Over several days now, both parent black bears (mother and father) and their three cubs are visiting repeatedly — just when the bird feeders and sources of water are quite full (and, er, maintained). The cubs fit the stereotypes: one frisky, one imitative, one (the thinnest) clinging timorously to its parent. When the parent is busy eating, all the cubs roam (they are clearly nursing yet). Several times they have scrambled up pine trees to amazing heights, until the parent turned for a safety check and ordered them to descend. In another instance, the frisky cub managed to wedge himself into a bucket of water, looking photogenic. We have lots of pictures, and I hope to post them soon.
Such sights are rare today as habitat encroachment and plain chance diminish our expectation of seeing nature as it is or was. It is a gift, as much as any birdsong or sunrise.