Category Archives: wildlife

What do you hear?

April 7, 2021animals, wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Turn up your volume for this short video. Noting is moving, but there is an interesting sound.

At first I thought I heard birds, but as the sound changed so did my idea about the animal/s above.

Many critters stop over on Sunnybook Farm. Some settle down to have a family. I pretty sure I know what critter belongs to this sound. It must be baby raccoons.

Of course, little raccoons have to have a big mama around. Chickens beware!

On the wing!

March 22, 2021wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

You can’t hear all the honking because of the wind, but I guarantee the noise was substantial.

One of my best walks so far.

The swans stayed on the ground, but the geese few in many directions, only to return.

Spring has sprung.

A couple of skunk tails

March 3, 2021Columns, wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

I haven’t seen any skunks yet, or smelled any, but eventually they will be venturing out again.

One time Bob and I were driving our cart about 100 yards from the house when Bob stomped on the brakes. A mother skunk and three babies were crossing the road.

We didn’t say a word, or make any sudden movements, not wanting to disturb the little parade before us.

What I did notice was how beautiful that mother skunk looked. The wide white stripe down her back looked like she had been to the beauty shop.

Today I’m reading a column from 1987. At the end I remember my mother and an experience she had with a skunk.

Warning! Keep an eye out for skunks. You don’t want to end up writing about a stinky confrontation.

A visitor to the farm

October 26, 2020animals, nature, wildlifesusanmanzke

Sunny stopped before going into the backdoor. He had sensed something and looked up.

So did I.

This is what we saw.

Luckily, I had my phone in my pocket and could take these photos.

The third photo wasn’t worth saving as it only had part of the eagle’s wing as it flew away.

Seeing a bald eagle on Sunnybook Farm always seems magical–unless it is looking for a chicken dinner.

A gathering of geese

October 16, 2020Family, fun, wildlifesusanmanzke

Just stand outside for a time and you’re bound to hear and maybe see geese flying south. Seeing these migrating birds isn’t anything unusual, still people stop and stare at the flying flocks.

Many times in fall and again in spring, we visited the Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a spot many Canada geese stop over for a rest and meal.

This column is about taking our young family to feed the geese. Our visit was fun, but of course also eventful.

I hope you enjoy this column from the 80s.

Maybe, to get out of the house, you’ll take a trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary, or another wildlife stopover.

Just take care if you do and watch your footing.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person