All Creatures Great And Small And Me

Well, I guess I better admit it. I am a “squirrel junkie”. I just go bonkers over the little buggers and I am spending a questionable amount of “moolah” on feed. Son Chris called the other day and had me listen to a radio program about squirrels. Here is what I learned: squirrels create their own landscape. They have color vision, like primates. They are smart and innovative. Squirrels have special cognition. They are very social. They can easily live for twelve years and remember favorite places! Baby squirrels are frequently orphaned however they are born with a definite skill set. They both cache and steal nuts which they will store according to the kind of nut!

Of course, nothing but the best “squirrel mix” will do! A few months ago, the glass jar that was part of my feeder shattered all over the deck. Until I discovered the same size jar in plastic, I was contemplating sitting cross-legged on the deck railing with cupped hands! Since I have way more squirrels than dogs, I use my excess dog bowls filled with nuts. I also have a bowl filled with water and I must say the squirrels are even cuter when they are drinking!

When I started all of this, the squirrels seemed pretty much the same. Now, however, their individual personalities are charming me to no end! And the babies – don’t get me started. They can really hold their own against the adults by sitting in the middle of the bowl eating to the outer edges. Besides the main feeder, I use a minimum of three large dog bowls (the dogs don’t mind sharing!) Just when I thought there were only two babies, another one has arrived. I think trying to pinpoint the birthing season is going to be difficult.

So far, I have only seen one squirrel with an injury. On that little guy, his left eye is closed and there appears to be a tiny, matted area on his face below that eye. However, it is not hindering his movement or his appetite. Since I often treat owies on the dogs, I wish I could treat this little squirrel.

When summer comes, I eagerly await the sound of the frogs in the pond. Two weeks ago on a sunny afternoon, my frogs sounded off. Judging from the positions of the sounds, I may have four bull frogs. All spring I have been scaring off the Great Blue Heron – which isn’t easy! Here I am in my 80’s racing down to the pond, yelling and waiving my arms. Oh, well, it’s exercise! Now I have a new challenge. Two nights ago, I looked out on the deck before going to bed, and a racoon was looking back at me from the deck railing near the squirrel feeder. So far it’s shown up twice. When I open the door, it will slowly move on. After all the years of living here, this is a first.

I like the fact that despite yard work, which is beginning to take place, my beloved natural world is ongoing. I continue to live in an enchanted place. Happy Summer to all!