Summer is a wonderful time to appreciate Scotland’s charismatic red squirrels! From summer coats, to unusual foods, to well-deserved afternoon siestas. Read on below for our guide to their behaviours during this (sometimes!) sunny season for you to observe and enjoy!
Ear Tufts & Summer Coats
The fur of red squirrels can vary from almost black to chestnut or light brown on the back, and from white to cream on their chest and stomach. A red squirrel will moult twice a year – with fur being replaced in spring and autumn – essential for keeping them cool or warm with the seasonal change. As a result, their coats will look much thinner in summer than they do in the winter. Also, during the summer season, for most reds, their distinctive pointy ear tufts thin out and are almost completely gone! So, if you’ve spotted a red squirrel in recent weeks, the chances are their easy-to-identify tufts will not be there – however never fear, they will return in the autumn!
Summer Delicacies
Red squirrels are omnivores and have surprisingly varied eating habits! Whilst the autumn tree harvests of nuts and seeds make up most of their diet later in the year, and shoots, tree flowers and buds supplement this in the spring, in the summer months – due to the lack of availability of these normally favourite foods – red squirrels may have to ‘branch out’ and try other delicacies! Tree bark, occasional songbird eggs, and insects are sometimes eaten, along with flowers, bulbs, and summer fruits.
You may notice that, due to the lack of naturally available food, red squirrels become more active at garden feeders during the summer months. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where red squirrel can be found keep a close eye out, and check out our advice on garden feeding here.
Water Sources
Surprisingly, red squirrels rarely drink during most of the year, but get most of their water from their food, or from surface water like dew. However during the summer in dry spells they will venture out to drink from streams or ponds. As such, putting out a little bit of water out in a dish for them in the June-August months may be greatly appreciated by your squirrel visitors! Remember to clean it regularly, and place up high near trees/ hedges to help avoid predation.
Second Broods
Red squirrels can have one or two litters per year, with spring litters born in February to April and summer litters in June to August. A second summer brood depends on food availability, weather and individual body conditions so not every female will breed twice. Weaning typically occurs 8-10 weeks after birth, so look out for new kits exploring and discovering their world towards the end of the summer period.
Midday Rest
In the summer when the weather is warmer, red squirrels will often spend their mornings foraging, playing and tending to their dreys. During the heat of midday, they will rest in their dreys, on twig platforms, or on branches, before venturing back out later in the day. As such, if you want to try and spot a red squirrel in summer, mornings and late afternoons are the best times to head outside and catch a glimpse.
Summer is a lovely time to watch red squirrels in their natural habitat. Whether you watch them forage for food, build dreys, care for their kits, or even manage to catch them having an afternoon summer siesta, the loveable critters offer endless entertainment for the whole family.
If you spot a red squirrel, enjoy the moment and share your sightings with us!
scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings
Rebecca Bradley (SSRS Office & Comms Volunteer)
Katie Berry (SSRS Communications & Engagement Officer)