Up a tree without a paddle
I'm not sure if I mentioned the squirrels in the tree at the cemetery. They were abandoned or more likely orphaned at the beginning of the fall, and at a very early age. Not quite so young that they would come up to us, but so young they couldn't fend for themselves. The first day we noticed them they were crying for mom and probably starving. They moved poorly, didn't climb well, and seemed weak. So Cuz, a certified squirrel fanatic, made it her mission to be their mom. Every morning she cut up apples for them, and put out seed, and they grew and grew and grew, and they even seemed to be adopted by an older squirrel, which was good since they needed someone to show them the ropes and teach them how to find food, and keep them warm and safe. Well, they finally got to a size and age where we really cant tell them form other squirrels. They survived.
But lately there have been hawks watching that tree that they live in. Now usually the hawks in the area are very skittish. You used to hardly be able to get near enough to get a decent picture or identify them. Now they are very bold and brave. Today we came back to the shop, and one was in the tree eating... something....fuzzy. While a terror stricken squirrel looked on and dove in and out of the hole. Once it was done with that morsel it settled onto another branch, and just waited..... knowing eventually the squirrel would come out and he'd forget the danger. And not see the supremely camouflaged killer right above them.
And that's the way of it. That's what happens to squirrels. They are food. Nothing you can do about it. Sadly my Cuz is taking this personally. To the point where I'm like WTF? Get over it. I'm sorry, but there really is nothing you can do.. and half of it may even be her fault for not stopping with the feedings, or at least moving the food out a bit. This hawk has obviously learned that this tree is loaded with squirrels, and it's just a matter of time before they come back out to eat. Ho hum....
But lately there have been hawks watching that tree that they live in. Now usually the hawks in the area are very skittish. You used to hardly be able to get near enough to get a decent picture or identify them. Now they are very bold and brave. Today we came back to the shop, and one was in the tree eating... something....fuzzy. While a terror stricken squirrel looked on and dove in and out of the hole. Once it was done with that morsel it settled onto another branch, and just waited..... knowing eventually the squirrel would come out and he'd forget the danger. And not see the supremely camouflaged killer right above them.
And that's the way of it. That's what happens to squirrels. They are food. Nothing you can do about it. Sadly my Cuz is taking this personally. To the point where I'm like WTF? Get over it. I'm sorry, but there really is nothing you can do.. and half of it may even be her fault for not stopping with the feedings, or at least moving the food out a bit. This hawk has obviously learned that this tree is loaded with squirrels, and it's just a matter of time before they come back out to eat. Ho hum....