Critters and wildlife in your area - post your pics

[JanS]

We have the darn tree rats (red squirrels) here and they're PITAs too. Once in a while hubby has to thin them out since they breed like bunnies and get into everything. Yesterday Elroy almost got one on the deck since it decided it didn't want to jump that far down off the feeder so it ran across the deck when he was standing right there. Hubby just tosses them in the woods out of the fence and the crows and ravens have them in no time.

 

[Gelcoater]

We have the darn tree rats (red squirrels) here and they're PITAs too. Once in a while hubby has to thin them out since they breed like bunnies and get into everything. Yesterday Elroy almost got one on the deck since it decided it didn't want to jump that far down off the feeder so it ran across the deck when he was standing right there. Hubby just tosses them in the woods out of the fence and the crows and ravens have them in no time.

Red tree squirrels are complete assholes.

When ever we have been around them they go out of their way to taunt the dogs.
In Colorado years ago we watched them taunt the Rotties, throwing pinecones and branches down at them.

 

[JanS]

In Colorado years ago we watched them taunt the Rotties, throwing pinecones and branches down at them.

LOL they do love taunting them. They will come on the deck and pound on the patio door when the dogs are sleeping on the other side of the glass.

 

[JanS]

And today I went to chase one of the bastards off the feeder and it jumped into my face and scratched my eyelid and cheek. Grrr... Then when I went downstairs to get the dogs supper I heard something out in the garage and there was stuff knocked down all over and a pile of stuff at the corner of the door. I thought that was another squirrel that came in when I was getting Olive out of the vehicle this morning but that one turned out to be a chipmunk.

 

[LifeofRubie]

It's happening! Checked on them a couple hours ago and nothing but they're emerging fast and furious, now!

 

[Ravenbird]

It's happening! Checked on them a couple hours ago and nothing but they're emerging fast and furious, now!

That is SOOOO exciting!!!!!

 

[LifeofRubie]

That is SOOOO exciting!!!!!

Not sure if it was right or wrong but I did move a few to the rain garden, a couple to the front landscaping, and spread a few out across the neighboring bushes. Do they eat each other when they're that young? We dunno.

Hoping that since some hatched here, we'll get more oothecae for next year!!

 

[MyBuddy]

And today I went to chase one of the bastards off the feeder and it jumped into my face and scratched my eyelid and cheek. Grrr.

Omg! A squirrel?? Wow, aggressive or you startled it. But I'd wash that well. You never know.

It's happening! Checked on them a couple hours ago and nothing but they're emerging fast and furious, now!

That's so cool!! They are so small

 

[JanS]

Wow, aggressive or you startled it.

I definitely didn't startle it since it was staring me in the eye when I walked up to the feeder.

 

[Ravenbird]

Not to freak anyone out, but my first thought is rabies. I'm sure it's not, but dang! That's a crazy squirrel you encountered!

 

[JanS]

Not to freak anyone out, but my first thought is rabies. I'm sure it's not, but dang!

It always crosses our minds but all of these little red buggers are brave and do everything they can not to get off the feeder until you physically knock it off.

 

[MyBuddy]

And speaking of squirrels, I believe the majority here are just the gray squirrel. But I think I mentioned once before about black squirrels. I saw my first black squirrel in Colorado. I thought they were only native there. My sister lives about 5 minutes away and she had black squirrels! I commented on it one day as to why I've never seen them at my place! Several years later I'm coming up my driveway when I see a black squirrel! Wow, it's the first time I saw one at my house. And I've never seen one up by the house where the other squirrels are always in my garden. I tried to get a picture of him but he was too quick.

Well, a few minutes ago Kali was barking at something and I figure there was probably just a squirrel. And lo and behold it was a black squirrel! If I would have seen him first (before letting her out to chase it) I would have let him be for a moment to see if I can get a picture! LOL maybe he'll be back. I would love to see him again. It's just such an unusual color so I want to see it. He'll probably be just as annoying!

 

[Gpcoguy]

Interesting about the black squirrels. When I was a kid living on Long Island I saw them but never anywhere else

 

[Ravenbird]

all of these little red buggers are brave and do everything they can not to get off the feeder until you physically knock it off.

That's insane!

 

[Ravenbird]

We have the prettiest squirrel here, called Aberts Squirrel. Huge fluffy tail and tufted ears, grey with white belly.... I don't have a photo, but here's one from the 'net:

 

[Rits]

We have a ton of black squirrels here! So much so that the local golf course and surrounding area is named after them

 

[MyBuddy]

This is only the second time this year that I spotted the red-headed woodpecker! He's beautiful! Very skittish so this is taken through my dirty kitchen window and zoomed in! Still you get an idea. I always consider it a wonderful treat when I see him. I had to call my husband over quickly to show him!

 

[JanS]

We were lucky enough to have one come to our suet for a couple years but we haven't seen it since.

 

[MyBuddy]

We were lucky enough to have one come to our suet for a couple years but we haven't seen it since.
View attachment 134904

Aren't they beautiful? Such vibrant colors and striking differences.

 

[Ravenbird]

Our local woodpecker is an Acorn Woodpecker. So special with his red cap and white/blue eyes!
When he defends his spot he raises the hackles on his red cap. You can see the difference in these photos. And I love how his "cape" is fringed looking in front.