We all have our secrets. Today, I thought I’d introduce you to one of mine.
This is Gerry. Say hi to him!
Gerry is an Eastern Gray Squirrel that has been inspiring me for months. Everyday, he comes around to the patio outside of my office (lucky writer, I know) and eats binges on the seeds that I have so graciously tossed out for the wildlife. Of course, Gerry has grown to be a pretty hefty squirrel (in fact he probably weighs about as much as a cat at this point), so the birds have to get up pretty early to get the jump on him!
As a busy writer/illustrator/educator/aspiring nature superhero, life can get pretty hectic. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget about the simple things – the reasons why we do what we do. For me, animals, nature and science are my thing. My shtick. Having Gerry (and his assorted friends) around outside the door is a great reminder of why it is that I do what I do. I know many of you reading are also nature superheros, so Gerry is a reminder to you too. But I digress.
So, my top 3 favorite things about squirrels? Glad you asked.
#3 – They have no thumbs. Yep, they accomplish all of their squirrel-tastic tasks without any thumbs. If I had no thumbs, my writingwouldprobablylooklikethis. But this guy climbs trees, scares off cats (I’ve seen him do it!) and otherwise kicks squirrel booty without so much as an opposable digit. Fantastic.
#2 -They stand up for what they believe in, and when needed, yell at you. We’ve all been minding our own business, walking under a tree, when suddenly we hear it. Grinding chitter-chatter coming from above our heads. Alas, it is Gerry (or one of his relatives) reaming us out for daring to walk under his tree. Forget the fact that we outweigh Gerry a hundred-fold and that he’s got no thumbs. Nope, squirrels stick up for themselves. No matter how big (or human) their foes are.
#1 – That crazy tail-bopping thing they do. If you’ve spent any time with squirrels (why wouldn’t you, really?) – you know what I’m talking about. They’ll hop and scamper along, with their tails bopping up and down in weird, jumbly rhythms. I’m convinced that there is some sort of behavioral/evolutionary reason for all of this bopping, but I have yet to devise a scheme experiment to figure it out. Is it a signal of some kind? Reflective of their physiology? Only Gerry knows.
And now my friends, I leave you with a picture of Gerry – decked out 300 style. You know, the movie about the Persians and the battle for Thermopylae? He is a squirrel to be reckoned with. Epic, no?
I’d love to hear your own backyard wildlife stories – feel free to introduce us in the comments!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Gerry! Well he’s a hefty looking fellow! Obviously enjoying (maybe too much!) your seeds of good will! But I hear you Jess… talk about inspiration! All we need to do is slow down and just look and listen eh?
We live in the country, on a lake… our yard contains several trees but one of which is a gigantic hickory tree which bears enough nuts to feed a small city! We have 2 little red squirrels that are the gate keepers and they have pretty much free reign over the bounty.They are notorious for hiding their finds in all kinds of strange and creative places. My husband has found them stored in boxes and bags, pots and bins in our garage and storage sheds…earlier this week he found a huge stash of nuts in the bottom of his hip waders! Obviously these little creatures have decided that anything goes and are trusting in our good nature to allow them to share our space with them! Well, isnt this what we are supposed to do? Share the space, be aware and considerate of all human/nature interactions? Squirrels have to eat too! So whats wrong with a few nuts in the boot? Or a furry friend enjoying the warmth and protection of the garage? I say, it’s pretty darn neat. I feel we are “the chosen ones”! We get to see them every day enjoying their nutty world and we also get to be gently reminded that we are all here together, we can enjoy our co-existence, and marvel in the creativity, skill and dedication of these little fellows. We can always count on a greeting from them, and we just know they will add a smile to our day…every day!
Enjoy Gerry and what he brings to your life…obviously, YOU are a chosen one too! Lucky lady!
(ps…love reading your posts!)
December 8th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
This is my favourite blog entry of yours so far, Jess. Gerry is just there to remind you of the GIGANTIC squirrels in Guelph!
December 9th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Dear Author,
Do you recall the time yourself and this humble reader were followed, surrounded, and CHASED by a group of Gerry’s friends? I am glad to see there has been a peace accord struck.
Love always,
Your Nutty Friend
December 9th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
We live pretty close to a whole lot of wildlife, but I love watching the sparrows, magpies and chickadees out the window. They aren’t very exciting, but they are always there and put on a pretty interesting show.