Beaver Activity on the Lamprey River Floodplain

[KSearl]

Hi Everyone,

I stopped by a small parking area near my house the other day to find that it was a actually a small conservation area called the Lamprey River Floodplain. There was a short trail, by no means a "hike", that went along the banks of Lamprey River. Even in this winter month, there were some cool things to see. There was tons of beaver activity, some Eastern Bluebirds, etc.

If you're interested, please check out my full trip report on my blog: http://livefreeandhikenh.blogspot.com/2011/12/some-beaver-activity-on-lamprey-river.html

Here are some of my favorite shots from the short trek:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4cAv6ZoC2o/Tv4AhJqVldI/AAAAAAAABPs/1zQv1UenlMo/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG
Beaver Stump

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LS17nteuPkQ/Tv4AhvvGjCI/AAAAAAAABP0/BA7zbWSMkt4/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG
More beaver activity

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vl3MnFwRwZI/Tv4Ah-cNaVI/AAAAAAAABP8/Og2RIpCgnKs/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG
Some cool fungus

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zCok9LM0ow/Tv4Aq5pMqtI/AAAAAAAABQI/fK2JsO0jsfk/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG
The Lamprey

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9B8MAntNGKc/Tv4ArFSb4MI/AAAAAAAABQQ/mL5Kq3FOhNs/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG
Eastern Bluebird...does anyone know if these guys go south for the winter?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpWYthL-lrA/Tv4AyRQsG8I/AAAAAAAABQc/AYMAedf_N1A/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG
Older Beaver Activity

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUaaU0nl0OU/Tv4AywWEVJI/AAAAAAAABQk/kE5a8PQZIgA/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG
Some tracks, I assume from a squirrel or chipmunk

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA9AgFm38Og/Tv4AzWbKLZI/AAAAAAAABQs/gWqPF4DBg-0/s1600/IMG_4674.JPG
Green violet leaves...not sure why these haven't wilted for the winter.

Karl

[Snow Miser]

Nice photos of the beaver activity! We have the bluebirds here in PA during the summer, but they seem to leave in the fall. I assume they go south, but not sure?

[mtruman]

Wow, the little guys have been busy! I guess they are beavers after all ;). Nice pics. Love the one of the bluebird. Would have thought that they would have gone south. Hope they don't know something about this winter that we don't...

[KathyC]

I Love the pictures, especially the fungus one. It's amazing what these little animals can do.
I never see bluebirds here, I need to get out more...

[KSearl]

Thanks everyone!

Bob - Someone mentioned in another forum that the Eastern Bluebirds sticking around until this time is not too uncommon. I'm sure with the warmer weather we've had, it probably prolongs it further.

Mark - The beavers were very busy. Almost every tree out there had some sort of chomping taken out of it. I'd love to see one in action!

Kathy - Thanks! They are really are amazing little animals!

Karl