Pro tip: Always check the nest before you start the climb

I was up in a big oak in Portland last spring, about 25 feet up, getting ready to make a cut. I put my hand right into a hollow limb and felt something fuzzy move. Pulled it out and it was a full squirrel nest with three babies in it. The mom squirrel started chattering at me from a nearby branch, totally mad. I had to climb all the way back down, move my rigging, and start on a different limb. Anyone else had a job completely rerouted by wildlife?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavinhunt2mo ago

Ever get the squirrel mafia tax?

rubyreed2mo ago

You mean when they hold your bird feeder hostage for peanuts? @gavinhunt, I keep a cheap bag of peanuts in the shell on the deck railing as a peace offering. They take those first and usually leave the actual feeder alone for a bit. It's like paying off the local crew so your shop doesn't get messed with, lol.

laurabennett2mo ago

Wondering if they'd take a bribe to keep the other squirrels away too.