The Bear River flows into the Great Salt near Brigham City, UT, just east of the Promontory Mountains, forming a lovely delta that is known as the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (BRMBR). In winter, the refuge hosts Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Horned Larks.   Although these winter species are commonly observed, there are no guarantees that any particular species will be out and about when you visit.  Sometimes, there seems to be no birds around at all…

I encountered this skunk, or more properly, this Striped Skunk, Mephitis mephitis, about half-way around the 12-mile auto tour route.  I don’t believe in cosmic messages, but if I did, the appearance of this animal would be a pretty clear one.

The image of this skunk was recorded on February 10, 2011, using the Nikon D700 and the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens at 400mm.  Exposures were f/8 and 1/1250s, ISO 400.  Handheld – this animal moves very quickly!

Copyright 2011 Peter F. Flynn. No usage permitted without prior written consent. All rights reserved.