Category Archives: Critters

Two Doors

Posted on April 13, 2026 by sputterpub

Prohibiting a pet is not allowed,although the ban is in our documents.The drafter sought avoidance of a loudcondition, to protect inhabitants.The newest member of this residencecomes with a roommate, gentle, on all fours.She’s out right now – by man and … Continue reading →

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After Spring Rain

Posted on April 9, 2026 by sputterpub

The vernal rain that wet us yesterday,continuing to drizzle overnight,made blossoms droop and leafing branchlets splayupon the ground and wooden walk. The sightof greenlings down comprised a dawn display.I sheared and composted by early light,and spooked a baby skunk that … Continue reading →

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Watching a Fly Die

Posted on March 18, 2026 by sputterpub

The fly attempted an escape, I feel,by dashing to the window’s tempting light,but it will not be opened. The appealwas clear but not productive. Stuttered flightexhausted it, and felled it in my sight.I watched its final twitches on the floor.When … Continue reading →

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Varmints

Posted on March 5, 2026 by sputterpub

I saw six ants, one skunk and two raccoonsthe morning after drizzle, breeze and rain.Our weather here is nothing like monsoons,but we don’t tend to work on how things drain.So standing water is a common bane –mosquito pools and rodent … Continue reading →

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Jay

Posted on January 13, 2026 by sputterpub

I saw a scrub jay on the deck. That’s rare –I never winter-spotted one before.A lookup says they’re common – but I starewith interest out my windows all the morenow I’m retired, and in fact it’s fairto state, since Covid … Continue reading →

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Smelling

Posted on January 5, 2026 by sputterpub

At 4 a.m. I stirred and sensed the stingof musk from neighbor skunks invade my sleep.I saw the pair at 7 and, next thingI knew, the reek again began to seepinto my cottage. I don’t try to keepthe creatures off … Continue reading →

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The Raptor’s Nest

Posted on December 23, 2025 by sputterpub

The raptor’s nest, I’m thinking, signals me,while transiting the deck. My eyes ingeston leafless branches what appears to bethe raptor’s nest. Too high for squirrels, hawkish squawks attestto presence in my home vicinity.On some occasions I see soars in quest … Continue reading →

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Roof Party

Posted on October 22, 2025 by sputterpub

The first rain of the season made my roofattractive to loud animals. My dreamswere broken twice by thumping, skidding proofof scavenging or racing chasing schemes.By silhouettes on skylight glass it seemsI hosted first a rowdy raccoon set.Some hours later, by … Continue reading →

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Hyper Season

Posted on October 21, 2025 by sputterpub

Of all the critters in this garden yard,the squirrels often give the most surprise.Appearing light, they hit my rooftop hard,in thumping races for whatever prizeis up or down – persimmons or suppliesredeemed from refuse (raiding like a rat).They’re vandals who … Continue reading →

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Terms of Lepidoptera

Posted on August 2, 2025 by sputterpub

I came upon this butterfly today,an insect not unusual to seethis time of year, in plants that flanked my wayperambulating to a treat for me.I measured steps – 5,000 totally –but this encounter happened halfway tomy destination. Psyche met psyche,and … Continue reading →

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