138 The Gray Squirrel 



red headed woodpecker will sometimes put a gray 

 squirrel scampering after a few moments, for the 

 blows from that long sharp bill of his are severe. The 

 squirrels, being the earlier risers, are often feasting 

 when the birds appear, but they beat a hasty retreat 

 before these tricolored warriors. 



The gray squirrel has other enemies in feathers, 

 such as the goshawk and the red tailed hawk. A 

 single hawk, however, can scarcely catch a gray 

 squirrel, especially if the squirrel remains on the tree 

 trunk, which he probably will be wise enough to do, 

 thus being enabled, by dodging, to evade the hawk's 

 claws. I never witnessed an encounter of this kind 

 but once, and certainly the squirrel was " up to the 

 trick"; for he eluded the hawk in the most exasperat- 

 ing manner, chattering and barking the while in a 

 most impudent tone, "Qua- qua- qua- qua- qua- a- a." 

 The hawk was angry, the feathers on its head and 

 neck being ruffled as was its spirit. At last it was 

 obliged to retire, leaving the squirrel at his nutting. 

 I have been informed, however, that the squirrel does 

 not always get off so nicely, for sometimes the red- 

 tails hunt in pairs, and then the squirrel has no chance 

 for his life. 



Gray squirrels are very fond of music, says Dr. C. 

 Hart Merriam. The doctor in speaking of this men- 



