Young Skunk Learning the Ropes

Wee guy sniffs the air. Anybody there?

An early morning visitor surprised me yesterday morning while I snapped pictures of my backyard hop vines.

First thot: I didn't know if the striped youngster was up early or staying up late.

I did know that skunks were regularly digging for grubs in my yard during the night. Their little divots have been easy to repair and seem worth the effort if the skunks rid my lawn of grubs.

Combing the grass.

This little guy wasn't digging. It was combing the grass, then searching the 'comb-over-zone' for anything edible.

Good work, I say.

Please link to Trumpet Vines

Photos GH

Busy Wee Skunk

The Next Generation

I left my backyard workshop at 4 PM yesterday and was quick to notice a skunk prowling about the lawn. I stopped dead in my tracks. When I realized the critter was a brand new 2015 model I reached - very quietly - for my camera.

"Where am I now in the pecking-order around here?"

I don't mind sharing my backyard with a new skunk. It will generally groom my lawn, dig a few holes for grubs and sleep most of the day - once it realizes a human bean rules the roost out back until 6 - 7 PM most days of the week.

Link to Busy Busy Chickadees

Photos GH

Music in the Workshop

Tom Wakes up Neighbourhood Skunks?

I am playing the lively, lovely music of Tom Waits in the shop this week. And a backyard skunk has been doing its 'walk abouts' earlier and earlier at the same time.

Is there a connection?

Link to video of my skunk. Listen to song playing in background. Connection!

Link to more Music in the Workshop

Photos and video GH

Video Skunk is Up Early

Why Up So Early?

My wife and I spotted the skunk at just after 10 A.M. yesterday. Maybe it will sleep in longer as it ages, just like a teenager.

Link to YouTube video of out backyard skunk

Link to It Strikes Me Funny

Photos and Video by GH

It Strikes Me Funny

Skunk is Up Earlier Part 2

["I've been watching the skunk's front door closely

(i.e., under white window edge)"]

["Here it comes! Very early too"]

The skunk that lives under my backyard shed is getting up earlier everyday it seems. First I saw him at 1:34 P.m., then at 1:15-ish, and yesterday it was doing its 'walk about' at a few minutes after 10 A.M.

What's going on? Is it ignoring nocturnal instincts because grubs are in season? (It is leaving huge divots for me to fill in every morning). Is it a restless sleeper? Got a date later?

["It fooled me, and came out the side door"]

["Right under my study window. I'll

open it quietly to get a better shot"]

["Obviously, I wasn't quiet enough!"]

["Okay, okay, I get your point!"]

Be careful out there.

Link to YouTube video of our friendly (so far) skunk

Link to more It Strikes Me Funny

Photos and video GH

It Strikes Me Funny

Skunk is Up Earlier Part 1

The skunk disappeared under the shed before I could get a clear photo of it. Time - 1:20 p.m., a new record!

I don't mind if the skunk digs up my yard in search of grubs. (Eventually my lawn will be pristine). I do mind if it walks into my shop, so I'm shutting the screen door until further notice.

PS Some will say I am just making this all up, that skunks don't wander around this early in the day. Ha! Wait 'til you see photos I took less than 10 minutes ago. I'll get to them shortly.

Link to Skunk is Up Early

Photos GH