\
The turkey pictured above is roosted in a cottonwood tree normally patrolled by a little red squirrel we call "Meany," so named because he routinely harrasses the much larger gray squirrels. Photo was taken Tuesday afternoon. The turkey had a companion in a neighboring ash tree seen in photo below.
This turkey is looking at the camera. Still no sign of Meany, and while he remained out of sight, a pair of gray squirrels thought it a good time to drop by.
Checking to see if the coast is clear.....
Eyeing up the remains of last fall's apple crop...
Apparently not bad!
Great pics Jim! I have never
Great pics Jim! I have never seen a turkey in a tree. I've had to hit the brakes a few times as they trot/fly across the road. They're much larger up close than far away. And shame on "Meany!" Ha.
What a cute little
What a cute little squirrel!
Mardell, I think you are confused. Meany the Squirrel causes trouble with larger grey squirrels, not with the turkeys.
I’ve never seen a turkey in a tree before, either. Maybe Meany had something to do with that after all …
Thanks Mardell - turkeys come
Thanks Mardell - turkeys come through frequently but thIs is the first time we've seen them in the trees right next to the house.
Julie, the squirrels are a treat to watch, especially when they try climbing down the small chain that holds the bird feeder. Come late summer, when the apples start falling, woodchucks and cottontails join the squirrels for a fruit feast.
Hey Jim, We have turkeys on
Hey Jim, We have turkeys on rooftops here. Wanna talk about a mess. The squirrel reminds me of a particular relative of ours that used to say, "go outside Jimmy, the squirrels are looking for nuts!" Oh the miracles of Spring......
Awww…how peaceful it must be
Awww…how peaceful it must be watching the little critters. That squirrel looks just adorable with his apple! I think I have a crush! :)
Julie - While the squirrels
Julie - While the squirrels and rabbits tolerate each other, the woodchuck is more secretive, waddling/skulking slowly across the grass until it comes to an apple. It then grabs the apple and waddles quickly back to the edge of the lawn where it uses day lilies as cover. There it sits on its haunches while holding the apple, rotating it with its claws while munching away.
Just an FYI the reds move in
Just an FYI the reds move in and eliminate greys by chasing them down and castrating them. I looked it up when I was told this and found out it's true. Watch Mr. Meany and see if he does this when catching a grey, I'm interested in directly hearing if this is true.
Hi Kyle - For the last four
Hi Kyle - For the last four decades, whether from a tree stand or looking out the window, I've seen red squirrels in close pursuit of grays. I've often heard of the "castration" theory, but I've never been witness to a red actually running down a gray.
Kyle, how funny you called
Kyle, how funny you called him, “Mr.” Meany. I had pictured him a Robert DeNiro type, tough but appealing. Now that I know what he’s really all about, I’m thinking Hannibal Lecter! I hope it’s just an ugly rumor.
Jim, I will look forward to seeing a pic of your woodchuck. :)
If that is true about Red
If that is true about Red squirrels then I guess Gray squirrels must really guard their nuts !
Good one Gabor! Jay Leno
Good one Gabor! Jay Leno couldn't have said it better!