The Striped Skunk is a member of the Weasel family along with the Martin, Fisher, Ermine, Mink and Otter. The Skunk is the only member of this family which hibernates in winter.

Skunks move at a generally sluggish pace and eat insects, berries and green vegetation.

All Weasels produce an evil smelling musk as a defense mechanism, but the Skunk’s is very conspicuous.

I watched this one for about 30 minutes as it slowly ambled away from me up the clay surface of the Bluffs.

There was more excitement during this walk. A small shrub with many emerging yellow flowers and a 5-sided stem which was unfamiliar to me. I took a bit home and had a good look through various identification manuals.

This European plant was introduced into the western United States in the 1850’s and has become a major invasive species in places like Vancouver Island.

Let’s hope that Scotch Broom does not become a problem here.

Views of the Bluffs:

Birds that I was able to photograph:

Some Botany:

NATURE POETRY

Buds are bursting in the hedges,
Leaves are stirring in the lane,
Everywhere the sap is stirring,
Love returns to life again.            – John Dennis (1657–1734)

Miles Hearn