Beaver observation (Apr 6, 2024) – long-distance leap-dive

This is a brief post to write down an observation of a beaver leaping forth about twice its body length to 'fly' into the water from the shore on fairly level grounds. Typically, I attempt not to disturb the beavers when I am observing them. However, during these years, there have, of course, been instances …

Regarding beaver foraging requirements and preferences

Recently I wrote a post (Do beavers prefer woodland edge trees?) in which I discussed why beavers might prefer trees growing in edge habitats (vs. mature forest interior within reach for the beaver). I realized that there is a paucity of studies dedicated to which specific nutrients and what type of woody plant structures beaver …

Beaver foraging activity peaks and lows (leading to hypothesis on functions of anal gland secretions)

As I have been observing our local beaver population (6 or 7 families, I am still not determinedly certain which), I typically leave home at a specific time - at around 2 am (to quarter an hour). However, sometimes I cannot leave at the exact hour and I delay the observations by 1 - 1.5 …

Do beavers prefer woodland edge trees?

During my beaver observations I have noticed that beavers most gladly forage along the river channel which is, of course, logical because it is close to safety and trees/shrubs growing near the water (unless heavily waterlogged for extended periods) might be lush and easily regenerating due to the influx of light, water and nutrients. However, …

Beaver observation (Mar 20, 2024) – interaction with American mink

On March 20, I was sitting in an observation spot by the river when I heard a beaver slapping its tail against the water slightly downstream. I was somewhat surprised because I was sheltered from view, the wind was blowing in the upstream direction (I would rather smell the beaver than it would me) and …

Beaver observations – an interesting family home arrangement

I am about to describe the territorial arrangement of a beaver family which lives on a segment that has some riparian woodland on one side and hayfield as well as private property (riparian shrubs cleared) on the other side. I am not perfectly certain how far their range extends. Downstream, there is a bridge over …

Beaver observation (Mar 14, 2024) – a locally exceptional family structure

This morning I visited a beaver family which I get to observe comparatively rarely because their territory is difficult to access. Part of it (one side of the river) is private property and the other part (the other side of the river) can only be accessed by making a very long walk around because there …

Beaver observation (Mar 13, 2024) – last year’s kit protecting mother?

Tonight I was sitting by the river in a spot where beavers sometime swim by although rarely they feed there actively. After some time, I noticed an adult beaver swimming and locating itself in a spot where there is some bare alluvial ground between the slope and the stream. I am not certain whether the …

Beaver observation (Mar 7, 2024) – sending a warning despite an ensuing conflict possibility

This morning I was walking along the riparian forest trails. In a spot where beavers can sometimes be found, I heard tail slapping although it appeared somewhat cautious to me, as if unsure, although the beaver seemed large in size. I thought that the beaver had not been certain regarding my presence because I was …

Beaver feeding behaviour observations – periodic shifts in foraging sites

As I have been visiting (observing) our local beaver colonies (I prefer calling them families), I have noticed a certain tendency for the beavers to shift their predominant foraging locations (not on patch but on perhaps 100 - 200 m river channel segment) every week or so. I should note that I am referring to …