Tit birds (Paridae) - these vibrant and colorful birds are our primary avian companions, readily coming to feed from our hands. They not only approach us but also actively seek our attention, boldly landing on our mobile devices or shoulders and vocally insisting on food, earning them the nickname "chichis." Their lively chirps and nimble antics, as they navigate the tree branches, infuse the Squirrel Forest with charm and vitality, even gracing our home terrace with frequent visits. The varied hues of their feathers are a visual delight and their playful behavior is a constant source of amusement.

The hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), is a robust bird from the finch family, Fringillidae, within the order Passeriformes. Renowned for its incredibly strong beak, it can crack the toughest seeds. It features a compact body with pronounced, broad shoulders and a short tail. Adult males are distinguished by their reddish heads, while their back is gray and their chest is a vibrant yellow-orange. Hawfinches are somewhat shy, preferring wooded environments and often grouping in the colder months. They are frequent and sociable visitors, joining finches and chamois in our observations.

Finches ( Fringillidae) charm nature enthusiasts with their colorful plumage and melodious songs. Their multicolored feathers blend like a mosaic, creating exquisite patterns. These sociable birds often congregate in flocks, adding liveliness wherever they go. Their distinctive, bouncy flight pattern marks them as aerial acrobats, and their tuneful calls intertwine with the sounds of the forest and meadows. Representing freedom and the joy of nature, finches frequently visit gardens and parks, enhancing every moment with their presence. They are protected under strict conservation laws.

The common firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) a small bird with a distinctively regal golden crown, adds a splash of majestic beauty to our forest. Its melodious calls awaken us, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Recognized by its bright belly and standout crown, the common firecrest thrives in forests, parks, and gardens, feeding on insects and spiders. A migratory bird travels to warmer regions in winter and returns in spring to nest. In Croatia, this bird is protected under the Nature Conservation Act to maintain the diversity of our avian population and ensure the healthy functioning of this exquisite species. As one of Europe's tiniest birds, measuring just 9-10 cm, its protection is vital.

The robin (Erithacus rubecula) is an endearing bird that frequents forests and gardens across Croatia. Notable for its long tail and distinctive reddish-brown chest, the robin remains a constant presence throughout the year. Its species name, derived from the Greek for 'red', highlights its chest color, while 'rubecula' refers to this reddish hue. Known for its unique, chirp-like song, the robin is not a protected species but enjoys safeguards through nature conservation laws. Its presence in Squirrel Forest makes it a favorite among bird watchers and contributes significantly to the area's biodiversity. These charming birds are also beloved visitors on our home terrace.

Pigeons, belonging to the Columbidae family, are commonly seen across urban and rural settings in Croatia. Known scientifically as Columba livia, these birds are recognized by their compact body, slightly rounded heads, and characteristic pigeon-like wingspan. Their plumage ranges from light to dark gray, with some individuals sporting a distinctive white wing stripe. Pigeons enjoy protection under conservation laws, prohibiting intentional disturbance, capture, or harm. In the Squirrel Forest, one special pigeon stands out for its pet-like behavior, feeding from our hands and accompanying us like a loyal dog as we walk through the forest.

Turtle doves, also known as common doves and classified as Streptopelia decaocto, are frequent gray and white visitors in both urban and rural areas of Croatia, including Squirrel Forest. Their subtle plumage and distinctive "throaty" calls make them easily recognizable. Like pigeons, turtle doves are protected by conservation laws, which forbid their disturbance or harm. They are daily guests on our terrace, joining us for breakfast and enhancing the natural charm of our surroundings with their cheerful sounds. Their presence fosters a closer connection between nature and people, enhancing our enjoyment of the environment.

Swallows, part of the Hirundinidae family and known scientifically as Hirundo rustica, embody elegance with their long, fairy-like tails and adept flying skills. Symbols of spring and warmer weather swallows often remain near human settlements, including the Squirrel Forest. Their chirping and dynamic aerial movements add a vibrant energy to the area. Swallows play crucial roles in ecosystems and agriculture and are protected by conservation laws. Their presence emphasizes the harmony between nature and urban environments and underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Woodpeckers, belonging to the Picidae family, bring a rhythmic life to the forest with their distinctive tree tapping. These colorful birds are masters of their domain, creating intricate homes by hollowing out tree cavities, showcasing nature's craftsmanship. They primarily feed on insects, larvae, and grubs found beneath tree bark. Woodpeckers are essential for maintaining ecological balance and are protected species, contributing significantly to forest health. Their activities in Squirrel Forest greatly enrich the biodiversity of the area.

Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are vibrant birds from the finch family known for their colorful plumage and cheerful song. They often visit Squirrel Forest, delighting onlookers with their lively demeanor and beautiful singing. Goldfinches primarily feed on flower seeds, playing an important role in the local bird population's diversity. While their protection isn't specifically legislated in many areas, maintaining their natural habitats is crucial for ensuring their continued presence in Squirrel Forest and other environments.

Larks, members of the Alaudidae family, are medium-sized birds recognized by their striped, patterned wings and short tails. Their melodious songs, often performed while soaring high in the sky, are a common sound in Squirrel Forest. Typically found in open fields and meadows, larks forage on the ground, feeding on insects and seeds. Protecting larks involves preserving their habitats to ensure the continuation of their presence in natural settings like Squirrel Forest.

The Common Blackbird, or Turdus merula, is widespread and identifiable by the male's black plumage and the female's dark brown feathers. Common inhabitants of the Squirrel Forest, blackbirds are frequently seen foraging on the ground or singing from high branches. Their distinctive song is well-loved by bird enthusiasts. They consume a varied diet including worms, insects, nuts, seeds, and berries. While not specifically protected by laws, conserving their natural habitat and ensuring safe nesting areas are key to their survival in our environment and beyond.

Intellectuals of the avian world, crows are known for their sharp wits. The grey crow, Corvus cornix, demonstrates intelligence with its greyish-black feathers. A common sight in Vjeveršuma and across Europe, these birds adeptly forage for insects, fruits, and leftovers. They are celebrated for their problem-solving skills and tool use. Although not specifically protected by laws, maintaining their natural habitats and discouraging feeding are vital for preserving their instinctual behaviors and population health.

Known scientifically as Pica pica, magpies inhabit various environments including Squirrel Forest. Recognizable by their black and white plumage and long tails, magpies are highly intelligent and social birds. Their diet includes insects, small mammals, eggs, and nestlings. While not under specific legal protection, it is crucial to preserve their habitats and prevent them from becoming accustomed to human food to maintain their role in the ecosystem.

The jay, or Garrulus glandarius, is a colorful bird that inhabits forests and parks, including the lush Squirrel Forest. Known for their intelligent food storage methods and striking reddish-gray plumage with blue wing feathers, jays are adept at using tools to access food. Although they don’t walk, preferring to hop, they are known for their vocal warning calls and their occasional raids on vineyards and orchards. Their natural behaviors are crucial for seed dispersal and forest health, making habitat preservation essential.

Seagulls are frequently seen across coastal regions, including Squirrel Forest. They are easily recognizable by their light plumage, grey wings, and distinctive calls. These birds are highly adaptable, scouring the coast and nearby areas in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of fish, various scraps, and occasionally, prey stolen from other birds or small rodents. Seagulls exhibit graceful flight patterns, often seen soaring over water or landing gracefully along the shorelines. While they are not protected species, maintaining their habitats and proper waste management are essential to lessen their reliance on human food sources. Close encounters with seagulls can be hazardous because encouraging them to feed can lead to a dependency that disrupts their natural behaviors and health. Furthermore, seagulls may become aggressive towards humans to protect their territory or food sources. Therefore, it is vital to avoid feeding them and minimize unnecessary interactions to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Encountering wild rabbits in the early morning hours is a rare and precious experience that reminds us of nature's harmony and the fleeting nature of moments. Known scientifically as Lepus europaeus, wild rabbits are common inhabitants of various natural settings, including Squirrel Forest. These small mammals are typically active in the early hours, foraging for food. Their brown or gray fur helps them blend into their surroundings and evade potential predators. Although naturally timid, they can become accustomed to human presence if not disturbed. Wild rabbits play a crucial role in the ecosystem by managing vegetation through their diet. It is therefore essential to preserve their natural habitat and foster a gentle coexistence with these wild residents.

We encounter roe deer only occasionally along the road by Squirrel Forest, and their graceful presence reminds us of the wild beauty of nature. Their proximity evokes a sense of connection with the wilderness. Roe deer, scientifically known as Capreolus capreolus, are elegant and graceful wild animals easily identified by their brown fur and the distinctive white spots on their backs. These herbivores feed on leaves, branches, and grass. Capable of jumping and running at speeds up to 60 km/h, they are well-equipped to escape threats. Although wild, roe deer are timid and tend to avoid human contact. Observing these beautiful creatures in their natural environment offers a unique feeling of connection with the natural world.

Hedgehogs, such as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and the Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), are emblematic of European natural habitats. These nocturnal mammals, known for their spiny exteriors, make their presence known in forests, gardens, and parks. With their distinctive appearance, hedgehogs play a crucial role in ecosystem balance. They feed on insects, snails, and small reptiles, helping to control pest populations. Despite their beneficial role, hedgehog numbers are declining due to habitat loss and road accidents. Education on the importance of preserving their habitats is vital for the long-term survival of these charming creatures.