Journal of Ortence Marjoribanks

**Ortence Marjoribanks** was a successful and renowned botanist and explorer, credited with the discovery and documentation of various wildlife species in Lumanschultz.

## Mammals

### Yipper (Likely Coyote)

As I gazed across the open grassland, at night, I spotted a small, agile creature with pointed ears and a bushy tail - Believably a cunning and adaptable species, which I have taken the liberty of affectionately naming the "yipper" in relation to its constant yips.

### Rusty Runner (Red fox)

As I made my way through the dense thicket of willows and cherry blossoms, I was greeted by the sight of a small, agile creature darting along the creek bed. Its reddish fur glimmered in the moonlight, and I recognized it as a red fox, a cunning and elusive species. I couldn't help but be struck by its grace and beauty, and I've taken the liberty of affectionately nicknaming it "Rusty Runner".

### Acorn Archer (Eastern gray squirrel)

As I made my way through the dense forest, I couldn't help but be struck by the sight of multiple small, nimble creatures darting through the trees. Upon closer inspection, I recognized them as the gray squirrel, a very common species in this part of the country. I documented their size, noting that they were roughly 8-10 inches in length, and their color, which was a soft gray with hints of brown. I marveled at their agility as they leapt from branch to branch, their bushy tails acting as a counterbalance. I couldn't help but be impressed by their resourcefulness and tenacity in gathering food for the winter months ahead. I've taken the liberty of affectionately nicknaming them "Acorn archers", a tribute to their incredible aim and love for acorns.

### Graceful Ghost (White-tailed deer)

As I trekked through the rainy marshy meadow, my eyes were suddenly drawn to a sight of great beauty. A herd of white-tailed deer, their coats glistening in the rain, had gathered in a clearing ahead. I approached them with a sense of reverence, marveling at their grace and elegance. Their slender legs carried them effortlessly through the marshy terrain, and their large, expressive eyes seemed to gaze back at me with a sense of curiosity and intelligence. I couldn't help but be struck by their contrast between their delicate beauty and the rugged, wild landscape that surrounded us. I took great care to document their movements, noting the way they grazed on the lush vegetation and interacted with one another. As I observed them, I couldn't help but be filled with a sense of wonder and awe at the majesty of nature. I've taken the liberty of affectionately nicknaming "Graceful Ghost", a tribute to their ethereal beauty and the way they seem to move through the world with a quiet, almost ghostly grace.

### Wooly Wood Mammoth and Moose

As I made my way through the dense brush of wisteria, I was suddenly confronted with a breathtaking sight. A massive creature, towering over me at nearly ten feet tall, was grazing peacefully nearby. Its shaggy coat of fur was a deep brown, and its curved tusks glinted in the dappled sunlight. I watched in awe as the creature used its powerful trunk to pluck leaves from the surrounding trees and shrubs, its movements slow and deliberate. Despite its size, the wooly wood mammoth seemed to move with a surprising grace, its massive feet barely making a sound as it shifted its weight. I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence in the presence of such a magnificent creature, and I made sure to document every detail of the encounter. As I stood there, awestruck by the sight of the wooly wood mammoth, I suddenly heard a loud snort behind me. I turned to see a massive moose, its antlers towering over me, staring me down with a look of fierce determination. My heart racing, I realized that I was standing between the moose and the object of its attention - the mammoth. I slowly backed away, but the moose continued to advance, its hooves thudding heavily on the forest floor. I knew that I had to act fast, so I quickly retreated towards the safety of the trees, keeping a watchful eye on the moose as I went. It was a terrifying experience, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness two such magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

### Gray Fox and Pika

As I made my way through the wisteria once more, my heart still racing from the encounter with the moose, I heard a rustling in the underbrush. Curiosity getting the better of me, I slowly approached, careful not to startle whatever creature was lurking there. To my surprise, I saw a small gray fox, its sharp teeth clamped around the limp body of a pika. Despite the gruesome scene before me, I couldn't help but be struck by the beauty of the fox's sleek, silver coat and the way its eyes shone in the dappled light. As I watched, the fox darted off into the woods, its prey still clutched tightly in its jaws. It was a reminder that even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, life goes on in all its beauty and brutality.