"IT WAS RATHER A BLUSTERY DAY"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

To quote from a scene from "Winnie The Pooh" - It was rather a blustery day.

And in keeping with that theme, I would like to nickname this porcupine "Winnie". Unlike the two other porcupines I have watched and photographed, this one doesn't seem to mind windy conditions. In fact, other than moving to a branch out of the gusts, it went back to its porcupine slumber.  And because of its move to behind the tree trunk, I also moved to catch him at his antics and much to my surprise, it was also out of the wind and much much warmer. Yes, porcupines are, indeed, smarter than humans in this case.

His puffed up look is due only to the extreme windy conditions (almost howling) and not to any disturbance. I went out the next day, bright and sunny and much warmer and there was "Winnie" in the same initial spot and I can safely say that for the next four hours, except for a twitch or two, he didn't move once. Sometimes inclement weather can play into your favour.

And check out those foot pads and claws, most visible in Photo #4. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7