Dear, Deer Island...

I had another magical walk on Deer Island this morning. It was one animal appearance after another. First as I emerged out of the little woods, there was a huge coyote about 5 yards off the trail standing on the grassy hillside. I stood still and looked at him for 5 minutes. I would move a little down the trail path and he shadowed me on the hillside. But nothing threatening -- we just were checking each other out, and if you believe at all in animal shamanism, well there was an energy exchange, I can I tell you that! Our little "conversation" was rudely interrupted by two Red-Tailed hawks that burst out of the neighboring trees, calling up a storm with their sharp, short voices. I called back to them and scared the bejesus out of the coyote. He stood there in shock while I made my get away. Next I saw deer, then on top of the ridge (where I can see Rocky Ridge and far away Mt. Diablo to the east) a big Harrier swooped down near me. Off in teh distance I could hear the calls of White-Tailed kites and Sparrowhawks. The only thing missing was a bobcat -- maybe one day! Here are photos on Flicker of my altered book Deer Island Odyssey. Have a wonderful, magical, day!