Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:15:32 -0500
From: Doug Berg <>
Subject: Squirrels and Crows
As reported from other parts of the county, we, too, haven’t been seeing many squirrels here off Russells Chapel Road lately. I write that off to last year’s meager crop of mast. If I’m right, we can expect this year’s abundant mast to bring those furry creatures scurrying back in full numbers next year. Folk wisdom has it that abundant mast means a harsh winter, but last year’s harsh winter came on a lean mast—another reminder that folk wisdom is cherished because it’s so easy to forget when it’s wrong.
As for those crows appearing to have taken over the bird kingdom: I’d explained that away as their having lost their fear of humans. Around here at least, it’s been a while since hostilities ceased between the crows and every angry farmer with a corn patch and a shotgun. Crows are the second smartest animal out there after humans, and it didn’t take them long to figure out they can strut across your yard without having to worry about agun barrel poking out the door.
Doug G. Berg