Lunch on the Ledge

All of my other squirrels, climb up to the feeders but Rusty (he has rust coloring on his face & sides) likes to eat on the ledge. Its hard to chase him off. I put the camera right in his face or tap on the window and he just looks at me. Even Molly's barking doesn't scare him off. Here are some photos I took today.


( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )

This is not cropped, but I did use some zoom & a macro setting.


( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )

He did stop eating when I tapped on the window.


( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )




Rusty is unfazed by Molly's barking ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )


This is a short video clip of Rusty a couple days ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322Mz3ku-n0

 

That squirrel would drive my dogs crazy. They sure get smart don't they. Great pictures. Sure is a photogentic guy/gal.

 

How cute! I only get the little bitty ground squirrels here and those not too often because of my great big dogs. However, I get a bear occasionally that wanders into my garage. Dogs don't have access to that area yet because the fencing isn't done. I think I would trade you........

 

I like these fotos of Rusty. They allow us to inspect that species very closely.
For us here, squirrels are just a childhood memory--a vague memory. I haven't seen one 'live' for donkey's years.
Of course one sees pics or films, but the real thing is something that one must travel to do. Our squirrels do not look like that sort anyway.

It is surprizing how bold those critters can be once they've twigged to what extent their protection extends (in this case, glass).

I'll bet that you keep that window washed inside and out more than any other window in the housse.

I notice that Rusty has a bit of ear missing, no doubt from a fight or a diving mockingbird.

Thanks for showing these delightful pics....and video--good grief, that beast was eating so fast! I wonder if he was so terribly hungry, or just greedy.

p.s. --That was clever of you to take the last pic including Molly. That gives a good perspective.

 

Glad you enjoyed the photos and thanks for your comments. The squirrels are a mixed blessing. They are entertaining but also a nuisance because they keep the birds away and hog the birdseed. They will sit there and empty them if I don't chase them away.
Molly does go crazy when she sees the squirrels but she will sit with me and watch the birds...goldens are birddogs .
Rusty does have a piece of ear missing and some scars on the side of his face, probably from the other squirrels they are always chasing each other around the yard & up and down the trees.

 

Gail you sure do have fun with your photography and it's great to see your pics. Rusty is awfully cute in a mischievous sort of way. Very funny to see him calmly eating while Molly barks away at him. It's neat to be able to look at him so closely. He looks a little slim and his coloring is pretty. I can't imagine not having squirrels around... Last year we had two white squirrels that were fun to watch but too fast to photograph.

 

MaryAnne you piqued my interest with your comment on the white squirrels...I have never seen one. I googled it and saw a photo and read an article that they do exist in TN. I will have to keep my eyes open for them

 

Gail -- the first time I saw one of the white squirrels, I did a double take. They really stand out. If there are any in your area, you'll see them. They move so fast, you may not realize what it is at first but they will definately catch your eye. It makes me think that their white color would make them stand out to any predators as well so I worry about them. I hope you see one!

 

Wow, Rusty sure is a brave little guy! We had a squirrel in our yard twice in the almost 7 years we lived here. The first time my German Shepherd chased it up our tree and sat at the bottom until I dragged her in for bed. It was gone in the morning. The second time one was at the feeder and my dog chased it away, never to return again
Great shots.

 

wonderful pics gail! i love how close you get up to rusty, and the pics of him and Molly, amazing!

 

I think this squirrels are so much fun to watch.They remind me of monkeys.

 

How funny! I wish a squirrel would let me get close enough to take great photos like that

 

What a photogenic creature that squirrel is. I'm extremely envious of course, since our red squirrels prefer the forest to the gardens around here. *sigh*