step inside nature
According to SCDNR, now that we are having warmer weather in SC, black bears are becoming more active. During this time bears are looking for easy food left around.
So far, there have been five different bear sightings here at the cabin. Plus, many more sightings in the woods behind our home.
Here are 12 recent trail cam videos featuring bears.
Enjoy the videos! 🙂
September is a special time for black bears. The bears enter hyperphagia and look for food up to 20 hours a day! They have definitely been more active in the back of the woods near our trail camera. Read more about bears in September here.
Hope you have fun watching these trail camera videos.
Regards,
Debra & Kurt Roinestad
This little gal has a cute backstep after eating. Eat, peck, kick, repeat, eat, peck, kick, repeat. Who knew a turkey had a rhythm when eating? Aside from that did you know that turkeys can see better than humans? They can see in color and their eyesight covers 270 degrees.
For more fun facts about turkeys click here on the World Animal Protection website.
Enjoy the trail camera videos. 🥰
Warm Wishes,
Debra & Kurt Roinestad
“Most people don’t realize turkeys are friendly, they’re social, they’re loyal, and they have emotions.” —Shannon Elizabeth
The back of our woods belongs to bears that hibernate and start poking around for food and adventure during the Spring. I wanted to set up some new trail cameras to catch some of the action. I gathered up my hiking equipment and had a fun yet, grueling two-hour hike through the woods behind our cabin. The trail was once a logging road…I’m guessing back in the 1800s. Now it is overgrown with trees and mountain laurel. It winds through steep rolling hills. I wore my sturdiest boots since snake season had just arrived. The woods are mature, but you can still see signs of an old farm including rusty strands of barbed wire and the remnants of a shed.
We researched and decided on the Visionner 4.0 WiFi 830 Trail Camera, though there are many other excellent trail cameras out there. The camera has a function that captures high-quality images and videos with night vision. The images can download directly to an app on your cellphone if you are within 60 feet of the camera.
The trees in this area are covered in a blanket of moss. It was challenging to find the right tree with the correct thickness to hold the cameras steady. Trail cameras need to wrap securely around the tree trunk with velcro straps. We encountered a small brown snake and an adorable ‘spiny lizard.’
Read more about the lizard here.
There were bear tracks along the area during our hike. So, I’m hopeful we will get some footage! I’m excited to share the trail camera images with you.
Warm Regards,
Debra & Kurt Roinestad
Hi Friends,
Here is a family of raccoons that come and visit at night. My trail camera captured these cuties sneaking around the back of the woods. It was a rainy day in February, but the late-night munchies did not stop these from raccoons searching around for a snack. Now, given this situation…I can relate! 😆
Warm Regards,
Debra
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), raccoons are monogamous and breed primarily in late winter (January and February) after their first or second year. Following a gestation period of approximately 2 months, females give birth in April or May to a litter of two to four pups in a hollow den tree. Female raccoons wean their young at 16 weeks and continue to care for them for approximately 9 months. Raccoons inhabit most of the United States, including all of South Carolina, with population densities being higher along coastal areas than inland.
On Sunday, I enjoyed a short and soul-cleansing hike at Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve. The area has a high vibration and calmness that clears away any stress. The trail is an easy hike about a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked loop located near Cleveland, South Carolina on Persimmon Ridge Road. The trail is used for hiking, walking, bird watching. Dogs are allowed on the trail too. What is magical about this place is that you can get to the top of the Blue Ridge cliff and have a wonderful view looking South into Northern Carolina.
Credit: Map from SC Trails Program
Eva Russell Chandler is home to several rare plant species including Grass-of-Parnassus, Indian paintbrush, and Divided-Leaf Groundsel. I found another rare species not yet identified on this trail, ‘Dimple Trout Lily’. More information on Dimple Trout Lily is in this link.
Here is more information from a fellow blogger, Mark’s Photo Travel in this link.
I would put this on my visit list for anyone here in South Carolina or just visiting!
➡️ Address: Persimmon Ridge Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635
It is located about 7 miles from the entrance where Persimmon Ridge Rd connects to 276 highway. Once up drive up a hill, there is a large sign that clearly marks the preserve.
One of the many reasons I like to visit Table Rock State Park is that I can visit the funky mallard duck that swims by each day. But seriously, it’s one of the best places to go and chill during the week or weekend. The visitors center has an adorable shop and lovely sales on hoodies, blankets, hats, and home decor.
Then there’s a dock where you can admire a closer view of Table Rock Mountain. That’s where I met my funky duck friend. Watch him on youtube here. Also, you can rent paddle boats or canoes during the summer months.
This place is magical. If you are visiting South Carolina, stop by to refresh and renew.
For information click on this link.
Kind Regards,
Debra & Kurt
This one is my favorites. I had mentioned in a previous post how much I adore the coyotes I hear at night. See post here.
Well, I guess it’s lunchtime!
A coyote’s keen senses help them survive. With eyes that can spot the smallest movement, ears that can hear the faintest rustle, and legs designed for racing.
—Diane Swanson
Hey Friends,
Here are two adorable pictures from the trail camera of the bears that usually hang around my backyard.
Warm Regards,
Debra Roinestad
Last year, the bears were hungry and went after the bird feeder on my deck. Then they visited me again…this time to show off their baby cubs!
To read more about this hairy situation click on this previous post below.
I have been busy reviewing all my tail camera footage and found a white squirrel that hangs in the back of my cabin. I had posted previously another video of this cutie… you can click the underlined link to view it here.
Also, I will be adding new trail cameras within a few weeks to capture more wildlife. So stay tuned!
Warm Wishes,
“I like squirrels. They’re so adventurous.”
—Gabby Douglas
This teenage buck was so curious of the trail camera. He came so close… I guess he is proud of his large horns.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” —Norma Desmond
