Unexpected Pond Guests
Ever wonder what goes on at your backyard pond when you’re not looking? Thanks to our Pond Cam, I’ve become a curator of aquatic oddities and unexpected cameos. This is not your average koi pond. It’s a reality show where the cast of characters ranges from curious critters to full-blown surprises.
The first sign something was off came one night when I reviewed the footage and saw a pair of glowing eyes reflecting in the water. Not the gentle glimmer of a goldfish or the stealthy shine of a turtle—these eyes were high up and wide apart. The next morning I confirmed our suspicion: a neighborhood raccoon was treating the pond like its own private spa. It soaked its paws, rummaged for snacks, and even took a leisurely dip. My dogs watched through the window, tails wagging in confusion.
Then there was the heron incident. We’ve had the occasional bird visitor, but a great blue heron landing gracefully on the pond’s edge made my heart skip a beat. It eyed our fish like a sushi chef surveying a buffet. I ran out waving my arms like a scarecrow; the heron took off with an indignant squawk, leaving behind a cloud of feathers and a story for the ages. The Pond Cam footage later revealed the heron had been making reconnaissance trips for days.
The real surprise came on a rainy afternoon when the camera captured a blur of fur and movement. Upon closer inspection, it was a pair of otters! Where they came from, I still have no idea. They slid in and out of the water like slippery torpedoes, chasing each other and juggling pebbles on their bellies. For thirty minutes they turned our tranquil pond into a circus act, and then, just as quickly, they disappeared back into the wild.
So if you ever find yourself bored, just tune into the Pond Cam. You might witness a frog orchestra, a dragonfly dance-off, or perhaps an unexpected guest starring in their own episode. Around here, the pond is more than a calm body of water; it’s a stage for surprises. And I’m happy to share the show—as long as the fish don’t unionize.