Eastern Gray Squirrel

What a face! They were the first visitors this morning, all seven of them. Some of you may recall my Wallenda Brothers nickname from last summer. They frolic and play and can be very destructive to our lilac trees. Little Buggers. Lucky for them they’re cute • Colonial Americans kept them as pets in the 1700s but before long they were deemed pests and became hunted prey in the 1800s • Their tail is their best feature, I think, well designed and versatile. Used primarily for balance it also acts as a parachute by slowing a fall; it keeps them warm like a blanket in winter, and provides shade from summer’s sun; it’s always an at the ready umbrella too! If you’ve observed one of these prolific creatures you know they flick or wag their tail as a warning to other squirrels of impending danger. They do this frequently when I am outside filling feeders, taking photos or relaxing in a chair ;) • Sunny and cold today, with more snow tomorrow!