Camera critter: Reddy is ready

Peek!

This is TV for our cats: the bird feeder.
 Reddy peeks at me from the bucket, perhaps camera shy!

The sun is coming up beyond the forest.


It gives beautiful highlights to Red's ear tufts.

I have spotted three red squirrels on the front porch alone, all at one time. I cannot tell them apart!
Our twin kittens, inclined to cross the road as the other black cat, have been on a tight leash. We have a bird feeder to keep them amused and closer to home.

Red Squirrels, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, a tree rat, they do not hibernate, unlike the ground squirrels.
They mate in early spring, 35 or so days later producing 2 - 7 blind, naked, helpless babes.
They are weaned in a couple of months, and then fend for themselves shortly thereafter.

Lifespans average 2 - 7 years, depending upon predators, and environmental issues.

She nibbles on the maple tree leaf buds!

I have observed that they are like coyotes and raccoons, in that they have compensatory reproduction. Good old Oliver managed to bag 7 red squirrels in the 8 months or so he lived here with us. Oliver, the black cat, met his demise and the squirrel population has thrived.

Once populations decline, thanks to environmental issues, e.g., food shortages, or predators like Ollie, more will reproduce with some having two litters a year, the 2nd in August.

They are omnivores, and eat seeds, tree buds, including nuts and cones. Also, they'll eat insects, eggs or mice if they fall their way.

Dumb as bricks, they set up in a burrow in the garden outside the back door behind our home: with three cats.

beautiful coat colour!

It eyes me from between
the railing!

Oct., 2009 - a fine specimen!

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