I am interested in this Community, County, and the beautiful state of Idaho. Most of my photos will be in Idaho, but from time to time, they will be my vacations aay from Idaho. You'll see lots of my Children and Grand children, along with others in my family. Of course there will be horses and horse related things, and things I photo'd horseback.

Love my Yard Critters

Posted Monday, April 22, 2013, at 4:34 PM

A day spent around children and loving/beloved pets is a good day, no matter how you stack it. With the recent occurrences in our Country, it is worth stopping and taking a moment to think about what is really valuable to life.

I've been 'playing' with this squirrel (actually there are 3 of them) and getting photos of them. They are getting more and more comfortable with me being around. I'm gonna go as far as to say I'll probably have them eating out of my hand before end of summer.

This particular squirrel was my target for the day. He sat in this tree branch swaying in the wind on Saturday for about an hour. I had my camera set on a tripod, hiding in a window, with the window and screen open. I nearly gave up when he showed some activity.

I had laid some nuts and candy on the table, so he first helped himself to the sweets.

He took a Red M&M up in the tree to savor quietly

Then

he got active and decided to raid the bird house. I had basically emptied the house, but left some larger nuts inside, (they wouldn't come out the bottom for the birds) He was gonna have to go IN and get them.

ahhhhhh....he has figured it out! * It's kind of amazing how crafty and handy they are with their little 'hands'

This is not a good photo, but it shows that there is more than one.

This is the next day. I peanut buttered an empty toilet paper roll and rolled it in popcorn kernels He thought that was pretty scrumptious I have more ideas up my sleeves, and he's getting the idea that I"m not so bad!

This little owl is so darn cute! He's in the same tree, and didn't budge when I took these photos.

I kind of consider my grandchildren critters, and Jilly LOVES whenever we have puppy critters.

Our backyard extends kind of far, so hear is a critter 'out' aways. Sorry for the poopy butt, but otherwise, he's pretty cute. He is mine!

I made this little chair for my lil buddy. Yes, I"m getting somewhat ridiculous. I used power tools and all.

And kids...always kids

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My father-in-law loved his squirrels. He actually built miniature houses for them, complete with windows, stairs, natural stone masonry fireplaces and hand split fir shingles on the roof. The Statesman did a piece on them before he passed.

He had a couple that would actually come in the house and take peanut butter toast from his hand, until the mother-in-law caught him doing it one morning. :)

I can tell you that they like dried corn on the cob but absolutely love pumpkin seeds. They will chew a hole in the side of a pumpkin and climb right on in, up to their tails if need be. They can look pretty funny when drenched in pumpkin juice.

Good job as usual, but I'm kind of surprised you don't have any flamingos....

-- Posted by wh67 on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 5:29 PM
I have some corn cobs. Also, one that hung on a bungee cord, that I thought would be fun to watch. but he ate it so fast, and I never got to see him do it. So, I'm trying to be a bit more creative and in so doing, he's getting more used to me being in "HIS" yard. There's actually 3 of them, but maybe only 1 getting real brave. Or maybe it's all 3 at different times, trickin' me!

I'd love to make a big house like that! I just used scrap pieces of cedar that is left over from siding our house. For sure, I'm not good at it, but my first attempt was a learning experience. I"m a 'short cutter', and just wanted to "hurry and get it up there" Next one will be better.... and have a long nail to 'stick the cobs' down on...or sumthin!

Thanks Warren!

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 5:37 PM
You might substitute a drywall screw for the nail, so you can sort of twist it on the stand to hold it better. If you're using cedar boards, pre-drill a hole and glue the screw in place so you don't split the seat.

-- Posted by wh67 on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 6:44 PM
Yes, that is what I found, was that Cedar splits pretty easy. I was trying to hurry and have it done before Wayne got home and caught me "jerry riggin' things. I like that idea Wayne, will do!

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 6:47 PM
That looks like a lot of fun. We built our house a few year ago and have only planted a couple of trees so far. I've always enjoyed watching wild critters. We have a family of red fox that show in our field every spring. I've only seen one of them so far this year. Our critter kid (grandson) and our daughter will be here next month for a visit.

Thanks for sharing.

-- Posted by TundraRat on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 7:59 PM
Glad you enjoyed TundraRat. Wild life is always fun to watch, I think...including the children critters! They are sometimes the wildest

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Apr 22, 2013, at 8:31 PM
Wonderful pictures as always. Started my morning off right. Thank you.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Apr 23, 2013, at 6:58 AM
This is a strange new side of you... making chairs for squirrels?!

-- Posted by ktlm on Tue, Apr 23, 2013, at 10:28 AM
You make me Jealous ! I have only seen one squirrel around our place and that was a couple years ago .. We got a skunk and wood pecker and then some night hawks in the summer, that's about it. Do you get any Bob Cats where you live?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Tue, Apr 23, 2013, at 10:32 AM
Well Katie I'm practicing being retired. You know the life to which I would like to become accustomed to.

And it's fun!

Marilyn, I just posted what felt right for the story.

I'm sure you have more squirrel than you know

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Apr 23, 2013, at 8:57 PM

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