While I was in college, my neighbor's taste in music differed substantially from mine. That would have been fine if he hadn't also felt compelled to play it so loudly.

Noise was one factor leading to my current home being outside the city limits, with quieter neighbors. The music projected by the robins, wrens and red-eyed vireos every spring is never too loud. I totally agree with the spring peepers', gray tree frogs' and American toads' tastes in music.

There is another neighbor in the 'hood I have not heard from yet, but I know lives nearby -- the bobcat (Lynx rufus).

From time to time I find the rounded cat footprints in soft clay ground along the creek. Sadly, I occasionally see a dead bobcat on the side of the road.

Their primary prey is rabbits and small mammals. Though common across the United States, these silent bobtailed cats are rarely seen or heard.

It's great to have a neighbor that keeps to itself.

If you see a bobcat, or any other wild creature, in need of medical help please call Piedmont Wildlife Center at 572-9453.