Kip’s Comments - February 28, 2023

Feb 28

Generations

Last night as I drove into the yard I spotted two skunks grubbing around not far from our yard line. For a few brief seconds I was frustrated by the “wildness” of our home area. We do not need skunks so close. Then I remembered that with the “wild” that brings skunks I also enjoy positive species the wild attracts - like bald eagles.

Most days we have very majestic adult birds watching over/hunting our yard. On several occasions juvenile birds have taken perch in our spruce trees to scan the area. Today we had a sub-adult on an upper branch that by this time next year may be nesting for the first time, hopefully nearby.

Seeing bald eagles on a daily or multiple times per day basis got me wondering. When the current adult birds die off, will another pair claim the nest or will what we enjoy come to an end? I don’t know the answer, but plan to research the question. Of course we will not know for sure until one of our established pair is no longer with us. Let’s hope that is a long time down the road.

For now, juvenile, sub-adult or adult bald eagles - the skunks are yours for the taking. That might be difficult since the skunks roam in the dark while the eagles hunt during the day. Somehow, please take them or educate them to stay far away from our home!