squirrels and woodpeckers
February 27th, 2006
This weekend, there was a lot of squirrel and woodpecker activity around the farm. At one point, there were 3 Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) on top of the bird feeder log. One of the squirrels is new to the front garden and can be recognized by the white tip of its tail (see above photo). Perhaps it is hoping to masquerade as a fox. One of the squirrels was probably the Psycho squirrel but it’s difficult to be sure. However, one of the squirrels did seem to behave oddly, clinging to the side of the feeder log and staring at the other 2 squirrels sitting up top and then occasionally rushing them to force them off. That certainly jives with its usual behaviour.
Also seen this weekend — a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) pecking and probing at the bark of a dying Poplar tree in the backyard, and both Downy (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodepeckers (Picoides villosus) seen at the suet feeders. Don also was able to approach a Hairy Woodpecker that was working on a Poplar tree over in the woodlot on Feb. 26th.
The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) was seen and photographed feeding on sunflower seeds atop the feeder log over the weekend. It seems to be visiting before dawn and very late in the evening.
Tags: Red squirrels, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Eastern Cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus, Pileated Woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, Hairy Woodpecker, Picoides villosus
