I saw two little coyotes not long ago. Was driving down a highway that had a big drainage ditch that crossed it. The county had mowed the banks of the ditch and as my eye followed it, I saw two coyote pups bouncing and playing. I know a lot of people don't like them, but they are one of our native animals and it made me smile to see them. We had a coyote that came to dinner every evening for many months. Some people dumped out three coyote pups near my place. They had taken them from their den, partially raised them, decided they didn't want them any more, and just dumped them out...knowing I feed wildlife. I was upset at first because I didn't want them eating the raccoons, possums and cats, and soon two left, but one stayed for a long time. I used to take food back to him at the edge of the woods. He would meet me every evening. He would be laying at the edge of the pasture, and see me coming and jump up and run through the woods and back around to the fence. I'd put his food over the fence, while he stood about 30' away. As soon as I turned my back, I could hear him chomping the dog chow. I fed him dog food, but he also loved fruit...especially bananas and watermelon and always ate that first. Eventually he left but one time I looked across the pasture and he was there. I took food to him but he looked thin. I left his food and for several days I left food for him, but never saw him again after that.

Hi, I'm another slider, originally from PA, lived in KS for a couple years, now in NC. Your dogs are very cute! I have a cute boston terrier. I used to hang out more on gardening forums but it hurts too much to get out and work a lot now. I love this forum and I think you will too. Welcome!

Hi, Pat, Here is what I own and use: The Crossley Guides are really desk guides because they are so big and heavy. I like Sibley as a field guide, even though I rarely take it outside. Over the years as a bird watcher and photographer, with technology changing from film to digital, my pattern of inquiry has changed. Now, I shoot (with my camera) everything in sight and ask questions later. That way I don't have to carry a book. I like the Sibley. I bought the Crossley guides because I wanted a guide specifically for raptors and got a $ break on Amazon for buying both guides together. Crossley Sibley The layout and info given in the Sibley appealed to me more than the other guides when I was searching for a new one. My first guide is an Audubon, copyright 1977. Jane (My best canine buddy was half Samoyed, half Malamute named Holly. God, I loved that dog!)

The cat would not go in my traps, and now I don't know where she is. I haven't seen her in months. Probably eaten by an owl,along with her babies. I did catch a fox and a raccoon. Neither were pleased... There are no free spay/neuter programs here and none that are reduced rate that are not obnoxious. But i did try to trap her. I can't be in a car with cats because my eyes swell shut but my sister would have driven her to the vet for me. It's easier just to pay for it myself. Trapped this one at work the other night for a truck driver. He said he would have it fixed and he and his wife wanted to attempt to make it into a housecat. It's a mean little thing. I think it will probably make a better barn cat. As long as there aren't any owls lurking.....