28 Comments
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Michael's avatar

I had the answer but I forgot it, or was it just my imagination?

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Neil Barker's avatar

Interesting question! Perhaps I am the imaginary thought of a squirrel dreaming.

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Ann Collins's avatar

Squirrels probably do dream (I know my dog does) . . . of peanuts delivered in extreme kindness.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Ann, and I agree about the dreaming.

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Michael's avatar

We are all in dreamland and ourselves naught but dreams. So let us all be compassionate dreams.🙏

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Rusty Squirrel Friend

greets Peanut Guy, scratches, digs.

On food search mission.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Excellent, Marisol! I like that you included the "scratches" from the video clip. That made me smile.

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Emma Liles's avatar

Potent question in the third line Neil!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Emma and much appreciated!

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MK Creel's avatar

Rusty's coloring is so unique.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed, such a unique colouring. I didn't know what I was looking at the first time I saw them. I thought they were a huge Red Squirrel. :)

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MK Creel's avatar

Kinda reminds me of a fox squirrel too. Are they common there?

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Neil Barker's avatar

I haven't seen a Fox Squirrel before here in Eastern Ontario. Not common I think in this area.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Excellent update on encounters with Rusty, Neil. They truly blend in with the environment, the rusts of the leaves, the dark gray of the mud. Peanut taxes put to good use.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Heidi and you're right as Rusty blends in quite well with those leaves. Peanut taxes always filed. :)

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Adventures of mind, and Nature. One and the same. Thanks Neil Barker for this journey.

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Neil Barker's avatar

You're welcome, Gary and I like that aspect of "one and the same." Agreed.

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Joni B's avatar

What a delight it is to encounter friends on the path and renew acquaintances! Rusty is a captivating little critter.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Joni and this was a delightful encounter seeing Rusty again. I'm hoping to meet them on upcoming hikes.:)

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Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

familiar faces

well-worn

not forgotten

memories

***

fallen memories

a copper shadow rustles

among copper leaves

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Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

Rusty is charming. I've never seen a squirrel so beautiful. What a magical friend.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you, Melanie and agreed.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

It's a funny thing with squirrels. I love them and respect their intelligence, and I've really taken a shine to our resident fox squirrels, but I get really grumpy when it comes to them eating the food I put out for birds. BUT only if they're eating it from the feeders. Anything that falls to the ground, they're welcome to. Am I overthinking things?

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Neil Barker's avatar

I like them as well. They're fascinating to watch problem solve. :)

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Nazish Nasim's avatar

Did I imagine this beautiful poem? :)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Nazish and I am glad you liked it. :)

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lyw's avatar

i love squirrels

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Neil Barker's avatar

Me, too - they're fascinating to watch.

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