Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Who could resist that soft face? A Eurasian red squirrel perches on a snowy pine branch, clutching a pine cone as if it were his last treasure. These little acrobats spend the day collecting nuts, seeds, and mushrooms, feasting in summer, and pulling their cone reserves in winter.
They were once common in Britain, but their populations have declined due to competition from grey squirrels and the spread of the so-called "squirrel virus". Today they are mostly seen in the north of England and Scotland, with refuges such as Kielder and Harwood Forests in Northumberland working to keep them safe. Its reddish fur and quick movements inspired authors such as Beatrix Potter in "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin".
Seeing a red squirrel in the wild is like looking at a winter illustration come true: tiny legs, a trembling nose, and a tail that seems to have a life of its own. Spain is also home to the Iberian red squirrel, which is very present in pine and oak forests. If you're travelling to the UK or strolling through our forests, keep your eyes open – these little forest dwellers turn any route into a magical experience.
'New World Symphony': Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York, premieres his Symphony No. 9 at Carnegie Hall. Heavily influenced by African-American spirituals.
Reconciling history: South Africa's democratically elected Government of National Unity, recognizing the need for the country to break with its apartheid past, creates a new public holiday. Traditionally, two highly divisive historical events were celebrated on this day, but the GNU co-opts the date to foster reconciliation and national unity.
Battle of the Bulge: In the densely forested region of the Ardennes, German forces launch a surprise counterattack and push deep into the American line, creating a 50-mile-wide "bulge" on the Allied front. The battle will continue for a month and will be the deadliest for U.S. troops in World War II.
Boston Tea Party: Members of the underground Sons of Liberty, some dressed as Indians, throw 342 chests of tea from British ships to protest against "fiscal tyranny," or Britain's Tea Act of 1773, which gave the East India Company a monopoly on the American tea trade. The Boston Tea Party will bring tensions between the colonists and the British to a head.
Ardilla roja euroasiática en Northumberland, Inglaterra
¿Quién podría resistirse a esa carita suave? Una ardilla roja euroasiática se posa en una rama de pino nevada, agarrando una piña como si fuera su último tesoro. Estos pequeños acróbatas pasan el día recolectando nueces, semillas y hongos, dándose un festín en verano y tirando de sus reservas de conos en invierno.
Antes eran comunes en Gran Bretaña, pero sus poblaciones han disminuido por la competencia de las ardillas grises y la propagación del llamado “virus de la ardilla”. Hoy se observan sobre todo en el norte de Inglaterra y Escocia, con refugios como Kielder y Harwood Forests, en Northumberland, que trabajan para mantenerlas a salvo. Su pelaje rojizo y sus movimientos rápidos inspiraron a autores como Beatrix Potter en “El cuento de Squirrel Nutkin”.
Ver una ardilla roja en libertad es como contemplar una ilustración invernal hecha realidad: patas diminutas, nariz temblorosa y una cola que parece tener vida propia. En España también vive la ardilla roja ibérica, muy presente en bosques de pinares y robledales. Si viajas al Reino Unido o paseas por nuestros bosques, mantén los ojos abiertos: estos pequeños habitantes del bosque convierten cualquier ruta en una experiencia mágica.
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