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Eastern Grey Squirrel


Eastern Grey Squirrel
Photo Information
Copyright: Lise Villeneuve (lise) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 184 W: 51 N: 560] (2819)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-09
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 30 D, Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Squirrels [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-09-15 12:48
Viewed: 267
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
As the name suggests, the eastern gray squirrel's fur is predominantly gray but it can have a reddish tinge. The eastern gray squirrel's belly is white and it has a large bushy tail. Particularly in urban situations where the risk of predation is reduced, both white- and black-colored squirrels are quite often found. The melanistic form, which is almost entirely black, is predominant in certain populations and in certain geographic areas, such as in large parts of southeastern Canada. There are also genetic variations within these, including gray squirrels with black tails and black colored gray squirrels with white tails

Gray squirrels build a type of nest, known as a drey, in the forks of trees. The drey consists mainly of dry leaves and twigs. They may also build a nest in the attic or in the exterior walls of a house, often to the consternation of the homeowner. In addition, gray squirrels may inhabit a permanent tree den.

They will raid bird feeders for millet corn, and sunflower seeds but they are reported to dislike the slight capsaicin content of safflower seeds. So-called anti-squirrel birdseed preparations are available; the seeds are coated with chili pepper. The birds are unaffected because they cannot taste the capsaicin. Mixing hot pepper flakes into regular birdseed works well as a squirrel deterrent.
Gray squirrels are notorious for digging bulbs from gardens. Their reputation for these habits has led some to call them "tree rats" or "fuzzy-tailed sewer rats". Eastern gray squirrels have a high tolerance for humans and inhabit residential neighborhoods and urban parks. Wild squirrels may even be enticed to accept food from people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_squirrel
nglen, jrobertop, eqshannon, CeltickRanger has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2129 W: 9 N: 5957] (22516)
  • [2008-09-15 12:53]

Hi Lise. They look just the same as the squirrels we have. You have captured this one with fine detail in the fur with natutal looking colours. A typical look about him looking for food. Good notes too. well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • GaryT Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 85 W: 4 N: 180] (948)
  • [2008-09-15 13:43]

Nice squirrel picture -- good alert pose. Gary

Hi Lise,
great shot with good sharpness.
Nice POV and composition.
TFS Tatjana

Hello Lise.
Admirable picture!
Extraordinary "pose" of this wonderful squirrel!
Excellent perspective, sharpness and coloration.
I liked much of this work!
Congratulations and TFS!
José Roberto

Hi Lise,
Not only the squirrel is grey but also its habitat apparently.
Grey in the good sense of the word as it is matching.
Well done overall!
TFS
Annick

La saison est venue ! La chute est seulement 1 semaine loin. Je célèbre la chute pour lui colore et votre image d'un écureuil a de mêmes sens pour moi.
Bob

bonjour Lise

belle image de l'écureuil gris, excellent POV, DOF et cadrage,
belle luminosité de l'avant-plan avec d'excellent netteté et détail,
j'aimes beaucoup sa pose, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • mbasil Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 352 W: 148 N: 716] (3130)
  • [2008-09-15 21:07]

Great capture, Lise. A perfect expression. Good technical stuff. I really like the grey/beige color pallate.
Mike

Nice shot. Good clarity and composition.

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