Something Squirrelly About This!

Nothing brings simple joy like the sight of our own backyard rodent! Bushy, brown and full of energy, he's become a worthy adversary in the ongoing saga of "I'm only feeding the birds this winter", an ongoing tale that's told in this family! A good laugh can always be found in watching Joe's efforts to keep Samuel T. Squirrel (named by the grandchildren) from gaining access to the bird feeders! Sam has outsmarted higher placement (jumps over from a tree limb)...greasing the pole to prevent climbing (flings himself from shrub to shrub and launches through the air to land like a gymnast on the bird feeder)...and even sits and stares blatantly back during verbal assaults by this faithful bird feedin' man and his rowdy squirrel chasing faithful four legged partner ! I've seen this squirrel buzzed by a resident blue jay, scolded by throngs of hungry sparrows, and toppled by winter winds.....only to return to his bird feed eating post within minutes. This squirrel knows no fear....only hunger! And eat, he does....often... and from a variety of positions, including hanging upside down from a nearby tree limb. Stolen ears of field corn turn up in the most unusual places these days, left as a treasure map of sorts by our furry friend.....on deck railings, teetering on tree branches and once, on top of the mail box! Most days, I find myself rooting for this bushy tailed backyard resident that spends his days in my family trees, seeking out the nuts! I find we have so much in common.....we both love to eat, both get chubby in the winter, we both love beautiful trees, and we both loose our fear of people when treated with a little kindness! For a simple joy on a winter day, spend a few moments in your own backyard.....maybe Sam has a cousin that lives there!