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Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

As a healthcare professional, the coronavirus pandemic meant that my work as I once knew it, was turned upside down overnight. New procedures, protocols, and restrictions in the provision of care for the safety of our team members and patients meant that I, like the rest of my colleagues, were facing anxiety, stress, and uncertainty whilst dealing with the challenges of adapting to ‘new norms.’

Some of the biggest lessons the pandemic is teaching me is learning to let go of things out of our control, exploring individual creativity and appreciating the simplicity of nature on our own doorsteps and beyond our own windows. Squirrels are full of personality and character, and photographing them in my garden has brought me much joy and calmness during these uncertain and chaotic times.

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It all started with a baby squirrel

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

One day after work, I was picking up some pinecones from the lawn and noticed a baby squirrel on the decking, looking at me with such curiosity. I would leave food and water out for him as he would pop up in the same place and became increasingly comfortable with my presence. But then I didn’t see Sherman (that’s what I named him) for days and was worried something may have happened or that he moved onto another nesting site.

Breakfast is ready

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

A week passed and I saw him with what I presume was his sibling as it was the same size, playfully chasing each other along the fence. I was delighted!

“Do we queue here?”

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

This became an early morning ritual for weeks and I would enjoy watching this spectacle before commencing a busy and hectic workday.

“My stomach is rumbling!”

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

My photography journey started a few years ago as a therapeutic outlet, which I pursue in my spare time. Unable to do so because of restrictions and craving the need to channel any negative energy I was feeling, I turned to my own back garden.

We’re open!

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

My brother mounted a little picnic bench to the fence, I painted and decorated it in hope that I would be able to photograph them enjoying their new dining space.

“I’m hungry!”

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

Peanuts and seeds are a favorite on the menu!

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

“Thank you for the food”

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

An unexpected but welcome guest

Watching Squirrels In My Garden Became A Morning Ritual During Lockdown, Here Are 15 Photos That I Took

I have even captured some unexpected guests such a jays dining there! But hey, everybody is welcome and anyone can sit at our table!!!

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Lover of animals, nature and all things photography!

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Lover of animals, nature and all things photography!

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My name is Violeta and I am an editor here at Bored Panda. I love reading memes for a living. It’s obviously much more than that, but I appreciate the variety of topics, information, and pics I get to see every day and share with the world! Those funny memes really make my day too. Being born in the ’90s in post-Soviet Lithuania speaks more about me than I’d like to admit. I’m still learning about the world and myself, but I do love my friends, traveling, art, and my cat. My favorite fact to share about myself is that I used to hide meatballs in my friend’s pockets at lunch so I could go play outside. I wish all those meatballs could find their way back to me someday.

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