the order 'Rodentia' contains 1650 species making it the largest group of living mammals. squirrels are part of 'Rodentia', but surely they are too damn cute to be considered a rodent.
you can keep your robins as a sign of spring; give me squirrels any day. come late winter, these frenzied acrobats start getting that old feeling and begin pursuing the bounciest females with amour on their minds whilst chasing competition away. these romantic endeavors take them leaping from branch to branch, all the way to the top in their desire to capture the heart of a wee, furry damsel.
One Squirrel, With Attitude orig. 20" x 16" colored pencil
© Annie Aurand-Mayes
having captured said heart, the babies are born in early to mid spring, with a second mating (with a different male; fickle things!) and litter born in summer if food sources permit.
cait did an extremely cool squirrel impression, though it was heavily influenced by Gir from Invader Zim. it was really interesting when she was on pain meds and i'd have to explain it all to the doctors. (she also did a completely awesome sean connery, but that's another story.)
so the next time you are angry that squirrels are getting at the birdfood in your feeder, remember that it takes strength to be the first messengers of the end of winter (not to mention all that chasing, leaping and amorous behavior) and maybe toss a few peanuts on the ground for them.
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Comments
Yesterday, on my walk to and from the unemployment office, I talked to the squirrels!! Teeheehee!! :D
I said` self - dare no comment.
It's bad when you no can obey self.
What one beautiful chirping squirrel.
(?)
The painting by Annie Aurand-Mayes
You meant One Squirrel with a Altitude
What detail and a bright blend of colors
I notice that there are so many different
kinds of`
'Rodentia' black in DC, red, grey etc.,
They even chirp differently in Canada.
The rabbits in Nova Scotia got big ears.
A porcupine would be fun to ride upon.
It is so slow at walking. Hop on to ride.
Of course, you'd have to stitch a saddle.
The chipmunks where I live are returning.
Never get cats if you love chirpy chip-monk.
Cats eat them up like nuns smoke alien cigars.
Once upon a time there were twenty two cats.
In Springtime there was hardly a bird in site.
Virgil uses the same 'word' for hell on earth`
`
If a person can't hear a songbird it's a hell.
The same word... no hear...You are in hell.
It be fun to breed big-pig to enter into fair.
Politicos could chew Pablum Blur Ribbons.
Maybe some would drink Wild Turkey Rum.
Jim Beam could become a syndicated scribe.
gads.
I always stop to notice a squirrel. They bite.
In DC's Lafayette Park they bite your finger.
goofy.
Tink carries a baby bottle. Rodent suck nipple.
Seriously. Nature entertains. Look at the tales.
Listen to chirps that sound like a puppy barks.
Tink?
Go in the woods and gather good oak acorn nuts.
Tink can cook nuts and push a hot kosher dog cart.
Think?
You be a nut man who makes billions on the streets.
You could buy the homeless chains for street gangs.
You can feed the squirrels and illegal road crew gangs.
What a beautiful squirrel to keep viewing. Love Ya title.
~Boohoohoo~ :D
art: i fall in love with you a little more each time i read your poetry. i've put bill on notice that the falls had better stop...
you are so right about the cats vs chipmonks/squirrels/songbirds. which is why my cats have always been indoorsy types. they just sit at the windows and chirp at the outdoor critters. plus they don't have run ins with cars, which they would inevitably lose.
btw: all the fur on the squirrel is done a stroke at a time; he was just so luscious he deserved it. another reason i love colored pencil: suits my ocd. :-)
Signs of spring are everywhere here in these mountains after a hard winter. Now if the dogwoods were in bloom.....
rated with hugs
Yay for you and squirrels.
The painting is so beautiful and expressive of this lovely animal.
rated with love
♥