Some people hate 'em - RODENTS! They say. The Mr. finds them annoying and has even contemplated taking a BB gun to them because they've been eating our peaches, plums, apples, cherries up in the orchard. Some people don't pay much attention to them, and yet others find them endearing. That would be me, ever since Spot showed up at This Old House.
Spot is a squirrel and he's been here for a few years now... showing up at the feeder regularly. Sometimes I see him up by the horses or over by the coop, but most often I find his chubby little butt parked on the bird feeder, having his fill. It is because of Spot that we will not take a BB to the squirrels here - they could be family! They could be SPOT, Heaven forbid.
A few things you might not have known about Squirrels...
Squirrels pick a territory - that can range up to about 7 acres, and they prefer to keep the same nest. That explains why we've seen him here for so long now. This is his "home"!
Squirrels can smell food buried a foot under snow. Also.. they bury their food all over the place, and sometimes it's stolen by other squirrels and even birds. Sometimes they've been observed faking a bury, meaning they dig a whole and then cover it up without depositing anything in it. It's believed they do it to throw off others who potentially steal their cache.
That zigzag you see them do when running away from something is their defense mechanism for escaping predators like hawks, coyotes, snakes etc. It works well in the wild, but not so great with cars - so slow down when you see them doing that crazy zigzag.. they're trying to get out of harm's way.
The story of why US parks are full of squirrels can be found here, worth reading! I had no idea....
Most squirrels don't live past their first year. The ones that do... tend to live to be around 6 at most. Their actual span ability various among the species, but some have the potential to live to the ripe old age of 24!.
We had a sprinkling of snow overnight before the coming storms this weekend. I've been prepping the coop and barn for cold temps and will fill the bird feeder again this afternoon. Spot has already made his appearance this morning, getting his fill of the cracked corn I put out there a few days ago. This feeder is right outside my kitchen sink window, so I get to see the visitors to the feeder quite easily.
Spot says Good Morning! Now go get your milk, bread and toilet paper and perhaps some peanuts for me, please!
Hello, Spot is cute. I had seven squirrels on my deck looking for bird seed this morning. They had paths thru the snow, which made it easier for me to sweep the snow away. Interesting facts on the squirrels, some of which I did not know. We are expecting more snow and cold weather this weekend, the trip to store for some items maybe be necessary. Enjoy your day and have a happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe have millions of ground squirrels here and they are so very destructive on the property. Very dangerous for horses with the large burrows and holes everywhere. They truly are rodents. A few years ago we had a tree squirrel here, the first I've ever had. She raised two young ones, ate every single pine cone on our trees, and moved away. It was odd and fun to watch her and her youngsters. They are much much cuter than those that live underground.
ReplyDeleteWe love squirrels and we feed them everyday in our backyard. We would never harm them.
ReplyDeleteGood job on choosing a name for Spot. And bravo for being his protector!
ReplyDeleteI grew up with lots of squirrels raiding the birdfeeder, but here in France--on the edge of a tiny village in very rural southern France--they are rare. I've seen maybe two...in 15 years! It's probably just as well for me, because I have been doing the trench method of composting, and they would find a regular buffet in my garden. Already buried and everything.
I do have a wild pet, however (I am not a pet or animal person). It's Merle, a black bird with a brilliant orange beak, who is quite a singer. He isn't afraid of me, and keeps about a three-foot distance only. I put out suet balls and stale bread for him. In summer, he perches on the peak of the roof and serenades us as we dine in the pergola below. His name is Merle because that's how you say blackbird in French. Fun trivia if you have a human Merle in your life.
we have one that lives on the front fence. he sits and watches bob when he is in the garage at his work bench, he is several years old now.. BB just chased a squirrel a few minutes ago for the first time. he also had his first layabout in the dirt. he went straight to Baby's old dirt hole and laid in it. OH NO I said, bob said what? I said he hates bathes... remember? about that time he jumped straight up and ran to the sea grape tree, a squirrel ran up it and he entertained himself and us by wandering in and out and staring up. of course he squirrel was long gone into the pine tree. we have had a few WORDS when bob threatens to get the bb pistol... I don't think he would use it, but says it to make me get riled up
ReplyDeleteNo squirrels here for me, but my father loved them and was irritated by their gluttony at times but taught me to love them too. Hannah thought it was hysterical when while visiting her in NYC I became giddy with the feeding of squirrels in Washington Square Park. I hadn't seen a squirrel in 15 years! You should see how absurd I become when I catch sight of a robin here or the geese visiting from up north. I'll trade you a few lizards and geckos?
ReplyDeleteWe don't like them eating the bird seed but yours looks pretty cute! Hope you're stocked up by now. Have a good weekend...safe and warm! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm from Brazil and I lived some time in NC and NY, I started my blog in Raleigh in the year of 2009. I'm visiting your space and I loved every story of you. My Blog is https://magazinedade.blogspot.com/ it will be a pleasure to receive you. Ahhh I love squirrels.
ReplyDeleteIt's all fun and games until squirrels move into your attic!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Spot . . .
ReplyDeleteYou chubby little cutie . . .
No rodent look to you . . .
Usually I want to scoot the squirrels away . . .
Not of late . . .
I think “no snow” has endeared me to the squirrels once again.
A few years ago we invested in a “squirrel proof” feeder/station.
The birds love it, “momma me” loves it . . . squirrels don’t love it.
Instead of cleaning out the birds feed, I ground feed the squirrels now.
They are very happy . . .
I don’t have a Spt though . . . YET!
We have many black squirrels and one (I think) red squirrel. I don't see the red squirrel in the winter. He is half the size of the black squirrels but is the dominant one. He scolds the cats, us, anyone really. He chases the black squirrels. I prefer chipmunks. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteWe planted 38 tomato plants last year. We had less than 3 gallons. It was drought here in mid Missouri. The squirrels wiped out crop out. We put a good dent in the squirrel population, we had three nice meals of fried squirrels. Taste like chicken.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about their life span. I see a lot (often in my feeder, which I don't like). I try to put out squirrel-like food in a separate spot and they enjoy it tremendously and then go after all the little-bird seed. Ah, well. They've gotta eat too!
ReplyDeleteIn town, we had one name Squnk (squirrel + skunk) because half his tail was white. Haven’t see him lately, likely got hit by a car. They are destructive little buggers but I do find them amusing.
ReplyDeleteSpot's a cutie pie!!!! I had a squirrel on each of my flat feeders yesterday morning, which is not unusual, but one of them was taking his two 'hands' and shoving handfuls of food into his mouth as fast as he could - poor little guy must have been starving!! We have plenty of squirrels here, and Molly and Monkey delight in running out the kitchen door like little maniacs to 'get the squirbles' - as if!! When we just say the word 'squirble' Molly starts spinning with excitement!!
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