Category: WildLife

First Turkey of the Year

Every year should have some Firsts in it.

Preferably one a week. More often if they’re welcome Firsts. Less often if they’re not.

Here we see the first Turkey of the year, and a fine specimen this joyous creature is!

We always wonder if, when we see the first of something in The Wild, is it a scout or a harbinger.

Considering the number of turkeys we’ve entertained at any one moment, we suspect neither.

More like someone getting to the table early, better to get the best seat and the tastiest offerings.

We’ll let you know.

 

Ophelia Loves NPR’s “Morning Edition”

We start out a little out of focus, then resolve to clarity.

Crystal clarity, according to the original Outer Limits‘ Control Voice.

I truly miss that show. Yes, it’s dated, and yes, the special effects are laughable by today’s standards.

And if you think that’s what the show was about, …then I don’t know. I definitely don’t know you.

Nor do I want to.

Once in focus (and no doubt with a few coffees under our belt), we see Ophelia, an Opossum having breakfast with NPR’s Morning Edition playing in the background.

Wise, Opossums are.

Truly wise.

 

Fenwick Dines

I mentioned in Smart Critters, Each and Every One both male and female Raccoons are glorifying us with their presence.

To prove my point, behold Fenwick, a might male raccoon.

A rather direct and focused eater, Fenwick doesn’t entertain small talk. He prefers Two-Legs get to the point ASAP.

Said point being, “Here’s your peanuts, Fenwick.”

I like that about The Wild.

Not a lot of putzin’ around. Let’s do it, get things done, there’ll be time for chatting later.

Yeah, right, most of them take off after they’ve filled their bellies.

How male, huh?

 

Smart Critters, Each and Every One

Ah, Glorious Raccoons.

(you have to include that “Glorious” part or they get cranky)

Tonight we entertain several of these furry beasties, at this point recently awoken from their winter slumbers.

I’ve noted previously that Raccoons don’t truly hibernate so much as go dormant.

So perhaps, more correctly, “…recently awoken from their winter dormancy.”?

In any case, several Raccoons deigned to join us on this fine, crisp, slightly past mid-winter’s eve.

Thank Hrycuna (the Raccoons‘ diety. Also their language) we regularly stock up on peanuts, dog food (they prefer the bacon flavor to the chicken flavor), and cookies (we haven’t found their faves, peanut cookies, in several years. If you know where we can find them, do tell.
Better yet, send us a box. Oh, come on, at least one or two packs. We’ll take it from there).

It is too early in the season for their kits to be about. It’s doubtful the females have kitted at this time. Far too early in the season.

Another indication is that both male and female gather together (“…to ask…Hrycuna’s blessing…”) at the baskets. Mothers near term and those with kits will challenge males and force them elsewhere.

Reminds one of Virginia Graham‘s Girl Talk…

 
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Opie Visits

I noted the absence of Opossum from our posts in The Return of Opie.

Perhaps Opossum took umbrage at that.

No sooner did I mention The Mighty Oaps absence, then Opossum visited us again.

Somewhere in the background is Olivia, a female.

Don’t know if they’re related by blood or marriage.

Don’t really want to ask.

Remember Opossum’s bare tolerance of Two-Leggers, “Beware my pointy teeth.”