The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place where we share our observations about the natural world. Whether we note the spring migrating birds or the first buds on your trees, we are building a resource to learn more about the patterns of nature and how they may be changing. Everyone is welcome to contribute! Please share what you are seeing in your neighborhood and approximately where your observations come from.
Gooseville, Wisconsin
This handsome 'big boy' is a member of the largest species of tree squirrel in North America. I watched him hesitate at the edge of his woodlot, flicking his tail, and then charge forward in snowy bounds, dashing across 100-yards of open field, crossing the road to leap triumphantly onto the feeding station.
If a hawk, owl, coyote or car doesn't get him, fox squirrels have been known to live 18 years.
Eastern Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger
At about the same time, this little scamp woke up hungry in his drey across the river. Food caches only last so long and squirrels don't remember where the nuts are stashed. Around here tree squirrels become inactive in winter, but don't hibernate. They visit my feeders occasionally, but I seldom see them until spring.
Eastern Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
He stopped short at the edge of the ice as his usual trail was lost to ice-out last Sunday. Changing course, it was a short scramble up the bridge abutment to cross the river with dry feet.
The gangsters have returned and my squirrel troubles have just begun.
Migration has been slow this year, but a moment ago the first turkey vulture floated by. Yesterday, a bald eagle followed the river valley upstream and last Sunday I greeted a pair of robins. Gooseville is awakening to Spring.
What's happening in your neighborhood? Got squirrels? Or maybe an idea for squirrel-proof birdfeeders?
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