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We have a few nice bucks visiting this fall.
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Sometimes with a companion skunk.
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As long as stinky doesn’t get too close the buck doesn’t seem to mind.
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It’s hunting season so I’m always worried about these guys, even though our property and our neighbors is posted.
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A deer’s home range is usually one square mile and while our neighbor’s properties on both sides are 4 times bigger than ours… that still leaves us about 600 acres short of a safe from bullets zone.
😥
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We have anywhere from two to six raccoons show up nightly now.
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I think this is the same family that discovered our buffet when they were babies.
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We’ve watched them grow up…
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And, out.
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As they are a wee bit rotund these days.
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❤️
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The skunks beat the fox.
Now the raccoons are beating the skunks.
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It’s first come first serve at River’s critter buffet.
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Though the deer are lucky… as no one else wants their grain.
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Three deer and three raccoons.
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All are welcome.
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But I really enjoy watching these little devils tussle and push each other out of the way for the best spots.
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❤️
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We drove west to Fryeburg the other day for the last fair of the agricultural season.
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It’s always a gorgeous drive this time of year…
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But due to the ongoing lack of rain and drought conditions the leaves weren’t nearly as bright.
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Patches of color, yes.
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But the trees have been stressed this year.
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They started turning early and in much more muted shades.
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Disappointing.
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But still scenic.
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😊
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Our night time visitors include deer, fox, opossums, skunks and raccoons. I put out a bowl of water and critter specific food but they all nibble the bird seed that spills on the ground.
All of them except this fellow.
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Who prefers his straight from the source.
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You wouldn’t think his chunky little butt could shimmy up that pole, but he climbs it with ease.
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https://youtu.be/FL8DFR3lok4?feature=shared
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Of course coming down isn’t quite as smooth.
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🤣
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Pardon the photo quality, I was taking pics through the window and the kitchen light was throwing reflections.
And why isn’t WP letting me embed videos anymore? That’s annoying.
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Autumn is right around the bend.
Do I know this because the leaves are turning and the temperatures are dropping? Yes, but there’s also a less subtle sign of fall.
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Pumpkin spiced everything. Cereal, coffee, cookies… you name it, they spice it. Even the nuts aren’t safe.
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The next two photos were taken by a friend on the island where I spent my teenage years.
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Sunsets there are pretty special.
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Ours was nice that night, but not nearly as dramatic.
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Has anyone ever tried these tricks?
Because I fail to see how ice cubes are going to deodorize a stinky disposal.
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In a world where there’s entirely too much hatred and prejudice, Maine is welcoming some new neighbors.
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And finally, 61.
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I was 61.
😳
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We’re down to one single woodchuck now.
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Momma and the other 3 siblings have departed the pattern…
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But this little guy knows a good thing when he sees (and eats) it.
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😊
Saw this the other day and had to do a double take.
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And while it’s absolutely true, I had to wonder if it also looks like anyone we know….?
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❤️
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Along with our extremely dry, drought ravished lawn?
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A pair of young bucks.
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They’ve been coming for a nightly nosh since they were born and are now sprouting their first sets of velveted horns.
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Adolescent male deer will stay together until they’re ready to rut.
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Then it’s every deer for himself.
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Our lawn has turned brown from the troubling lack of rain, but that doesn’t stop our nightly critter visitors.
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Skunks and raccoons are usually not a good mix…
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But these guys make it work.
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There are five trash pandas here…
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And this family has been coming since they were babies.
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I rarely get photos because they arrive after dark but here’s a quick clip to give you an idea.
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💕
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Skunks are not always black with a white stripe.
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Sometime they’re white with a black one.
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Our little family is proof of that.
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Diversity.
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Ya gotta love it.
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River's world..... 