Squirrel Photography
View allAll Photos Tagged squirrels
Red Squirrel - Sciurus Vulgaris
Highlands, Scotland.
The red squirrel is found in both coniferous forest and temperate broadleaf woodlands. The squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 25 to 30 cm in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The red squirrel is a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several red squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes; although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals, and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females.
Red squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age, and 10 in captivity. Survival is positively related to availability of autumn–winter tree seeds; on average, 75–85% of juveniles die during their first winter, and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first.
Although not thought to be under any threat worldwide, the red squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the United Kingdom; especially after the grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left in 2013; approximately 85% of which are in Scotland, with the Isle of Wight being the largest haven in England. A local charity, the Wight Squirrel Project,[26] supports red squirrel conservation on the island, and islanders are actively recommended to report any invasive greys. The population decrease in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat has also played a role.
In January 1998, eradication of the non-native North American grey squirrel began on the North Wales island of Anglesey. This facilitated the natural recovery of the small remnant red squirrel population. It was followed by the successful reintroduction of the red squirrel into the pine stands of Newborough Forest. Subsequent reintroductions into broadleaved woodland followed and today the island has the single largest red squirrel population in Wales. Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is also populated exclusively by red rather than grey squirrels (approximately 200 individuals).
A strange bird at the feeder with an attitude.
A major crop, so nothing great. Thanks for looking and happy week.
Red Squirrel - Scirius Vulgaris
Highlands, Scotland
Thanks to all who take the time to comment/fav etc...It is Appreciated.
Red squirrel youngster taking a closer look at one of the photographers at British wildlife centre, UK
This little one looks like he is in fairyland, he was too cute to watch and capture. He finally after about 5 minutes found his acorn and our session together was over.
Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Between 17 to 19 3/4 inches long. Gray above with buff underfur showing especially on the head, shoulders, back and feet. Flattened bushy tail whch is gray with silvery tipped hairs.
In Canada, some have rufous bellies and tails. Black phase common in northern parts of their range.
Their habitat is hardwood or mixed forests with nut trees, especially oak-hickroy forests.
They range from the eastern U.S. east of south Manitoba, east North Dakota, most of Iowa, east Kansas, east Oklahoma and east Texas.
Kensington Metropark, Livingston County, Michigan.
Eastern Chipmunk.
Between 8 1/2 to 11 3/4 inches in length. Reddish brown above with a white belly. 1 white stripe bordered by 2 black stripes on sides ending at the rump. 2 white stripes on back nuch thinner than side stripes. Dark center stripe down the back. Pale facial stripes above and below the eyes. Tail brown on tip and edged with black. Prominent ears.
The Eastern Chipmunk's habitat includes open deciduous woodlands, forest edges, brushy areas, bushes and stone walls in cemeteries and around houses.
They range from southeastern Canada and the north-eastern U.S. east from North Dakota and eastern Oklahoma and south to Missisippi, northwest Carolina and Virginia.
Kensington Metropark, Livingston County, Michigan.
Squirrel Hanging Out looking for peanuts after a brief rain, enjoying the fresh air, shot in North Carolina.