We usually visit the Parc monthly but we missed December, so we had some catching up to do...
The arctic wolves that were moved to the Parc entrance last fall were finally out walking where we could get a good look at them. There has been an elaborate den built for them.
There are always a few frozen waterfalls in the winter, but one was quite eye catching as we headed into the drive.
We arrived right at opening time, only two elk toll collectors were at the gate and very few animals on the first kilometre or so along the road. We spotted some red deer on the far side of the lake. Seemed to be some light jousting happening. There was more jousting, some more serious, in other areas of the Parc as well
A fallow deer and a red deer gave us a close-up of their antlers to show us the differences.
Fallow Deer
Red Deer
A young fallow deer seemed to have some malformed antlers that were growing back towards its head. Looking at the fallow deer above, the first tips are supposed to grown upwards, his were growing back and downwards. The Parc staff must have spotted it and trimmed the misguided piece.
Another fallow deer came over to check us out. It was the one with the malformed facial structure, We had spotted him on another visit. Seems to be none the worse for wear.
Two red deer and an elk noticed we had stopped to take photos. They came by hoping for a carrot handout. We had none. One of the red deer had a very disappointed look on its face. The elk looked quite askance at us for having none. We don't always bring carrots as it is very difficult to take photos with the elk and deer mobbing the car when they smell the carrots.
A small group of fallow deer had gathered around a salt lick.
We almost missed the buffalo/bison, they were off in the woods. It was cold enough that you could see the buffalo's breath.
With a little help from Ai software, I was able to salvage a non-obstructed view of one of the female mooses. (A;though I still blew the shot by cutting off its back legs!) Before and after photos🙄)
The Przewalski horses seemed to have grown a thick coat and didn't seem to be minding the cold
The boars had grown thick coats as well, but they are spoiled as they have hay lined condos to spend the night in.
The grey wolves (used to be signed as black wolves) were looking very relaxed. With the bits of bones around, it was obvious they were busy digesting their big feeding
The bird feeding platform was very busy with blue jays, chickadees, juncos and red squirrels
At one point the snow flurries were quite heavy
The fur coats on the young elk offered enough insulation that the snow flakes didn't melt
The young fallow deer were seeking shelter though
The hay bale after enough hungry deer and elk had had a bite, ended up looking like an apple core
The Parc announced they had acquired some Corsican Mouflon several months ago. They were located in a drive-through section with arctic foxes, but despite many visits we never saw them. Finally we saw them on this visit. It was obvious there was a hierarchy established between the two males and one female.
The arctic foxes with white coats almost were invisible to see against the snow. One fox was more of a grey morph, he was easy to spot.
Speaking of foxes, a wild red fox had sneaked in to the Parc and was likely enjoying the free pickings. I had a 5 second look at him as he ran through the woods.
In previous years I don't remember few, if any, pigeons in the Parc. But this year they are appearing in growing numbers. This photo is one small flock. They too are enjoying the free pickings.
Don't think I had vere seen so many wild turkeys in the Parc at one time. There was even a white one in the flock.
The Rocky Mountain goats with their layer of fur and underlining wool don't mind the cold. There was some body language being expressed between two of them. (see video) The silver foxes seemed quite at home in the snowy cold.
The coyotes now share various enclosures with the bears. With the bears being in hibernation, the coyotes have free run.
In one area a male fallow deer seemed to be trying to maintain his harem through the winter
Much different than when we arrived, there was a sizeable gathering of elk, red deer and fallow deer close to the Parc entrance as we were finishing our visit.
