One of my great pleasures was to be scolded by an
Osprey who was guarding her nest. It was located at the tippy-top of an
old redwood snag, probably 100' or more high, and made of sticks, so it looked
like a little hat perched up there. Mama osprey was cussing me up one side
and down the other for invading her territory, although I've been riding that
trail forever, and I certainly wasn't going to climb up a redwood snag to
disturb her family. It was pure joy to see such a rare creature in our
area. Only a few local riders know about her, and they are all family
members who wouldn't dream of shooting her.
I've learned never tell anyone what fabulous
wildlife you see except those who you know enjoy seeing it (alive) as well.
Someone working in the land management area once told me that they know there
are panthers/cougars/mtn. lions in them there woods but when people report it
they play it off.
Why? Because if the word gets out, then there is
always somebody who is going to shoot it. They shoot the otters, beavers,
eagles and whatever else they can. Why? Because they are idiots.
Half of the enjoyment of riding for hours at a
time, other than just being with your horse and friends is discovering nature
at its best. Birds of prey hunting, turtles laying eggs, otters playing in a
pond and the occasional sighting of a big, beautiful cat. So let's keep it to
ourselves :)
