Tree Squirrel on a limb

Photography By Mary Lynn Giacomini
Photographed Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri

A squirrel is perched on a tree branch, nibbling on... more

by Mary Lynn Giacomini

Title

Tree Squirrel on a limb

Artist

Mary Lynn Giacomini

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Photography By Mary Lynn Giacomini
Photographed Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri

A squirrel is perched on a tree branch, nibbling on a nut with its paws Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri. The background is softly focused, highlighting the animal and the details of its fur and the texture of the tree.

I find it fascinating to watching these squirrels and want to learn more about their ways of communicating. The tail wagging does not seem directed at any of the birds.
I notice that the squirrels and birds get along fine. They often eat seeds together on our backyard table with no indication of dispute or antagonism. Most of the squirrels also seem to get along fine and two or three of them will share space as they are eating.

A squirrel’s tail is a spectacularly useful thing. It allows them to balance in precarious positions and to race across high wires. It’s also used to communicate.

The primary message a squirrel sends with its wagging tail is a warning. If they see something dangerous or suspicious, they wag their tails to alert other squirrels. They also use it to let predators know they’ve seen the danger, taking away the element of surprise.
If the tail is trembling or shivering, that’s another story. Squirrels do that when approaching members of the opposite sex to draw attention to themselves.

Uploaded

March 19th, 2024