Tag / WHITESHELL

Another year round resident the Hairy Woodpecker is very similar to our little Downy Woodpecker only larger. Hairy woodpeckers are also a lot more skittish than the Downy variety who tolerate human presence very well. They also circle tree trunks in search of insects beneath the bark. Brains specially encased within their small heads  allow members of the woodpecker family to hammer away at trees without injury – what an adaptation of nature that is!  The woodpeckers love suet and will also partake in the black oil seed during the winter. They use their tail as a prop on the trees.

Hard to see in the re-sized photo below but when I enlarge this the woodpeckers tongue can be seen darting into the bark to retrieve its food.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

You could not miss seeing this black and white striped skunk out for a walk on a sunny and warm winter day. They are normally nocturnal so I am not sure why this one was on a walk about during mid-day.  It was walking along and rooting under the snow here and there in search of food.  These photos were taken in the Pinawa area.  About the size of a domestic cat, skunks won’t bother you unless they feel threatened and it is very wise not to annoy them.  In all fairness to the skunk their body language will give you warning if you are too close.  Their diets consists mainly of insects and they do eat small rodents as well. Sometimes in more rural areas  skunks will damage lawns by digging for food.  I especially love the baby skunks and they are adorable reminding me of kittens following along behind their mother.  One campground in the Whiteshell that I frequented had many skunks which would appear with the onset of dusk and they wandered around the campsites in search of food. They were so used to people and being fed that they were almost like the campground pets.  One walked right under my camp chair one night on its way to the lakeshore for a drink of water.  I enjoyed watching them wander about without feeling threatened.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

Another fall day and a drive out to the Whiteshell Provincial Park.  Once again I happened upon an otter family of three.  Every time I come across an otter or otters they always will swim a little in my direction, pop their heads up and take a look.  As usual, their curious nature allowed for this photo before they swam a little farther down the river.  I am always thrilled to see these playful animals in their natural environment.

Below: A river otter from an early spring trip, once again taking a look.

Enjoy!

~Sharon