At first I thought they might be black squirrels well outside their territory. In the northeast and midwest, black squirrels are somewhat rare and are even a tourist attraction. The photo below is from 2004 when we lived in Virginia.
A friend helped identify these as Rock Squirrels common in this area. Rock Squirrels burrow in the ground instead of nesting in trees. That turned out to be a challenge on this rocky site so they were trying to dig under the shed. No deal. We shut down that option and they found a place to spend the summer among the rocks on the opposite side of the yard.
They enjoyed water from the bowl out by the creek all summer. Those dark coats must have been quite hot out there in the high temps and relentless sun.
We enjoyed watching them all summer, though they are quite shy and never came near the house like the fox squirrels.
They don't seem to be around now, I'd love to see them back next summer.
Rock squirrels are really unique looking.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. I would have thought they were black squirrels as well.
ReplyDeleteSo cute!
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen my husband and I a couple of years ago on vacation when we spotted our first black squirrel, we were amazed never having seen such a thing before.
We have rock squirrels here. They live in the 'canyon', over by the waterfall...dry waterfall.
ReplyDeleteThey are really shy. Not easy to get a good shot.
I like your bowl...I bet a lot of wildlife comes to it.
Thanks all!
ReplyDeleteWe do get a lot of wildlife at the water bowl. It's always empty in the morning too. I might get a "deercam" to see what I'm missing.