Sweetfern, Comptonia peregrina, is neither sweet nor a fern. It looks like something the dinosaurs would have walked through, releasing the warmest, spiciest aromas of imagination.
Very fair guess, but it's a fisher. The post is on March 25, if you'd like to read about it. I used pictures from that post, and also the bluebird picture, because they are both creatures I've never seen on my property before this year!
I had forgotten about the fisher; I had never heard of them before your post and am surprised that their range doesn't include Michigan. We are known as the wolverine state although we don't have any wolverines that we know of -- the last one was found dead a few years ago and even that one was a surprise to the naturalists. But I wonder whether predators, or the lakes, kept the fishers away. It would seem that otherwise we would provide them a good habitat. The mysteries of nature. But I digress -- your photos are lovely.
I'm surprised, too! Maybe they fishers were kept out by wolverines when you had them, and since then they haven't been able to expand their range that far? It does seem as you say, perfect habitat for them.
Aw, you're trying to make me feel better about not being able to track mountain lions, aren't you? :) All kidding aside, I had never seen a fisher this size, and can still hardly believe it! Someday I've got to show these pictures to my BFF (Best Forester Friend) and get his reaction.
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That was perfect! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh - and happy new Year to you and Dan and your merry menagerie as well :)
DeleteHappy New Year Quinn!
ReplyDeleteIs that a wolverine?
Very fair guess, but it's a fisher. The post is on March 25, if you'd like to read about it. I used pictures from that post, and also the bluebird picture, because they are both creatures I've never seen on my property before this year!
DeleteThese are lovely, thank you. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz - you too!
DeleteI was wondering if it's a fisher?
ReplyDeleteYep. see above ;)
DeleteGreat fun to re-visit some of your beautiful photos! Thank you - and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteA lovely recap. Love that November snap. Nothing better than clear blue skies. And, of course, all your faithful companions. :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to recall the year. :-)
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about the fisher; I had never heard of them before your post and am surprised that their range doesn't include Michigan. We are known as the wolverine state although we don't have any wolverines that we know of -- the last one was found dead a few years ago and even that one was a surprise to the naturalists. But I wonder whether predators, or the lakes, kept the fishers away. It would seem that otherwise we would provide them a good habitat. The mysteries of nature. But I digress -- your photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised, too! Maybe they fishers were kept out by wolverines when you had them, and since then they haven't been able to expand their range that far? It does seem as you say, perfect habitat for them.
DeleteThat's a Fisher?? How cool is that? I've never seen one. You are so lucky!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful series of photos... really giving a nice overview of the beauty in your world!!!!!
Aw, you're trying to make me feel better about not being able to track mountain lions, aren't you? :)
DeleteAll kidding aside, I had never seen a fisher this size, and can still hardly believe it! Someday I've got to show these pictures to my BFF (Best Forester Friend) and get his reaction.