Friday, December 29, 2017

Goldfinch and Squirrels

Goldfinch and Gray Squirrels seem to be the only critters entertaining us these days.  The Goldfinch I understand, hungry for food in the middle of this deep freeze, but I thought squirrels hibernated, at least during the coldest snowiest part of the winter.  They're more active than I expected.

A few of the Goldfinch are there even in the early morning dusk when I wake up, most of them on the ground while a few fight for spots on the feeder.

They do give the back yard an air of busy-ness, because something is actually going on out there in the typically -20°C early morning temperatures.

There's a constant coming and going, constant movement, which still pictures like this don't really capture.

Several times I have spotted a single House Finch in with the Goldfinch flock.  Can you see the hint of a red breast on the bird closest to the feeder pole?

Here's a short video to show the constant movement and coming and going of those Goldfinch.  It's a much busier spot in the yard than a static picture reveals.  No sound, shot from inside.

The other critters are this pair of Gray Squirrels.  Now I must admit I have allowed myself to have an all too human bias against the aggressive Gray and Black Squirrels (colour phases of the same species) in comparison to the cheeky little Red Squirrel who visited at our last house.

But I think I may have to change my tune and just enjoy observing the antics of these two.  So far they're not disturbing the feeders themselves, which are so far 'squirrel-proof', just feeding on the ground in between scampers up the trees.

But I didn't expect to find them out in snow like this.  It was snowing so thickly the camera couldn't even focus on this one.

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18 comments:

  1. I just enjoy squirrels...I always spread extra sunflower seed/ birdfeed on the ground so they can get some.

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  2. Great shots of the squirrels. Almost makes me miss the snow.......almost.

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  3. Nope, gray squirrels don't hibernate. They may stay in a tree cavity or leaf nest during the worst days of winter but they can't stay in long without eating, two or three days is about as long. January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day.

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  4. I have found myself more accommodating to the Squirrels this past year as well. All the poor critters outside in that intense cold spell your having need as much help from we folks as they can get. Squirrels included.

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  5. Since I stopped feeding the birds on my front porch (to pacify the neighbors), the squirrels no longer visit me. I see them outside and in the trees, but they don't bother me so I can enjoy them, too. That is a LOT of snow! :-)

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  6. Think a little help to the animals crossing you board in that extreme cold world sure help them.

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  7. Birds and squirrels - very entertaining!
    Happy New Year!

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  8. Hello, the feeders are busy during a snow storm. I love seeing the Goldfinches and the House Finch. The squirrels are piggies and seem to be around all the time here too. Stay Warm! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your post. I appreciate all your visits and comments on my blog in 2017. I wish you and yours all the best in 2018, Happy New Year. Have a happy weekend!

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  9. I'm rather fond of squirrels, devious little rascals that they may be. Toss them some peanuts in the shell. They'll like that.

    Happy New Year!

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  10. wonderful captures!! i see my squirrels all winter and it's pretty darn cold here. they need water and everything i have out is frozen. i need to get a heated bird bath, they keep trying to get a drink from mine!!!

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  11. I enjoy squirrels, but as you know, we had to give up the bird feeding because of the red squirrel pigs.

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  12. I'm not crazy about squirrels either but they are fun to watch.

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  13. This is brutal weather! Stay warm - and all the best for 2018. I hope it is a fine year for you.

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  14. Since we have been slammed with a foot of snow in the last few days, I have seen a big increase in the number of birds coming to the feeders. I still am amazed how they can stay warm (especially the feet!) in this cold weather!

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  15. Our squirrels are always hungry in the morning. By late afternoon they let the birds have the feeders. Happy New Year!

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  16. All scrambling for what they can get in the cold!!!

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  17. Our gray squirrels are out all winter. We had one red, and I hope he is gone now, they are so destructive:(

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