Try searching 'pumpkin spider'

You'll get all kinds of cuts Halloween pics, pumpkins and spider decor, almost nothing spider related. So trying to find the 'real name' for pumpkin spiders is almost impossible. It's ◼ Araneus diadematus, or European garden spider. They're Orb Weavers, and they make huge webs, they themselves start out small and skinny every fall, but get big, fat and round, looking like orange pumpkins. Not generally poisonous.

They're the only ones I like. And I don't usually disturb them. You do have to look out for them as you go down any path, the webs are quite large and intricate. The only time I draw the line is when they put the web right in the doorway.

Image source: http://www.nicksspiders.com/nicksspiders/araneusdiadematus.htm

Mama and three baby raccoons

eating catfood on the deck

◼ Tips on feeding wild raccoons

You don't have a pond...

You have another birdfeeder! He sits on top of the greenhouse promotory, then dives and swoops up with a flash of orange in his beak. My goldfish. It's not even a big pond. You hear that Kingfisher clacking, and know he is out there. It is a neat thing to see, gotta admit. I've had an egret twice, and a blue heron once. But the Kingfisher is a repeat customer, and comes back every year.