This morning, as I waited for the contractor to show up to install a new side fence, I looked at the huge pile of fresh leaves under my tree. Why did they fall? I could tell they hadn't just snapped off. We've had some windy weather, but it finally had passed by yesterday, and I knew the leaves weren't there last night. When I looked up, though, I discovered the source of the rogue greenery: "my" squirrels were building a nest. Two adorable squirrels -- and a third had joined them today -- love my big tree. They spend their days chasing each other around the trunk, up and down. The tree has a hole about halfway up the trunk, and that serves as a fun hidey-hole for them. They really are a delight to watch.
Last year, I noticed they (or other squirrels) had built a nest in the highest branches. The new one is lower and much fresher looking. I wish I had taken a picture or some video of these guys as they ran to the ends of branches to find the greenest leaves, bit them just right to break them off the tree, and ran the leaves to the nest area. It was not only cute, but also smart. The tree is thinning a bit at the top; the new location is much better shielded.
Now I know these aren't really "my" squirrels, and as much as I enjoy watching them play, I'd never try to handle them. But I'm excited by the thought of soon-to-be baby squirrels joining the fun. I don't mind if they all hang around a while.
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