Our New Family

Over the years that we have lived here we have had families of quail come and feed on the seeds that fall from our feeder to the ground. But they have been transients. They eat and run.

We have other critters who come and go as well - roadrunners, doves, hawks, various other birds, lizards, and bunnies. Whenever we go outside, all of these animals run or fly away - usually out of the courtyard.

We also have Antelope Squirrels and we noticed that when they ran away they always headed toward the enclosure where our hot tub equipment is kept. It made sense. They could hide behind the biggest piece of equipment, the heater. It was safe, dark and warm during the winter when it kept the tub water from freezing.

Now we know that they were doing some other things in that warm, dark place besides just hiding. They were making little Antelope Squirrels.

We have at least four young Antelope Squirrels now resident in our courtyard. Being young they are a little more curious and adventurous than their more conservative adults.

Here are some pictures of one (or possibly more) of the youngster who run around our courtyard.

This is one of the adults who's showing his/her age.

Now the wild-eyed, carefree, go-for-it youngster(s).

Eating the dried flowers from our sage.

Playing on top of our seed container. Maybe he/she can smell the sunflower seeds beneath the top.

Is anybody else down there?

Eating some of our weeds - you go little guy!

Trying to look into our house through the glass in our courtyard doors.

Playing hide 'n' seek in a flower pot.

Or, may be King on the Hill.

Welcome little ones. Just don't mess anything up.