2015-03-21 Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
We own a very old, really old but unfortunately not very nice VW camper van and escape often on weekends our everyday lives. This time we were hiking in the Black Forest (Germany). Yes, in that Black Forest, which is known for Black Forest Ham and Black Forest cake. This squirrel has met us on the hike.
@kristenrpics@franklein@bonsai@fntngrma@ingrid_marianna Hey thanks for your nice comments. If you wonder,...“our” red Squirrels are slim indeed, in comparison to the gray squirrel for example, which I know from North America. They are not necessarily smaller by size, they are simply less stocky and according to Wikipedia they weight about half. The coloring of the red Squirrel can be very different. In winter they are darker, some almost black, and in summer, some are really redish. Often with a white belly. In most cases, they also have ear tufts. In contrast to the grey Squirrel they are very shy and make no sounds. No nagging at all! In addition to the scratching of claws on the bark, when they jump through the trees you will not hear and it is difficult to spot them. The trees (spruces) on the picture, have a quite normal dimension for our region (about 25-30 meters). They grow up to 55 meters (180 ft).
Beautiful capture. Love the colour and delicate shape of the little squirrel, the texture of the tree trunk he's on, and the other out-of-focus trunks. Fav for me.
