Photo-Finish Friday -- Determination Edition

Squirrel - proof feeder?

Nuts to that.

Gratitude Monday -- A Lesson from a Squirrel

I learned a lesson in gratitude from a squirrel the other day, and for it I am grateful.
The squirrel, pictured above, is nibbling a peanut from the handful I set out.
I found them in the bottom of a container at the back of the cupboard. They looked fine, but the smell was more than off.
Though not fit for human consumption I thought I might attract a blue jay.
I'd set out fresh nuts in the shell a few times and the blue jay decided they were his and his alone.
He didn't even come by this time.
The squirrel is around quite a bit. He usually raids the bird feeder for sunflowers, but this time he came for the peanuts.
The smell did not bother him. He took every last one of them. Most went to his stash in the nearby swallow condominium, but  he sampled a few here and there. I was fortunate to get this action shot.
Food was made available. The squirrel found it edible and he knew that no matter how it smelled it was still food and still good and he took it because he knew he might be hungry one day soon.
It's a good reminder to not be overly selective when it comes to food as you never know when you might need it.
I presume he was grateful for it. I'm sure taking all of them was his way of saying thanks.
I am grateful they were edible and went to a good home.

Gratitude Monday --Squirreltainment

We have a very determined squirrel.
When we moved the feeder high in the green ash tree via block and tackle the poor critter was stumped. We were entertained late last week as he ran up and down the branches shaking his head and his tail in agitation and consternation, cogitating as only a squirrel can.
He went away, but he did not give up.
All the cogitating paid off as yesterday he made the leap over to the feeder and took his fill.
I would rather he left it for the birds, but the cold is here and a critter's got to eat.
While I am grateful for the entertainment, it goes deeper. I am grateful for the lesson in perserverance.
Where there's a will-- and food for winter--there's a way.

Young 'un

The little guy was shy and scared as he explored on the steps of our garage.
Here he, or she, hunkers down and tries to be inconspicuous.
The squirrel stuck around a while and explored. I don't know if the raspberry got eaten or not.