During this Infernal Isolation I have been unable to get close to friends, so I’ve been forced to make new ones. Although there’s not too much communication, I’ve found that Squirrels and Scrub Jays make fairly good, but somewhat limited, company. The squirrels seem to have only two expressions. The first is relaxed and adorable, a lot like puppies.
The second and more common look is “Caught in the Act”. These sneaky little devils are friendly but always seem to up to no good.
We are really drawn to the little Red ones. We have formed a bond with a pair of these skittish little rascals.
We’ve named the female Roxy and the male Rocky. Roxy won’t get too close, but is still hugely demanding. She will sit in a tree and squawk at us insistently until we put some goodies in her favorite spot. Although Rocky’s very nervous, once you’ve established a little trust he’ll take a peanut from you. Over time Rocky has become equally demanding. The little guy will sit on the rail and chirp at us in the kitchen until we bring him a treat. The two squirrels get along most of the time, but if Roxy gets a little too close to Rocky’s nuts all Hell breaks loose and they chase each other frantically all over the yard, all the time switching roles as the pursued and the pursuer. I think they must be married.
The Scrub Jays have only one expression and it’s way more nefarious. Every encounter with them feels like a stand-off as they give you that Evil Eye Stare. I’ve taken to wearing an amulet and reciting “no evil eye” three times to ward off any dark spirits.
Cool, I haven’t seen a Blue Jay in years.
Hope all is well with you and yours!
Take Care,
JJ
Who knew staying at home could be such fun. What wonderful photos. Our squirrels are jealous.
Terrific photography and fun!! Thanks for sharing your talents.
Great stuff! And a creative way to stay entertained (and to entertain us) while we hibernate.
I love the blue jays. Always love your narratives and pictures❤️
So that’s who’s digging in my planters. I found peanuts in my dirt and one even sprouted. Not good when I am waiting for seeds to come up. I have several playing in the trees but I wish they would stay put and stay the heck out of my pots. My Mom would feed the blue jays and if she was not at the patio door with peanuts they would peck until she opened up. Now she is in a retirement home. Thanks for the update. Will we ever go back to normal? I miss normal. . . Diane
Makes my heart smile. Thanks.
Geest pictures! Taken care you both, wish we could meet again any time soon…
The bird is a Scrub Jay, much brighter blue and does not have a crested head like the Stellar’s Jay we also see here. The Blue Jay is an east coast bird.
We have a family of Scrub Jay’s in our neighboring shrubbery every late spring/summer and they stay around all year. They teach their young to bathe in our bird bath and pluck our blueberries from the decorative hole pattern in the fence. I find peanuts hidden all over my yard, but the chipmunks are responsible for that, too.
Big fun, and happy memories! Four years ago I made friends with this greedy animals too, thanks to your generous amounts of peanuts.
Big fun, and happy memories. Four years ago I mede friends with this greedy bunch too, thanks to your generous supply of peanuts!