To All Who View Our Web Pages, Thank You for Visiting.
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Nature Streaming
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Follow the latest Wildlife Adventure on the Howpeg 2010 journal
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A Very Special Thanks to all who have responded by sending your Comments and sharing your own Critter experiences and for those who have asked about how to do this please visit my How I Do it Page
The fascination Nature holds for most of us is shared throughout our World and the observance of Nature's Sights and Sounds seem even to provide a universal language that transcends Racial, Political, Linguistic and Geographical Boundaries that can separate and isolate us.
The Wonderful thing about the Internet is the ability to make the whole world a neighborhood and in some measure find that we just might have more in common than the sum of our differences.
So a Robin's nest basically is the same in Kentucky as it is in Texas, New York or Montreal and Flying Squirrels really do exist and in so many places as evidenced by all of you who have related similar experiences.
Comments have come from many Locations. This page will be updated as new entries are received.
Note I do not include Email addresses in responses that I post here due to the spammers and opportunist on the internet that search for any address to abuse. If for any reason you would like to have your Email posted in your response, please indicate in your Guest Book Message. Thank You.
Flying Squirrel Sighting Report Location Index
Guest Book comments and Replies
I will use this page to respond to any
questions that I can answer from Our Guest Book Entries. For Web
Security reasons, We do not respond or
reply directly via Email addresses.
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Flying Squirrel Sighting map from Visitors Guest Book and Comments Entries Click on the map for a full page view Flying Squirrel Sighting Report Location Index
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All of the States East of
the Mississippi River,
have now confirmed Flying Squirrel sightings via our Visitor comments. Thank
You to all who have participated and to all of those who will with their
sighting reports yet to be. Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas,
Louisiana, Texas, Kansas California, Washington and Alaska as well as many Canadian Locations, have also reported Flying
Squirrel sightings. Don't think we can possibly get all of the states
represented as most likely not indigenous to the Southwest and Plains. Still,
we will keep a light on and hope to add as many locations as we can.
Visitor comments are always
welcome and will be added to our Guest Book Response link. Please send
your comments by clicking on 
and
include your general area, IE City and State or Country If you have a .jpg of
the wildlife referred to in your comments and would like to have it posted just
attach it to your comments.
Visitor comments and replies can be viewed on this page ----Thank You
For that Beloved Pet. A Beautiful way to keep it near always. Click on the thumbnail
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A new page where I plan to place favorite HowPeg videos has been added. Most of these Videos are large files which will stream but will require High Speed Internet access to view. This page will be updated with the best from our site and future efforts. Thank you for visiting. |
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The Summer of 2007 has produced the most Hummingbird numbers at our feeders than ever before. Guess they like it hot, hot, hot, because that is what this summer has been here in Kentucky. The good news is that they afforded many picture and video opportunities. Try the 2007 Hummingbird link for some of the pictures or click on the hummer picture. |
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The 2007 Robin nest story completed with all four hatchlings having joined the Family of Robins successfully. Hatching started on May 5 and the last one hatched on may 7. The same two day difference prevailed through the fledgling time, which in this case was 14 days for all four birds. Click on the picture to go to the 2007 Journal for daily updates and daily Videos from the nest. |
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For Cable or DSL The 2008 Robin nest adventure was all set to be another successful hatch to Fledge story. But it was not to be. This one is a bit intense but gives a perspective of nature at its best and worst. The 2008 Robin Nest Video Production Read the Story on the April Page 2008 Journal |
Visitor Comments
Comments from HowPeg
Per the suggestion of peanut butter as a potential attraction for the flying squirrels submitted by a visitor from Corning Ohio, and due to the failure to see any flyers for the past year, primarily due to medical emergencies in our household and lack of feeding them, I decided to give it a try. Within three days of spreading the peanut butter around their previous favorite tree feeder the little guy in the picture showed up and has been nightly for the last few days. Thanks for the suggestion
Flying squirrels are not the only peanut butter aficionados. This Mockingbird now bugs me daily to replenish the peanut butter on the feeder which disappears each night.
Click on either picture above for the winter 2010 Video slide show
Follow the latest Howpeg 2010 journal at the August page
Sent: Monday, January 09,
2012 11:11 AM
To: 'webcomments@howpeg.com'
Subject: Flying squirrel Mayfield Kentucky
I have never heard of flying
squirrels in Mayfield and I looked at your map and saw no reports of them
here. One came into my house over the weekend and just wanted to get it
on the map perhaps.
Thanks
Sent: Sunday, January 01,
2012 1:45 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Hi, we live on Long Island,
NY, in Ronkonkoma. We spotted at about 9:45pm, on Dec. 30th, 2011, a quiet
evening, a small flying squirrel gliding
from a very old silver oak tree, across our extremely wide driveway to another
tree in our front yard. We are assuming it was a Southern Flying Squirrel,
because of the size, but are not sure. He scurried very fast all around the
tree it landed in before then jumping and gliding on to our roof.
We are happy to see other
sittings near us in Nesconset, which is the next door to us, as we are the town
boundary.ank you!
Karen R.
Sent: Tuesday, December 20,
2011 1:53 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Flying squirrels and raccoons
I understand and appreciate
the special nature of your backyard flying squirrel sightings. In terms of the
raccoon challenges--I met someone who fed flying squirrels in his yard by
putting the seed into bird box-style boxes. The holes that the squirrels went
into to get the seed were about downy woodpecker size. He said he had done that
to prevent other animals from eating the seed and also to reduce the chances of
predation by owls, etc. His backyard was in Plymouth, Michigan, and he had
several large oaks just like yours! Thanks again for the enjoyable information
and keep it up! Rick S
Dearborn, MI
Thank
you for visiting and your suggestion as to besting the raccoons. Sounds like a
good idea. Plymouth will be added to our Flying Squirrel location page and
appreciate your comments from Dearborn.
Comments from a visitor in
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Sent: Tuesday, December 13,
2011 7:42 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Lake Geneva, WI
45 years old and I have seen my first pair of flying
squirrel tonight. I have been watching them for 2 to 3 months now trying
to figure out what they were I thought they we bat’s with fuzzy tan
tummies….Tonight they played for a while and didn’t seem too afraid of me and
the dog. Must be getting to know Us
now. Squirrel #1 peaked out and I could positively see his cute
little nose with larger eyes.
How wonderful.
Is there anything I can do to help them along this winter?
Seems they like pumpkins -
I do not see any other ground squirrels around anymore
– is this because they are inhabiting the tree?
Please add Lake Geneva, WI to your post for
sightings. Bless these little
creatures !Bobbi
J
Thank you for visiting and
sharing your exciting discovery with our visitors. Sounds like you are
experiencing the same pleasant wonderment, that most of our first sighting
visitors have expressed and was certainly so for us now 18 years ago. As far as
helping them through the winter, I imagine they can fend for themselves pretty
well, but perhaps putting a bit of peanut butter out on a feeder or on the tree
might keep them attached to your yard. Sorry Cannot provide any useful comments on
the disappearance of ground squirrels but thanks again for visiting . Lake Geneva will be
added to our location page.
Comments from a visitor in
Acushnet, Massachusetts
Sent: Sunday, November 27,
2011 6:25 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: flying squirrel
11/26/11 Acushnet,MA
Woke up last to my girlfriend screaming out my name I
jump from bed scurried to the living room only to find an uninvited guest .I
don’t know who was more scared the little critter or her.I
managed to trap it in a towel and got it out the front door. It was a cute
little critter and relatively calm considering the situation. Definitely a flying squirrel after viewing pic on your site.
Shame they are so destructive to a house , I might
have invited him back in.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first flying
squirrel sighting story . A Thanks
giving to remember for sure. Another Acushnet Mass sighting will be added to
our location page. Happy Holidays past and in the near future.
Comments from a visitor in
Rochester, Massachusetts
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2011 3:35 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Emailing: 100_2754critter.jpg
I had no idea what this creature was
as it walked across my late 1700's living room floor. It was not too frightened.I ushered it out the kitchen door and it went
down the walk nad into the
night.
That was a week or so ago.
Yesterday it was back in the living
room. (I assume it was the same one)We went back into the kitchen where I
managed to secure the critter in the 'broom closet'
until I could figure out what to do. It was not super frightened
and I had no idea what it was in the critter kingdom.I
did manage to take a few pictures,none
too good
due to the whole situation. Finally I rigged a tray on
the floor with a roasting pan cover propped toward it. The little guy was
hiding under a plastic dustpan at this point. I had it 'caged' by propping a
very large cooling rack in front of the closet door. With a yardstick' it was
encouraged out from under the dustpan. Onto the tray it went and down came the
roasting pan lid. We went for a 10:30 p.m.walk
down my country road and hopefully I released it far enough away that it
will not find its way back into the house.I
just can't have it thinking it can nest the winter with me and my cat.
I had the feeling we could
have become friends if circumstances were a bit different. It was not erratic
or afraid.
Finally a friend
from Quebec was able to identify my pictures as a flying squirrel. .
A.L.B.
Rochester,MA Nov. 23,2011
Cute
little fellow and looks so full of wonder and excitement. Thanks for sharing
your first ever sighting experience with all our visitors and thank you for visiting on this
Thanksgiving Day. Hope your Holiday was a good one and seems certainly one to remember. Rochester will be added to our sighting
location page.
Comments from a visitor in Sulphur and Birdnest, Louisiana
Sent:
Saturday, November 12, 2011 10:23 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Sightings
Hi
there everyone! I was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, and for as
long as I can remember we could always open our door after dark and hear the
flying squirrels chirping at each other. My daddy even caught one for me
one day when he cut down an old pine tree in the back yard that had been struck
by lightning. A branch had knocked the little guy out of a nearby water
oak. It was always comforting to me to hear them. However, when
Hurricane Rita barreled through here in 2005 the silence after dark was almost
stifling. It was hard to even hear a cricket, much less a frog. The
squirrels had gone silent. For six years now it had been the same.
The frogs, crickets and cicadas came back after a few weeks but the cute
little chirps did not.
I
moved about forty five minutes west of where I had grown up. I started my
own life with my husband and baby on 8 acres of old growth timber. Like
most people posting on here have described it is mixed forest. Oaks,
magnolias, sugar maples, yeopines, pine trees and
small sassafras just to name a few of the most common species. There’s wild
muskedine growing throughout in thick blankets...
some of which are every bit of twenty foot high. Needless to say it’s
beautiful here. The creek doesn’t hold water, but we are less than a
quarter mile from the river. We have been out here for a little over a
year now and every night I listened intently. Still no
squirrels. The spring and summer were the driest they’ve been in
years.
Finally,
about four days ago, we received some truly beneficial rain. The cold
came right behind it (dropped to 38 degrees that night from 69) and the leaves
changed color almost overnight. With the holidays quickly approaching I
have been opening up the house to the warmth of the day while I clean and after
nightfall I close it all up and kick on the heater. But
tonight, while being distracted by a football game on t.v.
I left one of the windows open in my bathroom. You can imagine my delight
when I finally went back there to close it (about thirty minutes before I
started to type this, as a matter of fact.. hahaha)
and I heard... of all things... the FLYING SQUIRRELS chirping again!!
There’s at least two of them right there in the back yard. Now
things feel normal again around these parts. A big part of my night life
has returned.
For
records sake I grew up in Birdnest, Louisiana
(70611), and I now reside in the northern part of Sulphur,
Louisiana (70663).
We
also have a few dwarf owls here... they are soooooo
CUTE. They’re barely bigger than a mocking bird, and a dark brown and
black mottled color. I had a face to face experience with one a while
back while enjoying the evening. He landed on a branch right above my
head and was watching me with the biggest curious eyes I’ve ever seen. I
plan to research these guys a bit more to see if I can encourage them to stay
around. J Corina
J.
How wonderful for you to
recapture that exquisite and distinctive sound so dear to your early memory. A great testament also to the wonder and determination of Nature to
overcome the disasters that temporarily disrupt the order of things.
Let’s hope that the chirping of these amazing little creatures has also
returned to Birdnest and if not perhaps soon. Thanks
for visiting and sharing your interesting and very pleasant Flying Squirrel
story. Good luck with the Owls. Sulphur and Birdnest will be added to our Flying Squirrel location
page.
Comments from a visitor in
Lansford, Pennsylvania
Sent: Wednesday, November
02, 2011 10:28 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: A few families in Lansford, PA
I am the Maintenance
Department at an Assisted Living Facility that is a 103 year old Hotel in
Lansford PA. I had known about a
squirrel problem in the building for a few weeks.
There was mention of noises
in ceiling tiles and even 1 chased out a fire escape doors because they just
started coming out of the walls.
I noticed signs of squirrels
in the Attic. I just chocked it up to
the fox squirrels that are around the facility.
The grounds are mostly undisturbed old oak and some pine.
Upon finally catching one in
a live trap 2 days ago, I walked out to ask some of the staff if they could
identify this one as the culprit who has been startling the staff as of late.
I was certain it was a
squirrel but had not seen this one since my youth. One of the kitchen staff stated “That looks
like a flying squirrel.” It clicked in
my head what that flap of skin was I noticed with the black outline to it.
In hind sight, I wish I had
taken a photo of him/her before I took the squirrel to the edge of the property
and turned it loose. I did make sure I
tossed the rest of the vanilla wafer cookie in the direction of travel since
they seem to really go for those.
About 5 weeks ago, I was
doing some basement cleaning and the like and my assistant showed me a deceased
young one in a chair. It was rather
petrified and obviously had been there for some time. Found the funk in the basement I guess.
I did not notice the type of squirrel at that
time. Upon identifying the one 2 days
ago, it was a young flying squirrel.
That
makes 3 found in the building to date. I am sure there are at least 2 families or
more in the building. Lots
of spaces for small critters. Oh, I neglected to mention, the building
exterior is comprised of cedar shingles and those buggers climb right up them
and chew small holes so that they can get in/out.
I found 1 old entry and
thanks to the recent snow fall, I was able to find a currently used one
also. A day ago, I found one that
requires a rather long ladder to get to if I am to repair the “door” they made.
I am happy you have a site
to share such incidents of the elusive and endangered species known as the
Northern Flying Squirrel. Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas P. Walker, Jr.
Thank
you for visiting and sharing your Flying Squirrel discovery. Sounds
like your work is cut out for you to Squirrel proof your 103 year old building.
Perhaps some of your residents will get a chance to see one as I bet many of
them have never seen them before. Good Luck and thanks again for sharing.
Lansford will be added to our sighting page
Comments from a visitor in
Mobile, Alabama
Sent: Sunday, September 25,
2011 8:54 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel
log...
Stumbled
upon your site wish to add my comments. Today( 24 Sept 2011)
I was trimming limbs with my pole saw in my backyard when I came across a 15
foot rotted pine tree. For reference I
live in Mobile, Al 36695. I decided to
topple it as it was pretty bad. As I
pushed the trunk, I noticed a small flying squirrel jump out onto another
tree. Not thinking much of it I looked
into the hole from which it came. Well,
to my surprise three young(eyes open and lively)
flying squirrels jumped out at me. Possibly from my messing with their home. I immediately take them to show them off as I
thought nobody would believe me otherwise.
I show my three young daughters and my neighbor. Mother squirrel followed some 300 feet as
her young called out for her. I then
placed the young squirrels at the base of a tree where mother came and one by
one picked them up and placed them in a new nest. I later returned to where I picked up the
three babies only to find that as the trunk had fallen yet another nest was in
the same tree. This nest had 5 young
ones but these were noticeably smaller with their eyes not opened yet. Again, I placed this nest away from the pine
tree and at the base of another tree nearby.
The second mother also came back for her young and one by one, picked
them up and off she went to a new home. Simply an amazing day.
My backyard does have a small creek, mixed hardwood trees and some
pine. Pretty much
undisturbed.
--- I'll also note that we
had 8 (from two nests) eastern box-turtles hatch in our yard this year. Last year we had 5 from one nest.
Regards, Jose M.
Thank
you for visiting and sharing your amazing story from Mobile. I am sure that is
a sight your young Daughters will remember always and perhaps your neighbors
also. These are truly amazing little animals that most folks will never see in
the wild, even though they are very plentiful in the Eastern half of the US.
Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in
East Tawas, Michigan
Sent: Monday, September 12,
2011 10:02 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel
Hi we just caught a flying
squirrel in our upstairs bedroom. He is cute. We'll let him go tomorrow.
The Eklund
Family East Tawas, MI
Thank you for visiting and
sharing your inside Flying Squirrel experience. East Tawas will be added to our
location page.
Comments from a visitor in
Marion, Massachusetts
Sent:
Sunday, September 04, 2011 10:21 PM
Subject: flying squirrels
Saw one for the first time
in Marion, Massachusetts. This location is pretty far
east. Plenty of nut trees and a moderate
climate. I was about to cut down a severely damaged tree in the middle
of a treed lot as a result of the recent tropical storm and took a cell
picture. Animal was quite calm. Michael A.
Thank
you for your Flying Squirrel sighting report from Marion. Some of the Irene
induced damage in Marion can be seen at various Sites on the net and many
fallen tree photos have been posted. Sorry about those losses, but proving the
adage “ Tis an Ill Wind” yet again, as now Irene has
brought this first FS experience to you. Thanks for sharing. Marion will be
added to our FS location page.
Comments from a visitor in
West Lafayette, Indiana
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 8:50 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel location
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This sorry little fellow we found in our yard tonight.
We live in West Lafayette, IN (Tippecanoe County). My daughter found him and
I didn’t believe her when she came in and told me. In my 50 years, I have
never seen one in the wild until tonight. I hope his friends are OK. Just
thought you would like to know for your census. Deb P
Thank You for
sharing your Daughter’s discovery. Not the best way to
discover them for the first time but you have now confirmed their
presence in your area, and to be sure there are no doubt many more there.
Interesting that the cause of the demise is not apparent from your shots and
does not appear to have noticeable injuries. Many of our visitors have reported
run ins with pet cats and perhaps that is what happened here. At any rate , thanks again --- West Lafayette will be added to
our location page. |
Comments from a visitor in
Shepherd, Michigan
Sent: Wednesday, July 27,
2011 10:28 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
Just
wanted to let you know I have flying Squirrels in abundance here in my back
yard.
They
are so cute! Karen S -Shepherd, MI
Thank
you for visiting and confirming your flying squirrels in Shepherd and adding
your location to our sighting page.
Comments from a visitor in
Edina, Minnesota
Sent:
Sunday, July 10, 2011 10:34 PM
Subject:
flying squirrels
I
clicked on your web site again after 2 years and see it is still there. Wondering if you are both
still there. We live in a
condominium and are not supposed to have feeders on our deck. We put a suction-cup type small feeder on the
diningroom window which does not have any decks
below. After a short period of several
months of removing it, I have put it back with just a small amount of black
sunflower seeds and sure enough, within a night or two, the squirrel must have
come as there was no feed eaten by evening.
Had to be during the night, so not a small bird. How would the squirrel know enough to come
back? Does he smell it or does he just
make the rounds every night?
Welcome back and thanks for asking, we are still
here but not so feisty. Your sighting reports and kind words were posted here
in December 2007 and the flyers were visiting your window feeders then. Amazing
how these little guys work. One year because of medical problems we did not
feed them at all , and then the next year within a few
days of first placing some sunflower hearts in their old feeder, they showed up
and soon in numbers. I believe there are many more flyers than most people
realize. Thanks for visiting once again.
Comments
from A visitor in Sheffield, Massachusetts
Sent: Friday, July
9, 2011
Subject:
Flying squirrels
Sheffield Ma! I
have a willow tree in my yard and we just found a nest of flying squirrels, one
came out and ran up the tree. Are they rare in Massachusetts?!
Thanks for sharing your report from Sheffield. From the number of
sightings reported from your state, Flying Squirrel Sighting Report Location
Index It would appear that Flyers are not so rare. Being nocturnal and minute,
they are rare to many folk who just have not spotted them or if they have seen
glimpses of some fluttering in the trees , have not
made the connection. Congratulations on your sighting and thanks again for
reporting it here.
Update
from A visitor in Warren, Michigan
Sent: Friday, June
10, 2011 5:32 PM
Subject: Update from Warren
Michigan
I'm sending you an update
about the Robin's from Warren, Michigan. Altogether we had 5 baby robin's and it was a joy watching them leave one by
one. We where very concerned about
one. He was the littlest one of them all. As his siblings
grew and left the nest, this little guy wasn't given up. Sunday, June 5,
2011, there was 3 left, & my husband checked on them all day long.
At one point, one of the parents sat on top the roof while my husband was in
the pool and squawked at him. Almost like he was saying, are
you going to help or what. Monday & Tuesday
the little one seemed like he was getting stronger and bigger. He even left the
nest and was sitting on a branch under the tree. One of the other babies
left on Tuesday. Now there was two. On
Wednesday morning as I left for work, little one was chirping and the other one
was still there. We've had very hot weather, 90* plus with heat index about 100*.
By Wednesday afternoon, when I came home from work, there was little one, on
the ground under the tree, he didn't make it! My heart was
broken. He must have fallen out of the tree and injured himself.
But the other baby that was there with him, was now gone too. It was a
pleasure to have the opportunity to watch the wonders of nature take
place. I hope we get to do it again.
Thank you, Kristene, Warren, Michigan
Thank you for sharing the final chapter in your 2011 Robin
experience. Each nest story
has similarities with the countless gazillions of this
reproductive marvel, yet each is also unique with no outcome taken for granted.
In that respect much like we human kind . Thanks again
for visiting and sharing.
Comments
from A visitor in Warren, Michigan
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2011 11:30 AM
Subject: enjoyed your video
We enjoyed your video. My husband & I have a Robin's
nest in our tree right next the porch. Mom & Dad have been comfortable with
us looking at the babies as they grow. The reson I
started researching baby Robin's, is my husband was concerned about the little
ones when they where leaving the nest and did put
gloves on and put them back. He then notice that one
of them appeared dead. As he got a closer look,
the little one wasn't dead, but wasn't as big as the other's. This little guy
is much smaller and doesn't have a lot of feather's
and looked weak. He put a small pie pan of water by his little beak and the
baby did lean over. My husband used a long gripper and started dripping water
into the babies mouth.
Little one loved it! Mom & Dad stayed close and then we come into the
house, stood there and they feed the babies. By the end of the day the Little one seemed to be a little stronger. Today,
Sunday June 5, 2011, out of the 5 babies three are still in the nest. The 2
bigger ones have been hopping around on top the tree, which is a weeping cherry
tree. So it is very easy to see the top of the tree. Little one seems so much
stronger today then yesterday. My husbands concern is
the top of the tree is in direct sunlight for most of the day, and is afraid
it's too much for Little one. He wanted to make some
kind of shield, but as of right now, he is keeping a close eye on Little one. Our children, ages 5 & 2 our enjoying
the babies too. It's a joy watching nature and how the Robin's take care of the
babies. I will let you know if Little one makes it or
not.
Thank you for you time & video, Kristene, Warren Michigan
Thank you for
visiting and sharing your very interesting Robin nest story. I believe Robin
nest stories provide excellent close up view of the wonders of nature and I
marvel at just how good the adults robins are as parents..
Sometimes with a little help from the human kind observers.
Hope all of the youngins make it to full fledgedom. Good luck and thanks again
Comments from A visitor
in Hawthorne, New Jersey
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011
12:36 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Sighting
Fri May 20th @10PM Hawthorne
NJ 07506 Terry H.
Thank
you for your report from Hawthorne and thank you for visiting. Your location
will be added to our Flying Squirrel Sighting page.
Comments from A visitor
in Lakewood, Colorado
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011
8:07 PM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
Subject: Glad I found you...
I just want to tell you how
wonderful I find your site. I have been gifted with a robin's nest on the porch
of the home I just moved into. They scoped me out for a week or so, and got the
nest built about a week or so ago. Now, Mom is on the nest pretty much all day,
with brief outings...it is cold and rainy here for the past 2 days...
My 10 year-old grand daughter was here when the nest was starting. I am going
to send her your address so that she can enjoy the videos and your wonderful
narrative.
We just can't wait. I have marked what I think might be the 2 week time, but
we'll see...I feel blessed!
Thanks again...MaryJo
Thank you very much for
visiting and your much appreciated comments. Best of luck on your Robin nest
adventure. Hopefully you will get a close up look at a successful nest build to
a happy fledge event.
Comments from A
visitor Location Unknown
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011
9:30 AM
To: webcomments@howpeg.com
I just wanted to thank you for making this web site. I have a robins
nest on my porch and I have been loving this experience.
I found your website and have been reading it all morning. I was so
touched when I read about the nest of cardinals and even cried when I read
that the cowbird hurt that little baby, and the mother stayed with her baby
until it passed away. Nature does love!! My question for you is do robins
come back to past nest spots? Should I remove the old nest so that
new birds might come back? This spot was so great. I got to see
everything. I really dont know much about nests, I just happened
apon it bringing my kids out to their bus, and I havent been able to stay
away from it the whole time.( I have some great pictures.) The birds left
this morning, I did get to watch them fly away. I do have to say I
am a little sad. I want to see more, that is why I ask these questions.
It really is nice to see all the effert you have put into this site
and I figured you would know the answer to my questions.
Thanks again Jessica L
Thank
you for visiting and your very nice comments. Sounds like you had a very
successful Robin nest adventure and very nice to hear that they probably all
survived at least through the fledge time. From my experience from watching
many bird nesting activities over the last several years, I do believe that
many Robins do actually return to their former nesting place or very nearby. I
believe and I have seen much agreement on the fact that they do not reuse the
same nest in different years, and may or may not in the same year. The nest
become quite dirty and infested with mites and other undesirables so that it
really is not a desirable home for a new clutch. Probably do the Robins a favor
by removing the nest a allowing a new construction in that area next year.
Thanks again and good luck.
Comments from a
Visitor in San Clemente, California
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 2:54 PM
Subject: 2011 Wildlife Journal
Hello again!
As one of your most loyal Howpeg Journal viewers I was wondering if you were
planning on posting any new photos of the spring and summer nature activities
around your home? I look forward to it each and every year and am hopeful that
you plan on continuing it at some point. I'm sure some of your regular viewers
would love to know as well. Your site is always a welcome respite from the
typical daily stress of our lives. All the best. Dianne S, San Clemente, CA
Thank you for your
continuing interest in our web page efforts over the years and as always thank you
for your kind and gracious comments. I regret that I have not been able to
continue the yearly Journal efforts due to limited time available to try to
meet a daily , weekly or even monthly regimen, required once the effort has
begun. I am sure that in the future I will be adding content to howpeg.com, and
will post notice of any new directions
here on the visitor page. Thanks again and the very best to you.
Comments from a
Visitor in Tebbetts, Missouri
April 28, 2011
Subject: Flying squirrel sighting
Hope this is where I go to post my sighting of
Bob. Bob has been visiting my home for
about 3 weeks now and is the cutesy thing ever!
One problem, dogs!! I have seen
bob hanging around the inside eves of my porch on my yes you guessed it log
home!! He/she has been back often as
evidently it is not scared of 3 standard poodles that think it should be a
snack!! Okay my location is
mid-missori! Re betts actually, which is
just about 15 minutes north east if our capital city! Jefferson City!! Not sure how to attach my photo of it, which
by the way was taken at noon time!!Thanks for your great info on flying
squirrels as we only moved here 5 years ago from the Boston area!! And had no idea!! We do now!! Kim M Tebbetts, MO
Thank you for visiting and your flying squirrel report
from Tebbetts. Bob sounds as if it has
made itself right at home. We will add Tebbetts to our confirmed sighting page.
Thanks again.
Comments from a
Visitor Near Louisville, Kentucky
April 19 , 2011
Subject: Flying squirrel relocation
Hi, my boyfriend and I really enjoyed your story and have one of our own.
Last Christmas a flying squirrel broke into my room as we were sleeping and
caused quite a stir. We captured him and have been caring for him for the last
five months. He was a baby when he came to us and is now mature. I keep him in
a large cage but let him out regularly to fly around but must trap him to get
him back in his cage. He is still quite wild and will allow me to approach him
and pet him sometimes but usually prefers to be left alone. I feel he would
rather be free and with his own kind and able to mate. As he came to me in the
city, I would rather release him some place safer. I hate to set him free
because we are quite fond of him, but we are moving south soon and we won't be
able to release him then. We tried to relocate him when he first came to us but
neither zoos or vets or animal facilities would help us so we kept him. I was
hoping you might allow us to release him into your santuary. I would be reassured
that he would unite with his own kind and learn from them any primal skills he
may have to brush up on. As I said earlier, he is not domesticated and can't
stand to be caged. I think it would be best to make him happy and let him go
free. If this would be an acceptable offer, please email us in response very
soon. We live about 20 mins. from Louisville, KY. Little Noel, as I have named
him came from downtown Evansville, but I am positive after watching your
videos, he would be happiest with you.
Thank you for your consideration, Scottie and Andrea and Noel
Thank you for visiting and sharing your story. I can
appreciate your concern regarding releasing it back into the natural world.
Actually we have no sanctuary , just a wooded neighborhood with a creek nearby.
Flying Sqirrels are very common in Kentucky and Indiana as well as most of the
Eastern United States. Certainly any nearby park with ample trees should be an
ideal location to release it. You might try contacting your state fish and
wildlife folks to further advise. Thanks again for visiting and Good Luck in
your goodbye to Noel, and your upcoming move.
Comments from a
Visitor in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin
Sent:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:59 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels Land O' Lakes Wisconsin
Blake A
Thanks
for visiting and reporting from Land O'
lakes. Your sighting will be added to our location page.
Comments from a
Visitor in Oregon
Sent:
Monday, March 07, 2011 4:27 PM
Subject: Sharing my unique Allen's Hummingbirds Story of Survival
Hi,
I would like share my personal story on the Allen’s hummingbirds whose nest was
infested with bird mites which they eventually abandoned. The last 1/3 of their
lives were spent in my handmade knitted nest until they fledged. There are a
lot of photos and videos to this docudrama. Please visit this webpage and share
in you website .http://www.squidoo.com/a-home-for-hummingbirds
Regards,Jenny S.
Great story your link is herein posted. Thanks for
visiting.
Comments from a
Visitor in Clementsville, Kentucky
March 1, 2011
Sent:
Tuesday, March 01, 2011 10:26 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Here on our farm near Clementsville, KY we have seen flying squirrels for
several decades. My uncle said he has seen them in this same area in the woods
when he was a boy. My dad and I cut down a tree for fire wood one time in this
area and several squirrels flew out before it fell down.
John
Thanks John for visiting and your information on
more Kentucky flying squirrels. Certainly many
more flying squirrels are around than most people even imagine and your report
and all of the visitors who have reported them here, sharing their sightings,
are doing much to make them a bit more common even to those who may doubt their
existence. Thanks again, for adding Clementsville to our location page.
Comments from a
Visitor in St. Louis, Missouri
February 20, 2011
Sent:
Sunday, February 20, 2011 8:56 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Feb 19, 2011, St Louis, MO. I was doing chores in the yard, including cleaning
out the bird houses. One box we built for downy woodpeckers, with a 1-1/4 inch
entry hole. Last spring there were house sparrows nesting there, but I haven't
seen any activity recently. Before taking it down, I banged it around so as not
to surprise anything living inside ... and a squirrel popped out and glided to
the base of a tree 20' away. We do have a peanut feeder located nearby, which
seems to empty rapidly ... I suppose that makes sense now.
Another flyer in a birdhouse
report. Congratulations on your discovery and thanks for sharing
. Another St. Louis entry will be made to our location page. I agree that would
explain the missing peanuts and not doubt there are many more close by that
hopefully you will have a chance to observe.
Comments from a
Visitor in Picayune, Mississippi
February 8, 2011
Sent:
Tuesday, February 08, 2011 9:28 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
I live near Picayune, MS and have a flying Squirrel in my attic - I have seen
him on two occasions. He likes to stay around in cold weather -I'm still trying
to figure out the best way to keep him out of my attic - he loves tearing up
the insulation and dropping nut shells all over the place
Sounds like this flying squirrel sighting is not as exciting and pleasant as most. Probably not too happy with it playing "mouse in the house" . Hope you can find a way to extricate it with as pleasant a manner as possible. Thank you for visiting and adding Picayune to our Flying Squirrel Sighting Location page.
Comments from a
Visitor in Somerset, Wisconsin
February 7, 2011
Sent:
Monday, February 07, 2011 12:22 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
Somerset Wi.
Feb 4 2011 about 8:45 pm I looked out my window to watch the deer at my feeder
and all of a sudden here are 2 little critters I have never seen before so I a
took a picture of them while they ate in my bird feeders. How cute and FAST! I
watched them scury around and fly from tree to tree and back to the feeders for
about 30 minutes. I do hope they come back.
Excited
Thanks for visiting and sharing your first encounter with these little critters. It is a very exciting and in a mild way an experience most of us will never forget, when first we discover them.
Comments from a Visitor Location not Specified
February 5, 2011
Sent:
Saturday, February 05, 2011 11:08 PM
WOW!!! I was just holding a flying squirrel. At first I thought my cat brought
home a baby squirrel, so of course with leather gloves on I picked it up. and
brought it into the house. After closer inspection I realized it wasn't a baby
squirrel, it was a flying squirrel. He (yes he) had extra skin connected from
his wrist to ankle, and his tail was flat. His fur was really soft.After
figuring out all his limbs worked and he seemed umharmed, I took him out and
put him in a covered wood pile. I googled "flying squirrel" and got
this Great backyard video and story of these cute little critters. http://www.flyingsquirrel.howpeg.com/flyingsquirrelsareforrealbroadband.htm
I hope you all will take the time to read and watch.
Congratulations on making the discovery and Thanks also for sharing your experience and your reference to our Flying Squirrel page.
Comments from a Visitor Location not Specified
January 20, 2011
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 8:39 PM
Subject: flying squirrels
hi. I would like to say that I love my back yard birds and squirrels. I have
just discovered that I have a flying squirrel that comes to my feeder outside
my back door, it loves sunflower seeds. Are flying squirrels nocturnal?
Congratulations on spotting your night time visitor. Yes they are very much nocturnal which is why most folks never see or ever will see a flyer even though they are common throughout the Eastern part of the US. Refer to our sighting page to see the locations that visitors have reported their sightings. Flying Squirrel Sighting Report Location Index. So Consider yourself among the fortunate few who get to see them up close and personal. Thanks for visiting.
Comments from a Visitor in Polk, Wisconsin
January 18, 2011
Sent:
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:23 PM
Subject: flying squirrel
Hi:
Just letting you know how valuable your website
was tonight. We have a birdfeeder that attracts a lot of squirrels. We have had
numerous here over the years. Tonight I happened to look out the window and
thought I saw a rat sitting on the feeder (too small to be a grey squirrel and
not as flighty as the red squirrel). On closer look and going outside with a
flashlight, I was delighted to identify that it was a flying squirrel (I
originally thought it was a Sugar Glider, which I owned many years ago, but
could not see the striping). We are thrilled to know that we have them here.
Upon reading your website we see that one was seen in Slinger, Wisconsin in
June 2010. We are next to Slinger in the Town of Polk, Big Cedar Lake.
What a thrill, and thank you for such an in depth 'look' at such a wonderful
creature!!!!
Pat I Town of Polk, Big Cedar Lake, Washington County, Wisconsin
Congratulations on making the discovery and reporting another flying squirrel sighting from Wisconsin. Most folks are just not aware they are located in so very many areas and what a find it is to discover them. Thanks for visiting our site and your contribution to our location page.
Comments from a Visitor in Newburgh, Indiana
January 5, 2011
Subject: Flying Squirrel 1-2-11
Our cat found a flying squirrel and
brought it to us. He was very proud of his find. The squirrel was not injured
and we did let him go after he got settled down from leaping off of our
furniture in the living room and me chasing him trying to catch him. We put him
in a tree in the front yard & a couple of nights later I spotted him again.
I hope that he will stay around but away from the cats. We have many feeders
out for the birds and the squirrels, so he is welcome anytime. I live in
Newburgh Indiana and was amazed to know that we had Flying Squirrels.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first encounter with the flying squirrels, and being the first to log a sighting in 2011. They are amazing and hopefully it will stay around for your observation and perhaps bring several siblings along. Newburgh will be added to our location page.
Comments from a Visitor in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
December 9, 2010
Sent:
Thursday, December 09, 2010 7:21 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel sighting
I live in Willow Grove PA (Philadelphia suburb). At about 7pm my cat spotted
something in the tree above our deck. I went out to look at what it was as we
have had racoon problems in the past. I saw something that looked like a
squirrel or chipmunk peering down at me. I thought it strange havn't been
drinking, I saw the thing fly half-way across the yard into another tree. It
had a white belly and the way it flew looks like the pictures I've just seen
online. We have never seen anything like this before so I looked it up to see
if it was a flying squirrel and it does look like what I saw. I know they are
endangered in PA so felt I should report it.
Thank you for reporting your discovery. From your description, sounds definitely like a flying squirrel. Could have been either the Northern or Southern Flyer. If a Northern , it would be on the endangered list in PA. If the Southern Flyer, then not on the endangered list. Willow Grove will be added to our Flying Squirrel Sighting location Page. Thanks again
Comments from a Visitor in Nissequogue, Long Island, New York
November 30, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:08 PM
Subject: flying squirrel
We live in Nissequogue Long Island. our barn cat caught a flying squirrel and
brought it to us. he was able to run away and we hope he is ok. had no idea
these little creatures were in our area -----thanks Brian & Helen
Congratulations on discovering a Flying Squirrel at your home and thank you also for visiting and reporting your discovery via these web pages. Nissequogue will be added to our sighting location page.
Comments from a Visitor in Lutz, Florida
November 23, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 8:06 AM
Subject: Sighting in Lutz, Florida
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I just saw a Florida flying squirrel in Lutz, Florida.
It was quite small, chestnut and black. At first I thought he was a baby
squirrel, but I when I went to remove him from the top of my screen (on the
back porch), he jumped. I then saw the web-like flaps of skin.
It was a beautiful little animal. It was the first one in my 54 years that I
have ever seen.
J. W - Lutz, Florida
Thank you for your report from Lutz and
congratulations on sighting one of the little guys for the first time. They are
unique little animals that most folks never get a chance to observe even though
they are plentiful and pretty much to be found in a large part of our Country.
Lutz will be added to our flying squirrel location page. Thanks for visiting.
Comments from a Visitor in Poplarville, Mississippi
November 14, 2010
Sent:
Sunday, November 14, 2010 10:32 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrel is south MS
I live in Poplarville, MS which is in northern Pearl River County.
My cats caught what I thought was a baby squirrel night before last. Luckily I
got the animal away from them unharmed, kept it in a safe place for about 8
hours and then let it go. I noticed that it seemed "fully furred" for
its size and also seemed to have lots of "webbing" between its front
and back legs. Talked to a neighbor about it and was told that it was a "sugar
gllider". After research on this, and seeing photos, I realize it is not a
sugar glider, but must be a flying squirrel. I had never seen one before and
didn't even know that they existed in this area. How exciting!! --Brenda N
Exciting indeed to see the flyers for the first time. Good too that the little guy was not injured and you have returned it to the wilds. Thank you for visiting and sharing your sighting. Poplarville Mississippi will be added to our sighting page.
Comments from a Visitor in White Bear Township, Minnesota
November 12, 2010
Sent:
Friday, November 12, 2010 11:45 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel Sighting
We saw a flying squirrel tonight in White Bear Township, MN. Surprised the heck
out of us as we didn't know they lived here. He was hanging on our suet feeding
eating away. Our feeder hangs over our deck so we were able to slowly walk up
to within just a few feet of him. He watched us, but didn't leave and we didn't
push it by getting any closer. When we finally went inside to get the camera,
the door scared him and he took off. We're hoping he comes back again!
Congratulations on your sighting in White Bear. I am relativity sure that you will see it and perhaps a few more if you check it beginning right at dusk and hopefully have your camera ready to go. Thanks for visiting and your report adding another Minnesota location to our sighting page.
Comments from a Visitor in Burnsville, Minnesota
November 8, 2010
Sent:
Monday, November 08, 2010 4:31 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
My boyfriend lives in Burnsville, a suburb about 15minutes outside of
Minneapolis, MN. Last night, for the first time ever in my life I got the
chance to see a live flying squirrel. I watched it fly off the roof of the
house (or glide off the roof) onto the ground and then ran up a tree. (It's
getting cold up here, with little leaves left, so the trees are bare.) I told
my boyfriend's roommate, I was so excited about it. He told me, "It's
probably just a bat you seen." Then out of nowhere the flying squirrel
came gliding off the roof again and back into the trees. It was exciting to
point it out to him and have a witness at my sighting. The boyfriend and his
family seem a little skeptical that's what I've seen and probably think I'm
seeing things. LoL I can't wait to look for it tonight to see if I can get a
picture or video of it. Thanks for the site, it's nice to know I'm not alone on
the whole flying squirrel thing! :) Tiffany P.
Indeed you are not alone in your discovery and now
you have a witness to verify your first flying squirrel sighting..
Actually, although many folks never see them , they are all over the
place and we have had many reports from Minnesota as can be seen on the flying
squirrel sighting location page . Burnsville will be added as well. Thank you
for your report and visiting our pages.
Comments from a Visitor in Carlisle, Ohio
November 1, 2010
Sent:
Monday, November 01, 2010 1:19 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
Hello,
Today I found three small flying squirrels hiding inside an old crock sitting
next to the fireplace inside the house. We thought we had been hearing noises
at night and today we found the culprits. Danny B -
Carlisle, Oh 45005
Wow quite a discovery and how appropriate to identify things that go bump in the night on Halloween, and they fly too. Thank you very much for your report and good luck on their relocation back out into the great outdoors. Carlisle will be added as another sighting location in Ohio, to our location page.
Comments from a Visitor in Willoughby , Ohio
October 30, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, October 30, 2010 10:45 PM
Subject: New sighting
My cat has brought a flying squirrel into our house in Willoughby Ohio. It is
alive and somewhere in our bedroom as I type. When caught it will be released.
You can ad Willoughby Ohio to your list. I was not aware we had them in North
Ohio. Greg E
Thank you for visiting and adding Willoughby to the Ohio section of our
flying squirrel location sighting page. Hope you are able to locate and gently
escort the little guy toward his outdoor home.
Comments from a Visitor in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
October 23, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, October 23, 2010 11:00 PM
Subject: Whitehouse Station, NJ: flying squirrel
Thank
you for your sighting report from Whitehouse Station. Your reported location
will be added to our Flying Squirrel sighting location page.
Comments from a Visitor in Southampton, Long Island, New York
October 1, 2010
Subject:
Southern Flying Squirrel
Hello,
On behalf of Nardy Pest Control Inc... We've caught another Southern Flying
Squirrel, this one was caught in Southampton, Long Island, NY...I noticed that
you didn't have a dot on your map for squirrels caught in both East Hampton and
Southampton. Anyway I hope this helps you....Thanks
Thank you for your report from Southampton. I hope the little guys are being caught where they have become pest in homes and are able to be transported and released . Southampton will be added to our location page. Thanks for visiting.
Comments from a Visitor in Bastrop, Louisiana
September 14, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 8:49 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
I live in Bastrop, La. and I have discovered a flying squirrel nest in a blue
bird house in my back yard. A Mother and 3 newborns.
Quite a discovery and one that many of our visitors would like to make. Thank you for visiting and sharing your discovery and adding Bastrop and Northern Louisiana to our sighting location page.
Comments from visitors in West Melbourne Florida
September 13, 2010
Subject:
Thank you for sharing
Have been a fan of your work since we found your site while looking up flying
squirrels on the internet. We live in West Melbourne Florida.
Also thanks for a glimpse of your lives, as we both wondered a little bit about
who you are.
Two big fans, George (Gary) and Mary.----- That is Wally in the background, as
I do play around a little making videos for fun.
Thank you very much for your interest and your visits to our web pages. Thank you for the very nice picture. I would not post it without your permission but will add it to your comments here if you would like . Thank you for taking the time to send your very much appreciated comments. Thanks again for your sighting report way back on May 6, 2009 which added Melbourne to our sighting page.
Comments from a visitor on Blueberry Lake in Couderay, Wisconsin
September 5, 2010
Sent:
Sunday, September 05, 2010 10:31 PM
Subject: Sitting at our campfire on blueberry lake in couderay, wi. We have had
7 flying squirrels land in a big pine tree right next to us. They glide
in right over our heads!
Sounds like quite a colony of flyers on Blueberry Lake. Thanks for sharing and adding another location to our sighting location page. Thanks for visiting
Comments from a visitor in Town and Country, Missouri
August 31, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 12:09 PM
Subject: flying squirrel
I have a flying squirrel living in my bluebird house in Town and Country,
Missouri. He has taken up residence there for several weeks now! Love to watch
him peek out of the hole in the house.
Thank you for your flying squirrel report from Town and Country. Sounds like bluebird houses make good homes for the little guys. Several of our visitors have reported similar sightings in their birdhouses. Thanks for visiting and adding your location to our growing sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Portage, Indiana
August 28, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, August 28, 2010 5:07 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
We live on the northwest side of Portage, Porter County, Indiana and have had
difficulty with our Comcast. The service technician discovered two baby
flying squirrels in our enclosed service line box. Just amazing!
Amazing indeed. Hope the little guys were alive, but sounds like they could have been other than. Thank you for visiting , sharing your story and adding Portage to our location page.
Comments from a visitor in Mauldin, South Carolina
August 28, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, August 28, 2010 3:22 PM
Subject: flying squirrel in Mauldin, SC 29662
Saw that one of our bird houses had the hole enlarged quite a bit into an oval,
looked inside and saw a flying squirrel!
Mauldin, SC 29662
Thank you for visiting and sharing your sighting .
Your report is the first today of a living flyer sighting. Mauldin will be
added to our sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Harbert, Michigan
August 28, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, August 28, 2010 2:24 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel in house
We recently found a dead flying squirrel behind a sofa cushion on our leather
couch after being away from our Harbert, Michigan home for a couple weeks. We
can't figure out how it got into the house. Any ideas? I wouldn't want it to
happen again. It surely died a miserable, dehydrated death.
Michelle G Blog: http://www.unfocusedphotography.com/
Sorry about the unpleasant surprise and the mystery of the demise. We have had Flyers all around us for many years and to my knowledge, none have ever been in or attempted to enter the house. Many of our visitors have reported similar circumstances however. and it would not take much of an opening for one to make entry. One thought might be perhaps it entered unnoticed when you were in the process of leaving home for your absence. This might be especially possible, if your were leaving early or late during the darkness of early morning or evening. Good luck for your next sighting of a flyer to be alive and outside. Thanks for visiting and reporting your Harbert sighting.
Comments from a visitor in Milford, Connecticut
August 28, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, August 28, 2010 1:26 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
One of our cats left a flying squirrel at our back door. Sorry that my first
sighting had to be a Former Flying Squirrel.
John B, Milford, CT We live at the boundary of Silver Sands State Park.
Found on August 27, 2010
Thank you for your report from Milford. Too bad about the circumstance of the sighting but watch the trees just at dusk or a little after. If the cat found one, there are sure to be others.
Comments from a visitor in Crestline, California
August 17, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 12:22 AM
Subject: flying squirrel spotted 8/16/10 Crestline CA
We spotted a flying squirrel on our deck @ 9pm this evening eating out of our
sunflower seed feeders. We live in the Bernardino mountains in Crestline, CA on
Chateau Drive. Tonight is the first and only tine we have spotted these
squirrels.
Char
Thank you for your report from the San Bernardino
national Forrest and Lake Arrowhead area. Have not had many flying squirrel
sighting reports from your state and your report is very much appreciated. Your
location will be added to our sighting report page and map.
Comments from a visitor in Richland County, Ohio
August 15, 2010
Sent:
Sunday, August 15, 2010 11:53 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
I live in Richland County, Ohio. I have had 6 flying squirrels on a nightly
basis.
Another Flying Squirrel sighting report from Ohio. Sounds like quite a group of them. Thank you for your report and visiting our web pages..
Comments from a visitor in Southampton, Massachusetts
August 9, 2010
Subject:
Flying squirrel sighting
Southampton Mass....6:00pm flew into a vacant birdhouse August 9, 2010
Jude M
Thanks for visiting and your Flying Squirrel report from Southampton.
Comments from a visitor in Central Wisconsin
July 25, 2010
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2010 4:22 PM
Subject:
Flying Squirrel Sighting
Just wanted to put in the books, last fall on a deer hunting trip in WI
(Cornell/Stanley/Delmar area), I watched a flying squirrel near my stand for
1-2 hrs a day, usually early morning (6 am) and right before dark, several days
in a row.
I'm thinking my stand must be near his nest, because I could watch a certain
tree everyday that he'd guaranteed use for a launch point around the forest.
Up until this sighting, I'd never seen one before!
Entertaining to say the least :)
Cheers! -Tony
Thank you for visiting and your Flying Squirrel
sighting report from Central Wisconsin. Sounds like you had a great viewing
area to see them "fly" or sail to be more precise. They are unique
and entertaining for sure.
Comments from a visitor location not specified
July 14, 2010
Sent:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 2:34 PM
Subject: robin video
Lovely video. I have a nest of 2 surviving robins, but the mom made a terrible
nest. I have had to place them back in the nest 2 times. I also made a lace
hammock under the nest to catch them without hurting them and also had to shore
up one side of the nest, it is lopsided. I cannot wait until they are flying
away, so I can get a life. All I do is watch out the window and pray.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your Robin nest story. Being a surrogate robin parent surely is not easy. Surely soon will be fledge day as when they leave on their own. If they do indeed join the only 40% of nestlings that make it, they will owe much to your guardianship. Thanks again.
Comments from a visitor in Flint, Texas
July 11, 2010
We
live at Lake Palestine in the East Texas area, 15 miles south of Tyler and last
night observed three flying squirrels eating from our bird/squirrel
feeder. They ran around the elm street, the speed was incredible. It's the first
time we have seen the flying squirrels in the wild and watched them for ages.
We have heard noises in our attic and thought it was mice or rats but now it
may be flying squirrels that are the culprits. I had a pet flying squirrel many
years ago who got out of his cage and managed to get into my parakeet cage and
killed it. The squirrel went back to his cage but we knew he was the culprit as
the top was open.
Elma and Frank,
Flint, Tx
Thank you for visiting and your sighting report from Lake Palestine. They are indeed fascinating to watch and enjoy, preferably outside and not in your attic. Thanks for the info on the destructive nature they can also exhibit re your parakeet. Flint Texas will be added to the sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Austin, Texas
July 11, 2010
I
shot this video on a trip to Costa Rica in May: http://vimeo.com/12108760. I thought
you might be interested in seeing it, and maybe even sharing it on your
website?
Thank you, Chris K
Thanks Chris for visiting and sharing your excellent video of the Volcano Hummingbird. Our visitors can watch it at your link you provided.
Comments from a visitor in Fairview, New Jersey/Ames, Iowa
July 10, 2010
I
just wanted to say what a wonderful website you have created! I am a fourth
year veterinary student and prior to vet school I was a licensed vet tech and
wildlife rehabilitator. I was looking for information on robin fledglings when
I came across your site and I must have spent over an hour on your robin family
diary, both reading you blog and watching the videos. I would like to say thank
you for taking the time to film and comment on the progression of the entire nest
building/egg laying/hatching/fledgling process. I will share this site with
friends that I know who will appreciate it as much as I do.
Thanks again, Jennifer Q
Home in NJ right now for a few weeks on clinical rotations but attending IA
State University
Thank you for visiting and your much appreciated comments. Wishing you good luck in life and your chosen field and early congratulations for the class of 2011 graduation.
Comments from a visitor in Richmond, Virginia
July 10, 2010
What
a wondrous experience!! We just had three robins leave the nest in the holly
beside our deck and it was very educational to see what went on in the
process!! Thank you so much for your effort. Although I was sad at the Cardinal
outcome, all of them caused me to rejoice at the miracle of nature and life.
With gratitude,
Kathy G. Richmond, VA
Thank you for visiting our web pages and your most
welcome comments. It is good to hear that your nest of three fledged
successfully. Unfortunately it does not always end as happily for the Robins as
the 2005 blog revealed. The 2004 , 2008 and even the 2010 journal did not end
as well for the Robin families depicted. They don't give up though , and thank
God for that. Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Waukesha ,Wisconsin
June 26, 2010
I
have one flying squirrel that takes peanuts that I place in crevices in the
bark of a back-yard tree every night. This has been going on for about 6 months
now, and so far there only seems to be one that visits this feeding station.
It’s at the edge of a small woods in Waukesha, Wisconsin, well within the city
limits.
I enjoyed reading your account and really appreciate the videos. Your photos
are amazing. Keep up the good work! Dave S.
Thank you for visiting and your comments. They are
indeed interesting and enjoyable to watch and hopefully where there is
one there will be several more. Waukesha will be added to our flying squirrel
sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Nesconset Long Island, New York
June 25, 2010
I just wanted to let you know that we had a flying squirrel sighed above my house here in Nesconset (Long Island), NY! We were sitting out back at night and witness the critter fly in, land on the tree above us, then bounce up the branches.
Thank you for your report from Nesconset and
visiting our web pages. Your location will be added to our flying
squirrel sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Eastern New Hampshire
June 23, 2010
Hello,
From Eastern New Hampshire, I just had to leave a comment about the wonderful
photography you have shared with us! I found your site while searching for
photos of baby Juncos, I was so mesmerized by care and respect you obviously
have for wildlife and nature alike! I so wish I was your neighbor! I too enjoy
photographing nature and the wonderful fresh blooms of Spring! I will surely be
bookmarking this site so whenever I want to sit back and get a closer look at
what is in all of our own back yards, through YOUR eyes, this will be at my
finger tips! Thank you so much! Robin G
Thank you for visiting and your most gracious comments. It is always very satisfying that so many of our visitors share the respect and wonderment of the nature sights, sounds and stories that are available to many right in their own yards.
Comments from a visitor in Slinger, Wisconsin
June 23, 2010
I just wanted to expand on the area of sightings of the Northern Flying Squirrel in Wisconsin. I live in Slinger, Wisconsin next to a wooded and protected area. We have had interesting sounds at night and our bird feeders have mysteriously been emptying over night. I was relaxing on the couch at one in the morning, heard a noise outside and decided to check it out with my flashlight. Much to my surprise, it was some sort of squirrel. I immediately came to the internet to see what type of squirrel is out at night that is smaller than a grey squirrel yet has a very distinct white belly and brown body. I am so excited that I can now say, with absolute certainty, that it was a Northern Flying squirrel. :) I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life and have never seen one before. I am sooooo excited that I had a chance to see this rarely seen creature. It was truly a treasure to experience it. Thank you for the website and for the chance to tell my exciting discovery. Jodi R.
Congratulations on joining the "have seen a flying squirrel club" and thanks for visiting. Most of us who over the years have made that exciting discovery experienced the same kind of thrill on seeing them for the first time. We certainly experienced it -now 17 years ago and it was a first for us then. They still visit the feeder tree every night and I continue to put a hand full of Sunflower hearts with a couple of dabs of peanut butter on the feeder and they still come in substantial numbers. They are unique indeed. I continue to post their pictures on the 2010 journal and the most recent ones can be seen in the Winter Spring Summer pages. Good luck with your flyers and hopefully yours also will be around for many years. Slinger will be added to our flying squirrel location page.
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Comments from a visitor in Marlton, New Jersey June 19, 2010 Just wanted to let you know that I had a flying squirrel in my home. I live in Marlton, NJ in Burlington County. It was in my home for three days and we only saw it at night. I managed to get a picture of it. Jackie .M June 20, 2010
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Comments from a visitor in New York
June 1 ,2010
Sent:
Tuesday, June 01, 2010 11:01 AM
Subject: I enjoyed your Robin Videos!!
It was so nice to see you Robin Log.
I know exactly what you were feeling as you saw the eggs, the babies......
I have a Robin's nest in my kitchen window. I put the nest in my kitchen window
this spring in hopes the mother would take the bait and make a nest and she
did!!!!!
I have been able to follow the process very closely. I am able to get literally
with in 2 to 3 inches of the mother bird with the window between us. I put a
piece of cardboard over the window so as to not frighten the mother. Then I
have been able to get my video camera right on the nest, I don't thing she can
see me, because of the reflection of the glass in the window, plus my face is
hidden behind the video camera. But sometimes she gives me a look of like I
know you are there.
My babies are 14 days old today, and should be leaving their nest any day now.
I am hoping the mother liked my window for her nest and will want to use it
again for future nest.
I have a couple questions for you:
1. What type of video camera did you use? and did you set it up, was it set up
to your computer? Where you able to edit it? I would like to try sometime for
the next nest.
2. When the babies left the nest, did you see them around, where you able to
see the parents taking care of them?
I have gotten so attached to my four little guys, I will be sad to see them
leave.
But it has truly been an amazing experience to watch them go from an egg to
young baby birds.
Since the nest is in my kitchen window, 8 feet high, I even put a large tree
branch near the nest/window.
I am hoping the babies will use it as Birdie Play Scape, to practice their
hopping, wing exercise before leaving the nest. I am not sure if they will use
it, but will be fun to see if they do.
You can see two of my videos I made of my baby robins at :
www.KipKids.com Thanks, Kip
Thank you for visiting and your comments . Thank you also for sharing your web page with our visitors . I enjoyed your videos and you certainly had a good vantage point to video them . Probably the best way to answer the questions on my procedure to capture the video and sounds from the many nests I have observed over the last six years is to refer you to my How I Do it Page. The only update would be that I did evolve to DVD recording rather than VCR. In most all cases of a successful fledge nest, the fledglings could still be observed around the general area with the male parent still feeding them for a while and staying with them for about two weeks. I would expect that by now your four have ventured out and unless they were all startled by something, they are leaving pretty much one at a time. Hope all turns out well for them and wishing you continued success in your business.
Comments from a visitor in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
May 17 ,2010
Sent:
Monday, May 17, 2010 11:49 AM
Subject: RE: Flying Squirrel?
Thank you for your response. I wanted to give you an update. I wanted to show my husband the flying squirrel, so I took him to the birch tree, gave it a couple of pats and the squirrel flew down and dive bombed me! It came within a foot of my head and landed on a tree next to me and stared at me. I think the squirrel has babies, as you mentioned might be the case, hence the dive bombing. No doubt about it though, it's definitely a flying squirrel -- I saw it up-close and personal! I gave it a peanut butter offering on the tree which is gone now -- hopefully it was the flying squirrel that ate it. Needless to say, the tree will not be touched, as it makes a perfect home for the squirrels. I’m hoping to have the opportunity to build a relationship with them – I’ll be sure to share pictures if I’m lucky enough to get them eventually Kris
Great news, thank you for the update and good luck
with the new found flying squirrel project.
Comments from a visitor in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
May 13 ,2010
Sent:
Thursday, May 13, 2010 9:49 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrel?
I recently bought a property with 2.5 wooded acres. I brought a tree service
out to remove dead trees and cut them into firewood. While discussing removing
the dead twin from a twin birch, I looked up and saw what I believe is a flying
squirrel peering at us from a hole in the top of the dead tree (it was not a
red or eastern gray squirrel – it looked more like a giant chipmunk peeking at
us.) Plus the fact it was in its drey in the middle of the day further supports
that it is a nocturnal squirrel. The thought of removing the dead birch and
taking away the squirrel’s home is bothering me. Should I leave the dead tree
be? Should we gently remove the dead tree, lay it down and hope the squirrel
crawls out? Should I put up some replacement housing for the squirrel(s)? I
love my eastern gray/black squirrels and chipmunks and can feed some from my
hand. It breaks my heart to take away the home of any squirrel.
Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you,
Kris South Eastern Michigan, Bloomfield Hills
Thank you for visiting and your story. I cannot offer
any expert advice on this subject. So in lieu of expert advice, I will digress
to my not so expert advice as in perhaps what I would do if confronted with the
situation you describe. To me the most likely concern would be whether or not
there are young being raised in that nest. A quick check of internet articles,
indicate that they could have two litters , and the first would be in February
and March while a possible second could be from May to July. Since the young
are weaned in six to eight weeks, there is quite an extensive period of time
that could be a problem if indeed there are young in the tree nest. I guess it
depends on the urgency of the tree action. Perhaps later in the year would be a
safer bet but if that is not an option then perhaps a call to your local
Michigan wildlife folks would be in order. Good Luck and thanks again for
visiting .
Comments from a visitor in Illinois
May 4, 2010
Subject:
robin's nest series
Thank you for sharing your photos, videos, and especially your knowledge. Hope
your next experience ends more happily.
Thank you for visiting and your comment. I have followed several nest
experiences over the last few years . Some have ended unhappily such as the
2004 adventure but others such as the 2005 Robin nest's (two) ended very well.
Although the Cardinal nest that year did not fare as favorably. That is the way
of nature and until I started observing more closely, had not realized just how
difficult it is for the avian masses to keep the world replenished with
the songs and beauty that we all take for granted. Thanks again .
Comments from a visitor in Sharon, Vermont
May 2, 2010
Subject:
flying squirrel
Just moved in 6 months ago. As the weather warms up and we are exploring the
yard - just found a flying squirrel - one. In old bird house up in tree.
Sharon, VT Windsor County
Jonas
Thank you for your Flying squirrel sighting report from Sharon. Must have been quite a surprise to find it and most likely there are many more. Sharon will be added to our sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Central Iowa
May 1, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, May 01, 2010 9:30 AM
Subject: Robin's story
Hi,
I just finished reading your blog about the robins and then some about
cardinals. Thank you so much for keeping this diary.
We live in central Iowa and a couple years ago planted a redbud tree between
our deck and our neighbors. A couple weeks ago a robin started building a nest
and now we have 3 eggs. Your blog helped give me some information, as we
continue to daily monitor "our" nest.
Thank you again. Meredith
Thank you for visiting and your comments. Best of luck with your 2010 Robin Nest adventure. With nature stories, any thing can happen so hoping yours will have a happy ending in the month of May.
Comments from a visitor in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
April 28, 2010
Subject:
cowbird vs. cardinal eggs
I read your backyard blog and am wondering how you were able to tell which were
cowbird and which cardinal eggs. I would like to remove the cowbird eggs from a
cardinal nest, but I can't be sure which are which or if perhaps all are
cowbird eggs. I know the cowbird was in there at least two mornings. I did
remove the smallest of the three eggs, based on what I've read in my field
guide to nests and photos I found online. But I'm still not sure which is what.
Thanks. ida Cape Girardeau, MO
Thank you for visiting and your comment question. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a Cowbird egg and many of the species they use their parasitic deeds on. In the case of the Cardinal, it seems to me that the Cardinal eggs had a more greenish cast and then with the brown spots while the Cowbird eggs seemed to be more brownish white with the brown spots. In the Cardinal case, I know that the hatchling was indeed the Cardinal offspring, as I personally put it back into the nest after a Cowbird plucked it out and threw it on the ground. Robin's Nest Blog 2005 The other two eggs in that nest never did hatch so I was never sure if they had been replaced. The Song Sparrow nest , Song Sparrow Nest Blog 2006 though, had in a very short time 5 eggs , some of which I am sure were Cowbird eggs, although they looked all very much alike. Again only one hatchling appeared, and I am fairly sure it was indeed a Cowbird. It also did not survive. In short, I was never completely sure which was which but I did not in either case remove any eggs from the nest. Thanks again for visiting and good luck with that nest.
Comments from a visitor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
March 31, 2010
Subject:
first sighting!
I am happy to report my first sighting of flying squirrels ever (and I loved
your narrative page), here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Troy B. nature lover
Thank you for visiting and your comments. Congratulations on making the discovery for the first time. It is always special to have an opportunity to see the flyers, and hopefully there will be many more for you. Baton Rouge will be added to our sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Hudson, Ohio
March 5, 2010
Sent:
Friday, March 05, 2010 7:55 PM
Subject: sighting
We saw a flying squirrel last night in Hudson, Ohio
Thank you for your report from Hudson. Your location will be added to our Flying Squirrel Sighting Location Page
Comments from a visitor in East Hampton, New York
February 25, 2010
Subject:
Southern Flying Squirrel Sighting
Nardy Pest Control Inc. decided 12 years ago to expand it's services and offer
trapping nuisance wildlife...Since that time we've caught a total of 2 Southern
Flying Squirrels. Both, were actually caught in the past year.
We caught these Squirrels in East Hampton, New York
Thank you for your report from East Hampton. Sounds like the little guys are not much of a nuisance with the capture total of only 2 in 12 years. That is good and hopefully indicates they are staying out in the wild rather than in someone's home. Many reports of flyers from New York State and several from Long Island, have been chronicled here by visitors. East Hampton will be added to our sighting location chart. Thanks for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
February 21, 2010
Sent:
Sunday, February 21, 2010 7:10 PM
Subject: Robin's Nest / Hatchlings
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video!
I work with special ed children and bet that most, if not all of them, have
never seen anything remotely close to these videos in real life, let alone an
actual nest.
I have witnessed it myself, here in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where I reside.
I go in search of nest building each spring when I see the robins or blue jays
fly in and out of the bushes in my front yard!
Is there any way that I can get a copy of this video? I would be glad to pay
you for it.
Please let me know when you get a chance. Thank you! Susan
P.S. The weather is starting to get warmer here, and I have already started to
look for "My first Robin", as I know that this is a sure sign of
Spring!
Thank you for visiting our web pages and your comments. Thank you also for working with the special children and your interest in providing nature experiences to them that many of us take for granted. Not sure which of the many videos on our pages you refer to but unfortunately I do not keep the videos presented on any media other than the versions on the computer. All of the videos and pictures on our web pages , unless other wise noted, are photographed or videoed and edited by me personally and are copyright protected . It is always my pleasure to accommodate request for educational and non commercial uses and some of our pictures and videos have been used in educational presentations and published. I only request that they are not modified and that reference is made to HOWPEG.COM when used. If you can use them from the computer or can download them and reproduce on other media feel free with the above caveats.
The video you refer to may be located the web video page link or most likely one of the videos by clicking on the below pictures
Comments from a visitor in Spring Hill, Florida
February 12, 2010
Subject:
flying squirrel
We just wanted to let you know we found a flying squirrel in our backyard we
live in Spring Hill, Florida
Cyndi S.
Thank you for visiting and your report from Spring Hill . Congratulations on making the discovery. Spring Hill will be added to our Flying Squirrel sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Osceola, Indiana
February 7, 2010
Sent:
Sunday, February 07, 2010 11:47 PM
Subject: flying squirrel sighting
Hi,
I love feeding the birds and all wild-life that comes in to my yard. I saw
these strange little squirrels at night eating the "peanut dough"
suet. I was surprised to discover they were flying squirrels. I didn't know
they were nocturnal and I was very surprised that flying squirrels live around
here. I am located in Osceola, Indiana. That is in the very north part of
Indiana. Thank you for the nice site on the web. Jennifer W
Hi,
After sending a comment earlier, I then read some of your flying squirrel page.
Here in northern Indiana it is very cold in winter, and yet in Jan. I was
seeing the flying squirrels. I am seeing 2 of them. I do feed 2 (that I know
of) raccoons and 2 possums. They eat cheap dog food and scraps that I put out
after dinner. During the winter they come out only occasionally, so they
haven't bothered the bird feeding areas with the suet and sunflower seed,
etc.... So they don't interfere with the flying squirrels.
I haven't checked lately, but I shine a flash light out on the trees, through
our living room window, that's how I see the flying squirrels feeding. The
trees are near the house. I hope they will be safe from owls. During the day
we've had some hawks coming by. I thought we just had red-tail hawks, but these
are different, they may be cooper hawks. I wonder if I could feed them? They
scare the birds away. I wonder if farther away I could put canned cat food out
on a platform or something.
Jennifer W
Thank you for visiting and reporting your flyers from Osceola. Seems like the flyers may be more tolerant of the cold than I previously thought. They are still going after the peanut butter each night even during this very cold and snowy winter. I doubt that any of the raptors would settle for any decoy food unless it were alive. Most of their diet consist of small rodents and all too often bird feeder birds which become just too easy to resist. One suggestion I saw somewhere on the internet was perhaps stopping the feeding for a week or so and they might relocate away from your feeders. Otherwise I am afraid nature just must take it's course. For the most part we can observe but can do little to change their behavior. Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Thibodaux, Louisiana
February 6, 2010
Sent:
Saturday, February 06, 2010 9:21 PM
Subject: flying squirrel in Thibodaux LA
We bought a house on some land a few months age and the previous owner said we
had flying squirrels. I did not believe him because I did not think flying
squirrels were in Louisiana. Tonight my cat was going crazy jumping up the side
of the brick patio wall. I went out to see and it was a flying squirrel. I was
totally shocked. Post Thibodaux, LA as your latest sighting. Andrea
Thank you for visiting and your report from Thibodaux. Vvery glad you have proved the veracity of the previous owner. Your pictures are below
Comments from a visitor in Ontario, Canada
February 4, 2010
Subject:
Northern Red Squirrel
Once or twice over the past 15 years, I've seen flying squirrels in various
locations of Ontario but never seen one up close. However, this morning (Feb
4th, 2010) I happened to go out to my live trap, in which I've been trapping
and re-locating the many red squirrels that have been destroying my bird
feeders, and what did I find but a Northern Flying Squirrel. Immediately, I
noticed the colouring, most noticebly the black striping around his tummy, but
also his ears and how much calmer he seemed to be in the trap than the red
squirrels generally are.
I photographed him inside the trap, then took him over to a tree and released
him up the tree. Given the opportunity, I will try to photograph him outside of
the trap.
Thanks for the wonderful website.
Cheers, Kevin, R Ontario, Canada
Thank you for visiting and your report from Ontario. Quite an opportunity to observe the little ones up close and the calm behavior even in the trap is consistent with the general gentleness in the flyers that I have observed. Good luck in getting the photos that you mention and thanks again for visiting
Comments from a visitor in Arnaudville, Louisiana
January 19, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 11:25 PM
Subject: flying Squirrel in Bathroom
January 19, 2010
Arnaudville Louisiana
I just rescued a flying squirrel from my bathroom vent! Unbelievable!!! I
thought it was a baby squirrel. I opened the vent fan cover and it scurried - I
though back out the vent but to my surprise I noticed the funny creature on my
towel hook. It later did a sailing fly to the floor. Wow! I placed a towel over
the little thing and scooped it up and took it outside.
Great story . Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Prior Lake, Minnesota
January 12, 2010
Sent:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 12:48 PM
Subject: flying squirrel
I was watching a rabbit having a snack under the our post style birdfeeder,
when I saw the most unusual movement...I could not imagine what kind of bird
moved that way, nor could I think of a small bird that would be feeding at
1130p. It moved so fast jumping from feeder to tree, it couldn't be a bird I
thought...couldn't be a chipmunk either, unless it was 'robo'munk. I got the
binoculars and continued to watch, to my amazement I realized I was watching a
pair of flying squirrels!!! I didn't know they could be in our part of the
world but there was no doubt of what I was seeing...what a thrill. This
sighting was in Prior Lake Mn at
11:30 p.m. on Jan 9, 2010 Anita
Thank you for visiting and sharing your sighting story. Congratulations on joining the "have seen Flying Squirrel club" . The first sightings of these little marvels are usually exciting and unbelievable and in most cases etched into memory for a lifetime. Will add Prior Lake to our sighting location page,
Comments from a visitor in North Port, Florida
January 9, 2010
Sent:
Friday, January 08, 2010 5:50 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel Sighting - Southwest Florida
I was walking the dogs this morning here in North Port, FL (Sarasota County)
and we stumbled upon a deceased critter next to a palm tree. Upon further
inspection, it turned out to be a flying squirrel. I had never seen one before
so I decided to google it and learn some things about the Southern Flying
Squirrel. Apparently, it is not common to see them this far south, which is the
reason I am reporting this sighting. It has been abnormally cold lately and we
have even been getting some frost. I would attribute this sighting to the below
average temperatures.
As far as the cause of death - I suspect a small predatory bird. The skull was
missing from the specimen, but the skin and fur which would cover it was
present. In fact, it looks as though the skull was removed via the mouth. I
know this sounds gruesome, but I only note these details to contribute to the
scientific study of the species. I will attach some photos I took, although
they are certainly not intended for publication. -Jeremy
Thank you for your visit and sharing your discovery from North Port. Thanks also for the pictures and per your notation will not be posted here. It is interesting to note that your suspicion re a predatory bird is probably correct . Found much discussion on different forums regarding similar occurrences and while not without dispute raptors are mentioned frequently as having this behaviour.
Comments from a visitor in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
December 29, 2009
Subject: squirrel sighting
We sighted a baby flying squirrel at our home in North East Pennsylvania in the town of Lake Ariel. It appeared to have fallen out of a tree. I attached a few pics. Kara
Thank you for visiting and your Flying Squirrel report from Lake Ariel
Comments from a visitor in Owen County, Indiana
December 21, 2009
Sent:
Monday, December 21, 2009 7:55 AM
Subject: FLYING SQUIRREL SIGHTINGS
I live in Owen County, Indiana, about 50 miles south of Indianapolis. My past
experience with these little critters has been pretty limited. I had a call one
day at work about 15 years ago, from my daughter who told me that some power
company employees had been trimming a tree in my front yard, & after they
left some stray dogs showed up raising a ruckus below the tree which had been
trimmed. Evidently there was a nest of flying squirrels in a hollow branch
which they cut down, & the stray dogs were getting after the babies. My
daughter went into rescue mode & managed to get three babies into a box.
After I got home I was excited to see them, but sad because there home was
gone. I made some phone call & found a wildlife rehabilitator in
Elletsville, which is close to home. I took them to him, & in a follow up
call by me a while later, he told me that he put up boxes for them, & all
three were living high on the hog in his yard. Happy ending!
Fast forward to the present. The aforementioned squirrels were the only ones I
had ever seen in the wild, but that changed this weekend. I was filling bird
feeders Saturday, & decided to put some seed in unconventional places like
hanging planter’s , etc.. I have two such planters right in a tree right
outside my back door, which I placed bird seed in. Move forward again to after
dark Saturday night. I am standing at my back door smoking, & I see one of
the planters rocking! What the heck I’m thinking, there are no birds coming to
these at night. Next thing I know, there is a flash of movement from the tree
to the planter, then back to the tree again! My rocket scientist brain clicks
into gear & I realize that the only thing it could be was a flying
squirrel. Almost woke up my wife to come see but I knew better. To make a long
story shorter, I observed two of them eating & playing for some time, even
going out to give them a refill. Next day I apologize to the birds because I am
placing all the bird seed I have left in the two planters! Right on cue they
came back right at dark, & brought friends with them. They are not afraid
of me as I stand right outside the back door, about 15 feet from them, &
after I initially go out, they pay me no attention at all! So cool! I have
lived here since 1987, & never seen them before with the exception of the
rescue. My only regret right now is that my camera has a useless flash, &
even though my yard light illuminates the tree quite nicely, there is still not
enough light to get a pic without a flash. I guess I will go out & borrow
one that has a decent flash on it as I would love to get some pic’s of these
little guys. I’ll give the peanut butter thing a try tonight.
Thanks for providing me a place to tell my story! GREG
Great story on both experiences. Thank you for visiting and sharing. There is something special about these little guys that most of us experience when first we see them . Some special excitement that so many of our visitors have shared here on this page. Thanks again and good luck with the peanut butter.
Comments from a visitor in Floyd, New York
December 17, 2009
My
name is Kathy and my partner's name is Gene we live in a trailer
park in Floyd, New York which is a suburb just outside of Rome, New
York 13440,in Oneida County. The picture is my first introduction to
flying squirrels. I have a long term illness and spend many
sleepless nights in pain and she is a great comfort to me. Last winter I
had a cage of suet hanging on our Maple Tree in the backyard and
heard a strange sound in our backyard and low and behold to my ears it
was my blessed little friends the flyers. We started out with one
and now we have at least 30 that come to a feeding station. Gene built a
flyer house and at present we have a family and possible pups. The
male is very protective of the box and the female has dropped into the
bottom we are overjoyed. I have jpg a picture of my female Baby who
is contently sleeping and a picture of the flyer box which has 3 spaces.
We have 4 pet flyers in our keeping which we either rescued from
abusive situations and one my female that I have had since 6 weeks she
is now 8 years old. My boys 3 of them were so badly abused it has
been a torment to our hearts but 1 of them was so badly abused he will
accept no human contact he is 6 years and our brothers which we
rescued from the pet store which was caring for them in deplorable
conditions I still cry when I think of it they are almost 5 years.
They all go to the vet regularly and we love them all. I wish
they could be with their families in the wild but they have a good
home here and they are very much loved. I will keep in touch and
let you all know what is happening in the box. We are trying to get
pictures of all we have but we are new at all this and I just got a
digital and this new computer so please all bare with me. Kathy
Thank you for visiting and sharing your unique Flying Squirrel experiences
with our visitors.
Comments from a visitor in Madison, Wisconsin
November 24, 2009
Sent:
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:44 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Here's one of a pair of Flying Squirrels that visits our bird feeder every
night here in Madison, WI. They seem to have absolutely no fear of me at all as
I can approach within a couple of feet - this picture was taken while I
approached to about 2 feet from the squirrel. The bird feeder has a fruit/nut
combination that I buy at the grocery store...they obviously love it!
Thank you for visiting and sharing your nightly
flyer report from Madison. These little guys are obviously abundant in many
locations and yet go unnoticed by most folks. Sometimes they seem almost like
domesticated pets. Great picture .
Comments from a visitor in Trafalgar, Indiana
November 16, 2009
Gentlefolk:
Flying Squirrel report from Trafalgar, Indiana
We just discovered last week that we had flying squirrels in our area. We have
three of them coming to our peanut feeder after dark now. Pic of one attached.
Terry F
Thanks for visiting and your sighting report from Trafalgar. Great picture too, thanks for sharing.
Comments from a visitor in Corning, Ohio
November 4, 2009
Subject:
Southern Flying Squirrels !
I live in SE Ohio, Perry county, in the middle of the woods. I have been
putting chunky peanut butter out on two large hickory trees in the front yard
for the woodpeckers, for years now but it wasn't until last year that I noticed
a couple of Southern flying squirrels coming at dusk to eat any leftovers. One
evening last week I noticed all of the peanut butter was gone so I went to put
more out for the flying squirrels and before I was finished I had counted 6
coming down the tree towards me ! Ever since then I've been putting out fresh
peanut butter every evening at dusk and sit with my camera. I'm amazed at how
many fly in for the chunky peanut butter ! In one picture I counted 16 flyers !
And that's only on one tree ! There must be dozens. Last night as I was
smearing the peanut butter on, a brave sole came down to within a foot of my
hand. I reached out the butter knife full of peanut butter and he ate right off
of the knife ! Several times I have been able to get pictures of them gliding
in. It is the coolest thing to watch ! I'll attach a few shots.
Diane B Corning
Ohio
Thank you for your visit and information from Corning. Sounds like you have quite a colony of the little guys. Great pictures thanks for sharing and also the peanut butter idea sounds like something many of our site visitors may want to try.
Comments from a visitor in Elmer, New Jersey
October 22, 2009
Sent:
Thursday, October 22, 2009 4:44 PM
Subject: Northern Flying Squirrel
Elmer, NJ (about 40 min south east of Philadelphia)
During the 7th inning of the Phillies- Dodgers game last night I heard a
squawking outside of my window and new my cat had caught another critters. I
was surprised to see him batting at a flying squirrel, who fortunately my cat
had not gotten a hold of yet. The squirrel would spin very fast in circles when
I tried to pick him up to take him in the woods (I live on a farm). Maybe this
was a defense mechanism? I guided him into my garden where he curled up in some
leaf clutter.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your flying squirrel
experience from New Jersey. Lots of flyers have been reported from your state. Hope
this one made it back to the woods to fly again. Thanks again
Comments from a visitor in Richmond, Missouri
October 5, 2009
Subject:
flying squirrel
Found dead on porch Richmond Missouri
Thanks for visiting and your report from Richmond. Hopefully you will get a chance to observe some of the little one's surviving kin.
Comments from a visitor in Staples, Minnesota
September 26, 2009
Sent:
Saturday, September 26, 2009 4:09 PM
Subject: FLYING SQUIRREL
We are in Staples MN (Central) and have just found our cat with a flying
squirrel. Never thought there was any here, but you are right....THERE HERE!!!
:) Just wanted to share. Thank you for the site also.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your flying squirrel location news. Assuming the cat may have brought in a deceased flyer, wishing you best of luck in spotting the full of life ones. They are fascinating to watch. Another Minnesota location will be added to our location page. Thanks again
Comments from a visitor location not specified
September 25, 2009
Sent:
Friday, September 25, 2009 10:17 AM
Subject: : feeding flying squirrels
After 15 years, we suddenly have flying squirrels. They are very
active in our hazelnut trees, as many as 3 pairs. They will not visit my hanging
bird feeder filled with peanuts? Should I attach it to the tree?
Which will make it vulnerable to the red and gray squirrels during the day.
Many of our visitors have indicated that the flyers did go after peanuts but we have always had the best results feeding sunflower hearts in a feeder attached to one of the large oak trees they frequent, as per the picture below. Of course any thing the night creatures don't get will be quickly devoured by the day creatures , the red and gray squirrels that you mention. Best to feed each evening just about dusk when it is too dark for the grays and reds and feed sparingly , just enough for the flyers. Of course they will most likely be harassed by the raccoons as soon as they discover the bounty .
Thanks for visiting and good luck
Comments from a visitor in Cinnaminson, New Jersey
September 13, 2009
Sent:
Sunday, September 13, 2009 4:51 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrel
Hi- Woke up yesterday and stumbled into the kitchen to find a small squirrel in
the fruit bowl eating a peach. He was not particularly afraid of me-seemed to
really like the peach. I thought at first he was a baby squirrel but the big
eyes are quite striking. Finally managed to get him in a towel and released him
outside. What a
wonderful experience! I hadn't ever seen a flyer in NJ. Last one I saw was in
Western Mass in the early 70's. Really odd too since I live in Cinnaminson NJ
which is just across the Delaware from Philadelphia. These wonderful little
critters seem to be doing well everywhere.
Thank you for sharing your re-acquaintance
experience with your house guest Flyer. As you can see on this page, many
sightings have been reported from your state and they do indeed seem to be
doing well in many many areas.
Comments from a visitor in Clermont, New Jersey
September 12, 2009
Sent:
Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:31 AM
Subject: flying squirrels
We have a southern flying squirrel that has taken shelter in a birdhouse that
we have at our summer residence in Clermont, NJ not far from the beach town of
Sea Isle City.
Thank you for your report from Clermont and sharing
your flying squirrel picture.
Comments from a visitor in Batesville, Indiana
September 6, 2009
Sent:
Sunday, September 06, 2009 9:01 PM
Subject: Flying squirrel sighting
We had a flying squirrel come down our chimney and appear in our fire
place. We have the damper open about one inch for drafting our gas fireplace.
The squirrel apparently squeezes through the opening and then gets trapped. I
open up the damper all the way and the the squirrel escapes back up the
chimney. This is also happened about two years ago. I have attached some
photos.
Paul R Batesville, IN
Unique way for the flyer to drop in for a visit. As long as the gas fireplace is not in operation. Thanks for sharing and visiting,
Comments from a visitor in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
August 20, 2009
Sent:
Thursday, August 20, 2009 10:06 AM
Subject: Flying squirrel
Have a flying squirrel in large maple tree in front yard in a bird house with
her brood.. Shocking, first time seeing such an event.
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first flying squirrel sighting with our site visitors. Shocking , exciting , memoriable etc. Many express similar emotions upon seeing these guys for the first time. Sounds like you will have a great observation opportunity with a brood being raised so close. Thanks again.
Comments from a visitor in Camp Sherman, Oregon
August 7, 2009
Subject:
Hummingbird photos
I have had over 18 hummingbirds on my feeder at once. I have
never seen anything like it! They are drinking five cups of
nectar a day!
Our home is in Camp Sherman, Oregon
Great shots . Thanks for visiting and sharing your hummers from the Great Northwest.
Comments from a visitor in Hartland, Michigan
August 5, 2009
Sent:
Wednesday, August 05, 2009 11:37 AM
Subject: flying squirrel sighting
We were in our backyard 2 nights ago near the woods and what we thought was a
baby squirrel moved from a bush near my husband to a small tree. We walked
around to the side of the tree that the squirrel was on and it climbed a little
higher and then jumped to a larger tree about 10 feet away. As it jumped we
realized it was a flying squirrel since it spread out its arms and legs and
"flew" to the tree. It was the coolest thing I have seen. We were
both so amazed and excited. I hope we see it again. It was dusk when we saw it.
Hartland, Michigan
Olivia & Jim D
Thank you for your report from Hartland and congratulations on seeing them for the first time. It is an unique event for most of us when first we realize they are really here and now in so many places. Hartland will be added to our location page. Thanks for visiting and good luck in many more sightings.
Comments from a visitor in Jewett, Texas
July 30, 2009
Subject:
flying squirrel
This morning I found a flying squirrel on my back porch. The cat had killed it.
It was still warm, so I tried to revive it, but no luck. This is the first time
I have ever seen one in our part of the country. I guess they are very
reclusive. It was amazing to me – I only wish I could have saved it.
Sheila
Jewett, Texas (Leon County)
Thank you for sharing your first flying squirrel encounter with our visitors. Hopefully your next will be a more satisfactory experience and you will discover just how adorable the little critters can be. We have had several reports of other Texas sightings reported here by previous visitors. Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Dartmouth, Massachusetts
July 23, 2009
Sent:
Thursday, July 23, 2009 1:06 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
Hello!
We live in Dartmouth, Ma. and have recently spotted something on our
"squirrel-proof bird feeder".
What we first believed were mis-guided baby squirrels ,turned out to be flying
squirrels! There are two of them, and they are very cute! One of them is much
more aggressive than the other. They are fascinating to watch. Every night, a
round 10:00 P.M., we see the bird feeder swaying. They do not seem to be afraid
of us and we have gotten a good look at them. They are still trying to figure
out a plan of attack on our feeder! Thanks for such a great web site! Cheryl D.
Thank you for sharing your sighting of the flying
ones in Dartmouth. If this is a first sighting for you then congratulations .
Dartmouth will be added to our Flying Squirrel Sighting page. Thanks for your
comments and visiting our pages.
Comments from a visitor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
June 30, 2009
Sent:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 1:33 AM
Subject: Robins
Hello,
I visited your web page as I was looking for information on Robins. Your site
was very informative. I have a large branch wreath with fake flowers and such
on it hanging on my front door. We have a veranda and so the wreath is well
protected and gets all of the morning sun.
Last year a Robin tried to build a nest but my husband took it down. This year
she managed to build it all in a day and a half and it was finished by time we
discovered it. My husband was going to relocate it after work but by time he got
home she had laid two eggs in it as well... So now we have stopped using the
front door and will let her have her peace and hopefully she will raise her
babies safely. We have no snakes here so that will not be a problem and since
we have two dogs cats don't usually come into our yard... hopefully that will
remain so. We look forward to watching as the eggs hatch and hopefully some of
the
babies will survive.
We live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and our weather has not been that great
but every morning we hear other Robins around singing their hearts
out. We just never expected to have our own set. I do not have a set up for a
camera which sure would be nice but enjoyed watching yours and hopefully my son
can video some each day. Thanks for taking the time to do this site I sure
enjoyed it.
Barbara G
Thank you for visiting and your comments. Sounds like a good protected location for your Robin family. Hopefully they will reach fledgling status sometime in the next 30 days or so. Usually takes about 12 to 15 days to hatch and about the same time to fledge after hatching. Good Luck
Comments from a visitor in Murphy, Missouri
June 27, 2009
Sent:
Saturday, June 27, 2009 1:34 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrels in Missouri
We live in Murphy, Missouri, USA. This is the Midwest. Imagine my surprise when
I just checked the bluebird house and found a pair of large-eyed rodents
staring back at me. The coloring reminded me of flying squirrels that I had
seen on nature programs. I never imagined I would find them in my back yard in
Missouri. I just hope I haven't scared them off.
I ran into the house right away to confirm what I had seen on the internet and
sure enough, they are flying squirrels!
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first flying
squirrel sighting. Always a special event and worthy of proclamation. Expect to
see many more now that you know they are there.
Comments from a visitor in Rochester, New Hampshire
June 22, 2009
Sent:
Monday, June 22, 2009 12:36 PM
Subject: That is so sad....
We have a Robin's nest under our back porch. A Robin is patiently waiting. I
think I will be devastated if the eggs are eaten by any animal. Sorry about
your Robin eggs!
Thank you for visiting and your comment about the 2004 Eden Lost page and video. Yes that was a real shocker as were similar episodes with Crows, Hawks, and Cowbirds chronicled on our 2005, 2006 and 2008 Robin pages. Here's hoping the nest you are watching has much better luck and you have a few new fledgling robins to add to the world.
Comments from a visitor in South Carolina
June 20, 2009
Sent:
Saturday, June 20, 2009 3:02 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrels
What a treat to see flying squirrels! I assume that they are in the rodent
family. Their "flying" was amazing. I think I have been seeing them
in the South Carolina skies like you said directly at dusk! I hope they will
proliferate because they are magic itself. Thank you!
Sent:
Saturday, June 20, 2009 6:43 AM
Subject: the Robin's nest tragedy
I was thrilled with your visual account of the nesting American Robin. I have
one nesting here where I live and had never seen one before although I am 58
yrs, old. I found a discarded egg nearby but didn't know the location of the
nest until a few days later. It is resting on a low lying branch that is
several feet above my reach. It was sitting on a bed of pine needles beneath
another tree about fifteen or so feet away. I kept the egg and feel guilty
about that and wonder if the mother might have retrieved it if I had just left
it alone. She is sitting on the nest whenever I walk by on my way. The nest
seems precarious but is OK it seems for her. The segment called Eden Lost was
very frightening but I had always heard that Nature can be cruel indeed. Thank
you for your wonderful video.
Thank you for both of your comments from South Carolina. Congratulations on recognizing the flying squirrels and reporting them from your location. Magic for sure. As far as the egg is concerned not to worry. Once an egg is out of the nest, I am sure the Robin parents are through with it. I hope that in addition to the Eden Lost 2004 Robin story that you also saw some of the others which were more successful for the Robins. The 2005 , 2006 and even the 2007 Robin pages had much more happy endings than the one you mention. Thanks for visiting and your comments.
Comments from a visitor in Millbury, Massachusetts
June 19, 2009
Sent:
Friday, June 19, 2009 10:28 PM
Subject: Fw: FLYING SQUIRREL???
We are in MILLBURY, MASSACHUSETTS..about 42 miles west of BOSTON. Saw what we
think is a "flying squirrel" huge eyes, short, wide tail....we got
within 4 feet of him hanging on bird feeder before he rather calmly climbed up
the pole and into the tree. He did not seem afraid of us walking, talking or
shining our flashlight on him/her. I am 65 years old and have never, never seen
one. At first we thought he was a bat.......
Guess I now know why my bird seed goes so fast..not just the tree squirrels,
but now a new guest!!!!
Congratulations are in order for another first encounter with the Flying Squirrels. Thanks for sharing you sighting in Millbury and thanks for visiting our web pages.
Comments from a visitor in Marseilles, Illinois
June 13, 2009
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2009 11:09 PM
Subject: Flying Squirrel Sighting
We saw our first flying squirrel last night! We live in a heavily
wooded area near Marseilles, IL (LaSalle County, Illinois) and were on our deck
about 9 pm. We have lots of bird feeders. As we talked, a squirrel landed about
4 feet from us! I didn't know what it was. It ran along the deck railing, then
went into a tree. After a minute, I saw it glide down into the ravine---then I
knew what it was! I had no idea these creatures lived here---I'm quite
thrilled! Amy & Ernest C
Congratulations on seeing your first Flyer and thanks for sharing your experience. Marseilles will be added to our Flying Squirrel sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Lake Station, Indiana
June 13, 2009
Sent:
Saturday, June 13, 2009 3:58 AM
Subject: Flying squirrel sighting... and then some.
Hi,
I've actually got more of a flying squirrel experience than a sighting... For
the last two night a flying squirrel has been running amok in my home! I
managed to get it to climb into a cage and it's now sitting on my dressing
munching down seeds and cleaning himself!
At first I thought it was a baby gray squirrel, but I realized it looked much
different and did a little search for flying squirrels and sugar gliders
online. Sure enough, he looks just like the pictures! I really didn't realize
we had flying squirrels around here, but apparently we do. I figured out that
he got in the house through the attic.
Anyway, add Lake Station, Indiana to your list of sightings! Or experiences, I
suppose :)
Congratulations on your first contact with these little guys and thanks for sharing your story. Many have reported similar home invasions by these miniatures and while not the preferred first meeting locale does offer some up close and personal observation opportunities. Thanks for visiting and adding Lake Station to our location page.
Comments from a visitor in McHenry, Illinois
June 12, 2009
Sent:
Friday, June 12, 2009 11:29 AM
Subject: Flying Squirrels sighting
Hello, my wife saw something flying around last night that she thought was a
bat. So I went out to look. Something jumped from a distant tree and landed
about three feet above my head in a tree. I said that isn't a bat. That is a
flying squirrel. I didn't think they existed in our area. We stayed outside and
watched them for about an hour. We are excited that they are there. Is there
anything I can do, food, housing to help them? We live in McHenry, IL. Any info
would help.
Thank you, Paul W
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first flying squirrel encounter. Most folks experience the same excitement when these unexpected creatures first make themselves known to us. Perhaps a small feeder on the side of a tree with some sunflower hearts placed nightly just at dusk will do the trick. Of course depending on your location , they will probably have competition for the seed. If they don't get it , it will be gone by morning anyway. Other site visitors whose comments are on this page have seen them attracted to peanuts, and other forms of birdseed. You might peruse this page to get additional ideas, but for us the sunflower hearts always did the trick . Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Raleigh, North Carolina
June 8, 2009
Subject:
Neighbor's flying squirrel
Here is a picture taken on June 6, 2009 of a flying squirrel just outside of
our neighbor's bluebird box in Raleigh, NC. Enjoy. Mark
Sent from my iPhone.
Great shot , Mark. Thanks for sending and visiting our web pages
Comments from a visitor in Jackson, Tennessee
June 6, 2009
Subject:
flying squirrels
I live on 26 acres, with lots of oak and acorn trees. Didn't realize we had
flying squirrels until one of our cats presented me with one. What beautiful
little creatures. Please add Jackson, Tennessee to your list of squirrel
spottings.
DONE ! Thank you for visiting and adding Jackson to our Flying squirrel Sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Delaware, Ohio
June 5, 2009
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 11:20 PM
Subject:
our squirrels
Last weekend my wife and I sat in our back yard enjoying the evening and a few
margaritas. We thought we were watching chipmunks feeding in our feeders until
we saw a flash of light. We then realized that we had been watching flying
squirrels. Having never seen one I searched the internet and found this site. After
several family members and friends accused us of one too many I finally snapped
this picture. We have been watching them for the past week and believe we have
at least 3 and as many as 6 visiting us at night. Family members have begun to
stop in at night to watch them as well... We'll continue feeding them peanuts
and enjoying their visits.
Rod and Rexanne Delaware, Ohio June 5, 2009
Great story and so typical of so many of us who were astounded when we first discovered them. Something about this little rodent that makes them special and your picture is proof to all who doubt in Delaware. Thanks for visiting and sharing your story.
Comments from a visitor in Swampscott, Massachusetts
June 4, 2009
Sent:
Thursday, June 04, 2009 8:38 PM
Subject: thank you for the robin blog
Great videos! I learned a lot reading about your robins. Kristen, Swampscott,
MA
Thank you for visiting and your comments from Swampscott. Much appreciated.
Comments from a visitor in Champaign, Illinois
June 2, 2009
Hi
I am hoping you can advise me on my robin family.. they've been nesting in our
breezeway and all has been well till this afternoon late.. I've
not seen either parent on the nest.. I am worried how long can they survive
without them? they are only a couple of days from fledging.. their little heads
are visible sticking out of the top of the nest the last few days .. I'm
worried.. do they stay off the nest more longer at the end?
thanks. taya
Thanks for visiting from Champaign . Actually I have
seen some diminished activity by the parents just about fledge time. Of course
by now you should have seen them back . Most of the time the hatchlings are
large enough to be quite visible above the nest and can actually sit on the
edge for long periods if fledging is imminent. Hopefully by now you have seen
them return and if not I would fear the worst for the hatchlings. Good luck.
Comments from a visitor in Nashville, Tennessee
June 1, 2009
Subject:
Robin question from Nashville
Hello!
I've greatly enjoyed your wonderful site, and I was hoping you might be able to
offer some advice.
A robin is nesting on my back porch in a flowerpot on the porch rail. The porch
rail is perhaps 18 feet off the ground. We also have three dogs who live in the
backyard where this is all occurring. I've blocked the rail around the nest so
they can't knock it over or get in there to sniff at the babies. I've also
created a barrier from the babies falling on the porch by putting some screens
underneath it. But I'm concerned that they might fall the 20 feet into the
yard. I'm also concerned about the dogs eating them after they fledge.
Is there anything I can do? should I try to move the nest to the front yard? A
friend suggested that it would be kinder to have the mother abandon the eggs
than to have the dogs eat the babies. I'm not sure they would, but they might.
Do you have any advice?
Thanks so much for your time. Holly Y
Thank you for visiting our web pages. I believe an attempt to move the nest would almost certainly in effect destroy it. The fledge time for robins can be pretty much targeted and is usually about 12 days after hatching. The range of 11 to 14 days will be the target time. If you know the hatch dates of the hatchlings, then you might just make special arrangements on the target time slot to keep the dogs in another section of the yard or pay very close attention to the scene and perhaps intercede on any impending disaster. At least in this way you will have done all you can do to help the survival rate of your nest of Robins. Good luck and again thanks for sharing your story .
Comments from a visitor in Fairfax, Virginia
May 31, 2009
Subject:
Flying Squirrel Sighting
I have about 10 very tall 80 ft Tulip Poplar trees in my backyard. On the one
tree about 20 ft up I put a birdhouse a couple years ago. The bird house was
looking bad so I went up today to replace it. When I started moving it; what
looked like a chipmunk came out fast, ran up the tree a bit and jumped to the
ground, but it seem to float on its way down, I thought I imagined it. It then
ran up high in the next tree and stopped about 20 ft up. I called for my 10
year old daughter to come and see. When she came out it scrambled up the tree another
20 ft and jumped, spreading it’s little chubby arms with white flaps of skin
spread wide and tail flattened, and he floated down right at me, I ducked, and
it landed on the opposite side of the tree behind the bird house. I got down
out of the tree and decided to leave the bird house alone. But boy was I
shocked when I saw this little squirrel with it webbed arms floating down at me
like a little super rodent on the attack.
Matt S Fairfax, Va 22039 May 31, 2009
Thank you for sharing your flying squirrel experience with our web page visitors. There certainly is a sense of shock or perhaps amazement when first encountering these little guys. The initial contact with them usually when you least expect it is for most a very memorable experience. We will add Fairfax to our sighting location page. Thanks for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in location unspecified
May 27, 2009
Subject:
nesting robin
I watched a robin build her nest right from my kitchen window. A nest in my
rhodo bush. 5/7/09. I watched right from the very start....just a few strands
of horse hay from the horse barn across my street. On May 9, she layed
her first egg. Then soon there were four. I watched female and male robin take
turns sitting on the nest. On May 23, the babies were born. Yesterday, in the
morning I looked into the nest (from behind a glass window) and there was
activity of the mother feeding the chicklings. At 11:30 in the morning I looked
into the nest and the nest was empty!!!! I went in denial. I looked a few minuteslater
and there was the mother robin standing on the edge of the nest with a worm in
her mouth. Then she went in the nest and she was poking all about, she sat in
the nest - she was moving constantly - she flew off - a few minutes later she
came back - repeated the same type of activity. Then moments later I saw the
male and female fluttering about the empty nest.
Moments later they flew away - and I haven't seen them again. I am heartbroken.
The nest was low.
I enjoyed the photos. Very vivid. Very beautiful.
I am searching the web for similar experiences of watching a nesting
robin.
I feel so sad - I wonder if the robin parents feel sad - loss - bewilderment -
or whatever. All that work.....and then "poof" gone. Nothing.
I have also a nesting Morning Dove in the rhodo bush outside my livingroom
window!!!! I can't bear to watch her anymore! She is still sitting on her two
eggs. I
feel so powerless and helpless.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your story. Unfortunately you have seen first hand what goes on in the natural world and actually most of the time. It has been written that only 40 % of all Robin hatchlings ever survive. With the nest being low as you describe, it could have been any kind of predator. In the years I have been watching the nest here, I have seen them destroyed by a snake , a hawk, a crow, and in the case of a Cardinal, even a cow bird. I have also seen near attacks by a squirrel, and even a chipmunk. It is very sad and disturbing to watch what appears to be an idyllic scene play out only to have it snatched away like some nightmare. The video links below might shed light on what might have happened to your nestlings. Thanks again for visiting.
http://www.2008.howpeg.com/robinnest2008combined.wmv
http://www.howpeg.com/Videos/snakefromdvdeditedwithlicensedmusic.wmv
Comments from a visitor in Madisonville, Louisiana
May 19, 2009
Subject:
Flying Squirrels
I love your story about flying squirrels. I have just discovered some in my
back yard and am equally mesmerized by these cute little critters.
Michael Madisonville, Louisiana
Thank you so much for visiting and your report from Madisonville. They are indeed cute and interesting little rodents that seem to have personalities all their own.
Comments from a visitor in Knoxville, Tennessee
May 10, 2009
Subject
Subject Robins
I
have been watching a pair just off my porch this spring. Their nest is five
feet off my porch railing, as it was last year and it is quite a good
interaction. Their three hatchlings just fledged today, at least that is what I
think. Your documentation was very helpful in giving me comfort that that is
what happened. They were her this morning, gone in the afternoon.
Your 2005 diary was very good as it helped me understand the activity going on
during the past several weeks. I only suspected that Robins had returned to the
same flowering bush as last year when I saw half an egg shell at the base of a
tree about 100 feet away. I know understand that the parents can carry the
shell away.
I also left a lot of worms on the side walk near the tree over the past few
days in my effort to help and the parents collected them promptly to feed the
chicks.
Quite a wonderful experience to participate in. I am suspecting that a fledge
of last year’s brood set up a nest in our front yard, as there is a nest there
two, but too high for close observation in a linden tree. Am I to expect more
nests in the future as successful broods come back and nest? (I hope so). Is
there evidence that they stick around in family groups? Richard , Knoxville, TN
From personal observations I have made over the years, I do believe that fledglings do return to nest in or near their hatching areas to have nest of their own from year to year. It just seems sometimes that the Robins in and or near these previously nested areas seem a lot more tame , ie will not fly away as I enter their vicinity. Since no banding is done, it is impossible to tell but I believe they do come back. Thanks for visiting and your comments.
Comments from a visitor in Mandeville, Louisiana
May 7, 2009
Subject:
Flying Squirrel Sighted
Hello -
I'm writing from Mandeville, LA. I live on a cul de saq with a retention pond
being dug on adjacent property that includes dedicated wetlands.
At 11 p.m. this evening I went outside to add water to my birdbath, when I saw,
for the first time in my life, a flying squirrel in the air, then landing on a
tree no more than 10-15 yards from my back patio. WOW! What a thrill! I
promptly went to the internet to verify what I had seen & while doing so,
ran across your website. We have a large bird feeder, as well as a Woodpecker
suet cage hanging in the tree where the flying squirrel landed. My day, &
quite likely, my week is made.
Thank you for sharing this exciting find for you. Most of us who have
spotted them at one time or another have the same reaction. Thanks for
visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Melbourne, Florida
May 6, 2009
My
wife and myself saw a flying squirrel in a live oak tree that we have some
white Christmas lights on. We saw it several times from about 8:30 till 9:00 PM
on May 5, 2009. It was very shy and quick moving, jumping about 4 feet several
times with great ease. It mostly tried to stay stay out of our sight as it
moved about. We live in West Melbourne, Florida 32904.
George & Mary
Great news from Melbourne, Congratulations on your discovery and thank you for visiting and sharing.
Comments from a visitor in New Jersey
April 27, 2009
Subject:
thanks for the American Robin info page
My Christmas tree was too beautiful to discard, so I put it out for the birds
hoping they would enjoy it. I just discovered we have a Robin nesting there so
I was searching for more info about their habits. Your website answered a lot
of my questions, and I really enjoyed it. My husband and I keep a bird blog too
of the birds we see here. Visit us on www.new-jersey-birds.com if you’d like.
Happy birding. Christine
Thank you for visiting and your comments. I have
posted your link for our visitors to check out.
Comments from a visitor in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
April 23, 2009
Subject:
Sighting
I have a bird feeder in my back yard with a standard feed mix for all types of
birds. Over the past week every night around 10:00 PM a flying squirrel comes
and eats. I can walk right up to it and it will continue to eat and not take
off. I wish I had the equipment to take pictures at night of this beautiful
creature.
Douglas Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
Thanks for visiting and your report from Wasaga
Beach. Good luck in getting some close up pictures in the future.
Comments from a visitor in Location unspecified
April 23, 2009
Hello
my name is Holly. I just watched the horrible end of your 2004 Robin
documentary. OMG how sad! That is the way nature goes I suppose, but it is
still cruel. How ironic for the “evil snake” to rob the purity of the moment.
Yes that episiode was a real shocker for us as well.
Thanks for visiting and your comments.
Comments from a visitor in Auburn, Alabama
April 23, 2009
Subject:
Thanks for info on attracting flying squirrels
We've just moved to Auburn, Alabama from SW Ohio about a year ago. I'm
originally from S. Louisiana and very familiar with having flying squirrels in
my backyard. My husband, from Ohio, is very intrigued. We lived in Central
Illinois for 9 years where we had flying squirrels, bats, etc. in our neighborhood
and always wanted to feed them, but didn't.
Anyway, we now have an excellent tree to place a feeder and enjoy our visitors.
Just a note: We had a downed bluebird nesting box this past winter. When I
picked it up I noticed clean, filter fiber in the box. I opened the box and the
fiber nest to find 3 dead, baby flying squirrels! I was so sad, but excited at
the same time! I plan to place a few nesting boxes in my yard this year for
next year's parents.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your flying squirrel experience Too bad about the little ones but hope you have much luck in attracting and feeding them on a regular basis.
Comments from a visitor in Pomeroy, Ohio
April 20, 2009
On Saturday, April 18, 2009 I sited a flying squirrel
peeking out of a busted tree when we tried to move part of a downed tree on my
farm. Upon further inspection I was able to get several pictures, some of which
I attached. The location is southeast Ohio, 16 miles outside of Pomeroy, Ohio,
near Harrisonville. Between my father, sister and I, we own 450 pristine acres,
with woods, meadows and a creek. I had never seen a flying squirrel before, but
now I know they are there.
Wendi Pomeroy, Ohio
Thank you for your report and picture from Pomeroy. With all the acreage you indicate, you must have many many flyers. Good luck and thanks for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Farmington, Connecticut
April 11, 2009
Farmington CT - Flying Squirrels
Thanks for your sighting report from Farmington
Comments from a visitor in Central Michigan
April 2, 2009
Hello,
I have been delighted looking at your squirrels.
I am from central Michigan, lived in the woods here for the last 33 years.
About 2 years ago, while babysitting my grandson, I noticed something in my
fireplace. I grabed my camera and took pics of this flying squirrel. At the
time I didn't know it was a young one. I didn't know we even had them here.
Over the next few months, I fed him corn, nuts apples and a dish of water. I
wasn't sure he could get out,
but as he grew, I realized he was coming and going as he pleased. He could not
get out of the fireplace as the screen
completely covered the opening. Early in the morning, my cat and him could be
found staring at each other.
As time went by, he would come down the chimney like clockwork, at dusk, and
jump on the screen, which is right next to me on the couch, and look at me,
especially if he wanted a fresh apple. Eventually he disappeared. Hopefully not
because of the owls that frequent the woods.
I am going to try placing a feeder for them, as I am sure there are many more.
They are beautiful! Thanks for your info on them.
Marie
Thank you for sharing your Flying Squirrel story with our visitors and best of luck in finding many more.
Comments from a visitor in Garden Valley, California
March 24, 2009
Around 1990 I saw a flying squirrel in Garden Valley, California. (in Garden Park, near the pound)
Thanks for visiting and your sighting report from
Garden Valley.
Comments from a visitor Location unknown
March 21, 2009
Subject:
Spring!!
Hope all is well...I read your December posting.. Hope you will post again this
year. I always look forward to your photos!!
Thank you for your visits and your note. Looks like 2009 will not be a year of stories and pictures added to the site. Still dealing with medical problems that may take most of the year to conquer.
Comments from a visitor in Three Bridges, New Jersey
February 28, 2009
flying squirrels, Three Bridges, NJ
This
is the second year that I've had flying squirrels in the old dead tree next to
my house. The last few nights have been very active and it is driving the dogs
crazy. I didn't realize why they were barking until I went to bring them in and
the squirrel sailed by my head and landed with a "thunk"on the tree.
Last year I was able to see one climbing up thetrunk but haven't been able to
get a good look at them so far this year. They hit the tree and scramble inside
it VERY quickly with barking dogs jumping at the bottom.
I hope as the weather warms I'll be able to stay outside and perhaps get
pictures of them.
Melody
Thank you for your report from Three Bridges, and
good luck in getting your pictures of the flyers.
Comments from a visitor in Crockett, Texas
February 28, 2009
Hi,
we live in Crockett, Texas and think we have seen flying squirrels here. We
were on our porch tonight just after dark and 2 flying objects came out of no
where and landed on a tree right in front of our porch.
We got a flashlight and they looked like small tree squirrels which we have
lots of, but different. They had the big eyes and were smaller then our
squirrels. They ran around the tree but let us look at them easily with the
light. We live in the piney woods and live in a cedar house and we had heard
something in our attic at night. If they are friendly, should we try to find
they again? If so how? Any more info would be appreciated. I will look at your
site for more info also. Thanks, Dub
Sorry for the delay in posting your comments and by now hope you have found the information you were seeking from our web pages. I think for the most experiences, they have proved to be pretty tolerant of we human kind and actually let most get pretty close. Good Luck .
Comments from a visitor in Beaufort, South Carolina
February 24, 2009
Subject: Fling Squirrel Sightings
Beaufort
Thank you for your report from Beaufort
Comments from a visitor in Wilmette, Illinois
February 24, 2009
Subject:
Sightings
Saw a couple of flying squirrels on Feb 24, 2009 in Wilmette, IL around 8:45 pm
central time. Very active, with at least one jump/fly over 10 feet
Thank you for your visit and sighting contribution from Wilmette
Comments from a visitor in Audubon, New Jersey
February 14, 2009
Subject:
SFS in Audubon
Have a whole family living in back of my place now in Audubon NJ.
Here is a shot of a little guy using my peanut feeder. Brian
Great shot Brian, Thanks for visiting and sharing your Audubon Flyer .
Comments from a visitor in Akron, Ohio
February 10, 2009
Subject:
flying squirrel
It is an unusually warm February night here is Akron, Ohio. I just saw a flying
squirrel in my backyard. I did not even know that they existed here in Ohio. It
was really neat and exciting. Your website was very informative at how many
there are in the U.S. Thanks so much for the information
Great news from Akron. Congratulations on seeing your first flyer and thank you for visiting and adding your location to our growing sighting location pages.
Comments from a visitor in Savannah, Georgia
February 7, 2009
Subject:
found young flying squirrel
I live in Savannah, Georgia. My neighbor was trapping squirrels in his attic to
release outdoors. He caught what he thought was a very young grey squirrel and
brought it to me to care for until it was old enough to release. It turns out
that it is a young Southern Flying Squirrel. He's eating nuts and drinking
well. His body is about 3 inches in length (not including the tail). I'm not
sure if he is old enough to survive on his own yet and am also concerned about
releasing him during cold weather without a nest or any stored food. Can you
give me any advise?
Thank you for visiting and sharing your story. No
personal experience in raising a flyer so my best advice would be to contact
the Georgia Department of natural resources or your local animal control office
or SPCA . Sounds like you are doing a good job of surrogate parenting so
congratulations and best of luck in getting the information you need.
Comments from a visitor in Colonia, New Jersey
February 5, 2009
Subject:
Flying squirrel in NJ
Good Morning,
My name is Rob and i live in Central Jersey in a town called Colonia. Iast night
was a very interesting late night. For a night that started off annoyed it
ended great. Because i fell asleep early i had to take my dog out when i woke
up at midnight. I took him in the backyard to do his thing and always bring a
flashlight. I live in a wooded area and you never know the cool things you will
see....and see something cool i did! While shining th elight in the trees i
noticed a pack of about 10-15 sets of eyes shining back at me. Intrigued by
something...some of them inched closer to me down my tree. It seems they love
my Oak Tree. What a surprise to not just see one, but to even know they exist
in our area. It surprised me how much smaller they are than the grey. But cute
as anything. Im glad i had the chance to get up close and semi-personal with
one.
Take Care, Rob T. Colonia, NJ
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first flying squirrel sighting experience with us. What a spectacular occurrence with that many on the first sighting. Always a great experience and hope you have many more close encounters in the future. Colonia will we added to our sighting location page.
Comments from a visitor in Norwalk, Ohio
January 24, 2009
Subject:
flying squirrel sighting
Norwalk, Ohio 01/24/09
A few buddies and I went camping this weekend in a cabin and saw one of these
little fellas running along the rafter. He ran to the corner and sat at the top
of a post and watched us for an hour or so. We realized he was probably
nocturnal from the size of his eyes and dimmed the light. About 20 seconds
later he took off in a hurry, probably glad to be away from us! I’ve spent a
lot of time in the woods and have never seen one of these cute little buggers!
We’re honored to say we’ve all had our first flying squirrel sighting!
Thank you for visiting and congratulations on your collective first Flyer sighting experinece. Sorry for the delayed posting and reply and thanks again for sharing your story.
Comments from a visitor in Ionia, Michigan
January 22, 2009
Hello,
I live in Ionia Michigan. We have many flying squirrels. We discovered them in
the summer when they were feeding from the Fox Squirrels metal snack box. We
kept hearing the lid clunk and wondered what was getting in the snack box at
night. We located a flash light and stood by the tree to find out who the
thief's were. Well much to our surprise we counted that night, 6 flying
squirrels in the Maple tree feeding from the snack box. Just lately, the bird
feeders and the snack box are turning up empty first thing in the morning when
we fill them just after dark. We are assuming these furry creatures are coming
out of their warm dens at night and feeding. Also, I think this time of year is
their breading season. We sure enjoy them when we can see them. We were able to
take pictures of them standing about 3 feet from the tree.
Regards, Shirley K
Ionia Michigan
Thank you for your flying squirrel report from Ionia. Sounds like you are blessed with many of them which should afford a great deal of viewing especially in the Spring. Ionia will be added to our location map and chart. Thanks again.
Comments from a visitor in West Nyack, New York
January 18, 2009
A
wild squirrel visited my husband and I in our apartment today! We live in West
Nyack NY (very close to the woods). Initially, we thought that our cats found a
mouse. However, it was a flying squirrel that they chased around the living
room and into the bathroom. It seemed that they didn't quite know what to make
of it
and definitely didn't hurt it. I was able to close the bathroom door and then
my husband coaxed him out the window. We're very glad
that our cats didn't kill him and much happier that he is back out in the wild!
Thank you for visiting and your flying squirrel report from West Nyack. Glad it had a happy ending with the little fellow back where it should be. Congratulations on your in home sighting experience, especially if it were your first encounterwith these little marvels.
Comments from a visitor in Merrick, Long Island, New York
January 14, 2009
Merrick,
Long Island, New York
January 14, 2009
When leaving a favorite restaurant in Merrick this evening, my mother-in-law
and I were walking to the car and we spotted a critter walking toward us
between the cars in the parking lot. It was dark out, but parking lot lights
gave us a pretty good look at this unusual animal. At first I thought it was a
chipmunk. However, it was bigger than a chipmunk and had no stripes. It was
smaller than a squirrel. It appeared to be grayish in color. It had large black
eyes and a long, furry, flat tail. It carried itself low to the ground. It
cocked its head to the side, looking up at me and kept walking toward me, not
shy at all. We were unable to see its underside. While driving home, I couldn't
stop thinking about it. I thought it might have been a pet that got loose and I
was concerned about it being in the cold temperatures. Upon returning home, I
did an internet search. I believe this animal was a flying squirrel. I feel
pretty confident that it is a wild animal, and not a loose pet, able to survive
on its own in this climate. What a cool sight! I've never seen one.
- Debbie
From your description , it almost certainly is a flying squirrel. So congratulations on seeing your first. New York State is well represented on our sighting report map and chart. Lots of flyers around and most will never encounter them in their lifetime. Pity that, they are somewhat special
Comments from a visitor in Salmon River, Oregon
January 10, 2009
Subject:
Flying squirrel near Oregon coast.
We live about 7 miles inland from the central Oregon Coast, on the Salmon
River. This morning we found a flying squirrel in a live trap which had been
set to catch a rat. This is only my second sighting in 20 years here, but this
one was very up-close! We immediately released him, and he promptly climbed up
the side of our garage to the roof, and took flight off the roof into some fir
trees. So you can add Oregon to the map of sightings now!
Great news for Oregon. Thank you for visiting and confirming Flying Squirrels in Oregon for our sighting map and chart.
Comments from a visitor in Stony Brook, New York
January 10, 2009
Subject: Flying Squirrels in Stony Brook, NY!
Wow, I never even knew these guys existed until someone told me about them on
New Years Eve. Today I switched on my back yard floodlights to look at the suet
feeders and there were three squirrels at two different feeders. They stayed
for a few hours. Pics when I get the right equipment. We are in Stony Brook,
NY.
Jay S
Thank you for your sighting report from Stony Brook.
Congratulations on seeing them for the first time - Usually an exciting
discovery for most of our visitors. Another New York dot will be added to
our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Atlanta, Georgia
January 9, 2009
Subject:
Flying Squirrel in Downtown Atlanta
I saw a flying squirrel yesterday evening in my apartment complex in downtown
Atlanta. I have never seen one before. It was amazing. I thought it was a bat
or bird, but then it swooped right by my deck and I could clearly see it. Is it
unusual to see them this time of year? What kind of food can I put out for
them? Do you think they will eat off of a feeder on my deck? Thanks!
Thanks for visiting and your report from downtown Atlanta. Perhaps a platform feeder with some sunflower hearts would do the trick. We have fed sunflower hearts exclusively and have attracted them for the last 15 years . Best of luck to you and thanks again for your report.
Comments from a visitor in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
December 29, 2008
Subject:
Thanks and thoughts
I just stopped by your website to see what was new in December. I hope all went
well with Peg's surgery since the absence of further comment could mean either
emotional/caretaker overload or an unhappy outcome. Since your last message
suggested that you may be letting the website go in the future, I wanted to
thank you for posting your wonderful photographs. I have enjoyed them so much.
So, thanks so much for sharing and best wishes for the new year. Cynthia S
Basking Ridge, NJ
Thank you so much for your note and best wishes. We
are right in the middle of a very difficult recovery but things are looking a
little better now. Although I am cautious about becoming too optimistic since
conditions have and do change almost daily. I hope that in a few weeks to get
her home and can resume my web page entries, and answer in the usual way
all of the comments I receive. Wishing you and all our visitors a Happy New
Year.
Comments from a visitor in Denison, Texas
December 28, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel Texas sighting
We have a flying squirrel visiting our indoor/outdoor atrium at night. It's
great up close viewing. So entertaining. We're in Denison, Texas.
Thank you for visiting and your report from Denison. Another Texas dot will be added to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Brimley , Michigan
December 24, 2008
We
wanted to report that we have been watching a flying squirrel in our bird
feeder. We are located in the upper peninsula of Michigan near the Canadian
border, on the shores of Lake Superior, near a rural town called Brimley,
Michigan.
thanks for the web site, we enjoy it.
-Gary Mc
Thank you for visiting and your very nice comments and especially for adding another locale to our map .
Comments from a visitor in Crystal, Minnesota
December 24, 2008
Just wanted to pass this along, I have had a pair of squirrels visiting my Crystal MN home just like clock work.
Comments from a visitor in Magalia, Butte County, California
December 24, 2008
I’m located in Butte County CA, 2700’ elevation, at the junction of the
Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges. A couple of months ago I had a
flyingsquirrel in my house! I was able to corral her into a carrier. Even with
thick leather gloves I was leery of those teeth! She immediately started
chewing on the plastic carrier. I took her about 100 yards from the house and
let her go.
I wish I had taken photos, no one believes that flying squirrels live in this
area. I’ve seen them before, gliding between trees at dusk. I’m honored that
she paid me a visit, and happy that I was able to capture her before my cats or
dogs did her harm.
Magalia, Butte County, CA
Comments from a visitor in Columbia Heights, Minnesota
December 23, 2008
How neat!! Have never seen one before (actually 2 tonight)! Thought
I'd share after witnessing this tonight 12/23/08 at the birdfeeder
around 9:30PM in Columbia Heights, MN. Thanks for sharing your website!
Comments from a visitor in Delaware
December 23, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels in Delaware
I believe we have 3 flying squirrels in our backyard. They have all of the markings
of one. We have plenty of regular squirrels and we’ve seen babies. These don’t
look like them at all. Tonight, one just flew from one tree to the next –
probably about 20 feet. We live in Northern DE. The range map doesn’t show that
this is their normal habitat. They have the black line on them separating their
belly from their sides
Comments from a visitor in Location unknown
December 20, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels in my attic
for the past year i've been having squirrel issues in my attic, i've been
catching them with have a heart traps. Earlier topday i caught a tiny squirrel
and realized it was a flying squirrel. This should explain why they keep making
the majority of noise at night. How can I prevent these cute but very
disturbing creatures from coming into my house. How far should i drive them so
they dont find their way back
Subject:
Flying Squirrel NJ
I never knew these existed. Past few days found one eating at my bird feeders
in the middle of the night.
I'm in Audubon NJ near Philadelphia.
Photo attached. Brian
Thank you for visiting and adding another location to our growing Flying Squirrel location report. Thanks for the great shot.
Comments from a visitor in Bethel, Connecticut
December 16, 2008
Subject:
Flying Squirrel
We never knew these existed in CT until tonight and we’re in our 50’s! We found
one on our birdfeeder happily eating away and we were able to take pictures. It
stayed on the feeder oblivious to our movements around it for a good 10
minutes. We were trying to figure out what it was and I made a kissing sound at
it to see if it would look up at us. It literally flew off of the feeder to the
ground below (our deck is on the second story) at lightning speed and that’s
when I went to the internet to identify it. What a sight! It’s the small things
in life that make us happy. We hope to see him/her again soon! Paula M Bethel,
CT
Thank you for your first sighting report from Bethel. The first sighting experience for these little guys is always satisfying, exciting and memorable . Hope you get to see it and many more as long as they stay out side and not as unwelcome guest inside as many of our visitors have reported . Thanks for yet another Connecticut sighting report, seems like there is a FS invasion in "The Constitution State". Great shot thanks for sending.
Comments from a visitor in Reston, Virginia
December 16, 2008
Subject:
Flying Squirrels in Reston, Virginia
Well, while I am happy to report that I have seen flying squirrels at last, I
am NOT so happy to report that they're in my attic.
They will be relocated to the local wildlife preserve where the ranger will
help picking out a suitable habitat. These guys sure make a LOT of noise
between 2-5 AM when they're playing squirrel Olympics in the ceiling...
Thank you for visiting and your report from Reston. Photographic proof of yet another home invasion by the miniature flying rodents. Reston will be added to our visitor flying squirrel sighting location report.
Comments from a visitor in New Milford, Connecticut
December 13, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel - The Encounter
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, 5:45 P.M., New Milford, CT. The Encounter
I've lived in my home for twenty years. My husband has lived here for over
thirty years. During our lives we've enjoyed the abundant wildlife which pass
through our yard. It's not unusual for a mouse to find their way inside and
come face to face with one of our two cats. The outcome for the mouse isn't
pleasant. Two bats and a bird have had happier exits.
Last night, I walked into the kitchen and flipped on the light. My 15/16
lb.orange and white cat was sitting in front of the frig staring up at the side
by side doors. The frig is covered with magnets from vacation spots. To my
amazement, a creature, is wrapped in a semi circle around two of the magnets.
My mind races through the inventory of known critters. Blank, what is this
think with those big bulging eyes?
Calling my husband from the living room, chasing the cat away, dumb-founded by
the creatures' calmness. It's just sitting there mostly diffing gravity. My
husband entering the kitchen, believing I'm a raving maniac, equally becomes
mystified by our visitor.
Well, now what? We don't what it running through the house. How do we get it
outside? The game plan, open a door to the back room, close that door, then
open the door to the basement, which allows escape to the outside world. By
morning it should be gone.
That should work but how to get it off the frig to the back room. The distance
of about two feet. My husband goes into the living room and returns with the
instrument of persuasion. A three foot long roll of Christmas wrapping paper,
with a little push, the game plan goes off without a hitch. The next couple of
hours, the cats held a vigil by the door listening, intently. In the morning, I
closed the door to the basement and let the cats go in the back room. Our
little buggy eyed friend was gone. The encounter was over.
But, what is it? A baby squirrel? No, wrong time of year. Yeah, the Internet,
pictures, rodents, squirrels? Ah, a flying squirrel. How cute. Unfortunately, I
didn't take a picture. So use your imagination. Charlene New Milford, CT.
A great story from New Milford. Congratulations on seeing your first flying squirrel and sharing your experience with our visitors. They are a very unique little rodent and it is great that it provided you with a wildlife indoor treat that also ended well for all. With the Christmas wrapping roll playing an integral part of the adventure, this will be for all time a Christmas to remember. Thanks again for visiting .
Comments from a visitor in San Clemente, California
December 11, 2008
Subject:
A heartfelt thank you
My morning routine typically includes a visit to your site which I have in my
“favorites” list. I am one of your loyal website viewers and have been visiting
your site for years. You may remember getting some of my previous comments
about enjoying your robin nest videos. I also have been delighted with the new
format and being updated monthly on the wildlife and bird activity around your
home. When I logged in this morning I was saddened to hear about your wife’s
upcoming surgery and the possibility that the Howpeg journal may end. I just
wanted you to know that your online community is there with you and your wife
in spirit and I will include you both in my prayers at this trying time in your
lives. You truly have a gift for providing a beautiful and serene website that
can let us escape from the hectic pace of our everyday lives. With technology
keeping most of the younger people from enjoying the outdoors and nature I am
concerned that our beloved backyard bird and wildlife population may suffer in
the future. Your website is one of the few left that reminds us to slow down
and just enjoy nature and the creatures that God gave us. God bless you both
and know that you have the support of the many people you have touched with
your dedication to your website.
Best wishes, Dianne S, San Clemente, CA
Thank you so very much for your very much appreciated words and sentiment. Thank you especially for your prayers for us at this time and your continued web page visits over the last few years. I am hopeful that I will be able to provide a most favorable and happy update in the weeks ahead and if so then perhaps even embark on some new yet to be discovered wildlife observations on these pages.
Comments from a visitor in Washington, DC
December 2, 2008
Subject:
Flying squirrel sighting in Washington DC
Just wanted to report a flying squirrel in northwest Washington DC right outside
of my house, which is an urban area. Cute little guy!
Thank you for visiting and reporting your flying squirrel sighting from the Nations capitol . I believe the first reported here actually from DC.
Comments from a visitor in Ridgefield, Connecticut
November 27, 2008
Subject:
Home invasion in Ridgefield, CT
Tonite (Thanksgiving 11/27/2008) I said goodnite to my daughter and watched as
she walked up the steps to go to bed, only to be startled a few seconds later
by the sounds of crashing and screaming. I thought she had fallen down the
stairs so I ran to where she was standing, her eyes as big as saucers, and she
yelled "There's a chinchilla in the house!" I told her that
chinchilla's are not native to Connecticut and it must be a chipmunk or something.
"Then it's some kind of mutant chipmunk with eyes as big as marbles!"
I looked around but did not see anything so I asked where it went. She said
that it jumped up the stairs into the living, clarifying that it jumped up one
step at a time, not all the steps at once, which would not be out of the
question if it was indeed a mutant chipmunk!
I went down to the garage to get my hav-a-hart trap to catch whatever it was
and was heading upstairs when my daughter announced that she found him in the
dining room. Sure enough, there he was under an antique china cabinet and I
most definitely did not recognize what species of critter he was. Seemed too
small for a chinchilla, but much too big for a field mouse or chipmunk. And the
eyes were every bit as big as black marbles, exceeded only by the size of my
daughters popping-out eyes staring at the mutant chipmunk in her dining room. I
was able to set up the trap, using a quartered pear leftover from our
Thanksgiving dinner as bait.
The little guy did not seem in the least bit interested in that pear, at least
not enough to be willing to walk into the trap. But he also didn't seem
particularly nervous, which is remarkable and counter to every other experience
I've had with wildlife, mutant or otherwise, getting into my house. And more so
considering the screaming 10 year old and large agitated man trying to figure
out how to get him out. But he just calmly sat there looking at us with those
big black marble eyes. I decided to get a broom to encourage him to go into the
trap and have some nice delicious pear, but when I stepped into the kitchen the
little varmint scurried out from beneath the china cabinet and ran under an
antique serving table. Broom in hand I opened the door to the deck,
conveniently located next to the serving table, and used the broom to point him
in the direction of his salvation. He quickly made a beeline for the door,
leaving me and my daughter scratching our heads trying to figure out what the
heck that thing was and more importantly, are there more of them in the house
or trying to get in.
After a thorough sweep of the most likely areas, we concluded that he was a
loner. Later, I was able to search online for pictures of likely suspects for
our little mutant chipmunk and found them and this site, identifying him as a
flying squirrel. I had not known that flying squirrels lived in Connecticut,
and would not have recognized one had I ever seen one before. This is certainly
not the first odd looking creature we have seen around here. It is the first
however, besides myself, to actually get inside the house. Order has now been
restored and all is relatively calm, at least until the morning when I tell the
Mrs. about our little visitor from tonite. I suspect it will be the basis for a
long weekend filled with around the house chores, and a lot of comments about
the kind of neighborhood where varmints get into peoples houses. But, frankly
it will be worth it for the story alone, much less the ability to tease them
from time to time that I thought I heard some sounds like a squirrel flying
around up in the attic!
My most sincere regards, Dion K
Thank you for your Flying Squirrel story and indeed a tale very well told. Yours is the second report from Ridgefield to our web page so thank you very much for taking the time to share. Home Invasion by flyers is fairly common as reported here on this page as many of the hundreds of comments we have received so indicate. Congratulations on seeing your first and making this Thanksgiving one that your Daughter et al will always remember.
Comments from a visitor in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania
November 25, 2008
Subject:
Northern(?) Flying Squirrel Sighting
In my house.
In Spring Mills, Pennsylvania. (Centre County -- pretty near the middle of the
state if you bisect the southern and western borders.)
First that we knew there were flying squirrels around here. We've seen red pine
squirrels and common gray squirrels a plenty but never a flying
squirrel before. [We captured it and relocated it outside. Hopefully it was
just looking for a place to stay and hadn't moved in yet.] Our house is on the
edge of a little village and borders Penns Creek. We have mostly open space
with a lot of maple trees and a few hemlocks, even fewer pines, black walnut,
butternut, cherry etc. but the house is surrounded by grass and garden so where
that one glided in from beats me. Don A.
Great news from Spring Mills. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on seeing your first one. Uninvited in house sightings are probably not the best way to make the discovery but sounds like it ended well with the safe capture and release. Depending on the tree height nearby, they can make some pretty extensive flights, and have been know to sail around 300 ft. I have seen them fly from trees across the street into our feeder Oak tree. Perhaps your roof line was the landing strip needed for this guy but would expect that he could return from whence he came, via a take off from the roof. So if the nearby trees are tall then perhaps that explains it. I have never seen one tarry very long on the ground as they are quite vulnerable there. Thanks for visiting , your report and adding another location to our sighting map an page.
Comments from a visitor in Middlebury, Connecticut
November 21, 2008
Subject:
Flying Squirrel
I just read your story about your visiting flying squirrels. Night before last
I saw my first flying squirrel (I live in CT) at my bird feeder. It was a very
calm, cute little guy who just sat there and let me watch him. The next night,
back he came, only this time I found out he hadn't traveled very far - I
discovered that he's living in the birdhouse directly above the feeder! When he
became disenchanted with my watching him, he'd retire to his "home"
and occasionally poke his head out the hole to see if I was still there. As
soon as I went into the house and looked out my window, there he was - back at
the feeder.
I was very excited to see you were able to attract additional flying squirrels
and I'm hoping to do the same. Where he came from I have no idea, but I'm
suspicious of a large tree that was removed from my property (condominium) the
day before. This is a very rural area with our condos set within 1000 acres of
hills and forest. I'm hoping he will stay for the winter now that he has such a
nice home to live in and plan to keep the bird feeder filled.
I'd like to put out occasional "treats" for my guest, especially when
it's very cold and snowy and was wondering if you have any suggestions. So far
I've seen no interference from the raccoons which are plentiful in my area. Any
suggestions you might have to help make my new little flying squirrel feel more
at home would be appreciated .Christine D
Thank you for your report from Middlebury and congratulations on seeing your first flying squirrel. Sounds like you will have many viewing opportunities since it has taken up residence in the birdhouse. Strange as it seems, we have never seen them in the winter. They seem to stop eating the sunflower hearts we feed them unually from April to September and then they just stop showing up untill the next Spring. So sorry that I have no suggestions except to say to continue to put food out for them as long as he stays. If there is one there are sure to be others. We have only fed sunflowere hearts but others have reported feeding peanuts and other bird seed. At any rate another location will be added to our sighting page and map. Thanks again
Comments from a visitor in Blaine, Minnesota
November 18, 2008
Subject:
Flying squirrel sighting
Hello,
I tried sending an e-mail via clicking the link on your web site but received a
computer error, could have been on my end so I thought I would send this e-mail
in case you didn't receive the first attempt.
I just spent 20 minutes, with two of my neighbors, chasing a flying squirrel
around my house. I think he got in through the attached garage. We saw him last
week and he might have slipped in when I was leaving for poker league tonight.
After our sighting last week (of this squirrel) I did some research and can confirm
with 100% accuracy that this was a flying squirrel. You can't mistake the big
nocturnal eyes, smaller size and webbing along his sides.
I live in Blaine Minnesota, Anoka County. We are about 17 miles north of
Minneapolis. Today's sighting took place at 9:00pm CST.
I am happy to report that we caught him with a fishing net and big kitchen
bowl. He was released without harm and we watched him (with the aid of a
flashlight) run up one of my huge oak trees. Thank
you,
Jon.B
Thank you for your flying squirrel sighting report from Blaine. Sounds like the little guy provided a bit of excitement and no doubt some lively conversation at the poker league. First sightings are usually exciting even without the added home invasion ruckus. Glad to hear you were able to successfully extract it back to the oak tree . Hope it stays out there and provides many more outside viewing opportunities. It does make for an interesting story so thanks again. Another Minnesota dot will be added to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Burlington, Connecticut
November 16, 2008
Subject:
Flying squirrels in Burlington Connecticut
I spotted a small creature one night a couple of weeks ago on my bird feeder
that had sunflowers seeds in it. When I tried to get close to it, it sprang
from the feeder onto the ground and up a tree. I was baffled about this and
could not tell what the little creature was. about 1 week later, I saw it again
on my feeder. This time it let me get close enough to touch it. That is when I
saw it was a flying squirrel. I did not know we had them in Connecticut but
upon researching, I found out we have 2 species.
I have watched every night since. At one time we had 10 in the yard. They are
so much fun to watch zipping here and there.
Betty H. Burlington, CT
Thank you for your report from Burlington and congratulations on making the discovery. Sounds like you have a healthy population of flyers. In your area both the Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels can be found. They are indeed fascinating to watch. Thanks again for sharing and adding Burlington to our sighting location page and map.
Comments from a visitor in Wrentham, Massachusetts
November 9, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel sighting
Wrentham, MA, 02093: a pair of flying squirrels have nested in a
dead tree in our front yard.
Thank you for your report from Wrentham. From your
report and many others from your state it appears that there is a healthy
population of the Flying Squirrels in "the Bay State". Wrentham will be
added to our location page and a dot will be placed on our sighting map. Thanks
again
Comments from a visitor in Belvidere, New Jersey
November 7, 2008
November
7, 2008. My wife and I were sitting on our deck overlooking the Pequest River
tonight on what must have been one of the last warmish nights of the year. It
was dark, around 7:40 p.m. I had just gotten up to let the dog in when I heard
a thump on the chair next to the one I'd been sitting in. There was a small,
bright-eyed squirrel perched on the top backrest of the chair. Our yard is full
of "standard" squirrels and at first we thought this was a baby that
had fallen from--where, the roof?--but we noticed some distinct differences in
appearance. My wife said she'd seen something flying over the yard before this
squirrel landed and we wondered if it could be a flying squirrel. I nudged it
with a chair cushion, and it flopped away in what was definitely not standard
squirrel-like hopping.
To be honest, I didn't know if NJ had flying squirrels, so I Googled
"flying squirrel, New Jersey" and found this site, complete with
matching pictures. We recently added some bird feeders to our yard and have
been very pleased with the new species of birds we've seen. We've had lots of
raccoons have even seen a beaver amble out through our yard to river, but the
flying squirrel was by far one of the neatest additions to our local menagerie.
Mike and Sissy Belvidere, NJ
Thank you for sharing your first flying squirrel
encounter with all our visitors. It is always neat the first time you
spot one of these flying marvels. For most of us an experience in life that we
will remember fondly with excitement. Not at all rare these days, and
especially in New Jersey which is perhaps the state with the most reported sightings
here at this site. Congratulations and thanks again for adding another
New Jersey dot to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Teaneck, New Jersey
October 28, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel encounter
Oct 27, 2008
While watching Late Night with David Letterman I noticed a dark flash out of
the corner of my eye. I didn't see anything immediately. A few minutes later I
saw something jump out of a little toy box full of my son's old Ninja Turtle
figures that was left out for my young nephew to play with while visiting. It
was too large to be a mouse. Then I saw the fluffy tail. I chased it around the
living room and dining room, It jumped up and ran along the curtain rod, jumped
down, scampered from
corner to corner. I opened the door to the back porch and managed to direct it
out the door onto my screened in porch. The thing started jumping high up onto
the screens. That's when I realized this was no ordinary squirrel. It was
jumping and gliding from screen to the floor and back up to the screen. The
scene was quit comical. I managed to convince it to glide out the open door.
Now I have to find out how it got in. I don't think this is the last of my
flying squirrel encounters.
Dennis S Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
A fun story, thanks for sharing. Probably more fun after the fact than when trying to persuade the flyer to "get out of the house". Actually not unlike several similar in house adventures reported here by previous visitors. If it were your first encounter , then congratulations are in order and also on your successful exit persuasion. Hope you find and close off his entrance methodology and also hope you have many more sightings , only in the great outdoors. Thanks for visiting and adding another New Jersey sighting location to our location map and page.
Comments from a visitor in Homer Glen, Illinois
October 27, 2008
While technically not a comment sent directly to our howpeg response page. This visitor, from Homer Glen Illinois is a columnist for the Homer Horizon Weekly newspaper. Please read the article by Leo Bigus about his first encounter with the elusive Flying Squirrel. His description and joy described in his article parallels not only our own experience on the first sighting, but also of so many of our visitors so described in their own words on this page. So thank you for your kind and gracious words about our web site and thank you also for adding another dot to our sighting map and sighting locator from Homer Glen.
Comments from a visitor in Coventry, Connecticut
October 21, 2008
Subject:
Your site
I love the site. We recently discovered that we had these little friends in our
woods. Tonight the cat brought one in the house. We caught it and let it go.
I'm 46 and last year was the first time I had ever seen one. My son hit a small
hollow tree with a stick and out they came! I enjoyed your video's and will
show my wife and kids tomorrow. THX, Pat
Thank you for visiting and sharing your first Flying Squirrel encounter. Thank you also for your comments, and adding another Connecticut dot to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Louisville, Kentucky
October 15, 2008
Subject:
great site
What is the music used as background for the Through the Years the Nightly Visitors video? Artist or album?
We're in Louisville. I'm going to look for flying squirrels next spring. Thanks
Thanks for visiting and your comment and best of luck in spotting your own flyers, they are a treat to observe. The music I used in the video you mention is called "Summer Inspiration". It is from an album "Piano Dance" offered by Flying Hands Inc which offers royalty free music for use in the broadcast media and any production effort. For a fee this music can be licensed to add background to published productions. They do not list any artist for this piece. The license allows music to be used only in concert with a multimedia production, but never used as a stand alone music item. I use two such royalty free music providers. Flying Hands which has recently been added to StudioCutz Music Library, as mentioned and also Sound Ideas for the music backgrounds of my videos. You can visit their websites by searching on any search engine such as Google ,Microsoft , Yahoo, etc. Thanks again for visiting .
Comments from a visitor in Holly Springs, Mississippi
October 6, 2008
Subject:
Summers End
Holly Springs, Ms. 9/19/08 They were gone a couple days after these were taken.
Hungry little tuskers aren't they.
Click on the picture for more Photos
Thanks for the follow up report from Holly Springs. Assuming you mean most of them are gone, and most likely on their way across the Gulf to the winter grounds. The numbers at our feeders here in Kentucky have diminished a bit but still seeing one or more ever day including today October 7, 2008. Of course we never had them in the abundance you have chronicled in your photos. For all of Ken's incredible Humming bird shots just click on the picture above and catch the page with all the photos. Thanks again for visiting and sharing your Mississippi Hummers.
Comments from a visitor in New Haven, Connecticut
October 6, 2008
Subject:
Flying squirrel sighted new haven, ct
Attached is a photo I was able to take of a flying squirrel in front of my
patio in the Down Town section of State St New Haven, CT 06511 915PM 10/6/08
I did not know they existing in CT.
Mark
Thank you for your report from New Haven. Nice to
know they live right in the downtown section right in and around the decorative
lighting. If this was your first sighting of these little guys, then
congratulations are in order. Also another Connecticut dot will be added to our
sighting map. Thanks for visiting and sharing your pic.
Comments from a visitor in Rockaway, New Jersey
October 6, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel sighting Rockaway, NJ
On 10/5/08 in Rockaway, NJ 10 pm my family and I heard a 'thump' on the back
door. We looked and saw a flying squirrel hanging on screen. He jumped onto the
top railing of the deck then glided towards the ground into the darkness. We
were so excited... I did not even know that flying squirrels lived in NJ (I have
been living here for 45 years) nor did I know they were nocturnal. That was a
true treat for a family of animal lovers.
Is there anything we can provide for them especially since winter is coming?
Thank you for your report and sharing your excitement on your first flying squirrel sighting. You have lots of New Jersey company who have also reported flyers. Actually New Jersey is one of the most reported states to our flying squirrel sighting map and chart. Most documentation I have read, indicates that they will nest together in cold weather and certainly slow down their activities, although not actual hibernation. You might try putting up a feeder on the side of a tree and placing some enticement there each evening. We have used sunflower hearts although we see very little activity after September at the feeder tree. Best time for us has been from about April to late August . I guess to paraphrase "feed them and they will come". Hope so anyway. Best of luck and thanks again for visiting and sharing your story.
Comments from a visitor in Severn, Maryland
October 1, 2008
Subject:
Flying Squirrel sighting
I was looking online to see if flying squirrels were common around our area and
ran across your page. my aunt and i was sitting out on our deck talking around
3 in the morning and my aunt seen something on the end of the deck hopping
around on the railing and seemed to be kinda trying to fly and couldn't tell
what it was at first...at first we thought it was a bat, then a mouse. .it had
been jumping up to the side of the house like it was trying to get up it, but
it had rained so everything was slippery, but as we got closer to it we was
stuck between bat and chipmunk...it was sitting up on a metal plant hanger and
as i got within a few feet of it we realized it must be a flying squirrel due
to the folds of skin and funky little tail! wow! neither of us had ever seen
one up close and was amazed! we both had heard that people sometimes keep them
as pets and since it really wasn't running from us we was thinking maybe it was
a pet that had gotten loose from someone so we tried to catch it..pfft...fat
chance! quick little boogers! neither of us was thinking of taking a picture
which we should have! we are now wondering if maybe the sounds we have heard up
in the attic might have been one as he was trying to get to the roof of the
house, but who knows! he sure was the cutest lil thing we ever seen! just
thought we would share our little sighting! We are located in Severn, MD.
sighted Oct. 1 2008, around 3:00 A.M. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story and your excitement on seeing your first flying squirrel. Excitement over seeing them for the first time is pretty universal to all of us. This can be tempered I suppose, by them invading your attic, so I hope this is not the case. Many visitors here have reported such home invasions, but thankfully we have not had any trouble in 15 plus years of sharing the grounds with them. We will add another dot to our Maryland sighting map and reference Severn MD on our location page. Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Petrey, Alabama
September 29, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels
My wife and I have lived in Petrey, Alabama for 3 years now. I was raised about
7 miles from here, but my wife from Texas. I have seen flying squirrels in the
woods as a child and in my teens, but felt that with the times they were all
but extinct around this area with so many pines going up and the hardwood being
cut. What a surprise when our first year here we noticed something in the pecan
trees in the yard. It took a few nights to find out what it was but then my
wife found a new love to go out at night and try to find the squirrels in the
trees. They only come out at night and the colder the better we have noticed.
When the pecans are gone off the trees we seem to lose them until the next
year. Today I placed a feeder on the side of one of the pecan trees with
sunflower seeds in it, I am somewhat anxious to see what comes about it in the
next weeks, hopefully it will keep them coming a little longer than a few
months. But if not we do look forward to each and every year. They have just
started feeding again about two weeks ago, in the trees.
Thank you for visiting and your report from Southern
Alabama. Thanks also for the information regarding pecans as one of their
preferred food sources. Hope your sunflower hearts keep them coming and provide
many more chances to observe them. Another Alabama dot will be added to
our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Monroe, Louisiana
September 25, 2008
Flying Squirrel --caught by a cat in Monroe, Louisiana.
It is beginning to look like that Flying Squirrels are a routine prey for the house cats. Several incidents on the cats vs. flying squirrels have been reported here and it seems the occurrences are on the rise. Thanks for visiting and your report from Monroe.
Comments from a visitor in Watertown, Connecticut
September 24, 2008
Flying
squirrels - Watertown, Connecticut
Thanks for visiting and your flying squirrels
sighting report from Watertown
Comments from a visitor in Toledo, Ohio
September 22, 2008
I
live in Toledo Ohio and had never seen a flying squirrel until the other day. My
cat unfortunately brought in a dead flying squirrel. We did not know what it
was until we looked it up. Attached are some pictures. 2 weeks ago she brought
in what I know believe was a juvenile flying squirrel as we could not figure
out it was. It was not a chipmunk, mouse, rat or mole. I feel bad that they
killed them, but now I will be on the lookout for more – alive this time. I did
not realize we had flying squirrels in this area. Susanne
Thank you for your report of Flying Squirrels from
Toledo. Too bad that the first sightings for you are of the deceased little
guy. Your pictures certainly do confirm that your cat did indeed find flying
squirrels. Your pictures can be viewed on the link below. Many
reports of flyers from all over Ohio have been received on this forum and
certainly hope you are able to spot them in flight. A similar cat vs.
flying squirrel report was received a few days ago from Waterbury CT.
Thanks again for visiting and sharing your story and pictures.
See the Pictures of
the deceased flying squirrel here
Comments from a visitor Raleigh, North Carolina
September 19, 2008
I
actually am not a blogger but I'm so intrigued by my wee hummers that I'm going
to just jump in and hopefully not make a fool of myself.
Last spring a hummingbird divebombed me on my deck and i got the message and
set up a feeder. She had one daughter in 2007 and both returned
this year. Both had daughters and i suspect the first daughter had a son
as well because for one long weekend a small male dominated the feeder. [i work
fulltime and only see all-day behaviors on Saturdays.] The male
soon disappeared and i'm guessing from what i've read the oldsters ran the
little rascal off. If he returns to my
habitat next year things should be interesting given he'll be an adult.
Anyway, this season there have been four females - grandma, daughter, and their
respective two daughters - in my habitat. I can tell them apart by
physical characteristics and behavior, e.g the smallest, the
granddaughter, sits on the rim of the feeder to sip, and returns to her next to
the south. The grandma is longer and bigger than the rest and her nest is
to the north. Her daughter is a chatty cathy who sips and chirps up a
storm, sips and chirps, then exits south. She has a
mottled chest while the others' chests are creamy.
Last year the last sighting was on Sept. 8'07. At least the two youngest
are still here feeding as of 9/19. So my question to more experienced
feeders is, do they migrate all at the same time or do they leave when each
individual is ready? How do they know when to migrate? Do
they have a hurricaine sensor that warns them not to leave while climatic
conditions to the south are dangerous? Do they rely on local
temperatures? Do they wait until they are strong enough for the
trip?
The granddaughter is sooo small i beefed up the sugar content of the syrup to
help her beef up for the trip. I'd love to learn more about the science if
anyone can enlighten me. Linda
Thank you for visiting and your comments. Sounds like you have made some keen observations about the hummers visiting your feeder. From your description of Hummer family lineage, it is obvious your observations are more astute than any previously reported. Much of the information your seek can be found on several sites on the internet. This one is especially rich in content http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/Hummer.html. The first and last dates for the hummers to arrive and depart may vary the further north your location . One thing I found on several sites -- it is the length of the daylight hours that triggers the migration action . and since September is the the month when daylight again shortens to reach parity with the dark time, it seems logical that September is the month the migration back to the tropics begins. It does seem so here in Kentucky . although as of this date September 26, 2008 hummers are still at the feeder here in Louisville. Hope you find all the information you are looking for and thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Germantown, Tennessee
September 15, 2008
Something
has been shedding the bark off my cedar tree for a couple of years now. Some of
the branches have been stripped down completely. Last year I borrowed a game
camera from a friend of mine that hunts to try and capture an image of this
mystery tree shredder but I didn't have any luck. Sat night we had high winds
thanks to leftover Hurricane Ike so when I woke up yesterday morning, I looked
out back to assess any damage. What I found was this ball of shredded cedar
under my cedar tree. It's a nest. After researching online, I am fairly
confident that it belongs to a flying squirrel. The outside of the nest has
larger strips of cedar bark and twigs. The interior is very fine shredding of
cedar bark. The nest was intact, but empty. I have lived in my house for 9
years and have never seen a flying squirrel but now I have some comfort in
knowing what has been after my cedar tree for several years now! I have
attached 2 pictures of the nest.
MJN Germantown, TN
Thank you for your report from Germantown. In all of the last 15 years we have had flying squirrels visiting our large oak trees , I have never seen any evidence of nest . So I cannot verify that the nest is a flyer nest, but suspect you are correct in that assumption. If any site visitors can add comments to your find, I will post them here. Sorry for the delay in posting. We have been without power for one week, thanks to hurricane IKE and was just restored today.
Comments from a visitor in Galloway, New Jersey
September 13, 2008
Subject:
My Southern Flying Squirrel
I was going to clean out our birdhouse and as I opened the back access door, I
found myself staring into the biggest dark eyes in a little gray head with pink
ears. I later found out through Internet searches that it was indeed a Southern
Flying Squirrel. Unfortunately I think that since I surprised him (and him me)
it appears he has left. I was looking forward to having him here. I hope he
comes back. Oh we live in Galloway, NJ. Is there anything we can do to help him
come back?????? Let me know. . . . . . .Thanks, JP
Thank you for visiting and sharing your report form Galloway. Many site visitors have reported finding flyers in their bird houses but I cannot remember any describing how they many have induced them to stay after the original disruption. Since we have never had any similar experience afraid I cannot offer any first hand advice. If any visitor has any for you, I would welcome and post here any constructive advice. I think it would be neat to have a nest to observe and there are flying squirrel house plans on the internet. Just search on "flying squirrel houses" and perhaps in addition to the plans they also have some suggestions as to how to attract them . Of course placing a feeder on a tree and supplying some goodies like sunflower hearts, might keep them around even if not in your bird house. Thanks again for visiting and adding another New Jersey location to our sighting map and Log. New Jersey is one of our most reported locations for Flying Squirrel sightings.
Comments from a visitor in Waterbury, Connecticut
September 12, 2008
I
am in Waterbury Connecticut. I just found a flying squirrel that my cats had
killed and left by the back door for me. I have never seen a live one but this
is the second one that they have killed in the last year so I know that they
are out there. We also have many black squirrels in Waterbury which I know are
a variation of normal gray squirrels. I have also seen smaller red squirrels
out during the daytime that I do not think are flying squirrels, I am not sure
what type of squirrel they are.
Thank you for visiting and your report from Waterbury. I suppose that small
rodents like the Flyers are natural prey for the cats, but thought they usually
devour their catch almost completely. I have never seen evidence around here of
the neighborhood cats having actually caught one , although I have observed
them stalking them occasionally on the feeder tree. Sounds like the red squirrel
you describe is just that - a red squirrel. We do not have them here but
see that they are common from Alaska through Canada and in the north eastern
US. They are just as you describe , about half the size of the the gray
squirrel, which would still make them quite a bit larger than the flying
squirrels. Deceased flyers being observed do count as sightings - so
another Connecticut dot will be added to our sighting map. Thanks again for
visiting.
Comments from a visitor in , Mississippi
September 9, 2008
I have an incredible amount of hummers in my Mississippi yard. (1.5 gallons of syrup/day) I also have two dozen of the perky pet 48 oz hexagonal feeders that have been discontinued. I am looking for replacement plastic globes for this feeder. Any suggestions. Thanks, Gerry
Wow that is a lot of Hummer activity. Cannot offer any suggestions on the feeder replacements but will post here and if any visitor has a suggestion will post here and forward to your Email address.
Comments from a visitor in Holly Springs, Mississippi
September 8, 2008
Preparing for their trip from Holly Springs, Ms to their Winter Home..9/8/08
Click on each thumbnail for full size picture.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your Hummer photos. It appears that your hummers are a lot more tolerant of each other sharing the food source. The recurring behavior pattern year after year, here in Louisville KY, is one of a dominate male assuming ownership of the feeder array and attempting to drive off any would be hummer intruder. Perhaps it is a behavior pattern necessitated by the sheer numbers of birds. When the numbers are sufficient as appears in your Mississippi photos , would be a losing battle for a would be "king of the hill: to drive them away. Interesting, Thanks again for sharing. The full size photos can be seen by clicking on the thumbnail.
Comments from a visitor in Lorain, Ohio
September 5, 2008
I live in Lorain, Ohio near Amherst, Ohio where a writer spotted a flying squirrel. In the last two days I have dead tiny flying squirrels in my back yard. They are light grey on top, with white undersides. The tail and the skin folds are the give away. Could these have been babies?
Thanks for visiting and your report from Amherst. From your comments about the color and the description of the skin folds and tail, I would say in all probability they are flying squirrels. I have never seen any of the flyer babies up close and even the adult flyers are certainly tiny when compared to other squirrels, so can't speculate on the dead ones you have encountered. Certainly would be interested in how many and what the circumstance of their demise was. In 15 years of having lots of flyers in our trees, have never seen a dead one. We will add Lorain to our Flying Squirrel sighting location page. Thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Brooksville, Florida
August 23, 2008
I was just in the yard, rearranging some moonflower vines around what I thought was an empty birdhouse. when I stood in front of it to check out my handiwork, I noticed two big beautiful brown eyes peering at me. I was in shock, while we both just stared at each other. then he turned around and appeared to go back to sleep. made my day.
Thank you for your Flying Squirrel report from the Sunshine state. Sounds
like it had found a nice dry place away from the recent storm rains which may
have hit your area. Another Florida dot will be added to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Louisville, Kentucky
August 18, 2008
Subject:
Your site
Just want you to know how proud I am of you on your wonderful site and of your
sharing the love of God’s creation with people all over the world. You rock,
Dad!
Love, Deb
Louisville, KY
A most unexpected and treasured surprise in the
MyComments mail this morning. Thank you dearest Daughter for visiting
HowPeg.com and your much appreciated comments. Love you too Kid, now be
careful out there.
Comments from a visitor in Warren, New Jersey
August 16, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel - NJ
August 16, 2008 - Warren, NJ I am an avid bird watcher and enjoy observing the
birds at our feeders. This afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., I noticed something
unusual. I thought it was a baby squirrel, however, I think it was a flying
squirrel. The tail was very small - not like the photos I've seen, but it was
not the type of squirrels we have in the area. It's eyes were very large and
it's body half the size of a squirrel. One squirrel touched it, and it
immediately laid on it's back pretending to be dead. After a few minutes, it
just got up and ran up the tree.
Thank you for visiting and your report from Warren. Interesting behavior you describe is not like any previously reported on this forum.. In all the years we have observed them here, we really have never seen any flyers except after darkness. So have never observed gray squirrel and flying squirrel contact reactions. The eyes you describe certainly sound like could be a flyer but the normal flyer tail is pretty distinctive. Perhaps an unfortunate birth defect or perhaps even a chipmunk. Many flyers have been reported from New Jersey, so very possibly a very unusual Flyer sighting. Thanks for sharing.
Comments from a visitor from near Flint, Michigan
August 9, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels in my house!
We live in Michigan, just south of Flint on 10 acres. Lots of hardwood trees
and the perfect place for flyers. My experience with flyers began about 5 years
ago. I heard something in our attic that left every night at dark. I could
never figure out what it was until I was cleaning out my winter bird roost
boxes and found I was face to face with 3 flying squirrels. I have built 3
'flyer' apartments mounted in the trees for them in an effort to get them out
of the attic. They have moved in but there are still some in the attic.
Presently, we have one living in my computer room. How he got in I don't know.
I have been trying to trap him with a havahart trap for about a week now. He
loves sunflower seeds plus grapes, lettuce, and black cherries. I just want to
catch him so he can go back outside but he has managed to trip the trap and
escape every night. I have tried hanging the seed from a mesh net above the
trip plate, wire tying a grape to the trip plate, etc. He is very clever. I may
have to resort to a 2 stage trap I saw online. I love watching them and they
are very entertaining-but outside!
Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks! Lori
Thanks for visiting and sharing your flying squirrel story. While we have had flying squirrels in the trees around our home for fifteen years that we know of, and in substantial numbers, we have never had a home invasion by the little guys. So sorry to say, cannot offer any tips to evict your computer room resident. Best of luck in your efforts and thanks again for your report from the Flint area and adding another location to our flying squirrel sighting map.
Comments from a visitor from near McKean, Pennsylvania
August 7, 2008
Blessings
to you
Hello,
Yesterday August 06, 2008 at approximately 3:30pm I was traveling South on Rt79
(Pennsylvania).I was just North of the McKean exit (between the Edinboro, Pa
and Kearsarge exits) The two lane freeway is parallel to trees/wooded areas on
both sides.I have a BS degree in Biology and love to observe the birds as I
drive...but on this day a peculiar tawny critter floated across the lanes and I
saw the rodent body and instantly knew !!!
It was amazing, and thank goodness no one was behind me!!!! It originated from
the trees in the "middle" (on my West side) and floated at an
approximate 25-30 degree angle downward toward the trees that were below the
other side (East side). It was not a bird (Ave), plane, or even underdog...just
little ole flying squirrel. I never saw one in this area and my family has
lived in this area for over 80 years...truly an amazing treat !!!
Thank you,
I found this site while trying to track the indigenous areas for this species.
Thank you for visiting and your FS sighting report from the Northern Pennsylvania area. Congratulations on seeing your first in that area, and especially by chance to see one in the daylight. Rarely are they seen until well after dusk. Another Pennsylvania dot will be added to our sighting map. Thanks again
Comments from a visitor in New York State
August 4, 2008
Subject:
Robin eggs hatched!
From western New York state. Thank you for this site - it has been very
helpful. My front porch nest (too high to view the contents) has produced young
birds. I have been careful not to disturb the parents. I was afraid, at first,
that the young were not going to hatch - but I am able to seethe little bird
heads. The chicks are surprisingly quiet, but definitely lively.
Thank you for the update and thank you also for your comments. Hopefully you will get to see them fledge within the next week or so. Takes about 14 -15 days after hatching.
Comments from a visitor in New York State
August 3, 2008
Subject:
robin nest
Thank you for sharing your robin story. I have a visiting pair nested on a
column up under my front porch. I have tried to be careful and trying not
disturb them, I haven't gotten a ladder to check the contents of their nest. It
seems like they have been there for a very long time - nearly a month.
It's a relatively protected spot. So, I was wondering when or if the eggs would
hatch. There are snakes in my yard but I can't imagine that they would make it
up the front porch column, I certainly hope not. Thanks again, Alana F So
.Western New York state
Thanks for visiting our Robin nest pages. As for when the eggs hatch the incubation period is usually from 12 to 14 days. So if the nest has been there for a month , then certainly the eggs should have hatched. If that were the case you should be seeing the parent birds making many trips a day to feed those hungry hatchlings. On the other hand if you still see occasional activity by the adult robins, then I suppose it is possible that you may be on the brink of hatching, assuming they perhaps delayed the start of the laying process, for a bit after the nest was completed. At any rate hatching should have already occurred or is imminent. Good luck and thanks again for visiting.
Comments from a visitor in Wheaton, Illinois
August 2, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrel - Wheaton, Illinois
July 30, 2008
We found a baby flying squirrel lying on the sidewalk in front of our house,
just under a big branch of a tree that is growing in our front yard. The baby
squirrel was very young as he just barely had any hair, but he appeared alive
and seemed unharmed.
Looking directly above where the baby was lying on the sidewalk to a branch
that was perhaps 10 ft. in the air, we saw an adult flying squirrel (most
likely the mother) in the leaves of the tree jumping around a bit and looking
understandably upset. I got some fabric garden gloves (to minimize human scent
contamination) and very carefully picked up the baby squirrel and set him in
the crotch of the tree which was about 5 feet off the ground.
We then backed away and watched. The mother squirrel ran down the branch to the
crotch of the tree, picked up the baby in her mouth and then scampered back up
to her nest or hollow (whatever it was, the squirrels' home was well hidden
from us).
Hopefully, mother and offspring are alive and well ...
Very nice story - Thanks for sharing and confirming
yet another flying squirrel sighting in the general Chicago area. An area
neighbor from St. Charles reported a sighting a few days ago. Hope you get a
chance to see several more members of that litter after they have had a chancre
to grow up a bit. Your sighting will be added to our tracking log and map.
Comments from a visitor in Houston, Texas
July 31, 2008
Subject:
Houston Texas - Flying Squirrels
Just saw a pair float across the backyard from tree to tree. Location:
Tanglewood Area Houston Texas - Near the bayou
Thank you for visiting and your Flying Squirrel sighting report from Tanglewood. Our FS sighting map will be updated with a dot for the Houston area.
Comments from a visitor in Medford, New Jersey
July 30, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels
I spent two hours tonight watching a family of flying squirrels they were
amazing! they were not at all skitterish and let me sit close by on the tree to
photograph them while they ate and flew from tree to tree!! Medford, New Jersey
Great news from Medford. Hope you were able to get some great shots of the little guys. Their disposition to tolerate human kind is actually pretty amazing. They are certainly wild animals, but yet exhibit traits of domesticated pets, when it comes to going about their business with little regard for the two legged observers. Thanks for visiting and sharing your FS experience. The Sighting location report will be updated to include Medford. New Jersey is perhaps our most reported state and might not be able to discern the Medford dot. But it will be there.
Comments from a visitor in St. Charles, Illinois
July 28, 2008
Hi,
I didn’t know what it was at first. I was shocked when it flew through the air
and then ran up a tree. We have been in unincorporated St. Charles Illinois for
13 years and live in a wooded area and have never seen a flying squirrel
before. WOW!
Congratulations on seeing your first flyer and
thanks for sharing it here. Always a fascinating experience when one first
makes the discovery of these little guys . Another Illinois dot will be added
to our sighting map. Thanks again.
Comments from a visitor in Amherst, Ohio
July 27, 2008
Subject:
possible flying squirrel sighting in Amherst OH?
This morning (around 9:30 am in July with sun shining and everything!) saw an unusually
small squirrel scurrying up and down the trees in our back yard. It was more
reddish than the one previous flying squirrel I have seen, but did have the
black line running from front to back legs and very white tummy. It was too far
away for me to see how big its eyes were. It was slightly bigger than a
chipmunk but much smaller than our red fox squirrels. It was also much more
energetic than our fox squirrels running up each big tulip tree then back down.
I got the impression it was trying to find a route back to our woods without
having to run across the ground, but tree branches were not close enough
together for it to do so. Since it was not dark outside and it was not grey in
color, could it have been a flying squirrel?
Thank you for visiting and your report from Amherst. While I have only rarely seen a flyer outside the dusk to dawn hours, several visitors have reported daylight encounters. The flyers I have seen have all been from reddish brown to gray, and even practically black in areas. From your description, I suspect it was a flyer, and possibly a northern one. There are only slight differences between the northern and southern flyers. To me the bottle brush type of tail is the definite clue to the identity . I have included a link to one of my flying squirrel picture pages. These were very recent pictures and may help you conclude if indeed your mystery squirrel was indeed a flyer. Thanks again for visiting.
http://www.alpha.howpeg.com/backyardwildlife/birdrightpaneflyingsquirrel.htm
Comments from a visitor in Clio, Michigan
July 22, 2008
Subject:
flying squirrels
We have been in our house for 20 years and have been feeding squirrels for about
5. Usually I give them about 16 oz. of corn weekly. A couple of weeks ago, I
discovered that the whole 16 oz. was being eaten in one night....over night.
Weird. So I sat on my sunporch, and sure as heck, I thought bats were flying in
to the tree, 9:30 on the dot. But by their profile, and what I could barely see
of them, I thought then that they were chipmunks! After several nights, it
dawned on me what they were, especially when I searched on the internet. There
are at least four or five or more. They are so delightful! I can't believe how
much they eat! I need to figure out how to take pictures of them. Anyway, I
love love love this website! So there ARE such things as flying squirrels
(gliding) and in Clio, Michigan! L. S
Thank you fro visiting and your comments. Great news on making the acquaintance of these night visitors. It is amazing how many report first arrivals at about 9:30 PM at this time of the year. They are indeed delightful to watch. Thanks for confirming their presence in Clio and adding another Michigan dot to our sighting map.
Comments from a visitor in Malone, New York
July 22, 2008
Subject:
Northern Flying Squirrels, etc......
We have northern flying squirrels here in Malone and in Owls Head, New York
only a dozen miles from the Canada border. I have photo evidence but would have
to search for it. The first time we saw them we were at camp and thought the
red squirrels were being particularly greedy as they were eating so late into
dusk. Those big eyes were a clue, however, and we learned we were seeing out
first flying squirrels. Later that summer we found flying squirrels at our back
porch feeder. This year my husband has had them refuse to leave the interior of
the hanging feeder when he wants to refill it. They do love their sunflower
seed!
On to the topic of bird predation: Two years ago we had barn swallows set up
housekeeping in one of the bluebird boxes. The babies were a day or so from
fledging when a bluebird would be user of the house sticked its head in to see
how things were going when the swallow parents were out chasing food. By the
time the swallows got home the four babies were dead. I saw the event but not
what transpired inside the box. I believe that the bluebird pecked the swallow
fledglings to
death. It changed my view of bluebirds a bit. This year the same box has its
second clutch of bluebirds working now.
Thank you for your flying squirrel report from Northern New York state and, and sounds like determined ones at that. I have found that in many ways these wild critters seem to feel right at home with we human kind. Good to know the Northern flying squirrels are as keen on sunflower as their southern cousins. Thanks for the in