NOTANOTHERSQUIRRELPHOTO

Seems like it is a long winter. With camera pointed through the back window for photo ideas, this well fed squirrel chomps away on birdseed that he knocked from the feeder above. Its probably the same animal that I photographed a few posts ago. You are seeing this image because it turned out fairly nice and is in focus for being shot through a window.

Wintertime Backyard Critters

A visit to my backyard bird feeder this morning brought this colorful female cardinal. The more colorful male was around but never flew close to camera range. A couple of inches of snow fell last night making it difficult for birds and squirrels to find food.

What food the birds do disturb from the feeder, the squirrels make into a meal. This one looks well fed. It should be, after climbing all over the feeders and chowing down seeds all season long. A daily gang of deer also check out the bird feeder. Since deer generally feed during the evening, I haven't been able to get a decent photo of them - yet.

Any Tree in a Storm

Last week a number of quick moving rain events passed through eastern Iowa. During one storm this squirrel decided to hold up in our front tree. Perhaps people who know squirrel body language can decode this stance. It could be an act to cover its body from the rain or a stress configuration after being chased up a tree as the fast moving front moved through. If you know what that curled tail means, write your answer as a comment.

Payphone Watcher

They are disappearing. Payphones, which were available everywhere a decade ago, are now almost gone. Replaced by cell phones, the humble payphone can still be found working in a few surprising places - like Amana, Iowa. Near the airport a working payphone, which might be the last one in the community, is now guarded by a squirrel. Go ahead and try making a 25 cent call. You might have your conversation monitored or head pounced on by the bushy tailed security. Know that.