OPOSSUM
Possums are marsupials native to the Americas, generally residing in farmland and woodland areas. They are omnivores, mostly eating insects, small reptiles/mammals, berries, and fruits. Thanks to our wildlife cameras, were able to spot at least one possum living in a hole in the courtyard. It seems to be a fully developed adult possum, but it’s sex is unclear. Possums are mostly nocturnal, hence why not many people have seen the courtyard possum in person.
CARDINAL
Cardinals are passerine songbirds native to North and South America. These medium-sized birds are commonly found in habitats such as forests, gardens, and wetlands. Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, feeding on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. With their vibrant red plumage and distinctive crests, male cardinals are easily recognizable, while females have a more muted coloration with reddish tinges. Although cardinals are diurnal birds, often seen during the day, their beautiful melodies can be heard at dawn and dusk. It's not uncommon to spot a cardinal perched on a tree branch or visiting a bird feeder, delighting observers with their melodious songs and striking appearance.
RABBITS
Rabbits are burrowing, gregarious, plant eating small mammals. Rabbits are part of the Leporidae family of the order Lagomorpha. The scientific name for rabbits is Oryctolagus cuniculus but may also be known as Bunnies or Bunny Rabbits. More than half the world's rabbit population resides in North America. They are also native to southwestern Europe, Southeast Asia, Sumatra, some islands of Japan, and in parts of Africa and South America.
The North American groundhog, scientifically known as Marmota monax, is a medium-sized rodent native to North America. Also referred to as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, they are primarily found in the eastern and central regions of the continent. Groundhogs have a stocky build, measuring around 40 to 65 centimeters in length, with a dense fur coat typically brown or reddish-brown in color. Known for their ability to predict weather on Groundhog Day, they are herbivorous creatures that create intricate underground burrows. While they occasionally pose minor issues to humans, groundhogs play an important role in ecosystem maintenance through their burrowing activity and soil aeration.
The North American squirrel is a small to medium-sized rodent native to the continent, known for its agile and acrobatic nature. With a diverse range of species, including the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and fox squirrel, it inhabits various environments such as forests, woodlands, and urban areas across North America. Squirrels are characterized by their bushy tails, sharp claws, and prominent incisors, which they use to forage for nuts, seeds, fruits, and other plant materials. These resourceful creatures are adept at climbing trees, leaping from branch to branch, and building nests called dreys for shelter. They play an important role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration