We have the creek, but when we are in drought, portions of it go dry, so I have two birdbaths, a small fountain out of galvanized tin, and bowls of water for cats, strays and mine. Has anyone else noticed that mosquitoes don't seem to lay eggs in galvanized tin? There are never any larvae in the fountain or in a small galvanized tub which is painted red. At first, I thought it might be the red color they didn't like, but then noticed there were never any in the fountain either. I also feed a stray tomcat that is deaf and blind. He sees light and dark but that's it. I also have a possum and raccoons that steal cat food whenever they can. I didn't know it, but the possum was living under a huge piece of cardboard that I keep to block weed killer when I'm spraying. When I discovered him, I chased him out of the garage with a broom. He got about five feet out in the driveway and seemed to realize, wait a minute, I live here! Then he turned around and came running and hissing at me. Let's just say I'm glad there were no witnesses to my retreat. It involved screaming and running. DH finally chased him out. I would adore some hedgehogs. They are one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

OMG! I just looked at this picture when I got home and there are three baby birds in it! I did not see them at all when I took the picture! I just seen the egg and nest and thought I would snap a quick picture as I was at work and have to walk by it a lot. Most of the time the daddy and mom don't move sometimes they do and flop on the ground playing like they are hurt. The killdeer made a nest right on a sun someone made out of white rocks right by a busy sidewalk and road. It's a odd spot I hope the family lives! cats are always around. I made fun of the parents I guess they knew what they were doing after all, pretty good camoflauge huh?

I know this was from a long time ago.... It IS caterpillar scat that has rehydrated from the water in the bowl. cater pillars "launch" it either 4 or 40 times their body length. I can't remember which. This is thought to be done to keep predators like wasps from finding their nest and larvae. I had one bounce off my head and land on the patio table. I thought it was a squirrel pellet till I noticed the lobed, extruded look to it and searched till I found what it was. Probably will not harm the animals.... It's plant matter.

Beeohio, thank you for your response. Sounds like The Wilds is the place for me. My home decor is so into animals that friends and family refer to my house as "the zoo" Glenda, an African Safari would be at the very top of my wish list. Jodi, I did get to tour the San Diago Zoo in 1996, but not that part of it. Have hoped to get back there before I die to do a Roar and Snore. Maybe Ohio is close enough for me to experience a similar outing. Susan, I have experienced the "herd of bison" at Custer Park. Beleive me, those suckers are BIG! When you are on a motorcycle and half dozen bison are walking on the road next to you, you mind your p's and q's!