Social Distancing

Squirrels have always practiced social distancing, both  with themselves and with humans.
.

The Mean Season

Christmas has long since come and gone,  taking the Christmas spirit with it, and leaving  in its place a mean spirit that's hard to fathom. Some residents have been really snarky and snarly recently. Why?  Could  coronavirus fears  be somehow to blame? After a long respite, the guards have been harassing me more intensively than ever. I had to remind one to keep his distance. But while some of the residents have been downright nasty, others still say things like "God bless you!" and "Thank you for what you're doing." I guess a lot of them wouldn't dare do it. One woman even wanted to shake my hand, but I refused, referring to the need for social distancing. But I thanked her for the kind thought.
 
Squirrels on Lockdown?

As I walked around I saw very few squirrels, when I expected them to be out enjoying the nice weather. Where were they? They all seem to be practicing social distancing.

But I'm happy to report that Lady Black and Lady Gray were both there and doing fine.


Lady Black



Lady Gray

And to my absolute delight, I ran into the black and white beauty pictured above for the first time since last May when the no-feeding rules went into effect. I was so happy to see that squirrel pop up alive and well, out of nowhere!  How do I know it's the same squirrel? This little bunny is one-of-a-kind! And someone somewhere has been caring for it.


Bunny

Wishing you all the best on this Easter Eve, and may good spirits prevail!

A Squirrel's Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well at Peter Cooper Village

On the day before Christmas all through the park

Many creatures were stirring

As I rolled in my cart!

 The squirrels had been nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of peanuts no doubt danced in their heads

When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter

As out of the woodwork came squirrels in a scatter 

As their dreams became real

Of a big Christmas meal!

In true holiday spirit, PCV has relaxed the rules against feeding squirrels!

Two guards walked right past me, calling out "Happy Holidays!" Those words never sounded so good. I had started taking bigger risks when the cold weather arrived, feeding them more openly, and I expected consequences. But none came. Apparently word had gone out from the top to not harass the squirrel feeders, because all of a sudden I felt invisible as guards walked by and said nothing. Even those nasty cracks coming from some of the residents have been replaced by nice salutations like "God bless you!"

Waiting for Santa

The squirrels are all wearing heavy fur coats now, along with mittens and earmuffs.

little white mittens



a baby's earmuffs

Lady Gray has even grown a hat to keep her head warm!

Lady Gray's adorable hat



It's a wonderful life at Peter Cooper Village.


Peace To All!

Ladies in Waiting

The Good news: Looks like Lady Gray is expecting babies. If so, that's exciting news because it means more orange pups. It's been a year since she's had babies. I believe she missed a season.

The Lovely Lady Gray

Not to be outdone, Lady Black is also going to be a mother again.

Lady Black

lounging

And she's also going to be a grandmother -- Baby Black is expecting her first litter!

Baby Black

The Bad News: Babies, it's cold outside!


Remains of the Day

Halloween Memories

Squirrel Art Jack-o'-lanterns

Life Imitating Art

Stand-off

October Feast

Oh, look at all that lovely food for hungry squirrels!

Whee! This is fun!

Peter Cooper Village apparently forgot that squirrels like pumpkins?
So far they've resisted going for the gold, so as not to spoil the scenery, we're guessing.

And they've been limiting themselves to nibbling on leaves.

But we're sure it's only a matter of time before we'll be seeing jack o' lanterns --  surely by Halloween!

This expecting squirrel has found her own gold mine

Yum Yum

Two who starved to death at Peter Cooper Village?

And then there was one. Who stole the skeleton? Did any heads roll?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Fall Floral

Welcome to our Autumn Wonderland!


The Welcoming Committee

Fairy Tree

Purple Asters

Pink Hydrangea

Gray Squirrel

Pink Anemones

Black Squirrel

Monarchs at the Miss Violet Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)