Stealing from the birds

Squirrels are notorious for finding ways to steal from the bird feeder. But there is another acrobatic fellow who can do it, too.

I watched this raccoon walk from the bushes at the edge of the yard.

Cautiously, it came to the bird feeder where I was stationed to photograph birds (and maybe squirrels).

The raccoon scavenged under the bird feeder a minute or so, eating spilled sunflower seeds.

I snapped a couple photos of him, when suddenly he looked up at the bird feeder. The raccoon walked to the sturdy shepherd-hook pole, grabbed hold with both front feet and climbed up.

I enjoyed the clever balancing act as the raccoon scraped the sunflower seeds into its mouth with one paw while hanging on tightly with his other feet.

The raccoon knew I was watching him, and he kept a mindful eye on me. When I moved to steady my camera better, he climbed quickly down the pole and ran for the cover of the nearby woods.