Tree Squirrels are one of the few four legged furry critters to adapt to city and urban developement. Trees being the key, for the most part, in helping them safely raise their young. They are a delight to watch as they mischieviously taunt our dogs, chatter daringly at our cats and steal food from the birds. They enjoy simply "plopping" down on a limb and hanging their feet loosely, completely relaxed and in the moment. They play chase in the tree and roof tops. Many people seldom notice them, as they camoflage seamlessly in the landscape. I love the winter, because only when all the leaves are gone can you clearly see their large "nests". From the ground they look like large bird nests and many people think they are. A rarer sight to behold, is the Spotted Ground Squirrel. Since their natural habitat is tunneling and nesting underground, they do not usually survive human developement. My backyard wildlife habitat connects to a city nature park, where many less common creatures still hold on in small numbers. I treasure each time I am blessed with even a brief sighting of one and delighted when I get a photo to share. Here are a few...
Completely relaxed on a limb.
A little tiny baby tree squirrel, barely keeping his balance while eating a nut.
The same little squirrel all grown up.
This little guy was on my back fence, mouth stuffed full of a plastic bag to pad his nest.
Two squirrel nests in a tree close to my house.
Spotted Ground Squirrel tunnel opening to his underground nest.
Spotted Ground Squirrel. Notice the ears and tail are not so prominent as a tree squirrel's.
Ahhh, LOVE is in the air for this little Spotted Ground Squirrel couple.
Well, Hello there!
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