Tag: gray squirrel

SOCIABLE SQUIRREL -By Kim Smith

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

On my way home from visiting my daughter Liv who lives in Brooklyn, I stopped at several locations along the Connecticut coast where Snowy Owls have recently been sighted. Although no owls materialized, it was super interesting to learn about the diverse range of habitats hosting Snowies during this fantastic Snowy Owl irruption of 2017-2018. Liv and I spent Saturday morning exploring Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge and other habitats along the Brooklyn coastline where Snowies are also spending the winter. Photos to come when I have time to sort through but in the meantime, this funny little squirrel followed me about the Connecticut Audubon Refuge, coming quite close and seemingly wanting to play hide and seek. I played along for a bit and wished I had a peanut in my pocket 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1OX2elxhw/

LET ME OUT!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Filming at a peaceful location early one morning, this little guy nearly scared the bejesus out of me when he suddenly began to hurl himself against the inside walls of a nearby dumpster. He peered out and unaware of my presence, resumed desperately gnawing at the dumpster’s sliding door. Judging from the appearance of the door it looked as though he had been chewing all night long. Not wanting to get bit, I grabbed a stick and stood to the side while sliding the door open. He took his cue and flew out of the dumpster like a bat out of hell. Never a dull moment photographing wildlife!squirrel trapped in a dumpster©Kim Smith 2015

 

Snowy Day Squirrel

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Squirrel snowEastern Gray Squirrel

Snowy Gray Squirrel ©kim Smioth 2015

The diet of the gray squirrel is comprised principally of seeds and nuts, with acorns, beechnuts, butternuts, and hickory the mainstay during the winter months. In autumn, gray squirrels clip nuts from the tree canopy and bury them in the ground, relying on their sense of smell to retrieve during the winter–even digging through several feet of snow. I often observe them stashing the bird seed in the crevices of our old pear trees and find whole chestnuts buried in our garden. During periods of severe winter weather, gray squirrels may stay in their dens or nest for several days, eventually visiting their stores of nuts, as well as bird feeders, during the warmest hours of the day.

gray squirrel flattening ©Kim Smith 2015 copy When alarmed gray squirrels freeze, then flatten themselves to a trunk or limb and inch around to the other side to stay hidden.