Snow Ball Fight Anyone?

The last thing you think of when you hear snow ball fight is killer whales.

Yesterday we saw a pod that was in less of a hurry. One of the whales, probably an adult female, was lolling in front of us. I wanted her to know we were there, so I tossed a snowball out to her. My throw was off: it tapped her on the side, and the dry snow vaporized with a muffled “pat.” In response, she hesitated, and then, to my surprise, she started pushing around a piece of ice that was a couple of feet across. At one point she flicked it with the end of her snout, and it broke in two. She disappeared for a minute and brought back a replacement chunk of ice — about the size of a volleyball. This time, when she arched her head back and snapped it forward, the ice flew out of the water and several feet ahead. For five minutes she motored around the small pond in front of us, repeatedly launching her ball of ice, before she lost interest and went on her way. I had to wonder: Did I just show a killer whale how to throw snowballs?

Needs Coffee?

We're Supposed to Appreciate Them?

I've written in the past the dangers squirrels can pose. Little did I know today is Squirrel Appreciation day.

It's Cold!

In light of the arctic blast which has caused temps to be in 20's during the night, I thought this photo below would be appropriate:

Ninja Cat!

Not Just Any Mouse

It's super mouse!

Puppy Pile Up

Dancing Maniac

Your Vote Counts!

You can help your favorite animal shelter win $10,000. You just need to vote. I chose the Waveland Animal Shelter.




You can select and vote for the Waveland Shelter by clicking here. They really need your help. Please vote! Thanks!

Visitors

After the passage of Hurricane Fay and Hurricane Gustav, Mississippi received some unexpected visitors: Flamingos! After work, I'll be on the beach hoping to spot some and take some photos. Wish me luck.


Sadly, the same article reports that over 7,000 nutria were killed by the storm surge of Gustav. These swamp rats are not indigenous to Mississippi. They eat different types of grasses and can cause damage from the way they root.

Squirrelly Cleveland

Thought Jack might appreciate this:

Tougher Than I Thought

Monday, when I went out on my front porch, I saw a speck of yellow fluttering around. The winds from Gustav were still blowing and there were still gusts. I watched as the speck of yellow came closer and saw it was a butterfly. It seemed to just let the wind carry it and only used it's wings when an obstacle was close by.

I've never seen a butterfly when tropical storm conditions were ongoing. I didn't think they could survive the wind gusts. They're tougher than I thought.

My Hurricane Worry Release

I can always count on Cute Overload to put a smile on my face. Today is no exception.

I can't even get my cats to keep their food in the bowl!

Cocktail Hour

... for animals:

Why Can't They Be Defeated?

They are everywhere. They attack on the streets. They attack municipalities. They attack toddlers. They try to invade homes. They have no respect for human life. In this post, I've written about the menance. In this post, Jack has tried to alert to world to this growing problem. And as Tim Blair has noted, they are taking over England.

After watching the video below, you will see just what we are up against.



What can be done?

Serendipity

A lost baby seal wanders inland for a mile before meandering to the Tracy Animal Shelter.

Don't Let the Fluffy Tail Fool You

Squirrels look harmless enough.



I have a few that nest in some of the oak trees in my yard. I suppose I should count myself fortunate that the only bad incident I've had with any of them is when one of my cats had injured one. The squirrel bit me as I was picking it up to take it to the wildlife rehabilitation center. Like I said, I feel fortunate, especially after a squirrel in New Jersey managed to set a car on fire.

But that pales in comparison to a motorcyclist and his encounter a demonic squirrel

I hate to run over animals…and I really hate it on a motorcycle, but a squirrel should pose no danger to me. I barely had time to brace for the impact.

Animal lovers, never fear. Squirrels can take care of themselves!

Inches before impact, the squirrel flipped to his feet. He was standing on his hind legs and facing the oncoming Valkyrie with steadfast resolve in his little beady eyes. His mouth opened, and at the last possible second, he screamed and leapt! I am pretty sure the scream was squirrel for, “Banzai!” or maybe, “Die you gravy-sucking, heathen scum!” as the leap was spectacular and he flew over the windshield and impacted me squarely in the chest.

And that was just the beginning in this epic tale.