I parked my rump on a bench along the foot path in Inniswood Gardens to watch the half dozen squirrels in front of me as they scampered along the forest floor in search of food. This time of year you will find them busy searching for and storing nuts and acorns near their dens for the coming winter months. The carpet of leaves has hidden some of their much needed food so their search for food has the feeling of a game. You can hear the rustling of leaves as they stick their noses under the carpet of leaves in search of their treasure then quickly lift their heads and move to the next location as if to say, “Nope, nothing there. Maybe it’s over here.”
Every so often they seem to be playing a game of tag with one another but I soon realize they are being territorial as they chase one another around. Their work at this time of the year is a necessity and feels hurried, yet they seemed to also be having fun and no one gets hurt. I enjoyed watching.
5 Comments
Ray Ketcham
Great image Monte, reminded me that every time I worked next to a stream with river otters in Alaska not a lot of work got done to busy watching the otters play.
Earl
Seeing this reminded me of some of the reasons I love this season so much.
Monte Stevens
@Ray: Maybe that’s what life should really be like, slow down a bit.
@Earl: I’m glad you feel that way. So many colors and smells this time of year. Perks up my senses!
Steve Skinner
I watched the gray squirrels run up and down the trees while at the Chinese garden last week. Their energy is endless!
Don
Sqirrels are smart to. My sons big dog had a run in our backyard, the squirrels knew exactly how far the dog could go and they would tease the hell out of him by coming as close as they could.