Squirrels

Squirrels have an incredible work ethic.  While we humans are hunkering down in the warmth of our homes, not only are the squirrels burrowing for walnuts buried two feet beneath the snow, but they continue to take the high road while they eat.  Acrobatically flinging themselves from one scrawny branch to another, without even pausing to consider the strength or brittleness of each one until they land on it, makes me wonder if the squirrels are in a hurry, hungry, or just having fun.  Why do they go through all of the trouble of such a balancing act?  Most likely, they are staying away from predators, like my neighbor's cat, but who knows?  Maybe they like the view?  Does food taste better up there?  My opinion of these limber little creatures is drastically changing while I watch them from a second-story window during a blizzard.  The trees are close to the house, and I have a front-row seat for this study in nature.  Even so, I can't figure out how these grey and black fuzzballs are able to perch on branches the size of a pencil, while eating nuts with their tiny paws.  It's hard to watch as the occasional 50 mph wind gusts cause the branches to suddenly dive down and spring back up with enough force to catapult a watermelon over my garage.  I find myself closing my eyes, and then, thankfully upon opening them, see how a combination of clingy claws, balance, and guts has kept the brave little creature from falling.  I used to think of squirrels as the rodents that they are, but how can I not admire their tenacity?  If only they'd stay out of my bird feeder....

This new sea glass and driftwood picture is called, "King of the Mountain".  Who knows?  Maybe the whole eating-in-a-tree thing is just a game.