The winter mating season for gray squirrels has begun, and they put on quite a show as their mating ritual plays out.
As a female approaches her one day of fertility, all the males compete for the opportunity to mate. Several males will follow her, attracted by her scent. As her time gets closer, the pursuit intensifies, and the males fight with each other to establish dominance, the strongest one leading the pack, demonstrating the best genes for the female to mate with. But it doesn't always work out for him. Sometimes the leader will get so distracted or tired fighting off a challenger, that another will sneak in and make his move. A female may mate with several males during the 24 hours she is in estrous.
Squirrels mate twice a year; the winter mating season being much more visible with the bare trees and the whole gang attracted to the food supply at the squirrel and bird feeders. It can provide some fun entertainment on a late winter morning. (My apologies for the poorly focused video.)
Here's a link with more information on gray squirrels:
https://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/animals/article/squirrel-breeding-biology-courtship-mating-chase
A couple of other notes from the lake: The Mourning Doves are also pairing up for mating; this dove was preening itself and showing off its plumage for its mate, much like a turkey might do.
We are also treated to many spring bird calls now on these warm late-winter days, most notably Chickadees and Tufted Titmice.
Spring bird calls and mating squirrels: more sure signs that spring is on its way, even with 22 inches of ice still on Lake Wicwas.
