When I first walked in our park, I was astonished that these wild critters could be coaxed to take nuts from my hand. And I marveled at how gentle they were in doing it. We all know squirrels are crazed bundles of energy, and if they skittishly approach, you figure they'll bite your finger off. But these approached gingerly, taking a moment to nose what I've got, and then very very lightly removed it from my fingers with their mouth (no teeth involved). Often they put a trusting padded paw on my finger to hoist themselves up (no claws involved), then skampered up a tree to sit on a limb and munch, flipping the morsel around in their hands until it was all gone. Their head would pop up, they'd eye me, and come back for more.
Yesterday after working 7AM-12:30PM at the Zoo as a Keeper Aid in the tiger house, I drove straight to the Wildlife Rehab Center and fed squirrel babies til 4:00PM. The first job is like an exotic version of Cinderella, the second, pure joy. Both are exhilarating, but also quite tiring.
So, near sunset, with temperatures pleasant, I decided to take a walk in the park looking for tranquility and rejuvenation. Now that I know more about squirrels, I saw those in the park with new eyes. I could tell the difference between Red/Fox's and Grays and could see some females were pregnant or nursing. You think squirrels are small, but when you've been handling their babies for a while, the adults seem big by comparison.
Anyway, I was in a tree grove when a chubby Red came up to me. How did he know I had a bag of almonds in my pocket? While it you'd think I'd had my fill of feedings for the day, I found myself sitting down on the kiddie train tracks to give him something. Utter pandemonium ensued. Amazingly, I got it all on tape.
***As a side note, motivated by vanity, I confess there are few things that reveal the fragility of one's sense of self more than listening to your own voice recorded. This seems universal, as I know many people who've heard their themselves and gasped, "Do I really sound like THAT?" I realize you'll be hearing my commentary all through it and for those of you who don't know me from Adam, I can't imagine what you'll think of me. I may need those who do know me well to vouch for the fact that just a short two years ago I was a very sophisticated career girl. Motivated by artistry, I'd say it only adds to the circus you're about to see. ***
Please, press play...
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