Anyway, the wildlife that we did see was mostly birds and ground squirrels busy getting ready for winter. I really enjoyed watching this Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.
He worked and worked on this branch, and being from a pine tree, the branch and the green cones were full of sticky sap. When the sap got too thick on his face or front paws, he would scamper off a few inches and take a dirt bath and get “cleaned” up. It must have been really sticky because he had to stop and bathe quite a bit. He never went very far or took very long to bathe.
It took him between 30 & 45 minutes to get the cones, branches and needles all separated but he finally got the cones in the pantry. Then, he was right back out looking for more. While we were there, a storm came through with rain and hail and snow. It looks like it might be another long winter for the ground squirrels.
ink & watercolor on hemp paper
Laura, what a cute observation, and what a determined squirrel. I am amazed - snow already??
ReplyDeleteLiving in Banff one sees a great deal of little critter readying for the long cold winter. Your illustration of the little ones has captured the business of food shopping.
ReplyDeleteGreat observation. Harvesting is hard work! Love the paper you are using in your book.
ReplyDelete