What do squirrels do with those tails?

Here at the feeder we notice many lovely tails. What do the squirrels use such long tails for? Research has indicated the longer the tail the more airborne feats of daring, thus flying squirrels have the longest and ground squirrels the shortest. We see the tail as an emotional barometer. Fear means a tail compact to the body, flight means a tail extended and ready for action. The displeasure tail is one that whips quickly from side to side, often accomplanied by a stare that could kill. But a happy tail is upright and fluffy like a flag waving gently in the breeze. Here we have a squirrel using superior tail balance to swoop down and sniff the impatiens.