That's so true, chico! I'm totally in awe of nature - and you can find me scanning every leaf and branch and blade of grass when I go out too... And listening for the little sounds as well. I am definitely usually more aware than most people when I'm out there. Uh although some of the critters -- such as the cat-food-eating skunk catch me off guard when they're in unexpected places so close to where we humans are raising a ruckus.
I also don't go stomping through the woods like I'm a drunk teenager on a day-shopping trip at the mall. I try so hard to teach my kids to show some respect when they're out there -- you know trying to teach them that they're guests in the animals' homes. Frustrating - I don't think they've ever actually SEEN any of the wildlife they could have encountered. As a matter of fact - they just spent a week in the Adirondacks and we're told that a couple of days ago they scared the hooey out of a little black bear that THEY NEVER EVEN SAW. Sigh. Everyone else saw the little fella -- and they also saw him take off running when he heard my boys coming. I keep telling myself they are young and they will learn ... but... yeesh....
If my boys had encountered your pal Stinky, Luba.. I'd be bathing them in tomato juice at this very moment.