Mammal of the Week

This week's choice for mammal of the week is the North American river otter. This playful and energetic species was reintroduced into West Virginia in the 1990s. Reports indicate that the populations are on the increase in WV so be watchful anywhere there is easy access to water and plenty of available food sources. They are extremely curious and playful, even comedic at times.

Bird of the Week

My pic for bird of this week is the red-winged blackbird. Seen throughout our country, you can find this bird in marshes and marshy areas near the edges of bodies of water. The contrast of the red and yellow patches against its black feathers is very striking when seen in the wild.

Mammal of the Week

Welcome to another new feature, Mammal of the Week. This week it is the coyote. A solitary predator, the coyote has filtered into our state. It is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will kill small rodents, reptiles, and birds if it can but it will also go through the trash you set out. Also, be wary of your smaller pets if coyotes are known to be in your area, they are not overly aggressive, but to them, your small pet may look a lot like their next meal. They have been known to interbreed with dogs, resulting in what is known as "coy-dogs."

Bird of the Week

Welcome to a feature I am adding to my blog, my pick for bird of the week. This week it is one of my favorite birds, the northern mockingbird. These birds can be very entertaining with their elaborate singing, the white wingbars you see in flight, and their tendency to drive off ANY other bird near their nest (including dive bombing pigeons.)