Feb 15 2009
Squirrels in the Morning Sun
Perhaps a reason I can indulge in squirrel watching and thus become enamored of the little rascals is my bizarre work hours. I work a split shift: 7:00 to 9:30 AM and 2:30 to 6:30 PM. This schedule permits plenty of daytime deck viewing. However, I think that 8:00 to 9:00 AM is the ideal time for our neighborhood. Weekends and weather-related work cancellations afford me access to this window of squirrel gazing.
Our squirrels are definitely morning creatures, as am I. Just as dawn hints, they are up and checking for food in our feeders and bowls. As day breaks, if there is bright yellow sunshine the squirrels and I position ourselves to maximize exposure. For Seasonally-Affected me, I position myself at the eastern side of the house, straining my eyes and soul to absorb as much as possible of the life-giving warmth and light. Strangely, some of the squirrels do a version of this as well. The first priority, of course, is to see if food is available. After gorging on food and water, sometimes a squirrel hops onto a rung of our deck railing to mentally prepare for yoga Sun Salutation. It digs its toenails into the wood, braces itself against the wind, and thrusts its white-furred belly into the gold glow of the rising sun.
A squirrel wanting to feel the sun on its body - I totally understand.
