Squirrels / Ground Squirrels

Red squirrels are active during the winter and can be seen running around in the snow and on trees on milder winter days. They build great  nests sometimes lined with stolen fabric which they have borrowed from lawn furniture. Fur lined and cozy they can keep warm on blustery winter days.  Their nests are built in spruce/fir tree boughs, inside hollows of tree trunks or in homes/garages and sheds if they can get access.  I love watching their antics and get a kick out of them when they “scold” you from above.  They are territorial and although many squirrels can live in the same area they often go on real good chases chattering and uttering clucking warnings to other squirrels.  They can clean out a bird feeding station in no time but then they need to eat too. I always find many peanuts buried in my flower pots and beds every spring courtesy of the squirrels.

Enjoy!

Sharon

These amazing nocturnal squirrels  “fly” around the boreal forest at night.  Well, they don’t really fly but glide from tree to tree using their skin flaps that act like little parachutes. You can see the skin flap which extends from front leg to hind leg on the photo of the squirrel climbing down the tree.  They are quite compact and rounded and remind me of Chinchillas with their  round eyes and soft fur. Their large round eyes designed for night vision and their tails which are broader than other squirrels also acts as a rudder during their “flights”.  This squirrel “flew in” for a nighttime snack at a bird feeder.  I have only seen them a few times and each time has been a real treat.  These photos were taken around 11:30 at night in late March. Like other squirrels they will come out during the winter when temperatures are on the milder side.   This squirrel did not seem bothered by my presence and carried about its business of dining on seeds.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

As I was reviewing my Alberta Wildlife section I noticed this cute little Columbian Ground Squirrel was omitted. Mostly grey with some golden/brown highlights here and there.  These gopher sized ground squirrels were hanging out along a walking path to a waterfall and gratefully accepting handouts from passersby.  Easy to take photos of as they did not duck under cover at all.   This one turned its back on me however, so I guess I have been officially “dissed” by a ground squirrel !

Enjoy!

Sharon