Outdoor Ontario

Wildlife Reports => Southern Ontario Wildlife => Topic started by: Axeman on February 01, 2012, 11:33:59 AM

Title: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: Axeman on February 01, 2012, 11:33:59 AM

The general sense I get from postings on this board is that red squirrels are expanding their range south.

I'm located in West Grey -- about 60 km due south of Owen Sound.

This summer I noticed a dramatic decrease in sightings / hearing red squirrels. I wasn't sure if that was related to the explosion of evil chipmunks.

Now, during the winter, I have yet to see a red squirrel at the feeders whereas usually I'd have at least one regular if not 2 to 4 of them feeding. I did hear one the other day but that's the first time in a very very long time.

I know that black phased grey squirrels seem to be increasing but it's not an explosion -- more of a presence.

Anyone else notice a decline ?

I happen to like the little guys and would really miss them if they disappeared and were replaced by greys.

Title: Re: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: RKD on February 01, 2012, 12:52:12 PM

I've actually noticed an increase over this past summer. Although haven't had any at the feeders this winter I do see the occassional one  in the woods behind our house. In the fall we had to evict the ones who were planning on overwintering in our shed, would have made a fine mess if we had let them stay. The pictures only show a small portion of what was there.

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk307/scoliboymom/IMG_8539.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk307/scoliboymom/IMG_8537.jpg)

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk307/scoliboymom/IMG_8541.jpg)

Title: Re: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: Axeman on February 01, 2012, 03:02:15 PM

See ours are far more respectful lol....at the feeders they don't upset them..just quietly feed what's dropped to the ground.

Are those apples or chestnuts / walnuts ?

Title: Re: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: egret on February 01, 2012, 03:20:29 PM

Im in Metro area

and just saw a baby red the other day

and a few grey
tons of black ones,  :(((



Egret

Title: Re: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: RKD on February 01, 2012, 03:47:54 PM

Sorry, should have said, they are indeed black walnuts.

Title: Re: Red Squirrel Decline ?
Post by: Halton Hills on February 02, 2012, 10:14:03 AM

.


We had a few Red Squirrels that regularly piled up the walnuts around our place too.....I empathize with those photos RKD......lol

Then they completely disappeared for a couple of years........but now there are one or two running around again.

So the cycle continues......why?......haven't got a clue..... :mrgreen:



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