A New Nutland

I have been away from this wonderful blog for a while but now I am back with some new friends in a new Nutland. I am happy to say that my new friends are all much fatter in new Nutland and they appear to be much healthier here.  I believe it may have something to do with being in an area that is less cultivated, more natural, with far fewer enemies and fewer chemicals to encounter in their daily lives.  Because they are all so fat and happy here, I haven’t found a way to distinguish one from the other, which is a terrific problem!  I hated the fact that I was able to recognize many of the squirrels based on their unique and varied injuries.

Anyway, this is one I call NewBoo.  Her tail is not amputated like Boo’s tail but it is different in the way it tapers to a point and so she is identifiable.  I caught her vandalizing my property during a very cold spell in Nutland but I was happy that she found a way to stay warm!  Somehow she discovered the stuffing in the hammock pillow and removed it all! She comes now to the feeders every day and brings many friends with her.

Stealing from the hammock!

Investigating the pillows!

Starting to nibble

Busted!

Gonna try this end too

How much can I fit in my mouth?

Looks like an apology! OK I forgive you!

Bit and The Corn Cob Caper

As you may know, I enjoy putting out different kinds of objects to see how the squirrels react. Often this is large food items – it’s always fun to see them try to carry off their treasures. Bit snagged the corn cob I put out the other day and it was most entertaining to watch what he did with it. Off he ran as I tried to track him first out the window (apologies for the blurry shot through the cobwebs!). Then I saw him try to squeeze through the neighbors fence with his wide load and so I headed outside with my camera to watch him go. Somehow he succeeded in getting it through to the other side before I got out there. Maybe he went up and over!

After snapping a few shots I left him to enjoy his corn, but then was horrified to realize that he had dragged it into the yard where a very fat cat hangs out! Bit is often completely oblivious to his surroundings due to physical injuries (explanations to come) and I feared that he would be easy prey to this cat while preoccupied with his new prize. I am happy to report that Bit was back again today at the feeders so he obviously managed to avoid being the fat cat’s furry toy!

Click on the first image to start a slideshow of Bit and his corn cob.

Bit takes the bait!

Bit is on the run with his treasure!

That corn is as big as he is!

Bit thinks about taking it up the tree …

Bit rests for a minute

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!

Squirrel Games

It appears that Bit is engaged in a game of hide and seek. I can almost hear him counting!

Bit was actually grooming himself when I caught this shot, licking his paws and rubbing his face. I never realized until recently how many similarities there are between cats and squirrels. Their grooming habits appear quite similar. Squirrels will also stretch out and sunbathe like cats. And they often play like kittens, chasing each other and hopping about. They are so much fun to watch! My own version of reality TV – but way better!

Squirrel Prayers

Bit says a prayer before lunch

Some squirrels are very spiritual little creatures.  Here is Bit saying a prayer with his eyes closed before he snatched a big peanut from the feeder.