If I ever have to replace the stop and waste valve on my sprinkler system again I’d like to hire this guy for the digging part of it. I’d pay him top wages too.
All photos are presented in the order they were taken.
When I was in the mountains a couple of days ago I found a few active Uinta Ground Squirrels. Most were unapproachable but this one was an exception because “he” was so involved with excavating his burrow. Here he’s about to begin another digging session.
Often I couldn’t see him, only the dirt flying out of the burrow entrance and sometimes…
he threw it a great distance.
More than once I noticed large dirt clods or rocks included in the excavated material.
Several times he came out to inspect the growing pile of dirt at the burrow entrance and when he did there was evidence of his excavation activities all over his face.
The higher the dirt pile became the more difficult it was to throw dirt up onto it from inside the burrow so…
he would flatten it out while he was on top of it and then…
go back down into the burrow and throw some more dirt.
Every time he came out to inspect the growing dirt pile his face was dirtier than it was the time before.
I was impressed by how much dirt he could throw and by how far he could throw it.
But the elevation of the growing dirt pile continued to be a problem so he…
used his nose as a bulldozer blade to flatten it out again.
This process continued for quite a while before he…
eventually stood up at the edge of the dirt pile and then scurried over to what I believe was another entrance to his burrow. At that point he was much further away so I left the area.
All this was quite interesting for me to watch. When I was growing up on the Montana farm Richardson’s Ground Squirrels were everywhere and I spent a lot of time watching them but I rarely if ever saw them excavating their burrows from a close enough distance to really appreciate their technique.
Mammals can be almost as much fun to photograph as birds.
Ron
That was fun to watch. His face lol
Good. Thanks, Jean.
Now that is an impressive work ethic. Expertise on display.
Yup.
Amusing series.
Thanks, April.
Ron, I have to admit that I had not given much thought to how ground squirrels dig their burrows until I looked at your posting today. This guy could really make the dirt fly. I don’t think this was his first burrow considering his technique. I guess a good run through a sprinkler will clean him off! Thank you, Ron for an entertaining and informative post.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Alice.
I have a ground squirrel family that likes to hang out on my cinder block fence. I think it must be a great place for sunning. The dogs have even given up barking at them as the squirrels don’t run. They just lay there looking bored. 😀
Your ground squirrels must be fun to watch, Arwen.
I’m a bit jealous of your up-close-and-personal with this little fella. I’d love to spend some time watching him dig his burrow. Your photos and description bring me close, though. 🙂
Coincidentally, I just finished watching a Time Team episode (S5E1) which ended up with trenches looking remarkably like your little guy’s work — piles of dirt and all — as they searched for the remnants of Richmond Palace, the site of Elizabeth I’s death.
Thanks, Marty.
I just might have to find that Time Team episode and watch it. I’m fascinated by English history – two of my direct Dudley Ancestors, Edmund Dudley and John Dudley, were beheaded by Henry VIII at the Tower of London.
Marty said just what I was thinking, I would love to watch this. We are big fans of Time Team too.
Of course you are, EC — LOVE IT! We are definitely sisters from different misters! 😀 😉
Very interesting to see. No time for relaxation in the life of a ground squirrel. Thanks for sharing Ron.
Thank you, Everett.
Lovely series of photos and commentary, Ron. Thank you!
Thanks, Melanie.
Impressive! 🙂 Seems to understand exactly what needs to happen when…… 😉 I have a border collie that can really make it fly when after a mouse or bug of some sorts – impressive except for the area chosen for the excavation……. 🙁 Now if one could harness those skills………! 😉 It’s snowing – thought of your already planted tomatoes………..
Judy, I had to cover my tomatoes for one night a few days ago – got down to 32 that night. Hopefully I’m now over the hump.
Nice series Ron. They don’t have as bushy a tail as our Grey Squirrels here in Rhode Island.
Gary, I’m unaware of any species of ground squirrel that has a fluffy tail.
This is special and amazing! He looks as if he’s looking at you for approval of a job well done! The next to last photo is funny…who would have thought he’d push the dirt with his nose. thanks for sharing a great set this morning…makes me want to get out there and start digging in my garden!
He did that bulldozing trick a couple of times. Thanks, Kathy.