Every month, Duinconservation tells about what can be seen in the dunes that month. This month in the ‘Today in the Dune’ section we look for the squirrel.
Today the twenty-seventh episode:
Looking for the squirrel
It’s always a treat to see a squirrel. Fortunately, that is not difficult. Regularly go out into a dune forest where it occurs and you will certainly see it.
Bushytail
The squirrel is easy to recognize: it is reddish brown, medium sized, has tufted ears and a large reddish brown tufted tail. Apart from escaped species from distant countries, there are no animals to confuse it with.
Inner dune forest
Squirrels are true forest dwellers. They prefer coniferous forests but also occur in well-developed deciduous forests. They mainly eat seeds and nuts from trees, such as pine cones (with pine nuts) and acorns, but also tree buds, berries, mushrooms, insects and unfortunately also eggs and young birds.
In the lower part of the Netherlands they mainly occur in inner dune edge forests, both in the ‘real’ dunes and in estate forests on the old dunes. The chance of finding them is greatest in the dune forests of North and South Kennemerland and in the vicinity of The Hague, Wassenaar and Voorschoten. There are also plenty of squirrels living in Noordwijk and Voornes Duin.
Take a good look around!
Squirrels are not really shy but usually keep a distance. They sit in trees, on tree trunks and branches, sometimes hopping along the ground. So take a good look around you and bring binoculars to get a good look at them.
Squirrels can be seen all year round. They do not hibernate but build up a food supply in the fall. They are mainly active during the day, so that makes it easier to spot them. The chance of seeing them is greatest in the (early) morning and in the late afternoon and evening.
Dune Conservation is the independent foundation for coastal protection. In the interest of nature and people. Because we cherish the coast. Knowing more? Go to www.duinhouden.nl.
