They are so cute, but....
Usually squirrels make a lot of noise but this year they are totally quiet. I have come to realize that their incessant chatter is a way of drawing out any predators. They make a racket and if no cats appear to be interested, then they figure it is safe to run to the pond for a drink. There they battle with a flock of juvenile robins.
This one just finished dining on apples. We have only a handful of apples this year because they have been up in the tree, eating them before they even fall.
Next year we need to get a younger cat.