Squirrel

Just about to leave for work, when I saw a squirrel hop down on the fence, run along it, than scramble up a nearby tree; it was only about 10 feet away at one point, very close.

 

We are lucky in Jersey to have red squirrels, rather than the grey ones in the U.K.  The grey ones were brought into the U.K. and have tended to drive out the red, so that there are virtually no red squirrels left, but they never got brought to Jersey, so our reds are safe from competition!

The red squirrel has a reddish brown coat,  and a large bushy tail, and is the type of squirrel most seen on pictures and cartoons (like in  Bambi, or the Old Mill). It holds its food in its two front paws when it eats it; just like in pictures. It does not just eat nuts though,  it is not averse to scrabbling in the odd litter bin for any food!

After the storm of 1987, a lot of trees came down over here, and there were a lot fewer squirrels as a result, because they didn't have the cover. Now the trees are replanted, and growing back well, there are lots more around, and if you are lucky, you can see them. Some of the busy main roads in the country have a cable across from near one tree top to another, and the squirrels can use this to cross safely; they just run across this narrow cable, balancing perfectly; it is amazing to see.

Anyway, seeing that squirrel so close to hand makes me feel that the day has started off lucky!