In viewing the videos and photos capturing the night antics of various critters who visit my garden I noticed that each of the species use the same pathway as they arrive at, and then exit, the pond area. The fox(es) always travel a certain path, through the back edge of a garden, as they leave the pond area for other fox adventures.

While most nights foxes are the main attraction, the raccoons also show up to enjoy the yummy, fishy pond water. When they leave to continue their rounds, they usually follow the fox route.

There are fewer visits from Opossums that are caught on the camera, but they too like traipsing through the winter touched plants, rather than taking a less leafy track.

It’s not entirely clear from the videos, but the back fence is at the far left of the frame. There is a gardener-made path, nothing formal, just a well-worn trail going from here to there, and I would have assumed the nocturnal beasties would use that path as it’s available and easy to travel. But they all prefer ambling through the herbage, sticks and branches and pokey plants their walking companions. My best guess for the walkabout choice is that the plants provide cover and protection and I suppose they feel safer than in an open area. For myself, I don’t like to bumble through the garden too much (unless I’m working). Inevitably, a branch I move aside will pop back to whack me. I guess the low-to-the-ground animals don’t have that problem!

Interestingly, I have seen each species take the start of the back trail and make their way to the open area at the pond, politely skirting the wooden beam.

And sometimes it’s just easier to crawl over the back side of the water fall.

Like humans, occasionally a varmint will shake things up and travel a different path. This fox seemed comfortable in the garden, no doubt having cut through it before.

It’s been a week since I’ve seen a fox and longer since the raccoons were spotted on the camera. The Opossums are still around, though the pond camera hasn’t captured them; I’ve observed them in the early mornings before sunrise, crunching through the fallen leaves and sometimes walking along the top of the wooden privacy fence. Mostly, the rats have been on the camera and I’m not thrilled with that, but they’re out-n-about at night too, so it’s not a surprise. I expect that as I’m pruning many freeze-damaged plants the night walkers prefer areas with more cover. They’re still attracted to water sources though, and my garden provides plenty. I’m hoping that the rats that are now at play will become an inducement for some wily hunters.