World's Smartest Squirrel

I know this is not directly related to kayaking but I had to post it anyway. I may have found the world's smartest squirrel!

For the past few days I have been watching this little guy trying to figure out how to get to the birdseed in the feeder outside my office window. I've seen him hang upside down from the branch, jump up from the ground, leap from the tree trunk, etc, all to no avail. However, today was different. He actually managed to climb headfirst down the string and hang upside down from the feeder. Strong little guy, right?

He then decided this was a bit too hard, so he went for another approach. This time he climbed the tree, grabbed the string, and nibbled through it until the feeder fell to the ground. Then, he hopped down and ate his full. I didn't have the heart to stop him. Besides, he earned his sunflower seeds today!

Searching for Snowy Owls

Since taking an ornithology class a few years ago and learning how fascinating bird-watching can be, I've begun my own quest of sorts to see as many common and rare birds within New York as I can. One such bird is the Snowy Owl. Try as I may, however, I have yet to see one. But, with a week and a half off from work, I have made it my mission to find one this holiday season.

Recent reports tell of a Snowy Owl being sighted on Pattersquash Island near Smith's Point Beach on Long Island. So, my wife, my daughter, and myself hopped into my wife's car and rushed down to the beach to see it. Just my luck, the owl was gone, but my daughter did get a kick out of the deer that walked right up to our car, though. Seeing how close the island was from the parking lot gave me an idea, though. Why not paddle out to it the next morning? That way I could satisfy my crave for open water and give myself another chance to find an owl.

So, yesterday morning I woke before dawn, drowsily got dressed, packed up my gear, and drove to the beach for the second time in as many days. Cold air, drizzling rain, and unbelievably loud shotgun blasts from duck hunters greeted me as I launched my boat. Luckily, the hunters all stayed to the west of me as I headed east towards Pattersquash Island. The cold and rain did follow me, though. Two miles later I was circling the island, with no owls in sight (of course).

I was able to take comfort in the fact that none of the other birdwatchers I met saw one either. I did enjoy watching the huge flocks of buffleheads on the bay and crashing waves on the Atlantic. And, any morning spent paddling is a good morning, Snowy Owl or not.

Another report tells of a Snowy Owl on Jones Beach. Sounds like another possible paddle to me!