Squirrels

I think the squirrels in my backyard are completely unstoppable.

Last Summer, I bought a new bird feeder, specifically to foil the squirrels whose persistence destroyed the one it replaced. That new feeder has since been broken (I need to order a replacement part), and for now, the squirrels occupy it with impunity. I've tried a chili powder additive as a deterrent, but they didn't even break a sweat.

I have nothing against the squirrels (despite what you may have read in past) — I appreciate their persistence, and I can't help but admire their intelligence. I'd just prefer they didn't monopolize my bird feeders.

Many, many years ago, when we lived in Jersey City, we were in an apartment that was down the street from a large park. We got in the habit of feeding the squirrels there, because they were so friendly. (I miss doing that.) At first, they'd come up to the bench we were sitting on. In time, they began to come up on the bench we were sitting on. We brought mixed nuts — almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and walnuts — and I've no doubt that made us especially popular.

When I was working, I used to have a photo on the bulletin board in my office (I wonder what I did with it?) of a squirrel perched on my knee.

One morning, while waiting for a bus at the edge of the park, I noticed a squirrel that seemed to be taking an unusual interest in me. I remember it scampering around at my feet, expectantly, as if it were waiting for me to feed it. When I walked back into the park to try to encourage it out of harm's way, it just followed me back out again. At one point, it gave up on me and decided to explore my shoulder bag, which was on the bench. (Nothing of interest there.) I tried talking to it, but that probably only made matters worse. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but I think it actually recognized me.

I had to leave it, disappointed (do squirrels even have a concept of disappointment?) when the bus arrived. But from that day, I don't think I ever left home without a few hazelnuts in the front pocket of my shoulder bag.