Saturday, March 8, 2014

Shades Of Black And Grey

sharing with...
 I'D RATHER B BIRDIN' 
Black-capped Chickadee
 
 
sharing with...
 CAMERA CRITTERS 
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
 
Tree top territory
 Hey, what are you doing in my tree?
 
 It's my tree buddy, scram!
 
I'm taking over the tree!
 
That's what you think.
 
Foiled again!
 
Black and grey squirrels are the same species. A mutation in the gene that governs coat pigmentation is responsible for the black colouring. The testosterone-fuelled black squirrels are faster, fitter, fiercely territorial and more aggressive, beating greys to food and mates.


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52 comments:

  1. Nancy JMarch 8, 2014 at 1:23 AM

    Karen, a truly superb series of photos, but your words make them so special, brought a smile to me today, much needed. Have you ever written a story? a book? had it printed, with photos to accompany? I can see the makings right here. Fond hugs to all at your home, Jean,

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  2. La sonrisa de HiperionMarch 8, 2014 at 2:52 AM

    Encantador blog el tuyo, un placer haberme pasado por tu espacio.

    Saludos y buen fin de semana.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 8, 2014 at 3:01 AM

    What a lovely bird! The squirrel photos made me smile! I wish you a great weekend!

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  4. aspiritofsimplicityMarch 8, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    I don't think I've ever seen a black squirrel before. I never realized these things about them. The chickadee picture is lovely.

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  5. aspiritofsimplicityMarch 8, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    I don't think I've ever seen a black squirrel before. I never realized these things about them. The chickadee picture is lovely.

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  6. Pearl MapleMarch 8, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    Great post and nature study photos, squirrels are so cute and fun to watch. Thanks for sharing

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  7. Hootin AnniMarch 8, 2014 at 6:51 AM

    I do so love 'my' birds and viewing all the great images everyone shares online during the week. Your chickadee is darling. Great photo.

    But, the squirrels capture my heart today!!! Sweet things.

    Hootin' Anni
    and
    Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'

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  8. eileeninmdMarch 8, 2014 at 7:01 AM

    Love the cute chickadee and the squirrel. Awesome shots. Have a happy weekend!

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  9. Pamela GordonMarch 8, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    What beautiful captures. The ones of the squirrels are really great. I didn't know that about black squirrels at all. Thanks for the lesson. :)

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  10. TexWisGirlMarch 8, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    such cute little varmints! but i loved your sweet little 'dee! such a cute little expression!

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  11. Coloring Outside the LinesMarch 8, 2014 at 8:53 AM

    I have never seen a black squirrel- one day I hope, just so I can say I have seen one.

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  12. Grandma Barb's This and ThatMarch 8, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    What a cute little chickadee. Love the conversation between the squirrels! We have had a black squirrel in the neighborhood but haven't seen him lately.

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  13. MuffieMarch 8, 2014 at 11:22 AM

    Darling little bird! We only have the gray squirrels around here, and they, too, fight for dominance.

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  14. eileeninmdMarch 8, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    I had to stop back and say thank you for linking up with the Saturday Critter party.. Enjoy your weekend!

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  15. Michele M./ Finch RestMarch 8, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    Once again I am a smarter person for visiting your wonderful blog and your amazing pictures.

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  16. RajeshMarch 8, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    Wonderful shots. I like those squirrel in actions.

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  17. Icy BCMarch 8, 2014 at 12:38 PM

    Beautiful shots, Karen!
    It's the same for us here, black squirrels are more aggressive than the gray ones.

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  18. Maude LynnMarch 8, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    Marvelous series of shots!

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  19. Connie SmileyMarch 8, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    Karen, that's a fantastic shot of the chickadee, and a wonderful series of the squirrels! That's quite interesting about the black squirrels; you must have been very fast yourself.

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  20. Margaret Birding For PleasureMarch 8, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    HI KAren What a wonderful series and commentary on the Squirrels and I love the bird on 1st shot.

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  21. Lisa GordonMarch 8, 2014 at 1:49 PM

    What a fantastic series of photographs this is, Karen. Those little are so cute, but that little chickadee has my heart. So tiny.

    Have a great weekend!

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  22. Elephant's ChildMarch 8, 2014 at 1:51 PM

    Coming here is always a delight. Thank you.

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  23. My Odd SockMarch 8, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    I did not know that about black squirrels! We have only grey around here---but the city about 7 miles away has only black. Strange how the areas have their own color.
    Great pics as always!

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  24. RedPatMarch 8, 2014 at 2:45 PM

    The detail in that chickadee shot is incredible! Love the squirrel story, Karen.

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  25. Brian KingMarch 8, 2014 at 2:57 PM

    A fantastic photo of the chickadee! Nice catch light! I've never seen a black squirrel except in photos. Very cool mutation!

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  26. 4 Lettre WordsMarch 8, 2014 at 3:46 PM

    Amazing captures, Karen...and I adore that dark furred squirrel! I've never seen one that color.

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  27. Adam JonesMarch 8, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    The Chickadee is awesome.

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  28. Kenneth Cole SchneiderMarch 8, 2014 at 3:58 PM

    The black squirrel is beautiful. We have a few near our home in NE Illinois. I did not know about their behavior being different. Interesting!

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  29. Sallie (FullTime-Life)March 8, 2014 at 5:17 PM

    What a neat series ... fun to read (and funny) and so informative as well. I learned something new and enjoyed every minute of it!~

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  30. orchid0324March 8, 2014 at 6:52 PM

    Wow, such a GORGEOUS images!!!
    I've never seen black squirrel. Haha, lovely fighting♡♡♡

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  31. Linda W.March 8, 2014 at 7:00 PM

    Funny squirrel pics!

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  32. EG CameraGirlMarch 8, 2014 at 9:43 PM

    I just love chickadees. Squirrels are cute but tend to be a little rascally. ;))

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  33. Rambling WoodsMarch 8, 2014 at 9:51 PM

    It is also squirrel mating time.....

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  34. StephanieMarch 8, 2014 at 10:27 PM

    Delightful captures!

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  35. DebbieMarch 8, 2014 at 10:29 PM

    oh those crazy critters, always up to no good!! Your chickadee is gorgeous, so amazingly crisp and clear!!

    Have a happy Sunday!!

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  36. SquirrelQueenMarch 8, 2014 at 10:35 PM

    I love your series of squirrel shots, that is so cute.

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  37. DeniseinVAMarch 8, 2014 at 10:49 PM

    All photos are a joy to behold, and very interesting to learn that the black squirrel is a little feistier than its grey cousin. Thanks Karen, enjoy your day :)

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  38. UnknownMarch 9, 2014 at 12:58 AM

    Cool captures of this interaction. It's fascinating to watch.

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  39. Bob BushellMarch 9, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    A lovable war. Great photos.

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  40. lina@happy familyMarch 9, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    The squirrel fighting shots are awesome!

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  41. Les...March 9, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    beaut chickadee shot and really terrific action set of the quarreling squirrels (squirreling quarrels??)

    lovely work! *VBS*

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  42. Les...March 9, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    beaut chickadee shot and really terrific action set of the quarreling squirrels (squirreling quarrels??)

    lovely work! *VBS*

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  43. UnknownMarch 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM

    Great shots! The squirrels are always fun to watch.

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  44. Phil SladeMarch 9, 2014 at 9:53 AM

    You are so bust with that camera Karen. Every time I visit there are more lovely bird portraits. Super chickadee shot - a little cracker.

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  45. carol l mckennaMarch 9, 2014 at 11:50 AM

    wonderful nature photos ~ great series ~ xxx

    artmusedog and carol

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  46. LmkazmierczakMarch 9, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    Great action and captions♪ Have a fun week! http://lauriekazmierczak.com/king-of-the-sunset/

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  47. RoanMarch 9, 2014 at 1:02 PM

    Love chickadees. Beautiful black squirrel. Well done!

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  48. DanMarch 9, 2014 at 5:36 PM

    Grand series and commentary. Your image of the Chickadee is superb!

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  49. MeMarch 9, 2014 at 7:29 PM

    That is a great series of squirrel shots and we sure see lots of little Chickadee`s around here.

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  50. PatMarch 10, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    Fantastic shots showing the activity in the treetops.

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  51. LindaMarch 11, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    How cute!

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  52. Matilda SconeMarch 11, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    I can tell a story just by looking at your photos. Very interesting and intriguing capture.

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