Sunday, January 20, 2013

Stoney Braveheart

It's winter in Canada. Below freezing temperatures + snow = hungry critters.
 
This little guy is just one of the 15 or more squirrels that come to the feeders in our backyard. He's the only grey one, all the others are black squirrels. Black squirrels are faster, fitter, fiercely territorial and more aggressive, beating greys to food and mates.  
 
I have a soft spot for Stoney, he's the underdog  squirrel. I am always thrilled when I catch a glimpse of him. I just love the little tufts of reddish orange fur on his ears.
 
 
sharing with...

43 comments:

  1. a beautiful portrait of him. (and even though they can be pesky varmints, i'm glad you have a soft spot for this little one.)

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  2. magnificent shot of one of natures beauties ~ even if it is a rodent ~

    (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

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  3. What a great close-up of this cute little guy! They can be pesky, but they're so darned cute!

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  4. Cute little guy. It's just the opposite here. We have all grey squirrels here, but one black one around the neighborhood. I've never gotten a good picture of him either.

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  5. WoW....sooooo cute sporting "her" white eye shadow!!

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  6. I love squirrels and the dark ones are especially pretty. We only have the smaller red squirrel down my way.

    I fell in love with the dark squirrels when living in Maine.

    This is a perfect shot!

    http://expressionsneeded.blogspot.com/2013/01/im-back-with-birds-critters-and-even.html

    Happy weekend!:-)

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  7. He's beautiful! I always root for the underdog as well, even if it happens to be a furry rodent. Wonderful focus on the face. :)

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  8. Little feeder raiders, but I love mine too! I'm so glad you came by to share on Weekly Top Shot #66!

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  9. I love squirrels, they are so cute, it is a hard life being a little furry creature in winter. Thanks for your kind comments on my post.

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  10. A beautiful portrait!

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  11. great pic, lovely subject, there sure is something about the red hair hey? *VBS*

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  12. Looks cute. So kind of you to feed them.
    Thanks for dropping by :)

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  13. what a cutie - how did you ever get so close to this little guy?!

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  14. Lovely photo of your little underdog. I do love his red ear tufts! I am happy to hear someone else feeds the squirrels, too. I have about as many as you - grey plus little reddish brown Douglas Squirrels. They have interbred and some are a mix.

    Thank you for visiting me. I am your newest follower. Love your blog. xx

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  15. Stoney looks like a very friendly but somewhat shy fellow. I love his mixed colours too!

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  16. That nice picture, excellent capture gorgeous this squirrel.

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  17. Thanks for stopping by. How nice of this little guy to pose for you. It is a sharp, nicely composed shot. I learned a bit about squirrels too, thanks!

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  18. Ooh he is a cutie, great closeup shot. Thank you for stopping by pret-a-vivre :-)

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  19. He's so pretty! I always root for the under-squirrel!

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  20. Oh my goodness your photos are truly amazing, I've been through your whole blog. Love all your pics but the reflections are really gorgeous, thanks for sharing these, Fellow Ontarian:):):)

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  21. Nice closeup! You nailed the focus and DOF, nice composition.

    I have 4 or 5 grey's that visit daily. At first, I tried to keep them away, but they need to eat, too. I just don't want them eating everything so there's nothing left for the birds.

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  22. What an incredible photo, Karen!! And what an adorable, brave little guy he is!! Thanks so much for sharing this one! I love it!! Hope you have a good week -- you and the squirrels!!

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  23. Good thing he has you to look out for him! I always enjoy the squirrels around my farm.

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  24. great photo. I have a yard full of squirrels!

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  25. He's beautiful;I would have a soft spot for him, too.

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  26. Lovely shot...... good sharpness Karen.

    Greetings, Joop

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  27. You are so close to this guy. Your lens should have fogged up:-)

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  28. I have a certain affinity for the squirrels with grey hair!!

    nice picture.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  29. I'm surprised he's out if it's that cold - over here in England they're all hibernating at the moment, and I'm sure you're colder than we are!

    It's funny - here we have red squirrels and grey squirrels. The greys are the big, fierce, food-stealing, aggressors (and immigrants) and the reds are endangered because the greys eat the unripe pine cones, and the reds won't touch them till they're ripe.

    Beautiful shot!!

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  30. Great photo! I feed our grey squirrels too. They are a bit pesky sometimes, but they are fun to watch, and they need food too. Thank you for sharing.

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  31. The clarity of your photo is amazing!

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  32. There are 2 grey squirrels amongst the black ones at my parents and I always think the greys have nicer fur and bushier tails!

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  33. Wonderful macro!!
    ~Linda

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  34. A very beautiful and also very clear and precise picture of this cute creature. Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)

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  35. He is a beauty and a lucky squirrel with the extra soft spot you have for him.
    Great shot!

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  36. What a cute little guy, and such a clear shot.

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