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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16 comments:
What did I think of you? You had me laughing the whole way through. Your dialogue made the video!
You sound like a lovely woman.
Loved it and hysterical...been feeding mine during the past 6 winters, corn and peanuts, but they do not come within 5 feet of me. Guess the park squirrels are less afraid.
How are all the babies doing? You are one lucky lady and a friend of nature...thank you!
Ditto what Delee said: we feed our squirrels corn and peanuts most of the year, but they always stay a "safe" distance away. How wonderfully refreshing to see them up so close. They obviously trust you. Loved your little video. Made my day!
P.S. Your voice sounded just fine!
How fun!! Thanks for sharing! how lucky you are to be able to spend time like that.
I watch the squirrels scampering across the top of my fence just out my living room window, but whenever I go outside, they leave. When my daughter's cats lived here, the squirrels would chatter to them as they were being watched thru the window.
I have a bird feeder on the fence that brings the finches. At times there's a squirrel on one side, and a bird on the other. So much fun for watching!
Oh, this is delightful! You squirrel whisperer, you!
Because you mentioned it, to post a link and make it look like a word, do this, but take out the dot I put in the beginning and end by the a --
<.a href="http://naturegirrrl.blogspot.com/">My Blog><./a>
You need the a href= part to be followed by your blog address (or whatever page) in quotes, then a ">" and your description, then close the tags as I did on the end.
My Blog>
Whoops ... my example should be --
<.a href="http://naturegirrrl.blogspot.com/">My Blog<./a>
Take out those dots before the a tags and you get My Blog
Yaaay! That was great fun. Your squirrels have way bigger tails than the ones in our local mountains. Quite lovely animals.
I always thought a squirrel is a squirrel....but now I know different! Those don't look like the ones that run my fence and torment Josie!! LOL
What a great way to end your day and feel like we really can all live together in this world.
BTW--Your voice was fine. When I tape, it's usually a sports game of one of my grandkids...you guessed it...the whole video has me cheering and commenting on their performance!!!
Thanks for sharing.
I loved this- how absolutely entertaining. I would never have thought they would be so tusting, but they must sense your kindness and generousity. I would love to spend a day with you! The fun we would have!
We had a very friendly chipmunk at the campsite this weekend- he was named redbutt- for obvious reasons. he would come in very very close for food. I am sure campers feed them.
Missed you while I was away!
how cute! I found your blog through some others that I read. I just returned today after my first day at a wildlife rescue center in Austin - where I fed squirming squirrels from Houston!! I can totally relate to what you've said here.
Sydney, I just saw some of your squirrels on our local news! I missed where it was (Colorado maybe) but the Houston babies were being bottle fed, just like in your pix. They'll be returned in a few weeks.
After you mentioning too few hands to take care of those you had, it was good to see that story!
Don't bury 'em! they're from Whole Foods! I know what you mean about listening to a recording of yourself. I sound like a complete idiot but of course, you're the only one who thinks this. To everyone else you sound like you always do.
I read about you squirrels this weekend in the St. Louis Post Dispatch and saw some Houston Squirrels on Good Morning America. The ones this morning were at the ASPCA I think they said - but the article was about the ones you feed. I really admire your capacity to give to those in need. Maybe someday I can be as giving of my looking forward to it. I bet Ellen DeGeneres will do a story about the babies this week.
Margo
What a wonderful video! I really enjoyed it. We always feed the squirrels in our backyard but like others have mentioned, they never come very close to us.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, I have really enjoyed visiting yours too!
~Erin
PS - Your voice sounds great!
Sydney, how in the world does a NY chick survive in Texxxxxassssss?!?!?! (She says with her best texan accent!) LOL Thank you for coming by. I only really maintain the 2 blogs - living beautifully and la maison rose. The others I just snagged the name for possible future use. Hola, chicka.......yeah, yeah, I know that's not correct spanish, but ya gets what ya gets, honey pie..
Smooches,
Connie
Well my dear friend, you did get me hysterically laughing ... to tears!! I am touched.
Sidney, you are absolutely amazing. Yep, a sophisticated artsy gal that has a very deep, caring and nurturing soul ~ that is who you are!!
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