Last week I photographed this Eastern Gray Squirrel mid-morning while they were gathering nuts near Reeves Slough at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
Eastern Gray Squirrel gathering nuts at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/100, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
There were several gray squirrels gathering nuts, but this one just happened to come in closer to me than the rest.
It was fascinating to watch the squirrels scurry up the tree trunks to the outer branches where the nuts were. At times, the Eastern Gray Squirrels grabbed the nuts in their mouths, then made their way down the tree and disappeared into the brush to bury them.
Other times, they’d knock the nuts out of the thin branches, then climb down the tree to locate them on the ground before dashing off to bury them in the brush.
Eastern Gray Squirrels are well known for their role in seed dispersal. They bury nuts and seeds, and some of these they forget, which can then sprout and grow into new plants.
I didn’t see Eastern Gray Squirrels while I lived in Utah, but I’m enjoying seeing them here in Oklahoma, east of the Rockies, once again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eastern Gray Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful shot and I love your narrative. Thanks Mia.
I know! I have Black Walnut trees growing in my garden….forgotten by squirrels.