The spring crop of Eastern Gray Squirrels has left the nest
and joined the adults in the search for food.
In a span of about a week, the Blue Jay Barrens population of squirrels
has tripled. The youngsters are evident
by their smaller size, unflagging energy and unconcern of approaching humans.
Birds have had to take a back seat to squirrels. The early morning hours ring with the clang
of squirrels jumping to and from the feeder.
This influx of new squirrels is not limited to the yard. The woods are suddenly alive with
squirrels. That will be a problem if the
trees fail to produce a bounty of food this fall.
The young squirrels treat the woodpecker tree as if it were
a backyard jungle gym. All seem to have
their preferred route through the tree and repeat the same trip constantly. This activity probably uses up all of the
energy gained by the few sunflower seeds they manage to eat between trips.
Once atop the stub, there’s the obligatory look around.
A practice jump to the feeder is accomplished on the way
down. The youngsters are pretty good at
making the jump, but they haven’t caught on to taking a sunflower seed while
they’re there. They wait and pick those
up off the ground.
Sometimes there’s a little rest before hitting the
ground. Squirrels are one of the few
mammals that can look comfortable sprawled out on a vertical surface.
Once back on the ground, they look for the sunflower seeds
knocked out by their jump to the feeder.
They’re quick about it because it’s almost time to head back up the
tree.
The only relaxed squirrels are the females who no longer
have to nurse their young. They are
trying to replenish their energy reserves for the litter they will deliver in
the fall. It looks like we’re going to
have a lot of squirrels around when winter arrives.
A Camera Critters submission.
A Camera Critters submission.
Great series on your squirrel friend. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful shots of those little squirrels...
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series on your squirrel friends. So cute and so pesky!
ReplyDeletewe have a new 'crop' of fox squirrels here, too. they're so cute with their fresh, fuzzy tails!
ReplyDeleteI love how fearless the young squirrels are! Lovely photos and blog.
ReplyDeleteI love to watch these cute little critters! Nice series of photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
Thanks Snap. Cuteness wins over peskiness. At least for a while.
Hi Theresa. I haven't seen any baby Fox Squirrels yet.
Thanks Tiffany.
Thanks Pat.
I love their bushy tails!
ReplyDeleteMy Critter post. Have a great weekend.
Great squirrel reality tv! Thanks for sharing this wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteHi Rose. You should see those tails when they get soaked by rain. They're like little skinny ropes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pia.