I don't know how many squirrels I have at least 6 regulars. Too many when you can tell them apart, there are three that are distinctive, the rest all look alike. They have become a nuisance and I am considering the traps, maybe I can get some of those chipmunks too. (and we know Molly does not like them at all) It rained buckets most of the day but it did not stop this one from cleaning out the feeder. very wet squirrel ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) contortionist squirrel ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) ...and he never fell off ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) sunbathing squirrel ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) I chased this squirrel off the ledge and he just layed in the grass looking at me. I think he was trying to dry off from the rain. Then he went over and layed on stone for a few minutes. I have never seen a squirrel lay down like that. exhausted from eating all that birdseed ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) I think they are way too comfortable and well fed in my yard!
I could do with one of Kildale's traps too Gail. I don't have as many squirrels as you do(only 4)but they are very destructive. I've replaced my bird feeders so often that it's getting very expensive. Squirrel proof feeders?? Well the squirrels still manage to find a way into them!! I've never seen our squirrels sunbathing like the ones in your photogrphs. Maybe it's because I chase them off whenever I spot them.
They are really something... I have seen them sunbathing many many times. Sometimes I see three or so lined up on my garage roof! They are funny creatures but they sure do cause a mess. They bury nuts and things all over my yard, no regard for anything they may be digging up! Gail, where ever would you take them though, once you caught them?
Those are huge squirrels, nothing close to that here. Maybe half that size at best. Opposum that large for sure but not squirrels.
Well Gail, I know those pesky little creatrures are sometimes TOO MUCH fun to have around, but I have to say--you have been able to take some some quite nice fotos.-- Their remarkable acrobatics and various body postures. It's all quite interesting to me. Having said this, I can see that they are interfering with your main purpose which is feeding and observing birds. There are indeed a variety of live capture traps available that you could use. If you were serious about removing your squirrels and relocating them far, far away...where would you move them too? Do you know of some deep woods somewhere out in the countryside? I could imagine that you would begin catching them and then as soon as ne was caught, another would take it's place...but that would not go on indefinately, would it. Perhaps if the population was less there would be an acceptable number in your area so that the birds would get more of a chance (and it would not cost you so much money). I have read that after the introduction of gray squirrels into Great Britain, they have begun to displace the native red squirrel...and is fast becomming a pest. I sympathize with your situation and I hope that you can find a good solution. There are lots of mountains in Eastern Tennessee, aren't there? Good luck to you!
Appreciate all your comments and sympathy. I have enjoyed watching their antics but now they are more annoying than cute. I plan to take down the feeders soon because I don't want them tearing up my flowers. I will keep one up in another area. It will be an ongoing battle because we have many trees loaded with acorns and hickory nuts. When we first moved in this house we had flying squirrels in the attic...had to call the varmit busters to trap & seal up their entrances. Not to worry about where to relocate them, we live on the outskirts of the city. We can drive just a few miles to find them a new home but will probably take them father than that! My husband has agreed to be the transporter. I am sure this will be an ongoing process but it will have to wait until I get back from visiting my family in NJ. :-D
