On Apr 27, 6:09*am, Frank Reid © 2008 wrote:
SNIP

". . . . , in terms of
understanding how small we really are when surrounded by a fully
engaged predator/prey chain, very successful.
Frank Reid

For sure. Well described Frank. Those moments of unapologetic wildness
totally make a good day, even worth bad weather, fatigue, a bit of
hurt etc.. For me they are a link as a former primary predator, to
the coyotes, owls, Eagles, etc.. Right now, around here its the
mating cycle. We see eagles so high in the lower clouds, jockeying for
position, hooking up and tumbling hundreds of feet. Pilated (?), big
NW woodpeckers yak it up and get all ruffled getting it on. The
Canadas get all freaky and a few seem to get killed this time of year
sticking their necks out for nooky if I were to guess. Sometimes the
passionate Sea Lions bark all nite here.

But seeing some of the other creatures hunt is what really does it for
me. Brings to mind some old forester showing us how to read a cougar
kill on a forestry 101 "tour" put together by Bob W. a few years ago.

Dave