Today, January 21, 2015 is Squirrel Appreciation Day.  I enjoy unofficial holiday that involve nature and wildlife.  Squirrels can be viewed almost any time of year here in Michigan. Being surrounded by woods, I get the view the nut burying little creatures all the time.

Michigan has a variety of squirrels. The Fox Squirrels, Gray Squirrel, Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels.  Under the squirrel category for Michigan are the Eastern Chipmunk, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel and the Woodchuck.  Even though I never really considered the Woodchuck to be a squirrel but I can see why he is in this category.

I usually come in contact with the little Red Squirrel.  The little scampering tree creature seems to “voice” his opinion every time I enter the woods.  As I am trying to photograph a bird or a landscape scene, the Red Squirrel will chatter at me.  The chattering is a way to alert the rest of the woodland creatures, there is an intruder.  The Red Squirrel shaking his tail at me will scamper up and down the tree.  Squirrels use their tails to distract predators.

I often have squirrels at my bird feeder which is why I put out extra corn cobs just for them. Many people will try to make elaborate obstacle courses to keep the squirrels away from the seeds.  In my experience, the squirrels figure out a way to bypass everything and eat the seeds.  So, I just add extra for them to eat during the wintry months.

Of course, this squirrel looks like he has visited the feeder a lot.

*Note about the featured image.  The squirrel is hiding from my cat behind my wicker chair on my front porch.  The cat had no interest in the squirrel, but he walked unto the porch causing the squirrel to take shelter.  I could hear the squirrel chattering loudly.  So, I grabbed my camera to go and investigate. Once I ushered my cat through the front door, the squirrel went back to the feeder.