In the Spotlight: Canada Geese

Our sister site, LoveCanadaGeese, drew our attention to the incredible wildlife photography of Winnipeg Free Press photojournalist Joe Bryksa who recently completed a 30 day project to capture the many faces of our beloved Canada Geese.  Check out Joe’s work as the pics are truly something special, guaranteed to touch the heart of any wildlife lover.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/multimedia/pov/A-goose-a-day-150127825.html 

Baby Skunk Updates

Good news to report on my orphaned baby skunks.  Earlier in the week I contacted wild skunk rehabilitators and was told the kittens looked to be about seven weeks old.  The tots stay with mama until the autumn so we’re certain she has died.  Striped skunks eat mainly bugs so I’m not concerned about lack of food for my toddlers but rather worry they might get out on the road.  So far they have managed to stay pretty close to home.  Fingers and toes crossed! 

Since these little darlings came into my life I’ve done quite a bit of research into wild skunks and have been deeply saddened to learn their lives are so short.  In captivity they can live up to ten years but out in the wild the average life expectancy is only two or three years.  Disease, dogs and man (of course) are their main predators.  The slow-moving skunk’s natural defense mechanism is to stand and face down an enemy which makes her an easy target for automobiles.

People tend to think they will spray a human on sight but truth be told they warn us with a little front foot dance first.  If one encounters a wild skunk, merely move out of her way and go about your business.  These adorable little creatures do so much good eating grubs and other bugs that destroy lawns and gardens.  They are sweet gentle little souls who deserve our protection.  If you see one in the road, PLEASE, PLEASE give her a BRAKE!

Petunia, of Bon Bon Pond

Friday Wishes!

Bon Bon's Bloomin'!

They’re groovy, man!  Can ya’ dig em’! 

Two of my favorite flowering shrubs are the Annabelle Hydrangea and the Gold Flame Spirea.  Both require little maintenance, grow in normally inhospitable places and reliably produce the loveliest blooms.  Around these parts, these amazing perennials have earned the reputation of highest honor:  Hardy Minnesotans.

Annabelle Hydrangea

Gold Flame Spirea

Nightly Robbery!

Those rascally raccoons are raising a ruckus with the bird feeders.  It’s gotten so bad I now have to bring in even the top of the pole units.  I recently read an online article that said raccoons can remember for up to three years where they found food once.  Unbelievable!

Happy Hump Day!

New Residents!

Exciting news to report regarding the suet feeder tray experiment. In addition to the Eastern Phoebes, the Blue Jays and White Breasted Nuthatches are enjoying the setup.  But most importantly, it has attracted a new bird to Bon Bon Pond.  The Eastern Kingbird is a beautiful gray bird, reminiscent of the Phoebe, but with a white belly and an attractive white band across the tail.  My bible Birds of Minnesota describes these avians as ‘fruit and insect eaters.” Sorry, Stan, but they also enjoy suet--at least here.

Eastern Kingbird

Too Cute for Words!

 

 

I have a confession to make.  I am hopelessly, head-over heels in love . . . with my baby skunks.  The last few days, watching them run around the yard in search of bugs and other creepy crawlies has been a delight.  In fact,  the Three Musketeers are capturing hearts and gaining fans fast.  First it was friends, today, the appliance repairman!  Next, they will need their own website!

 

  

Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead

Summer Flowers Around the Pond

 

 

Last autumn’s transplanted bulbs are actually producing flowers!  And gorgeous ones at that!  Special thanks to my wildlife for leaving a few alone for me to enjoy!

The Coffee Klatsch

Have you ever been serenaded by the birds?  Well, actually, it’s more of a noisy scolding.  The raccoons have been on a rampage as of late requiring me to bring in all the feeders at night which has greatly upset my “early birds.”  It takes one cup of coffee before I can head out to hang up the num num.  The darling Downys, in particular,  perform quite the chorus of  admonitions outside my office window.  “Get up earlier!  We are hungry!”  I’m coming, little friends . . . 

Warmest Weekend Wishes!

Black and White Babies!

 

More babies around Bon Bon Pond!  These two adorable little guys were spotted tonight rooting around the front yard.  Judging from the odor emanating from the backyard Potentillas, I had a feeling a skunk was in the area but had no idea it was a family.  They sure are friendly little critters.  I had some work to do outside and was apprehensive how they would respond to me.  No fear whatsoever.  But then when you are a skunk, I guess there’s not much to worry about.  I watched them for over an hour.  They joined the rabbits and munched on clover.

A few years back we had a skunk that walked with a bad limp.  He moved so slow and would often hobble up and down the driveway.  Poor old fella.   I felt so sorry for him.  I conducted research online and discovered older skunks are particularly prone to hip dysplasia.