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Curiosity


Curiosity
Photo Information
Copyright: Silke Force (Silke) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 98 N: 1707] (5458)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-01-29
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5700
Exposure: f/5.9, 1/458 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-08-21 8:18
Viewed: 4583
Points: 34
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
My eyes were so dazzled by the ocean that I did not see this little guy at first. He blended perfectly with the rocks on which he was sunning himself that it was only the twitch of his ears (caught out of the corner of my eye) that alerted me to his presence. I was able to snatch only two quick shots of him before he vanished.

Back at home, I looked him up. He is a California Ground Squirrel, a.k.a. Beechey Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), named for Frederick William Beechey who explored much of Northern California in 1826-28 as captain of His Majesty's Ship Blossom.

These little fellows grow to between 16” and 19” in length, with their tails making up over one third of that length.

They live in burrows but are above ground for long periods each day from February on through the summer months. They spend their time feeding (on a variety of seeds, fruits, acorns, roots, mushrooms, and insects), sunning, dust-bathing, and grooming. In the winter they go into hibernation until the weather warms up and there is sufficient food for them again. Their average life-span is about 3-4 years but they have lived as long as ten years in captivity.

Thanks for your visits, your critiques and any kind suggestions as to how I might improve.
nglen, eqshannon, jmirah, gracious, Isu, SelenE, pablominto, angybone, pierrefonds, hester has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2007-08-21 8:22]

Hi Silke. Some times we have to be so quick to see a shot. so well done with this one. good detail in the little fellow. good colours in the bright light you had. well done TFs. good notes too.
Nick..

Cute little thing, almost hiding in plain sight. I like the way and colors you have chose...or did perhaps the squirrel choose for you? It gives the mind a nice workout and calls for 2nd and 3rd glances. Very nice creation with your viewfinder.

Bob

Hello Silke,
Good clarity with vivid colour and details
I liked the expression on it's face and he is fully alert and you captured him well!
thanks for sharing
cheers
Tony

So cute, Silke, I love the moment and this nice guy. Wonderful colours, thanks
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • Isu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 313 W: 0 N: 21] (1663)
  • [2007-08-21 13:30]

Hola Silke,excelente curiosidad, bellos colores y buenos detalles, Saludos Sira

Great photograph and notes, Silke.
No wonder you didn't see him! Quite often, it is only movement that betrays their presence!

Lovely sharp image with good details of fur and colours. I really like how you have achieved a diagonal composition with the rocks and the b/g.

Great!
Bev :-)

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 2232 W: 10 N: 2971] (16891)
  • [2007-08-21 17:53]

Hola Silke,
bonito trabajo y original situación y pov,
colores e iluminación...
saludos

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-08-21 18:33]

Hello Silke

What a cute image of this curious ground squirrel.The shot is nicely composed with the diagonal landscape.The DOF is well done,I really like the OOF BG.The colours are lovely.Excellent eye contact.TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2249 W: 65 N: 4205] (13972)
  • [2007-08-21 22:55]

Hi Silke,
Nice colors, composition, POV, light and details. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

Hello Silke,
A well composed presentation of your little furry friend!
This guy is appearing in an unusual habitat, but I guess they move over large areas in search for food, quick as they are!
Greetings,
Pablo -

:-) OK-

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2007-08-22 1:29]

Hello Silke,
a great shot.
Sharp with a good composition.
He does blend inot the rock well!
Well done,
Joe

Hi Silke,
Nice little squirrel. Their hands(paws) always amaze me. Nice composition, diagonal framing and color. Well done.

TFS
Jim

What a cute little guy. Great shot. Love the colors here...warm like early autumn. Nice details and great diagonal created by the rocks.

Hi Silke,

A nice image of the California ground squirrel, the photo has a good compostion, sharpness and nice colors. Thanks for sharing.

Pierre

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-08-22 5:33]

Hi Silke,
Wonderful shot of this Squirrel camouflaged well against the rocks and enjoying the sunshine. Nice details on its fur and you have captured a nice attentive posture. I like your POV to portray this scene and very nicely composed too. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

hi silke,
the little squirrel is quite good camouflaged against those rocks.a really lovely light and perfect sharpness, excellent choice of DOF.great POV.nice vivid colours.
a beautiful shot and very well composed !
TFS - carole

  • Great 
  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1515 W: 18 N: 3165] (11638)
  • [2007-08-25 14:41]

Hi Silke

Great shot of this ground squirrel! Excellent POV and I love the pose. Focus is great. I can see what you mean about him blending with the rock

TFS

Karan

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