Soon after the new neighbors moved in, a new fuzzy creature began to appear on camera.  I don't actually KNOW he belongs to this family, but it certainly appears he is here to stay.

My first sighting of this handsome dude was at the birdbath.  To discourage him from returning, I opened the front door -- Pit Bull well-in-hand, but highly vocal.  As you might expect, this was an effective deterrent for about 30 seconds.  Cats hunt and The Retreat provides a hunting mecca.  

Most recently, our hunting-feline has taken to watching the Flying Squirrels.  At dusk, he takes his place at the base of the tree where the Flyers eat -- waiting most-patiently for the "Flyer Show".

While Mr. Cat was awaiting the Flyers, a raccoon showed up for his dinner.  The raccoon walked toward the cat, back arched.  The cat turned his head, but didn't so much as flinch.  Soon Rocky turned away, climbing the peanut pole.  So there you have it:  a wildlife double-feature.  Cat Watches Flyers played side-by-side with Raccoon Watches Cat.  Look carefully and you'll see the deer in the background watching the shows.

 

I don't now how long these shows would have run if I had not inserted an Intermission.  I got the Pit Bull away from his nap by the fireplace (images captured in January) long enough for him to step out onto the terrace and "speak to" the cat.  The raccoon ultimately returned, but the cat found other entertainment for the night.

Cats are second only to windows in the mortality of wild birds.  As for the Flyers, from what I can tell, they are very aware of the cat and out-patience him ... as survival would dictate.

Bluebird Update

The 3 Bluebird nestlings in the Garden House are doing well.  It appears Momma Blue in the East House is stopping at 3 eggs.  It's funny how excited I am in the spring when nesting begins -- and how equally-excited I am when the last on-camera nest is empty.  I expect the East House to be this year's last on-camera nesting.