Friday, May 23, 2008

The Joys of Country Life!

I know that even with the photo enlarged that you won't be able to tell what the arrow is pointing to, but let me assure you it's a skunk! And I certainly won't apologize for not getting a better photo as I wasn't about to get much closer!


I was just finishing up a new commission when I glanced out of my studio window. I couldn't tell what kind of animal this was but I had seen a skunk yesterday mid-morning as I was leaving the farm and wondered if he had returned. I got the binoculars and, sure enough, either he/she had come back or had a friend who was checking out the place!

It's highly unusual for a skunk to be seen in broad daylight so I wonder if this one was rabid. This is the season for skunks to give birth and it could be that mama skunk is having difficulty finding enough food right now. The thick pine forest beside us was thinned recently and I'm sure some skunk habitat was destroyed. However, I wouldn't think that a skunk would need to be out in the daytime to find food around here. It's kind of suspicious to say the least.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a gray fox right before dusk and it was acting rather strangely also. At this time of the year especially, it's just best to be on your toes when it comes to wildlife.

2 comments:

Paulette said...

Your grove looks beautiful and healthy!
The Raccoons have recently begun their foraging in our garbages, I know spring is officially here!LOL

Jan said...

Thanks, Paulette. Those are pecan trees and they have not only survived a late killing freeze a couple of years ago but they've also survived last year's severe drought.

I think we'll have some pecans this year as they not only look healthy but but have "bloomed" heavily too.

Shame on those raccoons!