Over five years ago I cleared the patio of furniture and took away most plants, letting the area go a bit more wild. It has become a free passage for many species moving to and fro in these mountain forests.
Every day, from my writing desk, I regularly look out to see some wild creature ambling, flying, hopping, slithering by the windows. From time to time I step outside to read, edit an essay, or just stand and listen, watch, pay attention to living Nature, and wonder:
Who will visit next time?
Here’s a short list of wild neighbors I’ve seen going by:
Deer
Black bears
Bobcats
Coyote
Groundhogs
Rat Snakes
Hawks
Raccoons
Squirrels
Rabbits
Skinks
Stick insect
Katydids
Cicadas
Bumble bees
Honey bees
Carpenter bees
Variety of Wasps
Cardinals
Turkeys
Hummingbirds
Wrens
Robins
Mockingbirds
Sparrows
Towhees
Titmouse
Blue Jays
Crows
Brown Thrashers
Chipmunks
Jumping Spiders
and the Wild Parade goes on and on …
Friendly Freethinker 
You should put up a trail camera to record all your visitors.
We’ve considered that, Rob. Rather catch them with the eyes, and a camera now and then!
I love how you’ve created a welcoming environment for wildlife in your backyard! It’s beautiful to see so many different species thriving in their natural habitat.
Yes, thanks! It seems so “natural” to consider our natural neighbors and sharing the environment with them.