Temperatures have been low enough the past few days to freeze the shallow water in Bedeque Bay at Summerside.
The animals which live along the boardwalk have been preparing for these winter conditions and walkers have been entertained by their efforts, including those of the Red Squirrels.
These small, industrious rodents are present most days when we walk the trail. If they are absent, you can bet there is a predator in the area.
Last year, my husband and I watched a squirrel as it harvested cones from a spruce tree, chopping off the cones which fell to the boardwalk where the squirrel hastened to cart them away to its midden*. This year, we watched one of the squirrels harvest winterberry holly berries.
A gazebo overlooks the salt marsh in the area of the trail we frequent. We always begin our walks at this gazebo, to see what is happening in the marsh that day. One day in October, when we arrived at the gazebo, we heard a squirrel in the winterberry holly tree by the side of the gazebo.
The tree had lost most of its leaves at that point, and the red berries were quite obvious. Watching the tree, we saw a squirrel harvesting the berries, unconcerned about the humans who could almost reach out and touch it.
The little rodent worked furiously to cut off twigs of berries as you can see in this short video here.
By the time we were leaving the gazebo, the squirrel was headed to its midden with a twig of berries in its mouth.
Overhead, the birds always entertain as well, including a flock of Canada Geese which yesterday was headed inland ahead of the forecasted high winds and rain. The birds didn’t have it sorted as to which one should lead the V on the way.
Eventually a small flock broke away from the undecideds and managed a great V.
On the home front, Daisy, the Golden Retriever, visits every week. This week she met BB, the crow with the broken beak which visits us every day. BB now looks in through the glass in the patio door, usually when we are eating at the kitchen table. Daisy and BB watched each other for several minutes.
Surprisingly Daisy didn’t bark at the crow. I think now they are friends.
*midden: an underground tunnel where a Red Squirrel stores its food. It is separate from its nest or drey which is in a tree.
34 comments:
Squirrels are fascinating creatures, aren't they!
I love the squirrel pictures and videos. I have very fond memories of feeding squirrels with my grandfathers on both sides and your squirrel videos and pictures always make me think of that.
We have one red squirrel on our property that we know of. It is busy collecting corn and seed from our feeders and storing it somewhere.
Hello,
Love the squirrel photos and the video.
LOL, those geese should get their act together or their flight pattern.
Cute shot of Daisy watching the BB the crow.
Take care, have a great day and wonderful week!
BB and Daisy are fast friends now. That is an adorable photograph. A holiday card would be nice with those two on it.
The squirrel harvesting berries is a pretty picture as well. I didn't know they break off branches like that.
Have a wonderful week
Very interesting about the midden. I've had squirrels in the area all of my life and had no idea. Thanks for teaching me something new!
Daisy is a good pup; most dogs would have barked their heads off at a crow. Obviously they were both intrigued with the other.
This is a wonderful post. Thank you so much. I hadn't ever heard the word midden used that way before either. Live and learn.
Marie, your image of the squirrel running with his red berries is an awesome capture. The movement, the tail, red berries and watchful eye, capture my attention.
The Canada Geese do seem a tad confused.
What a special relationship you have with BB and now the lovely Daisy seems to understand.
What a lovely outlook you have, squirrels are wonderful to watch, but no red ones here.
I love the squirrel pictures! Amazing!
Perfect photo of the squirrel running with the berries. Love it!
Thanks for teaching me the meaning of the word midden. And for the neat video of that industrious squirrel! :-)
It's unbelievable the effort the squirrel goes to in storing up food. Day after day they make trips to the midden.
Squirrels can be entertaining. Look like Miss Daisy enjoy viewing the crow.
Coffee is on.
There are still some crazy geese flying about here. Probably some will try to stay. I am not sure. They are no eager to go, anyway.
Winter is setting in.
First of all … the video … My goodness, the little critter is amazingly efficient. Next, I learned a new word … *midden* … thank you, Marie. 😊 Your pictures of the Canada Geese reminded me of some discussions I’ve seen on social media in the past regarding why they fly in a V. I don’t believe I’ve seen a definitive answer. Lastly, the crow with broken beak fascinates me. Maybe Daisy has picked up on that too. 😊
what a delight to watch all these animals around busy in labor to make their life easier :)
the squirrel video was lovely i love such sight and i bet it was so amusing to see her gathering and carrying her food :)
the frozen water tells the winter is getting serious
blessings !
we have one red squirrel that wants to set up winter housekeeping in the big garage and is packing in conifer seeds, leaving mich of the cone on JG,'s previously meticulously clean floor. it’s a war in there.
Wonderful Photos For Sure But That Last Shot Is Priceless - Love It
Cheers
What clever squirrels to have a separate larder! Good Daisy!
Awww, sweet Daisy. Love the picture of BB and her watching each other.
My smile of the day was the geese and their struggle to see "who was the boss and leader"
Seems there are always those who want their own way (:0)
We have several gray squirrels in our area and use our roof as their highway to other houses and goodies growing here and there.
Love the photo of the shallow water in Bedeque Bay. Frosty times.
Sue
squirrels, so fun to watch their antics...
mine have been running around the yard like crazy, chasing each other and preparing for winter!! the squirrels running with the berries, what a great capture!!
You get free entertainment with the squirrels collecting and storing berries.
The exchange of looks between Daisy and the crow is priceless!
The last pic is wonderful. We have a lot to learn from the animals.
Hello Marie :=)
A wonderful animal post with some charming captures. Daisy watching the crow is a lovely shot. She has a gentle and friendly nature. The Canada geese made me laugh, until they got their act together.I loved watching the short video of the squirrel, and the capture of it running away with the berries on a twig, they are clever little creatures and entertaining to watch.
The squirrel video was interesting, such industrious rodents preparing for cold weather ahead. Nice that Daisy and the crow have become "friends" in a way.
Animals are a good source of entertainment.
Keep taking care of the crow with the broken bill, Marie. I am sure it needs a little help.
Nice photos, thank you very much. I like the bird flight of the geese. You took some great photos...
It's now 6 degrees and the snow has melted away.
Maybe the birds will be happy...
That squirrel looks fun to watch. I'm amazed that Daisy didn't bark at the crow!
The winter scene is so pretty and the photo of the rodents with the berries so cute. I love seeing pics of Daisy.
oh how cute is that squirrel. Interesting about 'midden'; here it is used to mean a heap of rubbish, as in ancient peoples leaving a pile of shells etc.
cheers and Happy Christmas
sherry
You wonder what the crow thinks of Daisy.
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