2018 Central Park Squirrel Census - Stories

03E

PM

10082018

Squirrel #7 sat there allowing pics. Five people near him.

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03F

AM

10062018

The friendships that were quickly made.

This experience of active meditation. It was like fishing only on land.

The notion of watching squirrels while people were inquisitively watching us was fun, like having a secret in an open public forum.

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03F

PM

10132018

Hectare was peacefully bustling.
It was a peaceful bustle.
A monk came to bless the squirrels.

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03F

AM

10202018

(1) ate then ran away when golf cart traveled on pathway
(6) tail white tip
Hallett Nature Sanctuary
Bird Sanctuary opens 10am
(11,12,13) chased each other
#1-6 9:12AM to 9:36AM
#7-13 10AM to 10:06AM

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03G

PM

10132018

Cattails!

Fenced off, peeked through as best I could.

"Brush": Hard to see/access, mostly birds in there anyway.

Fenced off, lots of brush/trees; counted from path.

Troubadour.

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03G

AM

10082018

Map guy — training: "How to approach a customer who asks you something." ... "No, I didn't yell."

Great photo opp with The Plaza

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03H

AM

10082018

Picture spot!

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03H

PM

10142018

Parade happening on 5th Avenue
So many wedding/engagement photos
The black squirrel attracted a ton of attention.

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1

03I

AM

10102018

Squirrel #1 running across sidewalk with nut in mouth.

Squirrel #2 running up/along tree branch.

Squirrel #3 top of tree highway.

Squirrel #4 foraging on the ground.

Several delivery trucks for zoo – no obvious nests – squirrels must be using tree holes.

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1

04A

AM

10072018

It was mostly the same five squirrels foraging and eating in the grass. They didn’t pay any attention to people walking nor dogs nor the birds also looking for food in this area. They were more in the open grass by a single tree then in the bushes.

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1

1

Birds

04A

PM

10072018

The squirrels seem to be relaxed and hanging out by the rocks/boulders, where it was calmer. Mostly the hectare was pretty busy, lots of people on bikes, walking dogs, etc.

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1

04B

PM

10062018

Numerous unleashed dogs in park.

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04B

PM

10182018

Squirrels #1 through #4 being fed by tourists.

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04B

AM

10102018

There was a pretty obvious turf war happening in a tree. I heard it before I saw it. A scurry of claws on bark, a rustle of leaves and a shower of falling acorns. Squirrel (5) was obviously perturbed that squirrel (6) had found itself in his tree, and ran him right out of town. There was a brief exchange of "words" from tree to ground in what I can only imagine was language not meant for juvenile ears.

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04C

AM

10062018

Once I got into the area I didn't notice any squirrels, so I climbed the Umpire Rock hoping to see around. Then I first noticed Squirrels #1 and #2. Jumping over each other. Very calm. No humans around. I would even say they were playing with each other. Then, immediately I see Squirrel #3 passing by and climbing a tree. I didn't see this squirrel anymore. I walk around, then notice that for the entire time a dog has been observing squirrels #1 and #2 from the distance, sitting, not moving. Like a statue for the entire time. After 20 minutes or so, I hear the dog's owners calling him but the dog won't move. His name is Harper. I walk around, don't notice more squirrels but then decide to come closer to squirrels #1 and #2. It's no longer two but three squirrels I see so I register Squirrel #4, then start watching the trees. I see Squirrel #5, who joins the rest of the "family." Squirrels #1, #2, #4, and #5 keep climbing up and down the tree next to the baseball fields for the rest of my time there. Around five to seven humans stop by and take photos of the gang. The squirrels are indifferent through all of this. Before my time ends, I walk around once more but notice no new squirrels. I took a photo of Harper the dog watching squirrels. I'll send it to you.

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1

1

04C

PM

10102018

- Squirrels #1 and #2 intxn
* Someone drumming on top of Umpire Rock
- Squirrels #11 through #15 maybe a family?

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1

04D

AM

10122018

Nests spotted: ||||
Squirrel #1 was burying some nuts then 2 dogs chased him + he ran up a tree

Squirrels 3+4 were playing together

While all seemed indifferent to humans, squirrel 1 ran from dogs + squirrel 2 was hanging out on tree trunk watching dogs off leash (who didn't notice him)

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1

04D

PM

10062018

Guy playing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" on weird stringed instrument.

Two women communicating by sign language.

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04D

AM

10172018

Column One (left):
Hecksher Playground
Opened 1924
Improved 1936

Column Two:
A Gift to
the children of
New York City
by
August Hecksher

I can't believe I don't see any squirrels here.

Red flag day.

Finally! A squirrel!

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04E

PM

10082018

Squirrels #1 and #2 were playing up and down tree.

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04E

AM

10102018

The lawns were being mowed in this hectare while I was observing.

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04E

AM

10202018

The lower right corner is occupied by a trainer throwing frisbees for his dog to catch! There are seriously a lot of barking dogs!

Squirrel #2 was on a tree with those helicopter seeds.

04F

PM

10132018

One inch worm found its way onto
this counter's shoulder. The waning
sun left the air cool and calm.

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04F

AM

10072018

The Victoria Gardens are now gone and will become skating rink again soon. Saw an acorn tree. Dogs playing and running in the lawn. Sounds of blue jays. People strolling as they as they are having their morning coffee. I can see horse and carriage ride on road. As you face the Victoria Gardens, you see all the tall NYC buildings. So quiet and peaceful. Citibank Bike riders. No squirrel sighting. :( Fire hydrant in the lawn.

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1

Birds

04G

AM

10062018

There was a tour that stopped (marked (T) on map). A (guide) person was talking to the group with a microphone. Guy walking by w/ a clanging, empty cart. At one point, a dog w/o a leash chased after squirrel #3 but it ran away up into a tree. A total of 3 dogs went after the squirrel unsuccessfully. There are at least 5 oaks in this area so acorns are in abundance.

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1

1

05F

PM

10072018

Multiple squirrels foraging and/or burying nuts. Wonder if they’ll remember locations. Largely in different humans; they have more important business afoot.

Wanted to report some squirrels on trees, but only saw tree squirrels after the data collection window passed. Sorry for lack of location diversity!

05G

AM

10062018

- So many birds! I don't know what they're called, but the Snow White cheep cheep kind and they were all huddled together in a meadow.
- The one squirrel I saw was super active way high up in a tree.
- I hare the horse + carriages but loved that one was

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05H

AM

10072018

Not many people but noisy staff with leaf blowers.

Got to see the seals being fed! And practice tricks!

(Saw horses in barn (not in my hectare).)

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1

Horses

05H

PM

10062018

Very difficult to access,

Over 50 percent inside of Zoo. Too many humans for squirrels.

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08D

PM

10202018

Too many humans lounging on the lawn, lots of kids. Music in the background. Squirrels staying above ground.

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1

04H

AM

10062018

As I sit writing this recap, a woman who was participating in the race is trying to balance a mobile phone on a rock to take a selfie -- a grey squirrel jumped up right next to her phone -- no Fear. It wanted food. The woman annoyedly shooed it away.
My hectare was mostly inaccessible, being comprised of a lot of the zoo which was "authorized access only" or not yet open. I was able to observe four squirrels in the densely wooded perimeter, having initially despaired of seeing any. 3 grays, 1 black. I also saw two squirrels just outside my area, in 4-I, I believe. The squirrels -->
--> I observed were focused on their tasks, primarily foraging.
I live in Stuyvesant Town, an area of Manhattan with an incredibly dense squirrel population. The squirrels in Stuy Townn are bold and fearless -- they want a nut and they want it now. They've become accustomed to being fed nuts by Stuy Town residents, primarily the elderly residents. Drop a nut, especially a premium one, such as a full walnut in its shell, and they will arrive en mass. The squirrels I saw today in Central Park, while they did not approach me, would not have needed much coaxing. You can "turn" a squirrel pretty quickly in this town.
But enough about me...today was a fine day for a squirrel census and I very much appreciated this opportunity -- it was a very peaceful experience. Counting squirrels makes your troubles disappear into nature.
Thanks! [drawing of squirrel]

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1

04H

PM

10192018

A family of tourists was very interested in Squirrel #1. Squirrel #1 was outside a hectare. Most of 4-H is the zoo, so no squirrels sighted.

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04H

PM

10062018

The Zoo was in my territory. I was very surprised that the WCS did not know about the Census. I had to speak to the head of security to gain access to the zoo.

I think a nice thank you note to the WCS from your organization would be appropriate.

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04I

PM

10072018

Squirrel #1 foraging — ran across path, climbed shrub five feet, ran down and hid under bush. Squirrel #2 chasing Squirrel #3.

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04I

AM

10062018

Squirrel #3 was up at the highest branches, ripping off smaller twigs and returning them to its nest 30 feet up tree. Video taken. Always takes the same path to nest. Sometimes drops twig/leaf. Continued for 10+ minutes. I left area, still building.

Area included busy Fifth Avenue — dogs and cars and path on western side had many people walking through.

Squirrel #2 digging in ground, eating, very bushy tail, cross walking path without hesitation or addressing humans stopping to watch it, take pics up close. Most focused on digging, running back-and-forth across path. Video taken.

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1

05A

PM

10102018

After seeing only one squirrel in 10 minutes, I was suddenly hit on the head with nuts.

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1

05A

AM

10062018

Many people in the area, particularly because a run was taking place. Also, many dogs, including at least four off leash, were in the area.

Kept returning to the spot marked with asterisk (a lawn,) thinking at least one squirrel would be there, but found none.

1

05A

AM

10062018

Many people in the area, particularly because a run was taking place. Also, many dogs, including at least four off leash, were in the area.

Kept returning to the spot marked with asterisk (a lawn,) thinking at least one squirrel would be there, but found none.

1

05B

PM

10132018

Cute little puppies playing.
Squirrel #6 being chased up a tree by a dog.

1

05B

AM

10082018

No squirrels, people, or pets by the Dalehead Arch, but squawking of a bird. Then a runner passed under the arch as a truck dropping off vending carts drives by the arch. More people and dogs east of the arch, including kids on break from school since it is Columbus Day. Women walking dogs by Ballfield #5, talking about “school shooting drills.“

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1

05B

PM

10202018

Squirrel #1 – Heckscher Fields/nut stand.

Squirrel #2 — in baseball field.

Two women approached the squirrel and took photos of it. S/he was not afraid, although it did run partially up a tree after but soon returned to the ground.

About 100 yards away, the other squirrel almost looked like a rabbit from afar. Both squirrels were busy foraging. It was a pretty busy area full of pedestrians. Surprisingly litter free.

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1

05C

AM

10062018

- I said hi to squirrel #1 and she came to me! She climbed the fence and stared, probably waiting for me to give her food. - Squirrel #2 was running and climbing like crazy in a tree trying to get as much seeds as she could. She even hung from her hind pa

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05C

PM

10102018

Squirrel #10 fed by passersby.

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05D

AM

10102018

When I started observations there was a Red-Tailed Hawk hunting. It swooped down and tried to catch something. I didn't see what it tried to catch. It left after about 15 minutes. It did not catch any bird or squirrel.
It was only about 5 minutes after it left when I saw any squirrels.

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05D

AM

10202018

Someone asked me if I was an arborist.

There's a couple sitting on the rock near the Carousel, making out. Afraid to walk over there. They looked at me and then continued! OMG, someone else is approaching the rock area and then walks away after seeing!

The cafe is not open. Cannot go on the baseball field.

Anyway, unfortunately could not really search the rock near the Carousel area.

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1

Kissing

05D

PM

10162018

Lots of dogs running around chasing balls!

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05E

PM

10192018

- Guy rock-climbing
- Family playing chess
- Guy on electric unicycle
- Teens selling Oreo packs
- Family picnicking
- Kid learning to roller ['skate,' crossed out] blade
- Kids running in field
- Scary doberman on leash
- Fake monks "selling" bracel

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05E

AM

10082018

A human father and daughter sitting at one of the checker tables watching and photographing with a phone a squirrel on the adjacent table flocked by small birds, all eating from a pile of crumbled crackers. A second squirrel up ahead in the trellis went running along its way. A third squirrel approached the first squirrel (and the food), but backed away from the first larger squirrel — there was no confrontation and all was soundless, including the human father and daughter.

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1

1

Birds

05F

AM

10072018

Squirrel #1 running along fence, then stopped to eat on fence.

Squirrel #2 came down tree.

Squirrel #3 on the ground.

Squirrel #4 on rock outcropping.

Squirrel #5 running up and down two trees.

Squirrel #6 sitting on branch eating, very still.

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07C

PM

10102018

Hectare fenced out, walked around the fence perimeter. Lots of picnickers, families, couples and trios lounging under trees. Sports event on the side of meadow. No squirrels inside meadow.

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