Most Popular Post

Friday 23 December 2016

Reindeer pause

Buchans, Newfoundland is located in the central part of the island, surrounded by wilderness and abundant wildlife. On the way to and from Buchans these days, you may have to pause and share the road with reindeer, known as caribou in North America. 

 

The animals are migrating this time of year to winter grazing areas with plenty of caribou moss, their winter food source.

 

When we lived in Buchans, driving over the highway was often a wildlife adventure. We saw many animals over the years, black bears, foxes, lynx, rabbits, moose and caribou. One night, we encountered hundreds of frogs crossing one section of the highway. Now, the caribou are numerous, more dangerous to motorists, but beautiful in their natural habitat.

 

I suspect they are in training, in case Santa needs them on Christmas Eve. His own reindeer may be tired and need a rest as they travel around Newfoundland. Even the caribou in Newfoundland are eager to help those who come from away.

 

Photos by Reneé Michelle Ball. Thank you, Reneé.

28 comments:

Shammickite said...

I've been surrounded by caribou on the southern part of the Avalon. Driving slowly along the road and a big caribou just refused to get out of the way. But that was in the spring, no snow. These are great pictures!

DJan said...

Looks really cold to me! Love the pretty caribou, Marie. They do look festive. :-)

Anvilcloud said...

This is pretty darn cool.

Celia said...

Hope they have a good winter. We mostly see deer and the occasional moose on the road here, nothing like this, great photos.

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! That is neat....such large numbers. Plus a winter wonderland! Andrea

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I only ever thought Newfoundland was overrun by MOOSE! How wrong I was.

Silver in AZ said...

wow, that is AWESOME! The only time I've been close to real reindeer, man where they smelly creatures!

Elephant's Child said...

Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
The stuff of Christmas cards at your door (well nearly).
As I swelter in yet another hot day, these images are cool balm.
Thank you.

Marie Smith said...

Reneé did a great job on the pictures.

Marie Smith said...

They are ready for Santa, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Great, isn't it, AC.

Marie Smith said...

They are beautiful creatures, Celia.

Marie Smith said...

It is indeed a winter wonderland. That area of Newfoundland is an outdoor person's paradise, Andrea.

Marie Smith said...

The caribou herds are a wonder to see, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

SW, I've never been close enough to the wild ones to be able to smell them, thankfully.

Marie Smith said...

I noticed the temperatures in Australia. Stay cool and hydrated, EC.

Angela said...

Oh my goodness!!! This must be a wonderful sight to see! Beautiful!
Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! Peace, joy, good health and all things lovely!

Marie Smith said...

And so to you, Angela.

These are beautiful creatures, aren't they?

Barbara said...

I never knew caribou and reindeer were the same thing. Geez. Sixty something and I'm just now hearing this. I feel foolish.

The Furry Gnome said...

Never knew about the caribou in Newfoundland.

Marie Smith said...

Barbara, i didn't know it until a few years ago. It doesn't come up much in regular conversation after all.

Marie Smith said...

There are lots of them, FG.

Joni said...

Wow! Fabulous photos! Merry Christmas Marie!

Down by the sea said...

Wonderful images! Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

Reneé did a great job on the photos, didn't she, Connie?

Marie Smith said...

The really are, Sarah!

The Happy Whisk said...

Oh my gosh, that's fantastic. I mean, WOW!!!!!!

Marie Smith said...

I know, Reneé did a great job!