Quickly adding four photos taken yesterday, 19 January 2021, when I went for a walk in Fish Creek Park with several birding friends. Not spectacular photos, but I wanted to post them just for the record that I actually went on a walk.
I knew that there was a Porcupine somewhere in the area and I was delighted that someone spotted it higher up than I have ever seen a Porcupine. I certainly can't take credit for the find.
Amazing that this funny little creature would slowly make its way up such a very tall tree. It didn't move while we were there, so presumably it was fast asleep.
■The common porcupine is a large, robust rodent. Adults weigh about 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
■Has a thick tail, and short powerful legs with long curved claws.
■Coat is composed of rows of dense, brown undercoat with yellow-tipped guard hairs.
■Guard hairs alternate with rows of loosely attached quills that vary from 25 to 65 millimetres (1 to 2.5 inches) in length.
■Quills taper to a sharp and stiff point that is covered with very small barbs.
■Quills are hollow, thus reducing their weight and providing buoyancy when the animal occasionally swims.
srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/WildSpecies/Mammals/RabbitsRo...
Today, 20 January 2021: wow, what a day this has been! Such an historic day and one filled with empathy and hope. Congratulations, America and the rest of the world! Somehow, everything suddenly feels more peaceful and safe.