by Sheila Rae Watson

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

We have squirrels in our backyard and we love it! They are so much fun. These squirrels are allowing us to live here; they were here first after all and they have made room for us to live here, among them.

As far as I can see, six live in the treetops in our backyard. I have gotten to know a couple of them and I named them ... of course!

There is a big one; he has the most magnificent tail. He carries this tail high and lofty, which I think means something in Squirrelville. At times when he comes along to munch down on the pumpkin or sunflower seeds I scatter on the cement pad our proprietors called "the patio," he uses his tail as a weapon! When he flashes this tail up over his head, the others run for safety, it must be a warning!

Oh, yes. All he, (whom I have dubbed Moxie) all Moxie has to do is fling that wonderful tail up over his back and the other squirrels scatter. It's something to see for sure!

Then there is the beautiful squirrel I named Foxy. Now Foxy has a different shade of fur. It's not the butternut color on Moxie, it is brighter, golden, or orange I guess. So I assumed that Foxy was a girl. So these two constant visitors to our patio have become known as Moxie and Foxy! Daily the two come calling, checking for snacks and usually the snackage was there waiting for their arrival.

Once when we were out on the patio, we decided to sit quietly and see if they would come for a visit if we were out there. Sure enough in a bit, here came the two.

First we heard them... it was a rustling in the leaves of the trees. Then we heard their quiet chirping/chuckling talk. Soon one of them will poked its head up over the railroad tie, sniffed the air, and looked around.

It seems they always see us, and then they stare; its quite intimidating really, they stare at you, demanding to know why you are here, insisting with their eyes that you may want to leave. However, if you don't move, they relent and come on in to our domain.

Once there, it is all business! They scan the area, noting any seeds or popcorn that is there for them, and then they begin to partake of the offerings.

We have several big planters on the patio, one of which the squirrels have claimed as their eating perch. They grab one snack morsel, jump up on the edge of the planter, and nibble away.

Here is a funny story about our Moxie. When we first moved here, all I had to offer them was some old pumpkin seeds I had bought to use in my dog treat business I ran at that time. They were old, had been in my cupboard

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