I watched this little Harris’s Antelope Squirrel, who looks like a chipmunk, romping around the yard. First he was on top of the waterfall in the pool. But by the time I grabbed my camera he moved to the outdoor fireplace.
We also have Harris’s Hawks, so I decided to find out more about this Harris guy. This is what AI told me:
Both animals are named in honor of Edward Harris (1799–1863), an American naturalist, philanthropist, and horse breeder from New Jersey.
He was a close friend and financial supporter of the famous ornithologist and artist John James Audubon. Harris accompanied Audubon on two major wildlife-gathering expeditions: one along the Gulf of Mexico in 1837 and another up the Missouri River in 1843.
To thank him for his friendship and financial help, Audubon named several newly cataloged species after him, including:
- Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
- Harris’s Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii)
- Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula
FYI, this is a photo of a Harris’s Sparrow from the website All About Birds. They aren’t found in Arizona, so I’ll be out of luck taking a picture of one here. They are found in the middle of the country from Texas all the way to Northern Canada.
I have been able to get many photos of Harris’s Hawks.
Back to my Harris’s Antelope Squirrel:
Here is the Harris’s Antelope Squirrel posing in front of a little fireplace ceramic statue of a chiminea on the mantel of the real fireplace. I learned the word antelope is in its name because it often carries its tail curled up over its back revealing a white rump like an antelope. Who knew?
He spent the afternoon getting settled into his new home.
Happy Friday!
What plans do you have for the weekend?
This week went by so quickly for me. How about for you?
What an adorable little guy! I’m finding not just the days and weeks but the last few months have flown by it seems. We’re getting close to mid October already. I just don’t understand how that’s happened 🙂
He is a cutie. I agree with you. Our last two or three weeks have flown by.
I think that mentally it doesn’t help when all the late summer/autumn/winter holidays are advertised and merch is out months in advance. It’s easy to loose track of time when Christmas comes in August 😉
I agree. Good point!
Harris certainly got around.
😉
I’m glad I took the time to look him up.
He sooo cute! What a cute home for him too. That item would look good in my backyard. Thanks for the history, Elizabeth, have a great weekend. 😊
You have a good weekend too! I thought it was so cute that the squirrel was cleaning out the chimenea and hopped in.
This week did go quickly! We are glad the hurricane Isaias is not headed towards our part of Florida.
Yay for not having a hurricane coming your way!
What an adorable little guy! Great pictures! Love the information and background on Harris. It adds to the experience. 🧡🐿️
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the info!