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Come fight me like a squirrel


Come fight me like a squirrel
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 260 W: 2 N: 756] (2457)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-22
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS digital rebel XT, 28-300mm
Exposure: f/6.7, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-24 13:31
Viewed: 430
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This squirrel was ready to take me on. He scampered down the tree, and while he didn't seem to be afraid of me, I think my camera bothered him.

My timing wasn't the best because I picked the middle of the day. The clouds finally left, the rain stopped, and I considered myself fortunate not to have some heavy shadows. I used the smaller lens because it can zoom in farther (though I've given hints what I want for my birthday - and thanks, Bob, for pointing it out to me!) and capture what would be out of range for my other lenses.

I enjoy walking around the neighborhood and being the wildlife peeping tom, looking for whose got out birdfeeders and squirrel food. Then later (especially when I think nobody is home), I stake out the place hoping for a bit of action.

On this particular day I got more action than I bargained for. Not only did I get screamed at by this opinionated squirrel, but while I sat in the homeowners yard - on a tarp I set out with my drink and munchies, they just happened to come home.

I tried to sputter an expaination, gather my things, and beat a hasty retreat, but fortunately, they are wildlife lovers themselves. What could've been a horrible experience turned into something good because I was able to identify two birds that have been feeding at their feeders, plus they'd seen the Northern Flicker several times, and while they knew he was a woodpecker, they knew little about them - including their name.

As a result, I now have permission to make myself comfortable in their yard whether they are there or not. The one promise I made: if I get a really decent photo, they get a free large print.

When I think about it, I've been really fortunate because there about five different houses where I make myself at home in their yards. One is very much aware of me - make that two, now. The other three never seem to be there; however, since the feeders are usually full, I assume I just haven't seen the owners.

I wonder, though, if it would be easier to take a collaspible chair with me - not that it would make an explaination any easier if the owner came home before I can leave. My best hope is that they would be honored and since they obviously feed the critters, they might not take offense, especially if I offer them a photo.

The only one that remained perturbed was this squirrel that challenged me to a duel. Sadly, I don't know how to fight like a squirrel, but I've got a distinct feeling he wouldn't mind showing me how - not that I doubt for a single moment he'd cheat!
nglen, pekkavalo1, JoshLewis, NinaM, boreocypriensis has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1991 W: 5 N: 5557] (20998)
  • [2008-04-24 13:52]

Hi Kathy. A good pose from the Squirrel . with good detail and colours. you must have been down low to have got this POV. well done TFS.
Nick.. good notes too.

PS thanks for the kind comments.

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 566 W: 0 N: 1388] (4593)
  • [2008-04-24 16:57]

You are very funny, Kathy, what a thing to do, I would have never thought of it! Wow, you're coooool! Not only is your picture funny and talkative, your expeditions in people's backyard is fantastic. The picture is lovely and we can see the squirrel lives in a backyard, with all the plants and the grass, blurred. The light is fine and this squirrel is ready to give you a slap or something, it seems. Thank you!

Francine

Hi Kathy,

This is just hilarious pose you have captured, the guy is really challenging you: no pictures if you don't pay in peanuts. Very good pose, composition, BG and sharp details.

TFS

Pekka

hello Kathy,
a nice pose of squirrel
It saw you. ...lo I would see with a reflex to do them a photograph!!!

tfs sERGIO

Hi Cathy!

Not only the shot is wonderful, because of the fighting pose of this lovely one and the very good photo quality, but the notes with it were very interesting to read through! I think us members on TN would be happy to find a photographer mate in our garden and have a chat with, but I find it luck that "normal" people take it like this too :) I agree those who feed birds are not the ones that get angry about those taking animal shots. TFS!

Best regards,
Andor

Hi Kathy,
What a lovely squirel in a lovely posture friend :).
Great image!
TFS.
Cheers,

Bayram

Hello Kathy
First of all thank you so much for your generous and much appreciated critique and also for adding it to your favourites.
Now for this absolute gem..The pose is fantastic and very funny if not original..I think the low pov you have has really added to the picture and makes Mr squirrel look like a giant who would take all comers!! Your note as well is superb..I really admire your guile to get to where the nature is!!..Keep it up and keep posting gems like this.
All the Best
Paul

Your pictures are great but your captions rank right up there too! ha ha
Great stuff!

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