The spotted squirrel – so named because it is rare to spot one around here, and he has spots, which I’ve never seen before. Have you?
Note the cactus wren advising him on how to choose his next meal.
This one is nice and green, but a bit skimpy.
Ah, that’s more like it! Full bodied, and with a good aroma!
Found !! A tasty morsel, fit for a squirrel’s late-afternoon snack.
Checking into Motel 7 for a quick postprandial snooze before taking off on another adventure.
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It looks much bigger than the ones in NY, that’s for sure…
He does look big, but it is the only one I have seen around here in fifteen years, so I don’t know how he compares, or why he has spots.
Judi Your pictures are WONDERFUL !!!!!!!! I just loved this squirrel and have not seen one like it here.
Thanks, Shirley. Me, neither! The closest we’ve seen to something like that is the ringtail cat when we lived in the other house closer to you. I wonder if this guy has some other DNA mixed in with his “squirrel” DNA. He was harassing the cactus wrens by their nest in the front yard, but now I’ve seen him twice in the back yard. The back area is so lush this time of year, that we can barely see anything there. Thought there was a coyote today just at dusk, but can’t be sure.
Omg, what pretty, pretty photos. I love them, honestly. I love the last photo, most. It seems like it was posing for the photo and look how bushy and pretty that tail is. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos!
I think he may have taken up at least temporary residence under our storage shed. I saw him come out from under there yesterday. It is brand new, so I hope he isn’t happily chewing up the fresh lumber!
It’s definitely not rare to see a squirrel in my area. They’re rampant everywhere. You got a good picture of him!
The desert doesn’t lend itself to supporting mammals that are not predators, so he is truly rare. And the spots? Really a new one on me.
Great photos Dorrie!
Thanks, Tammy. I’m just thrilled to pieces to have seen him. I hope he becomes a regular. I don’t put out any food for any of the animals; just a constant supply of fresh water from our drip system.
Squirrels are so cute — when they’re not in my yard stealing my tomatoes. 😉
I didn’t know they favored tomatoes, but I guess they will eat whatever is available. Li’l rascals!
That’s the thing. They don’t eat them, just take a bite or two and move on. Grrrr.
They did the same thing to my avocados when I lived in Florida. A couple of nibbles, then onto the ground. Grrrr. My sentiments exactly.
These are great pics of this little rascal.
can you tell me the name of the vine he was munching on? I have this vine in my yard and haven’t been able to identify.. This looks alot like it. Thanks so much.. Thoroughly enjoying your blog!
The best I can come up with is WEED! It came with the monsoons. I think he is living under our storage shed. I saw him come out of there while I was out photographing The Huachucas this morning. He was still wearing his pajamas! ;->
LOL…thanks 🙂
Great photos and cute story! I believe it is a rock squirrel.
Thanks. I’ll look it up. I looked some yesterday but didn’t come up with anything. I figured you’d find it before I could. ;->
You are quite right! Google has many, many pictures of them. I suspect he is out of his element here, though, as there are few rocks in our backyard – just the pebbles all over the ground. He must have blown in from the Dragoons somehow.