AtCharlie Chronicles

Amazing accounts of backyard wildlife

Stories, photos and videos by S.Veigel 08/21/2023

Updated 07/22/2024

In the backyard, some distance from the patio and between two river birch trees, are 3 round stones I call “dinner plates”. This is where I place an ample measure of “Premium Nut ‘N Fruit” (No corn!) and fresh water in 2 doggy bowls every morning around 2 a.m.. This outlay on the ground makes the food and water accessible to all and attracts a wide variety of wildlife all night and day.

365 days a year, whether it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees, I will be there, in the dark, with just a yellow porch light illuminating the yard. There you will find me with a cup of coffee and a pipe. During the day, I will often be there with my laptop and my camera. Maybe even with my beagle, Emmy, sleeping on a nice dog bed; with me and all the wildlife. But that’s another story.

In this safe environment, the backyard wildlife has accepted me (and Emmy) as part of the world. And they freely come, play and live naturally. Where I can observe, learn and enjoy.

I’m not amazed by the fact that there are animals looking for food and water. But I am most fulfilled to know that they trust us enough to sit on, or cross, the patio where I sit. Or peek around the corner with intense curiosity. Or that, after years, if I say, “It’s ok,” when something startles them, they actually look at me and respond to my reassurance.

Such is the adventure of learning to live with city wildlife struggling to survive.

Select a pic to read the story.