animals move lots and blur is always a given. To counter this, shoot several shots from the same tripod set up and when you are editing back at home on the computer, the best shot will stand out.

[coach]

Coach,
If you are looking for clarity, shut your digital zoom off and only use your optical zoom. Set your camera to the highest quality setting. Then do your digital zooming after the fact by cropping on the computer. You will easily see how far you can crop before you loose clarity. Chances are the subject will appear a little smaller in the overall scope of things but you'll be happier with the image clarity. I sometimes over crop just so some of the detail like horn size or antler size can be determined but when I'm trying to get a decent shot at a long distance critter, I will play with the cropping until I loose the clarity and then back off a tad for the final product. Another tip I'll give ya is hand holding long distance shots is super tuff. The camera will always pick up shake and that will add loss of clarity or blur. Put the camera on a tripod and set the timer for 3 seconds. That way the shake of just hitting the trigger will be over by the time the camera shoots. Animals move lots and blur is always a given. To counter this, shoot several shots from the same tripod set up and when you are editing back at home on the computer, the best shot will stand out.

Thanks, Dana. Great advice. I do use a tripod as much as possible - including today. The best pics I got were at 35x (my maximum optical zoom). Sometimes I'll stretch things out - as in the case of the goats at the top of the hill. Occasionally those shots work - more often they don't.

[adriaticum]

Nice zoo you have there coachissimus

[coach]

An example of what Dana is talking about. The first picture is the original - shot with my Nikon d3200 DSLR zoomed in about 3x. The second is a crop of the first picture. Because the original is shot at 24mp and not digitally altered, the cropping allows the picture to maintain it's integrity.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0113_zps041419f7.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0113_zps041419f7.jpg.html)

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/DSC_0113_zpseeda6487.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/DSC_0113_zpseeda6487.jpg.html)

[treehugger]

^ this is from my 2013... It was on your parks goat hunt trip right?
I know nothing about goat hunting but it's a billy? Straight horns with a sharper sweep at the top? Is it a good goat? A shooter? Looks good to me.

[Krico]

^ this is from my 2013... It was on your parks goat hunt trip right?
I know nothing about goat hunting but it's a billy? Straight horns with a sharper sweep at the top? Is it a good goat? A shooter? Looks good to me.

Thats a nanny.

some good photos in this thread

[treehugger]

Thats a nanny.
That helps... How can you tell?

[coach]

^ this is from my 2013... It was on your parks goat hunt trip right?
I know nothing about goat hunting but it's a billy? Straight horns with a sharper sweep at the top? Is it a good goat? A shooter? Looks good to me.


Thats a nanny.

some good photos in this thread

I'm surprised this question didn't come up at the time on the 2013 thread. We definitley were leaning toward nanny on this one. The shape of the horns gave that indication. Confusing things - the body size was quite large - very similar to the Billy that my partner killed. We knew, based on time of year, a billy and a nanny could be hanging together (pre-rut). At no time did we consider this goat a shooter. I did wonder if the dark hair behind the base of the horns could be the glands that are present on Billy's. Here's another picture. I welcome debate or comments from more knowledgeable people. I think it's a great opportunity for education.

http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg633/coach1000/49ef3be3-97b7-4f61-8854-848ac7ccbb00_zps660794f4.jpg (http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/coach1000/media/49ef3be3-97b7-4f61-8854-848ac7ccbb00_zps660794f4.jpg.html)

[Krico]

Your explanation of the straighter horn with sharp curve at top is the norm for nannies. Billies will be a more sweeping curve throughout, with heavier bases and more mass throughout. Also look for a big roman nose and massive shoulders to identify a good billy.

[treehugger]

Your explanation of the straighter horn with sharp curve at top is the norm for nannies. Billies will be a more sweeping curve throughout, with heavier bases and more mass throughout. Also look for a big roman nose and massive shoulders to identify a good billy.

Thanks krico... I had my lines crossed. She's a beautiful animal all the same.

Coach, were you looking for more mass and bigger horns with your partner? You said the body was similar...
great photos...

[treehugger]

I see in the last photo you posted she is pretty light in the horns...

[coach]

FYI - I'm not convinced it was a nanny. Could be a young billy..

[coach]

We've had a couple days of scattered flurries here in the Okanagan, so I figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity to snap a few pics of our local sheep with a snowy background. I met up with Knockturnal over on Westside road. It didn't take us long to find the first herd.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0209_zps0e51cc96.jpg

[coach]

This group was made up of young rams, ewes and lambs.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0207_zps66fd8646.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0215_zps3bf88b16.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0216_zpsae38f6d2.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0217_zpsd55d8417.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0220_zps56ef6ed7.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0221_zps992eff83.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0223_zps962f158e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0224_zps40c68643.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0233_zpsbe961e5e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0234_zpse15b2905.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0235_zpsbde78bff.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0236_zpsc4bc5b04.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0239_zps1ca0e070.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0247_zps6fd0661e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0248_zps9aad4ae1.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0249_zpsf0178d6f.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0250_zps7e2effde.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0254_zpsc0e42653.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0257_zpsf63ffb88.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0262_zpsef7a92fa.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0265_zpsfb551b03.jpg

[coach]

We snapped dozens of pics, then went looking for the band of bigger rams. It took a while to find them - they'd moved a couple kilometers further north from where I saw them last week. It's no wonder they don't get that old around here. Gotta be several mowed down by vehicles every year.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0268_zps1cdf045d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0269_zpsae0e4ae1.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0270_zps09dba2a7.jpg

[Bc Deer Hunter]

Great pictures! Those crazy buggers are always on the road! I have some pictures of those younger rams that hangout with the ewes and lambs and from just last year it seems they have put on some good growth!!

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0271_zps65278c81.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0273_zps98a1fdec.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0274_zps78af499a.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0280_zpsd8f30e15.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0287_zpsb0056be1.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0289_zps16a588bf.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0290_zps492d8b25.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0295_zps451d8a46.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0298_zps8dfce975.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0299_zps7f431171.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0302_zpsf161916d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0303_zps37c0c677.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0305_zps1bced5a9.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0307_zps0b35f53f.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0308_zpscf2d336e.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0311_zpsff19f05b.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0314_zpsdb18a724.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0319_zps433b7306.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0321_zpsfea5c2f5.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0322_zpsbd72a4d5.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0323_zpsddaadeba.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0326_zpsd30f3833.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0330_zps37127519.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0329_zps770b2ac0.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0336_zpse3970a7d.jpg

[coach]

A couple black and whites:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0341_zpse86edc86.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0355_zpsc12cf522.jpg

[coach]

On the way home, we spotted this bald eagle perched high above the lake:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0363_zps5e403c7d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0364_zps4ee84205.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0366_zps8a6b0ec3.jpg

Unlike the sheep, it didn't stay around long to have a bunch of pictures taken.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0367_zps072812ee.jpg

[coach]

Lots of mulies along the way today:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0368_zpse0b2a019.jpg

MD are expected on that road. Somewhat surprisingly, we also encountered a herd of at least 14 WT's. Neither of us had our cameras out as they scrambled away from us.

[coach]

A short video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AM1xxcOeB8

[knockturnal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_0622_zps40611227.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_0623_zpsc18af0f1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_0625_zps513f377e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_0626_zps7c481bc4.jpg

[knockturnal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_0633_zps5ee1ef7b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_06712_zps36b12fb0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_06752_zpsfee9def0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_06862_zpsfc7a433a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_06912_zps400dfcda.jpg

[knockturnal]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/knockturnal/IMG_07222_zps661bb9b8.jpg

[coach]

Great pics, Knock!!

[knockturnal]

Here's a short video I put together with some pretty neat footage of them goofing around. Make sure you turn the quality up to HD and turn the volume up a bit if you want to hear them butting heads.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh2rD8kAiew

[coach]

Well done, Matt. Good message at the end. Might have been a good idea to tell motorists to slow down for people too.. :wink:

[knockturnal]

Anyone else notice the lack of sack on the left ram? Come on. I cant be the only one!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0268_zps1cdf045d.jpg

[Fisher-Dude]

Shrinkage.

Great pics!

[300H&H]

Anyone else notice the lack of sack on the left ram? Come on. I cant be the only one!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0268_zps1cdf045d.jpg

Maybe he is just cold ?

I guess if YOU had your balls out in the cold all day you might suffer from shrinkage also.


Even the ram on the right has small ones....not that I have been checking or anything like that....:mrgreen:

[coach]

Temperature was -10 last week and plus 13 today.. seemed like a perfect chance to get the dogs out for their first swim of the year. :-D

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0375_zps02e886ff.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0374_zpsd1743a29.jpg

Golf season is just around the corner..

[coach]

It must be spring..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6912_zpsf8830fdf.jpg

Looks like winter was tough on a few critters..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6918_zps0bab1e63.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6921_zpse8996d66.jpg

[300H&H]

It seems just a little early for the snakes to be out !
Have you seen any bears yet ? They should be poking their heads out.

[dave_fras]

i came across a set when while shed hunting near summerland yesterday

[coach]

Apparently a few whitetail's managed to slip through last season's doe season slaughter..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6932_zpsbd2b671f.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6939_zps55d912fd.jpg

[coach]

Deuce Bigalow.. A buck that got a pass last season but showed up a few times on my trail camera. I pulled the camera yesterday after leaving it out all winter. He made it through the season. It should be interesting to see if he ever becomes more than just a big two point.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/104ff1aa-6099-4006-a5cc-57bb83ea2b6f_zps2c720456.png

[Fisher-Dude]

Apparently a few whitetail's managed to slip through last season's doe season slaughter..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_6932_zpsbd2b671f.jpg



Haha, I slowed down to look in that field today too, told Barb there's always deer in there. 30 does didn't disappoint!

[coach]

Haha, I slowed down to look in that field today too, told Barb there's always deer in there. 30 does didn't disappoint!

And that was only one of the groups. There were plenty more nearby. Interestingly, I didn't see any mulies today in what is traditionally mulie country. I assume they've moved up in elevation or I just missed them. Last year the two species were mixed together in those fields - but I think that was early March.

[coach]

An interesting buck off my trail camera - a 3x1. 4 point only seasons help protect these prime breeders.:-?

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/1be16441-cff8-4c3e-92ca-9821fda1e5d2_zps06f5560a.png

[coach]

This little guy showed up at our club's range clean up today. Camera was in the truck, so I had to snap a photo with my cell phone.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/086f33a3-d1fb-4a49-bfe4-00c0ce2b9964_zpsf54ef0df.jpg

[coach]

I've led a pretty boring life the last little while - busy as hell teaching golf and very little time to pursue animals. I decided to hit the local duck pond today to snap a few pics in order to get more used to my Nikon DSLR. Fortunately, there were lots of willing subjects to photograph.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0113_zps94d4499e.jpg

This guy was sporting a little "bling"..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0111_zpsbcbafe27.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0110_zps052927ab.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0108_zpsb434350d.jpg

[coach]

This guy was busy hunting.. cool birds to watch. I got within 5 yards of him.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0102_zps46f92a07.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0093_zpse29b2a0e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0087_zpsd0946b72.jpg

This one wouldn't sit still for long. It was tough getting any decent pics:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0059_zps59f58b73.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_00562_zps1daa61d7.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0046_zpsbb419e04.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0037_zps44cc03e2.jpg

[coach]

I picked up a digital camera adapter for my Viper spotting scope today and had to test it out on the local osprey. Pics were taken from about 75 yards in extremely difficult light conditions and heavy wind. I think this will work pretty good for photographing wildlife once I get the setting figured out..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0053_zpsfcf394c9.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0044_zps424d9297.jpg

I booked tomorrow off. Hopefully some animal pics will get posted in the evening..:-D

[SingleShot]

Masterful pictures Coach. Thanks.

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0076_zps4cece482.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Wicked pics there coach!!

[Fisher-Dude]

This one wouldn't sit still for long. It was tough getting any decent pics:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0059_zps59f58b73.jpg



Audubon's Warbler. Pretty little things, especially this time of year.

[coach]

When I moved to the lower Mission area of Kelowna, a block from Gyro Beach, a lot of people told me about the abundance of beaver in my neighborhood. I guess they were right..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0125_zpsbe0fcea4.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0133_zps4dbea06d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0126_zps4640c2cc.jpg

[300H&H]

Good pictures Coach...those are the first confirmed pics of beaver I've seen from here in the Mission.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Pete's going to be all over that pesky beaver!! He's doomed!:mrgreen:

SSS

[boxhitch]

We snapped dozens of pics, then went looking for the band of bigger rams. It took a while to find them - they'd moved a couple kilometers further north from where I saw them last week. It's no wonder they don't get that old around here. Gotta be several mowed down by vehicles every year.The herd used to live back in Short's Creek above the canyon , and some great rams were reported. With numbers dropping to near zero , a transplant in 2004 of 12 sheep from Kamloops boosted the herd . It seems they didn't agree with the habitat and prefer the lawns and roadside closer to the lake now. iirc a single full-curl ram was turned in as a roadkill , but other old rams just never seem to materialize.

[Fisher-Dude]

I log into HBC for the best beaver shots on the internet! Thanks coach!

[coach]

A couple more duck pond visitors:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0096_zps35450917.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0066_zpsb5928611.jpg

[coach]

I picked up a new 70-300 lens for my nikon d3200 and had to go for a quick drive tonight to test it out.. I figure I'm gonna like it once I learn more about how to use it. These pics were taken from about 75 yards with no tripod.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0116_zps0ad153f5.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0117_zps444832e6.jpg

Oh, the lengths a guy has to go to in order to produce a few pics for the HBC crowd to enjoy..:-D

[Deeboe]

Great pics! Forgive me if this has already been asked in here and I missed it but were u running a portrait lens on any of those bird shots or just telephoto? And What cam? Cheers!

[coach]

Deeboe: Thanks. Until recently most of my pics were taken with a canon sx30is. Inspired by "goodpartner" on this site, I picked up a Nikon D3200 last year. Until this week the only telephoto I had for that camera was an old, manual focus 70-210. All of the duck pics were taken with that lens. A couple days ago I picked up a 70-300. Yesterday's deer pics were my first shots with it. Looking forward to playing with it a lot more. :-D

[Deeboe]

Awesome Coach, they look great and thanks for the info. Couple years back I bought my wife a T3i. I've bought her a couple portrait lenses mostly for pics of the kids and such but have been meaning to get a telephoto that I can use for stuff like this. What kind of range do you figure you get out of the 70-300?

[coach]

Point and shoot cams with up to 50x optical zoom are better for longer distances but don't compare quality wise to the. Dslr's. Dana posted some great advice earlier in this thread about cropping pics to "increase zoom". Realistically, the 70-300 will work well for animals within "bow range ".

[Fisher-Dude]

looking forward to playing with it a lot more. :-d


twss..........

[coach]

I had to make a quick trip to Cowichan Bay and back yesterday and today. Fresh crab feast and a few glasses of wine last night made the long drive worth it! Took a few pics of some birds in the rain just for fun and to get some more practice with the new telephoto..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0202_zpse21a628b.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0189_zps41b33b40.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0179_zps2bf46dc5.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0172_zps2b136e63.jpg

[coach]

I believe the scientific name for this bird is the Lesser Shit Hawk..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0165_zps6c6ca039.jpg

Doing his best "Eddie the Eagle" impression:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0164_zps827c2d74.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0163_zps2fe5c7c7.jpg

[coach]

I'm on a little road trip to Calgary with the family this week. Lego festival for Tracy and the boys and some wildlife photography for the Coach. The first critter we spotted along the way was a bear high on this slide somewhere east of Revelstoke.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg2_zps39a975ed.jpg

She was a little more than a third of the way up - on the left hand side. A perfect opportunity to test out the digiscoping stuff I've purchased to be able to take pics through my spotter. Not the greatest picture - but considering the distance I was from the bear, I guess it's ok.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zpsc41a884b.jpg

A few scenery pics:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg3_zpse021e49a.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg4_zps0a5c852d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg5_zpsd88140d4.jpg

[coach]

We spotted a herd of 10 elk laying in the riverbed just outside of Field. National Park elk are a little more tame than the ones I see in the Okanagan. Colin and I were able to get quite close to snap some pics.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg7_zpsf15c6c70.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg14_zps3d00c500.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg8_zps5921c847.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg13_zpsef66644f.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg10_zps249949d5.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg15_zpse0747c01.jpg

[coach]

We spotted this bear when we made a detour onto the Bow Valley Parkway. The literature said it was a good route for spotting animals and things worked out nicely..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg24_zps3d762d6b.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg17_zpsaa11af1c.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg19_zps10fc9a53.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg21_zps5021f20e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg23_zpsdcfe53eb.jpg

We spotted several goats along the way - but none in places where I could stop or get close enough to photograph them. We haven't seem any sheep - hopefully I will have more luck tomorrow as we make our way back to Golden.

Lots of deer - but I can photograph them anytime so I didn't bother.

[Rhyno]

^^^^ That's a nice looking bear! I would love to run into him this weekend!

i have been enjoying your pictures, keep'm coming.

[HarryToolips]

Nice pics..I'd love to nuke that last bear..

[coach]

We spent the day at the Calgary Zoo doing a little "high fenced camera hunting"..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg6_zps8b0bef19.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg3_zps45d6d18d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg2_zps0441483b.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zpsf32b17d7.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg7_zpsc1c78a74.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg4_zps633d8cc7.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg5_zps9d91eb8e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg5_zps711f22f6.jpg

[coach]

This Nanny was in considerable discomfort today. Turns out she was about to drop a kid at any time. I waited around for about an hour, hoping to catch the event on film. Unfortunately, for me, she wasn't quite ready. Zoo staff said she will give birth in the next 12 hours.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zpsb1a501e2.jpg

Dad was hanging a little higher in the enclosure.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg9_zpsfbfa7b9b.jpg

[coach]

At 5 days of age, this lamb was ready to climb anything.. Including hid dad's back..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg4_zpse2dabeb0.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg5_zps3f0eb190.jpg

The Dall sheep didn't seem thrilled about living in captivity

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg2_zps6f710665.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zps9ca52e39.jpg



http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg3_zpsd1ce76cb.jpg

[300H&H]

Looks like a nice place to go hunting !

[coach]

We spotted a LOT more deer and elk as we made our way back from Calgary. We also saw this young bear somewhere between Golden and Revelstoke.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0621_zpsd5dcdfe0.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0620_zps4725b53d.jpg

[coach]

Went for a bear hunt this evening. Spotted a bull moose, cow and last years calf, lots of mule deer, a few whitetails, one nice boar, one small bear and a sow with 2 cubs. No shots fired - other than the ones through the camera lens.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0704_zps00b2af6d.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0703_zpsfec755ca.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0699_zpsc102c7bb.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0692_zps52adc9a2.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0690_zpsd49339b2.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0689_zps29365661.jpg

[dd3boss]

Nice pictures and that's a lot of animals for just one evening!

[coach]

A family of ospreys put on a pretty good show today.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zpsc770acf7.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg6_zpsec765791.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg4_zps5e3f0ebb.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg7_zps71ea7e95.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg3_zps9c923ebd.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg2_zps264bb094.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zps8d196900.jpg

[Wrayzer]

Great pics Coach!

[Tikka270wsm]

Awesome! Those osprey pics are incredible!

[coach]

Thanks, Trav! I'll be in Cowichan this weekend. Let me know if you're around.

A couple pics from today:

plenty of mourning doves in my neighbourhood these days:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg1_zpsb3ef46b5.jpg

And a new crop of geese at the local duck pond:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg2_zps573e4c13.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg3_zps20cbd1ce.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/imagejpg5_zpsaec23108.jpg

[coach]

I guess it's been a while since I posted anything to this thread. Now's as good a time as ever to get back at it..

My dad is up to visit this week. He hit the big Seven Zero today and for his birthday, he requested that I accompany him on a bird watching trip to the Vasseux Lake and Osooyoos area. Here's a few pics:

Eastern Kingbird:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1196_zpsadaa9ec7.jpg

The same bird, picking his lunch out of mid-air..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1190_zps10aa2744.jpg

Western Kingbird:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1173_zps419a5a37.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1171_zpsd2d726f0.jpg

[coach]

I'm not much for the intricacies of watching small birds.. Raptors are more where it's at for me.. Dad got a little tired of me stopping to take osprey pics - but they are, after all, my favorite bird..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1178_zps8deef99a.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1207_zps7007c599.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1236_zps86dc8e72.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1233_zps634ed4ec.jpg

[coach]

Apparently this guy is a pretty decent bass fisherman..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1222_zpsf26f3fe6.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1221_zps4e74a520.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1229_zps12dc157f.jpg

[coach]

Is it just me, or are there more turkey vultures than ever around BC these days?

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1162_zps6affc791.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1158_zpsbbd8bbb6.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1157_zps99665f52.jpg

They might look great while they're flying - but damn they're ugly birds when you see them sitting still

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1242_zps00861bd5.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1250_zps8bed49fb.jpg

[coach]

He's either training for the Cirque D'Osprey, or trying to get a closer look at the bass turd on the side of the post..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1239_zps39a9c216.jpg

[coach]

Another osprey, atop his perch..:-D

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1166_zps497ae11a.jpg

No shortage of photo ops around Osooyoos..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1165_zps62f70fe9.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1179_zps2d74f259.jpg

[coach]

This poor girl looked like she was in rough shape.. and clearly had a litter of pups somewhere nearby. She was extremely friendly - but looked to be starving. Not sure what the best course of action was - but I had to assume, from her demeanor, that someone was "looking after" her.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1175_zps6f9e6a44.jpg

[coach]

No day is complete without a few animal sightings..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1253_zps07391661.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1254_zps126aa195.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1266_zps2a46758c.jpg