This might be Fred trying to chill out by splooting in the dappled shade under our dogwood tree. The moss probably feels nice and cool on his belly. As the earth keeps warming it’s going to get more and more difficult for this method of lowering his body temperature to work effectively.
Poor little guy. We’re suffering here, too, and it looks like most of the country is as well. I sure hope this is one of those “freak” wicked summers that come along once in a blue moon, rather than the norm for the rest of our days. How do people without A/C stand it??
Right now I think it’s unbearable here in NC but it seems pretty tame compared to Texas or Arizona. Looks like there was a freak wicked summer way back in 1936. Found this about it online: “This heat wave, which occurred during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, killed over 5,000 people and set many state and city records that lasted until 2012. Temperatures reached 100°F in Illinois and 120°F in North Dakota.”
Similar to me hating heat and humidity. Hope all is well.
This summer has got off to a rough start but we’re hanging in here!
Fred looks smartly cool in the mossy shade! Have you put ice cubes in the bird bath yet?
Claudia Cardinal is now sitting on the edge of the nest so she isn’t squishing the Precious One that I have named June (mom’s middle name) since her egg came to be in June. Mr Cardinal is so sweet bringing Claudia food to feed tiny June. Smart nest is in continual shade protection by the goldenrod tree which when it rains as there’s a branch growth that acts like an umbrella.
How is Junior Robin doing?
I haven’t seen the juvenile robin since he spent that hot afternoon on the rhododendron branch. Claudia sounds like an experienced mom, locating her nest in an ideal spot, protected from the sun and rain, and picking a great mate who brings her and June plenty of food. 🙂
Mr Cardinal is feeding at least one, maybe two babies. I could see one baby’s mouth wide open with binoculars! It’s really exciting for me to watch from my window.I don’t see Claudia Cardinal anywhere. I did some reading which said while the male feeds the female is busy building another nest. It said about 9-12 days then the babies leave the nest. 🪺
That IS very exciting, TD, having a front row seat to see the cardinals looking after their little ones! Enjoy!!! (I’m envious!)
Poor guy, looks so stressed from the heat. It must be hard on them with their fur and it’s rare you see squirrels pausing – they seem to always be on the go, always looking for food. If it is Fred, he is wishing he was in there with you and Tim!
Yeah, I haven’t seen any squirrels darting around lately, chasing each other up and down the trees. I’m not even seeing the crows strutting around the yard or calling from the treetops. It’s kind of eerie.
It has a Death Valley feel to it.
It really does…
I feel for Fred. Too much heat and humidity leaves me wanting to sploot, too.
Splooting on the moss must feel pretty good, but as a human being I’d be worried about all the bugs hiding in the moss!
I too have witnessed splooting squirrels. Even up here the humidity has been pretty gross. Luckily it broke for a beautiful, sunny camping trip to New Hampshire last week.
It seems like sometimes it’s been just as hot up north there as it is down here. But I’m glad you had some great weather to coincide with your camping trip — it sounds wonderful.
Thank you. I only took phone photos in New Hampshire, but I may write a post if the mood strikes. 🙂
If the mood strikes I know I will enjoy a New Hampshire post from you. We had some memorable vacations up there over the years. 🙂