Hope I don't get in trouble... It's after 7 central and see nothing up for this yet so hope I am not stepping on any tootsies... I'll be in and out as was still 'at work'.
It appears my friends have all stepped back quickly and left me volunteered... It really stinks...
This is my prettiest dependent, we met at a mere 3' distance last weekend in the shed. It was hunting Cotton Rats (Sigmodon) so is more than welcome. Lives around here somewhere, but we never smell it. This is a Spotted Skunk. The tiny small ones that climb trees and such. Rarely we smell the Striped Skunk that lives under cottage, only after it had to defend itself. Striped are the better known 'standard basic' skunk a la one of my favorites, Pepe LePue. These Spotted are gorgeous.
Hope everyone is doing well!
up
16 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
That sure is a beautiful skunk of yours. Does each one have different markings?
Hope I don't get in trouble... It's after 7 central and see nothing up for this yet so hope I am not stepping on any tootsies... I'll be in and out as was still 'at work'.
It appears my friends have all stepped back quickly and left me volunteered... It really stinks...
This is my prettiest dependent, we met at a mere 3' distance last weekend in the shed. It was hunting Cotton Rats (Sigmodon) so is more than welcome. Lives around here somewhere, but we never smell it. This is a Spotted Skunk. The tiny small ones that climb trees and such. Rarely we smell the Striped Skunk that lives under cottage, only after it had to defend itself. Striped are the better known 'standard basic' skunk a la one of my favorites, Pepe LePue. These Spotted are gorgeous.
@janis b
I don't know if they are fingerprint different or not Janis, good question. Most of the pictures I see of them they look relatively the same. There are two species I think, Eastern and Western Spotted Skunk, and then subspecies within them. For instance there is a subspecies Island Spotted Skunk, found only on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, two of the socal channel islands. I used to lead tours to Cruz but never saw one, though it was when fox populations were high, which seems to somewhat coincide with low skunk numbers.
That sure is a beautiful skunk of yours. Does each one have different markings?
up
9 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
because the spotted skunk made me think of cats and how individual their markings.
It's hard to keep the balance between species. It's good that there are those like you who give them exposure and a history.
#1.1 I don't know if they are fingerprint different or not Janis, good question. Most of the pictures I see of them they look relatively the same. There are two species I think, Eastern and Western Spotted Skunk, and then subspecies within them. For instance there is a subspecies Island Spotted Skunk, found only on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, two of the socal channel islands. I used to lead tours to Cruz but never saw one, though it was when fox populations were high, which seems to somewhat coincide with low skunk numbers.
@dystopian
I spent most of my childhood living in the corn belt of SW Minnesota. Skunks were reasonably plentiful and were tolerated because they ate rodents—a real problem associated with corn production. A couple of kids I knew had pet skunks.
So why did the chicken cross the road? To prove to skunks it could be done. Turns out that even skunks lovers could occasionally run into one with their car. And even if the skunk could not fire his weapon, the smell from the collision would just explode into the night air. So yes, smelling the blast from a dying skunk was quite common to my childhood.
Trust me, you never forget that smell. Also, no matter the name, no pot has ever smelled like a skunk.
Hope I don't get in trouble... It's after 7 central and see nothing up for this yet so hope I am not stepping on any tootsies... I'll be in and out as was still 'at work'.
It appears my friends have all stepped back quickly and left me volunteered... It really stinks...
This is my prettiest dependent, we met at a mere 3' distance last weekend in the shed. It was hunting Cotton Rats (Sigmodon) so is more than welcome. Lives around here somewhere, but we never smell it. This is a Spotted Skunk. The tiny small ones that climb trees and such. Rarely we smell the Striped Skunk that lives under cottage, only after it had to defend itself. Striped are the better known 'standard basic' skunk a la one of my favorites, Pepe LePue. These Spotted are gorgeous.
on the Canadian border some drunk skunk ran under the car.
There was nothing to do but drive down the boat ramp and
put the car in the Muskeesmelly River until the we could breathe
again without gagging. Damn ripe one it was. Had to burn pine
scented incense the whole way home. Phewy. The cats and dogs
stopped pissing on the tires after that.
#1 I spent most of my childhood living in the corn belt of SW Minnesota. Skunks were reasonably plentiful and were tolerated because they ate rodents—a real problem associated with corn production. A couple of kids I knew had pet skunks.
So why did the chicken cross the road? To prove to skunks it could be done. Turns out that even skunks lovers could occasionally run into one with their car. And even if the skunk could not fire his weapon, the smell from the collision would just explode into the night air. So yes, smelling the blast from a dying skunk was quite common to my childhood.
Trust me, you never forget that smell. Also, no matter the name, no pot has ever smelled like a skunk.
I see them as allies ... they eat grubs (like Jap beetle).
Here's a critter photo taken from the San Juan River. Sorry I don't have a skunk shot.
up
8 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
I see them as allies ... they eat grubs (like Jap beetle).
Here's a critter photo taken from the San Juan River. Sorry I don't have a skunk shot.
up
6 users have voted.
—
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Looks like a female Western Fence Lizard but not sure, and likely a Cabbage White butterfly.
In the eastern U.S. and Canada the White-crowned Sparrow subspecies have smaller pink bills, and the black like behind eye continues through through it all the way to the bill. I grew up in socal with these orange billed birds. They nest all the way to Alaska and it is not out of the question that some you may have in winter are from that far away.
GREAT pics man! Thanks!
Never seen a spotted skunk before. Didn't even know they existed. Thanks for expanding my animal library.
Male House Finch
Mourning Dove
Immature White-crowned Sparrow
California Towhee
Male and female House Finch
Lizard with lunch
up
5 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Looks like a female Western Fence Lizard but not sure, and likely a Cabbage White butterfly.
In the eastern U.S. and Canada the White-crowned Sparrow subspecies have smaller pink bills, and the black like behind eye continues through through it all the way to the bill. I grew up in socal with these orange billed birds. They nest all the way to Alaska and it is not out of the question that some you may have in winter are from that far away.
GREAT pics man! Thanks!
up
5 users have voted.
—
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
The very 1st whiff of skunk is kinda nice but....yeah what an awful smell.
Went for a drive up where the rich folks live to see the valley. It was as clear as I’ve seen it and I wish I’d gone home and got my camera. Didn’t even think about it till I was home. Bummer. I watched as this storm came in and then left quickly.
Looking mostly south over Hill Air Force base
More west and towards the lake
I used to sit in the hot tub up on the north bench and watch the storms come in over the lake all summer. Back when we got monsoon seasons.
My. Ogden and if you look closely you can see the towers on the highest peak.
The backside was my playground during my youth-er years.
Did you see the towers? I used to hike up to them every spring with friends and co workers and slide down the snow in garbage bags. Lots of fun and lots of peril when going fast and seeing that rock pile coming up fastly and knowing that wearing a tube top and shorts wasn’t that good an idea. I stopped in time and all the men folks cheered! I’d fallen out of the tube top. lol. Oops too.
2 months apart
Ack...she’s a gawky teenager already.
up
12 users have voted.
—
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
The very 1st whiff of skunk is kinda nice but....yeah what an awful smell.
Went for a drive up where the rich folks live to see the valley. It was as clear as I’ve seen it and I wish I’d gone home and got my camera. Didn’t even think about it till I was home. Bummer. I watched as this storm came in and then left quickly.
Looking mostly south over Hill Air Force base
More west and towards the lake
I used to sit in the hot tub up on the north bench and watch the storms come in over the lake all summer. Back when we got monsoon seasons.
My. Ogden and if you look closely you can see the towers on the highest peak.
The backside was my playground during my youth-er years.
Did you see the towers? I used to hike up to them every spring with friends and co workers and slide down the snow in garbage bags. Lots of fun and lots of peril when going fast and seeing that rock pile coming up fastly and knowing that wearing a tube top and shorts wasn’t that good an idea. I stopped in time and all the men folks cheered! I’d fallen out of the tube top. lol. Oops too.
I’m way up on the bench. If you look at the Mt Ogden photo there’s a tree almost center and just where the snow ends is where I was but further south. Also if you follow the canyon to just before the end you’ll see a white speck. It’s the waterfall that is a popular hiking trail. I used to be able to reach it just over an hour. I was there about a decade ago with Abby. I’m going to attempt it this year. Wish me luck. Also once my friend and I went all the way to the top and we sat there overlooking the valley.
I keep forgetting the plans I keep making. Best start a list.
@snoopydawg
right on about the elevation, and please do be careful out there you and Sam, always. Don't be a ninny, you know what I mean. Ha ha! No, just be yourself and have have fun. YOLO you only live once
One of the Unloaders I worked with from the bread factory was called J.D., and his motto was "Do things high" because he was six foot four. LOL I'm tall but still couldn't reach the top of his stacked trays, they were artistic creations of balance in a cacophony of clanging machinery and baked oven gas. right on
The only dawg who ever picked me, I named her Ebony because I can't get Adam Curtis out of my head, apparently. Yes, now everything inside my head has been put there by popular culture of course. Injected and reconstituted as my own fine original thought. Original? wat
Did you hear Stevie Wonder is moving to Ghana? Again? I still love this song, and everything it was supposed to represent:
I’m way up on the bench. If you look at the Mt Ogden photo there’s a tree almost center and just where the snow ends is where I was but further south. Also if you follow the canyon to just before the end you’ll see a white speck. It’s the waterfall that is a popular hiking trail. I used to be able to reach it just over an hour. I was there about a decade ago with Abby. I’m going to attempt it this year. Wish me luck. Also once my friend and I went all the way to the top and we sat there overlooking the valley.
I keep forgetting the plans I keep making. Best start a list.
Even more special when she picked you to share her life with. She looks like Abby and Sam. I got Abby when she was 5 months and maybe she had some bad habits and why she was put up for adoption. I drove all the way to Pocatello to get her and boy was she a naughty puppy. I would walk her before work so she had no excuse for it. Dragging my butt out at 5:30 in the winter. You bet I caged her after her last destructive episode. I had never done that before, but I couldn't keep replacing window frames after she chewed them up.
But having Sam since puppyhood I think I have worked with her enough that she isn't going to go thru the destructive stage. One thing people point out when they meet her is how calm she is. And well behaved except for puppy things. Today she gets her first bath because Pe-U she stinks. There is a ditch in the field for drainage and one spot at the end collects the stagnant smelly stuff till the end and boy did she have fun. "Sam stay up. No don't go in there. Nooo Saaam come!" Boy did she have fun running up and down the ditch splashing water everywhere. Definitely a lab. 1st time she saw the stream in she went and it was January. Brrrr....
If I ever make it back to N Cal I will be looking you up. Care to spend a day at Bodega Bay with us? I'll treat to brunch at the Inn of the Tides if you do.
#5.1.1 right on about the elevation, and please do be careful out there you and Sam, always. Don't be a ninny, you know what I mean. Ha ha! No, just be yourself and have have fun. YOLO you only live once
One of the Unloaders I worked with from the bread factory was called J.D., and his motto was "Do things high" because he was six foot four. LOL I'm tall but still couldn't reach the top of his stacked trays, they were artistic creations of balance in a cacophony of clanging machinery and baked oven gas. right on
The only dawg who ever picked me, I named her Ebony because I can't get Adam Curtis out of my head, apparently. Yes, now everything inside my head has been put there by popular culture of course. Injected and reconstituted as my own fine original thought. Original? wat
Did you hear Stevie Wonder is moving to Ghana? Again? I still love this song, and everything it was supposed to represent:
@snoopydawg
hi, yeah let's keep dreaming. We could hike from here to Humboldt on The Redwood Trail one day too. Have you seen Humboldt Bay? Smoked Humboldt weed? magical stuff
Anyway Ebbs, as I used to call her was the runt of an eleven puppy litter. Eleventy! heh All the ten before her popped out gold or red. Her mom was my dad's last bird dog, he always had setters I think. As long as I can remember.
Ebony's mom was a pure bred Irish Setter, her akc registered name was Something Something of Minerva, my memory is as good as yours. lol She got loose once and got pregnant by what turned out to be a black Labrador mutt, nobody really knows. People happily took all those puppies, they looked like Golden Retrievers and had at least half the hunter genes. Minnie was the dumbest dog on earth, but she was really really beautiful. Gorgeous red coat, nothing at all between the ears. Ebbs was smart, and she was a great leaper much like coyotes hop when they go mousin' in the meadows. Funny.
Even more special when she picked you to share her life with. She looks like Abby and Sam. I got Abby when she was 5 months and maybe she had some bad habits and why she was put up for adoption. I drove all the way to Pocatello to get her and boy was she a naughty puppy. I would walk her before work so she had no excuse for it. Dragging my butt out at 5:30 in the winter. You bet I caged her after her last destructive episode. I had never done that before, but I couldn't keep replacing window frames after she chewed them up.
But having Sam since puppyhood I think I have worked with her enough that she isn't going to go thru the destructive stage. One thing people point out when they meet her is how calm she is. And well behaved except for puppy things. Today she gets her first bath because Pe-U she stinks. There is a ditch in the field for drainage and one spot at the end collects the stagnant smelly stuff till the end and boy did she have fun. "Sam stay up. No don't go in there. Nooo Saaam come!" Boy did she have fun running up and down the ditch splashing water everywhere. Definitely a lab. 1st time she saw the stream in she went and it was January. Brrrr....
If I ever make it back to N Cal I will be looking you up. Care to spend a day at Bodega Bay with us? I'll treat to brunch at the Inn of the Tides if you do.
I spent 2 weeks up in that area during a heat wave. I left the Central Valley to escape it. Big bummer it almost ruined the trip.
I try to get the runt, but this time it was a he so I didn’t. I’ve always had girl dawgs. Boys come with attitude. lol.
Ok it’s a date.
#5.1.1.1.1 hi, yeah let's keep dreaming. We could hike from here to Humboldt on The Redwood Trail one day too. Have you seen Humboldt Bay? Smoked Humboldt weed? magical stuff
Anyway Ebbs, as I used to call her was the runt of an eleven puppy litter. Eleventy! heh All the ten before her popped out gold or red. Her mom was my dad's last bird dog, he always had setters I think. As long as I can remember.
Ebony's mom was a pure bred Irish Setter, her akc registered name was Something Something of Minerva, my memory is as good as yours. lol She got loose once and got pregnant by what turned out to be a black Labrador mutt, nobody really knows. People happily took all those puppies, they looked like Golden Retrievers and had at least half the hunter genes. Minnie was the dumbest dog on earth, but she was really really beautiful. Gorgeous red coat, nothing at all between the ears. Ebbs was smart, and she was a great leaper much like coyotes hop when they go mousin' in the meadows. Funny.
Peace and Love
Free Hugs
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3 users have voted.
—
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
I finally got over it, but for years I slept and showered with one... being a nature boy it is risky to me going outside without it. In nature study you have to document anything unusual, and a lot of times in nature, you get one chance. I have documented hundreds of rare occurrences from birds to bugs in observations that only lasted seconds. Having irrefutable proof is everything in the world of claiming natural history records. So I don't leave home without it.
Thanks for the great pics!
The very 1st whiff of skunk is kinda nice but....yeah what an awful smell.
Went for a drive up where the rich folks live to see the valley. It was as clear as I’ve seen it and I wish I’d gone home and got my camera. Didn’t even think about it till I was home. Bummer. I watched as this storm came in and then left quickly.
Looking mostly south over Hill Air Force base
More west and towards the lake
I used to sit in the hot tub up on the north bench and watch the storms come in over the lake all summer. Back when we got monsoon seasons.
My. Ogden and if you look closely you can see the towers on the highest peak.
The backside was my playground during my youth-er years.
Did you see the towers? I used to hike up to them every spring with friends and co workers and slide down the snow in garbage bags. Lots of fun and lots of peril when going fast and seeing that rock pile coming up fastly and knowing that wearing a tube top and shorts wasn’t that good an idea. I stopped in time and all the men folks cheered! I’d fallen out of the tube top. lol. Oops too.
2 months apart
Ack...she’s a gawky teenager already.
up
9 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
I went out for photos and the light was crappy so I left everything in the car. You guessed it. I was more bummed about my lamb skin snoopy fanny pack then all my cameras and stuff. Of course it was a limited edition and I couldn’t find another one. I will start keeping my little pocket one in the car. It’s 10mpx but it loves to eat batteries. One of the last ones with a view finder. I don’t like the ones without because you can’t compose in bright light.
I finally got over it, but for years I slept and showered with one... being a nature boy it is risky to me going outside without it. In nature study you have to document anything unusual, and a lot of times in nature, you get one chance. I have documented hundreds of rare occurrences from birds to bugs in observations that only lasted seconds. Having irrefutable proof is everything in the world of claiming natural history records. So I don't leave home without it.
Thanks for the great pics!
up
6 users have voted.
—
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
@janis b
Those are beautiful images Janis! Awesome. I love that first one. Mostly so dark, and then so bright. Wow! Outstanding contrast and composition. The butterfly is great too. Is that a Monarch? Most excellent spot of light on it, perfect!
Thanks for the great images as always Janis!
I hope the earthquakes haven't rattled you too much... I grew up with them in socal so they are nothing to me, until they get past 6 I barely notice them. But 7 is MAJOR! Glad to see there hasn't been another bigger, hopefully the pressure got taken off.
be well!
All is well, and I hope you're enjoying the start of your weekend.
up
8 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
So far, the only earthquake I've felt is a simulated one in a safe, contained booth at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) in Auckland. I've also only come close to experiencing a Tsunami watching an animation of one. Both were enough for me.
#6 Those are beautiful images Janis! Awesome. I love that first one. Mostly so dark, and then so bright. Wow! Outstanding contrast and composition. The butterfly is great too. Is that a Monarch? Most excellent spot of light on it, perfect!
Thanks for the great images as always Janis!
I hope the earthquakes haven't rattled you too much... I grew up with them in socal so they are nothing to me, until they get past 6 I barely notice them. But 7 is MAJOR! Glad to see there hasn't been another bigger, hopefully the pressure got taken off.
So far, the only earthquake I've felt is a simulated one in a safe, contained booth at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) in Auckland. I've also only come close to experiencing a Tsunami watching an animation of one. Both were enough for me.
(spotted skunk) in the wild to the best of my recollection. Cool looking critter, but so are the stripies, just as long as you don't push their buttons. Rescued a litter of the striped ones once with the help of my wife.
be well and have a good one
up
9 users have voted.
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That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
@enhydra lutris@enhydra lutris
I never saw Spotted in CA that I can recall either, but they are there. Spotted are famous for standing on front legs and squirting. Which they can do in any direction as the discharge nozzles have 360 degree precision rotation and accuracy. They stamp first to warn, but I understand they are very hesitant to use it, you really have to threaten them. I was 3' from the one above, it seemed as surprised as I, however clearly I was the more nervous one.
I have seen Hog-nosed (aka Rooter) Skunk in Madera Canyon, Sta. Rita Mtns., in SE Arizona. One with about a half-dozen little babies behind it came into our camp once!
EDIT: P.S. Note the long long claws on the second shot, Spotted climbs trees.
(spotted skunk) in the wild to the best of my recollection. Cool looking critter, but so are the stripies, just as long as you don't push their buttons. Rescued a litter of the striped ones once with the help of my wife.
be well and have a good one
up
10 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
post it as a comapanion to Lookout's Desert (or Peninsular) Bighorn, since that's where I snapped it. In particular, the Spanish for Desert Bighorn is Borrego, and my favorite desert is Anza Borrego, which is where I got the coyote pic.
be well and have a good one
up
7 users have voted.
—
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
post it as a comapanion to Lookout's Desert (or Peninsular) Bighorn, since that's where I snapped it. In particular, the Spanish for Desert Bighorn is Borrego, and my favorite desert is Anza Borrego, which is where I got the coyote pic.
be well and have a good one
up
6 users have voted.
—
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
We had a little of every kind of wildlife that could be seen in middle TN go through our yard and especially along the spring fed creek. The otters and a beaver were the most exotic.
We were shocked the first time we saw deer along the ridge south of us here. We see mostly birds instead of mammals near the house. The dozens of street dogs probably keep everything else away.
The most exotic animal I’ve heard of was by a gringo friend a quarter mile further up the mountain. He had an Andean porcupine in his yard last year. They’re really different and terribly cute. I don’t have a photo but looking it up is worth the time.
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8 users have voted.
—
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
It looks more like a hedgehog to me than any porcupine I've known.
We had a little of every kind of wildlife that could be seen in middle TN go through our yard and especially along the spring fed creek. The otters and a beaver were the most exotic.
We were shocked the first time we saw deer along the ridge south of us here. We see mostly birds instead of mammals near the house. The dozens of street dogs probably keep everything else away.
The most exotic animal I’ve heard of was by a gringo friend a quarter mile further up the mountain. He had an Andean porcupine in his yard last year. They’re really different and terribly cute. I don’t have a photo but looking it up is worth the time.
@janis b
and why I didn't just post one. Gerard said it was very docile and was totally unbothered by his two dogs barking and bouncing around it like maniacs. They did seem to have the good sense not to get too close.
@vtcc73@vtcc73
Yeah that is a neat beast, the Andean Porcupine. My what a big nose they have. Those are very short-spined as well. The African one has super long spines. Here in the states ours are longish. Ours here, and I think maybe all of them, are bark eaters. They will kill a tree. Most locals here shoot them for that or because 'their dogs will just get into them' if they don't. Meanwhile they bulldoze trees all year long.
P.S. to Janis: thanks for the pic !
We had a little of every kind of wildlife that could be seen in middle TN go through our yard and especially along the spring fed creek. The otters and a beaver were the most exotic.
We were shocked the first time we saw deer along the ridge south of us here. We see mostly birds instead of mammals near the house. The dozens of street dogs probably keep everything else away.
The most exotic animal I’ve heard of was by a gringo friend a quarter mile further up the mountain. He had an Andean porcupine in his yard last year. They’re really different and terribly cute. I don’t have a photo but looking it up is worth the time.
up
4 users have voted.
—
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
He's being erased because he allegedly normalizes and perpetuates rape culture, according to NYT columnist Charles M. Blow[hard].
The odd thing here is that Pepe's over-the-top behavior (and his perpetual frustration) is clearly meant to show that this is NOT how to treat girls/women.
Comments
Hi y'all
Hope I don't get in trouble... It's after 7 central and see nothing up for this yet so hope I am not stepping on any tootsies... I'll be in and out as was still 'at work'.
It really stinks... 
It appears my friends have all stepped back quickly and left me volunteered...
This is my prettiest dependent, we met at a mere 3' distance last weekend in the shed. It was hunting Cotton Rats (Sigmodon) so is more than welcome. Lives around here somewhere, but we never smell it. This is a Spotted Skunk. The tiny small ones that climb trees and such. Rarely we smell the Striped Skunk that lives under cottage, only after it had to defend itself. Striped are the better known 'standard basic' skunk a la one of my favorites, Pepe LePue. These Spotted are gorgeous.
Hope everyone is doing well!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Your friends stink, dystopian!
Thank you for tolerating us ; ).
That sure is a beautiful skunk of yours. Does each one have different markings?
Thanks Janis ;)
I don't know if they are fingerprint different or not Janis, good question. Most of the pictures I see of them they look relatively the same. There are two species I think, Eastern and Western Spotted Skunk, and then subspecies within them. For instance there is a subspecies Island Spotted Skunk, found only on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, two of the socal channel islands. I used to lead tours to Cruz but never saw one, though it was when fox populations were high, which seems to somewhat coincide with low skunk numbers.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
I only thought to ask
because the spotted skunk made me think of cats and how individual their markings.
It's hard to keep the balance between species. It's good that there are those like you who give them exposure and a history.
Striped Skunks REALLY stink
I spent most of my childhood living in the corn belt of SW Minnesota. Skunks were reasonably plentiful and were tolerated because they ate rodents—a real problem associated with corn production. A couple of kids I knew had pet skunks.
So why did the chicken cross the road? To prove to skunks it could be done. Turns out that even skunks lovers could occasionally run into one with their car. And even if the skunk could not fire his weapon, the smell from the collision would just explode into the night air. So yes, smelling the blast from a dying skunk was quite common to my childhood.
Trust me, you never forget that smell. Also, no matter the name, no pot has ever smelled like a skunk.
Driving along a road in Vermont
on the Canadian border some drunk skunk ran under the car.
There was nothing to do but drive down the boat ramp and
put the car in the Muskeesmelly River until the we could breathe
again without gagging. Damn ripe one it was. Had to burn pine
scented incense the whole way home. Phewy. The cats and dogs
stopped pissing on the tires after that.
question everything
A nice story for a change! Cats rescued by Thai Navy
Thai navy sailors brave choppy seas to rescue four cats from sinking ship on fire in Andaman Sea
https://news.sky.com/story/thai-navy-in-purr-fect-rescue-of-four-cats-ab... Great leading photo.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
Yep great picture
Happy story. Thanks.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
Wow, cool skunk!
We used to have an albino skunk around here.
Reminds me of the pole cat blues...
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu_X_HVuv58]
I see them as allies ... they eat grubs (like Jap beetle).
Here's a critter photo taken from the San Juan River. Sorry I don't have a skunk shot.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Hi LO!
Awesome Bighorn Sheep. Is that San Juan as in Colorado maybe?
An albino skunk is amazing! That is incredible, have heard of them. Was it a Striped or Spotted?
Thanks for the tune!
There is a guy here with a sign for his place that reads "Polecat Heights".
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
YouTube presented this ...
black skunk blues
[video:https://youtu.be/AdoEqg6RWyQ]
nice song J!
great tune Janis, thanks!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Yes CO and Utah
Along the River. Great trip.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Hey LO - looks like Desert Bighorn, aka Borrego.
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Thanks for Friday night photos tonight, dystopian.
Never seen a spotted skunk before. Didn't even know they existed. Thanks for expanding my animal library.
Male House Finch
Mourning Dove
Immature White-crowned Sparrow
California Towhee
Male and female House Finch
Lizard with lunch
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
Hi Social
I really like the mourning dove bathing, and the birdhouse is a beautiful thing. It looks like your rosemary is popular.
Thank you, Janis.
This time of year when the rosemary flowers are blossoming does attract a lot of visitors.
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
GREAT pics SP!
Awesome bird photos SP! Outstanding! Beautiful!
Looks like a female Western Fence Lizard but not sure, and likely a Cabbage White butterfly.
In the eastern U.S. and Canada the White-crowned Sparrow subspecies have smaller pink bills, and the black like behind eye continues through through it all the way to the bill. I grew up in socal with these orange billed birds. They nest all the way to Alaska and it is not out of the question that some you may have in winter are from that far away.
GREAT pics man! Thanks!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Thank you, dystopian.
I don't know my reptiles but I do agree the butterfly is probable a Cabbage White and thanks for the info on the White-crowned Sparrow.
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
Pe-U
The very 1st whiff of skunk is kinda nice but....yeah what an awful smell.
Went for a drive up where the rich folks live to see the valley. It was as clear as I’ve seen it and I wish I’d gone home and got my camera. Didn’t even think about it till I was home. Bummer. I watched as this storm came in and then left quickly.
Looking mostly south over Hill Air Force base
More west and towards the lake
I used to sit in the hot tub up on the north bench and watch the storms come in over the lake all summer. Back when we got monsoon seasons.
My. Ogden and if you look closely you can see the towers on the highest peak.
The backside was my playground during my youth-er years.
Did you see the towers? I used to hike up to them every spring with friends and co workers and slide down the snow in garbage bags. Lots of fun and lots of peril when going fast and seeing that rock pile coming up fastly and knowing that wearing a tube top and shorts wasn’t that good an idea. I stopped in time and all the men folks cheered! I’d fallen out of the tube top. lol. Oops too.
2 months apart
Ack...she’s a gawky teenager already.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
What open skies and expansiveness you have snoopy.
Adolescence ... enjoy!
Unfortunately it doesn’t show the elevation
I’m way up on the bench. If you look at the Mt Ogden photo there’s a tree almost center and just where the snow ends is where I was but further south. Also if you follow the canyon to just before the end you’ll see a white speck. It’s the waterfall that is a popular hiking trail. I used to be able to reach it just over an hour. I was there about a decade ago with Abby. I’m going to attempt it this year. Wish me luck. Also once my friend and I went all the way to the top and we sat there overlooking the valley.
I keep forgetting the plans I keep making. Best start a list.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
"Do things high"
right on about the elevation, and please do be careful out there you and Sam, always. Don't be a ninny, you know what I mean. Ha ha! No, just be yourself and have have fun. YOLO you only live once
One of the Unloaders I worked with from the bread factory was called J.D., and his motto was "Do things high" because he was six foot four. LOL I'm tall but still couldn't reach the top of his stacked trays, they were artistic creations of balance in a cacophony of clanging machinery and baked oven gas. right on
The only dawg who ever picked me, I named her Ebony because I can't get Adam Curtis out of my head, apparently. Yes, now everything inside my head has been put there by popular culture of course. Injected and reconstituted as my own fine original thought. Original? wat
Did you hear Stevie Wonder is moving to Ghana? Again? I still love this song, and everything it was supposed to represent:
Ebony And Ivory
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4mlhcFKzXQ width:420]
Peace and Love
Ebony gift
Ebony with 'Moussie'
and my sock
---
B. Kliban
Ebony was beautiful
Even more special when she picked you to share her life with. She looks like Abby and Sam. I got Abby when she was 5 months and maybe she had some bad habits and why she was put up for adoption. I drove all the way to Pocatello to get her and boy was she a naughty puppy. I would walk her before work so she had no excuse for it. Dragging my butt out at 5:30 in the winter. You bet I caged her after her last destructive episode. I had never done that before, but I couldn't keep replacing window frames after she chewed them up.
But having Sam since puppyhood I think I have worked with her enough that she isn't going to go thru the destructive stage. One thing people point out when they meet her is how calm she is. And well behaved except for puppy things. Today she gets her first bath because Pe-U she stinks. There is a ditch in the field for drainage and one spot at the end collects the stagnant smelly stuff till the end and boy did she have fun. "Sam stay up. No don't go in there. Nooo Saaam come!" Boy did she have fun running up and down the ditch splashing water everywhere. Definitely a lab. 1st time she saw the stream in she went and it was January. Brrrr....
If I ever make it back to N Cal I will be looking you up. Care to spend a day at Bodega Bay with us? I'll treat to brunch at the Inn of the Tides if you do.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
The runt of the litter
hi, yeah let's keep dreaming. We could hike from here to Humboldt on The Redwood Trail one day too. Have you seen Humboldt Bay? Smoked Humboldt weed? magical stuff
Anyway Ebbs, as I used to call her was the runt of an eleven puppy litter. Eleventy! heh All the ten before her popped out gold or red. Her mom was my dad's last bird dog, he always had setters I think. As long as I can remember.
Ebony's mom was a pure bred Irish Setter, her akc registered name was Something Something of Minerva, my memory is as good as yours. lol She got loose once and got pregnant by what turned out to be a black Labrador mutt, nobody really knows. People happily took all those puppies, they looked like Golden Retrievers and had at least half the hunter genes. Minnie was the dumbest dog on earth, but she was really really beautiful. Gorgeous red coat, nothing at all between the ears. Ebbs was smart, and she was a great leaper much like coyotes hop when they go mousin' in the meadows. Funny.
Peace and Love
Free Hugs
Yes I’ve seen humbolt bay
I spent 2 weeks up in that area during a heat wave. I left the Central Valley to escape it. Big bummer it almost ruined the trip.
I try to get the runt, but this time it was a he so I didn’t. I’ve always had girl dawgs. Boys come with attitude. lol.
Ok it’s a date.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
@snoopydawg great pics SD! Beautiful
great pics SD! Beautiful country.
wrote:
I finally got over it, but for years I slept and showered with one... being a nature boy it is risky to me going outside without it. In nature study you have to document anything unusual, and a lot of times in nature, you get one chance. I have documented hundreds of rare occurrences from birds to bugs in observations that only lasted seconds. Having irrefutable proof is everything in the world of claiming natural history records. So I don't leave home without it.
Thanks for the great pics!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Once bitten...
I went out for photos and the light was crappy so I left everything in the car. You guessed it. I was more bummed about my lamb skin snoopy fanny pack then all my cameras and stuff. Of course it was a limited edition and I couldn’t find another one. I will start keeping my little pocket one in the car. It’s 10mpx but it loves to eat batteries. One of the last ones with a view finder. I don’t like the ones without because you can’t compose in bright light.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
Evening all
All is well, and I hope you're enjoying the start of your weekend.
Love the butterfly
It looks magical.
Scientists are concerned that conspiracy theories may die out if they keep coming true at the current alarming rate.
beautiful photos Janis!
Those are beautiful images Janis! Awesome. I love that first one. Mostly so dark, and then so bright. Wow! Outstanding contrast and composition. The butterfly is great too. Is that a Monarch? Most excellent spot of light on it, perfect!
Thanks for the great images as always Janis!
I hope the earthquakes haven't rattled you too much... I grew up with them in socal so they are nothing to me, until they get past 6 I barely notice them. But 7 is MAJOR! Glad to see there hasn't been another bigger, hopefully the pressure got taken off.
be well!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Thank you dystopian
So far, the only earthquake I've felt is a simulated one in a safe, contained booth at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) in Auckland. I've also only come close to experiencing a Tsunami watching an animation of one. Both were enough for me.
Oh yes, it's a Monarch
Evening, Janis
Nice looking flowers. What are they?
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
They're Canna Lilies blowing in the wind n/t
Hola Dysto, thanks for the great skunk pic. Never seen one
(spotted skunk) in the wild to the best of my recollection. Cool looking critter, but so are the stripies, just as long as you don't push their buttons. Rescued a litter of the striped ones once with the help of my wife.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
me neither in CA
I never saw Spotted in CA that I can recall either, but they are there. Spotted are famous for standing on front legs and squirting. Which they can do in any direction as the discharge nozzles have 360 degree precision rotation and accuracy. They stamp first to warn, but I understand they are very hesitant to use it, you really have to threaten them. I was 3' from the one above, it seemed as surprised as I, however clearly I was the more nervous one.
I have seen Hog-nosed (aka Rooter) Skunk in Madera Canyon, Sta. Rita Mtns., in SE Arizona. One with about a half-dozen little babies behind it came into our camp once!
EDIT: P.S. Note the long long claws on the second shot, Spotted climbs trees.
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
Had this already queued up in flickr, so I might as well
post it as a comapanion to Lookout's Desert (or Peninsular) Bighorn, since that's where I snapped it. In particular, the Spanish for Desert Bighorn is Borrego, and my favorite desert is Anza Borrego, which is where I got the coyote pic.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
WOW, one of those days, this pic belongs in comment above
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Wow
Coyote Camouflage!
Awesome skunk picture.
We had a little of every kind of wildlife that could be seen in middle TN go through our yard and especially along the spring fed creek. The otters and a beaver were the most exotic.
We were shocked the first time we saw deer along the ridge south of us here. We see mostly birds instead of mammals near the house. The dozens of street dogs probably keep everything else away.
The most exotic animal I’ve heard of was by a gringo friend a quarter mile further up the mountain. He had an Andean porcupine in his yard last year. They’re really different and terribly cute. I don’t have a photo but looking it up is worth the time.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
You're right, it was worth looking up.
It looks more like a hedgehog to me than any porcupine I've known.
Have you ever eaten a skunk or a porcupine or a hedgehog?
Porcupines are delicious, hedgehogs are sacred and untouchable, and I just wonder how a skunk would taste.
Sigh.
https://www.euronews.com/live
That's a better photo than the one I found
and why I didn't just post one. Gerard said it was very docile and was totally unbothered by his two dogs barking and bouncing around it like maniacs. They did seem to have the good sense not to get too close.
"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now..."
neat porcupine
Yeah that is a neat beast, the Andean Porcupine. My what a big nose they have. Those are very short-spined as well. The African one has super long spines. Here in the states ours are longish. Ours here, and I think maybe all of them, are bark eaters. They will kill a tree. Most locals here shoot them for that or because 'their dogs will just get into them' if they don't. Meanwhile they bulldoze trees all year long.
P.S. to Janis: thanks for the pic !
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein
afternoon drive
question everything
Ooh ooh — for me, a skunk is still a wonderfully exotic critter!
Like most Mainland fauna, species non grata in Hawaii.
https://www.qwant.com/?q=live%20skunk%20hawaii&t=web
Had to get my visual pleasure fix.
Rec'd!!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Cancel Culture now taking on Pepe Le Pew
He's being erased because he allegedly normalizes and perpetuates rape culture, according to NYT columnist Charles M. Blow[hard].
The odd thing here is that Pepe's over-the-top behavior (and his perpetual frustration) is clearly meant to show that this is NOT how to treat girls/women.
There is no justice. There can be no peace.