Kip’s Comments - December 31, 2025

You Are Safe… Do Not Jump

I was headed west toward a bridge over the east fork of the Wapsipinicon River when a small critter walking on the bridge caught my attention. From a distance I thought maybe a feral cat was crossing the river. When I was closer I quickly recognized an opossum was hiking across the bridge.

In my rear view mirror I noticed a truck was approaching too quickly for me to stop and wait for the ‘possum to move across the bridge. My only option was to drive across the bridge and hope the critter made it safely across.

Opossum on Bridge - Image 1053805

From my “looking back” view in the mirror I saw what appeared to be the ‘possum going through the vertical supports and possibly over the edge. If that had been the case, the animal would have fallen 20-or more feet to the ice below. I had to know what happened to the animal.

After the other truck passed me I got out and quickly hiked to where the ‘possum was last seen. No, it had not jumped off the bridge, but it did appear to be considering that option. I was certainly hoping it would not take the next step toward a gravity-challenged environment.

Opossum on Bridge - Image 1053755

From many feet away I used my long lens to shoot some pictures before I stepped away so the animal felt safe finishing its trek over the bridge. Soon the drooling critter backed up and headed east on the bridge as I continued heading west. The drama was real and fortunately the action was minimal.

Something different…

Last week I shared a photo of a merlin I found near Sweet Marsh. I explained how at first I thought maybe I was seeing a kestrel with unusual plumage. With some research I learned I had found an entirely different species. I am going to reshare that merlin image followed by a photo of a male American kestrel recorded today. You will see the similarities and the differences.

Merlin in Fog - Image 1052063

Male American Kestrel - Image 1053670