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We have a lot of interesting backyard visitors at Casa River.

Some are regulars… deer, skunk, fox, raccoons, woodchucks… some show up less frequently … owls, ducks, woodcock, porcupine, ring necked pheasant,

But last week?

Even we were surprised to see who was hanging out by the bird feeders.

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At first we thought it was the neighbor’s cat Silas who drops by now and then. But on closer inspection?

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We realized this was a different type of kitty altogether.

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A bobcat!

He was beautiful. And we were thrilled.

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In 22 years of residence, this was our first encounter.

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Stocky, with big paws, pointed ear tufts and a stubby tail.

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He was a gorgeous wild boy.

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And yes, our domesticated feline was on high alert.

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The bobcat sat by the feeders for a good ten minutes, where I noticed him licking his lips. I told the husband that was a sign of feline nausea but he didn’t believe me.

Until the bobcat walked across the back lawn and puked under our bedroom window before trotting off to the woods.

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I’m hoping this elusive and rarely seen kitty felt comfortable enough to come back someday.

💕

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