The Southern Flying Squirrel
(glaucomys volans)
Text and Photograph by John Tyson
For most people, the southern flying squirrel is virtually unseen. And even
during the orchestrated sounds of the night, their high-pitched “tseet” and
other chirping sounds
usually remain unidentified. But this small nocturnal creature of darkness
is actually quite prevalent in most of Florida.
Flying squirrel habitat generally consists of mature oak and pine woods.
They are commonly found in both urban and rural settings. The flying
squirrel is a small critter approximately 8 to 10 inches in length, light
brown in coloration with a white belly, and they have relatively large eyes.
These squirrels do not actually fly, but glide from tree to tree. They have
a fold of skin on each side of the body connecting the front and hind legs,
which in effect serve as a sail. Their broad flat tail will also guide their
flight. A typical flight pattern heads in a downward direction, levels out
and ends in a slight upward motion. They have been known to glide distances
of more than 150 feet. The thuds often heard in the middle of the night on
your roof are often sounds of a flying squirrel. If you listen just after
dusk, their voices are easily identified and heard as a single short
screech. These small tree squirrels prefer abandoned woodpecker holes or
similar cavities in trees for shelter and nesting. Because of the scarcity
of hollows in trees and the keen competition for such nesting sites, they
will often take up residency in bird houses, particularly in the winter
months. Summer homes are sometimes even made of leaves and sticks. The diet
of a flying squirrel consists of small seeds, berries, insects, fungi and
even meat. They will often raid bird nests, destroying eggs and eating the
young.
Photo Tips
Pursuing a peek or even a photo shot of this elusive squirrel requires
patience and prompting. Occupied bird- houses and bird feeding stations
create the best photo opportunities. The outside entrance of a birdhouse
will have small gnaw marks surrounding the entrance hole, indicating its
presence. This location creates a good place to snap an image. A zoom lens
with at least a 300 mm capability along with a flash are a must. Another
option is to set up your camera and one or two flashes on tripods near the
feeder. Pre-focus your camera where you want to take the image. By using a
shutter release cable and one or two ten-foot extensions, you can sit inside
the confines of your home in complete comfort and snap away as the squirrels
visit the feeding station. At first they will quickly retreat from the
flash, but after several shots they will pay no attention to it. As always,
whenever photographing nature, do not create any unnecessary stress or harm
to your subject. Use a fast speed film for low light conditions, and be
ready on the shutter. They’re quick!
John Tyson is a professional nature photographer/writer residing in
Eustis.