The pond, cats, dogs, some water lilies and … muskrats?

Walking down to the pond this morning, without the dogs

The dogs - another time.
The dogs – another time.

as I got to within 80′ or so, I saw our two muskrat hunting cats (LittleShot and BigShot) peering out of the reeds blanketing the banks on the west side of the pond.

Cats were hunting in the reeds on the left side of this view
Cats were hunting in the reeds on the left side of this view

They were looking my way – to see if I had the dogs with me – as Charlie will go charging into the reeds after the cats – if I don’t catch him in time.

So glad they were able to continue their hunt in peace. I’ve seen them hunt in pairs before.  That’s so cool.

I saw lily pads from 3 of our 20 or so newly planted water lilies today.  Planted about a month back, most.  Some a week back.  Plus of course, the 15 or so returnees from last year …

It’s looking to be a good pond this summer – provided those two cats are able to work undisturbed.  And they are able to keep the muskrats from getting the upper hand.  (They will – they are tireless, patient, dedicated – and crafty – muskrat terminators) Those damn muskrats can clear a sumptuously planted pond of vegetation – in just a month or so – quickly turning it into a crappy mud hole.  If they aren’t stopped.  Love those kitties …

Introducing some of our wild cats …

Last winter, a cat entered our lives – from outside – it found an opening in our crawlspace, and one cold winter night, started mewling at the house crawlspace interface – a piece of plywood – she was violently shaking the plywood as she mewled.  Soo – several months later – here we are …

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This is momma – she’s showing us how she tells us it’s time to feed her.

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And two of her four kittens – the other two are quite shy.