Squirrel feeding

Our squirrel feeder is very successful and it is great to watch them feeding. I know they are not red squirrels but at least they are squirrels or Sciurus carolinensis to give them their full title. According to the RSPB website -

These squirrels have grey fur and often sit upright with their large bushy tails arched over their backs.

Grey squirrels, originally from North America, were released in the UK by 19th century landowners. They are now very common and widespread.

Grey squirrels are active during the day, foraging for food in trees and on the ground - they often visit peanut feeders in gardens. In the autumn they spend time storing nuts to eat during the winter.

Their nest, called a drey, is a compact, spherical structure. It is slightly larger than a football and constructed of twigs, leaves, bark and grass.

Grey squirrels tend to breed in between January and April and, if food is plentiful, they may have a second litter in the summer.

They are extremely successful and have replaced our native red squirrels over most of the UK.