Squirrel Nutkin has his favorite chair, where birdseed falls on his head like manna, unasked for, from heaven.
It’s perfect place for pillow-hiding where no one can see him at all, if only it weren’t for his tell-tale-tail!
He can scale the walls like spiderman,
and perch on his chair like a king on his throne.
Baby-Bunting-Birdie is confused by all the action, but never hops by without leaving a gift, so thoughtful!
The Grosbeaks create the showers of seeds while stuffing their beaks past full.
The docile doves just watch the show.
Cheers to you from the setting sun and another critter-full Holler day~
(Thank you Ms. Potter for many happy childhood reads about Squirrel Nutkin and all his animal friends).
These captures are amazing! love their cute little faces π
These critters are so comical to watch!
They certainly have their moments π
And they kinda never stop which makes them with them a continual joy~
You have lots of furry and feathery friends in ‘The Holler.” And absolutely gorgeous sunsets. Very nice. Thanks for the visit.
I always enjoy visiting you Wally & cheers to you~
How do you get any work done? It must be tempting to watch your personal show all day, capped off with a rather wonderful sunset. I wish we had squirrels and chipmunks in Australia.
The squirrel and birds are about a foot away from my window by the computer. I read blogs and snap pics, ahhhh, life is good!
Home at last, and greeted by your neighbours. Thank you for your work overseas and its continuation at home.
Thank you more for stopping by and saying such delightful things!
Lovely little visitors all welcoming you home and looking for a treat!
Yes, it’s all we can do to keep them in seed and nectar!!! π
Friendly looking Squirrel Nutkin. Great set of photos
Handsome little devil isn’t it!
Love all of the pictures of these special birds and your words!!! Xx
Awww, I love blogging because of people like you!
Thanks dear me too xx
Hi Cindy, lovely photos. I put my first tapistry out today.
Leslie
OOOOh, thanks for telling me, heading over now to see!
It looks like you are welcome back home by these cute friends home.
Yep, the welcome committee complete with gifts!!! π
Great post Cindy hope the heat doesn’t get you down
It is so bad, and the drought is too. The risk from looney firebugs is very high. All the birds are panting and the watering stations get way too hot to handle in afternoon heat. They coyotes are massing at the pools at night.
Wow this earth as it used to be is long gone π Stay safe out there something has to change soon.
Thank you Eunice and God I hope so!
Gotta love those birdie gifts! π
You can’t watch birdies without the gifts!
wonderful children’s
nature story π
Awwww, thanks!
Oh that pose in the top image Cindy! I can imagine sitting across from Squirrel Nutkin having a conversation with him! So adorable. And your photos of all the birdies never fail to awe me with the up-close detail. Beautiful, soothing sunset. Thanks for all these gorgeous images. π
You know what Lynn, thank you so much more for being such a wonderful friend~ <3
Squirrel Nutkin’s ancestors tried to snatch our lunches right from under our noses years ago in a downtown Sacramento park. We had to defend their flank attacks with our elbows which we projected out onto the picnic tables like a barrier. This took some skill and experience because Nutkin’s ancestors were very fast and persistent. Our coworkers who paid them little attention, or who exhibited any sign of timidity, occasionally had an encounter of the squirrel kind. One actually jumped up on a lady’s back once! She looked so silly bending over trying to protect her food wearing a darting gray fur-ball like a stole!
I really enjoy squirrels. Great pictures!
tee he hee hee, they remind me a lot of cats in their behavior, so I can just imagine them pouncing on the timid ones and stealing their food. Naughty Nutkins. Seagulls do this too which never ceases to crack me up! Did I tell you about the vervet monkey in Africa who walked up to a picnic table, nipped a woman in a** (he didn’t break the skin, it just a nibbly-nip) and stole her sandwich. He was almost as bold as the baboon who chased me. Animals sometimes do bite back! Who can blame them considering what we do to them~
You haven’t told me that story before, but it sounds like many other monkey stories I’ve heard. I watched a documentary not too long ago about monkeys in SE Asia who steal sunglasses, jewelry, and other carriables from tourists and hold them for ransom. No kidding! The locals inform the victims that the monkeys will return their possessions if the tourists give them some food, and that’s exactly what happens. It’s extortion! The film showed several tourists gingerly offering the thieves a snack and the monkeys cautiously giving back the possessions. A simultaneous exchange was critical for a successful transaction. Very sly they were!
But be careful with the baboons, Cindy, they can be dangerous.
Love your photos, beautiful as always – esp. that cute fledgling and the fiery sunset!
These baby birds are so cute when them come out clueless from the nests. They are fat as can be, and stand in the seed bowls, fluffling their feathers and caging food from their parents. Kids!!!
π
Cindy, I was wondering if I might have permission to use the third and fourth photo (the squirrel perched on the chair, and the baby bird) for paintings? I don’t really know when, but they are great subjects. It is rare that I see photos with the clear details that are so helpful when painting, but it is up to you and I will stand by your decision.
Oh I would be so honored and I would love to see the finished pieces whenever they are done. Thank you for the courtesy of asking, but in the future feel free, anytime, serving as an inspiration for your art is an honor~
Thank you so much. I will make sure you see the finished art. As I said, I’m not sure when as I have a lot on my plate right now, but since seeing those photos, I feel inspired.
I sent you one of the finished paintings in a message on Facebook. Feel free to critique, or let me know if you see something that doesn’t look right. Again, thanks so much.
You are extraordinarily talented. Your artwork is amazingly good. I am honored to provide the tiniest bit of inspiration. Please use my photos anytime because it is for a wonderful cause, YOU, and your beautiful art! <3 <3 <3
The two doves watching, that’s my favorite today. Like they watch and think, “Nope we are not getting involved.” Great shots
Exactly! Saying, “Oh this is ridiculous, but quite mesmerizing to watch!”
such fun……….love the tail on the chair, I almost missed it π
He clearly thought he was perfectly hidden! So funny…..
Ever wondered what it would be like if squirrels were as big as your first picture in real life, Cindy? ( I am reading your blog from 15 inch screen, by the way) It would be fun – just having a wild imagination here~
Yes, it would be super fair turn about wouldn’t it! If all the animals suddenly grew to gigantic proportions. I am loving the imagery. Of course, I probably would be more hesitant to go outside!!! π π
Baby-Bunting-Birdie’s gifts are big money in some places. LOL Great critter magic you have in the holler.
Cracking up, like where is bird s*** big-money? Tell me because I have cornered the market!
I can’t remember where. Galapagos maybe? I remember they scrape it up and ship it as fertilizer. Chicken s*** is supposedly the best fertilizer for tomatoes. The things I know. It defies reason. π
The way you write this sweet story of mischief and mayhem from the squirrel, baby birds and the more nature ones really amused me, Cindy! <3 Squirrel Nutkin has such a nice sheen on his coat, while the doves are such a lovely combination of pink, gray and tan. Hard to decide their coloring but such a cute couple! π
You are a delightful blogging friend Robin! Cheers to you and be well~ <3
I am always happy to see your photographs, Cindy. The film, “Miss Potter” is a sweet one telling her story, (they have Renee Zwelleger talking to animated illustrations) which informed me of her being quite a financially sound female author, love won and lost. Beatrix Potter left the trust of England, thousands of acres of land, as a preserve.
She was quite a gentle talent and did live in an imaginary world. Good for her. The real one isn’t always so great! Cheers & Happy 4th to you Robin~ <3
How wonderful! Each picture is adorable. So very, very sweet.
Awwww, like you! Thank you~ <3
Love your photos Cindy, have a nice day
Visa versa 2 U X 2!
Beautiful photos, Cindy. And that sunset is stunning.
These are lovely photographs, Cindy. π
I am so pleased you enjoyed them Ranu & thank you my friend~
We have lovely red squirrels here in Dordogne.
I have seen them and they are beautiful!
That is such a cute squirrel and he looks quite settled in the chair, munching away! π Great photographs and I love your wildlife. Great start to my day!
Your comment is a great start to mine! Merci beaucoup~
Adorable. I love squirrels. And that sunset is killer!!!
The Holler gets some of the most amazing sunsets, on that day, it was 105 degrees!
Wow!!! Aren’t you near the ocean?
We are inland, about an hours drive to the coast, in the middle of a nature preserve.
Got it. That’s pretty hot for this time of the year though. Yikes.
Yes, very unusual!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Over recent weeks Cindy Knoke has shared amazing images from her trip to Spain but I must admit to having a soft spot for her fellow inhabitants in the Holler.. including this clown of a squirrel.. we should all be so lucky to have a backyard with such an abundance of wildlife.. I could sit and watch the birds all day.. Thanks Cindy.
Of course, I’m not just watching the birds, I’m reading and commenting on blogs, that’s multi-tasking. I could try and pretend it’s hard work, but everyone would know I’m lying. Blogging and birds! What could be better?
As you say Cindy, best of both worlds.. I am pleased with myself with my limited browsing at the moment until we are connected at our house, that I have not turned to chocolate full-time…xx
Smart and clever squirrel! I love his long tail! I didn’t know they could climb walls! What sharp little claws! I love the pics of him! Hugz Cindy! Lisa and Bear
He can climb up and down vertical walls and today he learned to leap from the wall onto the suspended bird seed dish. I am sure he just did this so I would do another post on him. Animals can be so vain! π
Wow that is way too funny
What a beautiful post, Cindy, as always.
Awww, what a lovely comment! Thank you Olga~
Oh my gosh, love these photo! From the very first one of the darling squirrel who captured my heart, to the birds. So sweet.
It takes sweet to see it, so thank you! <3
Loved all the pictures – you have an wonderful eye for these shots! Thank you for sharing them!
Thank you much more for appreciating the humble little critters!
Squirrel Nutkin?! Wasn’t he part of the Al Capone mob back in the 30s? He looks stuck-oed. Where do you come up with this stuff?!?! π
Laughing. I fully believe you are absolutely correct and that Nutkin is a reincarnated member of the Capone mob. He is such a thief and does it in broad daylight, just like Capone! Now he can’t shoot people and has to run away from everything. Perfect karma for a reincarnated mafia member.
Actually Beatrice Potter came up with Nutkin’s name and I love her.
A new generation joins you in the holler. Great captures Cindy!
Yes, they are quite productive! π
Cheeky little squirrel. He looks young. We have a whole family that come at one time or another and I have to tell them apart by their tails. This year they are fat and sassy. In the winter, they gather under the feeder if they’re not trying to figure out a way to open it! Love the bird shots!
These photos were actually two squirrels, one fat, big and sleek, and the other smaller and younger and skinnier. You have good eyes probably due to watching your own squirrels~
Beautiful pictures! π
Thank you & cheers too~
What a ham, isn’t he? So sure of himself, it seems.
Wonderful characterization, Cindy. As always, marvelous close-up photos. Thank you for sharing. <3 <3 <3
Cheeky little ham is exactly what he is! He learned today to leap from the wall into the hanging feeder. I swear he did this just so I would post more photos of him!
Once again – such beautiful photos of beautiful creatures. π
Awww, you are very kind Cate. Be well my friend~ <3
What GREAT pictures you’ve displayed here, Cindy — thank you for showing us life in the Holler! I’m particularly loving the doves…such a peaceful, gentle bird!
Yes and they mate for life. They are so mellow and sweet, with such delicate colors. Someone actually tried to go dove hunting on my property. Can you imagine shooting creatures like this for fun? It doesn’t even require one bit of skill.
We have squirrels in our maple trees in the backyard– and last Monday when it was 105 degrees, four of them were completely stretched out on the grass trying to keep cool! funny.
Oh I can just imagine that! The sunset shot here was taken on that 105 degree day. I know just how they felt!
It’s been crazy hot here for June– but cooling down for the 4th! Going to a small town 4th of July Parade in Ojai with the kids. Keep cool Cindy!!
I think our squirrels get more of our birdseed than the birds do. Kind of funny, seeing them dangle upside down on a seed feeder from their hind feet, then do “sit-ups” to get another bite.
They are hilarious. Maybe we should rename the feeders , squirrel feeders! π
Squirrels are funny things. They give my dog an evil eye because he loves acorns and hoovers them up faster than they can. π
That’s hilarious. I have seen avocado eating dogs out here in the orchards, but I have never seen an acorn eating dog and we have lots of acorns. I would imagine the woodpeckers get quite annoyed at your dog too. I think you should definitely post photos of this. I was to see the acorn eating dog!
I will try but getting a pic when he’s on the move is quite the task! π
That little squirrel is so cute. You take the most fabulous photographs, Cindy.
Awww, your kindness is much appreciated! Thank you~ <3
Lovely photos, Cindy! Always enjoy your Holler stories. πππ
I always enjoy you Amy! Thank you and love those emoticons~
Lovely photos but one cannot escape the feeling (esp here in the UK where the grey squirrel has driven out the indigenous red squirrel (this feels like a metaphor for our referendum!)) that the squirrel is but a rat with good PR.
Well, a rodent is a rodent, and they all get unfairly bad reps, and I am as guilty of this as anyone. I remember my son yelling “There’s a rodent in the pool!” during a ladies aquacize class when he was little. All the ladies coming dashing out of the pool and saw the rodent was a rabbit.
They said, “Oh, that’s just a bunny!” and went right back in the water.
I was dumbfounded. A decomposing mammal in a pool is not cool even it is is a “cute” bunny.
Biologists are studying compassion in animals and found rats score extremely high as a species in compassionate behavior towards other rats. They will risk their own selves to save fellow rats. Of course, I once had rats in my attic and my compassion for them was non-existant! We are the weirdest creatures of them all! We pick and choose certain animals to love and others to despise. We do this with people too, sigh.
You can see why I like my Beatrice Potter world!
Yes I always understood rats were cleaner and better pets than hamsters and gerbils but they get a bad rap. Would love the video of the moment you son called rodent! That would have been worth the entrance money. Back in the 80s there was a picture in the papers of one of our London Lidos – big open air public pools – with lots of families in the background this rat was swimming happily across the water with the headline ‘all London residents finding a way to keep cool’!
Exquisite post! I just adore Squirrel Nutkin & all his Holler friends. Cindy, this is beyond cute. π :star:
Awww, so pleased you enjoyed Resa & cheers to you~
A celebration of a diverse community that embraces the joy of connection.
Humans could learn a lot from animal co-operation couldn’t they!
I agree wholeheartedly!!! Hugs coming your way…
Visa versa 2UX2! <3 <3
The nutkins at our house are great at cleaning up spilled food from the lawn underneath the bird feeder! Wonderful pictures of nature. π
And your kitty-kats must just LOVE them! π
This is why I like you so much – you take the time to enjoy the beauty and nature around you everyday and then share it with others!!! Have an awesome holiday my friend.
Happy Holidays my dear Antionette and thank you for such a lovely comment my friend~ <3
These pictures are too cute – so I nominated you for an award! Apologies if you’re award-free…just wanted to send my regards!
π
That is so thoughtful of you and I am honored. Thank you for the kind acknowledgement! <3
perfect Fotos, so clear, so detailled, and so funny as you describe it… π
Awwww, much appreciated and cheers to you!
You make even the ordinary extraordinary…and hilarious, Cindy! π Thanks for giving me a huge smile with your Holler critters!
I have to share them because their antics crack me up at least several times a day for which I am extremely grateful to them. Thank you so much for your kind appreciation~
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I love your critters in the holler….π
They would love you too Dor as I do!
u r a wizard with a camera Cindy…great shots…I’ve quite a few of doves and squirrels…they love havin their picture takenπππΉ
I swear they are as vain as Mick Jagger! π
Really cute pictures, Cindy. Well done. π — Suzanne
Happy you enjoyed & cheers to you~
Cute little squirrel and birdies…you couldn’t have made me happier than with those feathered furriends, Cindy π Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend π <3
Yes, they truly do make the best neighbors I have ever had! So very glad you enjoy them too~ <3
The photos of Squirrel Nutkin are amazing! ‘Acorn’ believe it! (*ΰΈ ΜΛΰΈ Μ*)
Cracking up, you are so clever! <3 βAcornβ believe it! (*ΰΈ ΜΛΰΈ Μ*) <3
(>βΏβ )β
Awesome photos!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
You’re welcome! π
What a precious little face – I just love squirrels. Great shots. Happy 4th!
Happy 4th to you & cheers too~
More vain really…they preen and primp to far greater effect too!!!
It’s true, they do end up looking much better! π
Hey Cindy- a while ago I asked you what camera you used (birds pics). And you told me and do you think I wrote it down? Could you tell me again. I think a cannon?
It’s a Sony HX400 and Happy 4th to you Cate!
Haha. No wonder I couldn’t remember. I thought canon. Haha. Thank you Cindy. Have a great weekend. π
<3
Bonjour
BELLE CINDY cela est trΓ¨s joli j’aime l’Γ©cureuil
Tu remplis mes jours de joie
Le matin Γ mon rΓ©veil , tu seras prΓ©sent au cours de ma journΓ©e
Belle AmitiΓ© entre nous , tu ouvres mon cΕur
Tu me donnes ce que j’ai envie par tes petits messages
Des fois je souries quand je suis mΓ©lancolique
Bises passe une belle journΓ©e
Bernard
Profite de ton week-end et de la semaine Γ venir
http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/622231ange.gif
Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard! Bisous~ <3
Β‘QuΓ© graciosa la ardilla! Seguro que se acerca a los comederos de pΓ‘jaros a ver si puede llevarse algo. π
La ardilla es un ladron de mayor exito! Que esten bien mi querido amiga. Abrazos~ <3
Such cuties, especially the thoughtful little chick. Beautiful pictures and the narrtive, Cindy!
We have a smaller chick now who fell out of his nest in our central coutyard. Mama makes occasional feeding visits, and he is almost fully fledged and can perch, so it is my hope he will survive without my intervention.
I think he will.
<3
Gorgeous birds and what a sky!
Thank you, t’s nice out here with all the critters and lots of open space.
Beautiful photos, Cindy! Yes, those little birdies are very thoughtful. π
They are very considerate!
Love your squirrel photos Cindy. My daughter is starting A level Photography this September. She will be getting a proper camera – can’t wait to see what she does….and to pinch her camera!! Watch out squirrels!!
Good for her. It is a hobby that enables one to truly be in the moment which is excellent for one’s mental health~
Cindy, tt’s always such a pleasure coming to your blog and viewing the photos, but this one made me laugh!
Oh, I am glad! Your comment made me smile~ <3
It’s always a joy to stop by. I love LOVE love squirrels and their antics. You’ve captured the essence so wonderfully. The doves are lovely, too and how nice to get regular visits from your visitors. I was anointed by a seagull on our recent visit to Victoria. I felt like a local. π
Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us.
You are officially accepted now and they will never need to do this again. Unless of course you go to a different place.
If you still like seagulls after this experience, then you are truly a friend of the birds, and they will know this. It’s uncanny, but they do. They are smart in reading people.
Cindy, you made me smile. It’s always nice to be one of the crowd, even if it means, well…you know. π
Loved Beatrix Potter as a child (still do)… magnificent squirrely photos…
Yes, she created a wonderful world to escape into and still does! <3
I love squirrels. Beautiful photos!!!
So pleased you enjoyed and thank you too!
Beautiful photos, especially the sunset. Happy Independence Day Cindy!
Happy 4th my friend and cheers to you too!
Thanks!
Your lovely words and peaceful critters at the Holler brought a smile of sweet appreciation to me, Cindy. Photos, as always, are such a treat.
You are a lovely friend! <3
What beauties, except for the squirrels, you are welcome to mine.
I have plenty, but thank you! π
The Holler day is full of fun – such adorable photos, Cindy! <3
The critters are pretty darn cute and I think they know it!
Happy Fourth of July and be safe, Cindy! ‘o)
Thanks and cheers back to you!
‘o)
endless entertainment to be had at the bird feeder π
For all sorts of critters including me! π
Hope you were whoopin it up down the Holler on the 4th, Cindy! Happy days π π
The Holler is kinda a un-whooping sorta place! π π
Your squirrel nutkin is adorable and cute and your birds for a moment reminded me of ours till I realised they were worlds apart! The doves are lovely – I didn’t know they came in colours other than white π
And white we do not have! One person’s everyday, is another’s exotic! I am entranched by your magpies~
Gorgeous sunset, Cindy!!
Thanks, we get some beauties here. Cheers to you my friend~
Cindy, don’t think I’ve ever seen a pillow with a tail before !!! Is this a new “holler critter” ??? Hugs, Cuz π
We have loads of cotton tails and squirrels, but now they are coming up close and personal, cheeky little buggers~
π
<3
Squirrels are such fun to watch once you figure out how to keep them out out of the bird feeders.
Laughing! That is indeed the rub! π
I’d love to know how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders permanently, rather than temporarily. They even manage to suss out the so-called “squirrel-proof feeders” pretty fast.
Just like bee proof bird feeders, although I did find a solution for this, A thin line of vegetable oil on the feeding ports completely stops bees, even swarms! If I find a solution for the squirrels, I will let you know!
Sarah – With multiple open bird sanctuaries on our property, when we lived in North Carolina I had to find a way that worked on over 40 feeders. I placed each house at the top of a 5 or 6 ft. Rebar pole (your lumber company will cut various lengths for you). While you are out, go to your farm supply store and buy the softener dairy farmers use on their dairy cows udders to keep them from getting dry and cracked. I always preferred the squeeze tube but it’s more expensive than the jars. (Great stuff for cuticles and rough heels).
When the pole and the feeder are up and secure, slather the utter cream on the pole as thick as you can. Trust me, your squirrels will have the softest paws in the state and its great fun to watch them slide down the pole. Depending on your weather conditions, that will determine how often you have to apply the utter cream.
One of these days I’ll do a blog on keeping up the 3 acres for the wildlife. My e-mail is sdegrom@conwaycorp.net I if you have thoughts or questions.
Sheri, that sounds like an excellent solution to the squirrel problem, and with great entertainment value, too! Now to find a farm supply shop that stocks the udder softner. It’s mostly sheep-farming and arable where I live.
I use coconut oil on my cuticles and heels, but that would be rather expensive as a squirrel deterrent. In fact they might like the taste. I know my dog loves the stuff π
Thanks so much for providing that info.
Sarah – If you don’t find it, you should be able to order it on line through a farm supply store. It’s also great for those cuticles.
Another thing Dad and I did [oh how I miss him and his inventive mind] – we went to the farm supply store and asked if they had any baby chicken watering devises. I purchases two and Dad rigged them so they hung over the top of the bird feeders I wanted to hang from trees. I covered the tin watering pan portion that’s turned upside down over the birdhouse (we used a weather-proof cord) and then put the udder cream on it and affixed it to the top. Oh the mad squirrels. The birds liked it as it kept their food nice and dry.
I was nice to the squirrels and other critters. I fed critter food along the back 2 acres of our property where a brook ran through it as well as I had 12 squirrel feeding post for corn on the cob. I loved living in that environment. Building the Bob White Quail population, the North Carolina Blue Bird, Red Carnial and White Barn Owl were all victories in the 3 years we were there. I miss those victories. Let me know if I can be of any help. One of these days I’ll scan those pictures of NC and you can see them for real.
Sheri, I love hearing about your innovative ways of keeping the wildlife happy, even those impish squirrels! Thanks for telling me all about your various contraptions . Those birds sound wonderful. I’m particularly fond of owls. We have Tawny owls in the woods up the road from where I live.
I just read in a magazine and now I can’t remember which one, someone is making a substance that sounds like the udder gunk. They’ve packaged it nicely and gave it a sweet name. I bet it still makes a mess.
Interesting and ingenious Sheri. Thanks for sharing. It is the same concept for the bees, except you coat the bird feeder ports with a light coating of vegetable spray. I buy the aerosal. This works like a dream in keeping bees and wasps off your feeder. I will try the udder cream. My husband has some.
Yes, my husband uses it. It’s called Udderly Smooth. There is another brand called Bag Balm which is the real stuff!
I like the name Udderly Smooth. It’s much more attention-grabbing than Bag Balm!
Cracking up….this is an excellent conversation! π π
…and all thanks to your friend, Squirrel Nutkin! π
Yes, it is so excellent that Squirrel Nutkin appreciates Ms. Potter.
And Beatrice Potter of course, who came up with the name in the first place. I can’t help but think if she were alive, she would join this conversation and draw and name the udderly-smooth cow! π π
No doubt!
<3
You post the most soul-filling posts, Cindy. I absolutely love the little squirrel.
Awwww, I am touched and moved by your thoughtful sentiments. Thank you~ <3
I just love these pictures!
I just love your very kind comment Dawn α