When the oranges are shrively, I toss them on the ground and replace with new. In the past I just picked them up later and composted them, figuring insects may enjoy the treat awhile. When I couldn't find any spent orange halves this year, I wondered what was going on. Turns out these Red Squirrels are my new cleanup crew. Thanks buddy! Submitted to Friday Ark.Friday, May 09, 2008
Everybody should start the day with some vitamin C...including this guy! This time of year I have feeders up to attract Baltimore Orioles, and they're loaded with cut oranges and grape jelly. When the oranges are shrively, I toss them on the ground and replace with new. In the past I just picked them up later and composted them, figuring insects may enjoy the treat awhile. When I couldn't find any spent orange halves this year, I wondered what was going on. Turns out these Red Squirrels are my new cleanup crew. Thanks buddy! Submitted to Friday Ark.
When the oranges are shrively, I toss them on the ground and replace with new. In the past I just picked them up later and composted them, figuring insects may enjoy the treat awhile. When I couldn't find any spent orange halves this year, I wondered what was going on. Turns out these Red Squirrels are my new cleanup crew. Thanks buddy! Submitted to Friday Ark.
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13 comments:
I guess it's better for the garden if the squirrels eat the spent organge peels rather than dig up bulbs and other flower you've planted.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
Definately! Although I did have some just-planted caladium bulbs rifled through, and he's my primary suspect! :)
I wonder what he thought when he finally figured out it was edible! He's the luckiest squirrel on the block.
I bet he was pretty excited, but now his problem is trying to hide something so fragrant and highly visible. (Not to mention sought after by bugs.)
Wow We just don't get red squirrels around my way. They were ousted by teh grey ones decades ago sadly. Squirrels are so resourceful!
Ah, the problems of a squirrel. If all I had to do was worry about where to hide my orange peels, I'd be happy as a lark!
Isn't it nice to have some extra help out in the garden?
Sorry to hear that, Jams...around here, rumor (and observation) is that the red squirrels are more aggressive and run out the greys. I suppose habitat would sure have a lot to do with that. My mom says squirrels taste good, especially with gravy. In this economy, that may be good to know, unfortunately. (I must explain that she was one of 17 children in rural Kentucky..you get by and avoid starvation however you can, y'know?) Personally I really enjoy all the squirrels, even with bird feeders. I have a nice system of baffles to keep them off, and I try to feed them with ear corn and by planting nut-bearing bushes and trees. But I don't plan to eat them...honest. :)
Cinj-Yea, I often wish for an animals' life and simple existence...I've even considered how enjoyable Amish life seems. (Although I hold no delusions, having done plenty of farm work. It's just that I enjoyed it.) I think "Little House on the Prairie" made that sort of thing seem romantic. Heh...TV can sure do that, eh?
They probably think your house is the gourmet buffet. :)
Karen-Oh yes, and definately squirrel-friendly as well. They get remarkably close when I'm out on the deck...to within 2 feet sometimes! I bet if I had a handful of food or a granola bar, they'd eat right out of my hand. They're very curious. :)
I love squirrels! They also like apples with crunchy peanut butter... We have mostly fox squirrels but I do occasionally see a red squirrel. They remind e of chipmunks with their fast, darty scurrying.
~ Monica
Yea, the red ones are definately cuter than the fox squirrels. The chipmunks are my favorites.
So squirrels do some good things too in the garden. ;-) What a nice change after all the complaints I read about them.
We have mostly red squirrels over here.
I think the squirrels can be very beneficial, especially when they plant tree and fruit seeds while hiding their stash. Then some are forgotten and germinate...they're kinda like farmers, really!
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