Friday, March 18, 2016

Recent Critters in the Yard

We've had a few deer, a chipmunk emerging after the winter, and our regular Red Squirrel visitors in the yard over the past 2-3 weeks.  They always liven up our view of life outside our doors.

We know there are deer around, and see their tracks quite frequently when snow conditions are right.  But we rarely see them, as they seem to visit in the bluish light of early morning before dawn.

On this occasion, I just noticed one outside the kitchen window, but as I hurried to get the camera, another appeared.  And then another, and finally there were four deer strung out across the lawn, moving slowly toward the pine trees.  They all appear to be yearlings, and all looked quite healthy to me; it's been an easy winter for them.
The Red Squirrel comes to the feeder, or at least the ground below the feeder, where it's been coming to feast on spilled seeds all winter long.  My bird feeders seem to be successfully squirrel-proof.
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I like the little Red Squirrels, who chatter and scamper and chase each other through the garden.  We hardly ever see the bigger Easter Grey Squirrels, which here seem to be part of the black sub-group.

I've seen up to 3 squirrels at once, but only one ever comes to feed at the same time.  It usually stays on the ground, but occasionally it does climb up onto the deck railing searching for more seeds.

And just a few days ago I saw this Eastern Chipmunk, right beside the back door.  It seems to be making a burrow under the garden, right beside the basement.

I may discover that I have to re-introduce my chipmunk relocation program this spring, if it starts trying to get inside the house.  One year they found a route, and we had to capture one inside!  But usually they stay over in the stone fencerow, where they're perfectly safe, and away from the house.

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22 comments:

  1. That chipmunk is a real cutie! I love the wildlife but especially the non-squirrel ones. :-)

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  2. I love the squirrels. I posted about them today too.

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  3. Fun critter photos! Do enjoy watching the scampering squirrels and chipmunks.

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  4. Beautiful photos, stripes, bushy tails, and deer peacefully showing themselves. A truly magical scene, every one.

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  5. Love the deer... Am not a fan of squirrels nor chipmunks. Both cause lots of damage in our garden. We have almost quit planting Tulips since they dig up the bulbs (thinking they are nuts I guess).....

    We had 12 deer in our backyard this past week... I put a picture on FB...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. Squirrels always seem up to something.

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  7. Lots of wildlife in your yard! I love the little red squirrel. Cute pics!

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  8. Quite a little zoo you have there. I know from bitter experience that deer and flowers don't get along well together though. I only wish we still had some red squirrels around here; unfortunately since the introduction of the grey squirrels the native reds are banished to remote corners of the British Isles.

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  9. Just wonderful - your own, natural, menagerie. As John says, grey squirrels have driven native red squirrels away from most parts of the UK. They are present in NW England and Scotland, but are much more timid than their grey cousins. The latter will come and eat of your hand in London's parks. Fabulous photos!

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  10. Hello, wonderful photos of your critters. The deer are so pretty. Your squirrel and chipper are cuties. Happy weekend!

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  11. Lovely photos . It is great to see all the wild life emerge for spring isn't it ? ! You still have quite a lot of snow there I imagine it is melting more and more each day now that the temps and sun shine is warmer . Thanks for sharing , Have a good weekend !

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  12. Absolutely wonderful photo's, my favourite is the squirrel.
    Have a good weekend

    All the best Jan

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  13. Hello, just wanted to stop back and say thanks for linking up and sharing your post. It is a great critter post, wonderful photos. Have a happy weekend!

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  14. love, love, love these critters!!! such cute eyeliner on the squirrel, but bambi is of course my favorite!!!

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  15. Wonderful shots. I'm sure they are ready for spring, too.

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  16. Sure it's nice to have these animals so close to home. An the squirrel is so cute.

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  17. Love the deer especially and squirrel and chipmunk are cute ~ Great critter shots!

    Happy Weekend to you ~ ^_^

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  18. Nice pictures of the critters in your yard.
    We have all the same ones here.: )

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  19. I love that little chipmunk! Lovely deer and so nice to see a red squirrel. Have a lovely weekend :)

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  20. Lovely shots of the Squirrels and Deer. Have a great week ahead.

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  21. Wonderful critters! I love the chipmunks. They're so cute.

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