Baby Squirrel Oscar

Rastus, the Almonte Chipmonk

2011-08-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

Back this summer, Rastus, the common chipmunk. And he/she has a girl/boy friend!

Such astounding markings on this tiny rodent.

Chipmunk Eating Sun Flower Seeds

2011-07-03T23:52:00.001-04:00

The chipmunk makes a stealthy approach.

This is Rastus, the voracious chipmunk who lived beneath the wooden deck at my father's in Almonte, Ontario.

Recently, for good or not, we gave Rastus a small piece of chocolate. He was over-the-moon with delight. Their taste-buds must have a sweetness detector. And squirrels must, too, for when I put out some crumbs of stale brownies, my backyard dwelling rodents went wild.

Maybe these little beasts have more in common with us than what we like to think.

Here he is stuffing the pouches in the side of his mouth with seeds.

The Easter Squirrel was out Today

2011-04-22T23:41:00.001-04:00

I saw one of Oscar's relatives on the roof today. Of course, he didn't stick around long, not with Harvey Wallbanger at the ready.

A Brief Note from the Squirrel Sanctuary

2011-04-17T23:38:00.002-04:00

M-L writes:

Missy is up and about and demanding her cashews again. Oscar and Honey are AWOL. Jackie hasn't shown her face in months, but the other day a slim maple tree branch was sticking out of the entrance to the nesting box she uses, with the end covered with buds pointing into the box.

I bet the babies are enjoying the bark and new buds just like their mom did last summer/fall.

April Showers

2011-04-14T00:05:00.002-04:00

Rain for the past several days mean that the squirrels have been tucked into their nests, snug as bugs in a rug.
Updates and photos to come when the sun shines.

What Cunning Little Feet

2011-04-09T18:52:00.000-04:00

And what a feat, that those cunning little feet can hand on to a vertical wall.

Amazing little mammals!

Chipmunk and Cardinal

2011-04-05T23:21:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful coat! Amazing markings! Such a little manikin. And the Cardinal, can you believe that something as red and robust as this exists in nature?

New Photos of Squirrels from M-L

2011-04-04T00:07:00.000-04:00

Fine wildlife, all. With Spring here, squirrels and chipmunks, cardinals, blue jays and a host of other birds and whatnots are filling the squirrel sanctuary at M-L's.

Chipmunk in Sanctuary

2011-04-01T20:31:00.000-04:00

A beautiful early spring day meant that M-L was about to enjoy the squirrels in their own habitate:

A chipmunk has joined the sanctuary creatures. I got some pics of the little one with a normal face and then stuffed with seeds in the cheek pouches prior to running off, only to return and repeat the procedure over again for more than 6 visits to the smorgasbord.

I had a very pleasant surprise today as I put out the seeds and nuts. Missy came ambling up to me and wanted to be handed a cashew. She looked relaxed and happy. I guess her babies are big enough to give her a break now and again. She ate a few cashews slowly after gently taking them from my fingers. Then she made multiple trips taking walnut halves away from the sanctuary. I bet she is introducing nuts to her babies. By now they should be the size of Oscar on Aug 23/10- eyes open, furred, eating solids and starting to walk and play. I really hope she lets me see them.

Oscar Sighted!

2011-03-29T17:24:00.002-04:00

M-L writes excitedly:

Guess who was on the bird feeder, hanging upside down with little claws clutched to the roof as the body draped over the feeder and wee hands pulled sunflower seeds out of the opening at the base? Oscar!!

He was there really early with one of his young grey squirrel buddies. They must come early before the cranky, hungry, sleep-deprived moms (same description for moms regardless of species) arrive to chase them off. I got some good pics of him. Usually he runs away when I come into the sanctuary, but I was slinking like a burglar by the glass door to pick up my camera and get some shots before he knew I was there. I had to take the pics through the glass, because he would have run away if the door was opened.

Finally, some updated pics of the man who started it all.

Another squirrel following Oscar's lead.

Squirrel Sanctuary - Update

2011-03-28T00:36:00.001-04:00

M-L writes:

Now that spring is here, the red winged black birds are back and hanging around the sanctuary. Every one seems a little leery of them- the squirrels of all types, as well as the sparrows, chickadees, finches, cardinals and even the bold-as-brass bluejays. The blackbirds aren't interested in eating, just sitting in the trees and staring at all the feeders and trays. After they leave, everyone comes out of the hidey holes in the bushes and trees and starts eating again.

The single squirrels and the relaxed eaters, I assume the males, are chased off by the frantic eaters, the moms. The moms shovel the seeds in as fast as their little teeth can chew, then check out the nut tray, throwing the empty shells out onto the deck in disgust, and boot it over the trees to their waiting young. Of Oscar and his girls, only Missy was seen today, and she was in full mother mode, with no time for a chat or a cashew, as she chased off other squirrels, ate quickly and left.

I like just watching the way the squirrels relate to each other. The chittering sounds as they verbally communicate is supplemented by frantic tail waving. They get so worked up, that if they weren't using their claws to hold on, I think most squirrels would find their bums levitating from the updraft created by their swirling tails. There are definite hierarchies, based on gender- females rule, and age- with the parent aged squirrels ranked in order of size or bravado.

I seem accepted more, in that the squirrels still run away when I visit the sanctuary, but return much quicker to the feeding station after I have filled the 6 seed trays, 4 bird feeders and 2 nut trays and gone back inside. I guess I am seen as just a necessary nuisance and not a huge threat any more. I'm glad they still have caution around me, as not every member of my species is as accepting of other species with whom we share this world.

Red Squirrels

2011-03-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

The red squirrels are out in abundance! And what beautiful fur coats they have!

Paean of Praise

2011-03-23T23:52:00.002-04:00

Oscar August 9, 2010

Others may write books or articles on wildlife. But nothing is so powerful as what you have shared through your website on 'Life with Oscar'. What you and Mary-Louise have accomplished is truly inspiring, all the more so that you have been able to give others a special insight into the experience.

I was so pleased that M-L phoned to tell us about the 11,000 hits you've had from all over the world. It is particularly encouraging, as we fight things like the barbaric coyote killing contests, to know that thousands of people share our wonder and respect for other species.

(From a good squirrel friend)

Their Own Little World

2011-03-22T22:28:00.000-04:00

After taking a spring break, M-L writes:

It's funny how all the squirrels have changed their behaviour with the coming of spring. Everyone is very busy being a squirrel and very little interested in me...... as it should be if Oscar and his girls are to have been successfully rehabilitated. Some squirrels are casual in feeding and others are frantic. I'm willing to bet the frantic ones are the new moms. Missy is very food motivated and is even shunning her cashews in favour of lots of seeds.

Did I tell you that the red squirrel has had her babies? She's much slimmer now, but still has a foul disposition.

Looking at the month old pic of Oscar, remembering he was about two weeks premature, Missy's babies, now about five weeks old, should have looked like this the end of February. Now they would most resemble Oscar as he did in pictures from the third week of August when he was just starting to eat bits of banana.

Look at the film clip of him learning to eat solids... it's hard to believe that little fellow grew to be the Oscar that now is tearing around the sanctuary on his own, ignoring all of my greetings. There are buds beginning on the bushes and trees in the sanctuary, so hopefully I will soon have pictures of squirrels eating them and maybe bringing the yummy new growth back to the dreys that are now home to the second generation of Oscar, Missy, Jackie and Honey.

A Photo of Oscar as a Wee Tyke

2011-03-21T23:16:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken on August 2/10, a little more than a month after Oscar came to live with my three cats and me.

He's so small here, can you imagine how tiny he was in early July when he landed on my doorstep, carried from where he'd fallen by my cat, You You.

For several hours, I thought that YY had entered someone's house and had found a litter of Chihuahua pups and had taken one. I had no idea what the tiny creature was until one of the neighbours said, "Why, it's a squirrel."

I have no idea how she knew this.

Snow Squalls Kept the Squirrels Absent

2011-03-21T22:46:00.000-04:00

Such odd weather for this time of year. The snow pelted down and then it rained. Later, it snowed again.

These photos were taken by ML earlier in the year in her backyard squirrel sanctuary.

Beautiful Squirrel Day

2011-03-19T23:52:00.003-04:00

With the sun shining and a cerulean sky on the eve of a perigee moon, the squirrels came out to play.(Photos by ML)

Happy, Hungry Squirrels

2011-03-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

By now, females may have had their first litter and, no doubt, some will be working on their next.

Infant squirrels, naked, blind and deaf, although who really knows about the hearing part, nestle together in treetop balls of leaves until almost two months old before they venture into the wide wonderful world.

Meanwhile, the adults dine lavishly on what they can get their little mitts on. In this case, at M-L's sanctuary, it's sunflower seeds and nuts which is why they are glossy and happy little rodents.

The Sun Brings Out the Squirrels

2011-03-15T23:40:00.000-04:00

Charming Squirrel Photos by ML

2011-03-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

Snowing to Beat the Band

2011-03-09T23:46:00.001-05:00

No squirrels are out in this. Expected are 15 to 20 cm of snow and it's really coming down.

Temps are supposed to rise and rain is predicted for most of the weekend. There'll be furry-tailed rodents out then foraging for food as they will be very hungry after two or there days in their nests.

More to come in a day or two.

Bright and Sunny in Ottawa

2011-03-07T20:17:00.000-05:00

Bet the squirrels were out today! And look, a mourning dove.ML is capturing the wildlife in her backyard sactuary.

The Squirrels are OUT and We Have Photos!

2011-03-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

M-L was by today with her camera and she had new photos of the squirrel menagerie in her backyard sanctuary. Some people say that squirrels are tree rats, nothing more than rodents with long furry tails. However, take a look at these photos and see how absolutely adorable be these tiny hirsute mammals.

An Update on Missy, the Mother

2011-03-02T23:03:00.001-05:00

M-L reports:

Missy is the world's largest pig since giving birth. She now eats three cashews and two walnut halves before she will eat her sunflower seeds.

No one but her was around the sanctuary. I sat outside in the sun, with camera in hand, but couldn't figure out why no squirrels were coming to eat from my overflowing treats and seed trays. After a half hour, I finally paid attention to what sounded like a teletype machine (oldies only know what this sounds like). There was a red squirrel sitting in the cedars flicking a tail around and giving me proper hell. Broadcasting my unwanted presence to everyone!! Only Missy loves me (or my treats) enough to come into the sanctuary with that warning.

Good squirrel---- motherhood has mellowed her.

My Rodents are Picky

2011-03-01T15:35:00.001-05:00

All winter long, I've been putting out bits and pieces of fruit and vegetables.

I also save crusts of bread, stale cake, old breakfast bars and cereal crumbs.

What do you suppose my rodents, the ones with the long furry tails, like best to eat?

Spoiled!

What the Squirrels Saw

2011-02-27T23:36:00.000-05:00

If they squirrels looked up the other day, this is what they would have seen. And they probably would have scurried to hide from this predator. I have never spotted a hawk in the vicinity before.

Squirrel Sex, Rampant, No Stopping Them!

2011-02-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

An update on who is pregnant. No word on how or by whom. M-L writes after catching some rays on the back deck:

I was out in the sunshine this morning and noted the number of exceedingly fat little squirrels. More mommies-to-be! The red squirrel is pregnant and so is one of the black squirrels. I haven't seen Jackie for a week, so maybe she is in the nesting box with her brood. Missy did a disappearing act and came back sans babies inside her now slim belly.

Oscar was initially eating hanging upside down on a bird feeder, but left when I came out with my greeting "GOOD MORNING SQUIRRELS!!". No one was visible when I filled the seed trays- now with a 6th put out for the nursing mom who will need even more to eat. I shouted "I know you are out there Missy.......TREATS!" After a minute, I hear the stamping of little feet, and turn around to see her standing by the nut tray with a "hurry up" look on her face. I had the camera and now have pics of Missy and the others, but Oscar booted it when he saw what I was doing. I guess he likes to be a man of mystery.

We Are Great Grand-somethings-or-other

2011-02-16T19:03:00.003-05:00

M-L writes presciently and excitedly:

I just got a reply back from our squirrel expert and Missy being fat two weeks ago and now slim, scant abdomenal hair and her nipples showing. She indeed has had babies, but it is two weeks earlier than she has seen before, though she says it is expected with the weather.

So, I am a great aunt and you are a grandmother! Hopefully she'll bring her babies to visit in May when they are out of wherever she has them.

Later.......
-------
We are both wondering, who is the father? Mr. Gray or our little lothario, Oscar?

A Feast for a Squirrel

2011-02-14T19:15:00.003-05:00

Happened to find half a French Loaf on the sidewalk and knew that the squirrels would like this as an addition tot he apple cores and broccoli stems I'd put out this morning,

Within moments of me putting several chunks of bread on top of the composter, a magnificent gray squirrel, probably one of Oscar's relatives as he was born in my backyard, was down the tree, lickety-split and enjoying a nosh.

However, when he became a trifle anxious, he secured the bread in his mouth and made a dash for the tree, which I was fortunate enough to capture and then up he went.

Snow Keeps the Furry-Tailed Ones In Their Nests

2011-02-13T12:49:00.001-05:00

With a bit of snow every day for the past couple, the furry-tailed bundles of love are safe and sound in their nests.

I find when there's snow on tree branches, they must know that they can't grip properly and they stay warm and snug in their tree-top lairs.

But don't worry, squirrels let you know when they are out and hungry. There is such a chatter and clatter from outside my window insisting that I provide food immediately, it's like being summoned by the Queen.

Oscar, the Valliant, Returns

2011-02-08T14:14:00.003-05:00

M-L writes excitedly at noon:

Guess who is back? Oscar!

He was pigging-out on sunflower seeds from where they fall from the bird feeder. Most of the silver he had in his tail has turned to auburn with silver highlights. After he ate, he went up the maple tree where the nesting boxes are and scooted into the box that Jackie has not claimed. A grey squirrel tried to look in after him then withdrew as a fierce little face poked out. Then the grey tried the lower entrance and a small arm flashed out at him. This is now officially Oscar's box when he visits.

Meanwhile, the two red squirrels were having NASCAR races in the fir tree. Can they move! First one in the lead, then the other as they zoomed through the tree and then dashed into the old cedar hedge for a rip around the obstacle course of the broken limbs. The winner got to chase off the birds and other squirrels feeding on fallen seeds.

I haven't seen Missy in a week or so. Maybe she has had her babies and is settled elsewhere with the big bad grey squirrels she was hanging out with in the fall and one of whom may be the daddy of her little ones.

Best of all, a mourning dove was eating on the ground under a feeder-- so spring is on the way. Hooray!!!

The Joy of Squirrels

2011-02-04T21:33:00.002-05:00

This article is in the Feb.7/11 edition of Maclean's, a Canadian magazine. It isn't online as yet so I am unable to provide a URL. However, let's see how we manage posting the page in its original size. (Oops, the sidebar info. interferes but it's better than not being able to read the article.)

Bit of an Update on our Favourite Rodents

2011-02-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

Jackie's beau and three of his gray relatives were there early this am. Jackie is so fickle. She was chasing the poor wee lad away from the seed dishes yesterday. He'd cower behind one side of her tree and she'd just wait for him to get brave and come around the trunk to approach the seeds again, and she'd run him off.

Missy has been gone for a few days, so maybe she is preparing a nest for her babies.

------

Yikes! We're gonna be grandmothers!!!!

Winter Lunch

2011-02-01T17:13:00.001-05:00

Not too glamourous but the top of the composter is where I feed Oscar's relatives who live in my backyard. Oscar and his harem, Jackie, Missy and Honey, live on the outskirts on Ottawa and enjoy spa-like conditions with nuts and a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables.

In the inner city, however, four-legged and two dine on apples and bread.

Today was a good day for the squirrels as they enjoyed some Rice Krispie squares that fell on the floor. Cats don't eat rice, at least, mine don't, so the squirrels dined lavishly...for squirrels, that it.

Missy, the Hussy

2011-01-25T22:26:00.001-05:00

Got this breathless report this eve from M-L:

I forgot to tell you........... I think Missy is pregnant. She is huge. Could she be pregnant already? If Jackie isn't, it's not for lack of trying with all her men, including dear Oscar.

Also, on the really cold days, the squirrels' breath froze on their whiskers and made them look like little Santa Clauses with bushy white beards. Camera batteries dead, or I would have taken a pic.

Mr. Gray says, "Nope, weren't me!"

Jackie is Working her Magic on Oscar

2011-01-20T22:41:00.002-05:00

Bit of a hiatus as winter settles in the the squirrels get use to the temperatures. M-L noticed these things this week:

The furred ones are doing okay and somehow seem impervious to the cold. They stay in their homes on the really bad days with the wind chill plummeting the temperature. It was sunny at noon today and everyone was out in force.

I've got to tell you two neat things. First, that hussy Jackie and innocent(?) dear Oscar were running in circles around the trunk of her tree a few days ago, and every now and then they would stop and nibble each other's haunches!! Her regular grey squirrel beau was no where to be seen when she did this. Also, I caught her going into the other nesting box and peeking out. Perhaps she entertains different men in different boxes.

Remember when Missy was released she ran around to the front of the sanctuary and was found up really high in an old maple tree. The last warm day (Tues?) when I went to get in the truck, I happened to look up in that tree and a small squirrel was again up high snuggled up in a space between a limb and the trunk, enjoying the sunshine. Missy. I guess when she wants a bit of solitude, that's where she goes. What an independent little furry one she is.

Levity to Bring us Warmth

2011-01-17T16:35:00.001-05:00

Ottawa, home of Baby Squirrel Oscar and his harem of Jackie, Missy and Honey, is experiencing a deep-freeze. So to bring some levity to the moment, please enjoy the following gleaned from the Internet:

IT WAS SO COLD THAT....

.......the clouds froze - so we got out the ice axes and crampons and went mountain climbing.

....the squirrels in the park were throwing themselves at an electric fence!

....when we parked the sled, we either had to plug in the dogs - or keep them running in place!

....the mice were playing hockey in the toilet bowl!!

....I saw a chicken with a capon.

....the cows threatened a milk strike if they didn't get thermal bras for their udders.

Of course, it's all good and with a bit of sunshine this aft, the squirrels in my backyard, Oscar's birth home, were out and dining on dried cereal and bits of fruit. It is a fave of theirs.

A Fun Park for Squirrels

2011-01-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

We may be forming a similar fun park at the Baby Squirrel Oscar Sanctuary this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPlapPPnGeo

Snowy on the Squirrel Front

2011-01-08T22:15:00.001-05:00

It was quiet on the squirrel front today with all the snow. Missy wasn't about, so Jackie took on the job of patrolling the seed area. Only her beau was allowed to eat without being harassed. Honey was harassed, but then Jackie wasn't fond of her inside either. And she even made Oscar root through the snow raiding other squirrel's cache's rather than allow him on deck if she saw him. When her back was turned or she was up a tree eating, the deck's seed trays were raided by the others.

It's funny how squirrels chase each other in a straight line on the ground, but chase in spirals up a tree trunk. Funny little creatures with tons of personality if you take time to watch them interact for a while.

Nuts to You

2011-01-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

What she really meant was, Nuts to Me. Here's what M-L wrote this evening:

I didn't see Oscar or Honey today, but Jackie, her beau and Missy were up and about. I hadn't planned on putting out nuts today as they are supposed to be a treat. However, as I watched them eat seeds from the inside sanctuary, Missy climbed to the nut tray and stared at me.

When I didn't respond, she ran over the other nut tray and stared at me. Finally she climbed up onto the chair next to the window and stared at me through the glass. She looked at me with her little face a vision of anger and amazement. Okay, I admit it. I am a softy. I caved in and filled the nut tray... but only one, not both, as I had to salvage some dignity. Imagine! Being stared down by a squirrel!!

I spoke to the squirrel expert yesterday and was happy to report the return of Oscar. She said that the males have a really wide range and that she wasn't surprised that he returned.

At this time, the squirrels are thinking of mating and he probably came back here for the food and to check up on his girls. I told her what a wanton woman Jackie had become and he is no longer her only love. Poor Oscar. But I'm sure he will charm his way back into her nest.

Name Mr. Right

2011-01-04T00:39:00.004-05:00

As people may have been aware, there have not been too many photos of Oscar in the past few days and not too much mention of him. This is because he seemed to have disappeared somewhere and no sight of him for five or six weeks. And then today come and M-L writes:

Hi!!!!!

Again today I saw that smallish squirrel eating alone, but he ran high in a tree after I came out. I watched him for quite a while and I'm sure this is Oscar. The silver is in the tail, though there is lots of reddish black as well. Also, there is the honey bear colouring especially about the collarbone and shoulders. It's not surprising he ran away, as he had been separating from my human contact while inside- only would let me touch him, except for taking an almond, every few days and studiously ignored me if I tried to talk to him or play the way he did when he was a mere scrawny "preteen" squirrel. The lad has come back to visit, at least for a day or two, and is all grown up. Hooray!!

Missy and Jackie did a chase around the tree as if it was a maypole. Both had half a walnut shell securely held her mouth. There are favourite places in the trees to eat the nuts- back up against the truck while sitting on a limb. No one can get your nut and you can see if anyone is planning to making an attempt. It's not as if the girls don't know I'm good for more treats. As I said before, squirrels are tree pigs!

Why was Honey's plush toy picked up from the ground where it lay beside Oscar's toy bear, carried up the tree where it hung on a limb for a few days, and then was found a distance away by the fir tree? And why was this repeated over a few days?? Who did this??

And how about would any viewers like to suggest a name for Jackie's beau?? He is truly a special squirrel to get Jackie's mind off her Martha Stewart-like obsession with housekeeping.

Any takers?

We'll name the grandsquirrels after you, you and you.

Bright and Sunny...

2011-01-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

And the squirrels had fun in their sanctuary.

New Photos of Squirrels Frolicking

2011-01-03T01:24:00.001-05:00

No time lost in hiding food.

First snow-fall for the squirrels but they love it.

There is safety up in the trees away from predators.

Ah, lunch!

Stretching out.

Photos taken by M-L.

We Never Tire of Baby Pictures

2010-12-31T23:39:00.007-05:00

M-L writes on New Year's eve day:

I just spent about an hour taking pictures of Missy and Jackie and tried to get a closeup of Jackie's beau. It is frustrating to take pictures of squirrels who don't stay still long enough to get a shot. I have lots of pics of empty spaces where a squirrel was a second ago or pics of the tail end of a squirrel moving out of the frame.

At first the big fir tree appeared empty, then I saw a leaf drop to the ground. Look up and there is the red squirrel on a branch tossing off dried leaves. Weird, but perhaps making a point that fir trees are for red squirrels to hibernate in and the grey and blacks one shouldn't get any ideas about nesting in her tree, even this late in the season. After standing for a while longer under the fir, some branches started waving-- here comes Missy on the run. A few seconds later, there is a whirlwind in the fir tree. Jackie and her beau are chasing each other through the branches, then run into the ancient overgrown cedar hedge and on to another yard. Same as human teens on a warm day, just a different species.

After a visit and something to eat, Missy climbed her tree and took off over the branches and onto the roof and disappeared. Jackie sat on her nesting box and looked for her lad. He was running across the back of the yard on a power line, through another hedge and away. Lots of mumbling from Jackie when she saw this and she sat grinding her teeth for a while. Men!

Which brings me to the best man in the world. Oscar. I hate New Years Eve. It makes me think of all the things I did wrong over the last year, which reminds me of all the things I have ever done wrong in my life, and in 10 minutes I am despondent. But this was the year of Baby Squirrel Oscar.

Setting alarms for feeds, warming up puppy milk replacement to be fed through a syringe, washing a hairless then furry little body after a feed as all babies make a mess when they eat and stimulating a little squirrel bottom to pee and poop before back under the fuzzy blankets and heat lamp to sleep.

With two weeks to show the squirrel expert he was viable, he completed the Infant Squirrel Stimulation program devised by his foster mom with flying colours.

Next he went on to Squirrel Boot Camp run by his foster aunt to build muscle through lots of new exercises and new solid food. Then off to squirrel school for a few weeks where he met Missy and Jackie.

Finally, all three to the inner sanctuary for socialization with Honey and the fun of fresh leaves for nest building, climbing on branches and enjoying twice daily freshly chopped apple, banana, sweet potato, avocado, red grapes, green beans, snap peas, snow peas, spinach and broccoli followed by sunflower seeds topped with almond, walnut and cashew pieces as a treat.

Best day was release day. The yard they looked at through the large window was finally their home.

So thank-you Oscar for being you and enriching my life.
------
Amen to that, M-L. Oscar enriched so many lives.

A Squirrel Movie from 1939

2010-12-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

It's about squirrels who bring a message of Peace to the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8stkqssLYc&feature=player_embedded#t=22s

Squirrel Chit-Chat

2010-12-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

On the day after Christmas, M-L writes a bright, cheery message from the squirrel sanctuary:

The two nut trays overflowed for a special feast yesterday, but Missy, she who rules the world, didn't feel I was quick enough. She was tearing across the railing and aiming to land on my back as I filled the five sunflower seed trays on the deck, the three sunflower bird feeders (remember, I got the ones that people at the store complained were really easy for squirrels to raid), the niger seed feeder and the two suet trays. Bad human for not filling the nut trays first. I made amends by handing her one large cashew to settle her and another one just because. I think she's really got the knack of taking things from my fingers now as she is more gentle and not as rushed when she does it. Perhaps she thinks she's finally got me trained.

I'm not sure if Missy is still living in the nesting box now that the grey squirrel has moved in with Jackie. Perhaps she is in the neighbouring box, or perhaps she is off with Honey. She can't be too far away as she is in the yard when I fill the dishes, or at least comes running from a few yards away when she hears my voice. Maybe they have a place with Oscar.

I know the squirrels won't reach sexual maturity until eleven months of age--about May 2011, gestation is 44 days, and they stay inside with their mom until 10 weeks or there about. If Jackie doesn't slow down, she will be a teenage mom! Then again, squirrels will overwinter with anyone for body warmth-- remember camping trips with inadequate sleeping bags.

Mr. Grey Squirrel Has Made His Move

2010-12-26T14:18:00.000-05:00

And he's moved in! Here's what M-L wrote yesterday:

And guess what I saw early this morning as the sun was just rising? A grey squirrel sticking his head out of the nesting box. He looked casually around, yawned, and backed inside again. Oscar would be appalled.

Grey Squirrel as seen at Wikipedia.

Jackie Finds True Love

2010-12-23T10:24:00.002-05:00

M-L writes:

Just saw the blog re no female squirrels refusing sex. Explains why I have seen a grey squirrel coming out of the the nesting box followed after by Jackie. Three times!!!! Martha Stewart has turned into Jackie Collins!! She won't even meet my eye and her young male friend boots it when he hears the "old auntie" yell a greeting.

Missy is nowhere to be found while Jackie is fooling around with the grey squirrel. Missy is still quite protective of her territory when he isn't there. I wonder what Jackie says to her to get her to leave---can't give her money and say go to a movie for a few hours. Not that I'd try to tell that Missy anything. I thought she would have the first boyfriend as she was hanging around with the other squirrels form the beginning. Just goes to show that you really have to watch the quiet ones.

Jackie waits for Mr. Grey Squirrel.

Honey has been back a few times- easy to spot now as she is a bit smaller than the other black squirrels and isn't chased away by Missy on one of her clean sweeps of any unwelcome squirrels (in her eyes) from the feeding area.

The mystery still remains.

Sex and the Single Squirrel

2010-12-20T20:43:00.002-05:00

News flash! This just in from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, female squirrels never turn down sex.

A research team from the University of Guelph has published a study in the journal, Biology Letters, that indicates that genetics have little impact on squirrels' mating habits.

Read more:

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/12/20/science-squirrels-promiscuous.html

Of course, this pertains to female squirrels and Oscar and his strong, silent gender are not included.

However, what was M-L's observation that Missy was looking "bulked-up" which may or may not be a result of her seasonal fur coat? Missy's name may become Mrs.come spring.

Or perhaps it's all the food she's been eating.

Squirrel Fur Galore

2010-12-15T23:44:00.000-05:00

M-L writes today about the winter coats the squirrels are sporting:

The furry rodents are wonderful.

The grey squirrels are still scattering with I announce a "good morning", but they aren't so frantic. Just getting used to me, I guess. The rainy day this week, every one ran but little Jackie. She stayed on the trunk of her tree on a branch, tail over her head, with the rain plodding down. She looked miserable, and accepted cashews put in the nut treat tray. Bad foster human.......I had none of her favourite walnuts ready.

One of the little dickens frolicking on the rail.

Blue Jay at the nut tray.

Today was sunny, cool and breezy, and a very fluffy black squirrel came to see me when the others ran on hearing my voice. Missy really has bulked up in fur and I expect weight as well. She just wanted a cashew treat and to go eat it on a tree limb. No jumping on my back to ride around with me while I fill up the feeders and seed trays today. And she is still sweetly taking the nut from my fingers with her mouth as her wee hands rest on mine. But, twice bitten, always careful when I offer her a treat.

There's a big mystery in squirrel sanctuary. You have to see the photo to appreciate it. As soon as I get the pic, the fun of solving the mystery will begin!!

Photographed through a window to give a soft focus.

Additional Photos of Jackie and Missy

2010-12-11T17:37:00.003-05:00

Still life with Squirrel eating.

I hope the squirrels are used to the snow. Ottawa is expecting storm this weekend which might bring many inches of snow along with ice pellets.

This is why we are known as "the true North, strong and free."

Jackie on a branch beside the nesting boxes.

These photos and those of yesterday were taken by M-L.

Oscar's Girls Frolic at the Sanctuary

2010-12-10T23:38:00.006-05:00

Dateline: December 10/10, snow on the ground and Missy and Jackie dine on exotic nuts. Photos taken by M-L over several days.

Brief 2nd Week December Addendum

2010-12-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

M-L writes briefly about her experience with one of Oscar's girls:

Missy sweetly took a cashew from my fingers as she rested her little hands on my hand. No bite!

Update on Oscar and His Girls

2010-12-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

M-L writes a day or two ago:

Squirrel update has Oscar still being AWOL. No doubt he has charmed himself into the hearts of a bevy of lovely female squirrels in another tree. We did want him to be wild and free--- the lad is being both to the max. Still haven't given up on seeing him again.

Missy remains very friendly, running to me and jumping onto my chest, then scurrying down my arms to see if I have any treats in my hands. She objects to me filling all the feeders/dishes with sunflower seeds before she is given a treat. I swear she knows the word "treat" when I say it.

The look on her face was so funny earlier in the week with the first snow that stayed for a bit. She came running towards me,covered with flakes of snow then jumped on the barbecue and with wide eyes glared at me as if I was responsible for the change in weather.

Jackie tolerates me and devotes her time to amassing the winter supplies under the carpet of leaves around her tree. She shooed away a big gray squirrel who was taking too big an interest in her walnut halves. Actually ran him up the tree trunk and around it a few times, all while holding a massive half walnut shell in her mouth. Honey comes to eat a few seeds from the dishes, then runs away, to return a minute or two later. Shy wee thing still.

I just ran into my neighbour who asked if I found the gray squirrels to be extra friendly this year. I told him they were no doubt expecting that a bit of encouragement on their part would motivate him to set up a high class resort in his yard like the one I have established in mine. No fast food allowed. All species welcome.

Photo taken of Oscar in late-August.

Sno-Globe Daze and Knights

2010-11-26T23:42:00.002-05:00

On the first day of snow, a dear friend presented me with a Sno-Globe of, well surely that is Oscar and one of his lady friends? Not Honey but perhaps Missy or Jackie?

Addendum Seven - To-ing and Fro-ing of Squirrels

2010-11-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

M-L writes this update:

The really good news is ..........(suspense).................. guess who is back???? Honey!!! I had been watching this smallish shy black squirrel for a few days as she ate at the periphery of the squirrel haven. She seemed to feel at home, but was wary of attention from any of the other squirrels. Today she got brave and came on to the deck to eat. She has no real distinguishing features, unlike the other of our squirrels, but her behaviour is the same as Honey's was inside. She and Missy touched noses, and then Missy ran her off. Missy did like Honey when they were inside, so I think Missy was just establishing who is boss. As Jackie never liked Honey while their cages were abutting, I'm curious to see how she will react to her return. Jackie was up the tree eating a walnut when Honey and Missy met.

Missy runs everyone off, except Jackie, Oscar and I, but there are degrees. The red squirrel is run off to the fir tree. The resident black squirrels are chased all around the lawn and trees for a while, then off 'her' property. The grey squirrels are run right out of the yard as quickly as possible and with a more authoritative manner. Jackie is inconsistent on whether she will run off the other squirrels, I guess depending on how brave she feels on any given day.

Oscar is still not around and I presume off with the lads. He is a teenage male. I miss him, but as long as he is having a happy squirrel life, I'm content.

And Honey did come back, at least for a bit, and I had given up any hope of seeing her again.

Raining so Worms but no Squirrels

2010-11-23T18:29:00.001-05:00

The rain is a warm one but rain, nonetheless, so the squirrels have stayed in their nesting box.

Meanwhile, Harvey, my year-old orange and white kitten with a blue eye and a gold eye, he loves the rain as it gives him a chance to do what he appears to do perfectly, that is, catch worms.

Perhaps it's a dietary thing, maybe he needs more protein, but if there are worms in the driveway or garden, then Harvey, consummate "wormer" that he is, chases them, catches them and brings them home in his mouth to dump unceremoniously on the kitchen floor.

Well may you say, don't let the wretched beast in with worms dangling from his kitten maw but (said with consternation and a certain amount of defeat) I have a cat door!

I located a fake worm for him today and visually, he's attracted to it but once he smells it, he loses interest. The ersatz rubber worms just don't have the same aroma and taste as the real thing.

Harvey's not the keen on the fake squid, either.

Addendum Six - Oscar Off Being With the Boys

2010-11-21T23:46:00.001-05:00

The four black squirrels, Oscar and his harem of Missy, Jackie and Honey, were released two weeks ago. Ottawa's weather has been Indian Summer-like which is a boon to these neophytes who are not used to searching for food under leaf-cover much less under snow. Food will be provided for them all winter long so no worries there and this good weather has allowed them to adapt slowly, putting on extra fat and fur.

ML had an interesting time with her furry friends today:

Honey is still AWOL. Perhaps off with the squirrel who kept eying her through the window. I still hope she comes back, but if she is happy elsewhere, that's what counts. The giant grey squirrels haven't been back, but there are still 4-5 regular greys and the same number of black squirrels, not counting "our" squirrels. And that crabby little red squirrel. Lots of birds showing up now the giant greys have gone.

I finally spotted Oscar today. He is being quite the man and not hanging around with home as much. He would go for a week ignoring me when he was inside, so this isn't unusual for him. I got the camera going and tried to get a pic of him, but he just went off with another black squirrel into the neighbour's yard. Jackie is still shy. She sits on the fir tree 10 feet in the air on a limb that was cut off and extends only six inches from the trunk. That or she stares down at me from on high in the maple. She listens to my voice, but won't come close unless there are seeds to eat, and then she prefers to be at least 4 feet away.

And then there's Missy..... I guess I am her best friend because my blood must taste good. As soon as she sees me she comes running and leaps onto my jacket and rides around on my chest, back or shoulder as I check out to see what bird/squirrel feeders need filling. I really have to watch she is not under foot or trying to follow me inside these days. The little piglet had me in stitches today as she tried to stuff two unshelled almonds in her mouth to bury elsewhere. Jackie loves to eat the almonds after she shells them, but Missy is planting a forest of almond trees.

Oscar at six weeks old was carried in a pouch around my neck. This was part of the Infant Squirrel Stimulation Program that ML and I initiated to bring him up to snuff. Being premature, he was behind in development and needed extra attention to bring him into full squirreldom.

Oscar in Trust

2010-11-21T10:37:00.002-05:00

This A-frame sign was seen outside one of those investment places on Sussex Drive in Ottawa yesterday.
Made me think that perhaps Oscar should set up an education fund...for all his children that will be born in the spring.

Raining in Ottawa

2010-11-17T00:44:00.000-05:00

I hope Baby Squirrel Oscar is snug as a bug in a rug this evening with his three lovelies, Missy, Jackie and Honey.

I am thrilled to see that people from Croatia, India, Romania, Tunisia and Bulgaria have taken a look at what Oscar 's up to.

Ah, the wonders of the Internet.

Best wishes, everyone!

Gentleman Baby Squirrel Oscar - Addendum Five

2010-11-15T23:52:00.001-05:00

M-L mentioned yesterday that she was going to give the squirrels some nuts in the shell to see if they can navigate their way through. Here's her report:

The in shell almonds were a hit. Missy got them first and liked them so much, she went up her tree and across the tree highway to another yard to eat it. Oscar and Jackie just sat on the roof of the nesting box to eat their nuts. Blasted blue jays still take the unshelled nuts, but at least they cannot quickly gulp the almonds as they did the shelled nuts.

I had a visit with Oscar and Missy this afternoon as I filled the various bowls, trays and bird feeders with seeds. For the first time they just ambled around the deck as I topped up the food, while the resident squirrels raced to hide in the cedar hedge to watch me. I offered Oscar a shelled almond. He came over from the dish of sunflower seeds, rested his front paws on my hand and gently took it from my fingers. Sweet Oscar!

Missy was offered a cashew (her favourite). She turned from the sunflower seeds and promptly bit my finger. On reflex, I lifted my hand up and had a squirrel hanging from my finger! I dropped the cashew, shook her off and was given an annoyed look as her cashew rolled off the deck. I shook a few out of the jar onto the deck and tapped the wood so she could see them. She went over, still giving me the "you stupid human, you lost my cashew" look, and took another. I didn't like the way she was looking at my bare toes, so I went back inside to put on shoes.

When I came out again, all three were munching on almonds they had shelled themselves. I pulled up a chair to watch them, with a jar of Oscar's shelled almonds for me to munch on, and to my surprise, Missy came over, climbed up my jeans and sat on my lap, eyeing the almonds in the jar. She helped herself to a nut and ran off to bury it in the leaf cover. This was repeated twice. The third time, she got a nut and just hopped onto my shoulder and ate part of the nut. Then she climbed down my back and tried to bury the remaining piece under my sweater!! Didn't I say she was a very confident assertive squirrel! But, Oscar should teach her some manners.

Addendum Four--Digging in the Leaves

2010-11-13T17:26:00.004-05:00

Amazing how even though squirrels seem to all look alike, M-L can tell who's who in her back yard squirrel paradise.

M-L writes:

The yard was squirrel-free at noon. All the seed and and the water in the dog bowl were gone. (Annie always got barking if she saw a 'squirrel from Mars' - imagine what she'd do if she saw them using her bowl). The bird feeder with the two extra lid catches was open and the seed removed from the top not the tray. I'm sure it was a black squirrel, but I don't think Oscar or his ladies could do it (yet). People refer to squirrels as tree rats. They are really tree pigs!!

It's fun to see how the squirrels are interacting now they have been living outside with the resident squirrels for 6 days now. Oscar is as laid back as usual, getting on with everyone.... unless they are after his almonds. Jackie is a home body.... I've never seen her other than in her tree or the big fir. She is on edge around the others, especially the greys. She'll go after the black squirrels if they don't show her respect. She seems most happy just digging around the fallen leaves under her tree. Missy interacts more with other squirrels, but still loyal to her nest mates. She is a very confident and assertive squirrel. Honey was AWOL today. I sound like an adoring relative, but this is how I see things. Same personalities they've always had.

Tomorrow I'm going to see how they do with walnuts or almonds with cracked shells.

Oscar and Family, all Doing Well

2010-11-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

Squirrel Haven or is it Heaven?

Latest update from ML, November 10/10

Oscar is quite a guy. I don't think he knows he is on the small side..... maybe that means his testosterone is more concentrated and therefore more bluster. It seems that way with the male of our species. The bossy red squirrel later came to eat, chattering at everyone for 1/2 hour from a tree first and then chasing everyone away. Jackie got brave and chased away a regular size grey from the plastic feeding bowls, though she let him feed at another nearby pile of seeds. When he tried to look in her nesting box after she had entered, he got treated to the growls I got when I pissed her off and he had the sense to leave just as she thrust out her angry little face. I've seen Oscar, Jackie and Missy in the nesting box that Oscar checked out when released, but I don't know for sure if Honey sleeps there or elsewhere.

Oscar Defends His Territory - Addendum Three

2010-11-11T22:41:00.001-05:00

M-L writes on November 10, 2010

Another update so we can all relax. When the squirrels were inside, I came down the stairs with a loud 'good morning squirrels' no matter what time of day. I've kept this up when I go outside to feed them. Another familiar thing to make them feel reassured, but likely not reassuring to the neighbours (tee hee).

This morning there were the 2 giant greys, 3 regular greys and 6 various black squirrels--word is spreading this is a great place to eat apparently. As I gave my morning greeting, all scattered. After making a sumptuous spread of sunflower seeds, I was watching the birds then I just about leaped out of my skin when a squirrel came out of no where and landed a foot away from me. Oscar!

Slowly 3 smallish black squirrels came to eat from the trays and get a drink from the dog bowl. Missy, Jackie and Honey!! We celebrated with almonds. Gradually, the other squirrels came back to the buffet (I'm putting out lots to minimize the fighting). One of the giant greys tried to come over and get an almond, not knowing this was a private party, but Oscar chased him away. Did it ever look funny to see little Oscar chasing a squirrel the size of a baby ground hog.

Oscar, big, brave squirrel.

Addendum Two - A Yard Full of Squirrels

2010-11-11T22:35:00.003-05:00

M-L writes on November 9, 2010

I checked out the back yard this am and the place was full of squirrels!! Oscar was eating under a bird feeder that had a big black squirrel hanging upside down on it fishing out seeds and spilling lots. Jackie was digging in the leaf cover near the cages and eating who knows what, but appeared happy. Missy was sitting on the railing 3 feet away from a giant grey squirrel and pigging out on seeds. There were 2 other grey squirrels and other black squirrels and I'm hoping Honey was one of them. The cages have been moved into the house again and hopefully will be uninhabited until spring. Updates as exciting events happen.

Addendum to Release Day, Nov. 7/10

2010-11-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

Something of which you may not be aware but there were two of us shepherding Oscar, Jackie, Missy and Honey over the months. ML and I shared custody of the young rodents and it is to her back yard that they were released on November 7.

I know you are going to be fascinated in ML's account of what how the squirrels are adapting and what they are up to.

In her words:

Wasn't it lovely to see the squirrels, lead by the intrepid Oscar take off to live their lives! At 4 pm yesterday afternoon, Missy was still hiding in the tree at the front. It took a bit of talking but she stuck up her head so I could tell her the new digs were at the back. Jackie was way up the top of their tree as she was when you left. Oscar was in Honey's nesting box doing who knows what, but did come out to get an almond and then boot it up the tree to go in one of the new nesting boxes.

At noon today, there was a wee squirrel who looked like Jackie up at the top of the fir tree in the back yard. No sign of the young man, likely exploring. I watched for a while from the inside and saw 3 big greys come over to eat the seeds left out for our squirrels. The 2 medium sized black squirrels ate off the feeders only.

After a while, a smaller black squirrel came across the lawn and perched on the door to Oscar's cage. It looked like Missy, and listened intently to my voice as I spoke to her through the opened patio door. No sign of Honey. Hopefully she will reappear, but she was such frightened little girl from square one, so I don't know what will become of her.

I don't expect to see much of them with the weather so good and so much world to explore.

Oscar enjoying sunflower seeds left out for him and his friends.

How Oscar has Grown!

2010-11-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken five days after he arrived, gently carried home by my cat. I thought it was a June Bug in his mouth, at first, but since it was squealing, I quickly disbelieved myself.

What a fortuitous evening that was!

Anyone involved with the raising of this squirrel, we all agree, it was The Summer of Oscar.

Baby Squirrel Oscar

2010-11-08T17:45:00.000-05:00

Haven't heard one way or the other if the young squirrels are safe and sound but expect so. Their cages are being left in place at the bottom of the tree for a couple of days in case they feel the need to check back and to provide them with a touchstone should they forget that the tree and nesting boxes up top are now their home.

What a grand experience it's been raising Baby Squirrel Oscar!

Come spring, there will be an entire population of baby Oscars and Oscarettes as Oscar is quite the man-squirrel and he does, after all, have three charming girl friends, Missy, Jackie and Honey.

There will be updates as they happen.

Thank-you, everyone, for being part of this past summer's amazing events. Who knew that an embryonic rodent brought home by a cat, something that looked like a new-born chihuahua, would flourish and provide endless delight in so many people's lives.

The Big Day Arrived Today

2010-11-08T00:35:00.000-05:00

Cages, doors open, leaning up against the tree.

The weather in Ottawa was superb for squirrel-release today. Sun shining, no precipitation and none called for the next few days.

The two cages were carefully brought outside and propped up against the tree in which two nesting boxes had been secured.

The idea was for the squirrels to exit and run up the tree to discover the familiar boxes, into which dried leaves had been stuffed, and to realize that this was their tree, their new home.

Nesting boxes well-placed in a mature tree.

Oscar was first out.

He headed right up the tree, circling it as he did.

Looking into their nesting box in the cage, it was packed with the stuffing from a plush toy they'd ripped apart.

Oscar on the left and Jackie headed up the tree together.

Oscar perched on the roof of his new home.

2010-11-08T00:12:00.000-05:00

Release Date Moved Up

2010-11-07T01:06:00.001-04:00

With the good weather and the fact that the squirrels are more ready than what we thought a week ago, we will be releasing the four of them Sunday morning.

They have been acclimatized by reducing the temperature in their room by allowing in as much fresh air as possible. Several nesting boxes have been secured in a tree that overlooks the kitchen window so that we can be aware of what is going on with the menagerie at all times

They are healthy, muscular and capable young squirrels at present and ready for the adventure of release.

Baby Oscar, Not Being Released

2010-10-31T22:14:00.000-04:00

A very sleek Oscar.

Not until spring, that is. He was going to be released yesterday, actually, but it called for rain so the date was put off until today.

Although two of the female squirrels, Jackie and Missy, are probably ready, the younger female, Honey, is not. And as there was an unexpected snowfall yesterday that did not melt, it is deemed that the foursome should overwinter inside and then be released to the first warmth of spring.

See you back here in six months!

Such a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables but Oscar still enjoys avocado the most.

Not the long white hairs in Oscar's tail. Maybe there's a bit of skunk in the family history.

Release Date Set

2010-10-18T19:08:00.000-04:00

Yes, Oscar and his harem should be ready to be set free come October 30, 2010. The two older females, Jackie and Missy are ready to go and so's Oscar. However, Honey, is two weeks behind so if she's not ready, both Oscar and her will be wintered over inside. Hopefully, however, this won't be the case.


Oscar, the little escapee. Looks like a missile with really interesting feet.

We call him Big Foot, but not to his face!
Cheers, Shannon

The Sweetest Rodent in the World!

2010-10-17T22:18:00.001-04:00

Oscar perches above where a dish of his favourite food has been placed.

Feast your eyes on these photos taken today. If in a couple of photos, it looks like a squirrel is on the other side of the cage, you're guessing correctly. Oscar escaped! Lead us a merry chase.
Fun!

An overview of the two cages that are placed right up against one another so that the four squirrels become socialized.

See the tiny face peaking out?

Oops, Oscar dashed through the door when it was opened just enough to get a hand through when we went to pick him up. Here he is, on the outside looking in at Missy.

He wasn't keen on getting placed back in the cage.

Finally, he was tricked into going back inside. Five more minutes and it would have been time to net him.

Here he is with Missy and Jackie. Honey, two weeks younger than Oscar lives in the abutting cage.

Adorable!

Shannon in Ottawa

Visiting Oscar Tomorrow!

2010-10-16T13:32:00.003-04:00

Updated photos and info. coming tomorrow on Baby Squirrel Oscar. I will be traveling to the outskirts of Ottawa where Oscar is in sanctuary due to draconian Ministry of Natural Resources dictates on the raising of wildlife by ordinary people.

Oscar has been living the life of Riley with three buddies, Missy, Jackie and Honey. They have a palatial cage with superb care and all the delicious squirrel-type food they could ever desire.

They have a nesting box in which they curl up and enjoy one another's body warmth. They are very happy little rodents!

Above are photos of Oscar from two weeks ago when I visited him. He was 12 weeks old at the time and amazingly, even though I hadn't seen him in more than a week, he remembered me. Imagine, that pea-sized brain recalling...a presence be it voice recognition or some visual clue or a smell locked in his head.

On the right is an alert and charming Oscar. Look at the long toenails on this critter! Click on photo to enlarge it.

And the photo of the teeny, naked, blind, and deaf embryo-like creature is Oscar as he was delivered to me by my cat in July. There are tiny puncture marks where the cat gripped him in his mouth, like a kitten, to bring him home. We think that the young mother squirrel may have given birth to Oscar two weeks prematurely which is why, for a long time, he was lagging behind in development.

Keep close by as I'll have photos and an update tomorrow on this amazing little being who has brought so much to so many people's lives.

All best, Shannon

Baby Squirrel Osar is Doing so Well

2010-09-28T23:52:00.000-04:00

I saw Oscar today and he is doing extremely well with his two young girl squirrel friends, Missy and Jackie.
I find it amazing that a small rodent with a tiny brain would recognize someone they'd not seen for nearly two weeks but he did and there was no making strange. In fact, he didn't want to return to the cage despite the newly placed food and tree branch with succulent leaves.

For your enjoyment, here are more photos taken today.

Oscar is King of the Castle

2010-09-07T16:17:00.002-04:00

Oscar has fawn-coloured fur on his belly and muzzle. He's similar to a black squirrel but with this colouration, he's what's called a honey bear.

ML and I visited baby squirrel Oscar this morning and spent a delightful hour with him and his current care-givers.

Being hand-raised from the get-go, he is OK with being handled. However, I understand that once released, he'll climb that tree to squirreldom and never look back. This is a good thing. A wild animal needs to say wild.

He's eating fruits and vegetables now, along with formula, and yesterday, a milestone! He cracked a sunflower seed!

Oscar can now balance on his hind-legs and grip food in his paws.

Oscar is eight weeks old but still lagging a bit. He is living in sanctuary, more like heaven, with two young females squirrels who make much of him and cosset him, play with him and try to attract his attention with their special bird-chirp call.

He's much smaller than what they are, given his premature birth, but he is holding his own and the three eat and sleep together and are appreciative of one another. He is with two wild squirrels who were found without their mothers, one in a parking lot, so needed human intervention. Thus, he is learning squirrel ways from the experts.


He was quire comfortable in our presence, more so than his cage mates.

Something Fun!

2010-08-29T21:29:00.001-04:00

I was at a potluck supper this eve and there was someone present who's been following the Baby Squirrel Oscar story. K. has been a staunch reader of the blog and this evening, he presented me with an amazing model of a squirrel that he made that, someday, Oscar will resemble exactly.

Thank-you, K, for being so thoughtful.

I think what I'm going to do is to visit Oscar once a week or so and do an update for all his fans and friends.

Several people wrote letters of consolation when they heard that Oscar was moving to a new home and I am grateful that he touched so many.

Check back often or if you're a follower, you'll get the goods as soon as I post.

Oscar Moves On

2010-08-25T22:00:00.001-04:00

Off to live with other squirrels and enjoy the rest of his life.
Sure am gonna miss him.

Bye little buddy.

Oscar is Moving to a New Home

2010-08-24T18:05:00.001-04:00

Today it was determined that Oscar needs specialized attention and certainly, the company of other squirrels so he'll be relocating tomorrow.

Meanwhile, today, his teeth were checked and he was weighed so that there's a baseline. Improvement since last week is noticeable in his coat and general demeanor. He is more alert and capable of rudimentary climbing and his tail arches in a squirrel-like way.

When compared to other squirrels, Oscar is several weeks behind. He is seven weeks old but looks and responds like a four to five week old.

With proper nourishment and stimulation, and being with other squirrels, he'll come along much quicker than if he stays on my kitchen table.

It's not going to be easy to give him up but it is all about him, after all, his well-being and not what his human counterparts want or need.

Until tomorrow.

Oscar's Balance Improves

2010-08-23T23:16:00.002-04:00

With the infant stimulation program in full-swing, Oscar is coming along by leaps and bounds. He is more active, what with more food and better lighting conditions so that he knows when it is day. Squirrels are not nocturnal so they sleep at night and forage during the day.

When placed on the upper level of his two-story cage, initially, he did not use the branch to return to the first level. Mainly he sort of dropped to the floor.

However, a couple times after being placed on the upper floor, he realized that the branch was a big help returning to his sleeping area. He nibbled the branch a bit and certainly seemed to appreciate the smell of it.

Several times a day, I am waking him and letting him navigate a large tray in which are interesting objects. His muscles are becoming stronger and he is more certain when he crawls.

I really wish I could get a buddy for him because I think he would learn quickly through imitation.

Development Delayed

2010-08-23T10:24:00.002-04:00

I am going to recap the post that was lost the other evening.

It appears that Baby Squirrel Oscar is developmentally delayed. His peers who are a week or so younger are already sitting up, holding food and their tails are arching over their backs. Oscar can barely crawl and he eats and sleeps most of his life away.

Squirrel expert, Donna, says that he will clearly not be able to be released this year which means that he'll need care throughout the winter. He'll still need to develop some big squirrel skills and to this end, we're begun on an infant-squirrel-stimulation-program.

In addition to carrying him in a pouch around my neck so that he gets motion and different sounds/smells, he is encouraged to use his limbs for balance and climbing.


Items in a plastic tray provide stimulation.

He is being handled more and exposed to different situations. A friend, ML, collected pine cones and these provide a semblance of the outdoors for him. Great texture for climbing, too.

We are going to see how well he comes along over the next two weeks.


Bit of an arch to his tail which is a good sign.

Oscar's New Stim-Abode

2010-08-23T00:49:00.000-04:00

Word is that Oscar is not developing as he should so in order to make his neurons snap, crackle and pop, stimulation is in order. Carrying him around in a pouch is good for vestibular improvement as is letting him climb so that he stretches his muscles and gains confidence.

On the home-front, he has a new double-story cage that is tricked out for his baby sensibilities.

He has an appointment with a wildlife specialist on Tuesday and it would be good if he'd show some improvement over when he was seen last Thursday.

Quite the colourful home!

Oscar's Neurons Need Stimulation

2010-08-22T00:37:00.000-04:00

Just lost an entire post so am simply going to submit these photos and explain tomorrow.

Oscar wrapped in a KLeenex after being bathed.

Poking his head from the pouch.

He needs stimulation so I am carrying him around my neck in a pouch. This provides movement and also, aural stimulation as he can hear my heartbeat and voice. and olfactory because he is right up against my bare skin.

Oscar Branches out

2010-08-21T00:22:00.001-04:00

Added a tree branch to Oscar's lair today. Gives him something to climb.

He is climbing the bars of his cage but this does nothing for his sharp nails. He's all set now.

Bananarama!

2010-08-19T23:47:00.001-04:00

Today was the first time Oscar ate solid food. Well, OK, he had some mushed-up banana but this is different from anything else he's ever eaten. And subsequent to the banana, he ate some ripe avocado. What a good baby squirrel!

Solid Food for Oscar

2010-08-18T20:27:00.004-04:00


A bowl of fruit and thou, Oh happiness enow.

Well, not exactly solid food. I am mashing a bit of banana with his formula getting him used to the taste and smell. I will do the same with the avocado and apple as we go along.

Once he starts eating bits of fruit, watch how his tail bushes-out and how quickly he grows.

In speaking with a squirrel-raising expert today, I was asked if Oscar were becoming aggressive seeing as how he is the male of the species. I had to say no, that he's very sweet and although determined to slurp back food quickly and to not let the syringe slip from his mouth, he never becomes testy. Perhaps this is because he has pretty well only known the warmth of human hands since he was born.

In a surprising comment, my squirrel expert indicated that Oscar should have a buddy and she didn't mean a stuffed toy. She suggested that he needs to accept other squirrels now and said she'd look around for a similarly-aged one that might move here with Oscar and me.

This would be fine but I also said that if the person raising the other squirrel is adamant about keeping it, then Oscar could move there.

This is all about the animals and their adaptation so we shall see what comes of this.

Oscar's Day in the Gatineau

2010-08-18T00:33:00.000-04:00

Oscar had a fine day today, driving through the countryside with the top of the MG down, him snug as a bug in a rug in his picnic basket.

Two youngsters met him today and were enthralled with his story: how the cat brought him home and how he started out looking like the end of their thumb but now, six weeks later, is a miniature squirrel. They loved watching him eat.

The other thing that amazed the children was Oscar's feet. What amazing claws he has developed! No wonder squirrels can climb so well.

Long claws on hairy feet and the beginning of a bushy tail.

Interesting pads on the bottom of his hind paws.

Oscar's Good Day

2010-08-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

Oscar had lots of rest today since little work took place at the kitchen table so he had peace and quiet.

I was looking at some information on squirrel development and here's where they say for his age:

Baby Squirrel Development – Six Weeks

At six weeks, the baby squirrel’s eyes have been open for a few days. His vision will improve dramatically during the sixth week of life, and as this occurs, the squirrel will begin exploring his environment. During the sixth week, teeth will emerge from the upper jaw, making him more apt to nibble on the solid foods that should have been introduced to the nest the previous week.

Food intake changes dramatically at week six. In his nest, provide a small bowl and offer fruits like avocado, banana, apple and melon, but avoid citrus fruits. Also offer high-quality puppy food like Science Diet or Royal Canine. Hand-feedings of formula must continue at a frequency of every four hours; the baby squirrel will eat up to 8 ccs or 9 ccs per meal, sometimes more depending on how much solid food he’s eating.
--------------------

Oscar is certainly consuming formula in prodigious amounts but he has not, as yet, been introduced to solid food or puppy kibble. Looks like I'll be casing the fruit stands tomorrow to get suitable nourishment for him.

Thankfully, I like all the things he's supposed to so we'll share.

Video of Oscar Eating Lunch

2010-08-15T18:14:00.001-04:00

Oscar just under six weeks old.

Oscar is rather ungainly in photos as he is rarely still and the pictures tend to blur. Maybe I should try the sports setting.

I attempted to video him this afternoon by myself. Usually, someone helps because it takes two hands to feed him. However, I thought I would try to prop him up and feed him with my left hand while taping with my right. This ended up with hilarious results so I switched hands..and then back again.

Not sure Oscar wants to be a movie star but video is certainly a great way to capture his spurts of growth.

The other day, he actually did something I wish I'd caught on tape. He climbed the bars of his cage! This was a total surprise to me as he is barely able to crawl yet he was adept at climbing the bars.

And yet another thing, from time to time, he emits a high-pitch whistle that I can hear out in the back yard. It's a wonder every mother squirrel within two blocks doesn't come running. I know that I dashed up the stairs to see what was going on.

Nothing was the matter. He was simply vocalizing, trying out his voice/lungs, like all babies do from time to time.

Oscar has a Friend

2010-08-14T22:53:00.000-04:00

Poor little tyke. He's taken to calling loudly, a high shrill whistle, for, well for whomever or whatever, so I've put a small stuffed tiger in his cage with him. Also, a ball as like other young animals, squirrels no doubt like to play.

He was famished when I returned home post-feeding time and I'm preparing to feed him one last time before we both sack out for the night. I am trying not to feed him in the middle of the night as I have been doing. I think we both need our rest.

Oscar's Eyes are Open

2010-08-13T10:58:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of days, from a sliver of shiny orb, Oscar's eyes have almost fully opened. I don't think he's actually focusing with them but he is aware of light and dark. I try to feed him so that he's not staring into the overhead kitchen light.

And of course, he's grown strong now that he is eating his fill at each meal and he crawls around his larger new hamster-cage-home. Even before his eyes opened, he would explore, navigating the circumference and sniffing interestedly.

I have set up a water bottle but so far, he is unaware of it.

So a milestone has been met. Baby squirrel Oscar can see!

Growing

2010-08-12T22:36:00.001-04:00

Oscar's growing by leaps and bounds. No photo available this eve.

Goodness, look what happened? I am so tired, fell asleep with my fingers on the keybaord and this is the result:

sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc/llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

To Almonte and Back

2010-08-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

A couple new things today. One is Oscar is no longer contained in a one gallon aquarium. He is in a hamster cage which has had the wheel removed. I still keep this cage protected by the larger guinea pig cage. My cats are good but can I really trust them around prey?

The other thing that was different about our trip to Almonte today than the Gatineau yesterday is how Oscar was transported--in this wicker picnic basket. Very comfortable.

Say it Ain't So

2010-08-11T08:13:00.001-04:00

Yikes! Oscar wants cotton diapers, never mind the poly-fake fur.

This baby squirrel thing is getting serious!

The Sleeping Baby Face

2010-08-10T23:26:00.001-04:00

What a trusting little beast. He falls right asleep after eating without a care in the world.

Today, we were in the Gatineau Hills and tomorrow, we'll be in Almonte. Maybe we'll do some video so that you can see how he's growing.

Morning Feeding, Accomplished

2010-08-09T08:22:00.000-04:00

And I was having such a great sleep!

I realize that initially, I was underfeeding Oscar. Now, he slurps back a full syringe and, sometimes, another half, and he has a warm water chaser, to boot. Look at how large he's grown. Almost fills my hand. And who knew that squirrels had such long whiskers?

This summer camp thing, I dunno. Sitting around the campfire, snuggled into a warm hand, he pretends to be asleep after breakfast, hoping that he won't be disturbed.

The other thing I notice is how simian are his paws. If his thumbs were opposable (also spelled apposable), he would fall into the genus of mammals who can perform more human-like activities.

Here's what Wikipedia says about opposable thumbs:

Many animals also have some kind of opposable thumb or toe. An animal species is said to have opposable thumbs if the thumb is capable of bending in such a way that it can touch all the other digits on the hand. Most species do not have opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs are a signature feature of the primate family, and played a large role in the ancient humans' invention and use of tools.
---------------

Meanwhile, Oscar will eventually be able to climb trees with different sorts of bark and he'll be able to hang from branches and even leap from tree to tree, but he'll never do this "bent finer grip" cricketer Iverson's unusual pad-to-side precision grip designed to confuse batsmen. Of course, I doubt I could do that grip, either.

He's Baaack!

2010-08-08T22:30:00.001-04:00

And what changes! It's as if he went away to summer camp as a scrawny kid who gets sand kicked in his face and then returns home, a graduate of the Charles Atlas School of Body Building. He's huge!

And he has longer whiskers and more fur, especially on his head and tail. Quite remarkable the growth over two days.

Looks like his ribs are showing but he really is a fat little fellow.

His ears appear to be fully developed.

Returned from Camp ML quite spoiled. Likes to be cuddled.

His eyes are still shut. Perhaps this week, they will open.

Oscar's Due Back at Noon

2010-08-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

Everyone loves Oscar and he's difficult to pry out of the hands of babysitters, aunts, fans, friends, etc.

I am excited to see what has changed with him over the past two days I have not seen him. I find that every day, there's something bigger, and some would say, better, about him.

No longer an embryonic being; he's becoming a furry mammal with a funny little personality.

One thing I said to May-Lo when I dropped him off on Friday was that perhaps he would open his eyes this weekend and like the father at work who misses his baby's first steps or syllables, I'd miss this momentous moment.

We'll see when he arrives home.

Oscar is Being Babysat in Manotick

2010-08-06T19:33:00.002-04:00

He is being babysat by his Aunty May-Lo for the weekend.

I expect that they are having a grand time together.