Several times each day, my resident red squirrel, whom I call Ruby, works on a renovation project. This is to enlarge the entrance of the box which housed a family of White-breasted Nuthatches last year. I installed a metal guard on the box specifically to deter squirrels from chewing into the wood. Still, she thinks she can gnaw through the metal ring and I can't imagine she would be wasting her time if she didn't fancy her chances. The nuthatches show interest in using the box again in the Spring. I designed it for them and hope the squirrel gives up soon.
Meanwhile, Ruby keeps me entertained with her fantastic acrobatics. The saucy miss seems to defy gravity as she hurls through tree branches to chase off birds. I relocated a hanging open feeder because she was covering the bird seed with debris to keep it all for herself. Sharing is not her strong point.
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I think she'd have more success chewing into an edge of the box.
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But she's sticking with her plan to enlarge the front entrance.
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She tries her best to conceal the black oil seeds from the birds.
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I've been trying my hand at making roll-ups for lunch. They are tasty and satisfying but I find it a bit tricky to master their construction. I always seem to overfill the tortillas which makes them a bit too fat to stay properly rolled up. The food handlers where they are sold make it look so easy.
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The trick is to not overfill the tortilla.
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Tucking, rolling, tucking and rolling.
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Browning the roll with a bit of margarine.
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Not perfect but perfectly acceptable with a glass of stout.
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So far, it's been a mild winter with not much snow. In fact I've only used the snowblower twice this season. Some nights I hear the high pitched yipping of coyotes. They leave plenty of tracks in the snow as they search for mice in our fields. So far, they've left my two backyard rabbits unscathed.
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Coyotes and I are frequent users of this lane.
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January sun on the striking feathers of a male cardinal.
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The arm of this couch is one of Ellie Mae's favourite hangouts.
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Love Ruby and she does seem determined though there doesn't appear to be the first tooth mark. I love to watch squirrels, they are amazing athletes. That roll up really looks good. I may try one. Thanks. Ellie Mae definitely has the look of the lady in charge.
ReplyDeleteShe's managing to scrape some wood from around the inside of the hole, Patti. The screws that fasten the ring are small and she is very determined. Ellie Mae is certainly in charge -- of me that is!
DeleteIt always amazes me how connected you are to nature, Florence--haha, poor Ruby... I remember you installing those metal rings on those boxes, you sure nipped that problem in the bud! Anyway, your sandwich roll-up looked delicious--I have the exact same problem you do with those, but mine look nothing like your gourmet offerings. I enjoyed seeing that country road too (reminds me of growing up in the country), the red cardinal and for a moment I thought you'd forgotten Ellie-Mae. She's looking pretty as ever :^) I hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteSince my human neighbours are not really within observation distance, I have to resort to other species, Doug. Here in Ontario we're currently into a more strict 'covid lockdown'. Entertainment is where we find it, huh? Gotta say, you really got me fantacising about lemon pie these days. I may have to stroll over to the pie displays on my next grocery shop.
DeleteEllie Mae, your are adorable, it is so good to0 see you there. And for Rudy, he might continue with his struggles for some time, sticks to hide his food stash, he is crafty as well as industrious.
ReplyDeleteI hope New Zealand continues to be Covid resistant, Jean. Like you, I do appreciate our animal friends. Gotta laugh when the red squirrel charges at the blue jays who in turn have scattered the smaller birds. There is plenty for all but our instinct for resource protection is strong.
DeleteThis squirrel is so cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos !
Greetings
Thank you so much for commenting, Ela. Just had a look at your blog and admired your lovely photos from your home in Poland.
DeleteI was trying to remember who Ruby was, then I began to read! We're both fading, I think.
ReplyDeleteEllie Mae is gorgeous. You must groom her lots.
I noticed fisher tracks yesterday. Very exciting seeing nature!
We are both privileged to live among wild critters, Jennifer. You more than most! You saw fisher tracks yesterday and I smelled a skunk last night. Our weasel family members are out and about!
DeleteMaybe you could make a similar squirrel box for Ruby?
ReplyDeleteSorry Joanne, but Ruby can find her own home in one of the many hollow trees around. She's a very competent little lass.
DeleteEllie Mae is so adorable and looks like she loves getting cozy! Your photo's are incredible and I love the way Ruby tries to hide the seeds! So resourceful and glad that is not too cold for her! Your sandwich looks really yummy to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving your comment, Debbie. You likely didn't meet Ellie Mae in person as she is simply terrified of people. (Took a long time for her to give even me, her waitress/servant, her full trust.) Almost six years ago she was clandestinely dumped here.
DeleteFirst of all Florence, that is a beautiful portrait of your beautiful cat. I've never made Rolled up tortillas but I have used the rice papers which work really well. Your meal looks nutritious and delicious. Tony would approve of your beverage of choice. My red squirrels are very busy too and seem to enjoy a harmonious relationship with the birds...birds shake the feeders and the squirrels are eagerly waiting underneath. They've now made tunnels in the snow around the feeders and it is amusing to see their little heads popping up here and there. Kind of like that old Whack a Mole game. I too hope you have birds in that house come spring!
ReplyDeleteEllie Mae does make a good model, Jocelyn! She looks like she's wearing eyeliner. I especially appreciate her company since we're in a prolonged social lockdown courtesy of COVID-19. Yes, I do enjoy and occasional drink of stout. Wish I could find a place that sells porter, which used to be popular here. You say squirrels look like they're playing Whack-A-Mole? I have real moles popping up in little tunnel openings in the snow around my feeders. They pop out of their holes, grab a seed and then quickly back up into their hideouts. Each day the nut hatches express more interest in that box and the squirrel shows less interest. Looks like the metal rings I bought are paying off.
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