Squirrels!

 While in Cape Town working on my thesis I had my birthday, and I decided what I really wanted to do was go and feed the squirrels. So off we went on Saturday to Company Gardens with a picnic basket packed to find some squirrels. It turned out to be a most beautiful day, although a little on the hot side! We arrived around 1pm and as soon as we walked in the gate we bought some peanuts to feed and squirrels and the pigeons. The search for squirrels began, nevermind about the pigeons! We found a few and our bags of peanuts became a little lighter but they were not present in the large numbers I had envisioned, all tucked up in trees for an afternoon siesta. We decided to give squirrel hunting a break and have our lunch. Finding a shady spot was a challenge as the Gardens were rather busy and everyone was wanting to escape the heat of the sun.

Streeetch!

  

Time for a snooze.

With full stomachs we lazed about on the picnic blankets, all the while keeping an eye out for the furry tailed critters. Unfortunately, the idea to 'leave only footprints' is one not supported by all who visit the Gardens resulting in squirrels and feral pigeons not being the only creatures living there. A deceptive squirrel looking rat or two scrounged around picnic sites and bins, enjoying the anthropogenic smorgasbord left by picnickers.

After lunch and relaxation the hunt for squirrels continued. In a shaded avenue with only a bookworm to share it with we found a number of squirrels hungry for peanuts! The braver few even climbed onto our laps, and went digging through the packet of nuts, stuffing their cheeks full! It was really interesting to see how two particular individuals had a hidden stash of nuts nearby which they would dig open, add the nuts they had just received, before covering them up with soil and brushing natural fallen vegetation to hide their digging activities. Very cool! All in all a really spectacular afternoon!

Squirrel selfie!

Juluiene and Lisa feeding Koos the squirrel.

And the birds also needed a snack!