Quite a Feather in His Cap!

It’s glorious autumn in Nutland! Many reasons to smile indeed!

Would you like some syrup with that pancake?

It seems that this little fellow liked the shade offered by the patio table! I don’t think he could have gotten any flatter, so I call this pose “the squirrel pancake”!

REALLY Big Squirrel!

One of my favorite sights to see when I look out my back window is a squirrel stretched out and relaxing on the railing of my deck. I think they see my deck as just an extension of the trees as it sits high above a ravine and the limbs of the nearby trees drape onto the deck railing. I am happy that the squirrels feel so comfortable and safe here. I am especially happy when I spot my beloved Bit taking a nap out there!

I have often commented on how much squirrels remind me of cats in their postures and playfulness. I love cats very much, so much that I volunteer my time at a local cat shelter called Cat Angels Pet Adoption (a wonderful no-kill shelter). However, I wasn’t quite sure what to do when I saw a cat on my deck pretending to be a squirrel! Should I shoo it away? Would it harm one of my squirrel children?

Here are some pictures of my napping squirrels – and a really big imposter!

(Click on the first image to start a slideshow)

A nice place to rest my bushy tail!

Just watching the world go by …

Bit gets ready for a nap.

Just hangin’ out in sunny Nutland.

Beloved Bit all curled up.

That’s a REALLY big squirrel! Wait that’s not a squirrel … you imposter you!

Let me in!

July has been a very hot month in Nutland. So hot that one squirrel decided he wanted to come inside! He was determined to find a way!

Analyzing the options

On the window ledge

Maybe I can get in this way…

I see you in there!

Can I swing it open?

Maybe through this door …

Fun with Avocado Seed

Every once in awhile I like to put out something challenging for the squirrels to deal with. One of their favorite foods is sliced avocados. Here is what happened when I put out the large avocado seed the other day. This little guy was apparently very excited by his find and very determined to take his big nut to safety!

Wow this is big!!!

Yum

Strong teeth!

Can I take it into the tree?

Springtime in Nutland

Bit with a chunk of apple

Adorable baby squirrel

Boo having breakfast

Cute little Tufted Titmouse

Boo found a big nut

The Unbearable Cuteness of Being

The Stork Made Another Visit!

Looks like a baby girl! So so precious!

Click on the first image to start a slideshow.

Finger Licking Good!

In Nutland, anything related to peanuts is a big hit with the squirrels.  From time to time I smear peanut butter in various places for the squirrels to discover and enjoy.  Today one of the blind-in-one-eye squirrels found the peanut butter I smeared across the top of a sculpture on the deck.   He was so cute as he licked it off his front paws!

Boo’s Morning Activities

Little Boo is usually one of the first to arrive at the feeders in the morning. This morning she was quite entertaining and active. Her morning began with cramming as many nuts into her mouth as possible, then scampering down the stairs and into the yard to bury them. Then I caught her down below rubbing her tummy on a wooden stool, an activity I had not seen before. Then she returned to the deck for a romp in the pillows, followed by a grooming session on the railing. She was wet from hopping around in the dewy morning grass. Then she perched on the railing and watched the other squirrels, patiently waiting for her chance to get back into the feeders.

Boo finds the nuts

Boo packs in the nuts

Boo after burying the nuts

Boo rubbing her tummy

Boo inspects the plate

Boo finds more nuts

Boo buries the nuts

Boo romps in the pillows

That’s Boo alright!

Boo hides

Boo emerges from her romp

Boo perches

Boo grooms

Boo watches

Boo waits patiently to return to the feeder

Friendly South Carolina Cousins

Fox Squirrel in Golf Cart

I visited North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, recently and was introduced to the adorable Fox Squirrels that roam the golf courses there. As I stepped out of the golf cart one day, a very curious and assertive little fellow approached and proceeded to jump right into the cart! As I scrambled to get my camera from the dashboard, he jumped out briefly but then hopped right back in looking for food.

I would not have been so brave (crazy!) as to attempt to hand feed a wild animal but my golf mate (AKA animal loving dad) gave him a little nibble. The little guy then scurried away with his treat. I suspect he has been well fed by other golfers. He certainly knew exactly where I had placed my open protein bar (full of nuts) in the dashboard.

Hopping out for a sec

Coming back in

Hanging on to the pant leg

Making friends

Thank you Mister!