A New Buddy!

Of course as most of you know, I live in Maine. It's not unusual to see wildlife in the yard. Anything from a fox, coydog, wild turkey, pheasants, occasional moose, and far too many deer come to mind right off - along with assorted other smaller animals. I am an avid birder, too, with many feeder stations located around the house. Seed has gone up considerably the last couple months ... but still I buy it. I just tend to shop around for it. I was passing by the kitchen window the other day and glanced out to see a mama raccoon with four babies sitting on the rails of my deck. Actually, Mama raccoon was quite comfortably relaxing in the bird bath cooling off a bit, while all four of the little ones were at each of the feeders. Having had dogs, I have never welcomed raccoons anywhere near the house. Recently we lost our beautiful dog and I think wildlife know when they are no longer nearby. Well there were the baby raccoons each with their own sunflower supply. I am just too tender hearted so I let them eat a little while ... but with the cost of seed I finally went to the back door and shooed them away. Mama raccoon ran off quickly while making some sort of snort sound which presumably told the babies to run along as well. Three of them followed. The fourth one just turned around and looked at me as if to say "Are you bringing more?" He didn't run off. In fact, you couldn't budge him out of there if you tried. He thinks we are pretty nice ... and has been back daily to get his fill. I step outside to tell him to run along, but he just stares at me. He's just too darn cute. I know he is wild and believe me I don't get close at all ... but he does have the sweetest face.