A Squirrel Visitor in our Garden

Spring seems to finally have arrived on the island and we have been spending a lot more time in our garden. We have been cleaning it and also enjoying it with lots of playing, especially hoop dancing. 

Celeste and I noticed this little visitor a few days ago. This little squirrel was sitting on one of our trees, munching on a some type of cone. I am not sure if this is a red squirrel or an Eastern grey squirrel. I think both are here on the island, but maybe someone could clarify it and identify it for us?..

I read the pages related to the Red squirrel in the Handbook of Nature Study. I always find the information interesting. 

"The squirrel has two pairs of gnawing teeth which are very long and strong, as in all rodents, and he needs to keep busy gnawing hard things with them, or they will grow so long that he cannot use them at all and will starve to death." Handbook of Nature Study, page 235. 

Celeste offered some peanuts in the shell but he didn't want them. We got a little closer, slowly, then we got too close and he ran up the tree. It was great watching him while we could. Maybe he will come again...

"The squirrel's legs are short because he is essentially a climber rather than a runner; the hips are very strong, which ensures his power as jumper, and his leaps are remarkable." Handbook of Nature Study. 



It is wonderful to be able to see nature right in our own garden. We have several birds visiting regularly too, mostly crows, blue jays, and chickadees. 

I will be sharing this post on the Outdoor Hour Challenge Carnival hosted by Barb at Handbook of Nature Study blog.