I hiked the Florida Trails several times this week. This is the trail and if you look on one side, you can see where they've done the controlled burns. It will all green up in no time!
It's a multi use paved trail for hikers and bicycles only and it's a dream to walk on. A machine comes through and blows the debris off every morning so it's easy to walk on and look around for wildlife as you go.
Well, one day I saw something running TOWARD me on the trail at a good distance ahead.
At first I thought it was a bunny rabbit....
(it's just a blur of fur!!!)
then I thought it was a racoon....
and then I was just sure it was a monkey!
Maybe it's a small black bear! lol
But lo and behold it was a Fox Squirrel! One of the cutest ones I've ever seen. LARGE, about 3 times bigger than a regular gray squirrel, with a big long bushy tail like a fox and a black head. The face looked flat like a monkey! I wish my photos were better because he was a beauty! Maybe I'll see him again!
But lo and behold it was a Fox Squirrel! One of the cutest ones I've ever seen. LARGE, about 3 times bigger than a regular gray squirrel, with a big long bushy tail like a fox and a black head. The face looked flat like a monkey! I wish my photos were better because he was a beauty! Maybe I'll see him again!
This is a better photo of one we saw a couple of years ago.
The other crazy siting was on the same hike! I looked overhead and saw an Osprey!
They are usually seen near water but hey....it's Florida! He wouldn't have to go far to find some!
Anything crazy in your neck of the woods?
My hubby was sweet to put up a Videos tab under my header. There's a short video of the Fox Squirrel. When I started the video, I thought it was a bunny rabbit! lol
I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
and I’d Rather B Birdin’.
45 comments:
...crazy things make for a great day!
I have never seen one of these squirrels, only grey and red ones. But, IO have seen a lot of ospreys from our years on the VA eastern shore.
We were at Silver Springs last week (passing the time before an appointment that day) and saw the sign about the monkeys that can be found there. So when you thought maybe you were seeing a monkey, I thought to myself, "sure enough!!"
But a Fox Squirrel, that's really special, too! And an Osprey!
Right now the only wild creatures I'm seeing are the friendly dogs taking their people on walks here in the new neighborhood. But I'll get out to see more after we've unpacked the necessities of life!
Diane, I have not seen any squirrels that big. We have plenty running around here. I went back to a couple of your post to see where you were hiking. You have seen some pretty things and great birds. I loved the big water lily. Blessings to you and your hubby, xoxo,love, Susie
Have never heard of nor seen a fox squirrel - it's huge! ^^
I love this big squirrel!!!!!!!! And what a great photo of the osprey! Kisses!!!
I love squirrels. They are very entertaining. Fun series.
Now that's a handsome squirrel! Amazing photos The black squirrel we have here are quite large and have actually pushed out the common red squirrel, I have missed you, I'm back blogging at a new blog , fresh start, new beginnings, I hope you will visit me there, my profile photo will bring to the new blog link, thankyou fir sharing this with us today!
I have never seen a fox squirrel, don’t think we have them here. He sure has a beautiful long tail! Enjoyed both the videos at top.
Hello, I first thought your Fox Squirrel was a monkey too. I have seen the monkeys at the Florida park. The closeup of the Fox squirrel is cute. I have never seen one before. Love the Osprey. Great photos and critter post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend. PS, thanks for the comment on my blog.
That IS crazy! I thought for sure it was a monkey also. *haha* How fun! Love, Andrea xoxo
That critter is most unusual! I would be scared. Yes, I am a weenie, scaredy cat for sure.
It's a long time since I saw a Fox Squirrel but they are indeed endearing creature. I am sure it made your day to have this encounter.
I was ready to think monkey, lOL. There are a few exotics that survived captivity or were just released
WOW! That's a whale of a tail!
In my area ~ about 10 ft. from my front door ~ we have a duck nesting! No eggs yet, but the nest is fully built and ready to go!
I thought for a minute it looked like a monster prairie dog, but fox squirrel is very cool. I see ospreys here quite a bit and I am always in awe.
This is a completely new animal to me.I didn't even know such a thing existed. Love the Osprey shot too.
I did not know we have fox squirrels here and have never seen one any where. he/she is really beautiful. it could be any of what you thought you saw.. amazing siting. wow
That is a hoot! We have about 11 red squirrels, last count.
Sounds like a great day on the trail. I never heard of a fox squirrel so that was nice to learn and see. I like your video of the squirrel running across the trail.
Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend!
Sounds exciting to see that fox squirrel! And it's really cute!
Thanks for visiting my blog and for the comment.
Great captures!! We have ospreys here, but we do have lots of lakes. Thanks for always taking us along!
I have learned something new today--thanks to you--
I have never hear of a fox squirrel--they are a neat looking critter though aren't they???? Lucky you for seeing one and then also able to get some photos of one!!!
Happy Trail hunting--
luv, di
Squirrels are always fun to watch. It does almost look like a little bear in the one picture
You did see something fun! A fox squirrel is new to me, too!
We just have bunnies, squirrels, birds, and too many deer. A cardinal has been banging his head on our windows, looking for a mate or something. So I pull down the shade so I guess he doesn't see the reflection. That's amazing that someone sweeps that walkway every morning! How pleasant!
I've never seen a fox squirrel.
I've never heard of a fox squirrel! He is so cute....and big! I did have a black squirrel in my yard a couple of years ago but that was the first and last one I have ever seen here. What a nice nature walk to had! Always so much to see! Hope you are having a nice weekend Diane! Hugs, Linda
Oh my gosh, that DOES look like a monkey!! What a peculiar animal this is. I've never heard of or seen a Fox Squirrel before. So interesting. I like the picture of him in the tree hehehe.
~Sheri
The fox squirrel is an amazing siting. It's so large!
WoW...what an adorable squirrel, and my what a long tail you have there!!
such a beautiful trail to hike on and how nice that they maintain it so well!!!
Hello. Amazing squirrel! I have never seen a Fox Squirrel. Fantastic critter!
When I saw the first picture, I too thought it was a monkey.Glad you explained that it was a squirrel, a very large one. That is one almighty tail it has.
Adorable squirrel. And excellent in flight osprey. I so enjoy your humorous guesses of that trail critter tho...a tiny bear? That had me rolling!
Thanks so much for sharing your photos and adding a great narrative for all of us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin'
I've never even heard of a fox squirrel. What a gorgeous creature and that tail is unbelievable! I enjoy going along on your hikes. Have a great week ahead!
what an unusual squirrel! We have many Osprey here in CT along the shore. One has made a nest in a construction crane near our office.
Oh my goodness, Diane, you are so brave! I thought for a minute it might be a baby bear cub - and then, mother wouldn't be too far behind! (yikes!)
That little Fox Squirrel was adorable, though! I love the close up picture of the one a few years ago - they are soooo cute!
Happy Spring to You!!! :)
Blessings, Net
How cool - I have never heard of a Fox squirrel. We don't have them in NY state, but we do have lots of Osprey. They build their big nests in many spots in our area.
I can't wait for it to get green here.....
I've never seen or heard of a fox squirrel--they are actually very cute! Don't think we have them up north, but we are overrun with gray squirrels who just love eating the birds' seed!
Do you know, sometimes crazy things make for a very good day :)
Loved your post.
All the best Jan
Diane, oh my goodness! I've never seen a fox squirrel. I absolutely adore them now! Such interesting little creatures! Thank you for enlightening us! xo
Always better than watching TV
lol, THAT is one adventure you will NEVER forget. Congrats to the sighting :)
Wow..that squirrel. I’ve never seen anything like that.
I really thought you had a runaway monkey on your hands! And I've never heard of a fox squirrel, whoever named it that? It should've been named a monkey squirrel, lol! Great pictures... it is so very exciting to see such beautiful wild animals on our hiking adventures!!! The osprey is a magnificent bird, we have many of them here too. Have a great week :)
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