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Jim Gilbert

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Striped skunks are winter sleepers

The striped skunk is a carnivore and a member of the weasel family. It is a furry, glossy black animal, the size of a house cat, with two distinct white stripes.

Updated: January 27, 2011, - 08:11 PM

Outdoors Journal: Fish under the ice

On most lakes, the ice is more than a foot thick, but some have less and in addition a layer of slush; this is due to substantial snowfalls soon after freeze-up.

Updated: January 06, 2011, - 08:46 PM

Smallest of the tree squirrels

Because red squirrels prefer evergreen forests, they aren't as abundant in southern Minnesota as they are in the north. They lend charm and color, are active all winter, and are boisterous in work and play. Cones, seeds, acorns and other nuts are stored under tree roots or in underground burrows. Also, they'll tunnel through snow to search for food.

Updated: December 09, 2010, - 10:44 PM

Tundra swans

Tundra swans are now seen overhead in Minnesota, and we hear their muffled musical whistles -- a wonderful sign of fall. They fly in V-shaped wedges, sometimes at a height of up to 8,000 feet.

Updated: November 11, 2010, - 08:59 PM

Flying in V formation

The Canada goose has learned to take advantage of the upward disturbed air created off the wings of others in the flock.

Updated: November 04, 2010, - 11:24 PM

Daylight will be fading

The days quickly grow shorter during October, with each day here in Minnesota losing about three minutes of light.

Updated: September 30, 2010, - 11:06 PM

Outdoors Journal: Showy sumacs

Fall colors are coming on fast for the sumacs.

Updated: September 23, 2010, - 10:16 PM

Hummingbird moths

Sphinx or hawk moths, also called hummingbird moths, are insects with a wingspread of 2 to 5 inches, with a long proboscis.

Updated: September 16, 2010, - 11:24 PM

Fields of goldenrod

About a dozen species of goldenrods bloom in Minnesota between July and October, but the peak of bloom comes in early to mid-September, when broad bands of goldenrod color are seen across the landscape. A variety of habitats -- old fields, prairies, hardwood forests, sandy soil, moist places -- are colonized by goldenrods.

Updated: September 09, 2010, - 10:06 PM