General Chat

Thank you for your replies

Jude, I don't live too far from you... I wonder if the very harsh spell we have had led them to semi-hibernate this year? I know... they wrecked the couple of feeders I put up high away from my cats, as well...

Julia, I haven't seen them hibernate before, either... we have lived here four years but this is the fifth winter.... this time last year I wasn't 100% and used to lie on the sofa here in the conservatory, and giggle at them... they have always thrown twigs and bits at the cats, lol

Hello Crystalcat, pleased to meet you.... they are funny, aren't they? Like having a tree full of mischievous toddlers, lol

I am a bit worried about my little Rowan tree... I do hope they stick to the self-seeded trees in the copse on the other side of the fence....

They have just demolished the fat balls and the last of the christmas pudding I put out for the birds.... will need to go and feed them some more, I think!!

Love

Daff xxx

Winter: The grey squirrel does not hibernate and it cannot store enough energy to survive for long periods without food. A larger, thicker winter drey is built, usually on a strong branch close to the trunk, and a squirrel will lie up in this in very cold weather, coming out now and then to search out hidden stores of food. These stores of single nuts and other items are buried in the ground in autumn, well spread out. They are found by smell, rather than memory. Often they are not found at all and later may grow, helping the dispersal of trees. Winter dreys are often shared for warmth. As it sleeps, the squirrel curls its tail around its body to act as a blanket.

im sure i heard they were short ,
not as in not very tall,

just not many about as normal

we dont see many here but by dads house he gets um running thru his garden,

never thought of leaving out conkers for um, thats brilliant idea daff,
daughter lives by loads of trees, maybe she should try that
little one would love it

Hello Daff:o)

We had a few weeks or more when we di'nt see them, but they are about now, sometimes 2 and the rare occassion 3. My siter in Chepstow has'nt seen hers for ages.
Not seen them eating the bark but they have got through the wire on nut holder....grrrrr lol

jude:o) xx

Daff - 'our' squirrels have never hibernated this winter, and come to think of it, can't rremember them doing it in previous winters. They scamper across the top of the trellis that is part of my patio, and which I can see from my kitchen window. Sometimes they stop half way across and sit looking at us watching them. I do put extra bird food out for them, but wish they could not be so greedy, and leave some for the birds. Apart from them being so greedy, they are so funny to watch.
Couple of times this winter, I have seen a skein of geese fly past, and I have not seen that for years.
Best Wishes
Julia in Derbyshire

Hello Daff, Dont think we have spoken before, I dont know much about grey squirrels either but during the winter they continued playing on the tree at the back of my house and looking for food so they have been about.

The reason I ask is because this year is the first year I haven't seen them throughout the winter... they appear to have hibernated, but I know they didn't last year as I watched their antics while I was poorly... they made me laugh!

They have all come out to play today, though.... and in between playing, they are gnawing furiously at the bark of the young trees on the outside border of my garden.

I gathered a load of conkers in a bucket autumn time, and they are using that as a feeding station as well.

But... will gnawing at the tree bark damage the tree? And if I put out extra food when I feed the birds, will that deter them (edit, the squirrels, by giving them a wider choice of food)? I didn't notice them gnawing last year!

Love

Daff xxx