While celebrating Paul’s birthday dinner this evening, I watched a squirrel fly across the porch. It happened so fast that I couldn’t be certain what I saw.  Was it carrying something thing it’s arms?  Was it squabbling with another squirrel?  Curious, I went out to the porch and looked around.

And then this little face in the grill caught my eye.

I called Hannah out to join me as I lifted the lid on the grill for a peek.

A baby!

And a big nest.  So glad I didn’t grill tonight’s Filet Mignon.

And there’s two! Hannah and I lingered and watched them for a bit.

Until one very pissed off mama arrived. Hannah and I moved inside and watched.

Through the living room window (at dusk with a reflection in the glass) we waited while mama returned to the grill. She watched us through the the window and decided that we weren’t an immanent threat.

And then action.

She shoved a baby squirrel through the opening,

We watched as she stopped to get a better grip, and then she was off.

Scurrying across the porch in a blur.

She raced as fast as she could.

Once off the porch and through the fence, she paused and then was off, racing under both vehicles to a secret spot on the other side of the yard.

We waited a few minutes, watching until mama squirrel returned and repeated the whole process over again. I can only imagine that mama is not happy with the increased activity on the porch as of late.

I hope they’re happy and safe in their new home. It is grilling season!