Defensive Equipment (Smile)

A very ‘special’ tool to keep handy in case a raccoon gets a little too pushy. Very simple, easy to handle, and can be used in a manner that will not hurt the animal It will keep you safe should one of your local critters decide to enter your space uninvited. They learn quickly where the limits are. Yes, I used it last year a couple of times when a big raccoon thought he would push his way into the retreat and get into a big bag of dog kibble. It worked wonders! The same raccoon still comes by and never tries to push his luck. (the snow shovel is very light, and the blade is made of plastic).

A busy evening

It was a busy time last night. Chloe made her regular visit - still no sign of her kits though. But a little later two very big raccoons came to call. One was easy to identify as Bear, but I’m still not certain who the other one is. Both very calm and friendly though. These photos were taken as close at they seem. In fact the ‘stranger’ was more interested in checking out my camera part of the time. One of the pictures shows why one does not want to mess about with a raccoon’s claws! Yet they can use these ‘paws’ very much like we use our hands. Quite dexterous and very gentle most of the time.

Momma robin checking me out

Mom robin is busy...

Be back later - her eggs have hatched and I'm going to try and get some photographs this afternoon.

Of things to come...

It’s bound to come up soon. The yearly crop of young raccoons are starting to appear a little south of me. Cute they are - but before anyone considers keeping one as a pet, please check out this link.

http://xxx.wildlife-education.com/can-i-keep-it.php

Replace the xxx with the www

In case of problems concerning critters that may be in need of help, this link may give you, (and the critter) - serious help. At present I don’t have any information on rehabbers located in the south west of Quebec.

http://xxx.wildlife-education.com/find-a-wildlife-rehabilitator.php

Again, replace the xxx with www

Snowball virburnum

A snowball of a different sort. This shrub is going great guns this year with blooms that will last quite a while. I’m going to have to do some serious pruning later in the season though

Thriving Bamboo

The few bamboo I transplanted from my childhood home is spreading. I don’t know the variety but I do know that it can be invasive. On the other hand it makes an excellent screen and is covered with clusters of tiny white blooms later in the summer. It attracts all sorts of bees and wasps making for some interesting photo opportunities.