Saturday, March 8, 2014

Shades Of Black And Grey

sharing with...
Black-capped Chickadee
 
 
sharing with...
 
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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53 comments:

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

    Saludos y buen fin de semana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  16. Wonderful shots. I like those squirrel in actions.

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

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  18. 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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  19. I loved your chickadee and squirrel pictures. I saw a black squirrel in our back yard this morning. It disappeared before I had a chance to take a picture.

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

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  21. 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. Coming here is always a delight. Thank you.

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

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

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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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  30. I just love chickadees. Squirrels are cute but tend to be a little rascally. ;))

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  31. It is also squirrel mating time.....

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

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

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  36. The squirrel fighting shots are awesome!

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

    lovely work! *VBS*

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

    lovely work! *VBS*

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  39. Great shots! The squirrels are always fun to watch.

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  40. 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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  41. wonderful nature photos ~ great series ~ xxx

    artmusedog and carol

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

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  43. Love chickadees. Beautiful black squirrel. Well done!

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

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

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  46. Fantastic shots showing the activity in the treetops.

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

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