Native Red Squirrels preparing for winter

In the photo above you will see a Red Squirrel  watching a Douglas Fir pinecone falling.  This little furry character is in the process of dropping the cones then gathering them up into various middens where they will ripen and become the winter and spring food supply. This is the first time I have photographed the event, but I have for years watched the squirrels doing this work.  
In the slide show below there are many images all shot September 24th in my yard in North Saanich.   
These little native Red Squirrels have been nearly wiped out save for a few pockets around S Vancouver Island. The invasive Eastern Grey Squirrels have taken their toll as has forest  destruction locally. 
Thanks for looking and taking the time to appreciate nature ... TerryV