Creature of the Week: Opossum

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Here in mid-Michigan, I have come across a variety of little creatures. I thought I would share some of them with everyone. I tend to love all aspects of nature.

When most people view an opossum in the wild, they see an ugly rat-like creature. When I view an opossum in the wild, I see a fascinating creature with ancestral ties going back to the times of the dinosaur.

Truthfully, the opossum is not even related to the rat family. The little grey creatures receive a bad reputation just based on their appearance. The opossum is actually a marsupial. (For those who do not remember or need a refresher, a marsupial is simply a pouched mammal).

The slow-moving creature is the only marsupial in North America which I found to be an interesting fact. Just like, I found the fact that there are around 65 species of opossums world-wide. But, only one type is located in Michigan and all of North America: the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana).

Opossum
This was taking after a hard Michigan winter. I do not know for certain, but it looks like her little ears were victim to frostbite.

Other facts:

  • A nocturnal animal, I usually view them late at night. I have one that comes up on my porch; I enjoy watching her with the pale light from the porch.
  • Opossums hiss and growl when they feel threatened but they are actually a gentle creature avoiding conflict. In fact, “playing opossum” or “playing dead” is one of their best defenses against conflict. The little creatures will act dead in order to ward off predators.
  • Eat mostly insects, berries and fruits (I notice the one that visits my feeder loves the day old popcorn that I put out).
  • An opossum can be up to 21 inches long with an additional 10 to 20 inches with the tail.

One of the fascinating facts, I recently learned about opossums is they like to eat ticks. I am always worried about ticks getting on my pets and me. So, the little gray opossum with the cute pink nose may eat as many ticks as she wants when she visits my yard.

The one thing I have not witnessed in the wild is a mother opossum with her babies. I really would like to photograph them.

Until next time….peace

 

Beautiful But Cold

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Beautiful But Cold” is the only way I could describe today. Even with the sun peaking through at various times throughout the day, the temps never made their way out of the teens. With the wind chill factored in, the air felt even colder.

The wild birds seem to spend extra time at the feeders which were wonderful to watch this morning.

The evening air was crisp but I could not resist the view. I with my little puppy, Gizmo in tow went out for a few minutes. I snapped about 50 pics when I decided the air was just too much for me. (I really need to invest in some new outdoor wear. Thank goodness for REI).  Gizmo did not hesitate when I asked if he was ready to go in.

We both have been enjoying the rest of the evening by the fireplace.

Hope everyone had a great day.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Foggy Evening

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The fog has definitely rolled into mid-Michigan this evening. I can feel a dampness in the air as the weather slowly warms above freezing. Depending on the news outlet, we will receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow within the next two days. I am wondering if the dense fog is just the prelude to the coming snow storm. I know there is an old weather tale that states, ““For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall.” But I do not know if the fog actually is an indicator of an upcoming snow storm.

The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.
The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.

Michigan has seen a mild winter so far. A really good snow storm is just a matter of time. I guess, we will find out tonight. The snow is reported to begin after 1 a.m. I have nowhere to go for the next couple of days. I can just spend extra time working on my book. And, of course, go out and take pictures of the newly fallen snow.

Until next time…..peace.

P.S. A special shout out to my father who celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Cold Day to the New Year

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”

Anton Chekhov

 

I really do love this quote. Today, January 1, 2016, was definitely a cold start for the first day of the New Year. I know, we have had worse here in mid-Michigan. But up until now, the weather has been mild.

The cold temperatures are just a reminder that Mother Nature is actually the one in charge.

I hope your first day of 2016 was filled with memorable moments.

Until next time…peace….

Falling Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Snow was falling,

so much like stars

filling the dark trees

that one could easily imagine

its reason for being was nothing more

than prettiness.”

― Mary Oliver

 

 

I enjoyed today’s snow a lot more than the ice storm we had the other day. I always find falling snow beautiful.

 

Until next time…peace

Winter Solstice 2015

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 21, 2015, at 11:48 pm ET is the Winter Solstice officially marking the astronomical start of winter for my area here in mid-Michigan. The Winter Solstice brings the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The good aspect of the Winter Solstice is the days will slowly start getting longer again.

Earlier as I looked out my front window, the view could look less wintery. In fact, the entire day has been nothing but rain. Between the rain and the sun setting early, I can see why everyone is grumpy. Of course, add the extra stress of the Christmas season. Oh, I was really hoping for a white Christmas but I do not see that happening.  I do see my yard starting to resemble a small lake. At least, the birds seem to be enjoying themselves.

I have always wanted to see a Solstice celebration at Stonehenge. I actually have that one down on my bucket list.

Until next time…peace

 

Here Comes the Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I was outdoors for a little while this evening.  Well, the time was before 5:30 pm because I was grumbling how dark everything was.

I could definitely feel the cold and dampness in the air. The snow storm is suppose to hit the mid-Michigan area around 5.a.m. Depending on the new report, we could get about 6-10 inches of snow. This snow storm is the first one for the season. I will just have to wait and see how much the system brings.

At least the snow makes the area look beautiful and new.

Until next time….peace

The Blanket of Winter Approaches

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

– J.R.R. Tolkien

The past week has been cooler which allows me to enjoy every bit of the outdoors. I am not much for hot humid days. I know I should not complain about the heat because winter will be here before I know it. I can already see the signs of the upcoming fall season.

  • Leaves are beginning to turn a fainter green as they prepare for their burst of colors.
  • The summer birds are becoming more scarce as they begin their long migration south to warmer areas. I rarely see Egrets or the Cranes at the old river. I miss the rattle voice of the Sandhill Crane on the river flats.
  • The birds that are still here are gathering in great numbers. I see them flying above the tree tops. They seem to be going back and forth in a harmonic formation as if to gain strength to prepare for their upcoming journey.
  • The days are slowly growing shorter as the frogs and crickets continue to sing their last praises of summer.
  • The squirrels and chipmunks scurry across the dirt paths in the woods where I walk. I see them clutching acorns and walnuts to hoard for the long winter.
  • The nights are cooler which provides a gentle breeze through open windows.

I love this time of year. I know warmer days are still in the forecast. But I am ready for September and October. The two months that seem to be speak to my heart as the blanket of winter approaches. Mother Nature always provides the settle hints that a new season will soon be issued in. Even though today is rainy, I plan to enjoy as much of the outdoors as I possible can during this transition of seasons.

Until next time….peace…

Beautifully Cold Morning

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am not sure if the words “beautifully cold” are proper together.  But those two words are how the morning looked to me. The last few days, the mornings have been cold.  The windchill has been in the negatives.  Mid-Michigan has warnings out, do not expose any part of your skin for more than 30 minutes or risk frost bite. Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time indoors.

I really cannot complain. I can deal with cold, there are many areas that are being hit with massive snow storms.  So, this seems to be mild compared to what Mother Nature could truly unleash. Anyways, I just stoke up the fireplace a little more especially in the evenings. The wind is colder during the evening hours, the extra heat is truly a blessing.  My house has been nice and warm the last few days.  My cats and dogs are pleased, I find them all gathered around the fireplace throughout the day.

During this cold snap, I have been putting extra seeds out for the birds and other little critters that visit my feeders. I think, it is the least I can do for my feathery little “friends”.  I love watching them around the feeders.  I can sit at my table, work on my book, drink my tea and watch the wildlife.

If you are in a cold snap, stay warm.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Blazing Sunset

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, was a normal chilly day for winter in Michigan.  The sunset tonight was amazing.  As the sun began to set, the orange colors made the top of the trees look like they were on fire. The blazing sunset was absolutely stunning and beautiful.

During the winter months, the blazing sunset seem to be clearer and crisper. Of course, I have to remember to actually put a coat on next time.  I had grabbed my camera and ran out the door to capture the moment.  The air definitely was freezing.

Until next time….peace….