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!

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!

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

Boo Stands Tall

Despite her injured tail, Boo stands up proudly to view her surroundings. She must have heard something of interest to her. Perhaps she hears Bit approaching!