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Weather & Squirrels
Author: Bill Garwood

Weather & Squirrels

Bill Garwood

Many of us feed and watch our local squirrels and birds too, but they aren’t as much fun to watch. I think our Townsend animals know something we don’t. Within the last few months, they have all been eating like there is no tomorrow; some have darker fur and act like they are preparing for a very cold winter.

I think they are hiding the fact that they have special knowledge for the coming years' weather! I think the little heathens are hoarding peanuts for colder months. They even look at us like “don’t judge me, it’s going to get seriously cold, I’m preparing”. Ok fine, but couldn’t they tell us? Lately they have been chattering in their guttural squirrel language (I think they understand us when we talk to them). What, YOU don’t talk to your neighborhood squirrels?

You just knew after being away, I’d be talking about squirrels, didn’t you? Our poor local hardware store (I mustn’t mention any store names) has been having a hard time keeping peanuts in stock. It seems the distributors misunderstand the stores in Townsend wanting so many bags of peanuts. I know very well I am not the only one ordering them. I have even gone so far as to befriend a “Nut Lady” in a large grocery store, so one way or another I will be supplied!

Our local weather forecasters have a heck of a time guessing our weather patterns up our valley; between the area mountain ranges, the radar doesn’t even reach Townsend. I’ve been watching when they are talking about Montana, and when they go to forecast for us, they kind of just shrug their shoulders and look scared. Maybe if they consulted the state squirrels, they would get factual weather information. I know for a fact every February they ask the Groundhog about winter/spring.

Hunters and farmers have been watching animals for centuries to get a hint about crop futures and yield of deer or elk. I wonder if they watch the squirrels? No self-respecting hunter would admit to talking to squirrels, watching maybe. They DO keep track of geese movements, watching the skies for flocks.

Be nice to your local squirrels; you never know when you might have to stock your pantry with squirrel meat. I hope they can’t read, or I’m in a lot of trouble! (Why are they coming closer, and peering in the windows?) The tiny birds, finches, etc., I don’t mind - even the ravens or crows. But the in-between cow birds or black birds are a royal pain! They get into the squirrel feeder and filch peanuts; I dislike them intensely!

So, watch the skies and the squirrels, prepare for a COLD winter. THEY KNOW! Enjoy the hot summer folks; I’ll be inside mostly, staying cool. Remember: Football season is only a few weeks away.