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We all know squirrels are dedicated acrobats, pilfering seed from feeders upside down and while hanging from one foot. But the other day I found myself being impressed with their balance.
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This little guy was sitting straight up… on a bent branch of our crabapple tree… in high wind.
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It was cold, and his little front feet were tucked in.
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But his back trotters were gripping for all they were worth.
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Bravo little guy.
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I don’t think I will ever look at a grey squirrel the same way again.
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Seriously?
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Damn it.
Now every time I see one I’m going to be checking for missing testicles ….
And that’s just wrong.
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Our resident red bitch seems to have it in for Lord Dudley Mountcatten.
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Day after day she prances around the deck and perches within sight of our highly frustrated cat.
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He knows he can’t reach her, but it doesn’t stop him from sitting (almost) perfectly still in anticipation.
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Three grey squirrels were braving the elements for a nosh during our last snow storm.
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This fellow was first to the tray feeder, scrambling up the pole and settling in to munch.
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Squirrel number two had a harder time with the slippery pole….
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But after a few comical attempts… made it to the tray of treats.
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Squirrel #1 was not happy to share and a major scuffle broke out, but it was over quickly and a truce was called.
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All was well until squirrel #3 showed up.
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He climbed the pole 4 times and was booted off in no uncertain terms.
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Two is company… and apparently three is one squirrel too many.
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It seems that little red bitch has given up the Barn Mahal and moved in even closer to yours truly.
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Lately she’s spending all her time in, on and around our back deck grill…. and I fear another nest has been built.
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This does not bode well for future cookouts.
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Although…
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I’ve heard people do eat roast squirrel….
😈
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There’s only so much squirrel a cat can take.
Our resident red bitch was mad dashing around the property gathering and hiding food before the recent snow storm… and Lord Dudley Mountcatten was keeping a close eye on her progress.
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For some reason she decided under the grill was a perfect place to stash nuts. Every now and then she would run right up to the door and drive poor Dudley to distraction. The frustrated cat was cackling so hard he was shaking.
In other news, did you know squirrels are the latest trend in hair accessories?
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I can’t say I’ve ever wanted a rodent holding my ponytail in place….
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But if you have?
Now’s the time.
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Since this morning’s post was about death and ridding our property of an unwanted visitor (sayonara Mr. Rat!)…. let’s pivot to some welcome visitors this afternoon.
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Lots of people dislike grey squirrels as they raid bird feeders and eat most of the seed.
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But at Casa River we applaud their bravery at crossing the wide open expanse of back lawn and let them enjoy the buffet.
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Caution is key as there are numerous birds of prey patrolling the neighborhood.
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Greys are ever vigilant.
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But once the coast is clear?
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Squirrelly smiles.
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I took Lord Dudley Mountcatten out in the snow for round two last week and after a few false starts…
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He accepted the white stuff was cold, wet and crunchy but if one is careful, it can be navigated.
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Careful tiptoeing continued… until he spotted my nemesis.
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While I normally don’t encourage carnage or blood sport, all bets are off when it comes to that house/barn/garage gnawing red bitch.
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I was actively encouraging the stalk and made sure to stand motionless and quiet.
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But alas, she out maneuvered us and hid in the woodshed. No doubt sharpening her teeth in between chuckles.
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Lord Dudley was disheartened, not to mention cold… so round two of ‘introduction to snow’ came to a close.
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Ball wash and banana hammocks be damned… my Facebook feed has finally found an ad campaign I can get behind.
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Meet Peanut, the Nuts.com squirrel.
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He’s not red, not gray.
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But whatever he is, Peanut is a definite step up from the usual crap that pollutes my page.
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Welcome Peanut.
Here’s hoping you and your nuts drown out the testicle hygiene products for months to come.
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The husband and I were chilling in the man cave a few weeks ago…
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When I noticed something on the floor…
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Knowing that he used that color insulation to block off the sliding barn doors during transformation, we investigated outside…
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And found proof that my nemesis is back.
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That little red bitch of a squirrel was back… and building (yet another) nest.
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A few pokes of the broom handle later…
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And down it came.
That’s the fourth nest in a year and a half. Two in the house, two in the barn.
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She’s persistent, I’ll give her that. But she’s also too damned destructive to let move back in.
Been there, done that. Still trying to fix the damage.
😡
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River's world..... 