We discovered that they like the pips of the gem squash pumpkins.
But instead of eating the pips immediately, they rather wait for a day, until the sun has dried the pulp.
My wife likes to experiment with different fruits and vegetables in order to determine what the squirrels like to eat. We are not well off moneywise, and the squashes cost only a third of a packet of raw peanuts. The avocados are out of season at the moment and cost a fortune for one avocado. So, we can only buy one avocado at a time and share it with the squirrels. Gem squashes are very cheap here and we also eat them, and afterwards she lays the squash skins and pips out for the squirrels.
This happens almost every number of days now, and it's amazing to see that the squirrels will not eat the squash pips before they are ready and almost dry. So, no one can tell me that the squirrels are not intelligent, as they wait for their meals to be perfect before they would indulge in it. They don't like melon pips, apples, pears, or any other soft fruit like mangoes. They rather seem to like pumpkin pips and of course, avocado. I watch them through our study window and if they approach an item and only bump it around with their noses, then I know whether they like it or not, as they will simply turn away and ignore the offering.
Check that double-legged stance on the rocks.
She first went for the avocado on the left, then you can see how she closes her eyes for the lovely taste of the squash pips :)
Ignoring the mango skins completely, instead you can see the two avocado skins at the left.
A yummy time, as she scooped the pips out.
Hello, time for a dive to get the pips at the bottom of the squash.
What a yummy mouthful of an avocado in the left hand and a squash pip in the right hand.
For some reason I love to share squirrel posts on a Friday, as it is a short day of busyness for us, before the weekend. I don't know if you also find the time flying on a Friday, and if not, then to keep busy on the day is your answer. At times, we think it is about 11am, only to discover that it is 1 or 2 pm. Where did the time go? I wish I can tell you. I think the idea of having a fun weekend, rules on a Friday, as images of relaxing continue to flip through one's mind. Especially after a tough week. Lol.
Such is life.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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