I don't know if this qualifies as a "critter" but today I saw four huge hawks flying close enough where I could see the details of the feathers on the wing...and I swear they looked like they were flying for the fun of it...catching the currents and just chilling.

Such sad stories--all these poor animals! My cats are strictly indoor, for many of the reasons you all have already mentioned. Our 10-month old cat escapes out the front door every now and then but he doesn't get far!

Rosie, we had a bald eagle fly right across our deck at about eye height. I was inside on the couch and was amazed at how HUGE they are up close. I then immediately thought of my hens, and ran out to yell at the eagle -- who of course paid zero attention to me. It was heading somewhere else, though, good thing because my dumb chickens were clueless.

Close call!

Out of all wildlife that I have seen in my woods, it is seeing a bald eagle that gives me the most thrill. I think it is because they are so majestic and the sightings are so few and far between.

I would also be thrilled by that sight!

Eagles are quite the sight. This wasn't backyard...but...the first time we drove cross country in '99 with my mom we were startled by a golden eagle that came low from the left across the highway. I about drove off the road cuz I thought it was going to hit us it was THAT close. Impressive indeed.

Here's Holly's pic of what I think is a young sharp shin hawk.

hawk!

Good activity on the feeders this morning. I was concerned they didn't like the new bag of seed, that maybe it was stale. Even if I feed a lot of house finches and English sparrows, I consider those hawk fodder. oops did I say that out loud?

English sparrows dig in the seeds and toss it on the ground. Jerks.

Hopefully you have doves to clean it up.

Such a pretty hawk!

sallyg said: hawk!

Good activity on the feeders this morning. I was concerned they didn't like the new bag of seed, that maybe it was stale. Even if I feed a lot of house finches and English sparrows, I consider those hawk fodder. oops did I say that out loud?

English sparrows dig in the seeds and toss it on the ground. Jerks.

PPPFFFFFTTTTT! I almost spit out my coffee.

sorry Jan, didn't mean to do that to you!

RIc, I finally saw some doves today but they seem scarce this year. Or maybe I just haven't been looking, which is true.

sallyg said: Even if I feed a lot of house finches and English sparrows, I consider those hawk fodder. oops did I say that out loud?

You've got me wondering what kind of food I could put right in the middle of my backyard that would attract starlings and grackles but not appeal to native birds. Stale bread, maybe?

bread scraps do seem to draw trash birds, for me.

Nothing wrong with giving Mother Nature a helping hand. Hadn't given that any thought, but I could sure live with less starlings, and have a healthy hawk and eagle population...

Saw this white beauty this morning. Neighbors pasture.

Look at those horns

I tried to get photo of the llama ..but was hiding

I tried to get photo of the llama ..but was hiding

This fella was right next to the cars turning into local elementary school...never blinked an eye ..just grazed away

I put out some of my suet and seed mix on Saturday, those darn trash birds demolished it in no time.