Thursday, February 26, 2026

Red Shouldered Hawk

 

One of the first activities I started with this new mantra of “Love the Little Stuff”, was to take a walk outside and look up. I had never paid attention to clouds and birds before...and one of the first I noticed was a red-shouldered hawk I named Copper sitting on top of a telephone pole right outside.


 


What Does A Red Shouldered Hawk Tell You? 

The Cherokee people believe when you see a red shouldered hawk you have been visited by a messenger of vision. When you see one, whatever you were thinking about is going to come true and manifest in your life. It is telling you to clear your mind because someone is trying to get your attention. They represent clear vision and great focus.


Cool Facts About Red Shouldered Hawk

Hawks build their nests high in the trees during the winter or early spring and will decorate them with various green plants

While they are flying, you can see translucent white crescents at the tips of their wings.

The rhythm of their flight is flap, flap, glide

They are named for their reddish-brown shoulder patches

Unlike their red tailed cousins, the red shoulder soars less and prefers to perch in the cover of trees.


  


What Do Red Shouldered Hawks Eat?

Small mammals, smaller birds, reptiles, large insects and even crayfish in some area of the country.

How Do Red Shouldered Hawks Communicate?

While they are courting, the hawks can be one of the noisiest raptors. Their calls can be heard for miles. While flying, they call a fast series of whistles that slur together.

How Do Red Shouldered Hawks Breed?

Red shouldered hawks are monogamous and tend to return to the same nesting spot year after year. They have a crazy courtship ritual. The male and female will fly together and sometimes roll over on their backs. You may see them fly upside down for a short distance.





Sunday, February 22, 2026

Western Gray Squirrel

 Squirrels love nuts! It is a stereotype, but it is true. They also enjoy acorns and seed. If you have a bird feeder set for your feathered friends, you will probably see a few furry ones too. Any extra food they can collect is stashed in their nest or buried somewhere in their territory. They can find these caches months later with their excellent sense of smell. That comes in handy when the cold winter months hit.


   


What Does A Western Gray Squirrel Tell You? 

When a grey squirrel visits your world, it is a reminder to stay positive. No matter how busy or hurried it is, the gray squirrel always bounces from limb to limb in a playful and joyful manner. What a healthy way to live your life. Squirrels also remind us to prepare for the future. It plans, works hard, makes strategies, and is ready for anything.

Cool Facts About Western Grey Squirrel

They are great tree climbers and use their tails to balance

If they fall out of a tree, they can use their tail as a parachute or a cushion

They live 7 or 8 years in the wild

Their teeth never stop growing but stay short because the squirrels are constantly chewing

A baby squirrel is only about an inch long


 

                Some pictures of Randy hiding peanuts around the yard

Where Do Western Gray Squirrels Live?

Western gray squirrels will make their home in a hollow tree or in a nest called a drey. They make the nest out of twigs and then line it with moss or grass. Abandoned woodpecker holes also make a great place to take up residence. We have seen our squirrel couple duck into a nest hole about 40 feet off the ground in one of the nearby trees.

How Do Western Gray Squirrels Communicate?

Squirrels are intelligent and intuitive. You may have heard them squawking from the trees if you get too close to their territory. They are quite vocal and will even talk smack to predators telling them to bug off. They do not have a language like we do, but they chatter away at each other and seem to understand the exchange by instinct. They may make loud barking sounds, flick their tails and stamp their feet when they feel threatened. They also use their tails to communicate, pointing out danger. Their sound system and body language is quite complex.

How Do Western Gray Squirrels Breed?

The squirrels mate during the winter or early spring. You may see the females looking a little battered since this is often a violent process where they may bite or hurt each other. The kits will be born soon after and stay in the nest for up to six months. The females are also very territories and will guard their area and even fight other female squirrels.




~@~ Disclaimer: I like to share a few themed products from Amazon that are perfect for animal lovers. If you links to buy stuff, I earn a few dollars. It is not a fortune, but does help to pay for the domain name or other expenses...so thank you!

#1 - Gray Squirrel Figurine




Lifelike 3 inch wildlife figure. This makes a great decoration for your desk or a fun toy for kids to learn about squirrels.

#2 - Gray Squirrel at Pacific Avenue



Adorable storybook about Gray Squirrel who is hunting for nuts and seeds while avoiding neighborhood predators. 

#3 - Small Crocheted Squirrel



I love this one!! Not just because it is our gray squirrel, but look at the positive message! What a fun little gift for your favorite person.