Squirrely

I was walking on moss between the trees. Especially quiet I guess. Suddenly the air exploded — I’d surprised a red squirrel who let off a torrent of verbal abuse.

I stood still and spoke softly. It took a few moments of one-sided conversation but curiousity got the better of the young squirrel. He (or  she?) came closer. And closer.

Finally, figuring I posed no threat, he went back to what he was doing before I’d interrupted. But the “what” puzzled me.

After several minutes I realized he was chewing off all the twigs and sharp branch ends along the fallen spruce, making a path the length of the tree. You need a clear get-away if danger is chasing you.

Clever fellow, that squirrel.

Who’s walking in my woods?

Cutting off dead twigs

More trimming

Still at it

Oh, you’re still here?

Several short stubby twigs required extra work

Finally the last bits are gone

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Red squirrel   Tamiasciuris hudsonicus
White spruce   Picea glauca