A Grey Squirrel like this one is VERY common in my area. In Winter they prefer to nest in tree cavities, and will have their 1st litter in late Feb. In Spring and Summer they build in a nest of leaves 25 ft. or more above ground, in the outermost part of the branches. This discourages Racoons, Fisher Cats, and other predators, since the small branches can't hold their weight. Mothers will build new nests in trees and move their young to escape infestations of fleas and mites. Their sense of smell is very acute: they can smell foodstuffs 1" underground, and up to 2" under snow!
(This SOOC was a loooong zoom in, right at ground level. Since he was more interested in the food I put out than me, I could move up mighty close!)
Greetings! I'm from Connecticut (USA) Photography is one of my lifelong passions (others including gardening, woodworking, history, and being a part...
@mwarren365@princesicita@maggie2@mjmaven@moirab@denisedaly Thanks folks for appreciating this photo and taking time to comment. What I didn't mention is that I was out there for nearly 2 hours - waiting, waiting, waiting - for him to move to this spot, and for the sun to come around. Meanwhile, I had to remain as motionless as possible, focused on that spot, trying not to think of how cold I was. It was definitely worth it. All the best, Les x
@amyjriker Thanks Amy.........It was actually difficult to get a clean shot beCAUSE of the twigs, but it sure worked out in the end. :-) Happy weekend, and GO Patriots!!! Les
@nicolecampbell Much appreciated Nic..........I've been feeding him and his ilk for some time now, along with the birdies, hoping to get photos of winter birds this year. So far, nobody unusual has arrived, but the winter is still ahead of us. All the besy, Les xx
@maggie2 Thanks very much Maggie; as a "detail" person, I'm pleased with this one. I am hoping that i can get a picture of "Stumpy" - he's a resident Squirrel that has only a white puff instead of a long bushy tail. But I'm concerned because I have'nt seen him in over a week. Keep your fingers crossed - :-) All the best, Les x
@mwarren365 Thanks for your appreciation here Mike. I was laying on the ground behind a brush pile I made, and was no more than 3 ft from him, and zoomed full in - darn amazing isn't it. :-) and to think that lots of people call them "tree rats." Humph! Later, Les
