Decisions, Decisions!

Many pines, the Scots pine included, bear cones through three years of growth.

The baby cones, like tiny green and yellow eggs, mature in their second year into all green, smooth cones, that open in their third year to reveal the seeds.

The red squirrel carefully examines pinecones of all ages to choose the best, some of which are eaten immediately and some hidden away for winter sustenance.

Autumn finds many squirrels engaged in this perplexing pastime!