The birds aren’t the only ones who enjoy a meal at the birdfeeder. Little Red is a regular visitor too. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) don’t hibernate. In severe winter weather, they have the good sense to stay snug and warm in their nests, but on mild or sunny days, red squirrels are industriously gathering seeds. To help them make it through the winter, red squirrels store large caches of food over the summer, but this little guy seems happy to take advantage of a free lunch.
He (or she) sticks close to the feeder and I rarely spot a red squirrel out in the open. Rather, the squirrel takes advantage of the foot of snow on the ground to stay out of sight. There is a trail of tunnels that lead to the open area and walkway around the bird feeder and the squirrel can disappear into the snow in the blink of an eye.
Little Red watches me carefully with his bright eyes, seated at the entrance to his tunnel
If I take a step closer, all that can be seen is an empty doorway.
Willow House Chronicles 