Today's Adorable Animal Video: the Sequel

Last week, I posted a 20-minute video here by Mark Rober about his efforts to defeat squirrels from taking food out of his backyard bird feeder (though it's clear he has such a deep love of squirrels he's hoping for them to win).  I said that it's probably my favorite Adorable Animal Video, even at 20 minutes.  The only reason I wasn't sure if it was my favorite is because, as I noted, a year later he made a second video about his new attempt to defeat squirrels.  And it might be even better.

This is that new video.  And it again is immersive, running 17 minutes.

Both videos are brilliant, but for slightly different reasons.  What gives "best" points to the first is the total whimsy and innocent charm of his initial attempt, combined with the lunatic intricacy of it all.  The second is full of the same whimsy and charm, but earns its "best" points by being more experienced now, learning from his past, and taking intricate to a new level, turning this video into an epic.

He calls it:  Backyard Squirrel Maze 2.0 – The Walnut Heist.

Once more, Rober has created a maniacal obstacle course.  The detail is hilarious and elaborate level is glorious.  Some truly laugh-out-loud funny stuff here.  And as before, his narration is absolutely wonderful, even more so, in fact, and what leaps out still is his great affection for these squirrels.

Rober has been able to make his efforts work for himself, and has begun an online course in what he calls "creative engineering."  So, there is a sort of two minutes of bonus material at the end showing the wild inventiveness his students have come up with.

So, sit back, have your popcorn and walnuts ready.  Here is -- Backyard Squirrel Maze 2.0 – The Walnut Heist.