June 12, 2003

"Wildlife Viewing On Basin Depot Road Part II" (Basin Depot Road)

MAP

See http://toporama.cits.rncan.gc.ca/images/b50k/03/031f12.gif.

PICTURES

Moose Stepping Out Of Pond

TRIP REPORT

Although quite tired, we couldn't resist another drive up Basin Depot Road. And again, we were not disappointed. This time we spotted several deer, some in swamps and meadows, and some bolting across the road.

Driving across a small single-lane wooden bridge, Julie spotted a bull moose a short distance away snacking in a marshy area. We stopped and turned off the engine, and eventually decided to stand beside the van and try to take some photos. He was well aware of our presence, and after a minute or two he clearly had seen enough of us, and went into some denser brush.

We drove the length of the road and this time there was no one at the hydro line, so we drove over the bridge and looked at the Bonnechere River, which is still navigable here - but not much more than 10 feet across.

It was back on the road and hoping to see another black bear. No such luck, but returning to the bridge and marsh area, the same bull was trotting right down the road! We stopped, and he slowed to a walk before idling down a bank and into the swamp. He made some sort of noise and it sounded like he got an answer. We postulated that he was signalling to a mate, and sure enough, a cow came sauntering out of the woods to join him. We weren't able to get a picture of them together, but it was great fun to watch them travelling across the swamp. The female was quite curious about us, looking back frequently with ears pointed like antennae, but exercising no urgency in her stride.

It was getting dark and it had been yet another active day, so we drove back to the cottage more than satisfied with another evening on Basin Depot Road.