Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) saying hello
Oh, hello there, Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). It seems as if there is nothing to see here, yes? The poor little thing was frozen in place while we had a staring contest. I was the first one who blinked, moving ever so slightly, and it dashed back off behind the tree. I hope it did not think it was invisible until then. Either way it was a very cute moment in November nature. I wish it the best for winter season and hope it has a large cache of food to snack on between naps. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite-tailed Deer name origin
Let’s take a few moments to discuss the name origin of the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and how it came to be known…well, OK then. Never mind. I think we cracked the case on that mystery. Maybe next time we can examine why the Yellow Warbler has such a colorful name. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreVenomous shrew slaughtered by cat
The following is a photo of the head and upper body of what appears to be a Northern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda). Where did I find this deceased and otherwise tough to spot and secretive mammal? In its natural habitat, of course – the floor of a closed garage! The half of the body you cannot see has been devoured by a cat who does not leave a locked garage and the connected basement and is never permitted to even see an open door, let alone venture outside it. It would seem this shrew decided to come inside…looking for a snack? After taking a wrong turn with its poor...
Read MoreAmerican Crow hunting acorns
I spotted this American Crow having a delightful time watching all of the action around it as more American Crows plus Blue Jays, squirrels and chipmunks all eagerly grabbed countless acorns under an oak tree. In this shot it almost seemed like it was gleefully sizing up the tree, taking an account of how much stock was left in this giant store. There are feeding frenzies going on all around us with wildlife storing food for the winter during a very helpful warm November stretch. That is about to end as colder than average temperatures are coming for the mid-month with some snow in the...
Read MoreFruit-eating Bats (Carollia castanea)
Have you ever had any bats visit your hummingbird feeders? Twan captured these great photos of Fruit-eating Bats (Carollia castanea) doing just that years ago in Costa Rica. These nectar eaters take over the skies after the sun goes down, as they will tonight…
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