Great Horned Owls are first-rate predators. They are the undisputed rulers of the nighttime sky throughout North America, and with wingspans of four to five feet who can argue? They often kill and eat other large birds like hawks, ospreys and even other owls. But those are the large adult owls.
The skunk is certainly one of the most well-known mammals in the United States. Even people who are unfamiliar with wild animals can easily identify a skunk. The reason is simple: just about everyone has smelled the unpleasant and unmistakable odor of a skunk at some time in their life, and they have likely seen pictures of skunks in books or on TV.
William Newman and his son Bill have operated Happy Hollow Hunts in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, since 1997. William purchased five sika does and a stag and began raising a herd of sika deer. Today, he has over thirty sika deer that roam his operation.
Wood ducks are our most colorful native duck species – and they are very beautiful indeed. Male wood ducks, in particular, are truly unforgettable. They have hints of iridescent green and brown on their head, along with bold black and white markings.
One evening, I looked through my Record of Exotic Score sheets and realized I was one animal away from completing the Cazador Slam. The Cazador Slam, through the Records of Exotics, comprises the following exotic animals: Blackbuck Antelope, Axis Deer, Fallow Deer, Aoudad, and Sika Deer.
Grasshoppers are a common insect all over the United States (and the world, for that matter). There are approximately 11,000 species of grasshoppers worldwide and more than 400 species live right here in the USA.
The next morning found us in the van, leaving Massachusetts, heading to East Hampton, Connecticut. Bill and Heather Embacher, old friends from Alaska, live there. The last time I saw them, they were childless. Now they have a beautiful nine-year old daughter. It had certainly been too long.
Most birds are great insect hunters. Robins, woodpeckers, barn swallows – there are plenty of birds that hunt insects. One of the most secretive bug hunters, however, is the brown creeper (Certhia Americana).
New Hampshire Highway 112, more commonly called the Kancamagus Highway, offers motorists one of the most scenic roads in New England. In the fall, when the leaves are changing color, it's particularly breath-taking.
The red fox is a beautiful, but rarely seen member of our wildlife community. Their bright red fur is hard to forget, and their playful antics can be comical for those lucky enough to see them. Since they are most active at night and very secretive by day, most people never see them.
After being with us in Lovell almost two weeks, Maryann had to leave on Sunday. Susan wondered what she'd do during the coming week. I suggested she go back to Winthrop with Maryann. She could visit friends and visit Boston. I'd meet her near the end of the week.
