Operation Flying Squirrel unveils the secret lives of North America’s only gliding mammal, inviting viewers to discover the magic unfolding in our backyards at night. Despite their abundance, flying squirrels are rarely seen due to their nocturnal nature and are often misunderstood. These remarkable creatures play a vital ecological role: planting trees, spreading mycelium, and enriching the natural world while we sleep.

A backyard project over a year in the making, Operation Flying Squirrel employs not only obsessive enthusiasm for the species but a range of techniques including traditional photography, remote cameras, infrared imaging, and extensive surveillance footage.

Integrating the ancient art of track and sign has proved invaluable, providing early clues to the flying squirrels’ presence. The narrative begins with a subtle sign: a gnawed hickory nut discovered in my backyard in the Catskill Mountains of New York underneath a dying eastern hemlock tree, drawing viewers into the flying squirrels’ hidden world. This project further emphasizes how thoughtful stewardship, such as preserving standing snags (otherwise known as dead trees) and installing nest boxes, can transform ordinary yards into places of wonder.

There are many threads to follow in this ongoing project, including a historical thread drawn from my friendship with biologist Dr. Jacalyn “Jackie” Giacalone Willis, who in the 1970s documented flying squirrels fluoresce neon pink under UV light, a finding credited decades later to someone else. Her story reflects how women’s contributions to science are often overlooked, much like the flying squirrels themselves.

At its heart, Operation Flying Squirrel is about slowing down, paying attention, and the unseen wonders that surround us all… if we are willing to look closer.