Squirrels

Took these shots in a park not too far fro where I live. Any comments are welcome.

That's a lovely looking squirrel. I find some of the pictures framed/cropped a little too close, in the vertical dimension. I see no good reason for cutting off part of the squirrel's tail fur. Of course, not all animal pictures need to show the full body... but, when part of the animal's body is being excluded from the frame, it is best if this is a conscious decision made for a sound compositional reason. In this case, I just don't see it. Instead, it looks as though the cut off tail fur is somewhat haphazard. The pictures also look like they may not be sharp, but it is hard to tell at this resolution.

Also, people who post pictures on this forum are strongly urged to give as much detail as possible about the camera settings used, the equipment used, and the reasons for the photographic decisions which were made. This allows for much greater potential, both to inform readers, and for readers to offer substantial criticism. Please do feel welcome to add this information, and please keep this in mind, for future posts.

Thanks.

Mike

www.mikespinak.com

Thank you Mike for your frank comments and advice. I will remember this for future captures and posts.

Hi Nigel,

I guess these are some cross bred variety, twixt the North american tree rat, and the beautiful uk red variety? The only good grey squirrel, is a dead one, but I'm not too sure about the mongrel variety - probably worse - I wish my dog could climb trees ;-0

Best wishes,

Ray

Ray,

There's a good reason why homeland security won't let you in our country! Thanks to them and the leadership of GWB, our mongrel squirrels are safe.

Asher

Nigel,

I really like the subject. What a handsome creature!

As I have written in reference to the lion images, shooting tight, while great for experienced photographers can cause huge disappointments to those trying to get compositions right.

Can you see how you would have more leeway by using a greater depth of field and a wider lens.

That way you can finesse the composition at your leisure.

Keep at it.

Asher

Thank you all for advice and comments on these shots and the Squirrels in general.

Asher I will have a go with a greater DOF. I am a little concerned that the other lense I have 18-55mm would make the Squirrel look too small. This lense would give good results I think, when the Squirrel is feeding from a hand.

Nigel I just wanted to share with you our Montana Squirrel
Summer

i think its so cool to see the same animal but see how it has changed to live somewhere else. its so interesting!!

It amazes me how these breeds make it across oceans.
This one has been living in my English back yard for 4 years.
Canon 5D
Canon 100-400mmL @400mm Iso 400, 1/200 sec F/11



Canon 5D
Canon 100-400mmL @400mm Iso 400, 1/125 sec F/11

Hi Ivan,

The grey squirrel was brought into the Uk from North America - deliberately, for some reason, to about 30 sites from 1876 to 1930. They are a pest. It is illegal to import them now, or keep one as a pet. They cause considerable damage to trees, and the bird population. They are rodents - rats with furry tails. There is a cull being undertaken in parts of the UK at the moment. It is thought they carry, but are immune to 'squirrel pox' which is fatal to the native red squirrel. I guess this is giving us the same sort of problems as Australia had when rabbits were introduced.

Best wishes,

Ray

Hi Ray.
I am aware of the problems the gray is causing to the red… I am also aware of the “politics” when greys are concerned, however, I can bring myself to do the required work … since I also have a family of foxes living in my yard… I much rather let them do what comes naturally to them… this squirrel has been lucky so far… but I’ve seen a member of his family get the … well you get the picture (no pun intended)

Ray West said:

Hi Ivan,

The grey squirrel was brought into the Uk from North America - deliberately, for some reason, to about 30 sites from 1876 to 1930. They are a pest.

Click to expand...

That's probably retalliation for your Starlings, which are now one of the most numerous birds in NA, which have decimated the population of many native birds with their tactic of waiting until another bird has completely built its nest, and then come and attack the builder and take over the nest, with the builder having no place to nest.

The destruction of native species is worse in isolated islands or habitats that have been protected over eons from such competition.

Lions don't wipe out the herbivores in Africa because there has been a balance.

Our habit of letting loose new species is akin to giving smallpox contaminated blankets to Native Americans!

asher

Hi John,

It appears the starling was also deliberately introduced, this time to central park, I know not when. However, if you get the chance to get to a really large roost, watch them fly. One of the most amazing sights you can see, they often put on the performance before they settle for the night. http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/image_galleries/westhay_starlings_gallery but you may prefer
shtml?6http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4355628.stm

Best wishes,

Ray

Many thanks for adding the extra Squirrel captures. I think that the Park where I took my shots may have had a cull as the Squirrels dissapeared for a while and are only just starting to re-appear. In certain parts of the UK there are now Red Squirrel sanctuaries. I will have to visit one of these as I have yet to photograph a Red Squirrel.