Northern Flying Squirrel

Yesterday evening, I went with a gentleman who has had a Bluebird nesting box route for something like 25 years, recording and banding the various birds he finds. These include Tree Swallows, too. This is the third year in a row that I have gone on this drive south of the city and I enjoy it every time. Actually, this time, there was an added bonus - we were shown this flying squirrel that has taken over a nesting box. A few gentle taps on the wooden box, and Mom came out to see what was going on. She climbed around the outside of her home, enabling me to take several pretty bad photos in poor light and with too many leaves in the way. Good enough, though, for a record of an amazing sighting!

"In Alberta, it is known to occur throughout the boreal forest and the foothills south to Waterton. It also is present in the Aspen Parklands in the vicinity of Red Deer and Edmonton. It does not occur in the grassland region.

Because this species is nocturnal, it is seldom encountered and therefore largely unknown. It does occur in our immediate vicinity and could be relatively abundant, even within Calgary.

The Northern Flying Squirrel does not truly fly. However, it does move through the air -- as an excellent glider. This is made possible by the loose flap of skin which is stretched between the front and rear legs, and its flattened tail. It has been reported to glide up to 100 m (330 ft). More typically, distances covered are less than 30 m (100 ft). Facing downward at a height of 10 to 15 m (33 to 50 ft), it leaps from a tree, and with its legs outstretched, begin its parachute-like glide. Using its tail and legs, it steers around trees and branches, descending at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees. On approaching its intended target, it shifts its tail and bank steeply upwards, coming to a gentle stop. On landing, it immediately scuttles to the far side of the tree -- apparently to evade any owls that might be following it.

These flying squirrels possess very soft fur, which is too thin-skinned to be of any commercial value. They are grey brown above and pale grey below. Their eyes are large, dark and shiny and they have some webbing between their toes. Average adults measurements are: total length, 314 mm (12.75 in); tail, 145 mm (5.70 in); weight, 152 g (4.40 oz.).

Northern Flying Squirrels are a very sociable species, active the year round.

Making their first appearance in the twilight after sunset, they glide from tree to tree, until they reach a favoured feeding ground, when they may come down to the ground. They walk and hop much like other squirrels; the loose gliding membrane does not seem to interfere with their motion.

In urban areas, they may visit bird-feeding station, unseen, unless the owner has installed a light-bulb or shines a flashlight on it. In camping areas, they glean human left-overs. In truly wild areas, they feed on tree lichens and fungi, and the buds, leaves, seeds, fleshy fruits and nuts of trees and shrubs. In spring, they seek out the protein-rich, pollen-filled, male flowers on conifers. They also eat insects, bird eggs, nestlings and carrion.

Only one litter a year is produced. Mating occurs between late March and the end of May. The young are born 42 days later. A litter consists of two to four (average three) young. Their eyes open about day 32. Solid food is first sampled by day 47 but they are not weaned until day 66. They begin to glide at three months and are proficient at running, climbing and gliding by four months of age." From www.weaselhead.org.