Category Archives: Critters

Missing

Posted on August 24, 2023 by sputterpub

I heard a thump upon the deck last night,and searched today to find the noisy source.Before I saw the fallen rock, my sightwas taken by these spectacles, of course.Undoubtedly, some squirrel dropped them rightbefore my office door with no remorse.But … Continue reading →

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Fauna Report

Posted on August 18, 2023 by sputterpub

A skunk explored the garden yesterdayat 10 a.m. – a little late to show.Twelve hours later raccoons raced their wayacross my roof. They thumped and scurried so,I nearly yelled through skylights – “time to go!”I found a moving bug inside … Continue reading →

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Traffic Monitors

Posted on August 15, 2023 by sputterpub

My mood was good already, but it rosea little higher when I saw the birds –two pigeons gazing roadward in a posesuggesting they were monitors of cars.They perched, wings folded, steel beneath their toes,and seemed when traffic passed them to … Continue reading →

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Mystery Roost

Posted on August 4, 2023 by sputterpub

I started hearing hoots a week ago –an evening croon from somewhere up abovethat penetrated consciousness to throwattention from TV to trees I love.I couldn’t guess at first. I didn’t knowwho spoke, except it was no mourning dove.I haven’t seen … Continue reading →

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A Riot of Raccoons

Posted on July 24, 2023 by sputterpub

Raccoons are visiting my place of late.In nearly 20 years I’ve seen a few,but never this – a gang of 6 to 8,that tour the trellis, deck and roof. The viewfrom here’s a clutch as they investigate –I snap but … Continue reading →

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Near Meeting

Posted on April 16, 2023 by sputterpub

One animal is ugly but benign.The other is unwelcome beauty here.Today I watched them nearly meet, and veer. The house cat has a graceful soft design.The young marsupial is slow and drear.One animal is ugly but benign.The other is unwelcome … Continue reading →

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Spared (For Now)

Posted on April 12, 2023 by sputterpub

Aroused by corvid chorus yesterday,I marveled at the raucous caws I heard.There must have been a myriad at swayabove my yard. I like the ebon bird,but not the clots of shit they leave behindas they take flight. So I was … Continue reading →

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Again the Ants

Posted on March 9, 2023 by sputterpub

Again the ants invade. It’s no surprise.Survival instincts have to be obeyed.Outside is cold and wet. Before my eyes,again the ants invade. Like moving coffee grounds, the bugs paradewithin my kitchen sink. So I ariseto drown and crush and vacuum … Continue reading →

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Raccoon Roof

Posted on March 8, 2023 by sputterpub

A garden cottage will have critter soundof course – the insect buzz, the song of birds,the punch of bodies on the roof, that poundof mammal paws. Conveying such in wordsI say the cats are silent as on ground,and squirrels are … Continue reading →

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Oaks Bottom

Posted on January 25, 2023 by sputterpub

Oaks Bottom was our site on Saturday.Two miles and a half of out and back,between the rains, between the swamp and swayof moss and lichen, on a muddy track.The owls we requested were away,but ducks were dipping down without a … Continue reading →

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