We finally seem to have a new resident red squirrel. Our fluffy, well-fed girl, Maude, disappeared last summer, after reigning over our bird feeders and nearby birch trees for several years, leaving our yard completely squirrel-less.
When she disappeared, we scanned the trees for weeks, but were not rewarded by a single fluffy tail or scolding chitter. Rhonda was despondent, missing her near-daily squirrel-led deck-dashes.
I’m pretty sure Maude enjoyed those romps nearly as much as Rhonda. She knew exactly how far she needed to go to be safe, often leaving the feeder barely ahead of the black and tan bullet at her heels. She would flow nimbly up a post or over a railing, knowing full well that Ronni couldn’t reach her. Only once, in those three years, did she misjudge her timing, leaving a mouthful of tail fur (but only fur) for the triumphant Dachshund to savor.
It wasn’t until mid-winter that we noticed a skittish newcomer in a nearby tree. He was young and lean, not yet the size of our complacent, well-fed Mauve. For a while, he scampered higher in the trees at the slightest perceived sound or movement from the house.
We knew the bird feeders would draw him in eventually, but he was cautious. When he finally found the courage to reach the bounty of the feeder, his first visits were quick grab and run raids. In time, he relaxed enough to eat a few black oil sunflower seeds and pull peanut pieces from the suet bar.
Unlike Maude though, who would happily continue stuffing her cheeks while waiting for me to open the door for Ronni to dart out, George (yes, we named him George) was gone like a flash at the first bark from inside the house.
Very disappointing for Ronni, who was used to Maude’s confident, playful nature. George, so far, is more of an eat and run type.
George is becoming a bit bolder in recent weeks, but it’ll be a while (if he survives) before he’s as cheeky and brave as our Maude. Maybe by next fall, he’ll be ready to give Rhonda a run for her money, so to speak.
R.I.P. Maude. I hope this feisty little guy is one of your offspring. 💗
De & the Dachsies - Our Rambles 