Rain on a sunny day?

[steve s-b]

Whilst out walking under a beech canopy today, the dappled sunlight filtering through from a clear blue sky, we heard what we thought was the oitter patter of a rian shower on leaves. However there was not a cloud in sight. As we scanned the space above us to try to make sense of this anomaly we saw small dark objects falling to the ground. Rustling in the canopy then alerted us to a squirrel darting manically through the canopy, from tree to tree, initiating a nutty cascade. We didn't see the squirrel descend to collect the fruits of his exertions, but wondered whether this was intentional behaviour. If so it appeared a very efficient nut dislodging activity.m Has anyone witnessed this behaviour before?

[healfdan]

Squirrels are clever little creatures and will exploit any strategy that results in food such as nuts/berries being harvested. I cannot therefore say that it wasn't the squirrels intention but I think it more likely that what you witnessed was a squirrel unintentionally dislodging nuts that were already loose and ready to fall. There is an abundance of acorns this year and you can hear and see them dropping in large numbers.