Land /Water Wildlife 2024

Well, there was no lingering odor this morning, so I think all ended well. Actually, they usually get along OK, they see each other pretty much every night and have for years. When a confrontation occurs, the raccoon turns his back end into the skunks face and backs up and the skunk backs off. Skunks rarely spray, if they do, they are defenseless for about two weeks until they recharge, so it is a weapon of last resort, a lot of bluff, very little action.

 

Yeah, he is a cool dude, the look on his face says that he does not have a care in the world.

 

The Wall lizards were out in the sun on the walls of Durlston Castle, several adult male and females and some juveniles, some had already regrown lost tails.

 

Mom and two other babies ran into the bushes as soon as I came around the corner, but this curious little critter just had to have a better look at the curious, ugly creature approaching.
It is a baby bobcat, we don't get to see many of these.

 

When I opened the card from my trail camera, I found an image of a black squirrel. This is a first for me, as they rare where I live. I am told the black coat is a genetic mutation to retain heat in cold climates.

 

Despite the cold wind and only 9c this morning, 5 Wall Lizards were warming up in the sun on the south wall of Durlston Castle. One was a 3" long youngster. I didn't expect to see any.




4 in this pic, top, midddle and bottom.

 

This magnificent critter was with our little resident vixen, Rosie, last night. It looks like all of her scent marking has paid off.

 

It's good to know Rosie's still around @hydrogardener - and with male company too.

 

Thanks, @Sheal, now that the weather has turned colder I am seeing her more often. However, I don't like the look of her tail, possible beginning of mange again. She may be healthy enough to fight it off if it is in fact mange again. The male has no signs of it, yet. I am hoping it does not get any worse, or that I am wrong.

 

Hmm, it's difficult to tell whether it's mange in the image above @hydrogardener. It looks better in the first image. No doubt you'll be keeping a close eye on her for the time being.

 

The image dated 12/04 is Rosie, the image dated 05 is the male, they are almost in the same position. The male's tail is perfect.

 

Oops! My mistake Hydrogardener.

 

It is understandable as they look pretty much alike except for the tail and the male is much larger.

 

You can not begin to imagine the level of my surprise when I discovered this behemoth was not hibernating!

 

I guess they have learned that it is best to have a lookout.