Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

Whilst working in the kitchen I became aware of a scratching sound above me. So wandering outside I witnessed a squirrel trying to make a hole in the wooden shuttering (some admittedly needing reapir). I assume that it was trying to find a space to prepare a nest to have its babies. So to discourage its desire in setting up residence I started clapping my hands to scare it off. In its shock at my invasion it shot across the drive and jumped into the trees. Unfortunately it lost its footing and tumbled down into the stream below. Splashing and annoyed at having its plans thwarted in such an undignified manner it disappeared into the bushes.

Has anyone got any other amusing stories to add?

I don't have anything quite like that! I've never seen a squirrel lose their footing before; they always seem so sure-footed.

Generally squirrels are quite sure-footed, but I have seen a couple of them lose hold of my hanging bird feed stations a couple of times.  One managed to fall on his back.  He bounced a few times and ran off, unhurt. He stopped about ten feet away from the feeding station, and glared back up at the feeder, chittering at it .

Kingfisher