Eek! I’m so excited, my bird feeder camera recently documented a new feathered friend in my yard (apologies for the blur, something smudged the lens).

This sighting is even more interesting when you consider that thrashers generally do not visit feeders, preferring to root around in the leaf litter for tasty bugs and grubs. They usually do this in a rather vigorous manner, hence the moniker, thrasher. Welcome, my new feathered friend!

This morning before dawn, my bird feeder camera caught another surprise, a tiny owl. While I’ve seen and heard them in my yard many times over the years, this is the first time one has used my feeder. Note, that it is not eating any seeds, just using it as a convenient perch.

I installed an owl box a few months ago, I do hope this little one finds it and moves in!

Since we’re in a bit of a dry stretch again, my water stations are also popular. Most nights this Opossum waddles through the yard (it drinks from the water dish on the ground behind the bushes).

Raccoons, such as the one in the video below, make use of all the water dishes, high or low. And often not exactly in the intended way…

It makes me happy that all these creatures feel safe in my yard!