Saturday, December 29, 2012

Squirrel Hug

Mr. Gray was generally shy. But he was a true western gent, so after a few moments of aw-shucks and feet-kicking, he decided to give the new neighbor - my cam trap - a big welcoming hug.

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

squirrel hug

In truth, this series is a nice example of a gray squirrel's reaction to an unknown object in its home range. Especially an object that seems to have eyes and makes sounds. After seeing the camera, he slowly approaches - likely lightly barking, flicking his tail, and stamping his feet along the way (a vid cam would catch all that, of course). Once he decides the cam isn't going to pounce, he gives it a detailed inspection. After that, it gets treated like any other old log or stump.

But here on my blog - it's all about the hug. A virtual hug that is - to all of you for following along and adding to the fun in 2012. I look forward to learning with you in 2013.

Have a very happy new year.

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7 comments:

  1. aw.... warm and FUZZY!!! =) Thank you SO much for that.

    And I LOVE the shot before the hug. SO CUTE! The grays are SO BIG here, sometimes when I see them out of the corner of my eye, I am alarmed at what I think is a mid-sized mammal that might eat my chicken. And then I look, and know all is well. If you're not a seed... Happy 2013!

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  2. And a Happy one to you too.
    D

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  3. Warms my heart -- I love these guys.

    Western gray squirrel numbers in SoCal's San Bernardino Mountains took a nosedive over the past two or three years. Numbers are now beginning to rebound, I've heard, and I look forward to seeing gray squirrels around the cabin again. Western grays here in Redlands, on the other hand, are everywhere you look. Last May I spotted a fox squirrel in an oak tree out front -- the first I've ever seen here in town.

    Thank you so much for this blog, and for your photos on Flickr! I wish you a happy, fulfilling 2013.

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  4. A very happy new year to you too!

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  5. 1-2-3 ... RED LIGHT.

    Happy New Year Brah!

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  6. Huge fan of the first image.

    Come at me bro!

    Shows that white chest so nicely.

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