June 26 – My Nature Journal
June 26, 2026 Nature Journal
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
This handsome, young buck was browsing on a steep slope to the right of my nature trail. He didn’t seem too concerned about our presence in his woods; just stared straight at us for a few seconds, then returned to his lunch. I could tell he was tracking our movements even with his head down because he swiveled his ears towards us as he shifted positions.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo lineatus
Most days, if you want to spot wildlife, you have to walk quietly and keep your eyes open. But on some lucky days, the wild animals practically advertise their presence.
So it was with this Red-shouldered Hawk.
Clearly one half of a mated pair, this hawk cried continuously from the same perch for several minutes. This made him very easy to spot. His mate answered his cries but was clearly some distance away as her call was very faint.
I presume both birds had already hunted successfully earlier in the day as the noise they made must certainly alerted every potential prey animal within hearing distance of the hawks’ presence.
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Early afternoon |
|
Setting |
Oak, hickory, pine forest |
|
Temperature |
84° F / 29° C |
|
Weather |
Sunny |
|
Humidity |
55% |
June 26, 2024 Nature Journal
North American Beaver
Castor canadensis
Common Carp and Pond Turtle
Cyprinus carpio and family Emydidae
Both Common Carp and pond turtles are very common in the shallows of my local lake. Individuals are often found together. The carp stir up a lot of sediment as they route around on the lake bed, searching for food. Sometimes the turtles—especially young ones—follow along and snap up tasty tidbits stirred up by the fish.
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Early morning |
|
Setting |
Large lake |
|
Temperature |
82° F / 28° C |
|
Weather |
Scattered clouds |
|
Humidity |
77% |
June 26, 2023 Nature Journal
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Mid-afternoon |
|
Setting |
Suburban neighborhood |
|
Temperature |
93° F / 34° C |
|
Weather |
Passing clouds |
|
Humidity |
44% |
