The problem with these cute critters is that they'll be back in the summer when your fruit and vegetables are just ready for the picking. And as you probably know, they don't take just one and eat the whole thing. They take a bite out of several of the perfectly ripe ones you've had your eye on for days. So cute they might be, but they're also a real nuisance. In our big garden we try to plant enough so the voles (which seem to be our worst problem) can have their share and we get ours. But in a small garden that is not so easy. Maybe if Estorbo is on regular patrol that will help.
Curiously, in Brooklyn, they never ate anything, though they did dig. Curious to see what Manhattan squirrels do. I'll have very few edibles this year, and when the weather warms the kitty will be on patrol, yes!
Love all your squirrel pics! I had two crows on my deck today that were not intimidated by myself or my Jack Russel...they just flew to a differnt spot! I'm new to apartment living and fortunate to have lots of deck space. I bought your book and love looking at it and dreaming of all the possibilities!
Because of snow cover, I've spread a variety of seeds at the base of two shrubs just beneath a kitchen window. This distribution has worked well and all species have cooperated in enjoying this communal feast.. All species, that is, but for one: squirrels. The focused birds mostly get along with these three bad boys, but when the spread runs low, the squirrels become aggressive and "chase off" the little guys. So this morning, I picked up a lemon resting on the window sill, crept outside like a Delta commando and then hurled my bright-yellow missile (a la Marie's snowball) toward one of the pushiest heavies. Well, it smacked him "somewhere," as he let out a screech and took off like a house 'afire, as did the other two. Have not seen them since. But, I'm ready for them if they again become pushy. Lady of the house later enters kitchen and inquires as to the yellow object resting benignly in the bush? The response: A "weapon of war," my dear..
RATS with fancy tails. And they are BAAAAAAD, eat birds' eggs. eat birds' babies. Good shot Marie - I've got to rely on corgis and they never catch anything. Oh - once, but it was sick.
LOL! The dreaded rump shot!
ReplyDeletePoor cold hungry little Squirrel. Not nice to hit her or him with a snowball.
ReplyDeleteThey are well fed in the city, and it was a very soft, underhand snowball :-)
DeleteI almost got a lovely picture of a squirrel...then Estorbo happened.About the same effect as a snowball.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with these cute critters is that they'll be back in the summer when your fruit and vegetables are just ready for the picking. And as you probably know, they don't take just one and eat the whole thing. They take a bite out of several of the perfectly ripe ones you've had your eye on for days. So cute they might be, but they're also a real nuisance. In our big garden we try to plant enough so the voles (which seem to be our worst problem) can have their share and we get ours. But in a small garden that is not so easy. Maybe if Estorbo is on regular patrol that will help.
ReplyDeleteNancy Mc
Curiously, in Brooklyn, they never ate anything, though they did dig. Curious to see what Manhattan squirrels do. I'll have very few edibles this year, and when the weather warms the kitty will be on patrol, yes!
DeleteJust you wait! They really like the tomatoes!
DeleteWe also had a deer eat a jalapeno...just one. ;-)
I'm impressed you hit it with your snowball. I couldn't hit a bigger target much less a squirrel...good shot!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I usually have excellent aim :-)
DeleteLove all your squirrel pics!
ReplyDeleteI had two crows on my deck today that were not intimidated by myself or my Jack Russel...they just flew to a differnt spot!
I'm new to apartment living and fortunate to have lots of deck space.
I bought your book and love looking at it and dreaming of all the possibilities!
Crows are bold... Lots of deck space sounds wonderful!
DeleteBecause of snow cover, I've spread a variety of seeds at the base of two shrubs just beneath a kitchen window. This distribution has worked well and all species have cooperated in enjoying this communal feast.. All species, that is, but for one: squirrels. The focused birds mostly get along with these three bad boys, but when the spread runs low, the squirrels become aggressive and "chase off" the little guys. So this morning, I picked up a lemon resting on the window sill, crept outside like a Delta commando and then hurled my bright-yellow missile (a la Marie's snowball) toward one of the pushiest heavies. Well, it smacked him "somewhere," as he let out a screech and took off like a house 'afire, as did the other two. Have not seen them since. But, I'm ready for them if they again become pushy.
ReplyDeleteLady of the house later enters kitchen and inquires as to the yellow object resting benignly in the bush? The response: A "weapon of war," my dear..
RATS with fancy tails. And they are BAAAAAAD, eat birds' eggs. eat birds' babies.
ReplyDeleteGood shot Marie - I've got to rely on corgis and they never catch anything. Oh - once, but it was sick.
Yes, bird eggs, I'd forgotten. Estorbo will be on patrol in spring. We really need Andre Khamel, squirrel-slagter!
DeleteHi, Marie, I hope they asked for your permission for this book cover:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fernrichardson.com/book/
Hello Anonymous (?). Not only did Timber Press ask, but they paid me handsomely for it. Thank you for your concern.
Delete